In the fanciful Becar, the most depraved individuals are reborn as monsters called kehok. Only through winning The Races, in which humans ride atop their backs, can they return to a desirable form. Novice kehok rider Raia also has large stakes in the competition — winning will allow her to purchase freedom. When tormented former rider Tamra agrees to train her, the two women embark on a journey to victory in the Race the Sands (Harper Voyager).
