John Christopher

As the Prince in Waiting, Luke has been protected by the High Seers since his father's murder and his half-brother's ascension to the throne of Winchester. But after hiding for months in the underground Sanctuary, Luke discovers a shocking secret: in a world where mechanical devices have been forbidden, the Seers themselves are secret technologists.

Now restless, Luke seizes the chance to explore the world around him. His quest leads him to unimaginable dangers and unexpected delights...but the most dangerous part of his journey awaits him at home.

When Marty and Steve crash through the surface of the moon into an unknown, eerie world, they find themselves in unexpected trouble.

In Winchester, roles are clearly defined. Warriors fight battles every spring. Dwarfs make the swords and the shields. Grotesque mutants are the servant class. Seers interpret the wishes and predictions of the spirits. And the Prince is the ruler of the city.

Thirteen-year-old Luke has no reason to suspect that any of this will change. It's been this way for centuries...at least since the year 2000.

But things are not what they seem, and soon Luke is thrown into a story of ambition and adventure in the primitive world of the future.