Humans terraform and populate Venus, only to discover hardy natives already living there. Corporations want rights to mine in territory already owned by the natives. In exchange for mining rights they trade fashioned gemstones, the symbols of rival tribes that were wiped out in the terraforming process. To this end, small bands of explorers set off to find these gemstones, meet new peoples, and gain untold riches.
This book follows the travels of the Wit'koya Venture Company, a unique band of prospectors who set out towards a land where most humans haven't ventured yet: the east tip of the southern Sparrow Continent. With them is Abigail (simplified pseudonym), a native from the area looking to escape her past life and find a new one. Under the leadership of Phil Richardson and Henry Hinshaw, the gang rides off, soon to uncover scandals which will ultimately change the face of the entire continent.