In the long-awaited sequel to In Death Ground, the Grand Alliance of Humans, Orions, Ophiuchi, and Gorm continue their galactic battle against the Arachnids--a carnivorous legion of insects that regard any competing sentient species as a food source. With billions of civilians already slaughtered and their armed forces ravaged beyond repair, the Grand Alliance may be forced to their last resort--the devastating Shiva Option.