The excerpt does a fantastic job of introducing the reader to this dark world. We understand clearly how frightening the Ghosts are, and we already fear the Federation before we ever see them. There's still just enough mystery, though, to really draw us in! I, for one, am curious to learn more about the Federation, who the Early Ones are, and who this new prisoner is. And Talin already proves to be an interesting and new protagonist! I'm looking forward to finishing this book!