Undertow

Elizabeth Bear is a rising name in science fiction. In Undertow, AndrE DeschEnes wants to escape his life as a hired assassin. He hopes to learn the art of conjuring, manipulating the odds of people's lives. But a revolution is brewing in the city of Novo Haven, where an alien race is finally gaining ground, demanding they be treated as citizens. And before AndrE moves on, he has a contract to fulfill.
“Thought-provoking as well as entertaining ...”-Booklist