In the future, humanity has made contact with an alien race called the Lhari, who possess the technology for faster-than-light travel. The Lhari agree to share their technology with humans, but only on a limited basis. This creates a monopoly that benefits the Lhari, but frustrates some humans who believe humanity should be able to explore the stars on its own terms.

Bart Steele, a young human man, is recruited by a secret organization to spy on the Lhari and learn the secrets of their FTL technology. He undergoes cosmetic surgery and training to pose as a Lhari crew member, and embarks on a journey to the stars.

Along the way, Bart discovers that there is more to the Lhari than meets the eye. He also learns that his own government may be involved in the conspiracy to keep humanity’s interstellar travel capabilities limited.

As Bart gets closer to the truth, he must decide who he can trust and how far he is willing to go to help humanity achieve its full potential.

Written by Marion Zimmer Bradley, The Colors of Space is a thrilling science fiction adventure that explores themes of interstellar travel, alien technology, human-alien relations, corporate intrigue, and espionage.