Beneath the Skin

The ten great families of the "solaratti" hold such influence that even the galactic government hesitates to act openly against them, a power that has gained them unimaginable riches and allowed them to shape the fate of worlds. Earth is an urban wasteland. Other planets are being stripped of their resources. Whole populations are caught in an endless cycle of hard labor and crushing debt, as the solaratti control the supply of food, medicines ... everything necessary for survival.
Aleta Graham is a healer and empath, abilities that make her a useful pawn for the ruthless Dagarro family, who have addicted her to the drug known as Sand in order to keep her submissive. But Aleta is determined to overcome the influence of the drug, and make a desperate bid for freedom - even knowing that the penalty for disloyalty to the family is death.
Riven is a shapechanger, a computer genius, a spy sent by the government to destroy the power of the Dagarro. His ability to take on multiple identities allows him to infiltrate to the heart of their stronghold. But his friendship with Aleta, rapidly developing into something much more, becomes a threat to his mission and to Riven himself.