Hope's End — Stephen Chambers

On a planet decimated by plague and political upheaval, young Vel has survived by living on his wits. A seasoned con man who has learned to think only of himself, Vel is forced to choose sides in a civil war. But the choice is made more complicated when Vel learns the truth about a mysterious alien race that predated the settlers of Hera.

It turns out that Vel may not be who he thinks he is.