Showing posts with label Fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fantasy. Show all posts

Friday, June 5, 2026

Omen of Ice

Accardo, Jus. Omen of Ice. Book 1 of the Omen of Ice series. 2023. 400p. ISBN 9781649374028.

Keltania Tunne has dedicated her entire life to training as a bodyguard for a Winter Fae, viewing it as the highest honor for a druid. However, upon her arrival at the Winter Court, nothing aligns with her expectations. Her assignment is to protect Valen, the heir to the throne, but he vehemently rejects her presence, wishing her gone immediately. Despite his arrogance, Tania remains steadfast in her commitment, sensing that something is deeply amiss within the Winter Court.

As Tania navigates the intricacies of the court, she discovers that everyone harbors secrets, from the Winter Lord to the lowliest kitchen maids, and a rising faction seeks the prince's demise. No one is truly as they appear. Tania is determined to uphold her sacred oath and protect Valen, even as his sharp wit pushes her to the brink of both love and hate. The more she uncovers, the more she realizes that Valen's own secret is the most significant of all, a truth that could ultimately lead to both their deaths.

A fast-paced fantasy, Omen of Ice features actions, intrigue, and plenty of duplicity. Fans of Throne of Ice and other Sarah Maas fantasy will appreciate this scandinavian-inspired tale.

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Vanya and the Wild Hunt

Mandanna, Sangu. Vanya and the Wild Hunt. Book 1 of the Vanya series. 2025. 288p. ISBN 9781250899835.


Eleven-year-old Vanya Vallen has always felt like an outsider, grappling with her British-Indian identity in a predominantly white English town. Her parents hide their secretive pasts. And to compound it all, her ADHD scatter her attention. Adding to her unique circumstances, Vanya possesses the extraordinary ability to converse with books, and more remarkably, the books communicate back to her. 

Vanya's life takes a dramatic turn when a monstrous creature, previously believed to exist only in fairytales, attacks her family, revealing her parents' hidden lives and the pervasive presence of other fantastical beasts.

Whisked away to Auramere, an enchanted library and school, Vanya finds herself among archwitches and archivists, embracing an unexpected, exciting, and wonderful new existence. However, even in this magical sanctuary, danger lurks. The mysterious and formidable Wild Hunt is on the loose, threatening Auramere itself. Vanya must tap into all her creativity and courage to unmask the Hunt's leader and thwart their destructive plans, fighting to protect the only place where she has ever truly felt a sense of belonging.

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

His Face is the Sun

Corpora, Michelle Jabès. His Face is the Sun. Book 1 of the Throne of Khetara series. 2025. 525p. ISBN 9781464224584.


The kingdom of Khetara is simmering with unrest, mirroring the intense heat of the Khamsin winds. When the pharaoh's wife gives birth to not one but three children, she receives help from three strange ladies who each bless a child. The eldest son becomes the crown prince. The middle child, the daughter Sita, becomes a princess becomes a bargaining chip to marry to another kingdom to support Khetara. The youngest son joins the temple. 

Karim, a tomb robber from the Red Lands, spends time with a group called the Jackals. When plundering an ancient tomb, Karim inadvertently awakens an ancient evil, a pharaoh who was stricken from history more than a thousand years ago. Now Karim is on the run, pursued by a malevolent monster. 

Neff is the only child of the local scribe. When she experiences a powerful vision from a goddess, she is noticed by the high priestess and brought back to the capital's temple where she can train. But her visions are very powerful and prove true. She connects with the young prince who now lives in the temple, but she's unaware that other, more sinister magic is at work within the grand temple.

Raetawy is a farmer's daughter who keenly feels the burden of the pharaoh's exploitation of her people and land. Wondering who will dare challenge the pharaoh, Rae finds that she might be the best suited person to do so after all.

The pharaoh's unexplained illness fuels whispers of rebellion, creating a volatile atmosphere throughout the land. Concurrently, a long-forgotten oracle in the quiet desert begins to manifest, unleashing a dark prophecy that intricately connects the destinies of Sita, Neff, Rae, and Karim. With an ancient evil now roaming the land, and with a corrupt and murderous crown prince claiming the throne of Khetara, bloodsheed looms over the land! Can these four strangers discover what prophecy binds them together and save Khetara before it is too late?

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Somadina

Emezi, Akwaeke. Somadina. 2025. 300p. ISBN 9780593309070.


When the land was devastated by the Split, the only people who survived were those who had a magical ability, called a gift. Somadina and her twin brother, Jayaike, share an unusually deep connection, almost functioning as a single entity. However, as they reach adulthood, their emerging gifts create a stark divide. While Jayaike's powers are admired and welcomed, Somadina's darkness and void evoke fear and ostracization within their community, exacerbating her lifelong status as an outsider and exposing her to open hostility.

When Jayaike, her closest confidant, mysteriously disappears after being kidnapped by a strange and vicious magical being bent on devouring him, Somadina is compelled to embark on a perilous quest to find and free him. This journey forces her to confront daunting challenges, including venturing into the forbidden Sacred Forest and undertaking grueling, otherworldly travel. She must delve into hidden realms avoided by even those deeply connected to the spirit world, testing the limits of her physical and spiritual strength in her desperate search for her missing twin.

Inspired by West Africa and Igbo cultures, Somadina's tale will resonate with readers who find themselves not identifying with their own culture and society.

Monday, February 16, 2026

Lost Legends of Nothing

Green, Alejandra and Fanny Rodriguez. Lost Legends of NothingBook 2 of the Nothing series. 2023. 320p. ISBN 9780062839510. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.


Following their confrontation with Stryx in the Fantastic Tales of Nothing, Nathan finds himself once again isolated, but this time with the crucial motivation of reuniting with his friends and pressing forward on their vital quest of protecting Haven from Stryx. However, their journey is far from unburdened, as Stryx relentlessly pursues them, threatening the very existence of their world, Nothing. To further complicate matters, a war has erupted between the humans and the Volken, adding another layer of peril to their already challenging circumstances.

Once Nathan is reunited with Haven, Sina, and Bardou, their journey to the city called the Edge continues, fueled by Nathan's intensifying visions of Lerina, the only one who knew how to stop Stryx. The group uncovers clues suggesting that the key to saving Nothing lies within forgotten legends of the past. While unexpected allies emerge to aid their cause, new and dangerous enemies lie in wait, and a particularly potent adversary targets Haven's inner spirit. Amidst the escalating pressure, Nathan and his companions must strive to prevent two realms from tearing Nothing apart, defeat Stryx, and ultimately survive their perilous mission to safeguard all magic and its inhabitants from vanishing forever.

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

The Song of Orphan's Garden

Hewitt, Nicole. The Song of Orphan's Garden. 2025. 352p. ISBN 9781250906045.


In a perpetually freezing arctic world, Lyriana desperately seeks the mythical Orphan's Garden, a sanctuary rumored to be free from the oppressive Winter Spirits and the tyrannical Giant king. This garden, with its healing trees and promise of warmth, represents her only chance to save herself and her younger brother, Zave, from the harsh, unforgiving climate. Their survival hinges on finding this elusive haven before the relentless cold claims them.

Meanwhile, Brob, a Giant boy, also seeks refuge in the Orphan's Garden after his family is banished to the deadly Winter Blight. Believing the garden to be his, as he accidentally created it with ancient magic, Brob is determined to keep it from humans, whom he sees as a threat to its delicate balance. However, when the garden faces imminent destruction, Lyriana and Brob are forced to confront their long-standing animosity. They must overcome the deep-seated conflict between their races and forge an unlikely alliance to save the only place that offers them hope for survival.

Friday, January 30, 2026

The Tower at the End of Time

Sparkes, Amy. The Tower at the End of Time. Book 2 of The House at the Edge of Magic. 2022. 273p. ISBN 9781406395327.

Nine and her friends have successfully lifted the curse on their extraordinary, magical House, granting them the freedom to traverse different worlds once again. This time, their initial destination is the highly anticipated Wizarding Hopscotch Championships, where Flabberghast had once competed. However, a significant obstacle quickly arises: the House is experiencing travel anxiety, manifesting as disruptive hiccups that randomly transport them from one world to another every time they occur.

Despite this chaotic journey, they eventually land at the championships, only for Flabberghast to have an unfortunate encounter with square number seven, leading him to the ominous Tower at the End of Time. This unexpected detour might provide the answers they seek to cure the House's peculiar ailment. More importantly, it could finally lead Nine to uncover the identity of the person who bequeathed her the cherished music box, and in doing so, reveal the truth about her own origins.

Humorous and fast-paced, The Tower at the End of Time features strange and wonderful characters with their own missions. Fans of light fantasy will love this fast read.

Monday, January 12, 2026

Things in the Basement

Hatke, Ben. Things in the Basement. 2023. 240p. ISBN 9781250836618. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.


Milo and his family have just moved in a new house, and parts of it feel very creepy. When Milo's mother asks him to retrieve a special sock for one of his newborn twins, Milo hesitates. The basement of his family's new, historic home feels haunted. Summoning his courage, Milo descends the steps, but things takes an unexpected turn when he discovers a hidden door leading to a vast, unknown world beneath his house. Milo's initial apprehension gives way to curiosity as he ventures deeper into this subterranean realm, encountering its strange inhabitants as he looks for the missing sock.

As Milo navigates the wonders and potential oddities of this Basement World, he begins to understand a valuable lesson about overcoming his fears. He learns that instead of retreating from the unfamiliar, approaching even the most unusual creatures with kindness and understanding is the key to navigating this new environment. His journey becomes not just a physical exploration of a hidden world, but also a personal one of developing empathy and courage in the face of the unknown.

Friday, December 19, 2025

A Prayer for Vengeance

Schwartz, Leanne. A Prayer for Vengeance. 2023. 368p. ISBN 9781645678885.

Milo, an autistic orphan raised within Tresttato's devout temple, yearns for acceptance into its ranks, dedicating himself to tending the stone statues of ancient heroes. Centuries after a miracle supposedly vanquished the city's monsters and petrified its defenders, Milo's heartfelt poetry, intended as prayer, inadvertently awakens Gia, a cursed girl consumed by a thirst for revenge. To Milo's horror, Gia immediately sets her sights on Primo Sanct Ennio, the immortal holy leader whom Milo reveres and to whom he owes his very life.

Gia vehemently asserts that Ennio, far from being a savior, is the very man who betrayed her and transformed her into a statue, revealing that Milo's cherished "miracle" was, in fact, a devastating curse. Driven by an unwavering resolve, Gia is determined to break this curse at all costs, even if it means eliminating Ennio's followers and, disturbingly, even the boy who inadvertently freed her. Milo is thus thrust into a perilous conflict, forced to confront a shattered reality where his deepest beliefs are challenged by a vengeful truth.

A Prayer for Vengeance is a fantastic fantasy debut that immerses readers in a world of curses, beasts, and monsters, with a vengeful girl at its heart, driving a compelling narrative.

Thursday, November 20, 2025

Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 4

Muira, Kentaro. Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 4. 2020. 704p. ISBN 9781506715216. 

With Griffith imprisoned and with Casca and Guts now more than friends following Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 3, the Band of the Hawk is reunited to conduct an extraction operation to free Griffith from his prison cell underneath the dungeon of the Midland Castle, where he has been brutally tortured for his affair with the King of Midland's daughter. Though isolated and suffering, Griffith is not alone in the castle's dark depths.

Within the dank catacombs of Windham Castle lurk unspeakable horrors, far more terrifying than mere imprisonment and torture. As Guts descends into this nightmarish realm to liberate his former commander, he will confront not only human adversaries but also the monstrous denizens of the castle's underbelly. The dangers are so profound that the living within these walls might indeed envy the fate of the dead.

With Griffith freed, another terror begins chasing the Band of the Hawk. And just as Guts and Casca think that they have escaped, another, more ancient horror arises and claims Griffith as its own!

Thursday, October 23, 2025

Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 3

Muira, Kentaro. Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 3. 2020. 704p. ISBN 9781506715216.  

As the hundred-year conflict between Midland and Tudor first encountered in Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 2 nears its conclusion, the renowned Band of the Hawk, led by the charismatic Griffith and the formidable Guts, has become instrumental in securing Midland's impending victory. Their battlefield prowess and strategic brilliance have turned the tide of the long war, earning them both fame and the favor of the kingdom. However, this very success breeds resentment and ambition within the Midland court.

With victory on the horizon, a clandestine power struggle ignites among those seeking to gain influence. The ambitious Griffith, once celebrated as a hero, is now perceived by some as a dangerous obstacle to their own advancement. In this treacherous environment of courtly intrigue and hidden agendas, the most perilous threat is often the one that remains unseen, poised to strike from the shadows and undermine the hard-won peace.

The story continues in Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 4.

Friday, October 17, 2025

The House at the Edge of Magic

Sparkes, Amy. The House at the Edge of Magic. Book 1 of The House at the Edge of Magic series. 2021. 240p. ISBN 9781406395310.


Nine is an orphaned pickpocket who yearns to escape her existence in the Nest of a Thousand Treasures. She gets the opportunity when she steals a small, house-shaped ornament from a mysterious woman's purse. Upon knocking on its tiny door, the ornament magically expands into a sprawling, unconventional house. Inside, she discovers a quirky assortment of enchanted inhabitants, including Flabberghast, a competitive young wizard with a penchant for hopscotch, and a comically hideous troll housekeeper devoted to his feather duster.

These whimsical characters reveal they are all trapped under a powerful and unusual spell that they desperately need Nine to break. In exchange for her help, they offer her the promise of a new life, hinting at a future far removed from her current struggles. During Nine's journey, she unravels some of the house's secrets. She finds a sense of belonging among its magical residents, and she utilizes her ingenuity to free them from their enchantment, tying them to the house.

The story continues in The Tower at the End of Time.

Monday, October 6, 2025

Adora and the Distance

Bernardin, Marc; Ariela Kristantina, Bryan Valenza, and Bernardo Brice. Adora and the Distance. 2021. 112p. ISBN 9781506724508. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.


Adora was abandoned as an infant by the city's well, but the ruler adopted her. Her dedication to her city earned her the respect and protection of its residents. However, Adora has always been plagued by dreams. Amorphous but always blacker than black, the dreams convey the idea that someone or something badly wants her to join them.

Now a nine-year-old studious girl, Adora learns that Distance seeks to get her. Distance always poses a significant threat to the very fabric of the world and is never satisfied until it consumes the one receiving all of the dreams. Understanding she must abandon her city to protect it, Adora sets out on a journey filled with peril and wonder. Escorted by loyal companions, she confronts underground pirates and ethereal ghosts, hoping to find a way to stop the Distance.

Adora's adventures are epic in scale as she confronts the dangers of the Distance and the challenges presented by the unique inhabitants of her world.  Her quest involves navigating treacherous landscapes, facing formidable foes, and unraveling the secrets behind the Distance to protect her world from destruction. The graphic novel format brings Adora's vibrant world and thrilling escapades to life, promising an engaging and visually captivating reading experience.

Friday, September 26, 2025

Heir of Storms

Murray, Lauryn Hamilton. Heir of Storms. Book 1 of the Storm Weaver series. 2025. 416p. ISBN 9781250348159. 

From the moment of her birth, Blaze, a rare Rain Singer born into a dominant fire-wielding family, brought catastrophic destruction, summoning a storm that claimed thousands of lives across the Empire. Unbeknownst to all, however, the girl derisively known as Storm Weaver has not been able to manifest any of her magical power ascribed to her since she was born. Since that devastating day, she has been kept hidden. 

On her 17th name day, she and her twin Flint welcome guests to her grandmother's estate, and Blaze is finally introduced to the Empire's nobility. At the ball, Blaze is mercilessly taunted by her despicable cousin Amber, who mocks her lack of ability. Under the pressure, Blaze manifest a power she did not think she had, and she shatters all of the glasses. This makes a lasting impression on Howe, the crown prince.

An unexpected invitation to compete for the empire's future leadership thrusts Blaze and Flint are trust into the spotlight and into a world of political battle as they are summoned to the Golden Palace to participate in the next heirs' trials. The Empire's capital is is rife with threats, intrigue, and romance, as Blaze finds herself drawn to both the charming Crown Prince and a dangerously alluring newcomer, the prince's half brother. As she delves into her dormant abilities, she realizes the throne of the Queen of Water could be hers, but claiming it will demand shedding the narratives imposed upon her and bravely forging her own destiny.

Fans of series like Red Queen will enjoy this new series that dwells in the fantastic and the politics of an Empire teetering on the edge of chaos.

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

The Scorpion Queen

Fears, Mina. The Scorpion Queen. 2025. 320p. ISBN 9781250392350.

The Scorpion Queen book cover

Amie, a young woman from a wealthy Timbuktu family in Renaissance Mali. Her older sister was accused of an improper relationship with a noble, and rejected the blame on Amie. As a result, Amie suffers a tragic fall from grace. Disinherited by her angry father, and separated from her sister, Amie is forced to serve Princess Mariama in the imperial palace almost as a slave, as all of her wages are to be paid to her father, and not to her. Amie will never again see the boy she loves, Kader.

Princess Mariama is also a prisoner in her own palace. Her father, the Emperor of Mali, has devised a series of deadly trials for her suitors. Designed to weed the nobility of its sons, the trials have resulted in ninety-nine deaths. Despite the hardships and the princess's volatile personality, Amie and Mariama form an unexpected bond. When Amie discovers a map that leads them to the desert and to the home of one of the exiled gods, who could provide a hammer that would end the trial once and for all, she devises a desperate plan to escape the palace with Kader and two other maids, and make their way to the desert and retrieve the hammer. Only then will the trial end, freeing Mariama from her father's control, and allowing Amie and Kader to live happily every after.

Only, things don't go according to plan. Caught by the god after suffering in the desert, Amie makes a startling discovery. Faced with a difficult choice, Amie must decide for whom she is fighting, and whether the effort is worth it. 

The Scorpion Queen is inspired by a Malian folktale, and features a strong character with divided loyalties. Amie often makes the wrong decision for the right reasons, adding to her challenges. Family dynamics and rebellion are also explored as Amie attempts to reassert control over her own life. Fans of fantasy with a touch of light magic will appreciate this story told from a perspective we are not familiar with, but will enjoy the universal themes of betrayal and love.


Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Inheritance of Scars

Seitz, Crystal. Inheritance of Scars. 2024. 416p. ISBN 9781665959926.


Inheritance of Scars book cover

When Astrid's grandmother goes missing, she returns home to her ancestral village, a place her father removed her from when she was young. As a child, she loved spending time with her grandmother, who would tell her stories about the creatures that dwell in the Tiveden Forest, and especially of the King of the forest and of his bloodthirsty draugrs.  But her father feared something in this village, and he took Astrid away. Now she's back, and not much seems to have changed in the village.

Searching her grandmother's house, Astrid discovers a hidden chamber and inadvertently awakens Soren, a centuries-old warrior imprisoned within. Initially fearing him as a monstrous creature who has been imprisoned by Skaga, one of her ancestors. Soren at first believes Astrid to be Skaga, and it takes effort to convince him otherwise. As they spend time together, Astrid gradually realizes that Soren, while possessing supernatural strength, is not the villain he is perceived to be by the forest's residents.

As they delve deeper into the forest, facing perilous encounters with mythical creatures and uncovering a long-buried family secret, Astrid and Soren develop an unexpected connection. When Astrid suddenly discovers that her family, including her grandmother, is responsible for the horrors inside the forest, she must decide whether love or blood is stronger.

Inheritance of Scars explores themes of identity, family legacy, and the blurred lines between good and evil. While the world-building within the modern-day setting could be further developed. The captivating atmosphere within the ancient forest, filled with danger, intrigue, and a touch of forbidden romance help the story move along, and fans of fantasy and romance will enjoy this story set in an unfamiliar setting.

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 2

Muira, Kentaro. Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 2. 2019. 704p. ISBN 9781506711997. 

Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 1

In Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 1, we were introduced to Guts and his quest to punish those who did him harm. In Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 2, the story jumps back in time and tells of Gut growing up, how he ended up serving as a poor boy learning the skills of a soldier from Gambino, only to be sold to satisfy the needs of one of Gambino's soldiers. Having killed Gambino, Guts escaped and eventually ran into Griffon's Hawks, a famous mercenary outfit led by an overly ambitious and skilled soldier. Guts was subdued by Griffon in combat, and agreed to join the mercenary band. Casca, Griffon's second-in-command, was not pleased. 

Over the years, Guts and the Hawks fought in countless wars as mercenaries, defeating enemies on the battlefield. Guts got better, but he keeps on being used by those around him. As Griffin climbs the ladder of political power, Guts finds himself learning that he is but a pawn in a well thought-out game. Encountering Zod, a supernatural demon, Guts and Griffin were all but defeated when Zod noticed the behelit hanging around Griffin's neck and left the battle.

With power on the line, an attempt by the King's brother is made to assassinate Griffin, but its failure leads Griffin to instead unleash Guts on the general. Not everything goes according to plan, and Guts ends up slaughtering plenty of the members of the general's household during his escape. Meanwhile Casca is not thrilled by the direction Griffin seems to be heading ...

The story continues in Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 3.

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 1

Muira, Kentaro. Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 1. 2019. 689p. ISBN 9781506711980. 

Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 1

Guts, also known as the Black Swordman, travels the world looking for vengeance against those who did him wrong. Armed with a massive sword, Guts bears the marks of torture and war. His left hand has been replaced with a metal one, and he also bears on his skin the unholy symbol of the Brand, which attracts evil to him. Guts is no hero. He's not here to protect the weak and avenge the innocent. He's on his own mission to track down those who gave him the Brand. When he violently frees a small flying elf named Puck from certain death at the hands of bullies in a tavern, Guts acquires a follower who acts partly as his conscience, and partly as someone who questions the world around him.

Continuing his travels, Guts returns to the Count's city where he confronts the Count's formidable captain of the guard, who has been transformed into a horrific monster. Puck is captured and handed to the Count's daughter, who's the only person not aware of the Count's dark desires and horrible penchant for human flesh. Cutting his way through the castle, Guts defeats the Captain of the guard, before confronting the Count himself, this time in his true demonic form. 

Many times Guts is almost defeated, only to muster the willpower to act again. The Count is brought down, but he appeals to the Godhand, a group of five overpowerful demons who offer him a deal in exchange for dealing with Guts, a deal even the Count may not be willing to pay ...

The story continues in Berserk Deluxe Edition, Vol. 2.

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

The Puppets of Spelhorst.

DiCamillo, Kate. The Puppets of Spelhorst. 160p. ISBN 9781536216752.


Walking in town one day, an old salty captain saw five puppets in the window of a toy shop. There was a girl, a boy, a king, a wolf, and an owl. He immediately felt the need to purchase the girl puppet. When the owner told him he must buy all five, the captain relented and agreed. The girl puppet reminded him of a girl he had once been in love with. Placing these puppets in his trunk, the old captain soon died, and his puppets found their way to a family with young children.

The king always loved to order everyone else around, for what is a king supposed to do? The girl loved to sing, but she only knew one song. The boy knew he was destined to be a hero, for why else would he have a bow and a quiver filled with arrows? The wolf was very impressed with her sharp teeth, and she knew everyone should be scared of her. The owl was filled with wisdom, but longed to fly the skies. As the puppets discovered their new home, they also found new desires and developed new relationships and understandings with each other. Each of them realizes that they are part of a story, and despite their ups and downs together, they belong with each other. The two girls who now own the puppets craft a play they perform in front of their family. In this play, the puppets end up acting the story of a young man who is cursed by a wizard to lose the love of his life, and who looks for her the rest of his life, in a story that resembles that of the old sea captain.

Beautifully told, the story of the puppets resemble folk tales, with bigger than life characters who discover themselves during their adventures, even if they are only puppets. Wherever we found ourselves on the road of life, we can always trust that we will find friends along the road.

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Silver in the Bone

 Bracken, Alexandra. Silver in the Bone. Book 1 of the Silver in the Bone series. 2023. 480p. ISBN 9780593481653.


Unlike all of the people she knows, Tamsin has no magical abilities to speak of. This unfortunate circumstance makes her chosen profession especially difficult, as breaking into ancient burial sites looking for magical treasures also sought by sorceresses and faeries puts her at a clear disadvantage. Thankfully her younger brother Cabell is able to see the magical threads that link objects and people, which facilitates their job.

Abandoned by their foster father, who disappeared one night after stealing a powerful Arthurian ring rumored to be able to break the curse of lycanthrope that affects Cabell, the two of them had to fend for themselves. Now ten years later, Tamsin hears rumors that the ring is back in play, and that a powerful sorceress seeks it. Tamsin receives a comtract to find the fabled ring, only to discover that her erstwhile enemy, Emrys, is also looking for the ring.

Forced to unite their abilities for the time being due to the swarm of other seekers also looking for the ring, Tamsin, Cabell and Emrys track the last whereabouts of her foster father, only to stumble upon the Arthurian lands themselves through a gate. But the sickness that has taken over these lands threatens not only that kingdom, but also their present. With danger and treachery swirling around her, Tamsin's lack of magical abilities may in fact be her greatest strength ...