William survived Sinskrill, but he can't forget what he suffered there. Some hardships endure, and despite his wonderful, new life on the lush, paradise of Arylyn, nightmares continue to haunt him. He won't ignore what was done to him or Jake or those who remain on that cursed island.

But closure will only come if he finds a means to reconcile himself to that terrible chapter of his life. Without it, he can't save the loved ones who remain on Sinskrill: the wise troll, Travail, and William's teacher and one-time tormenter, Fiona. Both remain trapped under the boot-heel of the Servitor, Sinskrill's terrifying ruler.

William has promised to return and free them, and while he's gained powerful allies to aid in his quest, such as Rukh and Jessira, he must master his own magic and summon his own courage.

But will courage alone be enough against the Servitor's terrible power? And waiting in the wings is an even greater foe: the fallen god Shet.