A gifted psychiatrist, Daniel Dodson is perfectly aware that he's in a tough place personally following the death of his wife. Then a mysterious new patient offers a welcome professional distraction.The world of swords and magic that Tenai so vividly remembers obviously can't be real. The deadly enmity and long war that left such deep emotional scars plainly symbolize something else. But perhaps Daniel can use the signposts of those confabulated memories to aid Tenai in moving forward into a new life in the real world.

Down the rabbit hole, but not to Wonderland. Daniel never imagined that Tenai's memories of her earlier life might be absolutely true. But when he and his daughter are swept up in the plots of her enemies and dropped abruptly into a world of dark magic and darker history, Daniel must find a way to aid Tenai against the all-too-real echoes of her past. Though the hidden schemes of Tenai's enemies offer peril enough, the worse threat comes from within: if Tenai cannot master the vast rage she still carries, her own fury may shatter her world.

Sometimes the past does not let go. Tenai is determined that no one will use her to break the fragile peace of her world, even if that means she must support and defend the son of her bitterest enemy. But set against four hundred years of fury and hatred, that determination may not be enough. Daniel has come to know far more about Tenai's adversaries than he ever wanted to - more than she knows herself. Forced into unwilling cooperation with these enemies, Daniel must find a way to defy their plans, protect his daughter, and help Tenai overcome the shadows of her past - before it's too late.

A long time ago, Kuomat walked into the woods, abandoning his place in the world of men. For years he’s lived as an outlaw, with little to do with ordinary townsfolk. But when Jenna asked him for help in the name of Death’s Lady and of the king of Talasayan, Kuomat chose to involve himself in the affairs of the great. That did not go unnoticed. Now Kuomat has one last chance to step out of the forest and return to the world ... if he can bring himself to take it.

The veil between the worlds is growing thin. At midwinter, as the old year dies and before the new year dawns, Nolas-Kuomon, Lord Death’s lady, may open that veil for anyone who asks to step from one world to the other. After all the dire peril of the past summer, no one could be surprised if Danyel or his daughter Jenna preferred to return to their own world. Taranah Berangilan-sa, the king’s aunt, would strongly prefer that both Danyel and his daughter remain in Talasayan. Indeed, everyone sensible will surely set that prayer before God as midwinter approaches. Taranah has more reason than most to hold that hope, but nor does she wish to persuade Danyel to a choice he may regret. As the long nights stretch out, everyone must face the decisions and risks midwinter brings …