The glorious Crown Tournament draws hundreds of arcanists from around the world to battle in magical martial arts competitions… The prize? More riches than anyone can spend in a lifetime—and a ceremonial crown to mark the winner for an entire decade until the next tournament begins. And while most obviously want the wealth, a certain pair of arcanists want the crown instead. Master Elias is bonded to a syrocko drake, a deadly creature capable of controlling the desert winds. He recruits young Amir Rosewood, a kirin arcanist capable of powerful magic, to help him win the tournament—and the prize crown. Why seek out the crown? It holds a secret, one that can turn whoever holds it into a powerful god-like arcanist. Unfortunately, Elias and Amir aren’t the only ones who know, and their underhanded opponents will stop at nothing to acquire the crown for themselves.

The Crown Tournament intensifies! Amir and his ragtag team of arcanists have made it the second round. All the weak competitors have been eliminated, and only teams with synergy and strategy remain. Some teams overwhelm their opponents with dragons. Some use illusions and trickery. If Amir only had to focus on the fighting, perhaps things wouldn’t be so difficult, but problems outside the tournament also need his attention. Sage’s brother might get executed. Master Elias’s old rivals come calling. And one of the competitors might have hired an assassin… Amir and his two mystical creatures, Roux and Wren, will have to use every trick in the book if they hope to stay in the running for the crown!