Heir to mighty gifts of power. Chosen by no fate. Guided by no one. Bound by no destiny. As the world will soon learn. Talaos is a tough young man in a vast, ages-old city. Orphaned in the teeth of a storm at sea, his origins lie in lands far to the north. A rising gangster on the rough streets he calls home, he lives by his blades. A trail of blood and broken hearts lies behind him and an unknown future ahead. Wondering what more life might have to offer, he feels the call of change. When an immortal sorcerer sends acolytes to kill him, he discovers his true nature. His roots are far older and deeper than he ever imagined. His choices will lead farther than he ever thought possible.

The most powerful sorcerer in the world wanted him dead, and failed. Now it is his turn. Talaos is heir to mighty gifts of power. He has no one to guide him and plenty of enemies. His search for answers has taken him to the anarchic eastern land of Hunyos and a colossal war. Amid siege, battle, conquest and deadly struggles for power, those answers wait to be found. But will he live to see them?

By ruthless wit and bloodstained hand, Talaos has risen to the heights of power. And yet, the dangers he faces are greater than ever. The war he has made his own is at a moment of decision, sharp as the edge of a blade. An army besieges the city he now calls home, and with it rides one of the personal emissaries of his true enemy, one of the Twelve Hands of the Living Prophet himself. If he fails now, it will be the end... for him, and for everyone he has sworn to protect.