Sixteen-year-old Xathe Roanan is an orphan and thief in Eldris. Worse still, she sees ghosts. Speaking with the dead hasn't served her well so far, but when she enters a tournament to win herself a way out of destitution, a helpful spirit lends its aid. With her newly elevated status, she accidentally catches the eye of the resistance-they believe she is the Ghost Queen prophesied to bring them to victory.

The sorceress Solanthe sent new mage Thia Sanbrooke back to Kansas against her will. In Kansas, Thia is unable to help the resistance and keep Solanthe from claiming the throne. Thia will have to learn to harness her own magic to create a portal back to her brother Dess and new love, Oskaren if she wants a chance at keeping them safe in the impending civil war.

As each girl comes into her magic, and the various power players converge for war, Thia and Xathe will have to accept their new roles as mage and queen to save Eldris from tyranny forever.