Inanimate Objects is a dark and glittering novel of artists and magicians, muses and immortals. At the heart of the story is Leonidas Bondi, a charismatic young artist who falls under the watchful gaze of Matilda August. Matilda has been a patron to the stars for hundreds of years, but this fickle muse is more than a little taken with her new protege, blurring her own lines of work and obsession. Providing opposition is Matilda's son, Elisha, a moody figure who holds revenge above all else after he suffers a terrible wrong."