Years after the events of Saltswept, the aftershock is still felt across the known world and allegiances have been sworn. Paranish is gripped by the chaos of civil unrest, where Ris and Biba lead a growing rebellion. Finlyr and Isagani recruit and train allies in Ligaya's homeland of Lassair, a floating houseboat community. In the Orin mountains, Hanan hides out raising Raina as her own. Across the land, the dead no longer rest, having been woken by the Queen's dark magic. Gifted folk are both feared and coveted. Is it worth salting the earth to keep it from your enemies?