Graham always knew he would find a way to escape his family's curse of mediocrity. He just never knew it would come in the form of giants from across the sea. Nor could he have guessed the ten-foot tall warriors wanted nothing more than to start schools in his and every other kingdom of Azaron. In truth, Graham didn't care why the Adai had come or how ridiculous the whole scenario might seem. He wanted out of his mundane life, and the Adai school offered him the opportunity. Granted, he would be low on the priority list as he didn't have a drop of noble blood in his body, but the Adai promised everyone a chance to fulfill their potential--regardless of their heritage. Given a fair chance, Graham knew he could stand among any group of boys or men. The Adai were giving him that chance. Within two years Graham had climbed to the top of his class, rivaling even the idolized Chaith, the charismatic and idealistic son of a duke. Their rivalry turns to friendship as they are both recruited into a secretive program in which they learn the natural world isn't just to be studied but also commanded. As they begin to explore the world of possibilities that is now theirs, they are faced with the choice of what to do with the powers they now possess. The boys learn that students from other schools have twisted the Adai teachings and now empower the most violently ambitious kings and warlords of Azaron. When their own kingdom is threatened, they must choose on their own to live within their masters' lessons or ascend beyond them.