The story takes place in the 1600's and they are learning about gunpowder. The protagonist has stopped an insurrection and has gone into hiding thinking he's at fault for some of the damage. Taking extra precautions he has change his name. The reader is led to believe that he is being hunted, and he is. But not for what he thinks. He doesn't know he's the first born of the king and his twin brother (two months younger) also very much wants to find him. He made his escape into a dreaded place called the Shadow Lands. This is a place he is very familiar with and nobody except him has ever come out alive. This gives him an air of mystery, and dubs him with the title of the wizard's apprentice. The book is filled with excitement, awe, humor and love