The curse on the Ashbourne and Bask families has finally broken, but Farrin Ashbourne still struggles with many burdens. Ever since her mother abandoned the family, she has run the estate, managed her father, and kept a tight control over her musical power. And yet, the Middlemist weakens more by the day--anointed magicians are disappearing, the High Queen Yvaine has strange visions, and a fiery Olden creature stalks Farrin. Knowing she must work with every ally she can, Farrin teams up with Ryder Bask, a man who infuriates her, to find stolen loved ones and uncover a dangerous truth.

Maps on endpapers.