Jordan, the last living Sorceress of Bal'Talanor blood, has come of age at last. She is the rightful Heir, but she has grown up on Earth, unmindful of her identity. She has never heard of the world of Andoherra, nor of World Queens, and, to her, magic is nothing but a parlour trick. When she accidentally finds her way back to her homeland, she discovers her true nature, her awakening power – and the flamboyant Fire Queen who stands between her and her destiny.

Calyx is a deadly Sorceress bound by duty to protect Jordan. She will stop at nothing to restore the heir to the throne and slay all those who stand in the way. This should be an easy task – well within the capabilities of her immense magic – but there are three things she didn't bargain for: losing Jordan, a vengeful dragon, and the small problem of feelings for her mortal enemy, Nerys.

Most frustrating of all, she doesn't have long to debate which issue is the more pressing concern. The starving world of Andoherra is sliding toward total self-destruction, and all the magic in existence doesn't appear to be able to make a damned thread of difference.