A fantasy world experiencing an industrial revolution powered by magic; an organization known as the Order controls the flow of magic, the lifeblood of a failing empire. The Order is secretly hiding that magic is running out. Living in the backwaters of the Imperial Republic, an orphaned boy and his friends might have the power to restore magic.

Finneas Breydan lives with his younger brother Kenelm in an orphanage. He doesn't think he's special or anything. But when a mysterious stranger from the Order visits the town, the boy is thrust into an adventure that could change the fate of the world.

The Imperial Republic spawns almost across the known world, gobbling up previously independent nations. However, the new people forced into the Republic desire to fight back. A rebellion is brewing. And a king is determined to retake his throne.