Magic at the dawn of the machine age.

One-hundred years ago, wizards were the most powerful beings on the planet. Now, it's the steam engine. Overthrown by an uprising of mortals and an industrial revolution, those with magical abilities have faded from prominence, their powers dwindling. The Governing Assembly has outlawed wizardry, except in their service.

A new war has come. Not between magical and mortal, but between nations, for territory and resources. Sailing for enemy waters aboard the ill-prepared commerce raider Fletch, Bethany Esterhouse, a young witch, will have the chance to change the fate of a civilization that would rather she did not exist.