In the kingdom of Lineal, seventeen-year-old Cole Wolfe faces the anxiety of the annual Testing Festival, a rite of passage where young adults discover their magical attunement. As the son of a war-scarred veteran, Cole carries the weight of expectation and dreams of helping his father, who is burdened by scars from a Fire-attuned monster. However, when Cole's name is called and he touches the iridescent crystal, he experiences excruciating pain but ultimately fails to attune. Disheartened yet determined, Cole spends the next four years working as a "clinker" in a crystal mine, scraping together coins to afford an apprenticeship with the renowned smith Bo Ackerley. His life takes an unexpected turn when he uncovers a massive, intact crystal that mysteriously disintegrates upon touch, leaving him with a newfound awareness and abilities. Amidst the backdrop of class divides and societal expectations, Cole grapples with his identity and newfound powers while navigating friendships, ambition, and the possibility of changing his fate. As he strives to forge a new path, he must confront the harsh realities of his world and the challenges that come with embracing his unique potential.