Alesander and Theodosia only have one thing in common - they're caught in a shadow war of two ancient factions that want them dead. Ex Army Medic turned supply runner, Theodosia Sherrard had no interest in the ancient sword someone left in her care. Only she can't seem to get rid of it, and trying to is only putting her friends in harms way. Again. College dropout, Alesander Belthaire never believed in magic. He never had any need to. So when a near fatal accident awakens powers he never knew about, he can't seem to convince himself he's a sorcerer, or figure out how they work. Having no-one to turn to isn't helping either. Only Theodosia seems to hold the key to Alesander's powers, and Alesander is the only one who can protect her from the monsters lurking beneath the city. With ghouls and ghosts haunting their every move and mysterious mechanical shadows two steps ahead, they have to learn how it all works if they want a chance of getting out alive.