Everywhere the River God touched, he ruled. But the world beyond his reach was a dangerous riot of gods, ghosts, and strange spirits. And in that ominous otherworld, Hezhi--the River's own daughter--fought to master the magic that was her birthright. Spurned, the River bent all his might and cunning to the task of reclaiming his wayward child. Only the Blackgod saw a way for Hezhi to defeat the River once and for all. But the Blackgod was a creature of mystery. To trust him might be the most perilous choice young Hezhi could make.