"Am I a bad person, then, for wanting to fight to protect what I believe in?" During a dire battle against the Skinners -- fearsome creatures that strip living things bare -- Daine and her mage teacher Numair are swept into the Divine Realms. Though Daine and Numair are happy to be alive, they are not where they want to be. The wars continue to rage at home in Tortall, where Daine and Numair are desperately needed to fight a growing number of strange foes led by their old enemy, Ozorne. Trapped in the mystical realms Daine discovers her mysterious parentage and as these secrets of her past unravel, the treacherous way home is also revealed -- Daine and Numair must call on the menacing dragons for help. So they embark on an extraordinary journey home, where the fate of all Tortall rests with Daine and her wild magic.