Declan Grimm, orphaned shade witch, and scholar at the Royal Magical Academy, is sent to Blackfriar, his place of birth, to investigate the emergence of dark spirits which plague the town—and perhaps find out more about himself in the process. As the threads of the mystery tighten, Declan uncovers his own shady past, as well as the existence of a seedy cult that has more to do with him than he could ever imagine. Declan must use his wits, magic, and formidable knowledge to save himself and the town from a grim fate.