A divine war shattered the world, leaving humanity in ruins. Desperate for hope, they struck a deal with the devious god Kluehnn: He would restore the world to its former glory, but at a price so steep it would keep the mortals indebted to him for eternity. And, as each land was transformed, so too were its people changed into strange new forms --- if they survived at all. Desperate to protect herself and her sister, Rasha, Hakara flees her homeland for the safety of a neighboring kingdom. But when tragedy separates them, Hakara is forced to abandon her beloved sister to an unknown fate. She discovers she can channel the magic from the mysterious gems they are forced to mine for Kluehnn. With that discovery comes another: Rasha is alive, and only the rebels plotting to destroy the God Pact can help rescue her. But only if Hakara goes to war against a god.

Lin Sukai has won her first victory as Emperor, but the future of the Phoenix Empire hangs in the balance --- and Lin is dangerously short of allies. Yet hopes lies in history. Legend tells of seven mythic swords, forged in centuries past. If Lin can find them before her enemies do, she may yet be able to turn the tide. If she fails, the Sukai dynasty --- and the entire empire --- will fall.

Lin Sukai finally sits on the throne she won at so much cost, but her struggles are only just beginning. Her people don’t trust her. Her political alliances are weak. And in the north-east of the Empire, a rebel army of constructs is gathering, its leader determined to take the throne by force. Yet an even greater threat is on the horizon, for the Alanga --- the powerful magicians of legend --- have returned to the Empire. They claim they come in peace, and Lin will need their help in order to defeat the rebels and restore peace. But can she trust them?