Five years ago, after the mysterious disappearance of her mother, the Queen of Lindbarrow, Ferrin fled her home nation. Under a false name, she joined up with a pirate crew and spent those five years sailing the seas, running schemes, and soaking up every delight to be found on the Meddemara and in its ports.

Now, five years later, Ferrin's plans are thwarted when she finds herself taken by force back to her homeland. Still reeling from the betrayal that sent her home, she finds much has changed in her absence.

A rift grows between her people, fed by her father's state of constant rage and greed. A mysterious, dangerous drug is causing its victims to descend into fits of madness. Magic, thought to have long been faded from the world, trickles back in unexpected ways, and spies lurk in every shadow.

On the brink of civil war, Ferrin, her brother the Crown Prince, an old friend harboring a big secret, and a handsome but infuriating smuggler fight to protect their nation as forces both exterior and interior threaten to crumble Lindbarrow into ruin.