In this second book about the land of Palindor, Malthazzar's devious general, Shadow, pits Michael against his mother, the High Queen Catherine, as Reglandor invades the Third Land. Each believing that the other is evil, Catherine and Michael are led toward their inevitable confrontation, while behind the scenes Malthazzar gloats as his revenge against Catherine unfolds. Many of the characters from the first book return. Some, like Drefynt and the dablik, help Catherine's cause; others, like the Dark Knights, frustrate it. We meet new heroes, such as the valiant elves Anderskerrin and Hervan, and the amiable Treadlong, as well as new enemies such as General Shadow. And of course the seer Iadron and the healer Harsforn return, bickering as always.