The first woman ever admitted to a prestigious order of mages unravels a secret conspiracy that
could change the practice of magic forever in this “provocative stand-alone novel [that] deftly
incorporates elements of science and philosophy into dark academia” ( The Washington Post )
from the author of The Sword of Kaigen . “The kind of book that knocks you down kicks you
repeatedly and then makes you thank it for doing so. I can’t recommend it highly enough.”—John
Bierce author of Mage Errant The stunning first edition hardcover features red stained
edges gold and red foil on the jacket a full-color endpaper map and an interior illustration
of an in-world magical item For twenty years Sciona has devoted every waking moment to the
study of magic fueled by a mad desire to achieve the impossible: to be the first woman ever
admitted to the High Magistry at the University of Magics and Industry. When Sciona finally
passes the qualifying exam and becomes a highmage she finds her challenges have just begun.
Her new colleagues are determined to make her feel unwelcome—and instead of a qualified lab
assistant they give her a janitor. What neither Sciona nor her peers realize is that her
taciturn assistant was not always a janitor. Ten years ago he was a nomadic hunter who lost
his family on their perilous journey from the wild plains to the city. But now he sees the
opportunity to understand the forces that decimated his tribe drove him from his homeland and
keep the privileged in power. At first mage and outsider have a fractious relationship. But
working together they uncover an ancient secret that could change the course of magic
forever—if it doesn’t get them killed first.
