There is an old Ravkan saying – the willing, destiny guides them; the unwilling, destiny drags them, but no one escapes what fate has planned. It was the fate of the Sun Summoner to be born, her fate to meet the Darkling, her fate to save Ravka. How this happens, however, is up to her. Alina is five years old when she first meets the Shadow Man. It changes everything.

"There is nothing to winning, really. That is, if you happen to be blessed with a keen eye, an agile mind, and no scruples whatsoever." – Alfred Hitchcock The CIA and FIB have made a mistake. There is one thing you should never do - if you're smart, if you value your life or have any plans about seeing tomorrow - there is one thing you should never do. Never threaten John Watson.

The destruction of Skygarden, cryptic messages from talking animals and the betrayal of his second apprentice has pushed DCI Nightingale right to the edge. It's time to ask for help and people are about to get a timely reminder why it's best to let sleeping dragons lie. Sequel to A Wizard's Lament.