Deep in the bowls of Nova Castillia Hive on Fenksworld, in the Calixius Sector, a new force is rising. But the Imperium is calcified and hateful to anything that upsets the status quo. Anything except conquerors willing to bend to Terra. What care they how the Tithe is gathered, as long as it is paid? The Inquisition is ever watchful, but for the right price...

Given a mysterious power linked to Eight Cards, Taylor sets out to figure out how to use them, and along the way, try to fix her life and family. But along with power, horrors await within, and outside, Brockton Bay still lives it's own life. There is only so much time even grievous injury will buy, before she must face foes, in school, and on the streets.

Hell starts out as remarkably like a particularly stormy Midway. It gets worse... and better.