In the sequel to the acclaimed Beasts Made of Night, Taj has escaped Kos, but Queen Karima will go to any means necessary--including using the most deadly magic--to track him down.
Taj is headed west, but the consequences of leaving Kos behind confront him at every turn. Innocent civilians flee to refugee camps as Karima´s dark magic continues to descend on the city. Taj must return, but first he needs a plan.
With Arzu´s help, Taj and Aliya make it to the village of her ancestors, home of the tastahlik--sin-eaters with Taj´s same ability to both battle and call forth sins. As Taj comes to terms with his new magic, he realizes there are two very different groups of tastahlik--one using their powers for good, the other for more selfish ends.
Aliya is struggling with her own unique capabilities. She´s immersed in her work to uncover the secret to Karima´s magic, but her health begins to mysteriously deteriorate. With the help of a local western mage, Aliya uncovers her true destiny--a future she´s not sure she wants.
As Taj and Aliya explore their feelings for each other and Arzu connects with her homeland, the local westerners begin to question Taj´s true identity. Karima is on his heels, sending dark warnings to the little village where he´s hiding. Taj will have to go back and face her before she sends her most deadly weapon--Taj´s former best friend, Bo.