the prequel to the critically-acclaimed novel, the conjurer, has arrived. the paths of three boys intertwine at an unlikely junction in this fantastic tale of treachery, hope, and power.when opportunity knocks for mikalla to become the conjurer's assistant, he is quickly rivaled by gobi, the jealous and talented apprentice. gobi will do anything for a chance to rid mikalla of his position.meanwhile, the second prince of idaza is a pudgy royal with not much to do and even less to be proud of. but oro is soon taught the ways of power and conflict by an unlikely character.treachery, murder, and opportunity rear their heads and clash in a story of shadows and flame, artistry and power. embark on this fantastic tale about the true influence of people's minds and the power to control a whole populace-relevant to any time period, and especially now more than ever.