The Great Ordeal continues its epic advance to the north. The reserves are gradually depleted, and the Aspect-Emperor allows the meat of killed Sranks to begin to be eaten. This can lead to consequences that even He cannot foresee. Fanim war drums beat outside the city walls of the Empress, who is unsuccessfully searching for her son. Deep in the depths of Ishuali, the wizard Achamian struggles with his fear that all his actions are aimless and meaningless. The story of the “Second Apocalypse” "continues. R. Scott Bakker takes us back to his world of living myths, forbidden magic and inhuman peoples.