Each year, the Confederation of Magicians of North America evaluates sixteen-year-old magicians. Some are elected. The rest must undergo a procedure that destroys their magical abilities unless they prove themselves in the mysterious and cruel Mage Exam. Due to the lowly position of her parents, Rochio Lopez has dedicated her life to developing her talent to earn a place in the Confederacy. Their refusal hurts her, but she is ready to fight for her magic. Ashamed of his mediocre abilities, Finn Lockwood knows that the Confederacy only accepted him because of his distinguished family. Participating in the Exam is a chance for him to prove his true self. Finn and Rochio find themselves allies when faced with challenges they did not expect. But the secrets of the Exam are more frightening than one could imagine. Why are they checked? And how much are they willing to give in increasingly tough challenges to win?