The finale we have all been waiting for. Aelin must draw on the deepest parts of her will to endure months of torture in her iron coffin. The knowledge that withstanding the torture and Maeve could keep everyone she loves safe keeps her form breaking, but each day her resolve weakens. With Aelin captures, her friends and allies are scattered on their own various missions to prepare for the war. Some bonds deepen, while others could be severed forever. Destinies weave together as everyone must stand together to protect Erilea in a heart wrenching finale.

With the same timeline as Empire of Storms, we jump back to Chaol's story as they journey to the southern continent in hopes of healing. Chaol and Nesryn arrive in Antica in hopes for an alliance with the Kagan whose armies may be the last hope of Erilea. This book also brings back Yrene, who we met in the Assassin's Blade as the bar maid that Celeana taught to defend herself. Now as a renown healer of the Torre Cesme, she is enlisted in the task of healing Chaol from his wounds from Rifthold.

War looms on the horizon for Aelin as she fights for her throne. Loyalties have been broken and lost, friends have been gained, and those with magic are starting to emerge. With her heart sworn to the prince at her side and her goal to save her people, Aelin must dig deep into her powers to protect those she loves. This quest for survival and salvation may take more than what she has to give and forces her to examine who and what she is willing to sacrifice.