Magic and murder, tyranny and treason all feature in this bold new fantasy from the best-selling author of THE SIGHT and FIRE BRINGER. The high stone walls of Barbal encircle a deep rift. At the heart of the city the Lord Alchemist, Mardak the Dark, reigns supreme. His pursuit of power has led the tyrannical ruler to treacherous deeds: seizing the opposing alchemist, Ogog, and holding him hostage in the Ziggurat. However, help is at hand in the shape of a young boy called Silas. Under the guidance of his charismatic mentor, Sultan Ash, Silas sets off for Barbal to free Ogog, armed with nothing more than sheer determination - and a pure white pebble in his pocket. Unbeknown to Silas, the pebble is a Turnstone, a talisman bestowed with magical powers. In Barbal, Mardak's wild obsession has culminated in the construction of the Entropoth, a deadly time machine powered by human souls displaying events happening in the past and future. Mardak may know Silas is on his way - but will he be a match for the Turnstone?

When Rhodri is summoned to the Telling Pool little does he know the consequences this is going to bring not only for himself and his family but also for the future peace of the land. While his father is fighting in the Holy Wars, Rhodri must confront his own battles at home and be braver and more resourceful than he could have ever thought possible. Leaving behind his ailing mother, the beautiful Sarah and his friend William, Rhodri embarks on an awesome and epic journey darkened by thieves, rogues, an evil-handed sorceress and his own haunting nightmares. It will take all of Rhodri's strength, intelligence and maturity to come out of this task alive. But Rhodri will find help in unusual and unlikely places and the difficult choices he makes along the way will shape his true destiny in this multi-layered and exciting fantasy novel.