Troubled young Fawn Bluefield seeks a life beyond her family's farm. Enroute to the city, she encounters a patrol of Lakewalkers. The necromancers, armed with human bone knives, fight "malices", immortal entities that draw out life, enslaving humans and animals.

Dag saves Fawn from a malice - at a devastating cost. Their fates are now bound in a remarkable journey into danger and delight, prejudice and partnership... and perhaps even love.

An epic fantasy of devotion, destiny, and perilous magic awaits from one of the most honored writers in the field.