In a world shrouded by soot and smoke, young Makarria has literally been forbidden to dream...
"I enjoyed this book immensely. It's fast-paced, colorful, and richly detailed. It'll pick you up quick and won't let you down again until it's over. My kind of book." -James P. Blaylock, World Fantasy Award winner, author of The Aylesford Skull and The Last Coin
"Good solid fantasy adventure." -Tim Powers, multiple World Fantasy Award winner, author of Hide Me Among the Graves and On Stranger Tides
Legend has foretold the demise of Emperor Thedric Guderian at the hands of a sorceress with royal blood, and the Emperor has made it his legacy to stamp out all magic from the Sargothian Empire in favor of primitive coal fired smelters and steam powered machines. When Guderian's minions discover a Dreamwielder on a seaside farmstead, a chain of events forces Guderian's new threat- the young Makarria-to flee from her home and embark upon an epic journey where her path intertwines with that of Princess Taera, her headstrong brother, Prince Caile, and the northman Siegbjorn, who captains a night-flying airship.
Dogging their every step is the part-wolf, part-raven sorcerer, Wulfram, and Emperor Guderian, himself, a man who has the ability to stint magic and a vision to create a world where the laws of nature are beholden to men and machines. Only by learning to control the power she wields can Makarria save her newfound companions and stop the Emperor from irreversibly exterminating both the magic in humans and their bond with nature.