When the White Fire passed through the city of Amenkor for the second time in a thousand years, it brought madness, drought, famine, and destruction. In order to stop it, Varis-a young girl from the slums of the city, trained to be an assassin-was forced to seize control of the Skewed Throne from the previous Mistress and become the new ruler of the city. But Varis knows nothing about politics or power. She only knows how to survive. But as she grapples with the reins of leadership and retaining control of the Skewed Throne-helped by the Seeker Erick, her advisor Arrend, the merchant Borund, and the previous Mistress Eryn-a new threat arises. Something dreadful is coming. Something from the sea. Something that will challenge Varis' understanding of the powers of the throne and her hold on the city. Because this force knows of the throne, knows that Amenkor is vulnerable, and it is driven by complete and utter desperation. There is no turning back. It must have the Skewed Throne. And it will destroy everything and everyone in Amenkor to get it.