IN THE GRIM NATION OF NIDAL, CAREFULLY CHOSEN CHILDREN ARE TRAINED TO PRACTICE DARK MAGIC FOR THE GREATER GLORY OF THE MIDNIGHT LORD. ISIEM IS ONE SUCH STUDENT, A PROMISING YOUNG SHADOWCASTER WHO`S DISPATCHED ON A DIPLOMATIC MISSION TO THE MOUNTAINS OF THE DEVIL`S PERCH, WHERE HE`S MEANT TO ASSIST THE ARMIES OF DEVIL-WORSHIPING CHELIAX IN CLEARING OUT A TRIBE OF MONSTROUS WINGED HUMANOIDS. YET AS THE BODY COUNT RISES AND ISIEM COMES FACE TO FACE WITH THE PEOPLE HE`S EXTERMINATING, LINES BEGIN TO BLUR, AND THE SHADOWCASTER MUST ASK HIMSELF WHO THE REAL MONSTERS ARE. FROM LIANE MERCIEL, CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED AUTHOR OF THE RIVER KING`S ROAD AND HEAVEN`S NEEDLE, COMES A FANTASTICAL TALE OF DARKNESS AND REDEMPTION SET IN THE AWARD-WINNING WORLD OF THE PATHFINDER ROLEPLAYING GAME.