Although Cypher McCall has no memories before the quake that destroyed the kingdom of Augury, she holds a steadfast hatred of the repressive Cauldian regime now occupying the country. Because her magical gifts are deemed subversive, she does her best to avoid detection--until the Cauldians plan to desecrate the ruins of nearby Castle Augur. She stumbles on a silver key that she hopes will unlock her memories, but first she must confront a long repressed horror from her past. Will the knowledge of Cypher's true identity tear her apart or will it empower her to restore everything she ever loved?