The crew of the Storm just can't catch a break. Kaira-the powerful, immortal High Lady of the Host-has been defeated, but the fight has barely begun against the powers behind her reign. The architect responsible for the Host has been located, and Pyk, Korbos, Cassidy, and Mariyana are determined to strike first, fast and hard. But can they get twice-lucky when facing off against an ancient, malevolent evil surpassing that of the Host?
Complicating things are problems within the crew itself; Korbos is struggling with his addictions, Cassidy is being haunted by a troublesome figure from her past, and Mari battles against crippling loneliness and a crisis of faith. Not to mention something seriously weird is going on with their skipship Storm. It's all Pyk can do to keep himself upbeat, especially when staring into the madness of Kaira's utterly insane "brother" Kalos and his newly-inherited horde of Hostguard and Inori priests.
As the Stormriders fight to hold themselves together with the help of friends new and old, they criss-cross the world of Elarin navigating strange cultures and creatures, unwanted homecomings, even more unwanted adversaries, and desperately searching for the edge that might assure victory in a final confrontation against a living goddess, Atia herself.