It is preceded by the Circle of Magic quartet, taking place four years after the conclusion of Briar's Book.

It portrays the adventures of Sandrilene fa Toren, the noble thread mage and her first experience as a teacher of magic.

While out riding with her uncle, Sandry makes two discoveries: the murder of Roka, part of the war between organized crime families Rokat and Dihanur, and a boy named Pasco, whose dancing is visible to Sandry's magical vision as imbued with ambient magic.

"[2] A review by Ann St. John for Horn Book Magazine notes the "grisly descriptions of the crime scenes and the ongoing murders are shocking" and states "Rather than being weighed down by the dark story line, however, the fantasy emphasizes Sandry's strength of character in the face of danger and focuses on her attempts to find a solution.

"[3] In a review for School Library Journal, Eva Mitnick observes, "the admirable heroine remains calm, capable, and always ready to giggle" and states, "Violent acts are horrifying but are not graphically described.