When he awakes, he discovers an apocalyptic cataclysm has wiped out several areas of the land, including Tir Asleen, killing Madmartigan and Sorsha.

Geryn informs Thorn that he is en route back there to celebrate Elora Danan's ascension to the throne on her thirteenth birthday.

Thorn, not revealing his identity, sets off to Angwyn with his ship-sailing companions Morag and Maulroon, alongside Geryn and Wyr captain Ryn.

An aide to Castellan Mohdri - leader of the kingdom's Thunder Riders - tells him that Willow is already in Angwyn, and warned of an impostor.

Thorn escapes in time to apprehend the false Willow at Elora's ceremony, where one ruler from each of the twelve realms is bearing witness.

Geryn reveals he is an ally to Mohdri, who he joins in pursuing Thorn, Elora, Khory, Ryn, Rool, Franjean and the eagles to a dormant volcano near Doumhall.

Anele and Bastian help Thorn and Elora ward off The Deceiver, while Geryn sacrifices himself as a show of loyalty to the Castellan.

In the aftermath, Elora, knowing Thorn to be the true Willow, deduces that the bear he gifted her twelve years ago protected her from the Cataclysm.

Declaring that a "Shadow War" has now begun, Thorn expresses hope that he and Elora will receive new allies who can aid in their fight against The Deceiver.

The two hosts, Conor Lastowka and Michael J. Nelson, described it as the worst book they had read so far, even worse than Sean Penn's Bob Honey Who Just Do Stuff.