[4] The novel takes place on a world in which humans live in "spires," huge cylindrical arcologies 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) tall and 2 miles (3.2 km) across.

Within their halls, aristocratic houses have ruled for generations, developing scientific marvels, fostering trade alliances, and building fleets of Airships to keep the peace.

He introduces them to Ferus and Folly (etherealists), and contracts Captain Grimm to transport them with the promise of new lift crystals for his damaged ship.

After entering a tavern, Gwen, Benedict, and Ferus are attacked by a massive silkweaver matriarch, who displays remarkable intelligence for what is supposedly a simple beast.

Meanwhile, Bridget, Rowl and Folly find themselves ambushed by a teeming mass of silkweaver hatchlings, silverfish-like insects with a venomous bite.

They find adult silkweavers guarding the women, and all seems to be lost until Rowl arrives with a force of 200 cats to turn the tide.

The Auroran invaders set more firebombs off throughout the predominantly wooden Habble Landing, before escaping on a pirate vessel named the Mistshark, captained by Grimm's ex-wife, Calliope Ransom.

Emerging victorious from the battle, Grimm's team returns to Spire Albion, to prepare for the upcoming war with Aurora, knowing that a deeper enemy lurks behind the attacks.