Pressing westward the Fourteenth pursues the remnants of the Whirlwind rebellion (under Leoman of the Flails), as it seeks refuge in the fortress city of Y'Ghatan, where the Malazan Empire had previously faced its greatest defeat.

Meanwhile, Onearm's Host, restored to the favour of Empress Laseen, has landed on Seven Cities' north coast to complete the task of subduing the rebellion, despite a deadly plague.

The Bonehunters return to the heart of the Malazan Empire, where a confrontation between Tavore and the Empress Laseen results in a flight from the city.

The escape seemingly claims the life of the assassin Kalam, while Quick Ben is spirited away by Shadowthrone to join a defense of the First Throne against the Letherii.

As the Bonehunters depart the Malazan Empire, they are joined by a group of Tiste Andii, among which is Anomander Rake's son Nimander.

Publishers Weekly called the book "weighty and grim" and claimed that Erikson manages to "keep fans engaged as myriad plot lines tangle and sprawl.