Desperate to find a cure for the curse of immortality and the episodes of berserk fury and debilitating visions that torment him, Reeth Caldason has traded his fighting skills for the promise of access to powerful ancient magic. But the Resistance group he reluctantly joined as part of the bargain is in disarray since their plans to found an island Utopia free from tyranny were betrayed by one of their own. Now, Reeth is trapped on the Diamond Isle, fending off the pirates that plague the surrounding waters. Despite his romantic entanglement with one of the freedom fighters, Serrah, and the responsibility he feels towards Kutch, a young magician's apprentice, he is determined to set off on the search for his cure. But as his visions grow stranger, Serrah and Kutch begin to understand his true nature and the great power it represents. Back on the mainland, Reeth's arch-enemy, Devlor Bastorran, remains intent on destroying him. Overshadowing everything is the threat of Zerreiss, the conquering barbarian warlord who uses an enigmatic ability to sweep all before him. The spectre of war looms.