Months after his encounter with the Snow Queen, Destan finds himself longing for adventure once more. Word has spread about his triumph over Queen Isole, and everyone is calling him a hero-a wonderful achievement if only Destan believed that too. With the pressure of the crown looming closer with each and every day, Destan wonders what it would be like to cast aside his royal life and pursue the adventures that he longs for. Perhaps then he could prove to himself that he is truly a hero worthy of recognition. When his devious cousin returns with an olive branch and a new court magician, Destan's dream of a different life becomes a reality. However, like most magic, his wish comes at a precious price. In this frightening new world filled with suave mercenaries, obsessive witches, and blood-thirsty ogres, he can't be sure who he can trust-not even the people he used to call friends. Destan realises-a little too late-that he should have been more careful about what he wished for.