In this sequel to Maledicte, Janus Ixion fights against Antyre's ruling class and his devious former tutor, Prince Ivor of Itarus, to bring about an industrial revolution. But when old demonic gods return to Antyre and possess Janus's wife, Psyke, and the witless orphaned boy-king Adiran, Janus's manipulations and all-consuming ambition will force him and his country to choose between the rule of resurgent gods, or a victor's throne of ashes.