Milo, transformed into a luminous silver child, keeps watch over the teeming city of Coldharbour, now filled with children from all over the world. We meet Tanni and Parminder, who lead the frightening Unearthers, children who are virtually human drills. But who is controlling them? Why are they draining Thomas of his beauty? Where is the Roar? And what is the significance of the mud dolls that Jenny makes? In an intense and page-turning story, the destinies of these magical children unfold as battlelines are drawn around them for the biggest fight ever between good and evil.