The most dangerous book in existence has been...misplaced, and the head of the Magicians Guild has returned after a very long...holiday, which, for Tobias Edmondson and Norbert Tassel can mean only one thing. The rules of their petty, show-stealing rivalry will change whether they like it or not. 

Everyone wants to book London's famous Egyptian Hall, and sometimes you have to fight dirty for the privilege. But on the 20th of November, 1879, the stakes have been raised and the games are about to turn deadly. 

Love is disastrous, alliances are fickle, and friendships are easily broken. But in the grander scheme, these things now seem quite small.

In the race to find the Maelstrom Codex, who will triumph? And who will be forced to pay with their life?