In the beginning, The Creator shaped the world with her pure magic. With what was left she filled those souls she deemed worthy of experiencing the highest levels of existence. A blessed few are born with pure magic, most are not; that's just the way it's always been. Until a synthetic magic emerged from the dark depths of a hidden laboratory. With power capable of matching that of the Purists at the fingertips of any willing to seize it, the world has changed. A war has been sparked between the substance-fueled Lotus and the naturally talented Purists. 

Follow the catalysts that drive that war; The Lotus Queen, the brilliant alchemist hell bent on cleansing the world of pure magic. And Alaric Sampson, a Purist that has taken it upon himself to gather the forces necessary to stop her.

Travel with those bound to each as they get swept up by the whirlwind of death and betrayal that has been unleashed on the empire. Like Jameson Wicket, a Purist with ties to both sides of the war. And Urman Gant, a cunning commoner with a bounty on his head for more than one crime. 

Which form of magic will reign supreme?