William dreams of wielding magic. With a father who raises the dead, he knows he can be a great magician. Except his dad would rather put his fist on his face, than ever teach him anything. It was not until a close call with Death, that his father shows pity and curiosity to his dream. He urges him to study under Death. He happily agrees, seeks Death out, and wins his trust.

But life as Death's apprentice isn't all about strewing flesh and painting blood marks. It is about being a soldier of war against demons and being hunted by exorcists. As William survives these dangers, he discovers purpose and the true reason for his father's sudden sympathy. The discovery forces William to either become the great magician who saves the people or the one who casts death upon all.