Elician is a Giver with the power to raise the dead, and though it’s forbidden for Givers to rule, he is crowned King of Soleb. Determined to end a generations-long war with the kingdom of Alelune, he is prepared to marry Cat, Alelune's rightful heir. 

But Cat is a Reaper, able to kill with a touch, and feared by even his own people. His claim to the throne is a gamble at best, but before he can challenge his tyrannical brother, Gillage, the goddess of death releases a devastating plague across the continent.

To stop it, Elician and Cat must confront Death herself, leaving Elician's rebellious sister, Fen, to do what she can to heal the sick in their absence. But when a coup threatens to upend her brother’s reign, Fen must decide exactly what she is willing to sacrifice to help her brother succeed. 

With two countries at stake, the death toll rising, and the struggle for Alelune’s throne hanging in the balance, it’s a race against time to appease the wrath of a god.