Michael is a Kingman and is at a trial where he is being accused of High Treason. He reflects on following in his father's footsteps. We seem to start at the end and then flashback to the beginning as Michael prepares to tell his story. The first person voice is distinctive. There was not enough of the book to get a sense for the magic that inhabits this world. To be honest, the voice was not to my taste. It was a bit too distant and reserved for me.