Paris in the late 1800's. there used to be four Houses that protected a fragment from the Tower of Babel. One House fell and one House died out. Except that might not be true. There is magic in this world- both powers and abilities. And interesting characters-like Severin who isn't affiliated with a House, but whose father was the head of a House that is no longer recognized. And we have no idea why Severin is not the head of his family House. And why is he acquiring (aka stealing) magic-imbued objects? And his crew is really interesting- I want to know them better! Can't wait to read more!