The magical world of Artimé is gone. The Unwanteds have no food, no water, and no hope. And everyone is looking to Alex Stowe for answers.

Overwhelmed and feeling totally helpless, Alex knows it's up to him to find a way to restore Artimé, rescue his captive friends, and free Megan from her voice-stealing necklace of thorns--three impossible tasks. But could help lie with the silent, orange-eyed newcomers?

Meanwhile, in the stark land of Quill, Alex's twin brother Aaron continues to build his army, preparing for the ultimate showdown with the Unwanteds. But a shocking twist reveals that Alex and Aaron share a common enemy more dangerous than either could have imagined...