Luthien Bedwyr vowed to free his beleaguered land of Eriador from its demonic ruler, Wizard-King Greensparrow. Cloaked in a scarlet cape that renders him invisible and wielding a magical sword, Luthien is known to Eriador's oppressed as the Crimson Shadow. With the rallying support of enslaved humans, defiant peasants, and Fairborn elves, he has forged a path for liberation--raid by insurgent raid.

Even with a mighty battle-ready band of stalwart comrades--including halfling thief Oliver deBurrows; fierce elf warrior Katerin O'Hale; and the ancient and mysterious mage, Brind'Amour--the rebels are fighting an uphill battle against the vile despot's escalating and bloodthirsty army of cyclopean soldiers. Then, Greensparrow makes an unexpected bid for peace. But why would a wizard so cunning and so evil suddenly concede?

Though Eriador's slaves see the compromise as cause for celebration, Luthien and Brind'Amour recognize it as a calculated trap. The Crimson Shadow knows in his heart that the war for freedom has only just begun.

Return to a rousing, magical quest in book two of a trilogy hailed by Terry Brooks as a "fine adventure filled with memorable characters and compelling action."