Aeronwy Silverdream is a Flamekeeper in exile—and a newly minted Illumination apprentice. The Eternal Library once led the oppression of Aeronwy’s people, those who worship the volcano deity Cináed; now e’s working in its highest office, learning the craft of magic bookbinding. What could possibly go wrong?
Plenty, it turns out. Aeronwy expected to unearth memories of the religious cult e grew up in, not a centuries-old legacy connecting em to the founders of the Library itself. Throw in a little institutional bias, a romantic relationship with coworker Juniper Starstitch, and an increasingly toxic friendship with Mairead Moonsea, and you’ve got enough friction to start a fire.
Only, Aeronwy loves fire, just as e loves the volcano deity e hasn’t spoken to in seven years. Sometimes destruction is an act of creation; Aeronwy will need to decide what to burn and what to keep in order to create a new, better life for emself. Thankfully, e’s got help: mentor Catrina Rosefall, quirky artist and former circus actor, isn’t going to let em down—no matter what.