After Maeve O'Neill's rash decision to free magic, Boston is under lockdown as it spreads across the city. The whole world is in shock. Maeve must prove that normal people can control their new abilities before DODSI, the secret government agency overseeing magic, makes good on its threats of imprisonment or possibly worse. But she isn't making progress as the New Alliance questions her decision to unbind Earth's magic and she's forced to cover for Silas while the Fates send him on mysterious errands. When Maeve accidentally releases a creature from another realm onto the city streets, her face is splashed all over the news and DODSI demands that she figure out a way to rebind magic or face dire consequences. Maeve has to find a way to keep magic free while protecting her people, but she realizes someone is working against her when unexplained tears between realms open all around Boston, spewing unearthly creatures into the city. She can't trust the government or her own people, and thanks to their deal with the Fates, she can't even trust Silas. The only option left? Turning to old enemies.