Atticus Caeso, a Roman boy of 15, lives in Socratis with his father, the great Numitor Caeso, winner of the Trials and second-in-command to Governor Cicero.
All is well at first, but when the cowardly Governor of Socratis brings in military reinforcements from overseas to defeat a new dangerous threat known as the Rangers, Atti is no longer hidden from the dangers of the outside world.
During this turbulent period, Atti finally ventures out of Socratis and is thrust into a world of danger and excitement. Trying to survive in a world of dark magic and strange creatures, Atti is forced to ally with the Rangers and his father's worst enemy.
Atti must stay focused in order to defy his father while grappling with the truth about his deceased mother and their family history, just as a mysterious girl enters Atti's life at an unexpected time.