Three strangers. Two plots. One champion.

In the crater of a volcanic island, musical magic and enchanted swordplay rule society. Every seven years, a champion from each caste climbs the tournament ladder for a chance at a new life. This year, three apparent strangers—a sabotaged craftsman trying to save his mentally disabled father, a legendary duelist resisting the machinations of her master, and a janitor fighting an empathy-sapping magical talent—are desperate to reach the final battle. But, a web of strange coincidence connects them, the city is on the brink of collapse, and nothing is as it seems.

Everyone's a puppet... but who holds the strings?

"Utterly immerssive...unique worldbuilding...I could hardly put this book down...a spectacular, unforgettable read!" (Reader's Favorite)

"Soulwinder establishes Bow as a master of intrigue. Read this book."(Caleb Cage, Nevada Writers Hall of Fame Silver Pen recipient)

"Here is that rare chance to watch a craftsman work magic... A spellbinder, start to finish." (Ben Rogers, author of The Heavy Side)

"Unique magic system, complex world-building, and fascinating character interactions...impressed by this book." (Affaire de Coeur Magazine)

"Suffice to say, the magic system Bow has crafted is beautiful, the characters he has written are compelling, and the society they inhabit is flawed in the most fascinating ways." (Jennifer Debie, rosieamber.blogspot.com)