An imprudent daytrip to the Italian city of Trieste goes badly wrong when Kat and her witch companions linger past dusk. They're discovered by Directorate agents, and barely escape with their lives.
Kat's grandmother is not so lucky. Kat receives word her Napa compound has been attacked by the Vodas's forces, and Imara is only just clinging to life.
There's mounting evidence that the Vodas has revived a barbaric feudal practice, and is building an elite force of bloodsworn soldiers, loyal till death, fuelled by a seemingly endless supply of the Directorate's prized "old blood". He seems unbeatable ... unless, of course, they can find a way to cut off his blood supply at its source.
An urban fantasy full of vampires, werewolves and shapeshifters, which is perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments and Julie Kagawa's Blood of Eden series.