Returning to the town of Runewood after a harrowing excursion in the Dead Forest with only an old, abandoned cauldron in tow, Alex Ravenstar and his friends in the Young Sorcerers Guild come across something that promises to make their summer vacation more exciting than ever - a carnival of traveling mages.
Alex's enthusiasm for the amazements and entertainments of the carnival is quickly crushed when he follows a mysterious shrouded figure to a darkened tent where he overhears unseen carnies discussing the Shadow Wraith. Alex barely has time to accept the fact there are followers of the Shadow Wraith hiding in the carnival when one of them tries to kill him.
Unfortunately, facing down evil carnies seems easier than pursuing a romantic adventure with Victoria, especially when the carnival brings to town several of her old friends - her ex-boyfriend among them.
Alex, Victoria, the Guild, and all their new friends must uncover the evil carnies' plot to free the Shadow Wraith before it can destroy the town of Runewood - an adventure that takes them through the magical secrets of the carnival, deep into the dangerous waters of the Silent Swamp, and forces them back to the Shadow Wraith's prison to once again face its destructive and deadly power.