The glorious Crown Tournament draws hundreds of arcanists from around the world to battle in magical martial arts competitions...
The prize? More riches than anyone can spend in a lifetime-and a ceremonial crown to mark the winner for an entire decade until the next tournament begins. And while most obviously want the wealth, a certain pair of arcanists want the crown instead. Master Elias is bonded to a syrocko drake, a deadly creature capable of controlling the desert winds. He recruits young Amir Rosewood, a kirin arcanist capable of powerful magic, to help him win the tournament-and the prize crown. Why seek out the crown? It holds a secret, one that can turn whoever holds it into a powerful god-like arcanist. Unfortunately, Elias and Amir aren't the only ones who know, and their underhanded opponents will stop at nothing to acquire the crown for themselves.