This book makes for quite substantial reading, but it is well written and definitely worthwhile. It follows Gabriel, a young man from a fairly prosperous family living in the fantasy city of Navora, the heart of a powerful empire. The story kicks off at his father's funeral, where he is expected to follow his father's footsteps and take over his business, but he declines and insists upon his wish to become a healer. The book then goes on to detail his relationship with the Shinali, who live on the plains near the city, and also the unrest in Navora as the Empress and her advisors go through a power struggle. There is quite a bit of action in the book. Probably best for people in the middle to top of the cool-reads age range.