With the Seanchan invasion force in possession of Ebou Dar, Nynaeve, Elayne and Aviendha head for Caemlyn and Elayne's rightful throne, but discover a worse enemy than the Seanchan.

In Illian, Rand vows to throw the Seanchan back as he did once before. But signs of madness appearing among the Asha'man lead him to a fateful—perhaps fatal—decision.

In Ghealdan, Perrin faces the intrigues of Whitecloaks, Seanchan invaders, the scattered Shaido Aiel, and the Prophet himself. Perrin's beloved wife, Faile, may pay with her life, and Perrin himself may destroy his soul to save her.

Meanwhile, the rebel Aes Sedai under their young Amyrlin, Egwene al'Vere, face an army that intends to keep them away from the White Tower. But Egwene is determined to unseat the usurper Elaida and reunite the Aes Sedai. She does not yet understand the price that others—and she herself—will pay.

What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.