Rossamnd has exchanged Winstermill and the dangerous life of a lamplighter for Brandenbrass and an even more dangerous life as factotum to the aristocratic monster-slayer, Europe. Fear and self-doubt must wait, however, as she plunges headlong into the fulgar's day-to-day life of political manoeuvring, high-society parties and well-paid monster-hunting. But whispers and rumours about her new factotum place Europe herself in danger, and now Rossamnd and the Branden Rose will face the ultimate battle against their enemies, the black-hearted schemers who would destroy them both.