The gadda look human, act human, interact with humans, but come from a different ancestor and so have access to the energy of the world around them. With this energy, they can perform magic. For centuries, the gadda have worked to maintain balance in using the power and to keep their identity secret from the rapidly expanding human race. All this is now at risk - the most terrible of gadda teachings, the Forbidden Texts, have been stolen and the race is on to find them. Maggie Shaunessy has a well-deserved reputation as a troublemaker within the gadda, but she has to learn to curb those antics when she falls in love. Then her career path is totally overturned when the Grenanome is killed and she must take over. Her lover, Lucas Manly, didn't know he was gadda, until he met Maggie. When he finds out who his father really is, it's uncertain if he'll be allowed to stay. Love is difficult enough - at this time, it's deadly.