Philip Athans, *the New York times* best-selling author of *Annihilation* , continues the epic saga begun in *Whisper of Waves* of a man consumed by his obsession and driven by an overwhelming vision of what might be. **The Wizard** Furthering the plots of the Red Wizards of Thay while spinning his own webs, he works in the shadows, manipulating the highest reaches of power. **The Woman** Tormented by the ghosts of the past and her own passions, she walks the fine line between sanity and madness, and her obsession may destroy the one thing she loves most. **The Man** A visionary who cares nothing for the petty squabbling of those in power, his one desire is to accomplish his greatest work. ** **