For centuries, the conquering Irenthi have ruled Chandris-the island where a race of shape-changers draw on a mountain's energy to enable their abilities. Sylas belongs to the oppressed Chesammos race, destined to a life of poverty in Chandris's ash desert. But he has one way out; he can shape-change. Or at least, he shows the signs. After a year of studying, changing still eludes him, and his masters grow frustrated at his lack of progress. On the brink of being sent back to digging for gems in the volcanic vents of the ash desert, the changers' most notable healer offers him an...