Kat Benson makes her living playing cards, but won't use magic because that's cheating. Then she runs into a prince and finds herself in the middle of a whole new game, where it's not just her money or even her heart that's at stake. Because Kat has enemies she doesn't even know about, and they've got the whole kingdom in their sights.

Marra Wend loves the theatre, pretty dresses, a flirtatious glance from a handsome man - and firing the guns on her warship. One of the most successful privateer captains in Surland, Marra is dispatched to capture the notorious pirate Nat Blue, although she suspects he may not be what he appears. But discovering his secrets will force Marra to reveal secrets of her own, including powers that might be best shared only with the sea.

Aura Fairweather has played many roles - from queens on the stage to the real king's most scandalous mistress. But now she must play the most difficult part of her life. An old love has come back, bringing news of her long-lost family, and to rescue them she must embrace her power over the wild element of fire - a power she has always hidden before.

Searra just wants to play her harp, and use her powers over the wind to turn away suitors she doesn't really care for. But the other witches on Crescent Island keep trying to drag her into an ancient feud. Now she must not only seek help from workers of the water, earth, and fire, but she must find a way to control a much older, much stranger magic, and if she can't it might mean her life.