In this second Shadow of the Avatar novel, Elminster must thwart a society of shapeshifters with draconian designs on Faerûn The Time of Troubles has arrived. Blood and strife plague Faerûn while monsters and avatars roam the land with reckless abandon. But wrathful and warring gods are not Faerûn's only problem. The dreaded and insidious Shadowmasters have seized the opportunity to increase their influence and power while Mystra and her minions are otherwise engaged. The Shadowmasters weave a magical cloak of spells that will render the wearer invisible to their rival's magic. The shadow over Faerûn spreads.