Sorrell Pyreshade makes her own destiny. Astride the deck of her warship, the Indomitable, she sails the high seas, bringing ruin to her enemies. On the eve of her greatest triumph, she stands poised to realize her lifelong dream. A dream that will rock the Coriddian Empire to its very foundations. No other woman would dare make the attempt. But Sorrell is no ordinary woman. Meanwhile, Kaiser and Lacrael still search for the High King's next champion. With Gustavus and the crew of his ship, the Golden Dawn, they navigate hostile waters as they try to stay one step ahead of the relentless Mazareem. Kaiser continues to grieve the loss of his wife, and every day brings a new struggle to live with her memory. Lacrael wrestles to hold onto her faith in the High King when it seems that everyone else is giving into doubt. As Sorrell steps forward to master her future, fates converge to see the next champion arise.