Markham is searching in Seattle for the woman who ripped part of his soul from his body. All he wants is to get back what was taken from him while remaining unnoticed by the organization of magicians known as the Watchers to whom he once belonged. He carries with him the Chorus, a chain of souls bound to him. The Chorus helps him perform magic, but he starts to realize they might have strong opinions of their own. Those opinions just might be at odds with what he wants.

At its heart, the story is of someone trying to find answers about how his life got so out of his control. Though he isn’t quite searching for redemption, he is seeking answers and, perhaps, healing.

The use of real world texts from Aleister Crowley and Dr. Dee to Hermes Trismegistus makes for an interesting and layered alternate world of magic and hidden societies. It’s a fast paced novel full of little philosophical and mystic asides which help to make the world and characters feel very real.

If you enjoy books which treat texts of the real world as if they refer to magical fact, fast paced novels, and well developed characters, this book is great choice.