The story follows the fate of two half brothers. Lysaer, who is fair of hair and small in stature, is considered the Gift of Light; he is the born ruler of his land. Arithon, however, is quite the opposite of his brother in more than just looks. Considered a pirate and rogue, the dark-haired Master of Shadows and Magery is pitted against Lysaer just as they begin to work out a truce.

Peril's Gate follows the next stage in this war, a fight that neither brother really wants. Stuck in the winter land, hiding from his enemies, Arithon finds help in the most unlikely of people: Devian, the sorcerer who was one of the chief proponents of this war, has now reached out a helpful hand to the Master of Shadows. But can Arithon trust the sorcerer? (L.H.)