The evil necromancer Dom Daniel has been disposed of, but something Darke is stirring. A Shadow pursues Extra Ordinary Wizard Marcia Overstrand around, following her every move, growing stronger every day. Septimus senses something sinister is afoot, but before he can act, Jenna is snatched - taken by the most unlikely kidnapper. Septimus must rescue his sister but does not, at first, realise what he will be facing.