"As the great chief matriarch lay dying, she gave one final decree: Upon her death there would be a contest. Having no heir of her own blood she called on the gods. Let fate decide the one truly worthy to rule in her place. The rich, the strong, the wise, the powerful; many put forward their names in hope of being chosen. But when the night came--only fifty souls alone were chosen. After surviving two terrible tasks, the remaining chosen are scattered throughout the castle, trapped by Niope's curse. Some have been transformed into her thralls or shrunk to the size of a mouse, and hope is slipping thorugh their fingers. The throne is yet to be claimed. Though weakened, Io is more determined than ever to free herself and her friends from the evil that binds them all together. But can she resist the temptation of powerful Death Magic and the pull of darkness within herself?"-- Provided by publisher.