Things are different in the sky-city of Quentaris. Since the assassination of the old Archon, the city has fallen into the hands of a lazy, power-hungry ruler who cares nothing for his people only the acquisition of new and better sources of authority and wealth. Tab used to be an apprentice magician, back in the good old days. Now she mucks out stalls and tries to duck her bosss bad temper. But she hasnt forgotten her training, and practises on her own late at night. Little does she know that her talents unrecognised in the new regime will take her and her friends on an adventure they wont soon forget.
Since his first book, Almost Wednesday, James has published over thirty books for younger, middle grade and young adult readers. Many of Jamess books have won or been nominated for awards, such as One Thousand Hills, winner of the NSW Premier's Literary Award. James lives in the Blue Mountains with his wife, and in his spare time he plays in a number of bands.