Rossamund Bookchild's lamplighting career has been brought to a dramatic close, and he now faces a new life as personal assistant to Europe, a powerful monster-hunter. As he settles into his new role, he finally discovers the story of his origins - a story that must remain hidden if he is to survive in a land divided by the conflict between men and monsters.

But now that he knows the truth, how can Rossamund work alongside a professional monster-hater? Only his loyalty to Europe keeps him by her side as they embark on a dangerous monster-hunting tour that must in tragedy...