In a world where demigods and demons walk among mortals, the Emperor of the vast Burnt Empire has died, leaving a turbulent realm without an emperor. Two young princes, Adri and Shvate, are in line to rule, but birthright does not guarantee inheritance: For any successor must sit upon the legendary Burning Throne and pass The Test of Fire. Imbued with dark sorceries, the throne is a crucible--one that incinerates the unworthy. Adri and Shvate pass The Test and are declared heirs to the empire... but there is another with a claim to power, another who also survives: a girl from an outlying kingdom. When this girl, whose father is the powerful demonlord Jarsun, is denied her claim by the interim leaders, Jarsun declares war, vowing to tear the Burnt Empire apart--leaving the young princes Adri and Shvate to rule a shattered realm embroiled in rebellion and chaos.

Two princes, Shvate and Adri, are born in Hastinaga, capital of the vast Krushan empire-one blind, the other albino. Though one cannot see, and the other cannot face sunlight, the Dowager Empress Jilana and Prince Regent Vrath assure their people and allies that all will be well. Any rumblings of dissent are summarily quashed and none dares challenge the might of the Burnt Empire. But when Jarsun of Reygistan's daughter is spurned by the ruling family despite her legitimate claim to the Throne, Jarsun-powerful demonlord-embarks upon a relentless campaign to destroy the Burnt Empire-and all who stand in his way.