The second book in the trilogy which began with the Booker prize-winning The Famished Road

Having outwitted death, Azaro, the spirit child, remains in the land of the Living.

Oppression and violence continue to plague the city, and while political factions battle, bar owner Madame Koto backs the 'Party of the Rich' with magical, bewitching force. But for Azaro, his adventure is tied up with his parents, and so his story takes on yet another heroic adventure to save them both from the forces of the world.