Professional wizard Harry Dresden finds his life spiralling out of control when the Red Court of Vampires' champion sets out to kill him, professional hit men use him for target practice, he becomes involved in a murder investigation, and his ex-girlfriend returns.

What if damnation is the price of true love? Innocent blood has been spilled on the steps of the Council Hall, the sacred stronghold of the Shadowhunters. In the wake of the tragic death of Livia Blackthorn, the Clave teeters on the brink of civil war. One fragment of the Blackthorn family flees to Los Angeles, seeking to discover the source of the disease that is destroying the race of warlocks. Meanwhile, Julian and Emma take desperate measures...