Young Christopher Chant, in training to become the next Chrestomanci or head controller of magic in the world, becomes a key figure in a battle with renegade sorcerers because he has nine lives.

When Charmain is asked to housesit for Great Uncle William, the Royal Wizard of Norland, she is ecstatic to get away from her parents, but finds that his house is much more than it seems.

All over the universe the balance of magic is protected by Magids, who hide deep secrets from normal people and make sure the right things happen at the right time. Even if that means giving events a little push. Rupert Venables is the junior Magid on earth, so when his old mentor dies it's up to him to find a replacement out of five possibilities. None of whom know anything about magic, or want to be involved. Oh, and stop an Empire collapsing, and...