The story begins with Alina Starkov, a powerful magician known as a Sun Summoner, hiding with an underground group of religious fanatics. Her powers have been depleted from the fight with the Darkling in the previous novel, yet they still believe her to be their only hope in defeating the Darkling. In order to regain her strength, she seeks out the Firebird, a creature that is able to amplify Alina’s power.
Her best friend Mal helps her to look for the Firebird. However, they realize that they must also look for Prince Nikolai as he has the power over the element of air and he could help them defeat the darkling. Prince Nikolai is found and he agrees to help them. He also confesses his love for Alina and insists upon their marriage, but she does not love him back.
Alina then undergoes training with a woman known as Baghra, who teaches her to harness her powers. Her strength recovers but she is soon attacked by the Darkling, who kills Baghra. They manage to escape the Darkling and look for the Firebird once again. However, Alina realizes that the firebird isn’t an amplifier but it is actually Mal who is the amplifier. She must kill Mal in order to use his power for her own. Mal sacrifices himself for her and Alina manages to overthrow the Darkling. The story ends with Alina using the remainder of her power to resurrect Mal.
