The vampire world is in crisis. Old vampires, roused from slumber in the earth are doing the bidding of a Voice commanding that they indiscriminately burn vampire-mavericks in cities across the globe, forcing a host of familiar characters to put aside their differences and fight for their survival....

It is the beginning of December at Nideck Point. Oak fires are burning in the stately flickering hearths, and the community prepares for its annual festival. For Reuben, now infused with the Wolf Gift and under the loving tutelage of the Morphenkinder, this promises to be a Christmas like no other....