Millennia ago, the first Rupturing of the World Shroud threatened to consume everything, the magical energy stored within the Wellsprings behind the veil leaking out with devastating consequences. But the Dawn Ones sealed that power away, sacrificing themselves so that life could continue. However, forces are at work once again that could put more strain on the magical barrier, and unbeknownst to most, a second Rupturing hangs in the balance.

Rav Trisarin is a woman of two worlds: the scion of a wealthy family and magical legacy, and the life she chooses as a thrill-seeker with a questionable relationship to the law. Together with her friend and former jailor Wymund Sylnorin, and impromptu mother-figure Annika Iatorii, they find themselves thrust into an investigation of fiery explosions in the city of Virdoba. At the center of this plot stands a mercenary named Tetamii Fiadar, a man with a powerful connection to the World Shroud and a goal of instigating international conflict.

Meanwhile, across the continent of Anera, a merchant with a stifled sense of wanderlust named Mareq Iq'Urlset sates his curiosity by digging into this scheme from the opposite side. uncovering the people being played by Tetamii's deceptions. Two parallel investigations race against the stoked flames of bigotry and economic strain, with the potential for a war based on falsehoods ready to ignite should they fail.

The Light of Shadows is the first novel in A Balance of Shade and Radiance, introducing readers to the magic-fueled action and intrigue of the Physicarium!