As word of their existence and addictive power spreads, various factions struggle to exploit, control, or contain them. The struggle has deeper consequences than any of the participants expect, however, and soon ancient prejudices, noble pride, and some very nasty reptilian assassins enter the picture. It all adds up to a ferocious storm for Danilo, Arilyn, and Elaith, battered and tossed as they solve the mystery and face personal demons along the way. I don't think it will come as a surprise to anyone that the dream spheres are a form of magical drug and that the struggle over them is essentially a struggle for domination or defeat of a drug trade. The plot is far more character driven with a surprising depth.
New characters work themselves into the web of the story as well.
There's a lot happening in this novel, but Elaine brings it all together with an expert touch. It's fascinating to watch as all of threads are drawn together. There are two things in particular that impressed me as I read this novel. One is rather minor, but adds a great deal of flavour, and that is Elaine's attention to the detail in her fight scenes. Her descriptions of duelling aren't just a matter of parries and thrusts, but of shifting balance and careful strikes.