It is the way of the rock trolls to advance in rank by challenging those above them in combat. When you win, you get the rank of the defeated troll, and this process extends all the way to the top. It also means that when a troll is killed, those that remain may fight for the vacated position. It is within this system that newly named King Sybrik assumes power, and that bodes ill for Tryton.  The former king saw potential in Tryton's new belief system for troll society, but Sybrik absolutely does not. In fact, Sybrik is so full of contempt for Tryton and his followers that he feels they have no place in troll society. Tryton knows he can beat most of his superiors in combat, but he also knows he cannot beat Sybrik. So it should be no surprise that shortly after Sybrik ascends to the throne, Tryton finds himself and his followers exiled from the only home he has ever known.

Luckily for Tryton all is not lost, as it is also troll tradition for an exiled troll to be assigned a task upon exile that if accomplished, will result in their reinstatement to rock troll society. Tryton's task is no easy one, and he certainly could not accomplish it alone, but it is achievable with those who have followed him into exile. Unfortunately it is going to take many years to accomplish. During that time, Sybrik will be waging war with the other races and bringing the rock trolls even closer to extinction. Can Tryton accomplish the impossible, return home and take the throne from Sybrik? What will happen to rock troll society if he does?

This book shows us 2 points of view, Tryton and Sybrik, and unfortunately, the Sybrik PoV is rather weak. He is such a one dimensional villain that his chapters are far less interesting than Tryton's. Still, the series itself is in a better place at the end of book two, and it feels better when viewed in the context of Ben Hale's other series which also take place in this same world.

Once again Ralph Lister is at the mic, so if you listened to book one and you were good with him then no reason to be concerned here. He is a decent narrator even though an odd choice to voice rock trolls.