This is the second installment of the Crucible trilogy, a sweeping fantasy series set in an alternate 14th-century Europe in which both angels and devils stalk the Earth. Thomas Neville, a nobleman and former priest, is now serving as secretary to Hal Bolingbroke, the future King Henry IV of England, and current rival to the present king, Richard II. Thomas believes that this position will help him fulfill the mission laid upon him by the archangel Michael: to find a missing casket which will allow Thomas to return escaped demons back to Hell. Unfortunately, these demons have assumed human forms, which means that Thomas's enemies could be anywhere...or anyone. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.