Lapinski, a manipulative and magical Russian exile, summons forth a number of highly contemporary urban pilgrims. This book explores broken dreams and self-destructive desires in a shimmering, dislocated allegory of its times.

Tehanu Ged is but a goatherd on the island of Gont when he comes by his strange powers over nature. Sent to the School of Wizards on Roke, he learns the true way of magic and proves himself a powerful magician. And it is as the Archmage Sparrowhawk that he helps the High Priestess Tenar escape the labyrinth of darkness.