It's been many months since Rafel ventured over Barl's Mountains into the unknown, in a desperate bid to seek help for their ravaged land. With his father's Weather Magic exhausted, there seemed no other hope. Now this too has died. Only Deenie believes Rafel still lives, sensing her brother in tortured dreams. She also knows she must try to find him, as only Rafel's talents can heal their land. The prospect terrifies Deenie, yet she sees no other choice. Deenie soon learns of a dangerous power. She comes to suspect that not only is her brother involved, but that the evil their father destroyed is somehow reborn. The Reluctant Mageis the sequel to The Prodigal Mage, and continues one of the most popular fantasy series of recent years.