Life has never been normal for young Stephunos. There's his hyper little brother, the fact that he is a young nobleman, a warrior, and a mage. If his best friend, Chara, isn't beating him senseless, his little brother is playing practical jokes on him. Even though he is twelve, he is already the best swordsman around. Well at least in practice, since he has never had to really fight anyone. Stephunos' already unusual life is about to get even stranger, as he and his friend set out on a grand trading adventure. Stephunos and his brother must keep their magical powers hidden, even from their friends, for these are very dangerous times for anyone with such powers. This isn't easy when there is a vampire around and you are being hunted by an evil mage. Then there is a strange island, far to the North, where there are very intelligent dragons, unicorns, and many more mystical creatures waiting to be rediscovered. While Stephunos is away, Stephunos' parents must defend their home county from an invading army, since their Dukes many enemies are attacking! If they can all survive to return home, will there be a home to return to?

本書の最大の魅力は、十二歳の少年ステフノスが抱える「秘められた力」という重圧と、瑞々しい成長譚の絶妙なバランスにあります。魔法使いであることを隠しながら戦士として生きる彼の葛藤は、単なる冒険を超えて、自己のアイデンティティを確立しようとする少年の内面を鮮烈に描き出しています。 また、家族や友人との親密な日常と、吸血鬼や邪悪な魔導師が跋扈する過酷な外の世界との鮮やかな対比が、物語に重層的な深みを与えています。帰るべき場所が戦火に晒される中での決死の旅路は、読者に「真の勇気とは何か」を強烈に問いかけ、ファンタジーの枠組みを借りた至高の人間ドラマへと昇華されています。