The squabbling goblins who live in the great towers of Clovenstone spend their time fighting and looting. Only clever young Skarper understands that dark magic created by a vanquished sorcerer is rising again. From the lands of men come fortune-seekers-and trolls, giants, cloud-maidens, boglins, swamp monsters, tree-warriors and bloodthirsty goblins-who are swept into a fabulous magical conflict to thrill all fantasy fans.