One hundred and sixty years ago, two warring Southern African tribes became unwitting surrogates in a battle between powerful spirits. Tribesmen managed to trap the evil demon, but when a group of present-day students release the imprisoned spirit, dark, comic misadventure reigns as the battle is renewed from the South African veldt to the spirit world where the demons dwell.
The Boipakeng tribe had no idea that consulting the witch would embroil them and their enemies, the Batlhaping, in the forefront of an ancient supernatural war. All seemed lost when the guardian spirit was defeated, but, through an unwelcome alliance with the white man, the Batlhaping managed to imprison the evil spirit, called a 'tokoloshe'. For many decades of the guardians have kept the location of the prison secret, but when blundering students dig up an artefact hidden in a sealed and secret room, the demon is freed. The students must now ally with the guardians of the veldt to find and finally rid the world of the evil. Across the veldt and into the labyrinth of the underworld they encounter a supernatural cast of mysterious witches, fantastic beasts, mythical legends and powerful talismans in a blend of dark comedy, fantasy-adventure and horror that would appeal to fans of Terry Pratchett and Tom Holt.