In the land of Yohan, James knows one painful truth above all others — orphans never become apprentices. Abandoned by his parents at eight, James is homeless and alone, with only a gang of delinquents as companions until he is taken in by the kindly Master Wand-maker Othano.
Under Othano's tutelage, James begins to learn all he can about the history of wands and Yohan. However, his newfound peace and security is threatened by a growing revolution and Othano's disappearance. Now branded a traitor, James must find Othano, escape the revolutionaries, clear their names, and discover the secrets of The Owl-Headed Wand.