Trapped in the deadly Valley of Perdition, Richard's worst fears come magically to life and threaten to kill him. Enduring powerful and disturbing visions about those he holds dear, Richard is forced to make gut-wrenching choices that test his will, tempt his sense of right and wrong, and take him to the brink of death. Meanwhile, the world's most powerful sorceress, Sister Nicci, plots to murder Kahlan, who leads Zedd, Cara and the new Seeker, Leo, on a quest to find Richard. During their long journey, Cara's deepening feelings for Leo bring her to an emotional crossroads.

While the Keeper wages war on the living, Richard, Kahlan, Zedd and Cara set out to rescue a group of villagers who may have been kidnapped by banelings -- dead souls returned from the Underworld by the Keeper in exchange for killing someone every day to stay alive. As the rescue attempt grows intense, Cara proposes a deadly covenant with the ruthless Darken Rahl to protect the Seeker. Meanwhile, a dubious magic peddler strikes a deal with Zedd's wayward brother to sell a potion that might threaten Rahl's plan and cure banelings of their bloodlust once and for all.