On the East Coast, it is common knowledge that the "Devil's West" is full of monsters, magicians, and magic, but for Isobel, it is home. She grows up in a saloon, serving drinks, folding laundry, spying on gamblers. However, when she comes of age, Isobel become's the Territory's Left Hand and goes on the road with Gabriel, a rough rider, who teaches her secrets she never imagined, and warns of the cracking of the bones of the earth and the doom that is coming.