For many centuries, the continent of Kyertania has been bound by eternal ice, and the cities are surrounded by the deadly and alluring Chill. Only snitires live in it—extraordinary beasts that exist simultaneously in two layers of reality: the World and the Soul. Parts of the snitiers’ bodies sustain life on the continent. Their hearts beat instead of the engines of trains and machines, and their eyes cut through the darkness instead of lamps… Only препараторы can hunt snitires—people with special physical properties. Three recruit-preparators—Sorta, Ulm, and Misse—go to be trained for this honorable service. But will each of them be able to withstand the trials fate has prepared?