A human changeling child coming of age in a world of violence and monsters. Jane toils unceasingly alongside trolls, dwarves, shifters and feys in the dank, stygian bowels of a steam dragon plant - helping to construct the massive black iron flying machines the elven rulers use for waging war. Then one day, the cold, tantalizing voice of a rusting, discarded dragon speaks softly to Jane - whispering to her of freedom and vengeance...and the terrible wonders awaiting her far beyond the factory gates.