When the mentor of the young poet Hildegunst von Mythenmetz dies, he leaves his protégé with little more than a manuscript. However, this manuscript is so flawless that Mythenmetz feels compelled to uncover the mystery of its origin. The trail leads to Buchhaim, the city of dreaming books. Upon entering, it feels as if he has burst through the door of a gigantic bookstore. He catches a whiff of acidity reminiscent of lemon trees, the invigorating aroma of old leather, and the sharp, intelligent scent of printer's ink. Once caught in the clutches of this book-obsessed city, Mythenmetz is drawn deeper into its labyrinthine world, where reading is still a real danger, ruthless book hunters crave bibliophile treasures, booklings play their tricks, and the mysterious Shadow King reigns.