Late in the Warring States period, on a winter night in Handan.
Zichu, a hostage from Qin, is humiliated in Zhao. His son Ying Zheng is still an infant, yet already a thorn in Zhao's side.
On the night a comet streaks across the Big Dipper, the Mohists launch the “Pathguard Plan,” believing the boy to be the “Emperor Star” destined to end the age of chaos.
The Mohist leader finds an orphan named Mo Ying and trains him to become Ying Zheng's “shadow.”
From Handan to Mount Zhongnan, the two boys depend on each other as they flee their pursuers. On the journey back to Qin, young Ying Zheng begins to show his precocious brilliance, while Mo Ying protects him with loyalty and ingenuity.
Once they reach Xianyang, the dangers lurking at court exceed all expectations. Lü Buwei's inscrutable schemes, Queen Dowager Huayang's probing questions, and the murderous intent of rival factions...
The Mohists hope to use their “craft” as a bridge, trusting that the future ruler will embrace their “way.” But Ying Zheng yearns for the absolute power to end the turmoil.
The Emperor Star and his shadow grow up amid bloody intrigue and power struggles. When the young man is finally crowned, where will the shadow at his side, the weapon in his hand, and the ideals in his heart lead him?
