As an orphan and an outcast from the morg society, Marvin's childhood is about finding a place to belong. He is fortunate to find a temporary home with the dwarves. Raised in a society radically different from the ways of his people, he does his best to fit in. In this he is assisted by his loving adoptive parents and a timely intervention of The Omnipotent One. She foresees more clearly than anyone else the pivotal role that he would one day play in the affairs of her world.

As an adult, Marvin's potential cannot be contained by the affairs of the dwarves. Eager to learn about the world and define his place in it, he embarks on a far-reaching journey that takes him to many parts of The Ethereal World and their inhabitants - other friendly races, their allies and enemies, his own people, elementals and other magical beings, and ultimately, The Omnipotent One herself. As he gains knowledge of the world and his magical power grows, he becomes the champion of their joint cause and the glue that holds them together.

But as his power and that of his allies gain ascendancy, his resolve begins to falter. What started off as an uncomplicated struggle against evil has since acquired many shades of grey. He must find his way again if he is to make sense of the events that are shaping their world and prevent it from unravelling.