Felix Carmer III, a magician's apprentice, knows that his master's magic is all smoke, mirrors, pulleys, and sleight of hand--but when he meets Grit, a flightless faerie princess, he discovers magic is very real. They strike a deal--Carmer will help Grit investigate some disturbing fairy disappearances, while Grit will use her real magic to help Carmer's mechanical illusions win a huge prize in the biggest magic competition in the land.

When magician's apprentice Felix Carmer III and his faerie companion Grit come across a magical flying circus, it becomes clear that there is something not normal about it or its inventor, and that it may be related to regional airship disasters.