Holland Keene hates the label accidental, like their magic is a mistake. As a nonbinary, biracial teenager, Holland is tired of carving their own space between society’s tickboxes. Starting magic school was supposed to change that, but Holland discovers that the world of lucents—magic users—discriminates against outsiders like them.

Danny Dubois is descended from powerful lucents. His politician grandfather fuels inequalities against accidentals. Danny strives to uphold the reputation of his tyrannical family, desperate to obtain their approval. 

As classmates, Danny and Holland clash on every topic they discuss, from pronouns to politics. Beyond the school gates, accidentals ignite a battle for equality. Firebrand Holland takes up the torch, campaigning for their rights and condemning Dubois politics. Yet through mutual friends and shared brilliance at spellwork, Holland and Danny kindle an unlikely friendship that sparks forbidden romance. With their world on the brink of rebellion, Danny is torn between following in his grandfather’s footsteps or defying him to blaze a trail with Holland. Inevitably, Holland must choose how to belong in the lucent world: either to the revolution they champion, or the person they love.