Following the epic showdown at Easter's party, Mr. Wednesday continues his quest to pitch the case for war to the Old Gods. Meanwhile, Mr. World plans revenge and Technical Boy goes on the hunt for Media.

Promising vengeance for the passing of a beloved old god, Mr. Wednesday begins preparation for a great battle; Laura and Mad Sweeney chase Shadow's diminishing light after he disappears.

As he is tracked by Mr. World, Shadow makes his way to Cairo, thanks to a ride from Sam Black Crow; Mr. Wednesday slyly gains Laura's help in forging an alliance with a powerful god.

While Shadow and Mr. Wednesday take a secret meeting in St. Louis, Bilquis arrives at the funeral home in Cairo, where she engages in a debate with Mr. Nancy and Mr. Ibis; Laura rejoins Mad Sweeney.

Shadow learns the ways of the dead with the help of Mr. Ibis and Mr. Nancy. In New Orleans, Mad Sweeney introduces Laura to old friends who share their world of voodoo healing. Mr. Wednesday embarks on a road trip with Salim and the Jinn.

Shadow and Mr. Wednesday seek out Dvalin to repair theballoongnir spear.

In Cairo, Mr. Wednesday entrusts Shadow with theballoongnir spear. Mad Sweeney recalls his journey through the ages as he awaits his promised battle. Once again, he warns Shadow about Wednesday.

In the aftermath of Sweeney's passing, Wednesday has disappeared, and Shadow is tormented. Those that remain witness the power o New Media as she is unleashed, and the nation is in a state of panic brought on by Mr. World.