Ricky Rollins has a lot to live up to. He has a famous big sister, who hangs around with her famous friends. Luckily for Ricky, there are so many other paranormal problems, he doesn't really have to worry about it. Back at Paranormal Public University for his first semester of college, he has to deal with challenging classes in the face of the constant threat of attack . . . or not, since Public is steadfastly avoiding any teaching about war or battle, which is what Ricky went there to learn about in the first place. And there are other problems. Ricky's magic is unexpectedly tending toward darkness, and someone is playing pranks on campus with the aim of closing down the school. Meanwhile, Ricky tries to make friends and navigate the tricky waters of paranormal relationships. In the end, when a dear friend is attacked, Ricky is forced to step into his own and save the lives of those he loves.