Magic and mystery. that’s what the day of the summer solstice promised.
Magic and mystery. That’s what the summer solstice promised, but it was more than she bargained for.
Seventeen-year-old farm girl, Branwen, isn't afraid of the ancient burial mound hidden within the forest outside of town. Tales of missing children and unbelievable magic only adds to the mystery and magic of the place. She needs to see it for herself, but her mother won’t allow her to go near it.
After a dangerous encounter with a mythical wolf, Branwen slips away to discover what else might be real. Unfortunately, once she reaches the ancient mound, a strange power drags her, kicking and screaming, through the dark tomb into a world filled with cruelty and beauty known as the Sidhe, where everything - even kindness - has a price.
Escape seems nearly impossible when she is captured by servants of the vicious harpy-queen Celaeno. Thrown into the harpy-queen’s intolerable prison, Branwen finds more human children and resolves to save them all. But, to do so, she must team up a group of unlikely allies, rebellious fae also locked up. However, their escape plan forces them to confront an army of vicious redcaps, creatures who bathe in the blood of their victims.
Now that her indomitable spirit has earned her a chance at freedom, Branwen must decide what or who she must sacrifice in order to return home.