Fourteen-year-old Brystal Evergreen has always known she was destined for great things, that is, if she can survive the oppressive Southern Kingdom. The only escape she has are books, but since it's illegal for women to read in her country, she has to find creative ways of acquiring them. Working as a maid at her local library gives her the perfect excuse to be near them and allows her to sneak a few titles home when no one is looking. But one-day Brystal uncovers a secret section of the library and finds a book about magic that changes her life forever.