The Shards of Grace have been removed from their hollowed resting places, triggering a countdown symbolized by a rain of leaves from a willow tree. When the Willow’s Rain ends, the world will be destroyed by the forces of nature so that none will survive. Only an Aneirin can find the Shards now that they have been hidden, but they are almost all dead. Only three lost children remain. 

 

Fourteen year old Catherine never asked to save the world. Orphaned with her younger sister Abigail and older brother Nathan in the town of Port Nobel, she has tried everything to help them live a normal life. She knows she has clues to her past, but she refuses to investigate, choosing a life of simplicity over the pull she feels in her heart. The island of Noleva is calling for help and although Catherine can hear its pleas, she chooses her family first. Her siblings are less willing to accept this life and grow restless. 

 

The truth of their lineage is revealed by Abigail’s teddy bear, Weaver, who reveals that only the children can save the world and insists they leave for Noleva as soon as possible. Abigail is enchanted and begs to leave, but Catherine refuses. Staying safe and staying together is more important than a fairytale. Nathan disobeys his sister’s wishes and leaves in the middle of the night, stowing away on a ship bound for what he hopes will be his destiny. 

 

Catherine follows, bringing Abby with her in hopes of keeping what’s left of their family together. They manage to sneak aboard the same ship as Nathan and hide. Weaver teaches them of their hidden power, the Sacred Fire. Catherine is hesitant to use their gift, but impetuous Abigail refuses to be cautious and severely injures herself. Just as they are reunited with Nathan, the ship is wrecked in a tempest and all three siblings are given over to the mercy of the ocean and scattered across a mysterious shore.

 

Catherine and Nathan are reunited but are hunted by monsters that defy their imagination. Abigail is lost alone, and encounters the villainous Merek, who is responsible for killing the children’s mother. Merek covets the power of the Shards and sees Abigail as his way to obtain them. Catherine must uncover new connections with inhabitants of the island and race to save her sister before it is too late. The fate of her family has become inextricably tied to the fate of the island leaving Catherine to face the ultimate question; can she save the world and her family, or is it even worth saving?