Birdalone, a young woman stolen as a child by a witch, escapes in a magical boat to explore the mysterious islands of a vast lake. Her journey is one of self-discovery and female empowerment, as she navigates the perils of the Black Valley and the Isle of Nothing. The story is steeped in the atmosphere of a medieval romance, yet it subverts the genre by placing a heroine at the helm of the quest. It is a lyrical and enchanting fantasy that explores the nature of freedom and beauty.