Septimus, Jenna, and Beetle assume larger roles in their Magykal world and continue Septimus' efforts to defeat the Dark Domaine by relighting the ancient Alchemie Fyre, a task that reveals magical origins and tests key loyalties.

After learning that she is the Princess, Jenna is whisked from her home and carried toward safety by the Extraordinary Wizard, those she always believed were her father and brother, and a young guard known only as Boy 412--pursued by agents of those who killed her mother ten years earlier.

Wolf Boy is sent on a Task by Aunt Zelda, while Septimus and the dragon, Spit Fyre, fly off to bring their friends home, but they all wind up on an island whose secrets are as dangerous as its inhabitants.