Liana used to spend her days helping her cousin herd sheep on the upper slopes of the volcanic island near their village, but once she turned thirteen her mother declared this behavior unacceptable. Now Liana’s days are filled with chores and endless discussions about who she might end up marrying when she’s a few years older. No one bothers to ask if she wants to get married.

What Liana wants is to become a priestess, and speak with the gods—like Struognuli, the god of fire, who lives in the volcano on the next island over. But no matter how badly she wishes she could, she can’t speak to the gods.

When a group of strangers come to the island, everyone thinks they’re there to trade…everyone but Liana and her cousin. Why are the men really there? And when Liana finds out the truth, what can she do about it?