Locke is a cursed, ramshackle place trapped between sheer cliffs and a foreboding, ancient forest. It is further blighted by its denizens birthing an inordinate number of deformed babies, unfortunate young souls who are stolen away and into the looming trees each Winter. The masked kidnappers of these "tainted" children are known only as Puritans. They have no known origins and their dark purpose adds yet more mystery to Locke's downtrodden existence. Life is harsh, but no resident has ever known any different. It has always been like this.

Evan Groon, a boy of thirteen, begins to come of age and endeavours to escape this dour life after three family tragedies befall him, including the kidnapping of his infant brother. Evan's quest to find his lost sibling and discover Locke's secrets takes him into the dreaded trees under the watch of a surprising protector.

Awaiting Evan are brain-damaged giants, great forests, expansive plains, walled cities, telekinetic monsters, hulking ships, titanic amphibians, two insane demigods and much, much more; including the engineers of both his and Locke's woes.