Linnet Perry is 13-year-old girl living in Wyrmesbury. Ordinary on the surface, she has hidden powers which she must be taught to use. When the ancient worldwyrm stirs, fear spreads throughout the town. People begin to disappear. Unless the wyrm is returned to sleep, there will be natural disasters and worse - too much old magic will leak into the world, disturbing the careful balance of modern life. Only Linnet has the rare combination of magics needed to embark on the dangerous quest through the natural and spiritual world to redress the imbalance and restore order. But is she strong enough - and willing enough - to confront her gifts, and use them - especially since all she has ever wanted was it fit in and be like everyone else?