"If you must travel to the country of Raddith, then be prepared. Bring a mosquito net for the lowlands, and a warm coat for the hills or mountains. If you mean to visit the misty marsh-woods known as the Wilds, you will need stout, waterproof boots. (You will also needs wits, courage and luck, but some things cannot be packed.) In Raddith, you must beware of cursers. Only those consumed by hatred are able to curse. Though they may be rare, cursers are able to set someone on fire, steal their shadow, or even turn them into a swarm of bees. Anyone has the potential to create a life-destroying curse--but only one person has the power to unravel them. Kellen does not fully understand his talent, but he helps those transformed maliciously--including Nettle. After he unravelled the curse trapping her in bird form, she is now his constant companion and closest ally. But Kellen has also been cursed, it seems, and unless he and Nettle can discover who's cursed him and why, Kellen is in danger of unravelling everything--and everyone--around him..."-- Dust jacket cover.