Young Gareth Greyfin must find a way to save his father Samuel after he is bitten by a one-eyed snake. With little time before the venom will reach his father's heart, Gareth follows his father's instructions to bring him to a cabin in the swamps outside of Savannah, Georgia-the home of a witch with a fearsome reputation. The witch Evangeline sends the fearful young man on a quest for five ingredients for the potion that offers the elder Greyfin's only hope. Accompanied by the witch's raven as a guide, Gareth's desperate journey leads to encounters with a cast of characters that defy imagination. The duo is joined by an old banjo player, and they learn that heroes come in unexpected forms. Along the way, Gareth learns a family secret and a deception threatens to destroy his budding romance with Raven and possibly the life of his father. Will his bargain with Evangeline pay off or will Gareth be the one to pay the price?
Themes include grief, bullying, being orphaned, disabilities, isolation, betrayal, forgiveness, and unconditional love.
