Alida Colibri has escaped from an attack on her hometown by the Proserpentia, an evil group of people, bent on becoming the rulers of everything, and is separated from the main group, with seven other children. The eight of them need to get through the dark forest they're stuck in, without a map, and meet her father, and the rebels in the Great Rebellion on the other side.
Add ominous dreams, confusing problems in the group, and some witchcraft, she'll be lucky to stay alive, let alone help her father save the continent from total dictatorship.