Lalani Sarita is a kind 12-year-old girl living on the mythical island of Sanlagita. She wants to help all those in need, whether animal or human. Physically, she has a round face. The local boys, except Cade, find this unattractive and call her sahyoon, which means moon face. Lalani doesn’t worry about her appearance, but she believes she is small and insignificant compared to the muscular, forceful male figures of the village. She misses her father, who died at sea, and she dislikes both her stepfather, Drum, and her stepbrother, Kul, who are cruel bullies. When Lalani’s mother develops the fatal mender’s disease, Lalani goes on a quest for a legendary flower that might cure her.

Lalani’s compassion helps her avoid the many pitfalls that have afflicted those before her who sought the enchanted island of Isa. She ultimately succeeds in getting the rare flower petals that can cure her mother. In the process, she restores good fortune to her island and community, proving that even a small, ordinary girl can do great things.

Ellseth is a man who came from the island of Isa. He has horns on his head, like all members of the mindoren breed. However, he is unlike the other mindoren—who are kind-hearted and peaceful—because he is a thief.