The evil Shadow Lord has been banished, but famine still stalks Deltora, and only monster thrive.

As the starving people weaken, Lief, Barda and Jasmine discover a terrible secret. The Enemy left the seeds of death behind him. Four vile creations of sorcery called the Four Sisters are hidden in the land. They are slowly killing it while the Shadow Lord gloats, awaiting his triumphant return.

The companions must find the deadly Sisters and destroy them. Their only clue is a fragment of an ancient map. Their only hope of help lies with seven unlikely allies—the last of Deltora's dragons.