Rowan Amhill loves the old traditions. That's why she wears a thornfair gown for the festival. Her cousin, Hazel, laughs at her, her mother is impatient, her friend, Ash, accepts her ways, but to Flynt dan Apfel, the temptation is almost irresistible. His people are dying, and Rowan could help to save them. She's willing. He refuses her sacrifice. Unfortunately for everyone, no is not an answer Rowan is willing to accept.