The evil Shadow Lord has been banished, but still famine stalks Deltora, and only monsters thrive. As the starving people weaken, Lief, Jasmine and Barda 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.
Deep in the Shadowlands, when the evil Shadow Lord learns that Lief, Barda and Jasmine are again on a quest, he plots their destruction. Terrible dangers from the present and the past lie in wait for them.
