Twelve-year-old Clovermead Wickward's head is filled with stories of adventure. She dreams about the thrill of a sword fight, the excitement of heroic quests, and the clash of mighty armies. The last thing she expects is for those dreams to come true. It seems that her beloved father, Waxmelt, is not who she has believed him to be - but is harboring secrets that threaten to tear their family apart.