Elysia Feldon lives an idyllic teenage existence. Her biggest concern is whether her best friend, Rhys, is in love with her childhood nemesis. That is, until an invading tyrant takes everything she holds dear. Her father and Rhys go off to war, her village is attacked by raiders, and her home is burned to the ground. Alone and afraid, she struggles to survive until she meets other refugees. Together, they create a hidden sanctuary in the mountains and make a stand against the invaders. Tales of their escapades spreads, and the legend of the Shadow is born.

Nessie dreams of soaring through the skies as captain of her own Aerial Vessel. Unfortunately, her parents believe that a girl's place is at home - and nowhere near airships. But when an estranged uncle arrives in Aetherland Isle, Nessie's life changes forever. Mysterious accidents plague the family, and, in a moment of rebellion, Nessie stows away on her father's ship. She learns very quickly that when adventure finds her, it isn't nearly as marvelous as she'd always hoped, for she learns that her family is in mortal danger, and Nessie herself will soon be in the hands of nefarious sky...