Fourteen-year-old cousins Gwen and Vic have lived together ever since the mysterious deaths of Gwen's parents and the disappearance of Vic's mother. But Vic's scientist father accidentally transports them through a magical crystal door to the island of Elantya. Cobblestone streets and silver towers mark the picturesque island, a trading hub and center of knowledge that runs on advanced physics and sorcery.

Vic and Gwen are soon caught in a tempest of ancient magic, vicious creatures, fierce battles, and a territorial feud with the sea-dwelling Merlons.