In a world where infants with magical powers are torn from their parents to be raised exclusively by the mysterious and powerful Danisoba, Kestrel has managed to keep her abilities concealed--and herself free. She hid when they killed her parents, lived as a street urchin in back alleys, and then served as a young tavern maid before escaping to sea, where magic is canceled by water. Now an adult and quartermaster of a pirate ship, Kestrel loves the freedom of living on the seas. But her way of life could end if anyone on board learns her closely guarded secret--that she has magical control over the wind.
One day a black ship appears, and her life changes. Its captain is a handsome rogue of whom Kestrel is strangely, constantly aware. When Kestrel's captain is led into a trap and is arrested, Kestrel gathers her crew and sets sail in relentless pursuit.