In Abisina's world there are centaurs, dwarves, fairies, and all sorts of mythical people.  It's a fantasy world where anything can...and does....happen.  She has always been an outcast because her eyes and skin are different and she doesn't have a father. Abisina's mother is a healer, and so they are tolerated until a new leader arrives and stirs up the underlying prejudice to a state of war.  Many people are killed, including Abisina's mother, and Abisina flees for her life.  She decides to try to find Watersmeet, the land of her father.

Rescued by a dwarf and his ancient mother, Abisina and the dwarf set out to find the mythical Watersmeet, with only sketchy clues as to its location.  They meet with many obstacles and fight dangerous foes on the way to their destination.  It’s hard to tell who might be friendly, and who might be dangerous in the characters they encounter, and Abisina discovers skills she didn't know she possessed as they fight their way to Watersmeet. They finally arrive at their destination,  only to learn that the "Worm" that destroyed Abisina's former home is on his way to Watersmeet with his armies, to overtake it too.

Fantasy fans will love the fast action and exciting characters in this imaginative first effort by Ellen Jensen Abbott.  Her characterization and plotting skills are masterful...it's a book you won't want to end.