Set in the early 1900s, the novel follows January Scaller, the ward of a wealthy artifact collector, who discovers a mysterious book that unlocks doors to other worlds. It is widely acclaimed for its lyrical prose and its exploration of the power of storytelling as a tool for change and resistance.
: The story alternates between January's present-day struggle for freedom and the book-within-a-book, which recounts the epic love story of Adelaide Lee Larson and Yule Ian Scholar (January’s parents) across different dimensions.
: A young woman of mixed heritage who feels like one of Mr. Locke's collected artifacts. She evolves from an obedient ward to a powerful "word-worker".
