The narrative entails four generations of an enchanted family that navigates both the magical and the real world. Their estate named Edgewood becomes the center of the drama and supernatural encounters through the years. The members of the Drinkwater family have a different relationship with the world of fairies and magic. Some engage seamlessly with the magic while others deal with it as a curse. Though each individual has his or her adventure, the main motif is the process of learning or gaining experience.
The novel begins with the story of one of the Drinkwater's, Daily Alice, who is supposed to marry Smoky Barnable. Their union was prophesized with the use of magic that introduces the reader to the history of the family. After the forefather of the family built their mysterious and convoluted house, their relationship with the fairies in the forest began. Throughout the years, their descendants interact with the magical realm after August strikes a deal with the magical creatures. As the family enlarges some members choose to embrace the magic while others remain skeptical and try to seek logical explanations. For instance, Smoky’s son Auberon abandons his roots and heads to the real world where he experiences misery and addiction. Meanwhile, his sisters accept the strangeness of the happenings in their family history. Eventually, the whole family must reunite in order to save the fading magical world and the fairies.
The multigenerational story involves unexpected occurrences, different perspectives, and complicated situations that are connected akin to the intricate family estate.
