Abernan Monterria is a ten-year-old Ecuadorian boy who survives the murder of the rest of his family when they attempt an illegal border crossing. He has a mental gift that he cannot understand or control. It directs him to make a long journey that ends at Abernan, a small town in the wilds of northwestern Maine. There he finds sanctuary for a while, but the fount of evil that killed his parents locates him. Abernan has an evil of its own, and Aron's nemesis joins forces with it. Abernan must do battle with both if he is to survive.