Tor Luna lives in Estrelle, a town surrounded by mountains like gates, and famed for its neighboring Sapphire Sea, filled with giant sea creatures. Born with a leadership emblem—like his mother, Chieftess of the village—Tor has had to train in skills such as public speaking, negotiations, and map-reading. But he hates all of it. Before school every morning, he sneaks to the ocean to swim, and wishes he had a different emblem. He plans to trade his power for another at the annual Eve celebration, a night where anyone can make a wish in the hopes of it being granted.

Grimelda Alexander is a born leader, like Tor, and is very happy about it. She uses her leadership skills daily, in class, and in helping her mother take care of her five brothers. Her most valuable possession is a family heirloom, a drop of magical color contained in a glass vial she wears around her neck. She is fiercely loyal, and works hard to help her family.

Engle is a sight-seer, an emblem that allows him to see extremely far distances, and even through objects if the conditions are right. He and Tor have been best friends for as long as they both can remember. His parents are almost never home, due to their jobs, so he spends much of his time at the Luna’s house, eating various emerald and sapphire-flavored desserts made by Tor’s father.

The Book of Cuentos is an ancient book of legends filled with deadly monsters, curses, and magic that once existed—and still might—on Emblem Island. Tor, Melda, and Engle must use these myths to find the mysterious Night Witch, the only person who can reverse their curse. In Emblem Island: Curse of the Night Witch, these legends are included between chapters, so you get a book within a book, and can make your own Book of Cuentos.