The world of the kingdom of Solanum is divided in two. The elite is able to turn into birds, all the rest were nicknamed wingless. They cannot be touched without gloves - even a light touch causes pain. Swan is Aderyn's family bird, but the girl can no longer change her face since her mother was mauled by ferocious hawks. To find the culprit in the tragedy, Aderin goes to the Silver Citadel - the impregnable castle of the king, her own uncle. However, the laws at court are harsh. Once in a real snake nest, the girl must not only be able to survive, but also take the throne, of which she is the heiress.