In a remote Scottish village, nine-year-old Wise Child is taken in by Juniper, a healer and sorceress. Then, Wise Child’s mother, Maeve, a black witch, reappears. In choosing between Maeve and Juniper, Wise Child discovers the extent of her supernatural powers—and her true loyalties.

Orphaned by the death of her grandmother and her father’s disappearance, Wise Child flourishes under Juniper’s care—learning about herbal lore and even introductory magic. But just as she begins to feel at home, her mother returns, offering a life of luxury.

As the story unfolds, Maeve’s evil magic—a mysterious plague—and the fears of villagers put Wise Child and Juniper in very real danger.