Kara O'Keefe a 23 year old of Irish descent is forced by circumstance to sell her beloved Quicksilver, a violin given to her by her long deceased grandfather. Her father Patrick O'Keefe, dying of cancer, is no longer able to work. The mounting medical bills are threatening to destroy the family.

Kara goes to a small out of the way pawnshop named Yesterday's Dreams to pawn Quicksilver. Though it breaks her heart to part with her beloved violin, she desperately wants to help her parents. The shop is run by Maggie McCormick Maggie gives Kara a very generous sum for Quicksilver and promises that Kara can come back for it at any time.

Maggie, we soon learn, is a descendent of the Tuatha De Danaan, the magical race of Celtic elves known as the Sidhe. She lives with a harmless, but mischievous sprite called Beag Scath. Maggie herself is a mage of considerable power. Maggie is familiar with Quicksilver, having encountered it in the past. Aware that it is much more than just a violin she weaves a web of magical protection for it.

In the meantime, an evil power, Olcas sets in motion events that will, if unchecked, destroy all the Sidhe and perhaps Ireland itself. According to Celtic legend, the Athenian Goddess Carman and her bloodthirsty sons, Calma, Dubh, and Olcas were not content with their own land. They crossed oceans to descend on Eire with no goal but to destroy the country. The Sidhe alone kept Ireland safe.

As the story progresses we learn that Olca is once again determined to destroy the sidhe and possibly all of Eire. But first he must destroy Kara and her father Patric, who unbeknownst to either one of the mortals, is the only person who can stop Olca and save Eire. Kara must find her own inner power and meet her destiny.