William Rhodes has always known harsh winters. Every year, the beast holds someone captive in the forest castle, and the village chooses a warrior to save her. The girl survives, but the warrior always dies. This year, Will volunteered to be the warrior. But the night before he's supposed to defeat the beast, his betrothed traps him, refusing to let the curse take the boy she loves. But winter sinks its claws deeper. Another victim is stolen from her bed: Will's sister. Now, both the girls he loves most are held captive by the curse. He travels deep into the forest to face the monster. But the beast inside is nothing like he imagined.