Dionelle was born unique: she is immune to fire. Shortly after marrying Reiser, Dionelle's unique talents catch the attention of a wicked noblewoman, Lady Karth, who is in need of a new dragon whisperer. Dionelle is crudely thrust into the position, but shows a natural talent for dealing with dragons. Reiser is against the idea, but Dionelle loves what she does and grows fond of the dragons, breeding tension between her and Reiser.

When Dionelle mysteriously disappears, Reiser becomes an unwilling dragon whisperer in her stead as he struggles to maintain peace with the dragons and convince them to help him find his wife, all the while dodging the treachery of the meddlesome Lady Karth.