Zachary Rawlins finds a strange book hidden among the shelves of the university library. Captivated by its tales of lovelorn prisoners, lost cities, and faceless followers, he turns the pages and suddenly encounters something impossible: a story from his childhood. Determined to solve the mystery of this book, Zachary follows the clues on its cover—the bee, the key, and the sword. They lead him to a masquerade ball, then to a dangerous underground club, and through a magical portal that leads him to a subterranean labyrinth. A timeless love story set in a secret subterranean world—a world ruled by pirates, painters, lovers, liars, and ships that sail on a starless sea. “A bewitching novel. An ode to stories and narratives themselves, and to the joy of reading.” - The Guardian “A magical blend of myth and voyage... beautifully written.” - Heat “A journey of wonder and imagination.” - Stylist Magazine