Once a promising magician, Abalone has lost everything: her love , her voice , and her soul . For thirteen years, she hides behind the high walls of Jiankang, the imperial capital of ancient China , consumed by grief and silence. But one fateful new moon night , she crafts a forbidden love spell and calls upon the fiery magic of the dark Snake Goddess . This powerful goddess , however, has plans of her own. Guided by ancient forces, Abalone must leave her sanctuary and journey into the wild swamps and treacherous mountains beyond the city. There, among the last rebellious heirs of shamanic tribes, she begins her true path: to reclaim her soul and fulfill her destiny. When a young girl is stolen by ruthless hands, Abalone must decide whether to risk everything-again-and confront the shadows of a forgotten past. Abalone and the Snake Goddess is a poetic and haunting tale of love , magic , and the dark, transformative journey of the soul. Perfect for readers of mythical fantasy , Chinese folklore , and stories of resilient heroines.