The story features a teenage girl called Alina Starkov, who possesses magical powers. Alina grows up in Ravka together with a boy called Malyen (Mal) Oretsev. The two are childhood friends. Alina is a soldier while Mal is a military tracker. Alina, Mal, and the rest of the regiment plan to cross Shadow Fold, a place with total darkness that cuts off the nation from vital trade products. Shadow Fold is inhabited by volcra, monstrous creatures that feed on human flesh. As they cross, a group of volcra descends on them. The fight ensues and Alina emits a bursting bright light that scares away the deadly creatures.
The Darkling, the leader of Grisha, gets information that Alina is a Sun Summoner and subpoenas her. The Darkling himself is a Shadow Summoner. Upon arrival at The Darkling place, she is sent for rigorous training in Os Alta, the capital city of Ravka. During the training, Alina meets The Darkling twice, and the two kiss. The Darkling tells Alina he will find stag antlers to amplify her powers and destroy Shadow Fold. Unknown to Alina, The Darkling wants to use her for his own benefit. In fact, he wants to use Alina’s powers to increase his territory through Shadow Fold.
Baghra, The Darkling’s mother, comes to Alina’s rescue. She advises Alina to leave the capital because her son has no good intentions for her. Following the Baghra’s advice, Alina flees the capital. Mal tracks and finds her and together start finding stag antlers. As they are almost getting the antler, The Darkling, and his regiment attack. The Darkling takes control of Alina and orders Mal to be left on Shadow Fold to be killed by volcra. However, Alina regains her control and rescues Mal. The two leave The Darkling and his group of the army on Shadow Fold as they sail away for a new beginning.
