Madelaine is one who will not conform. She is the one who will transform the world.<br><br>It is a timeless place: a tiny hamlet called Les Montées. To Ambre and Aelis, twins who always wished to remain close to each other, to Eugéne and Léon their husbands, their children, and to old Rose, it is an entire country in itself.<br><br>Life has never been easy in Les Montées. The families work an unforgiving land that belongs to others, and endure bitter winters, hunger, and sickness. The men grit their teeth against the injustice of having masters. But such is the balance of the world.<br><br>Until the day a wild, famished young girl emerges from the forest: Madelaine. The people of Les Montées are enchanted by this passionate, courageous, and vivacious child and quickly adopt her as their own. But, in her eyes can be seen a troublesome fire that no one can control. A small indomitable fire that will one day ignite the world.