Boot boy Ji is tired of scrubbing soles and untangling shoelaces. He doesn't want to bow and scrape. All he wants is freedom--for himself and his friends. He decides to risk everything for a chance to accompany a young nobleman to the Diadem Rite, a magical ritual that chooses the heir to the Summer Crown. Ji doesn't care about crowns or ceremonies, but he vows that this trip will grant him and his friends new lives, far away from boots and bowing. What Ji doesn't know is that he and his friends have a dangerous part to play in the Diadem Rite. One that will change them forever.--Provided by Publisher.

Hiding in the forest to escape the evil Summer Queen's forces, Ji and his friends must journey to the Ice Witch's realm, a quest that leads them to battle fox-demons, venture into the goblin caverns, and cross the Ogrelands.