Seventeen-year-old Charlie Reade does not have an easy life. His mother died when he was seven, and his father is addicted to alcohol. One day, the mysterious neighbor, who is shunned by everyone, reveals a secret to him on his deathbed, which finally leads Charlie on an adventurous journey into another, strange world. Powerful creatures are up to mischief there. The oppressed inhabitants see Charlie as their savior. But to do so, he must first free the princess, the rightful mistress of the fantastic fairy tale kingdom, from her cruel suffering.