Young Natasha lives in the quiet peaceful town of Nikuda in 1800's Russia. Her Father is the village's rabbi. Her older brother Alexey was schooling to eventually become the village rabbi, but he unexpectedly dropped out of Rabbincal school. Natasha's life is full of chores on their small farm, but her Father does not let her attend school despite her thirst for learning and love of books. Girls are not allowed to become rabbis. Her best friend is Katya, a shy girl from a nearby village. Natasha is devastated when Katya mysteriously disappears into the dark forest on the edge of the town. When her brother Alexey becomes mortally ill, she must go on a perilous journey through the dark forest to search for a cure by seeking out a mysterious and reclusive scientist. Accompanying her on this quest is the village Mayor's spoiled son, Elliot. His Mother is also ill and needs the same cure as Alexey. Natasha comes face to face with many Russian folktale monsters, such as Baba Yaga, Wurdlucs, The Golem, Cossacks and more... In her adventures, she discovers that she is more than a simple farm girl. She must summon her courage and wits to get through the dangerous path that lies ahead. ALL AUTHOR PROFITS FROM THIS BOOK WILL BE DONATED TO THE BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL