Tilo, the titular character, is a shopkeeper born in India and trained in magic, who helps customers satisfy their needs and desires with the mystical properties of spices. Her life changes when she falls for an American man named Raven, whom the book strongly implies is Native American. Unfortunately, she chooses to disregard the rules of her training in her pursuit of romance and her decision to seek out customers outside her shop, which results in the spices inflicting punishment on her and those she cares about.
Tilo, the protagonist, is a shopkeeper from India with magical skills who helps customers satisfy their needs using the mystical properties of spices. Her life changes when she falls for an American man named Raven, whom the book strongly indicates is Native American. However, Tilo's pursuit of romance and her decision to interact with customers outside her shop result in the spices causing harm to both herself and those close to her.