AFTERDARK has been invaded. Only weedy, whining Joe Quail can rescue the last Princess of Afterdark, imprisoned in the Palace of Nightfall. Joe doesn't like Kit and Maisy. But his mother's having a rare evening out, and Joe shares their babysitter Alice Fazackerly. No sooner than his mother leaves, Joe is whirled a desperate rescue operation. Alice, last Princess of Afterdark, is taken hostage by the Mighty Cosmo, Emperor of Nightfall and King of Afterdark. A magical map shows the obstacles which Joe must overcome to save them. Joe fears failure at each challenge on his journey to the Palace of Nightfall. With luck and gradually increasing confidence, he begins to realise he 'wasn't the wrong kind of boy but only needed the right kind of adventure to sort him out'. Joe finally meets the Mighty Cosmo to realise that as ever, his fear is out of proportion. He uncovers the local bully, Kevin, who admits he'd prefer company to power. Together they release Alice, leaving Afterdark and Nightfall united.