An update of Shakespeare's famous play, The Tempest is set in Mississippi before and during the days of the Civil War. Gideon Prosper is betrayed by his younger brother, Anthony, who has stolen control of the family plantation. When the unscrupulous Anthony attempts to have Gideon executed for saving the life of the slave Ariel, Gideon must escape with his daughter Miranda.

With the help of old family friend Gonzo, Gideon, Miranda, and Ariel find an island in the swamp, where they will spend the next twelve years in hiding. In those years, Gideon dreams of taking his revenge on Anthony.

When he spies Anthony paddling a canoe nearby, Gideon, who has been practicing voodoo over the years, conjures up a great tempest, which washes everyone in the canoe overboard. A wounded Union officer, Frederick, is washed up in the storm as well, and after Miranda rescues him, they end up falling in love. Anthony is not finished, however: he attempts to capture and kill Gideon, and Gideon must now protect himself and his loved ones from malevolent forces.

Katherine portrays the beautiful and legendary Miranda, the rescuer and lover of Frederick.