Sixteen-year-old Jade longs to explore the land of Bavilia and tend to the monsters called Fiends her dad protects. But after a near-death experience, her restrictive and paranoid parents barely let her leave home, cranking out the ‘Humans are the real monsters’ speech at least once a week.  

 

Orphaned and taken in by the Chief of Bavilia, sixteen-year-old Mardician has trained for years to kill Fiends with his trusty dagger. Although he finds his worth in the thrill of each kill, he can’t help the sharp prick from his parents’ words to respect all life.      

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Their fates intertwine in this magical YA fantasy about family, finding true freedom, and the nuanced theme of overcoming racism.