A spellbinding middle grade fantasy packed with shocking twists, frightening monsters, and dark magic, where a brave young Hunter discovers that the monster-filled world beyond her city's walls holds dangerous secrets.“Reminiscent in feel to Kelly Barnhill's The Girl Who Drank the Moon, this lovely fantasy introduces a complicated, brave, and believable heroine. . . . An absolute delight.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review“A rare look at a post-apocalyptic world for the middle-grade set. . . . Octavia, kind, brave, and insatiably curious, is a compelling protagonist to lead the way toward a new world.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's BooksTwelve-year-old Octavia grew up believing the town of Vittoria was the only one left in the world. The sole survivors of a deadly magical war and plague, the people of Vittoria know there’s no one alive outside the town walls—except the terrible monsters that prowl the forest.But then the impossible happens: Octavia meets another girl beyond the walls, someone who isn’t Vittorian. Everything she’s ever believed is thrown into question, and there’s no going back.Determined to uncover the truth, Octavia embarks on a dangerous journey filled with ancient magic, hidden histories, fearsome monsters, and powerful enemies who will do anything to protect their secrets. She’ll have to use every scrap of her skill, wits, and courage to uncover what’s real about Vittoria and the rest of the world.
