“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
Packed with shocking twists, frightening monsters, and dark magic, this is a page-turning fantasy adventure for middle-grade fans of Holly Black and Tamora Pierce.
Twelve-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.
In her quest for the truth, Octavia discovers a world full of lies, monsters, and magic. 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.
Kali Wallace is the author of books for children and adults, including
City of Islands,
Shallow Graves, and
Salvation Day. She lives in Portland, Oregon.
A Kids’ Indie Next List Pick“Reminiscent in feel to Kelly Barnhill's
The Girl Who Drank the Moon, this lovely fantasy introduces a complicated, brave, and believable heroine navigating grief, friendship, and the possible first stirrings of a (same-sex) crush while asking hard questions about power and community. . . . An absolute delight.”—
Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Richly detailed magical lore, gripping action, and frightening fantastical creatures are grounded by well-rounded characters and the girls’ blossoming friendship.”—
Publishers Weekly“A fantastical adventure through a world of magic and monsters. . . . A strong pick for fans of another hard-to-put-down fantasy about discovering truth, Kelly Barnhill’s
The Girl Who Drank the Moon.”—
Booklist“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 Books“Fascinating, atmospheric…a coming-of-age novel in a dystopian fantasy world filled with monsters, corruption, and magic.”—
Brightly“A compelling read.”—
Imagination Soup“I absolutely loved this book. Octavia is a heroine for the ages.”—Ronald L. Smith, award-winning author of
Hoodoo and
Black Panther: The Young Prince
