Demon in the Wood

by Leigh Bardugo

Part of Shadow and Bone, book 0.5

First published 2022

Eryk possesses the rarest and most dangerous Grisha abilities, making him a target for those who would destroy him. This lonely boy must conceal his true nature while constantly moving to stay ahead of his hunters. His extraordinary power sets him apart from other Grisha, forcing him into a life of secrecy and isolation. The weight of his abilities burdens him as he struggles to survive in a world that fears what he represents. Those who discover his true identity see him as a threat that must be eliminated. Eryk's journey reveals the experiences that shaped him into the figure he would eventually become. His story exposes the origins of his darkness and the reasons behind his transformation. The boy who once simply wanted to belong must learn to embrace the very powers that make him an outcast. This tale shows how fear and persecution can forge a villain from an innocent child.

Genres: fiction, fantasy, young-adult, dark-fantasy

Vibes: dark, emotional, suspenseful

Tropes: chosen-one, found-family, outcast

203 pages · Hardcover · Roaring Brook Press

Content warnings: abuse, violence

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