Akslin’s world is full of monsters. It is a harsh and cruel world, a place “where no one would want to live.” No one is sure they will see tomorrow’s sunrise or make it to sunset, and scattered small villages—enclaves—are besieged day and night by the most varied monsters. Among them there are even those that sneak into houses at night to take children while they sleep. Thirteen-year-old Akslin is an unusual girl. She learned to read and write and now dreams of writing a book that would list every monster inhabiting the world and gradually wiping humans out. And then she sets off on a long journey full of danger to the ancient Citadel, where she will meet her first love and gain knowledge about how to keep people safe.