In an apocalyptic adventure that blends elements of monster hunting, prophecy, and fairy tales, Celia's parents leave her alone for the weekend, and one earthquake changes everything. She meets the mysterious Demetri, who warns of a dangerous world and children, known as hunters, who have the ability to see monsters adults can't. Celia discovers she's the doomed girl, prophesied to save the world ly she's not sure which side she's meant to help. Sparrow delves into this gritty world where monsters look like children and children are hunters, exploring the idea of good and evil as Celia begins to see humanity in the monsters and darkness in the hunters. The cast, both heroes and villains, is primarily made up of children (adults appear only for a few scenes), while fairy tale elements are evident throughout. This is a charming read that weaves a tale of monsters and destiny together with an adventure about a prophecy of a doomed girl who could save the world.

In this stand-alone apocalyptic fantasy, the fate of a city depends on the decision of a "doom girl" foretold by a prophecy.The prophecy begins when an earthquake destroys the city of Youngstown, which is situated on an island. With the bridges collapsed and the power out, no people or communication can get in or out. To make matters worse, 13-year-old Celia is home alone for the weekend. Since moving here from Oregon four months ago, Celia has felt isolated and invisible. But now she's suddenly at the center of powerful magic that might save or destroy the city, and she's surrounded by evil-spreading monsters who were once children like her until they were turned. Amid the monstrous mayhem, Celia wrestles with human concerns of loneliness and self-confidence. She longs for connection, but the mysterious boy called Demetri insists she should forget him, and secrets strain her relationship with her new monster-hunter friends, Ruby and Amber. Impending danger drives the fast pace of the plot, and Sparrow reveals the mechanics of monsters and magic at key moments without slowing down the story with exposition. Celia and Demetri present white; Ruby is Chinese-American; and Amber has brown skin.This darkly magical, high-stakes adventure explores themes of friendship and the cost of gaining power. (Fantasy. 8-12)