A NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST • A secluded village holds a dark secret, known only to the few who dare to speak of it.

“Part mystery, part fantasy, this beautifully written page turner explores guilt, mercy, and love.”—New York Times bestselling author Holly Black

“Exquisite to the final word.”—Booklist, starred review

“Both lushly sensual and shivery.”—School Library Journal, starred review

Briony has a secret.

It is a secret that killed her stepmother, ruined her sister’s mind, and will end her life, if anyone were to know.

Briony is a witch. And she can see the Old Ones, the spirits who haunt the marshes surrounding their town—the Dark Muse, the Reed Spirits, Mucky Face, the Wythes. She is the only one who can, besides the Chime Child who sentences witches to death. Then Eldric comes along with his golden lion eyes and a great mane of tawny hair. He is as natural as the sun, and he treats her as if she is extraordinary. And everything starts to change. . . .