PRACTICAL DEMONOLOGY

A dark fantasy about demons, a plague, and the teens who need to survive both.

When a new bout of plague hits the inhabitants of the castles in the valley, all the healthy teenagers are evacuated to the ruins of Cirtop Castle, where they are expected to quarantine and avoid falling victim not only to the disease, but also the demons who live in the surrounding woods. As the daughter of a doctor, Non plans to follow in the footsteps of her father—a safe bet for a safe future—and it’s her natural curiosity and need to control her environment that allow her to observe patterns and note that the arrival of the plague and the sudden increase in demon attacks may not be a coincidence. As the quarantine turns into a siege and the adults in charge prove to be less than competent, it is down to the teens to take control if they want to live. This fantasy with a side of horror offers an original take on demons, a faux medieval setting, and an anxious protagonist whose perceptive, amusing voice carries the narrative with aplomb. Non and her relationships with her best friend and the other girls in their group, as well as a budding romance with warrior-boy Sam, give a personal touch and a sense of community to this story of survival against the odds. All characters are assumed White.

A clever and atmospheric read.