Everything casts a shadow. Even the world we live in. And as with every shadow; there is a place where it must touch. A seam; where the shadow meets its source.#1 New York Times-bestselling author V. E. Schwab weaves a dark and original tale about the place where the world meets its shadow; and the young woman beckoned by both sides. The Secret Garden meets Crimson Peak in this stand-alone novel perfect for readers of Holly Black and Neil Gaiman.Olivia Prior has grown up in Merilance School for Girls; and all she has of her past is her mother's journal—which seems to unravel into madness. Then; a letter invites Olivia to come home to Gallant. Yet when Olivia arrives; no one is expecting her. But Olivia is not about to leave the first place that feels like home; it doesn't matter if her cousin Matthew is hostile; or if she sees half-formed ghouls haunting the hallways.Olivia knows that Gallant is hiding secrets; and she is determined to uncover them. When she crosses a ruined wall at just the right moment; Olivia finds herself in a place that is Gallant—but not. The manor is crumbling; the ghouls are solid; and a mysterious figure rules over all. Now Olivia sees what has unraveled generations of her family; and where her father may have come from.Olivia has always wanted to belong somewhere; but will she take her place as a Prior; protecting our world against the Master of the House? Or will she take her place beside him?New York Times-bestselling author V. E. Schwab crafts a vivid and lush novel that grapples with the demons that are often locked behind closed doors. An eerie; stand-alone saga about life; death; and the young woman beckoned by both. Readers of Neil Gaiman; Holly Black; Melissa Albert; and Garth Nix will quickly lose themselves in this novel with crossover appeal for all ages.