Creature of the Night

After a string of car thefts and reckless behavior in Dublin, Bobby's mother moves the family to a desolate cottage in the Irish countryside. While Bobby tries to stay out of trouble for the sake of his younger brother, he discovers that their new home is built on a 'hungry acre.' He becomes convinced that a mythical, dangerous creature is stalking them, leading him to investigate local folklore while trying to outrun his own criminal past. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals with juvenile delinquency (smoking, drinking, theft) in a very direct, gritty manner. The supernatural elements are rooted in dark Irish folklore and are secular in nature. The resolution is realistic and somewhat ambiguous, focusing on personal growth rather than a fairy-tale ending. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with a heavy, cynical tone reflecting Bobby's resentment. It builds slowly into a tense, high-stakes thriller that balances external horror with Bobby's internal quest for redemption. It ends on a note of hard-won maturity. IDEAL READER: A high schooler who feels like an outsider or who has a 'troublemaker' label they can't seem to shake. It will resonate with readers who prefer dark, atmospheric stories over traditional heroic tropes. PARENT TRIGGER: Parents may be triggered by Bobby's initial blatant disregard for his mother's authority and his casual engagement in illegal activities. PARENT PREP: Parents should be aware of the depictions of underage smoking and drinking in the first few chapters. The book is best read after a brief discussion about the 'changeling' myths of Irish folklore. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger teens will focus on the 'creature' and the horror elements, while older teens will better appreciate the nuanced depiction of a young man trying to find a moral compass in a world that has written him off. DIFFERENTIATOR: This book is unique because it blends gritty, social-realist urban drama with genuine, terrifying ancient folklore without feeling disjointed.