About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is feeling overwhelmed by physical or emotional changes they cannot control. While the plot involves a supernatural curse, it serves as a powerful metaphor for the anxiety, bodily discomfort, and fear of 'becoming a monster' that often accompanies the onset of puberty. Grubbs Grady is a relatable protagonist who must navigate family secrets and the terrifying possibility that his own DNA is a ticking time bomb. This dark horror-fantasy provides a safe, vicarious outlet for adolescents to process feelings of shame and lack of agency. It is best suited for mature readers who enjoy high-stakes tension and are comfortable with the visceral, macabre elements typical of Darren Shan's writing. Parents can use this story to open conversations about self-regulation, facing one's heritage, and the courage it takes to master internal turmoil.
