"When they saw me, men and women alike recoiled, but their fear quickly gave way to fury. I would not harm them to defend myself, and I remained therefore defenceless." Addison Goodheart lives in solitude beneath the city, an exile from a society which will destroy him if he is ever seen. Addison Goodheart loves books. It's his only safe way of showing love, for to reveal himself to another human being provokes a response first of fear, followed by convulsive outbursts of hatred and violence. For Addison is not like other people: he looks like a walking nightmare, despite his pure and gentle soul. Books are his refuge and his escape: he embraces the riches they have to offer in words and pictures. By night he leaves his hidden chambers beneath the city streets and makes his way into the central library through a network of underground tunnels and sewers. And that is where he meets Gwyneth, a young Goth, who also hides her true appearance. Like Addison, Gwyneth struggles to trust anyone. With good reason, for no sooner has their tentative friendship formed than they must face a terrifying evil. And the only way they will survive it is by putting their faith in each other ...' The master of our darkest dreams' The Times 'Psychologically complex, masterly and satisfying' New York Times
