SYNOPSIS

After her veterinarian father dies mysteriously, Marjan’s already unhappy 16-year-old life becomes fully unmoored.

She discovers her father’s “clients” are mythical creatures living in hiding, alone or with human hosts around the world.

Descendant of a long bloodline of healers, Marjan learns she too can commune with these creatures and help heal them.

Not all humans are well intentioned – one family profits from the “supply chain” of the animals and provides medical assistance (by calling Marjan to help).

A very rich man keeps 150 creatures in captivity – a “menagerie” – and has a dark plan to destroy them; he offers Marjan an opportunity to join him.

After discovering the special power of an injured unicorn and saving it from certain death, Marjan releases the rich man’s menagerie (he dies).

She also untangles the mystery behind her father’s death, starts a new veterinary clinic, and may even begin a romantic relationship.

PERFECT AGE 13 – 17

We love

• Old legends are beautifully mixed in with the narrative, like a part of the plot. (An origin / cultural reference “glossary” at the back of the book would have been great – but they’re great nonetheless.)
• A super-absorbing story crafted with rich imagination and excellent narrative – a little dark and hopeless, and yet!
• I always knew it – never trust accountants! Calmest waters…

WATCH OUT FOR (Language, Big / Sensitive Topics, Outdated Concepts):

• Marjan frequently relives the painful illness (from cancer) and passing of her mom when she was 8.
• Dad is absent, grieving and cold. We learn he was killed suspiciously but the police never find out how / why.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• Which of the magical creatures did you like most? Why?
• The folk tale of the manticore’s appetite is gruesome yet memorable. What was its point? What may be the moral(s) of the story?
• Why do you think Marjan didn’t confide in her friends earlier? Why didn’t she share with Malloryn either?
• Throughout the book, we hear that something “is missing” in Marjan – what is / was it?
• Who is David Ginn after all and how is he related to the whole story? What was the 3rd wish Marjan made?