Когда юного Генри Торна крадут из дома и привозят на отдаленную ферму, находящуюся посреди леса, мальчик неожиданно устанавливает контакт со странной силой, живущей в чаще,– и использует ее для того, чтобы расправится со своими похитителями. Но он еще не знает, что у этого древнего существа есть свои собственные причины, чтобы избавиться от незваных гостей, ведь под домом, в темном влажном подвале, спрятано то, что очень нужно чудовищу. И потому прольется кровь, и монстр, изучая людей с помощью Генри, теперь не остановится ни перед чем.

St. Vincent's Orphanage for Boys. Turn of the century, in a remote valley in Pennsylvania. Here, under the watchful eyes of several priests, thirty boys work, learn, and worship. Peter Barlow, orphaned as a child by a gruesome murder, has made a new life here. As he approaches adulthood, he has friends, a future...a family. Then, late one stormy night, a group of men arrive at their door, one of whom is badly wounded, occult symbols carved into his flesh. His death releases an ancient evil that spreads like sickness, infecting St. Vincent's and the children within. Soon, boys begin acting differently, forming groups. Taking sides. Others turn up dead. Now Peter and those dear to him...

“Datlow’s The Best Horror of the Year series is one of the best investments you can make in short fiction. The current volume is no exception.” —Adventures Fantastic For more than three decades, Ellen Datlow has been at the center of horror. Bringing you the most frightening and terrifying stories, Datlow always has her finger on the pulse of what horror readers crave. Now, with the tenth volume of the series, Datlow is back again to bring you the stories that will keep you up at night. Encompassed in the pages of The Best Horror of the Year have been such illustrious writers as: • Neil Gaiman • Kim Stanley Robinson • Stephen King • Linda Nagata • Laird...