Back Cover Summary The villagers often whisper bizarre stories about the Shadowy River and the Dark Forest beyond. Legend has it that anyone who crosses the river either never comes back or never comes back the same. Because of this, no one ever dares cross. On this day, though, a young boy named Max does the unthinkable. After an argument with his older brother, Eamon, Max accepts an invitation to play from a strange boy on the other side of the river. Eamon reluctantly follows. As Max's new "friend" coyly stokes their anger, a struggle ensues. In one moment, the utterance of a single dangerous word changes everything. Will either brother ever come back? Will either one ever be the same?