Through twists and turns of fate, orphaned Mary seeks knowledge of life, love, and especially what lies beyond her walled village and the surrounding forest, where dwell the Unconsecrated, aggressive flesh-eating people who were once dead.

"Around the dark edges of reality lurk unknown begins with unknowable intentions: Ordinary objects can become cursed possessions, entities who seem like friends can become monstrous, and those who seem monstrous can become the truest companions. Five stories show what happens when one is desperate enough to seek solace in the unnatural, and what happens when the world of humans collides with that of something...else. Have caution when reaching into...