The Book Eaters

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death.

Devon is going into labor. She is having a difficult and problematic birth, but eventually, she gives birth to a baby girl that Luton names Salem. Because female book eaters are so rare, this is cause for celebration. The other women prepare to take Salem away, as is their tradition, but Devon resists. She fights the women each day, and finally, Luton intervenes and asks for Salem to remain with them for a few years.

Devon and Hester prepare to leave town. Devon secretly calls her illicit contact, communicating through Morse code because she’s incapable of typing. The two of them, with Cai, go to a train station to begin their journey to the Ravenscars. On the way, Devon sees Ramsey and a fellow knight following them. The group makes it onto a train to Edinburgh as more knights join the pursuit. Hester pulls out a gun and shoots four knights dead. They jump onto the train as it pulls away.

Devon grows closer to her daughter. Luton remains distant, though he is not unkind to them. On Salem’s third birthday, the house throws a party, and Luton gives Salem a box of seashells.