his existence in the world of the story is predicated on not knowing exactly how he works. That's the thing about a magic trick, right? As soon as you see the guy is just holding the coin in his hand the whole time, well, that's not so impressive, that's not so interesting. There are certain things about the Swallow Man that it's better not to know. --Karin Snelson

Interior images by Laura Carlin from Anna and the Swallow Man.

Anna and the Swallow Man is the First In Line December Monthly Pick. First In Line, presented by Random House, is an exclusive YA experience that lets members be the first to read the last line of the next big thing and features bonus book and author content, giveaways, videos andmore. Click here to secure your place in line and access Gavriel Savit's Members Only Content, including a q&a with James Dashner, author of the Maze Runner and the Mortality Doctrine series; photos from his day (and night!) job as a Broadway actor; his favorite taco recipes; and the playlist he listened to while writing Anna and the Swallow Man.

Gavriel Savit: The Seed Spark of Swallow Man

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