In the heart of Gotham’s darkness glows the cold garish neon of the sex industry, the feverish eyes of desperate drug addicts, the streetlights creating shadows in which muggers patiently wait. This is where Batman’s most personal—and most savage—battle begins. And where he must confront a vortex of violence so profound that those who survive lose their souls.
Here the night-rider must reach deep within himself to summon the superhuman strength he needs to fight the most vicious and remorseless enemies he has ever faced … those who traffic in the flesh of children.
In a compellingly written fantasy novel, bestselling author Andrew Vachss brings his razor-sharp talent to one of the most legendary characters of the 20th century—The Batman. While aiding a social worker in her crusade against child abuse, millionaire Bruce Wayne uncovers a shocking revelation about his childhood and his transformation into The Batman—knowledge that nearly destroys him.
“A book no Batman fan should miss. If ever a work of fiction featuring a comics character deserved to be compulsory reading, this is surely it.”
—Alan Grant, author of Batman: Shadow of the Bat
“The most stylish adaptation of a comic book figure yet … cold stiletto prose and white-hot passions.”
—Publishers Weekly
“An engaging and astonishing one-night read … It will appall you. It will anger you … but it won’t depress you. And the just desserts are wonderful.”
—Cleveland Plain Dealer
