Centuries after some type of war and calamity the planet is basically back in the dark ages. Every night when the sun goes down "demons" start to manifest. (more like very strong predators, not Biblical type demons) The demons are kept out of houses and barns by wards. (Think symbols or runes) Everyone lives in fear and ignorance. Horse riding messengers keep the remote villages in touch with the other various kingdoms and use ward circles to stay safe on the vary dangerous roads. The main character who is a young boy is not satisfied with his life and through some twists and turns becomes a messenger, braving the roads but wishing he could find the "old fighting wards" to actually harm or kill the demons. This eventually happens and people start taking back the night. The character development is great and the story development was very entertaining and left me wanting more. If you like sci fi type stuff you should give it a go.