A Slavic family in an American City, Balmoral, becomes the latest victim of a generational demon curse of no known escape. Tihomir Goralski, on the cusp of adolescence, and his parents and Busia, try to cope in a city of many immigrant families, crammed into a tiny, ethnic community. Some of the families harbor dark secrets and fears. The Goralski family is such a group. Unfortunate Fate and poorly chosen circumstances upend Tihomir's course until he finds a friendship in Dr. Zeis, a government scientist, and Brother Henry, a Roman Catholic Church investigator of cultural demon myths. Each helps provide hope for Tihomir's future, and for the future of his illegitimate daughter, Sylvia. Their combined efforts may one day "save the world" or at least postpone subjugation planned by ancient, otherworldly beings.