In Yevgeny Rudashevsky’s dystopia “The Beast 44” we are talking about a nameless country where peaceful life has turned into a half-forgotten memory, and there is practically no hope for an event that can turn everything around. War-torn cities and death have become commonplace. Some advance, others retreat, and then they change places. Tusk, Headlight, Greyback, Leshy, Brick, Cherpak and others do their work on the “Beast”. Not the most pleasant (yes, nauseous), but necessary. As the author himself writes, his characters seem to be “torn out of reality, invented by someone and forced to live in the world of his fantasy, distorted by pain.” Will they wait for change? Will they return to that world where you can simply live, love, and feel safe? Evgeny Rudashevsky is the author of almost two dozen books, winner of many awards. His novel “The Idol” won the “Book of the Year 2022” award, and his teenage works were awarded by them. V. P. Krapivina and “Kniguru” are included in the catalog of outstanding children’s books in the world “White Crows” of the Munich International Children’s Library and are translated into foreign languages. The writer’s books are distinguished not only by fascinating plots and original characters, but also by deep discussions about growing up, perception of the world and choice.