"Max Mayfield doesn't fit in. She isn't soft or frilly like her mom wants her to be. She never seems to say the right thing. And she'd rather spend her days at the arcade than anywhere else. At least back in California she had friends, and her dad was only a bus ride away. But then Max's mom married Neil, and her stepbrother, Billy, entered the picture. Now Max and her new family live in Hawkins, Indiana. Her stepdad calls her Maxine, Billy is out of control, and her mom can't change things. Max keeps thinking she's found friends to replace the ones she left in California, but they all put up walls as soon as they start to feel vulnerable. That is, until Max discovers just how serious-and strange-things in Hawkins really are. Soon Max finds herself the newest character in a bizarre story featuring demodogs, a dangerous Mind Flayer, and a real live Mage. Max has to make some serious choices if she's going to save Hawkins from the darkest parts of the Upside Down-assuming violent, crazy, out-of-control Billy doesn't get in the way first" -- Front jacket flap.

This prequel to the series following events from Max's point-of-view. As she moves from California to Hawkins, Indiana, she develops an abuse-filled relationship with Billy. -- adapted from Amazon.com info