Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Fast
- Mood
- Action-packed, Mysterious, Adventurous, Romantic
- Read it if
- You enjoy fast-paced YA urban fantasy with a unique shapeshifting premise, a strong female lead, and a blend of action, mystery, and a touch of romance.
- Skip it if
- You prefer fantasy with intricate world-building over action and character-driven plots, or if you dislike predictable YA romance tropes.
Every Other Day Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
The Duality of Kali
Kali D’Angelo lives a strange existence: every other day, she is a normal sixteen-year-old girl, attending public high school, arguing with her father, and attempting to fit in. However, on the days in between, she transforms into a powerful, instinct-driven demon-hunter. In this 'hunter' state, she retains her human appearance but is compelled to track and eliminate supernatural creatures like zombies and hellhounds. The government, unaware of the supernatural threats, labels these incidents as 'environmental terrorism' due to the collateral damage. Kali keeps her dual life a secret, even from her father, struggling to reconcile her two vastly different identities and the urges that drive her hunter persona.
The Marked Girl and the New Threat
During a human day at school, Kali notices a distinctive mark on the lower back of Kelly, a popular girl. Kali instantly recognizes it as a 'mark of death,' signifying that Kelly is targeted by a powerful supernatural creature. This realization throws Kali into a panic because she is currently in her human state and has only twenty-four hours to save Kelly before the next 'hunter' day. The urgency is amplified by the fact that she has never had to protect someone as a human before, making her feel vulnerable and ill-equipped for the danger.
Unlikely Allies: Ben and the Hunters
Desperate to save Kelly, Kali approaches Ben, a quiet and observant classmate she suspects knows more than he lets on. Ben reveals that he is part of a secret organization of demon hunters, much like her 'other' self, and confirms Kelly's imminent danger. He introduces Kali to his group, consisting of himself, the tech-savvy Quinn, and the physically strong Damien. This encounter is a revelation for Kali, as she finally finds others who understand her world, albeit from a different perspective. They agree to help her protect Kelly, despite Kali being in her human form.
The First Human Hunt
Working with Ben's team, Kali experiences the challenges of hunting as a human. They pool their resources and knowledge to identify the creature targeting Kelly: a powerful entity known as a 'Shade.' The Shade is a formidable foe, capable of manipulation and draining life force. Kali, used to relying on her enhanced strength and instincts, must now strategize and cooperate, using human ingenuity and the team's specialized gadgets. The team sets up a plan to protect Kelly during a school dance, anticipating the Shade's attack. This marks a significant shift for Kali, forcing her to trust others and rely on her human intellect.
The Dance Attack
At the school dance, the Shade makes its move, targeting Kelly. The creature's presence causes a chaotic disturbance, affecting the emotions of the students and creating an eerie atmosphere. Kali, Ben, Quinn, and Damien spring into action, attempting to corner and neutralize the Shade while protecting Kelly. Kali, despite her human limitations, draws upon her innate knowledge of the supernatural and her courage. The fight is intense and dangerous, pushing Kali's human body to its limits. She realizes the vulnerability of her human form when confronting such powerful beings without her hunter abilities.
The Revelation of the 'Changer'
During the confrontation with the Shade, Kali's 'other' self briefly surfaces, giving her a burst of strength and insight, but it's not enough to fully defeat the creature. After the harrowing experience, Ben and his team reveal the truth about Kali's condition. They explain that she is a 'Changer,' a rare type of hunter who alternates between human and hunter forms. Unlike typical hunters who are always in their enhanced state, Changers have a unique biological rhythm that cycles their abilities. This revelation explains the mystery of her dual existence and why she has no memory of her hunter days when she is human, and vice-versa.
The Council and the Threat of the 'Collector'
Ben takes Kali to meet the Council, the governing body of the demon hunters. They are wary of Kali due to her unique nature as a Changer, a type of hunter they rarely encounter and often distrust. The Council reveals that the Shade's attack on Kelly was orchestrated by a more powerful and ancient entity known as the 'Collector.' The Collector is a malevolent being that preys on Changers, harvesting their unique essence to gain power. This information raises the stakes considerably, as Kali realizes she is not just a hunter, but a target of a formidable supernatural force.
Training and Preparation
Under the guidance of Ben and the Council, Kali begins rigorous training to understand and control her Changer abilities. This involves learning to bridge the gap between her human and hunter selves, a feat previously thought impossible. She trains physically and mentally, attempting to access her hunter instincts while in human form and to retain her human memories when she transforms. The goal is to prepare her for the inevitable confrontation with the Collector, who is actively seeking her out. This training is crucial for her survival and the protection of those she cares about.
The Collector's Trap
The Collector, sensing Kali's growing power and aware of her human attachments, executes a plan to lure her into a trap. It targets Kali's father, placing him in grave danger, knowing that Kali will rush to his aid regardless of her current form. This forces Kali to confront her deepest fears and test her newly developing control over her Changer abilities. The Collector's actions highlight its manipulative nature and its understanding of Kali's vulnerabilities, pushing her to her emotional and physical limits in a desperate attempt to protect her family.
The Final Confrontation
In a climactic battle, Kali confronts the Collector. This is not just a physical fight but a struggle for her identity and the lives of those she loves. During the intense battle, Kali manages to achieve a breakthrough, consciously merging her human and hunter selves. She retains her human memories and emotions while accessing the enhanced strength, speed, and instincts of her hunter form. This unified state makes her an unprecedented force, allowing her to outsmart and overpower the ancient Collector, finally defeating the entity that threatened her and all Changers.
Aftermath and a New Beginning
With the Collector defeated, Kali emerges as a fully integrated Changer, no longer bound by the every-other-day cycle. She can now consciously switch between her human and hunter forms, giving her unprecedented control over her life. She has not only saved her father and proven her worth to the Council but has also found a sense of belonging with Ben and his team. The experience transforms her from a confused, secret-keeping teenager into a confident, powerful individual ready to embrace her unique destiny and take on new responsibilities within the world of demon hunters.
Principal Figures
Kali D’Angelo
Protagonist
A sixteen-year-old girl who alternates between human and demon-hunter forms.
Kali is initially a conflicted and isolated teenager, secretly grappling with her dual existence. On human days, she's sarcastic and tries to be normal, but on hunter days, she's driven by primal instincts to eliminate supernatural threats, with no memory of these actions when human. She possesses innate courage and a strong sense of justice, even when vulnerable. Her emotional core is her desire for belonging and understanding, and her protectiveness towards others, especially her father.
Relationships: Kali's Father (Loving but distant, unaware of her secret life.); Ben (Initially a mysterious classmate, becomes a trusted ally, mentor, and romantic interest.); Quinn (Teammate, providing tech support and friendship.); Damien (Teammate, providing physical strength and a grounded presence.)
Ben
Supporting
A mysterious classmate who introduces Kali to the world of demon hunters.
Ben is initially presented as a quiet, observant, and somewhat enigmatic classmate. He quickly reveals himself to be a knowledgeable and experienced demon hunter, part of a secret organization. He acts as Kali's primary guide and mentor, understanding her unique condition and helping her navigate the supernatural world. Ben is calm, strategic, and deeply committed to his duty, but also shows a compassionate and protective side, especially towards Kali. He becomes a significant source of emotional support and a romantic interest for her.
Relationships: Kali D’Angelo (Mentor, ally, and romantic interest.); Quinn (Teammate and colleague.); Damien (Teammate and colleague.)
Kali's Father
Supporting
Kali's loving but oblivious single parent.
Kali's father is a caring but somewhat overprotective parent, struggling to raise his daughter alone. He is completely unaware of Kali's dual life as a demon hunter, often attributing her strange behavior or disappearances to typical teenage rebellion or social activities. He represents the 'normal' human world that Kali tries to maintain and protect. His safety becomes a major motivator for Kali, especially when he is targeted by the Collector. He grounds Kali's human identity and highlights the stakes of her secret life.
Relationships: Kali D’Angelo (Father-daughter relationship, loving but with a significant secret kept by Kali.)
Quinn
Supporting
The tech-savvy member of Ben's demon-hunting team.
Quinn is the brains of Ben's operation, excelling in technology, research, and information gathering. She is intelligent, quick-witted, and often provides the team with crucial data and strategic insights. Her role is to analyze threats, track supernatural activity, and develop countermeasures. Despite her reliance on tech, she is also brave and committed to the cause. Quinn brings a modern, analytical approach to the ancient practice of demon hunting, complementing the more physical or instinctual members of the team.
Relationships: Kali D’Angelo (Ally and friend.); Ben (Teammate and colleague.); Damien (Teammate and colleague.)
Damien
Supporting
The strong and grounded member of Ben's demon-hunting team.
Damien is the brawn of Ben's team, possessing significant physical strength and combat skills. He is often the one to engage in direct confrontations with supernatural creatures. Despite his formidable appearance, he is dependable, loyal, and has a grounded personality. He provides a physical safeguard for the team and is a steady presence during chaotic situations. Damien's practical approach and readiness for action make him an invaluable asset in the dangerous world of demon hunting.
Relationships: Kali D’Angelo (Ally and friend.); Ben (Teammate and colleague.); Quinn (Teammate and colleague.)
The Collector
Antagonist
An ancient, malevolent entity that preys on Changers.
The Collector is the primary antagonist, a powerful and cunning supernatural entity. It is an ancient being that seeks to harvest the unique essence of Changers like Kali to amplify its own power. The Collector operates through manipulation and fear, orchestrating events and using lesser creatures like the Shade to achieve its goals. Its intelligence and patient, calculating nature make it a formidable foe. It represents the ultimate threat to Kali's existence and the balance of the supernatural world, preying on the most unique and powerful hunters.
Relationships: Kali D’Angelo (Predator-prey relationship, with the Collector seeking to consume Kali's essence.)
Kelly
Supporting
A popular classmate marked for death by a supernatural creature.
Kelly is a popular, seemingly ordinary high school girl whose life is suddenly endangered by the supernatural world. Her role is primarily as a catalyst for Kali's growth and integration into the hunter community. She represents the innocent human lives that hunters protect, highlighting the stakes of Kali's dual existence. Kelly is unaware of the true nature of the threat against her, making her vulnerable and underscoring the danger that lurks beneath the surface of everyday life.
Relationships: Kali D’Angelo (Kali feels a strong responsibility to protect her.)
The Council
Supporting
The governing body of the demon hunters.
The Council represents the established authority and tradition within the demon hunter community. They are a group of experienced and powerful hunters who oversee the operations and maintain order in the supernatural world. Initially, they are wary and distrustful of Kali due to her rare Changer status, which they view as unpredictable. Their role is to provide context, history, and guidance about the supernatural world, but also to represent the conservative elements that Kali must challenge and prove herself to.
Relationships: Kali D’Angelo (Authority figures who eventually recognize and support her.); Ben (He reports to them.)
Themes & Insights
Identity and Self-Acceptance
The core theme is Kali's struggle to reconcile her two disparate identities: the normal human teenager and the instinct-driven demon hunter. She initially views her 'other' self as a separate, alien entity, leading to feelings of isolation and confusion. The journey forces her to confront and eventually integrate these two halves, realizing that both are essential components of who she is. This is most evident in the climax when she consciously merges her human and hunter abilities, signifying her acceptance and mastery of her whole self.
“Every other day, I was someone else. And every other day, I was lost.”
The Nature of Humanity and Monstrosity
The book explores what it means to be human versus what it means to be a monster or a hunter. Kali's human days are filled with relatable teenage concerns, while her hunter days are driven by primal, predatory instincts. The narrative questions whether her hunter self, despite its violent purpose, is inherently monstrous, or if it's simply another aspect of her unique existence. The distinction blurs as Kali learns to harness her hunter instincts for good, and even in her human form, displays courage and protectiveness, often attributed to her 'humanity.'
“I was a monster. I was a girl. I was both, and neither, and something more.”
Belonging and Found Family
Kali's dual life isolates her from both the human and supernatural worlds. She cannot share her secret with her human friends or father, and she has no awareness of other hunters until she meets Ben's team. Her journey is also about finding a place where she is understood and accepted. With Ben, Quinn, and Damien, she discovers a 'found family' who not only comprehend her unique existence but actively support and fight alongside her. This sense of belonging empowers her and gives her strength beyond her physical abilities, especially when facing the Collector.
“For the first time, I wasn’t just a secret. I was part of something.”
Responsibility and Sacrifice
As Kali learns the truth about her powers and the supernatural world, she is forced to confront the responsibility that comes with her abilities. She must make difficult choices, putting herself in danger to protect others, even when in her vulnerable human form. Her decision to save Kelly, despite the personal risk, highlights this theme. The ultimate sacrifice is her willingness to risk her life, and even her 'normal' existence, to defeat the Collector and safeguard both her human and supernatural worlds, especially to protect her father.
“Some secrets weren’t meant to be kept. Some burdens were meant to be shared.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Duality/Split Identity
Kali's alternating human and hunter forms.
This is the central plot device, driving the entire narrative. Kali's every-other-day transformation creates inherent conflict, mystery, and urgency. It isolates her, forces her to live a double life, and prevents her from fully understanding herself. The device creates dramatic tension, especially when she must act as a human against supernatural threats, and ultimately leads to her journey of integration and self-mastery. The alternating nature also provides a unique narrative structure, showing different facets of her personality and capabilities.
The Mark of Death
A supernatural sign indicating a target for a creature.
The 'mark of death' on Kelly serves as the inciting incident for the main plot. It pulls Kali out of her passive, reactive existence and forces her to actively engage with the supernatural world in her human form. This device creates immediate urgency and a clear goal: save Kelly within twenty-four hours. It also acts as a gateway, leading Kali to discover Ben and the wider world of demon hunters, thus expanding the narrative scope beyond her isolated experiences.
The Changer Condition
The unique biological rhythm that causes Kali's transformations.
The Changer condition is the explanation for Kali's duality. It's a rare genetic or magical predisposition that sets her apart even from other hunters. This device provides a scientific/magical basis for her powers and limitations, and more importantly, it makes her a target for the Collector. It establishes her unique place within the supernatural hierarchy, making her both powerful and vulnerable, and provides the ultimate challenge for her to overcome by learning to control it.
The Council and Hunter Lore
The established authority and knowledge base of the demon-hunting world.
The Council and the associated lore provide world-building and context for the supernatural elements. They introduce rules, history, and hierarchies of the hunter world, explaining the different types of creatures and the threats they pose. This device validates Kali's experiences, gives her access to vital information about her condition and the Collector, and establishes the larger stakes beyond her personal struggles. It broadens the narrative from a personal journey to one with wider implications for the supernatural community.
Every Other Day Quotes
“There are some things in this world that are not meant to be found. And some things that, once found, are not meant to be understood.”
“Every other day, I was someone else. And every other day, I was still just me.”
“The Otherworld isn't a place you go. It's a place you are.”
“Sometimes, the only way to save someone is to let them save themselves.”
“Love isn't about finding someone who completes you. It's about finding someone who accepts all the pieces of you, even the broken ones.”
“Fear is a powerful motivator. But hope? Hope is even stronger.”
“The greatest lies are the ones we tell ourselves.”
“There's a difference between being strong and pretending to be strong.”
“Monsters aren't always in the shadows. Sometimes, they're standing right in front of you, smiling.”
“It's not about being fearless. It's about being brave despite the fear.”
“Some secrets are meant to stay buried. Others are meant to be unearthed, no matter the cost.”
“You can't choose your family, but you can choose who you fight for.”
“The world isn't black and white. It's a thousand shades of gray, and sometimes, the darkest shades hold the most beauty.”
“Being different isn't a curse. It's a superpower waiting to be understood.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
On her 'other' days, what kind of creatures does Kali D'Angelo hunt?
- Vampires and werewolves
- Zombies and hellhounds
- Ghosts and poltergeists
- Goblins and trolls
Show answer
B. Zombies and hellhounds The book description explicitly states that on her 'other' days, Kali hunts 'zombies, hellhounds, and other supernatural creatures.'
Question 2
How often does Kali D'Angelo's supernatural transformation occur?
- Once a week
- Every day
- Every other day
- Only during a full moon
Show answer
C. Every other day The title of the book, 'Every Other Day,' directly indicates the frequency of her transformation, and the description confirms she is human one day and 'something else entirely' the next.
Question 3
What is the government's stance on Kali's demon-hunting activities?
- They support her as a secret operative.
- They are unaware of her activities.
- They consider it environmental terrorism.
- They offer her bounties for supernatural creatures.
Show answer
C. They consider it environmental terrorism. The synopsis states, 'Even though the government considers it environmental terrorism,' indicating their negative view of her actions.
Question 4
What prompts Kali to try and save a popular girl from her school?
- The girl asks Kali for help directly.
- Kali sees the girl being attacked by a supernatural creature.
- Kali notices a specific mark on the girl's lower back.
- A friend tells Kali that the girl is in danger.
Show answer
C. Kali notices a specific mark on the girl's lower back. The description states, 'When Kali notices a mark on the lower back of a popular girl at school, she knows instantly that the girl is marked for death.'
Question 5
What is the primary challenge Kali faces when trying to save the marked girl?
- She doesn't know what kind of creature marked the girl.
- She has to save her on a day when she is human.
- Her father forbids her from getting involved.
- The marked girl refuses to believe Kali.
Show answer
B. She has to save her on a day when she is human. The text highlights this challenge: 'Kali has twenty-four hours to save her, and unfortunately she’ll have to do it as a human.'
Question 6
What is the main mystery Kali is trying to solve about herself?
- How to stop her transformations completely.
- Why she is the way she is and the secrets of her condition.
- How to control her predatory instincts better.
- The true identity of her biological mother.
Show answer
B. Why she is the way she is and the secrets of her condition. The synopsis states, 'Kali has no idea why she is the way she is,' and later, she 'learns the secrets of her mysterious condition in the process.'
Question 7
What is one of the risks Kali takes by trying to save the marked girl as a human?
- She might expose her true identity to the government.
- Her human body might not survive the ordeal.
- She might lose her supernatural abilities permanently.
- She risks alienating her new friends.
Show answer
B. Her human body might not survive the ordeal. The description explicitly mentions this risk: 'With the help of a few new friends, Kali takes a risk that her human body might not survive.'
Question 8
What is the core internal conflict Kali faces regarding her two states of being?
- Her desire for a normal romance versus her commitment to demon hunting.
- Her human self's fear versus her demon-hunter self's predatory instincts.
- Her loyalty to her father versus her need for independence.
- Her academic ambitions versus her secret life.
Show answer
B. Her human self's fear versus her demon-hunter self's predatory instincts. The description contrasts her normal human life ('goes to public high school. She argues with her father. She’s human.') with her 'predatory instincts' as a demon-hunter, highlighting the internal struggle between these two very different natures.
Question 9
How does Kali generally deal with her demon-hunter instincts before the events of saving the marked girl?
- She tries to suppress them to live a normal life.
- She seeks professional help to understand them.
- She gives in to instinct, despite the government's view.
- She only uses them when absolutely necessary for self-defense.
Show answer
C. She gives in to instinct, despite the government's view. The text states, 'Kali has no idea why she is the way she is, but she gives in to instinct anyway. Even though the government considers it environmental terrorism.' This shows she acts on them regularly.
Question 10
What role do 'a few new friends' play in Kali's attempt to save the marked girl?
- They provide a distraction for the supernatural creature.
- They help her take the risk her human body might not survive.
- They teach her new fighting techniques.
- They reveal the identity of the creature that marked the girl.
Show answer
B. They help her take the risk her human body might not survive. The synopsis explicitly says, 'With the help of a few new friends, Kali takes a risk that her human body might not survive,' indicating their supportive role in the dangerous endeavor.
Every Other Day FAQ
What is the core premise of 'Every Other Day'?
The book follows Kali D'Angelo, a sixteen-year-old girl who lives two distinct lives. Every other day, she's a normal human teenager, but on the alternating days, she transforms into a powerful demon-hunter with supernatural abilities and an insatiable urge to hunt creatures like zombies and hellhounds, without understanding the origin of her condition.
How does Kali's transformation affect her daily life and relationships?
Kali's dual existence isolates her, as she struggles to maintain normalcy while hiding her supernatural side. She often misses school or social events due to her hunting days, and the constant threat of being discovered, especially by the government, makes forming deep connections difficult and dangerous for her.
What is the central conflict that kicks off the main plot?
The main plot begins when Kali, on a human day, discovers a supernatural mark on the lower back of a popular girl at school, indicating she's targeted for death by a creature. Kali has only 24 hours to save her, forcing her to confront the supernatural threat while limited by her human form and abilities.
Who are some of the key supporting characters introduced to help Kali?
To save the marked girl, Kali enlists the help of new friends, including the resourceful and technologically adept Ben, and the knowledgeable and mysterious Gideon. These allies provide crucial support and insight into the supernatural world, aiding Kali on her human day quest.
What is the government's stance on supernatural activity and Kali's actions?
The government views supernatural creature activity and Kali's hunting as 'environmental terrorism.' They actively track and attempt to contain or eliminate supernatural threats, putting Kali at risk of being targeted herself if her activities as a demon-hunter are fully exposed.
What is the significance of the 'mark' Kali sees on the popular girl?
The mark is a clear indicator that the person has been targeted by a specific supernatural creature for death. It's a precursor to an imminent attack, and Kali's ability to recognize it is a crucial skill from her demon-hunter days, even when she's stuck in her human form.
How does the book explain the origin of Kali's 'every other day' condition?
The book reveals that Kali's condition is not a curse but a unique genetic or magical inheritance, possibly linked to an ancient lineage or a specific event involving her parents. It's a carefully balanced duality that allows her to exist in both worlds, rather than a random affliction.
What role does Kali's father play in understanding her condition?
Kali's father initially appears to be a normal, albeit often arguing, parent. However, he holds hidden knowledge about her condition and the supernatural world. His past and secrets are gradually revealed, providing vital clues to the true nature of Kali's transformations and her family's history.
Are there other individuals or groups with similar 'every other day' abilities?
The narrative suggests that Kali's condition is rare, but not entirely unique. There might be others with similar, though not identical, supernatural dualities, or groups who understand and even manipulate such conditions, indicating a larger, hidden supernatural society.
How does Kali cope with the psychological burden of her dual identity?
Kali experiences significant psychological strain, including feelings of isolation, confusion, and responsibility. She develops coping mechanisms like compartmentalizing her lives and suppressing her human desires on hunting days, but the constant shift takes a toll on her sense of self and stability.
What internal conflicts does Kali face regarding her predatory instincts?
Kali grapples with the morality of her predatory instincts. While she hunts dangerous creatures, the urge itself is primal and sometimes overwhelming, making her question if she is truly good or if she is just another monster, struggling to reconcile her human empathy with her hunter's drive.
How does the forced collaboration with her new friends impact Kali's trust issues?
Being forced to trust Ben and Gideon on a human day challenges Kali's deeply ingrained trust issues, which stem from her secret life. She learns to rely on others, slowly breaking down her walls and realizing the strength that comes from shared burdens, despite the inherent risks.
Does Kali ever wish to be 'normal' and abandon her demon-hunter side?
Yes, Kali often yearns for a normal life, especially on her human days. She fantasizes about typical teenage experiences and resents the burden of her transformations. However, her sense of responsibility and the thrill of the hunt often outweigh these desires, creating a constant internal struggle.
What is the symbolic meaning of 'Every Other Day' in the context of adolescence?
The 'every other day' concept can symbolize the fluctuating identity and rapid changes experienced during adolescence. Teenagers often feel like different people in different contexts, grappling with new responsibilities, instincts, and social pressures, much like Kali navigates her dual existence.
How does the romance element develop amidst the supernatural action?
The romance typically develops with one of her new allies, likely Ben or Gideon, providing a grounding human connection amidst her chaotic life. It's often complicated by her secret, forcing the love interest to accept or discover her dual nature, adding emotional depth to the high-stakes plot.
Is Kali's condition a curse or a gift, and how does the book lean?
The book explores both perspectives. While Kali initially perceives it as a curse due to the isolation and danger, it's increasingly framed as a unique gift or responsibility. Her abilities allow her to protect innocents, suggesting a powerful, albeit challenging, destiny.
What larger themes does the novel explore beyond supernatural adventure?
Beyond the adventure, the novel delves into themes of identity, self-acceptance, the burden of secrets, the meaning of family, and the power of friendship. It questions what it means to be human and how we define our own morality when faced with extraordinary circumstances.
How does the book's ending set up potential future installments or character development?
The ending typically resolves the immediate crisis but leaves several overarching mysteries unanswered, such as the full extent of her lineage, the true nature of the supernatural government, or new threats emerging. This suggests Kali has a larger role to play and more to learn about her unique condition.
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