Glassworld - Park Kester R.

On a world of living glass, every fracture spells disaster.

Skantriftic's life has always revolved around their community pod, a fragile sanctuary on the edges of a crystalline world that seems to glow with infinite beauty. But when an immense darkblob-a mass of living, suffocating darkness-descends, their home is destroyed, and their twin, Stranshiftic, is left clinging to life. Now, with the world cracking beneath their feet, Skantriftic must uncover the truth about the catastrophe that shattered their community.

Glassworld is dying-but why? The official decrees of Luminous, the government that oversees every pod, offer no answers. Luminous insists that such disasters are impossible, yet the fractures in the glass continue to spread, and more communities fall. Determined to protect what's left of their home, Skantriftic sets out to investigate the mysteries at the heart of their world: the enigmatic Device that controls the planet's light, the Gel Ocean that sustains life, and the rebellion that whispers of liberation from the oppressive system.

As Skantriftic ventures across glowing glass plains and plunges into the suffocating embrace of the darkness, they encounter unexpected allies, ruthless enforcers, and a chilling conspiracy to suppress the truth. Caught between survival and defiance, Skantriftic must confront their own limits and question what it means to fight for a better future.

At its heart, Glassworld is a tale of resilience, hope, and love-told through the eyes of a protagonist who refuses to conform to simple definitions. Skantriftic's bond with their twin is the emotional core of the story, while their evolving connection with a mysterious ally introduces an intimate, non-binary romance that is both tender and transformative.

Readers will be captivated by the intricate world-building of a planet that feels alive with light and shadow. From crystalline forests that shimmer like alien cathedrals to sprawling cities dominated by towering machinery, every detail of Glassworld breathes with originality. The stark contrast between glowing, vibrant life and the creeping, relentless darkness mirrors the moral and political dilemmas faced by the characters, creating a story as thought-provoking as it is thrilling.

Perfect for fans of:

• The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin, for its incisive critique of power and society.
• Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer, for its immersive and eerie sense of alien wonder.
• The Hunger Games, for its gripping stakes and defiance against tyranny.
• The hopeful storytelling of Becky Chambers, infused with the complexity of China Miéville's imagination.

What would you risk to save your world? What would you sacrifice to save your loved ones?

Glassworld: Out of the Darkness invites you to explore a luminous, alien world teetering on the brink of collapse. With its unforgettable characters, sweeping adventure, and poignant themes of love, survival, and rebellion, this debut novel will leave you questioning the nature of power, resilience, and the light that guides us all.