On a dystopian penal colony moon, a traumatized miner named Young—haunted by hallucinations and a troubled past—uncovers a deadly conspiracy after surviving a tunnel explosion her visions predicted. Blending psychological thriller and sci-fi, the story explores themes of mental illness, corporate exploitation, and the struggle to discern reality from paranoia in an oppressive, claustrophobic environment.

Reader Review Summary

Set on the penal colony of Hibiscus Station, the story follows Young, a former Pomp-in-training whose mental health struggles and suicide attempt have derailed her life. The Pomps are crucial personnel who direct the dangerous excavation of volatile crystal, and after Young's hallucinations predict a deadly tunnel explosion, she is unexpectedly given a second chance to complete her training. As she works to pay off her penal debt and return home, Young becomes increasingly paranoid, suspecting that the tunnel collapse may not have been an accident and that those around her—including her new crew, station staff, and lover—may be involved in a conspiracy. The narrative blends science fiction, mystery, and horror, with a strong focus on mental health, trauma, and the oppressive environment of a corporate-run prison labor camp on a tidally locked moon.

Readers praised the book's tense and immersive atmosphere, with several noting the claustrophobic and intense setting reminiscent of other psychological sci-fi works. The depiction of mental illness and trauma was frequently highlighted as authentic and unflinching, with Young's struggles portrayed in a way that felt true to the harsh dystopian world. The world-building, particularly the details of the penal colony, the mining operations, and the tidally locked planet-moon system, was cited as engaging and well-realized. Many found the narrative gripping, with a strong sense of paranoia and uncertainty that kept them turning the pages, and appreciated the exploration of corporate exploitation, gaslighting, and the psychological toll of such an environment.

Criticisms centered on the book's pacing, repetitiveness, and the handling of its protagonist. Some readers found the plot overstuffed with subplots and cascading revelations, leading to a rushed and ambiguous ending that did not allow for full emotional impact. The main character, Young, was described by some as exhausting, self-centered, or difficult to empathize with due to her constant self-recrimination and self-destructive behavior. Several reviews noted that the supporting cast felt underdeveloped, and that the narrative sometimes relied too heavily on stream-of-consciousness or repetitive cycles of action. A few readers also pointed out inconsistencies in the story's internal logic and felt that the book did not deliver enough on its sci-fi or horror elements, with some plot twists and character motivations seen as predictable or lacking depth.

The book is scheduled for publication on March 25, 2025, and is categorized as adult science fiction with elements of mystery, horror, and mental health themes. It has received 28 ratings and 22 full reviews, with an average rating of 3.86 out of 5. The story includes content warnings for suicide, trauma, and heavy dystopian themes, and some reviewers advised caution for readers who may be sensitive to depictions of mental illness. The author, Maria Dong, is also known for 'Liar, Dreamer, Thief,' and some readers who enjoyed her previous work expressed enthusiasm for this new release. The book was distributed as an advance reader copy through platforms like NetGalley, Edelweiss, and Booksirens, and several reviewers expressed gratitude for receiving early access.