When two estranged sisters—one a pragmatic archaeologist, the other a desperate salvager—investigate a bioluminescent, glass-like anomaly on a deserted exoplanet, they become entangled in the mystery of a vanished colony and the garden’s eerie allure. Blending cosmic horror with sibling rivalry, the story explores the limits of science, greed, and obsession in the face of an inexplicable, possibly sentient phenomenon.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a far-future galaxy, the story follows Dr. Therese Blake, an archaeologist devoted to Earth's history, and her sister Lissy, a struggling salvage captain. The sisters join forces after Lissy discovers a mysterious, bioluminescent anomaly—dubbed the 'glass garden'—in an underground cavern on a deserted exoplanet. The anomaly, which resembles a stained glass mural of vines, flowers, and insects, becomes the focal point of their investigation, raising questions about its origins: is it an artificial creation or a living organism? As they explore the abandoned colony, they find no evidence of violence or evacuation, only the complete disappearance of its inhabitants, which deepens the mystery and tension among the crew.

Readers appreciated the book's atmospheric and claustrophobic setting, noting its effective use of cosmic horror elements and the unsettling, ambiguous nature of the anomaly. The contrast between Therese's methodical, academic approach and Lissy's urgent, survival-driven perspective was highlighted as a compelling dynamic. The novella's pacing and length were seen as well-suited to its genre, with the mysterious disappearance of the colonists and the gradual revelation of the anomaly's influence keeping readers engaged. The vivid descriptions of the glass garden and the sense of anticipation and anxiety contributed to the immersive experience.

Some readers found the character development lacking, with only a few of the five main characters coming across as likable or fully realized. The sibling rivalry between Therese and Lissy, while grounding the story, was seen by some as overly trope-driven and at times mundane. The pacing was described as sluggish by a few, and the resolution was criticized for feeling rushed or incomplete, with the ending leaving several questions unanswered. Additionally, certain supporting characters were perceived as underdeveloped or serving predictable roles within the narrative.

The book is a novella, approximately 130 pages in length, and blends elements of science fiction, horror, and mystery. It was published on May 13, 2025, and has received an average reader rating of 3.76 out of 5 from 21 ratings and 5 full reviews. The narrative explores both personal and professional tensions, particularly through the lens of sibling dynamics, while also delving into the broader implications of encountering the unknown on an alien world. The story avoids heavy technical jargon, focusing instead on atmosphere and psychological tension.