Two Swedish teenagers reunite after graduation and explore the mysterious, post-apocalyptic exclusion zone of Svartlöten, where a failed weapons test has warped time and space, uncovering enigmatic machines and artifacts. Against a backdrop of haunting sci-fi landscapes, their journey becomes a poignant queer coming-of-age story, exploring themes of friendship, desire, and the search for identity.

Reader Review Summary

Set in early 2000s Sweden, the book follows two young men, Linus and Valter, as they reconnect after Linus's graduation from a Stockholm music high school. Together, they explore the forbidden zone of Svartlöten, a vast wasteland created by a catastrophic explosion during a failed weapons test in 1980 that tore apart time and space. The landscape is marked by enormous, scattered architectural structures housing mysterious artifacts, and the narrative blends elements of science fiction, coming-of-age, and emotional tension as the protagonists scavenge abandoned machines and navigate their evolving relationship. The book is an illustrated novel, combining Simon Stålenhag's artwork with a story co-authored by Stefan Pluschkat, and is described as both cinematic and grounded, with a focus on character-driven storytelling.

Readers praised the book for its evocative illustrations, noting Stålenhag's skill in capturing light and atmosphere, which often evoked personal memories and a strong sense of place. The integration of art and text was highlighted as particularly effective, with several readers mentioning that the illustrations complemented the narrative and enhanced the mood. The story's focus on human motivations such as anxiety, loss, isolation, and desire resonated with readers, as did its depiction of friendship and queer coming-of-age themes. Many appreciated the shift toward a more character-driven narrative compared to Stålenhag's previous works, and the setting in a Swedish small town during the early 2000s was seen as relatable and immersive.

Some readers expressed difficulty with the narrative style, particularly the use of first and second person perspectives ('jag och du'), which they found challenging to engage with. There were also comments that, while the illustrations were strong, some preferred the aesthetic of Stålenhag's earlier books. A few readers noted that the story's tone was subdued and melancholic, which may not appeal to everyone, and that the focus on the protagonists' relationship and internal struggles marked a departure from the more worldbuilding-centric approach of previous works.

The book was published on May 20, 2025, and has received an average reader rating of 4.29 out of 5 from 21 ratings and 6 full reviews. It is categorized as science fiction and was supported by a Kickstarter campaign, following the same size and print format as Stålenhag's earlier illustrated novels such as 'The Electric State' and 'Labyrinth.' The narrative explores themes of mystery, sexuality, and the impact of extraordinary events on ordinary lives, with the setting and events serving as a backdrop for the characters' personal journeys.