by Kate Wilhelm
First published 2013
The characters in Wilhelm's novel possess extrasensory abilities that connect them to alternate realities. They encounter creatures from other dimensions while navigating a mysterious void that threatens their existence. This abyss represents both danger and potential liberation. The protagonists must decide whether to resist its pull or embrace the transformation it offers. Each character faces a choice between destruction and freedom. The story examines how ordinary people respond when confronted with forces beyond their understanding. Wilhelm creates a world where psychic phenomena blur the boundaries between dimensions. The central conflict revolves around whether the abyss will consume those who approach it or grant them a new form of existence. The emotional weight comes from characters who must surrender their familiar reality to discover what lies beyond.
Genres: science-fiction, fantasy, horror, alternate-universe
Vibes: dark, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, transformation
99 pages · Kindle Edition · Gateway