by S. B. Divya
First published 2024
Akshaya stands at the crossroads between two species. Her human mother and alloy father created her as a hybrid meant to represent the future of planet Meru, but she refuses to accept this destiny without question. She demands the right to walk Earth first, the historic birthplace of humanity, traveling every continent without any assistance from the genetically engineered posthumans who now govern the planet's regions called Loka. Her parents grant permission for this anthropological journey. Akshaya sets out with her adventurous best friend Somya, carrying only a carefully planned route across Earth's varied landscapes. They witness blue skies and sunrises for the first time, trek through snowcapped mountains, and face the power of roiling oceans. The planet reveals both wonder and danger as they form new friendships and discover love along the way. But Earth proves less than welcoming to these young travelers. Through each step of this transformative expedition, Akshaya must confront what it truly means to be human and where she belongs in a world divided between species.
Genres: science-fiction, adventure, coming-of-age, speculative-fiction, alternate-universe
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Earth, Meru, Loka
Period: Future
377 pages · Paperback · 47North