Zeratopolis

Four pre-teen children died (due to different circumstances), and ended up waking in Purgatory, a literal gray area which satirizes reality. There, they gradually lose their humanity (turn into ghosts, of sorts), and gain outlandish abilities: one child summons an army of broadsword-wielding warriors, and another unleashes a black-hole type energy field to vacuum/destroy all matter inside, etc. Together, they battle against 'illusions', the physical manifestations of human-made beliefs, dreams, etc. in Iron Henge, a small continent in Purgatory. Zeratopolis is a satire which tackles themes, like perfection and beauty, not to omit children existing in an adult, uncompromising world. In addition, the boys are being forced to fight for people who care nothing about them, but the boys are expected (even forced) to care about the people and their problems against their will. Age group/audience is 16-24. Rated for strong language, plentiful violence, and some sexual situations.#satire #novel #conformity #illusions #covid-19 #reading