Maisie Taylor

The Former World lies buried, its mysteries entombed by a cataclysm the likes of which humankind had never seen. With a desolate landscape in every direction, the survivors know the key to their future is to start digging. Welcome to The Heap -- where alliances are formed and powers shift in a constant battle to unearth and possess the technology resting under their feet.

Caught in the middle is young Haylah, a fossor, that is one who digs into The Heap, recovering the means of survival and progress. Her smarts and tenacity threaten to upend those vying for control. If all goes according to plan, she may very well redefine the future of humanity. If she survives.

But what exists beyond The Heap? Have others been spared? Are they also trying to reclaim the ease and splendor of The Former World? The Fideleum will tell you, "no," and that the only path forward is to work together to create a new paradise atop The Heap. The Doubters are convinced, with very little evidence, that they are not alone and civilization exists beyond their desperate, hardscrabble existence.

Haylah struggles her way toward a destiny no one on The Heap could possibly imagine.

Expect: A slow burn of intrigue and reality-style leveling up, rises to power and falls from grace among those willing to do whatever it takes.