Humanity thought it understood power. It was wrong.
When corporate titan Charles Greenworth uncovers Essence-a hidden dimension where centuries of human emotion have pooled and curdled-he believes he's found the key to absolute energy and absolute control. But Essence has been shaped by humanity's darkest feelings, and its release unleashes horrors no one is prepared for.
People exposed to its influence mutate into emotion-shattered ghouls. Worse still, demonic entities claw their way into human bodies, twisting flesh and will alike. As Greenworth tightens his grip on a collapsing world, these beings quietly position themselves to take it from him.
Caught at the heart of the disaster are Reyn, a senior student with more courage than he realises, and Whisper, a resourceful street orphan with nothing left to lose. Forced into an uneasy alliance with Bianca Greenworth, the daughter of the man responsible, they must choose: flee the ruins of their world... or fight to stop the apocalypse accelerating around them.
But Essence is awakening.
Its creatures are evolving.
And in a world already broken by greed, the greatest threat may not be the monsters-but the humans who think they can command them.
A dystopian sci-fi thriller blending corporate conspiracy, emotional energy, and demonic evolution-perfect for readers of M.R. Carey, Pierce Brown, and Neal Shusterman.