The Nothing Within by Andy Giesler

In this "magical, terrifying, and whimsical debut" (Publishers Weekly starred review), a biotech plague reverberates in Ohio Amish country centuries after the near-extinction of humankind. A young woman must try to save what remains of the human race. "Crafty surprises abound" (Kirkus Reviews) in this sci-fi/fantasy adventure that's "nothing short of a storytelling masterwork." (BlueInk Review in Booklist)

Root is...different.

Though raised in a fearful society that reveres tradition and conformity, she’s irreverent, outspoken, and deeply curious. Her blindness sets her even further apart.

Centuries after the Reckoning, a global biotech plague, savage chimeras still threaten human survival. After Root hears a voice that no one else can hear, she flees into the wilderness. Outcast and hunted, she must confront a dire threat to her people--and unravel the mystery of who she really is.

- Winner: Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Best Science Fiction Novel (2020)
- Winner: National Indie Excellence Awards, Best Science Fiction Novel (2020)
- Honorable Mention: Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards, Genre Fiction (2020)