Thermal Equilibrium

by Moth I. D.

Q, a stern and neglected diarist, and Z, a spacey and nihilistic genius, are high schoolers in their sophomore year when their lives change forever. What starts off as a studying agreement ends up putting their mortality in the hands of gods- and leads to maybe even becoming gods themsleves. Throughout all the chaos of fighting for their lives and struggling with their mental health, Q and Z grow increasingly closer until a conflict between them affects the structure of the universe itself, and threatens to ruin their friendship in its entirety.
After all, the term "soulmate" is not necessarily just a descriptor for a relationship.
It is also a warning label.

334 pages, Paperback

Published August 17, 2023

Reviews

[Nico Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Note, I am friends with the author, and therefore may hold some biases, but tried my hardest to write an unbiased review)

Thermal Equilibrium is a fantastical story about Q, a person who desperately wants to mean something, and Z, a person who desperately wants to mean something to someone. Together, they achieve their goals by being in the other person’s life.

This is the type of book I simply couldn’t put down, but also didn’t want to ever end. This book, being self published, has quite a few spelling, grammar, and formatting mistakes, but the story was so compelling that these things didn’t bother me, when usually they would.

While the story starts fairly slow, it picks up quickly. The characters are all charismatic and unforgettable, I found myself picking each one as a favorite at different sections of the book (though I think Z is my favorite at the end of it). The ending was great and very fitting. I would read 20 books featuring these characters if they existed. I love them all.

The way Moth writes relationships is gut wrenching. Q and Z’s relationship is truly the heart of the story, in more ways than one, and the progression of their relationship is so well-paced and believable in my opinion. I love them.

Thermal Equilibrium is an excellent debut, and I’d recommend it to anyone who’s a sucker for character driven work like myself. I’d give a higher star rating if it was possible.

[Rediz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique narrators whose voices you have surely never heard before, with developed character driven ideas, and a vague body horror reminiscent of The Salt Grows Heavy by Khaw, the plot brought to mind The Wicker King by Ancrum. I see the potential that Moth has with a strong editor in their corner.

I had a good time, kicking my feet and feeling giddy (particularly at the graduation). I love the opportunity to put another aromantic book on the shelf.