The Boy Who Didn't Exist

by Mariposa Aristeo

John is like any other teenage boy, except for the fact he was born invisible. Thanks to his father’s freak experiment, he’s a ghost hovering in the midst of a visible world.

Right at the height of the war, two mechanical soldiers show up on the home front looking for the boy no one has seen—and use him in a battle he doesn’t want to fight.

After John flees to a world where no one knows he exists, one young girl discovers who he is and convinces him to stay. But when his father and the mechanical men catch up to him, he must decide between the visibility he’s always longed for and the friendship of the one person who’s ever truly seen him.

Genres: Fantasy, Christian Fiction, Fiction

70 pages, ebook

Published January 1, 2024

About the author

Mariposa Aristeo is a writer of fantastical adventures filled with heart, humor, hope, and sometimes dinosaurs. But, most importantly, she’s a creative who seeks to glorify God on every page of her life.

Besides writing snarky characters who sass everybody, Mariposa loves bringing stories to life in full color as an illustrator. She also enjoys inspiring other creatives as the Public Relations Director at Story Embers and the Social Media Manager at the Young Writer’s Workshop.
Her writing escapades include being a finalist in the ACFW First Impressions Contest and a semifinalist in the Realm Makers Aurora Contest. Her fantasy retelling of The Prince and the Pauper, Sons of Day & Night, releases November 2025 from Enclave Publishing.

Known affectionately as “Mari” by her real-life found family, she enjoys hanging out in local coffee shops, watching Disney films, and telling people that a pterodactyl isn’t actually a dinosaur.

Reviews

[Lilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book absolutely captured my heart.
Okay. But first stop. Admire that gorgeous cover!! It’s wonderful!!
Then the story was so capturing. The characters were wonderful and the life of someone who doesn’t exist to the rest of the world. The ending was not what I suspected in a tearjerker yet conclusive way.

What rung true through the whole story was that no matter how invisible you feel or if people seem to not care, you have value. You have worth. You can still make a difference. It may not be in big loud ways. But to the ones to whom it concerns it could mean the world to them.

[Kaytlin Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! First off, this cover is gorgeous and like my favorite thing EVER! Like EVER, EVER! I love it so much! Anyway, on to the story (which you can read for free right here: https://www.mariposaaristeo.com/the-b... )

Characters:
John is such a lovable and relatable character. All he wants it to be seen and the whole time I'm just rooting for this poor boy who was born invisible. Like, I love him!
The entire cast was so awesome! And just ack, I loved John's cousin who's name I can't remember how to spell at the moment but my heart...I loved that girl! Love her so much!

Themes:
Purpose and that we are who we are for a reason. No one is ever truly invisible not to those that love them. I LOVED all the themes and beautiful moments!

Language:
N/A

Romance:
N/A

Overall:
I loved the historical/steampunk setting it was so unique and super awesome! The worldbuilding the inventions the plot twists. Oh my goodness, those kept catching me by surprise.
I loved every moment of the story and the ending was perfect in my opinion. I loved it so much!
Overall, this is a great story that I recommend for anyone 12+!

[Allison Tebo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! What a smashing tale. Mariposa is such a talented writer, with a writing style that is easy to sink into, and impossible to put down, as the relentless pacing and emotional stakes surge steadily forward with every page.

This clever retelling is a true science fiction gem in the fact that it (like classic sci-fi) does not offer the neat answers other genres crouch behind. It's far too speculative for simplicity, and yet--through the uncertainty--there is woven a glistening strand of Truth.

This story was a emotional rollercoaster filled with crystalline writing, attention-grabbing characters, and complex themes that I'm going to be thinking about for some time.

My only complaint is that I need another story set in this world: it was so unique!

You can read this novella for free right here! https://www.mariposaaristeo.com/the-b...

[Katja Labonté · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. I loved the cover so much that I read this story as soon as it show up in my inbox. I have rarely read steampunk before but I loved it! It’s very well written, and I found it both fascinating and gripping. The father kept startling me; I enjoyed the fugitive trope, which usually kills me; the mystery had me intrigued; and I LOVED Cassiopeia! The message was so good—AND SO WERE THE CHAPTER TITLES!!—and overall it was just satisfying and had me curious to find more good steampunk stories… and to read The Invisible Man.

**I received a free copy of this novella by subscribing to the author’s newsletter: https://www.mariposaaristeo.com/books/**

[Rachel Leitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Goodness. This is a fabulous story. It captures perfectly what it is to feel “invisible” with a unique steampunk twist. Also kudos to fantastic representation of abuse survivors. This is also a great example of a very explicitly Christian story that isn’t cheesy. Can’t recommend this enough. Also, you can get it for free!

Sensitive topics/content:
-abuse

Representation:
-abuse survivors

[Virginia Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this for FREE when you sign up for the author's newsletter! Click here!

*I received a free ecopy from the author but was not asked to leave a positive review. These are my own thoughts and opinions. *

First off, I HAVE to mention that cover. It was the main selling point for me and the fantastical feel matches the book's mood.

The next major thing I loved was the writing. It was so well-written, inviting and immersive. I started reading late one night and had a hard time setting it down to go to sleep. I read it in 4 days and finished it during a road trip. The whole concept of the story was amazing. I've never read The Invisible Man, let alone a retelling, so this was very unique for me. And the PLOT TWIST!! Did not see that coming!

John was a fantastic main character/protagonist. He's relatable, down to earth, and just wants to be seen. I feel that many readers will not only enjoy his story, but they might just see a bit of themselves in him. If you like dastardly and deceptive villains, then this will certainly please you. Uh, it was frustrating but very well done.

The one thing I would like liked to see more of were the Christian themes. They weren't really coming through for me. But the message of worth was spot on!

All in all-4.5 stars! I really enjoyed this and am so glad I was able to read it. Definitely recommended for MG and YA readers, fans of The Invisible Man, and anyone who enjoys rooting for the underdog.

[Kayla E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just absolutely loved this story. I’m going to come back and add to this because I’ve stayed up too late reading now but 10/10. This is a must read for everyone.

Returning to add to my review :)

This story reminded me a lot of one of my favorite classic, the original science fiction novel, Frankenstein. A scientist whose drive leads him to make choices with extreme ramifications for another? There is so much depth within Mariposa’s short story, exploring family, friendship, faith, and humanity. There are poignant themes woven throughout and times to urge one to think—without feeling like you are being asked to think—on such philosophy like should you do the right thing when no one is around to give you credit, is it okay to do wrong if you aren’t seen, can people change, can you believe in what you can’t see, why is imagination frowned upon more as one ages?

I really enjoyed the context of the sci-fi fantasy story having a backdrop of a 20th century United States and the little nods setting that scenery. The contrast of the MC and his younger cousin was well done.

I can’t recommend this story enough! To read it, you can sign up for the author’s newsletter (linked on her IG at the time I’m writing this review)—that’s how I received a copy to read. I am even more excited for the author’s upcoming novel later this year!!

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You are a God who sees me." - Genesis 16:3

The Boy Who Didn't Exist was a wonderfully captivating read. I love to see retellings of lesser-known books, and the way that Mariposa wove the characters, unique plot, and faith elements together was phenomenal. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a safe, beautiful story to experience.

You can read this free at https://www.mariposaaristeo.com/the-b...

[Rebecca Chisam · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an excellent book! I read it in one sitting bc it had me hooked! XP

[Ana Rattin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet novella! It just... captures you, from beginning to end. The characters are amazing. (Cassie!) The themes are beautiful. Several parts felt somewhat rushed - particularly the ending - but I really enjoyed this book. Definitely one worth reading.

[Brooklyn Reinke]

This book was amazing!! I will definitely be reading it through at least, like, five more times! One of my favorite books ever!!

[Lavay Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this "reimagining of "The Invisible Man, a young man name John, is born invisible due to a freak experiment at the hands of his scientist-father. When his father plots with cyborg soldiers to use John to win a devastating war, he flees, left to struggle with being seen in a cruel dark world. Until he stumbles upon a young girl... who seems to see him for who he is... and who understands him in ways even he could ever imagine.

This story... is so hauntingly beautiful. Woven in an almost dystopian country is a message of hope. The hope that those who feel unseen... are seen... and loved. And valued. By others... and by the God WHO SEES... AND LOVES.

NOTE: This novellette is available for free on the author's website! (https://www.mariposaaristeo.com/the-b...)

[Rachel Blanchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this steampunk-flavored novella, where a boy who has been invisible since birth grows desperate for help. He feels like an experiment gone wrong, but finds a friend who sees the world in brighter colors and notices him. There were some deep thoughts here about love, family, worth, and choices! I love that it ended in a scripture. The author is offering this story for free through her website.

Some of my favorite quotes:

“What if the things we don’t see are the very things that are the most real?"

“But sometimes the impossible isn’t something big. Sometimes it’s something so small that most people wouldn’t notice, like a changed heart—or a heart that’s beginning to change."

[Naomi McCullough · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had a death-grip on me, from start to finish! Maybe it's because I've always loved the idea of being invisible and the challenges that would entail pique my imagination; maybe, because it was set in a science-fiction World War One setting where buggies and mechanical soldiers exist side by side. And a huge maybe, because of the undertone of sadness and hope that flowed over the character's emotional struggles and chaotic escapes. In short--I loved it! And I think you would, too.

[R.M. Scheller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the "I'll just read for a few minutes... whoops, it's 2 AM" kind of book. I loved it. The alternate history worldbuilding mixed with vivid characters and twists and turns made it an intense and heartrending, yet delightful story. If you're looking for a book that mixes the vibes of war, rural farmland, and sci-fi well, this is it!

[Amy Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous novella about an invisible boy and the little girl who sees him. I absolutely adored this touching tale and wasn’t ready for it to end! The intriguing world-building was perfectly mixed with heartfelt characters and breath-taking suspense.

[Shiloh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was amazingly written! Not only were the plot and characters great, but I loved the way the author tied metaphorical and literal invisibility together in meaningful parallels. I feel like it checked all the boxes for a short novella. And that ENDING was so impactful!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the atmosphere of this short story; steampunk-ish but grounded in a really real world of war and relationships.

Ms. Aristeo does a great job of creating a world that lives and breathes in full-color.

I received an ARC; this is my honest review.

[Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an engrossing read! It isn't a large book, (alas!!), perfect for a cup of tea and a quiet afternoon. I loved the WW1 science-fiction element.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first chapters intrigue you, and then this book races (in a great way) to the end. Aristeo writes beautiful, complex characters, and you’ll discover gems of poignant lines as you go.

[Eliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this story! So worth the read!

[Katherine Vercouteren · Rating 5 out of 5]

ahhhh this was SO good
The pacing was absolutely amazing, and even though it's just 72 pages, the thematic elements are so well done and the story is immensely satisfying.

[Shylas_Sherwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a quick and easy read. I loved so much

[Joanna J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and moving story. It held me captive from the first word . . . The characters have my heart, and I only wish I could have stayed with them longer.

You are real to me, John.

[Renée Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I say this was a unique story, it was unique! I've never read anything like it. This boy, John, due to a science experiment, was born invisible! He lives a hidden, lonely life, and most people do not even know he exists. What's worse is his father realizes he can use his invisible son for personal gain and makes him steal with the promise, that once they have enough money, he will create the antidote to the invisibility.

What a difference it makes when John finally is "seen" by someone and makes his first friend. I loved the themes of friendship, sacrifice, and compassion.

[Abby Burrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay it's on goodreads so I can post my review of it! I originally posted the review down below on Instagram, the only place I could review it at the time, and I had to share my thoughts on it. This is one of the best stories I've read this year. Not to mention it has a gorgeous cover!

"I was invisible. I could do anything, but that wasn’t the question. It was a matter of whether I was willing."

After seeing the cover reveal for this book (isn't it gorgeous?) and reading the description, I was intrigued enough to subscribe to the author @mariposa.aristeo mailing list and download it. I had a little extra time that day and I read this book in one day. (Even though I was reading like, three others at the time, lol.)

It is such an interesting idea, what it would be like to be invisible... and the consequences of that. Oh John 💜 I immediately connected to him and was engrossed in his struggle, his desire to become visible, to be seen, to be normal. And what he's willing to do to get it... But I admire him because he wasn't willing to go that far, because he held onto to what was right even though it cost him... Well, his greatest desire.

"“And if you’re in my imagination, that also means you’ll do whatever I say.” She raised her chin high.
Ouch. She was right. As much as I hated losing my first argument with a girl, I bent down and started cleaning up."

Cassiopeia 💜💜 She just captures your heart, her and John. Such a whipper-snapper, yet so precious, oh my word- Maybe a little too grown up for a 10 year old, but that's ok.

"If God existed, could He see me?"

John's struggles are not neat and tidy, not with himself and not with God. But the faith element was there, not prominent, but strong. It was, possibly, my favorite part, precisely because it's not neat and it does not resolve completely by the end. But it would not have been realistic if it did.

As for plot, it was pretty gripping. There was a gut punch of a plot twist near the end and oh man- I felt that because I really, really didn't want it to happen that way, perhaps just as much as John did.

In conclusion, I really enjoyed this novella. It was good as any book I've ever bought.

“What if the things we don’t see are the very things that are the most real?” She gazed up at me, her face glowing in the golden light. “What if we can’t see those things because they’re too beautiful and miraculous for us to behold?”

[Abigail C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW this