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Imber
Set in a future where Earth has become a lethal and volatile place, Imber is a darkly thrilling tale of survival, secrets, and what it means to be connected.
The remnants of humanity are living in hiding, making the best of their circumstances while searching for a new celestial home. Just when salvation seems imminent, four strangers discover they have an unusual, inexplicable link—one that pitches them headlong into high adventure and intrigue.
Totally unprepared, the four must navigate shocking obstacles and trust unexpected allies as they race against the clock to unravel a chain of unsettling revelations that could impact the fate of the world.
The government has been concealing important facts about humankind’s promising hereafter. Will the efforts of a farmer, a hacker, a businessman, and an academic be enough to overcome impossible odds and expose the truth before it’s too late?
2025 IAN Book of the Year Winner – Science Fiction/Dystopia
2025 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal – Conspiracy Thriller
2025 American Book Fest Best Book Finalist – Science Fiction
2025 B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree
2025 Page Turner Book Awards Finalist
2025 Shelf Unbound Top 100 Notable Books
2025 BookLife Prize Quarterfinalist
2025 Literary Titan Gold Book Award
The remnants of humanity are living in hiding, making the best of their circumstances while searching for a new celestial home. Just when salvation seems imminent, four strangers discover they have an unusual, inexplicable link—one that pitches them headlong into high adventure and intrigue.
Totally unprepared, the four must navigate shocking obstacles and trust unexpected allies as they race against the clock to unravel a chain of unsettling revelations that could impact the fate of the world.
The government has been concealing important facts about humankind’s promising hereafter. Will the efforts of a farmer, a hacker, a businessman, and an academic be enough to overcome impossible odds and expose the truth before it’s too late?
2025 IAN Book of the Year Winner – Science Fiction/Dystopia
2025 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal – Conspiracy Thriller
2025 American Book Fest Best Book Finalist – Science Fiction
2025 B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree
2025 Page Turner Book Awards Finalist
2025 Shelf Unbound Top 100 Notable Books
2025 BookLife Prize Quarterfinalist
2025 Literary Titan Gold Book Award
- GenresScience Fiction
330 pages, Paperback
Published January 23, 2025
33 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Mistina
1 book6 followersImber is Deborah Mistina’s award-winning debut novel. Deborah has a master’s degree in human development and lives with her husband under the starry skies of semirural Ohio. When an extended illness prematurely ended Deborah’s successful career as a learning consultant, she shifted her focus to writing a story that she had been itching to tell for years. Treating the abrupt change as an opportunity rather than a defeat, she channeled her characteristic energy and optimism into fulfilling a lifelong goal and crafting an engaging tale about finding the light in dark times.
2025 IAN Book of the Year Winner – Science Fiction/Dystopia
2025 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal – Conspiracy Thriller
2025 American Book Fest Best Book Finalist – Science Fiction
2025 B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree
2025 Page Turner Book Awards Finalist
2025 Shelf Unbound Top 100 Notable Books
2025 BookLife Prize Quarterfinalist
2025 Literary Titan Gold Book Award
****
“Mistina’s appreciation for natural life sweeps through this post apocalyptic doomsday, imbuing it with optimism and hope as her four heroes take on impossible odds and face heart-wrenching decisions . . . Imber is indulgently descriptive and peppered with vivid vocabulary, constructing a terrifying world that seems both familiar and visionary.” —BookLife Reviews, Editor’s Pick
“The way the story unfolds is masterful. It is like a slow-building fire that gradually consumes you, leaving you breathless and on edge . . . The tension builds to a fever pitch, and just when you think you know what is going on, the rug gets pulled out from under you. There are twists and turns galore, with conspiracies and thrilling moments that’ll keep you guessing till the very end.” —Book Nerdection, Must Read
“Mistina doesn’t just write; she paints with words. She lets grief sit beside beauty. The prose made me feel something in every paragraph, like each sentence had its own pulse . . . Imber isn’t just a sci-fi story or a survival tale. It’s a quiet rebellion against numbness. It reminds us what it means to feel deeply, to protect fiercely, and to listen—even when it’s hard.” —Literary Titan, ★★★★★
“Author Deborah Mistina weaves a beautiful story of survival, resistance, and hope. It is an immersive and thought-provoking dystopian story that feels very real . . . The pace never slowed down, the action was relentless, and the characters ensured I stayed with them until the end. Imber was exactly what I wanted it to be, and I loved every moment of it. Highly recommended.” —Readers’ Favorite, ★★★★★
“From the heartwarming moments of friendship . . . to the heart wrenching revelations and chilling adversaries, Imber is an intriguing and gripping story right from the beginning.” —LoveReading, Indie Books We Love
“The author’s engaging writing style and the easily distinguishable personalities developed for each character made this book worth reading. There is an intrinsic pull throughout the story that makes the reader eager to discover the big secret being withheld by the government and what the consequences will be for the heroes if they don’t find a solution . . . There is a healthy dose of suspense, survival in the wild/on the run, and the power of connections.” —Reedsy Discovery
“While lies, deceit, and the end of the world run underneath the surface of the novel, Imber is a gorgeous portrait of humanity, rich with the warmth between people and their chosen companions, whether they be family, friends, or animals.” —Independent Book Review
“Mistina has a vivid way with words that pulls readers right into the post-apocalyptic future of Earth. I was hooked immediately, constantly wondering what was coming next. Eager to know more, I hope there is a sequel to such an excellent debut novel!” —Reader
2025 IAN Book of the Year Winner – Science Fiction/Dystopia
2025 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal – Conspiracy Thriller
2025 American Book Fest Best Book Finalist – Science Fiction
2025 B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree
2025 Page Turner Book Awards Finalist
2025 Shelf Unbound Top 100 Notable Books
2025 BookLife Prize Quarterfinalist
2025 Literary Titan Gold Book Award
****
“Mistina’s appreciation for natural life sweeps through this post apocalyptic doomsday, imbuing it with optimism and hope as her four heroes take on impossible odds and face heart-wrenching decisions . . . Imber is indulgently descriptive and peppered with vivid vocabulary, constructing a terrifying world that seems both familiar and visionary.” —BookLife Reviews, Editor’s Pick
“The way the story unfolds is masterful. It is like a slow-building fire that gradually consumes you, leaving you breathless and on edge . . . The tension builds to a fever pitch, and just when you think you know what is going on, the rug gets pulled out from under you. There are twists and turns galore, with conspiracies and thrilling moments that’ll keep you guessing till the very end.” —Book Nerdection, Must Read
“Mistina doesn’t just write; she paints with words. She lets grief sit beside beauty. The prose made me feel something in every paragraph, like each sentence had its own pulse . . . Imber isn’t just a sci-fi story or a survival tale. It’s a quiet rebellion against numbness. It reminds us what it means to feel deeply, to protect fiercely, and to listen—even when it’s hard.” —Literary Titan, ★★★★★
“Author Deborah Mistina weaves a beautiful story of survival, resistance, and hope. It is an immersive and thought-provoking dystopian story that feels very real . . . The pace never slowed down, the action was relentless, and the characters ensured I stayed with them until the end. Imber was exactly what I wanted it to be, and I loved every moment of it. Highly recommended.” —Readers’ Favorite, ★★★★★
“From the heartwarming moments of friendship . . . to the heart wrenching revelations and chilling adversaries, Imber is an intriguing and gripping story right from the beginning.” —LoveReading, Indie Books We Love
“The author’s engaging writing style and the easily distinguishable personalities developed for each character made this book worth reading. There is an intrinsic pull throughout the story that makes the reader eager to discover the big secret being withheld by the government and what the consequences will be for the heroes if they don’t find a solution . . . There is a healthy dose of suspense, survival in the wild/on the run, and the power of connections.” —Reedsy Discovery
“While lies, deceit, and the end of the world run underneath the surface of the novel, Imber is a gorgeous portrait of humanity, rich with the warmth between people and their chosen companions, whether they be family, friends, or animals.” —Independent Book Review
“Mistina has a vivid way with words that pulls readers right into the post-apocalyptic future of Earth. I was hooked immediately, constantly wondering what was coming next. Eager to know more, I hope there is a sequel to such an excellent debut novel!” —Reader
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 23, 2025
I love a post-apocalyptic science fiction novel, so this was right up my alley, and boy, was it incredible! Imber by Deborah Mistina contains a vivid, rich, beautiful world existing in our future after an apocalyptic event that nearly destroyed the world. The novel follows four friends who were brought together by their unusual, perhaps supernatural connection to the natural world. Violet, Jack, Emily, and Mason all end up uniquely equipped to deal with the planet’s impending doom at the hands of the nameless President, a fascist dictator who rose to power over time.
Now, I am not going to give any spoilers, but I love how important the natural world is in this novel. I hold the belief that the natural world exists as both a balm to our souls and as an important entity all on its own, which is something worth protecting and preserving, and this novel, as well as the characters inside, seem to share these views.
The spiritual connection that the four protagonists share to the natural world around them – Violet with her horse, Firestorm, her family’s farm, and the flora of the world; Emily to the birds and ducks of her family’s estate; Jack with deer and the animals he once hunted; Mason with his cat, Pounce, and all manner of predators – is truly something wonderful to behold. As their connection with the natural world deepens, so does their determination to protect it at all costs.
It’s common practice in this universe for citizens to shun the natural world and those who love it, instead relying almost completely on technology to meet their needs. They care little about the flora and fauna of the world, instead focusing solely on their own comforts and distress.
Everyone’s determination to look out for themselves and their technology is the biggest reason the President is able to set his plans into motion. Controlling what information and policies citizens are aware of, he can control public perception of him, as well as conduct his true plans without the general populace knowing. It is for this reason that he’s able to fabricate what he needs to, in order to get humanity on his side, and fall into line with very little prodding. People follow his orders blindly, which results in the heartbreaking sequences within Imber.
The characters themselves, and their relationships, are the heart and soul of this novel. Not only do they share profound connections with nature, but with one another as well. The bonds of the four protagonists, as they are thrust from the protection of society and cast as criminals, carry them through their harrowing times. They love one another and the people in their lives deeply, and it’s really excellent to read. They fit together like the perfect puzzle, so I am curious to know how things may change now that some of their puzzle pieces are missing.
Imber by Deborah Mistina is incredibly well written, top to bottom. Mistina has a vivid way with words that pulls readers right into the post-apocalyptic future of Earth. I was hooked immediately, constantly wondering what was coming next. Eager to know more, I hope there is a sequel to such an excellent debut novel!
Now, I am not going to give any spoilers, but I love how important the natural world is in this novel. I hold the belief that the natural world exists as both a balm to our souls and as an important entity all on its own, which is something worth protecting and preserving, and this novel, as well as the characters inside, seem to share these views.
The spiritual connection that the four protagonists share to the natural world around them – Violet with her horse, Firestorm, her family’s farm, and the flora of the world; Emily to the birds and ducks of her family’s estate; Jack with deer and the animals he once hunted; Mason with his cat, Pounce, and all manner of predators – is truly something wonderful to behold. As their connection with the natural world deepens, so does their determination to protect it at all costs.
It’s common practice in this universe for citizens to shun the natural world and those who love it, instead relying almost completely on technology to meet their needs. They care little about the flora and fauna of the world, instead focusing solely on their own comforts and distress.
Everyone’s determination to look out for themselves and their technology is the biggest reason the President is able to set his plans into motion. Controlling what information and policies citizens are aware of, he can control public perception of him, as well as conduct his true plans without the general populace knowing. It is for this reason that he’s able to fabricate what he needs to, in order to get humanity on his side, and fall into line with very little prodding. People follow his orders blindly, which results in the heartbreaking sequences within Imber.
The characters themselves, and their relationships, are the heart and soul of this novel. Not only do they share profound connections with nature, but with one another as well. The bonds of the four protagonists, as they are thrust from the protection of society and cast as criminals, carry them through their harrowing times. They love one another and the people in their lives deeply, and it’s really excellent to read. They fit together like the perfect puzzle, so I am curious to know how things may change now that some of their puzzle pieces are missing.
Imber by Deborah Mistina is incredibly well written, top to bottom. Mistina has a vivid way with words that pulls readers right into the post-apocalyptic future of Earth. I was hooked immediately, constantly wondering what was coming next. Eager to know more, I hope there is a sequel to such an excellent debut novel!
April 18, 2025
Deborah Mistina’s Imber is a speculative, soul-stirring tale set in a future where nature is both fragile and sacred. The novel follows Violet Murphy, a young woman devoted to her family's farm and their legacy of sustainable, organic living amid a crumbling world. As the government’s strange motives begin to unravel, Violet is pulled into a deepening mystery that questions everything, from the fate of the Earth to the limits of science and memory. At once a dystopian adventure and an emotional meditation on grief and hope, Imber crafts a world that’s both fantastical and deeply familiar.
I enjoyed Mistina’s writing style. It’s poetic, even when it’s subtle. Take the opening pages where Violet feeds her horse Firestorm while mourning her lost parents. The imagery is soft and painful: “They broke like porcelain on the jagged rocks below, where the sea writhed with furious waves…”. Mistina doesn’t just write; she paints with words. She lets grief sit beside beauty. The prose made me feel something in every paragraph, like each sentence had its own pulse.
Then there’s the story itself, which is clever and unexpected. When Violet is summoned to present her work at the Science Bureau, things turn dark fast. The seemingly harmless coffee offered to her becomes a sinister turning point. “It was excessively bitter and altogether unsavory,” she says—a perfect metaphor for what comes next. That whole interrogation scene was haunting. It wasn’t just suspenseful, it was invasive and raw. The way Mistina writes Violet’s spiraling consciousness during that sequence made me uncomfortable, in the best way. I couldn’t stop reading, even though I wanted to yell at Violet to run.
But maybe the most surprising part of Imber was how it made me care so deeply about more than one character. Jack Collins, who shows up in a later chapter, is someone I didn’t expect to love. He’s a hunter mourning his father, caught in a storm of his own. At one point, he’s trying to shoot a deer but ends up crying in the rain because he suddenly feels the deer’s fear. Sounds absurd, but the way Mistina handles it is gentle and strange and real. I felt his grief. I felt his confusion. That’s powerful writing.
By the time I finished the book, I felt a little haunted, a little hopeful, and completely wrecked in the best way. Imber isn’t just a sci-fi story or a survival tale. It’s a quiet rebellion against numbness. It reminds us what it means to feel deeply, to protect fiercely, and to listen—even when it’s hard. I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves stories about resilience, about the intersection of science and emotion, and about what it means to fight for what you love. It’s perfect for fans of Station Eleven or The Overstory, or really anyone who needs to be reminded that the Earth, and our hearts, are worth saving.
I enjoyed Mistina’s writing style. It’s poetic, even when it’s subtle. Take the opening pages where Violet feeds her horse Firestorm while mourning her lost parents. The imagery is soft and painful: “They broke like porcelain on the jagged rocks below, where the sea writhed with furious waves…”. Mistina doesn’t just write; she paints with words. She lets grief sit beside beauty. The prose made me feel something in every paragraph, like each sentence had its own pulse.
Then there’s the story itself, which is clever and unexpected. When Violet is summoned to present her work at the Science Bureau, things turn dark fast. The seemingly harmless coffee offered to her becomes a sinister turning point. “It was excessively bitter and altogether unsavory,” she says—a perfect metaphor for what comes next. That whole interrogation scene was haunting. It wasn’t just suspenseful, it was invasive and raw. The way Mistina writes Violet’s spiraling consciousness during that sequence made me uncomfortable, in the best way. I couldn’t stop reading, even though I wanted to yell at Violet to run.
But maybe the most surprising part of Imber was how it made me care so deeply about more than one character. Jack Collins, who shows up in a later chapter, is someone I didn’t expect to love. He’s a hunter mourning his father, caught in a storm of his own. At one point, he’s trying to shoot a deer but ends up crying in the rain because he suddenly feels the deer’s fear. Sounds absurd, but the way Mistina handles it is gentle and strange and real. I felt his grief. I felt his confusion. That’s powerful writing.
By the time I finished the book, I felt a little haunted, a little hopeful, and completely wrecked in the best way. Imber isn’t just a sci-fi story or a survival tale. It’s a quiet rebellion against numbness. It reminds us what it means to feel deeply, to protect fiercely, and to listen—even when it’s hard. I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves stories about resilience, about the intersection of science and emotion, and about what it means to fight for what you love. It’s perfect for fans of Station Eleven or The Overstory, or really anyone who needs to be reminded that the Earth, and our hearts, are worth saving.
April 17, 2025
Deborah Mistina’s “Imber” paints a haunting portrait of a dystopian future that is both captivating and unsettling. With masterful storytelling, Mistina drops you into a world on the brink of collapse, where environmental disaster and totalitarian control have warped humanity’s existence. As the tension builds and the sense of impending doom grows, you’ll find yourself drawn into a nightmarish reality that is all too plausible. I just love how Deborah Mistina tells this amazing story of survival, resistance, and hope – it’s truly inspiring.
What I love about this story is how it shines a light on the human spirit’s incredible ability to persevere. Even in the bleakest moments, the characters find a way to hold onto hope, and that is something we can all learn from. The way the story unfolds is masterful. It is like a slow-building fire that gradually consumes you, leaving you breathless and on edge. It is worth a read. The tension builds to a fever pitch, and just when you think you know what is going on, the rug gets pulled out from under you. There are twists and turns galore, with conspiracies and thrilling moments that’ll keep you guessing till the very end.
One of the standout aspects of “Imber” is its well-crafted characters. Violet, Jack, Mason, and Emily are multidimensional and relatable, each bringing their unique skills and perspectives to the table. The author’s ability to balance action, suspense, and character development is impressive. It makes it easy to become invested in the characters’ plight.
The world-building in “Imber” is equally impressive. The author’s vision of a dystopian future is chillingly realistic, with a keen attention to detail that makes the setting feel eerily plausible. The pacing is expertly handled, with a slow-burning tension that builds to a thrilling climax.
Imber is a heart-pumping quest that will take you to the edge and back. It explores the power of human connection and the true meaning of what matters most. What sets “Imber” apart from other dystopian thrillers is its thought-provoking themes. The novel explores complex issues like government control, transparency, and the human condition, raising important questions about the consequences of our actions and the importance of individual freedom.
If you enjoy dystopian thrillers, conspiracy theories, and action-packed adventures, “Imber” is a must-read. Fans of authors like Suzanne Collins, Veronica Roth, and Marie Lu will love this gripping, thought-provoking novel.
Reviewed By Andrew
July 1, 2025
This is a masterful storytelling of intrigue, courage, and plot twists that will keep any reader engrossed from page one! Within the context of an environment no longer sustainable for our species to survive, four disparate individuals find themselves faced with choices for themselves and the global human family. The stakes couldn't be higher.
The book stimulates inner questions for the reader to ponder. What is the source of our being, living, and acting in a world where we have knowing destroy polluted and made inhabitable? What does it mean to be human in a world where we destroy one planet to colonize another? Leading to the colonization of our new "home" what is the basis our ethics? What is the basis of any sense of love, justice, truth or trust? What is the value of the individual versus the state in such a massive undertaking as colonizing a new world? Where will the power to make such a move arise--from the people or a benevolent ruler with power? Whom or what do you trust to help make choices about good and evil, right and wrong, just and unjust? What are cases where the end may justify the means?
Deborah Mistina has done a master job of drawing into a story on interest and appeal for those of many different interests and worldviews.
Bill Hoopes
The book stimulates inner questions for the reader to ponder. What is the source of our being, living, and acting in a world where we have knowing destroy polluted and made inhabitable? What does it mean to be human in a world where we destroy one planet to colonize another? Leading to the colonization of our new "home" what is the basis our ethics? What is the basis of any sense of love, justice, truth or trust? What is the value of the individual versus the state in such a massive undertaking as colonizing a new world? Where will the power to make such a move arise--from the people or a benevolent ruler with power? Whom or what do you trust to help make choices about good and evil, right and wrong, just and unjust? What are cases where the end may justify the means?
Deborah Mistina has done a master job of drawing into a story on interest and appeal for those of many different interests and worldviews.
Bill Hoopes
July 7, 2025
A Vivid and Timely Eco-Dystopian Debut
In Imber, Deborah Mistina imagines a future shaped by environmental ruin and political deception. As a corrupt leader uses threats and intimidation to get results and lures citizens with false promises of escape and a better life beyond earth, four strangers—each gifted with a rare, nature-connected power—unite on a powerful journey to save the planet. Mistina’s storytelling is imaginative, thoughtful, and emotionally rich. She weaves serious themes with moments of warmth and playfulness, highlighting the strength of human and interspecies bonds. The book is a compelling debut that speaks to our times while offering hope through connection, courage, and the natural world.
In Imber, Deborah Mistina imagines a future shaped by environmental ruin and political deception. As a corrupt leader uses threats and intimidation to get results and lures citizens with false promises of escape and a better life beyond earth, four strangers—each gifted with a rare, nature-connected power—unite on a powerful journey to save the planet. Mistina’s storytelling is imaginative, thoughtful, and emotionally rich. She weaves serious themes with moments of warmth and playfulness, highlighting the strength of human and interspecies bonds. The book is a compelling debut that speaks to our times while offering hope through connection, courage, and the natural world.
February 17, 2025
A must-read for those who love adventure and humanity. Envision a vividly depicted afterworld where your every movement and possession are controlled and monitored, where four dissimilar individuals tune into the world they can see and hear and the one they cannot. Will what they cannot explain save them and the world they know? IMBER takes you on an quest of wild abandonment and simple connection to find the truth and what is important.
March 6, 2025
Imber was an engaging read from start to finish. I was rooting for the characters on each step of their harrowing journey. I found the plot to be entertaining and riveting - fully developed in depth and scope. I hated for it to end but found the ending both satisfying and hopeful. Thanks, Deborah, for a stunning debut novel. Looking forward to more to come!
March 6, 2025
Imber was an excellent debut novel! I loved the animal connections the characters had and the parallels to today's society. I also really loved the artwork throughout the book, so unique! I do wonder if there will be a sequel because it personally left me with a lot of questions.
May 29, 2025
A terrifying and also intriguing story of newly found friends who try to save the world, this book kept my interest from the very beginning to the ultimate end. This is a great read and I highly recommend it. I would definitely read more from this author!
December 17, 2025
We proudly announce that IMBER by Deborah Mistina has been honored with the B.R.A.G. Medallion (Book Readers’ Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG. This award is a testament to this book's quality and its impact on readers.
July 24, 2025
This was definitely not my usual read, but wow was ut good. I highly recommend it to all.
November 22, 2025
A gripping dystopian thriller that keeps readers on edge from start to finish. Deborah Mistina brilliantly blends suspense, intrigue, and human connection, making it a story you won’t forget.
November 17, 2025
An excellent story of a dystopian world where the inhabitants of the plane leave except for four. They must survive on a plant that the authorities had left destroyed. Imber is exciting and enjoyable at the same time.
January 7, 2026
Imber was a captivating read. It is important to me that characters are three dimensional and captivating, and this book provided all that and more. I found myself staying up way too late, not wanting to put it down. Each character felt relatable, which is often a challenge for a dystopian world and the detail and color in the descriptions of the worlds made it easy to immerse myself. The story brings a collection of disparate individuals together, evolving their isolated battles into a collective fight for a single purpose. As they confront challenges, their willingness to protect truth, preserve life, and defend freedom becomes the narrative's core. Ultimately, Imber is a powerful exploration of human connection, showing that courage and cooperation can absolutely flourish, even in the most brutal and unforgiving of worlds.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews