Nostalgia: The Forest and The Tree

by M.J. Bauer, Jade Cameron (Editor), Rachel Radtke (Editor)

Keera, a plucky teen from the underground community of Canary Bridge, doesn’t feel like they belong. They want to explore the surface world, but fear they are not ready to face the trials that likely await them there. However, after an encounter with a tree stuck in time, their home is attacked, orphaning them from everything they have ever known. They are thrust into a world entirely unfamiliar to them. Luckily, they are rescued by Radley, a stoic mercenary with superhuman abilities named who is on a quest of her own.

Together, the duo trek across the hostile wastes, encountering lizard-men with machine guns, vampires-for-hire, giant nightclub owners, and many more such oddities. All the while, a mysterious force known as Manhattan Gate pursues them for crimes against the company. With unexpected allies, new powers, and some budding courage, Keera and Radley search for something the mercenary has lost, ready for whatever Manhattan Gate throws their way… they hope.

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2025