Snow globe by Soyoung Park

In a frosty future world transformed by climate change, lies the extraordinary city of Snowglobe, snugly encased under a giant dome where the weather is perfect, and life is a dream - a city that thrives due to geothermal vents harnessed by the Yibbon Corporation.

Beyond this cozy haven, in the icy wilderness, brave souls pedal away on stationary bikes, generating power to keep Snowglobe running, while battling the elements for warmth and food. Their sole source of entertainment? Round-the-clock reality TV that showcases the glamorous lives within the dome, used to inspire hope in the Outer World. Becoming a revered resident of Snowglobe and snagging a spot on one of the reality shows, whether as a star or behind the scenes, is the ultimate goal and the stuff of dreams for those outside the dome.

Goh Haeri shines like a radiant sun within Snowglobe, illuminating the lives of those in the Outer World. She embodies the ideal young woman – beautiful, confident, and someone many aspire to emulate. Imagine being in her position, adored by countless individuals. What sacrifices would you make to embody such radiance and warmth? Chobahm resides in the Outer World and aspires to be a show director. Her dream seems within reach when a renowned director presents her with an opportunity to step into the shoes of Goh Haeri, Snowglobe's top star who Chobahm bears a striking resemblance to. It is not long however that Chobahm learns that beneath the facade of perfection lies a society that thrives on superficiality, where lives revolve around manipulating personal relationships for entertainment purposes.

The strong dystopian concept really strikes a chord, and readers will empathize with Chobahm's desire to live in Snowglobe and her realisation that the world was not as perfect as she had envisioned. While the ending was fulfilling, I am excited to see what happens next in the sequel!

Themes: Dystopia, Climate Change, Fantasy, Mystery.

Ruth Tipping