In “Rusty Nails,” a gripping YA fantasy, sixteen-year-old Aria navigates a dystopian world where self-worth is measured by “nails” — high-tech implants that serve as status symbols. As Aria's grandfather falls ill, she questions the materialistic society she's grown up in, uncovering a hidden community of philosophers who reject the nail-centric culture.
Torn between her desire for acceptance and a growing awareness of the emptiness in her materialistic existence, Aria embarks on a journey through virtual realities and underground meetups. She confronts powerful corporations controlling nail technology while grappling with profound questions about identity, authenticity, and true happiness.
The narrative expertly blends action-packed sequences with introspective moments, bringing to life a vivid futuristic setting where the pursuit of digital status threatens both individual well-being and the environment.
