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Lonely World
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Pub Date
Jan 06 2026
| Archive Date
Mar 27 2026
Description
She lost her sight. Then she lost everything else.
London, 1800s. After a tragic accident leaves Cristal blind, she is stripped of her name and abandoned at a remote institution, reduced to a number—14420—in a system built to break her.
But Cristal isn’t so easy to break.
Amid cruelty and silence, she begins to fight back. Whispers of rebellion stir in the dark, and visions of a man in white promise a strange, fragile hope.
In a world that refuses to see her as human, Cristal must decide who she is—and what she’s willing to risk for freedom.
She lost her sight. Then she lost everything else.
London, 1800s. After a tragic accident leaves Cristal blind, she is stripped of her name and abandoned at a remote institution, reduced to a...
Description
She lost her sight. Then she lost everything else.
London, 1800s. After a tragic accident leaves Cristal blind, she is stripped of her name and abandoned at a remote institution, reduced to a number—14420—in a system built to break her.
But Cristal isn’t so easy to break.
Amid cruelty and silence, she begins to fight back. Whispers of rebellion stir in the dark, and visions of a man in white promise a strange, fragile hope.
In a world that refuses to see her as human, Cristal must decide who she is—and what she’s willing to risk for freedom.
A Note From the Publisher
Megan Hale is blind, stubborn, and not particularly interested in being told what she can or can’t do. She’s completed multiple Ironman races—including the Ironman World Championship—and mentors blind youth through programs like Camp Abilities. Her debut novel, *Lonely World*, is a historical horror story written in a time when disability had no seat at the table. Inspired by heartbreak, resilience, and the quiet fury of being overlooked, Megan writes to make space for those the world tries to erase. She lives in Texas with her guide dog, Hero, and has a soft spot for the underdog—because she’s been one.
Megan Hale is blind, stubborn, and not particularly interested in being told what she can or can’t do. She’s completed multiple Ironman races—including the Ironman World Championship—and mentors...
A Note From the Publisher
Megan Hale is blind, stubborn, and not particularly interested in being told what she can or can’t do. She’s completed multiple Ironman races—including the Ironman World Championship—and mentors blind youth through programs like Camp Abilities. Her debut novel, *Lonely World*, is a historical horror story written in a time when disability had no seat at the table. Inspired by heartbreak, resilience, and the quiet fury of being overlooked, Megan writes to make space for those the world tries to erase. She lives in Texas with her guide dog, Hero, and has a soft spot for the underdog—because she’s been one.
Advance Praise
"Given that Cristal is unable to see, her perception of what is happening is entirely sensory, and Hale does really well in grounding both the public and private experiences into what can be heard and smelled. I love the transition from the institution to a woodland refuge and the way small things can have a big impact, whether it is a blue blanket or a memory box. Hale sandwiches Cristal rebuilding her life between St. Mary's and the climax, with a twist ending that I did not expect at all. There's a tiny bit of the paranormal that is organically incorporated and used with the restraint of a talented writer. Overall, this is a wonderful read. Recommended." - Reader's Favorite
"For sure, the plot twist at the end culminates with a feeling of thrill and anticipation. Even more, the topic of blindness and disability is written respectfully, showing heroism and bravery in children who’ve faced extreme hardships. [...] While not for the faint of heart with its inclusion of torture on children, this thriller is as thought-provoking as it is action-packed with important themes of bravery, ableism, and corruption." Independent Book Review
"Given that Cristal is unable to see, her perception of what is happening is entirely sensory, and Hale does really well in grounding both the public and private experiences into what can be heard...
Advance Praise
"Given that Cristal is unable to see, her perception of what is happening is entirely sensory, and Hale does really well in grounding both the public and private experiences into what can be heard and smelled. I love the transition from the institution to a woodland refuge and the way small things can have a big impact, whether it is a blue blanket or a memory box. Hale sandwiches Cristal rebuilding her life between St. Mary's and the climax, with a twist ending that I did not expect at all. There's a tiny bit of the paranormal that is organically incorporated and used with the restraint of a talented writer. Overall, this is a wonderful read. Recommended." - Reader's Favorite
"For sure, the plot twist at the end culminates with a feeling of thrill and anticipation. Even more, the topic of blindness and disability is written respectfully, showing heroism and bravery in children who’ve faced extreme hardships. [...] While not for the faint of heart with its inclusion of torture on children, this thriller is as thought-provoking as it is action-packed with important themes of bravery, ableism, and corruption." Independent Book Review
Marketing Plan
Press Release/One-Sheet
Goodreads book page Social media outreach
Live virtual events
Customized book announcement email
Editorial reviews
Strategy calls with publicist
NetGalley campaign
Press Release/One-Sheet
Goodreads book page Social media outreach
Live virtual events
Customized book announcement email
Editorial reviews
Strategy calls with publicist
NetGalley campaign
Available Editions
| EDITION |
Paperback |
| ISBN |
9798891329287 |
| PRICE |
$17.99 (USD)
|
| PAGES |
286
|
Available on NetGalley
NetGalley Reader
(EPUB)
NetGalley Shelf App
(EPUB)
Send to Kindle (EPUB)
Download (EPUB)
Additional Information
Available Editions
| EDITION |
Paperback |
| ISBN |
9798891329287 |
| PRICE |
$17.99 (USD)
|
| PAGES |
286
|
Available on NetGalley
NetGalley Reader
(EPUB)
NetGalley Shelf App
(EPUB)
Send to Kindle (EPUB)
Download (EPUB)
Average rating from 4 members