On The Shoulders of Giants

"A small amount in the grand scheme of things, but to her it's everything" Fleeing the noise and actions of her drunken father, young Amelie hides underneath her blanket–only lifting it to find herself no longer in her bedroom. She awakens in a vast, abandoned library with a broken entrance door sealed shut with no hope of escape… but she is not alone. A talking black cat named Abram, an ancient librarian, and a janitor haunted by his past join her in a desperate search for a way out, realizing they need each other to stand any chance in this place. The library’s doors can only be opened by collecting scattered gears hidden inside the fantastical worlds of its books. From gnome-inhabited spider-hunting forests to graveyards of forgotten memories, each book-world challenges them with horrors both psychological and physical, forcing the group to confront the traumas that have shaped their lives. Stalking the library is the Cryptwalker—an impossibly tall, unexplainable entity of pure black, its tattered top hat brushing the upper shelves as it moves. Spider-like legs ending in claws, gleaming eyes, and a grin of shining white teeth mark its presence. It hunts those who linger too long, drawn to fear, confession, and unresolved guilt. As the library tightens its grip, Amelie and Abram must navigate deadly worlds, evade the Cryptwalker, and face their own pasts. Through these trials, she discovers who she truly is and confronts the question of forgiveness: can she forgive her father, or must she accept that some wounds can never heal? The journey will test not only her courage but the very essence of who she has become. What to Expect: • Female protagonist • Multiple worlds with distinct rules and atmospheres • Dark fantasy with strong horror elements • Character-focused progression • Heavy emotional themes, including abuse, addiction, abandonment, and extreme loneliness • A story that prioritizes psychological impact over comfort Content Warning: This story explores mature and disturbing themes.