Adam Bertocci’s novel is a theological fantasy about a directionless 20-something woman who, unknowingly, is tasked with saving humanity from annihilation.

Bristol Volavaunt – in “the autumn of her twenties” – isn’t exactly living an idyllic life: She’s a struggling artist who lives above a pet store in a run-down apartment with her roommate, a beautiful bartender named Monroe Fisher. Bristol’s seemingly pointless existence suddenly has meaning (or not) when Monroe becomes possessed with a godlike entity who calls itself Empress and begins prophesying about the end of the world.

Whether Monroe’s body is being controlled by a deity or she’s experiencing a mental break isn’t initially certain, but the two roommates vow to follow their arcane adventure to its potentially apocalyptic ending. With Monroe as prophet and Bristol as muse, they attempt a ritual with an oddball group of followers to bring down the moon that will somehow save humanity (or not).

As with any novel exploring the existence of God, the obvious questions are asked: “Why are we here? And where do we go when we die?” But it’s the nature of faith and how individuals come to grips with that faith (or lack thereof) that’s so fascinating: “I’m a proud cafeteria Christian,” says Monroe. “There’s things in there I can pick at. So once a year I’ll drop in on a pretty white church in Connecticut and smile politely at smiling people. It roots me. I like that. I’m okay with saying one thing and feeling another – sometimes even feeling nothing. I’m in the Church of Close Enough.”

Some readers might find that the narrative structure, told from diverse perspectives, hampers fluidity. But this novel isn’t meant to be a quick or easy read. It’s written for deep readers savvy enough to get the author’s wry sense of humor and subtle social commentary.

Speculative fiction fans who like their literary escapism quirky and thought-provoking should find this unconventional novel deeply satisfying.