Worm
Publisher: Self published
Published: 2011-06-11
Language: eng
Subjects: fiction; superheroes; web serial; parahumans; dark fiction; psychological drama; morally gray; long-form fiction; is:web-serial; has:serialized-format
Description: Worm is an epic-length web serial written by John McCrae under the pseudonym Wildbow. It chronicles the story of Taylor Hebert, a teenage girl living in the fictional city of Brockton Bay, who gains the power to control insects. Struggling with bullying and isolation, Taylor adopts the identity of "Skitter" and becomes embroiled in the morally complex world of parahumans—individuals with superhuman abilities. Her journey blurs the lines between hero and villain as she grapples with ethical dilemmas, personal sacrifice, and the escalating consequences of her actions.

## About the Book

Worm was first published as a serialized online novel from 2011 to 2013. It consists of over 1.6 million words, making it one of the longest English-language works of fiction available online. The narrative is presented in a chapter-by-chapter format on the author's WordPress site and follows a continuous timeline without traditional breaks between books or volumes.

## Key Themes

- Morality and Ethics: Explores shades of gray in heroism, villainy, and personal decision-making.
- Power and Consequence: Examines how individuals and societies react to power, fear, and conflict.
- Psychological Struggle: Depicts realistic character development, trauma, and coping mechanisms in extreme situations.
- Worldbuilding: Features a complex and detailed setting with a structured power classification system for parahumans.

## Audience

Worm is aimed at mature readers due to its exploration of dark themes, violence, psychological distress, and moral ambiguity. It appeals to fans of superhero fiction, long-form web serials, and morally complex narratives.

## Critical Reception

Worm has developed a substantial online following and is often cited as a landmark work within the web fiction community. It has been praised for its intricate plotting, character depth, and uncompromising moral landscape. The serial continues to influence writers and readers within the online serialized fiction space.