"The Rust Maidens" is a novel by Gwendolyn Kiste that blends elements of horror and fantasy. Set in a decaying industrial town, the story follows a group of girls who mysteriously transform into rust-covered figures. This transformation symbolizes the loss of youth and the impact of societal decay. The narrative explores themes of friendship, identity, and the struggle against external pressures. As the girls grapple with their changes, they confront their fears and desires, ultimately seeking to reclaim their humanity in a world that seems to have forgotten them.