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The Quiet Limit #1
The Quiet Limit
What if you knew what year you'd die?
Since she could first comprehend the meaning of death Lai has known she'd only live to see eighteen years. In her secluded community, scientists calculate residents' life expectancies at birth and one's place within society is determined based on their lifespan. Tragically, Lai's anticipated Year of Death has defined her as someone with little value to society. When her eighteenth birthday comes and goes, she knows she's living on borrowed time and begins to emotionally withdraw and resign herself to her fate.
That's when Lai discovers something that shocks her to her core and forces her to face the reality that the controlled, peaceful, productive community she knows is hiding something deeply sinister. Set in a speculative society that is so imaginatively conceived we're never quite sure if it's utopian or dystopian, The Quiet Limit gives us a heartbroken protagonist at the most heightened and emotional moment of her life and sets her on an urgent, dangerous quest to find answers before her time is up.
Since she could first comprehend the meaning of death Lai has known she'd only live to see eighteen years. In her secluded community, scientists calculate residents' life expectancies at birth and one's place within society is determined based on their lifespan. Tragically, Lai's anticipated Year of Death has defined her as someone with little value to society. When her eighteenth birthday comes and goes, she knows she's living on borrowed time and begins to emotionally withdraw and resign herself to her fate.
That's when Lai discovers something that shocks her to her core and forces her to face the reality that the controlled, peaceful, productive community she knows is hiding something deeply sinister. Set in a speculative society that is so imaginatively conceived we're never quite sure if it's utopian or dystopian, The Quiet Limit gives us a heartbroken protagonist at the most heightened and emotional moment of her life and sets her on an urgent, dangerous quest to find answers before her time is up.
246 pages, Paperback
First published September 5, 2023
6 people are currently reading
3527 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
January 25, 2024
Wow! This story hooked me right from the start. This dystopian world was so intriguing. I couldn’t put it down. There was number of characters to keep track of, but I caught on fast.
The writing was SO good and amazingly descriptive. I had no trouble with details, and every emotion the author wanted me to feel, I felt. There were many times I just had to pause because it was so beautifully written and my heart strings were being pulled!!
Every time I thought I predicted what was going to happen, I was proved wrong and surprised at every turn. I can’t wait for book 2!
If you love any type of YA dystopian stories with an element of mystery like The Maze Runner or The Giver, you will enjoy this one!
The writing was SO good and amazingly descriptive. I had no trouble with details, and every emotion the author wanted me to feel, I felt. There were many times I just had to pause because it was so beautifully written and my heart strings were being pulled!!
Every time I thought I predicted what was going to happen, I was proved wrong and surprised at every turn. I can’t wait for book 2!
If you love any type of YA dystopian stories with an element of mystery like The Maze Runner or The Giver, you will enjoy this one!
May 1, 2024
Trista Lundquist explores a world where science has allowed people to uncover their "year of death." The main character Lai has a YOD of 18, which is significantly shorter than the others in her community. Her skepticism and curiosity grows as she turns 18 and notices some suspicious things in her town.
There was a twist about halfway through that was super intriguing!! I got goosebumps! Bigger doses of world building and descriptions made some parts feel slower, but the plot picked up as the story went on.
This book is like The Giver x The Measure! Very excited to continue reading this series.
There was a twist about halfway through that was super intriguing!! I got goosebumps! Bigger doses of world building and descriptions made some parts feel slower, but the plot picked up as the story went on.
This book is like The Giver x The Measure! Very excited to continue reading this series.
December 18, 2023
This is a fantastic story by first time author, Trista Lundquist. The dystopian world she has created is vivid and very disturbing by how real it feels. The main character is well developed and while it may be thought of as a YA novel, that was not a distraction at all. The pace is great and the underlying mystery is skillfully unfolded. All I can say, is very well done. I look forward to more from this promising author.
January 9, 2025
I'm not sure how I stumbled upon this book. It only has 125 ratings and none of my friends had it shelved. Nonetheless I stumbled upon it. It had good ratings and I ordered a copy on a whim. I am so glad I did!
Easily 5 stars. If you like dystopian worlds, this is an excellent choice.
One of the stand-out things from this book is how real the relationships feel. Sometimes in dystopian stories, it seems like your main character is smart and everyone else is distant and stupid. Especially parents and siblings. I was so pleasantly surprised at how dynamic each relationship felt in this book. The society felt plausible because of the details the author chose to weave in. I am even more impressed given that this is a debut novel.
I'll definitely be ordering book 2!
Also, the cover is beautiful. I think the author's bio said she was also a graphic designer. Idk if she did the cover herself or not, but I love it.
This book is super squeaky clean.
Easily 5 stars. If you like dystopian worlds, this is an excellent choice.
One of the stand-out things from this book is how real the relationships feel. Sometimes in dystopian stories, it seems like your main character is smart and everyone else is distant and stupid. Especially parents and siblings. I was so pleasantly surprised at how dynamic each relationship felt in this book. The society felt plausible because of the details the author chose to weave in. I am even more impressed given that this is a debut novel.
I'll definitely be ordering book 2!
Also, the cover is beautiful. I think the author's bio said she was also a graphic designer. Idk if she did the cover herself or not, but I love it.
This book is super squeaky clean.
January 17, 2024
. The Quiet Limit is a captivating story, hard to put down. I throughly enjoyed this speculative fiction novel, well written and thought provoking, it put me in mind of Margaret Atwood’s Handmaid’s Tale among other classic dystopian literature. And this is author Lundquist’s debut novel. There is excitement and pride when one discovers a new author who also happens to live in Winnipeg. Yay! Very well done.
I hope to be reading more from Trista Lundquist in the future.
I hope to be reading more from Trista Lundquist in the future.
March 13, 2024
What was the last book that kept you up way past your bedtime to finish it? That was this one for me! With 50 pages left I just knew I wouldn’t be able to wait until the next day to finish. And then I lay awake for half an hour trying to process everything that had happened.
In my opinion, this is a book that is best to go into (mostly) blind. I didn’t read the synopsis and was hooked at the end of the first chapter when the first “twist” was revealed. All you really need to know is that it is a YA novel set in a Dystopian society not that far in the future.
I loved it. Every minute of it. The characters were likeable and the twists kept me guessing the whole way through. I didn’t want to put it down and was thinking about it when I did. If you were ever a fan of The Giver or The Hunger Games, you MUST add this book to your TBR! I cannot wait for book two to come out!
In my opinion, this is a book that is best to go into (mostly) blind. I didn’t read the synopsis and was hooked at the end of the first chapter when the first “twist” was revealed. All you really need to know is that it is a YA novel set in a Dystopian society not that far in the future.
I loved it. Every minute of it. The characters were likeable and the twists kept me guessing the whole way through. I didn’t want to put it down and was thinking about it when I did. If you were ever a fan of The Giver or The Hunger Games, you MUST add this book to your TBR! I cannot wait for book two to come out!
February 16, 2024
Wowwowwowwowwow!!! I'm so in love with this story. Such an interesting take on a dystopian story where everyone knows when they'll die. Mixed with government control, mystery, drama, and dare, I say, a smidgen of romance. Absolutely wonderful! Trista, you knocked it out of the park on your debut novel. I can't wait for your next book!!!
November 12, 2023
“The Quiet Limit” by Trista Lundquist is a compelling, intelligent YA dystopian read so absorbing it will stay with you long after the final page. Here we have the main character Lai, who knows something most of us don’t: The year she will die. She has grappled with this reality, this death sentence. Now she has learned to accept the inevitability. The question now is no longer when. She knew she would die at age eighteen. The question now is how. In the society she lives in, the value of your life is based on how long you will live. This means she is of little value to her community. After she turns eighteen, she knows the clock is ticking down, and she turns inward in resignation. Her highly regulated environment holds a secret, and now she wants to uncover it. This spurs Lai toward a near-impossible quest for the truth.
Lundquist has masterfully crafted a novel that transcends spec fiction, dystopia, or utopia. It speaks to all of us, each of us, and gives us a microscope with which to examine our own ideas, values, and beliefs about life, death, and meaning. In this way it is philosophical, but the author’s skill and talent keep it in the lane of entertaining fiction.
The character Lai is someone you can identify with. You are on her side as she struggles through her psychological and real-world challenges. Speaking of worlds, the author builds a world that is striking and, in some ways, familiar with its machinations, secrets, and revelations. Lai is in the most pivotal moments of her life, and she knows time is short. What will she do with that time?
I love the psychological aspect of the story. And even though the novel is driven by the pall of death, it shines as life-affirming. I also like how the author explores the life of this character from a first-person point of view as she grows, and how she handles the day-to-day weight of this countdown. Her friend Evera is an interesting character, and Lai has a brother whose lifespan is longer than hers.
Threads of censorship, conformity, and complacency run through the narrative. Lai is a heroic character, with admirable attributes, making her charismatic and compelling. If you are looking for an evocative, fulfilling dystopian story that is driven by character, “The Quiet Limit,” by Trista Lundquist, should be at the top of your reading list.
Lundquist has masterfully crafted a novel that transcends spec fiction, dystopia, or utopia. It speaks to all of us, each of us, and gives us a microscope with which to examine our own ideas, values, and beliefs about life, death, and meaning. In this way it is philosophical, but the author’s skill and talent keep it in the lane of entertaining fiction.
The character Lai is someone you can identify with. You are on her side as she struggles through her psychological and real-world challenges. Speaking of worlds, the author builds a world that is striking and, in some ways, familiar with its machinations, secrets, and revelations. Lai is in the most pivotal moments of her life, and she knows time is short. What will she do with that time?
I love the psychological aspect of the story. And even though the novel is driven by the pall of death, it shines as life-affirming. I also like how the author explores the life of this character from a first-person point of view as she grows, and how she handles the day-to-day weight of this countdown. Her friend Evera is an interesting character, and Lai has a brother whose lifespan is longer than hers.
Threads of censorship, conformity, and complacency run through the narrative. Lai is a heroic character, with admirable attributes, making her charismatic and compelling. If you are looking for an evocative, fulfilling dystopian story that is driven by character, “The Quiet Limit,” by Trista Lundquist, should be at the top of your reading list.
February 18, 2024
First of all, huge thank you to the author who held a recent giveaway for digital copies of her novel. I was lucky enough to win one of the copies! Thank you Trista! I was so excited to read this because I love supporting local, independent authors. This book did not disappoint. It’s a fast-paced, dystopian YA novel that gave me major Divergent, Maze Runner, and The Giver vibes. It was full of twists and turns, though I did find some of them a bit predictable. Overall I thought it was a great book and I would definitely recommend! The book ended on a major cliffhanger and I can’t wait to read book 2.
4.5/5!
4.5/5!
May 8, 2025
A dystopian lover’s dream — fast-paced, heart-pounding, and emotionally gripping. From the first chapter, I was hooked.
It brought me right back to the kind of books I devoured growing up, the ones that made me fall in love with reading in the first place.
The story had me questioning everything. The stakes were high, the emotions real, and there were moments where my heart was absolutely breaking. And yet, I couldn’t put it down.
The world-building was clear and immersive without being overwhelming. If you’re a fan of The Maze Runner, The Hunger Games, or Divergent, you’ll feel right at home in this story.
It brought me right back to the kind of books I devoured growing up, the ones that made me fall in love with reading in the first place.
The story had me questioning everything. The stakes were high, the emotions real, and there were moments where my heart was absolutely breaking. And yet, I couldn’t put it down.
The world-building was clear and immersive without being overwhelming. If you’re a fan of The Maze Runner, The Hunger Games, or Divergent, you’ll feel right at home in this story.
March 17, 2024
NOTHING AS IT SEEMS
For the month of March my book club read The Quiet Limit by Trista Lundauist and I was very intrigued with how the story would unfold.
TQL is a story following an 18 year old girl named Lai. She resides in a secluded community, where scientists calculate residents’ life expectancies at birth and one’s place within society is determined based on their lifespan. Unfortunately her anticipated Year of Death has defined her as someone with little value to society. Living on borrowed time, in her 18th year she discovers something that shocks her to her core and forces her to face the reality that the controlled, peaceful community she knows is hiding something deeply sinister. This sets her on an urgent, dangerous quest to find answers before her time is up.
The characters in the novel are multidimensional, each with their own struggles, secrets, and motivations. It’s interesting to watch how various circumstances affect relationships and loyalties shift while the true story unfolds.
Touching on themes of death, life longevity, mythology, and morality. One of the quotes that stood out most making me reflect on our present world was, “This is the quiet limit, sweetheart. This is it, right here. Science has been playing God in the outside world for generations now, with people living long beyond what they were meant to. Withered bodies, blank minds, nothing but soulless, drooling carcasses requiring day and night care. This is the outside world now.”.
Trista was a natural at creating a story with a steady plot that grasps the readers attention from the first chapter. With endless twists and turns your mind will be immersed in the mystery that surrounds Lai and her community.
Whether you’re a lover of futuristic sci-fi, mysteries or first loves - The Quiet Limit is a must read!
Too excited for the sequel to come out later this year 🩵
For the month of March my book club read The Quiet Limit by Trista Lundauist and I was very intrigued with how the story would unfold.
TQL is a story following an 18 year old girl named Lai. She resides in a secluded community, where scientists calculate residents’ life expectancies at birth and one’s place within society is determined based on their lifespan. Unfortunately her anticipated Year of Death has defined her as someone with little value to society. Living on borrowed time, in her 18th year she discovers something that shocks her to her core and forces her to face the reality that the controlled, peaceful community she knows is hiding something deeply sinister. This sets her on an urgent, dangerous quest to find answers before her time is up.
The characters in the novel are multidimensional, each with their own struggles, secrets, and motivations. It’s interesting to watch how various circumstances affect relationships and loyalties shift while the true story unfolds.
Touching on themes of death, life longevity, mythology, and morality. One of the quotes that stood out most making me reflect on our present world was, “This is the quiet limit, sweetheart. This is it, right here. Science has been playing God in the outside world for generations now, with people living long beyond what they were meant to. Withered bodies, blank minds, nothing but soulless, drooling carcasses requiring day and night care. This is the outside world now.”.
Trista was a natural at creating a story with a steady plot that grasps the readers attention from the first chapter. With endless twists and turns your mind will be immersed in the mystery that surrounds Lai and her community.
Whether you’re a lover of futuristic sci-fi, mysteries or first loves - The Quiet Limit is a must read!
Too excited for the sequel to come out later this year 🩵
February 20, 2024
4.5/5 ★★★★
What an intriguing and engaging read this was! The premise was already quite appealing, but after only the first chapter, I was already sold. This dystopian world, these characters, the plot, and all these twists! Even if the pace of the first chapters felt a little slower, once you get to a certain point in the story, it's all catch-up. And from there, you just can't put it down! You'll keep second-guessing everything and not trusting anyone - be sure of that! A real page-turner.
I want to thank Trista for gifting me an e-copy of her book during her last giveaway! I might buy, as well, the paperback version very soon. It's this good!
I'll gladly recommend it!
What an intriguing and engaging read this was! The premise was already quite appealing, but after only the first chapter, I was already sold. This dystopian world, these characters, the plot, and all these twists! Even if the pace of the first chapters felt a little slower, once you get to a certain point in the story, it's all catch-up. And from there, you just can't put it down! You'll keep second-guessing everything and not trusting anyone - be sure of that! A real page-turner.
I want to thank Trista for gifting me an e-copy of her book during her last giveaway! I might buy, as well, the paperback version very soon. It's this good!
I'll gladly recommend it!
April 15, 2024
4.5⭐️
What a fantastic debut! I absolutely loved this concept. The Quiet Limit reminded me a bit of The Giver with so many twists and turns. The world building was clear and easy to follow, and once the first major twist took place, I couldn’t put it down. The MCs are likable, but I do wish we got to see more of the romance subplot. Overall, I highly recommend checking this one out if you’re interested in YA dystopian/utopian novels. I can’t wait for the sequel to come out later this year.
What a fantastic debut! I absolutely loved this concept. The Quiet Limit reminded me a bit of The Giver with so many twists and turns. The world building was clear and easy to follow, and once the first major twist took place, I couldn’t put it down. The MCs are likable, but I do wish we got to see more of the romance subplot. Overall, I highly recommend checking this one out if you’re interested in YA dystopian/utopian novels. I can’t wait for the sequel to come out later this year.
March 17, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
first book of book club completed & what a start - was hooked from the beginning with this dystopian world & was kept on my toes until the end - such a great first book for Trista, can’t wait to see what is in store for her
first book of book club completed & what a start - was hooked from the beginning with this dystopian world & was kept on my toes until the end - such a great first book for Trista, can’t wait to see what is in store for her
May 7, 2024
THIS BOOK. I NEED THE NEXT ONE I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS 😭😭
January 3, 2026
It’s January 2 and I think I might have just finished my favourite book of the year.
February 18, 2024
I thought the concept and execution of this dystopian novel were really interesting and fun to read. I enjoyed to know the characters and trying to figure out what was going on.
While I was quite disappointed that it ended so abruptly, that is because I was caught up in the story and wanted more. I wonder if perhaps the reason for this ending is that there may be further books that will join this one in a series.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
While I was quite disappointed that it ended so abruptly, that is because I was caught up in the story and wanted more. I wonder if perhaps the reason for this ending is that there may be further books that will join this one in a series.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 27, 2024
What a debut!
The Quiet Limit is a well-written dystopian thriller set in a world/time chillingly similar to ours. With this book we are posed the question: “What if you knew the year you’d die?”.
In a world where YOD (Year of Death) determines where you live, what profession you’ll have, who you will “partner”, how many children you’ll be allowed to have, Lai (FMC) is born with a shocking YOD of 18. We meet her as she is hitting her 18th birthday, a cast-aside that society often forgot. As she becomes more and more suspicious of the things happening around her, and with nothing left to lose, we follow her as deep sinister secrets unfold.
I thought this novel had an amazing concept. Lundquist developed an amazingly complex architecture of a “utopian” society set in a dystopian future (honestly, it was quite the feat in only 222 pages!). I felt the pacing to be excellent- it was a real page turner! I found it to also be an incredible accomplishment to have a cast of characters as large as this book had, but to have complete development and story growth in all of them. This story left no crumbs! Every piece was necessary and purposeful.
My personal reflection on this novel was that it had some startling similarities to the state of our North American societies. The deeply flawed systemic oppression that favours the privileged and continues to marginalize those who aren’t gave me pause a few times as I drew comparisons to what I have observed time and time again.
My only real comment other than enjoyment, is I wish it was about 50 pages longer. As we sped towards the HUGE twist at the end, I would still have liked the same depth of story support that I felt from the first 75% of the novel. I think I would have truly been shocked with a little more baking time before we had the big realization as the reader.
All-in-all, a very solid read and it has me looking forward to the next one.
I received this book from @booksirens . All opinions are my own.
The Quiet Limit is a well-written dystopian thriller set in a world/time chillingly similar to ours. With this book we are posed the question: “What if you knew the year you’d die?”.
In a world where YOD (Year of Death) determines where you live, what profession you’ll have, who you will “partner”, how many children you’ll be allowed to have, Lai (FMC) is born with a shocking YOD of 18. We meet her as she is hitting her 18th birthday, a cast-aside that society often forgot. As she becomes more and more suspicious of the things happening around her, and with nothing left to lose, we follow her as deep sinister secrets unfold.
I thought this novel had an amazing concept. Lundquist developed an amazingly complex architecture of a “utopian” society set in a dystopian future (honestly, it was quite the feat in only 222 pages!). I felt the pacing to be excellent- it was a real page turner! I found it to also be an incredible accomplishment to have a cast of characters as large as this book had, but to have complete development and story growth in all of them. This story left no crumbs! Every piece was necessary and purposeful.
My personal reflection on this novel was that it had some startling similarities to the state of our North American societies. The deeply flawed systemic oppression that favours the privileged and continues to marginalize those who aren’t gave me pause a few times as I drew comparisons to what I have observed time and time again.
My only real comment other than enjoyment, is I wish it was about 50 pages longer. As we sped towards the HUGE twist at the end, I would still have liked the same depth of story support that I felt from the first 75% of the novel. I think I would have truly been shocked with a little more baking time before we had the big realization as the reader.
All-in-all, a very solid read and it has me looking forward to the next one.
I received this book from @booksirens . All opinions are my own.
June 4, 2024
What a great debut novel!! This was a really enjoyable fast paced read that took me back to the types of books I DEVOURED as a kid. It's a young adult dystopian romance but it's so well written that adults can fully enjoy it as well!
I could not put it down! The world building was well thought out and super easy to follow, it's a bit slower at the beginning while setting up the world but once that is done I couldn't stop turning the page, and the characters are super lovable and relatable.
I kept just needing to know what was gonna happen. And some twists I guessed but it's so interesting that I didn't care. I loved the way it kept me super engaged. The romance was a subplot and I thought that was perfect, as so many books these days are more focused on the romance so it was a nice change of pace.
I cannot wait to read the second book, and I am so happy to be an ARC reader for the sequel!
I could not put it down! The world building was well thought out and super easy to follow, it's a bit slower at the beginning while setting up the world but once that is done I couldn't stop turning the page, and the characters are super lovable and relatable.
I kept just needing to know what was gonna happen. And some twists I guessed but it's so interesting that I didn't care. I loved the way it kept me super engaged. The romance was a subplot and I thought that was perfect, as so many books these days are more focused on the romance so it was a nice change of pace.
I cannot wait to read the second book, and I am so happy to be an ARC reader for the sequel!
April 10, 2024
It has been a long time since I read a book where I could not predict what would happen at least once. The Quiet Limit twisted and turned and constantly made me question the intentions of every character. I love it when a book explores complicated morality, refusing to let characters fall into a neatly defined "good" or "evil" box. Lai Hart is so wonderfully human. Trista did a great job writing an 18-year-old going through the confusion and turmoil of growing up while also trying to figure out the truth about her community—all with her life on the line. The underlying tension on every page was clear. One of the plot twists broke my heart, and I'm still thinking about it. I can't wait for the second book because I have so many questions and can't wait to see more of this dystopian world!
November 27, 2023
4.25 ⭐️
I was so completely blessed to have won this copy from Trista in a giveaway when her book was released recently.
I have been on a bit of a YA and fantasy kick lately so this YA dystopian novel fit right in for me.
Once I got going I need to know what was real and what was going to happen. I was compulsively turning pages and when it ended I was looking for more.
This filled a void I didn’t know I had but also created a new void and I need more of it.
Highly recommend.
Read if you enjoyed: Hunger Games, Ready Player One or The Futile
I was so completely blessed to have won this copy from Trista in a giveaway when her book was released recently.
I have been on a bit of a YA and fantasy kick lately so this YA dystopian novel fit right in for me.
Once I got going I need to know what was real and what was going to happen. I was compulsively turning pages and when it ended I was looking for more.
This filled a void I didn’t know I had but also created a new void and I need more of it.
Highly recommend.
Read if you enjoyed: Hunger Games, Ready Player One or The Futile
May 17, 2024
Wow! This book was so good that I am just in shock. I love dystopian fiction so I knew this would be a winner, but I didn’t expect the twists and scope of this novel. It did take a while for me to get into the book but it was all setting up for the craziness to come.
The premise is both far-fetched and completely believable and I loved that about it. I also loved the splash of romance and The Giver vibes. It made me feel a little nostalgic.
I can’t wait for book two!!
The premise is both far-fetched and completely believable and I loved that about it. I also loved the splash of romance and The Giver vibes. It made me feel a little nostalgic.
I can’t wait for book two!!
January 25, 2024
This book had me fully invested from the first page, which is not something I can say too often. Right from the start you’re introduced to a world that you can’t really decide if it’s somewhere you want to be or not - and it just keeps getting more interesting and eerie as you go. The writing is some of the best I’ve come across in a while, making it really hard to believe this is a debut novel. I truly fell in love with the story and how it kept me guessing literally the entire way through. My heart broke at the twist in the middle of the book, did not see that coming! And the way I had no idea who we could trust had me changing my guesses on what was to come time and again. LOVED that!
Very descriptive and at times got a tad confusing, but that’s to happen I think with stories that are based in dystopian worlds. The author took time to describe nearly everything in detail, but I didn’t find that it took away from the story or make me feel like it was dragging on too much. Only a few times did I wish it would get back to the action, but most of the time it was easy to get lost in the details and enjoy the tangent.
Cannot wait to read more!
Very descriptive and at times got a tad confusing, but that’s to happen I think with stories that are based in dystopian worlds. The author took time to describe nearly everything in detail, but I didn’t find that it took away from the story or make me feel like it was dragging on too much. Only a few times did I wish it would get back to the action, but most of the time it was easy to get lost in the details and enjoy the tangent.
Cannot wait to read more!
August 3, 2025
Picking this book up, I honestly had no real idea of what I was getting into. All I knew was it was a beloved favourite for many of my Booksta pals and it was based in a dystopian world. Then I cracked it open and couldn't put it down.
Lai is destined to die when she turns eighteen. That's because her YOD (Year of death) is YOD-18, the lowest in her society and an embarrassment to her family. The moment Lai reaches her last year of life, she's wanting to do something meaningful or at least explore something that's bothering her. Lai's curiosity to solve a harmless mystery leads to unravelling secrets about her world, a tragic accident and much more. She's left to decide if she wants to follow a new path of unknown or stay put to accept her unfair faith.
I really enjoyed the concept and premise in this one. There was plenty going on to keep me guessing what would happen next and as the twists were revealed, I found myself shocked and wanting to know how the ending would be. I was left satisfied and shouting "Grandma!!?" after. IYKYK!
A great debut that I'm excited to continue with the series for sure.
Lai is destined to die when she turns eighteen. That's because her YOD (Year of death) is YOD-18, the lowest in her society and an embarrassment to her family. The moment Lai reaches her last year of life, she's wanting to do something meaningful or at least explore something that's bothering her. Lai's curiosity to solve a harmless mystery leads to unravelling secrets about her world, a tragic accident and much more. She's left to decide if she wants to follow a new path of unknown or stay put to accept her unfair faith.
I really enjoyed the concept and premise in this one. There was plenty going on to keep me guessing what would happen next and as the twists were revealed, I found myself shocked and wanting to know how the ending would be. I was left satisfied and shouting "Grandma!!?" after. IYKYK!
A great debut that I'm excited to continue with the series for sure.
November 29, 2023
This is a story that enthralled me from the moment I started reading it. The writing style was simply amazing, and even enhanced my vocabulary. It wasn’t predictable at all. It was honestly the complete opposite, and left me emotionally victimized halfway through it. This is a dystopian tale unlike any other I’ve read. I legit can’t stop squealing over how damn good it was, and I need a second book asap!
The main character Lai, I just adored her and her strength. This was her story, and it was told so well. All the characters play a huge role throughout this book, and you don’t know if you should trust them or be suspicious. It makes you want to know more, and it makes you feel a type of way for each individual involved.
I honestly usually find something wrong with a book, but I can’t with this one. As depressing as the story was, it was also enchanting in a way. Not many authors can make you feel that, but this author did it and got the gold star for it.
Read it people. You will not regret it. Seriously, buy it or download it now. You’ll thank me for it!
The main character Lai, I just adored her and her strength. This was her story, and it was told so well. All the characters play a huge role throughout this book, and you don’t know if you should trust them or be suspicious. It makes you want to know more, and it makes you feel a type of way for each individual involved.
I honestly usually find something wrong with a book, but I can’t with this one. As depressing as the story was, it was also enchanting in a way. Not many authors can make you feel that, but this author did it and got the gold star for it.
Read it people. You will not regret it. Seriously, buy it or download it now. You’ll thank me for it!
September 2, 2024
18 year old Lai faces an obstacle, her death date.
When a society knows the exact year you will die and ranks their citizens accordingly it can come as a shock when your death date is only 18. Lai has to face the reality of what that means for her as well as navigating all of the twists and turns it means to live in her community.
For a debut, indie published novel this was pretty good! I’m not a big fan of ya but this made me think of Divergent, Uglies, and other dystopian books I read in high school.
I will say that the first half of this book was heavy world building and laying of the foundation. But once I got to about half way the story really started to pop off with one twist and turn after another. The second half of this book is where all the magic happened for me.
The love interest felt a little thrown in, but he grew on me as the story progressed. I would say romance isn’t the biggest focus in this book.
The heavy world building at the beginning really paid off as things began to happen quickly.
Overall I thought this was a fun, quick, ya dystopian novel.
When a society knows the exact year you will die and ranks their citizens accordingly it can come as a shock when your death date is only 18. Lai has to face the reality of what that means for her as well as navigating all of the twists and turns it means to live in her community.
For a debut, indie published novel this was pretty good! I’m not a big fan of ya but this made me think of Divergent, Uglies, and other dystopian books I read in high school.
I will say that the first half of this book was heavy world building and laying of the foundation. But once I got to about half way the story really started to pop off with one twist and turn after another. The second half of this book is where all the magic happened for me.
The love interest felt a little thrown in, but he grew on me as the story progressed. I would say romance isn’t the biggest focus in this book.
The heavy world building at the beginning really paid off as things began to happen quickly.
Overall I thought this was a fun, quick, ya dystopian novel.
May 1, 2024
Lai lives in an immaculate utopian society, where human hierarchy is determined by each person's Year of Death (YOD). With a tragically low YOD, Lai knows she adds little value to the community, but a shocking discovery upends her perceived reality.
The writing completely sucked me in, and I appreciate the pacing of the story. The book starts slower and feels calm and blissfully meandering as we get to know the peaceful and controlled society and its residents. Once we start learning its secrets, however, the story really takes off, and I found myself desperate to find out what happens! The various twists had me on the edge of my seat and completely engaged.
The ending is shocking and abrupt, but it leaves me very eager to see what happens next in the sequel, The Silent Spaces!
The writing completely sucked me in, and I appreciate the pacing of the story. The book starts slower and feels calm and blissfully meandering as we get to know the peaceful and controlled society and its residents. Once we start learning its secrets, however, the story really takes off, and I found myself desperate to find out what happens! The various twists had me on the edge of my seat and completely engaged.
The ending is shocking and abrupt, but it leaves me very eager to see what happens next in the sequel, The Silent Spaces!
February 29, 2024
I absolutely loved loved loved this book! I got so deep into Trista's writing and honestly felt like I was there alongside Lai the whole time. I loved Lai's character and omg Hugo 😭😭. I am so glad I read this when I already knew there was a part 2 coming otherwise I don't think I'd be able to handle it. I am recommending this novel to all my friends, their partners, colleagues, barbers and their dogs too. Love it!
June 27, 2025
Okay, but wait, I have to go get book 2 ASAP?!?
This was really good, like exactly the kind of dystopian read that brings me so much joy, the kind I remember being obsessed with as a teen. (And who am I kidding, as an adult, still.) The world and the story was well constructed, and the characters were varied and interesting. I didn't want to put the book down once I really got going in reading it, and my time just flew by.
This was really good, like exactly the kind of dystopian read that brings me so much joy, the kind I remember being obsessed with as a teen. (And who am I kidding, as an adult, still.) The world and the story was well constructed, and the characters were varied and interesting. I didn't want to put the book down once I really got going in reading it, and my time just flew by.
October 26, 2023
I loved this book!
This book captivated me from the very first page with its enthralling plot, well-developed characters and unexpected twists. This book is an absolute page turner until the very end. If you are a fan of dystopian fiction or simply enjoy a thrilling and thought-provoking read, this book is an absolute must-read.
This book captivated me from the very first page with its enthralling plot, well-developed characters and unexpected twists. This book is an absolute page turner until the very end. If you are a fan of dystopian fiction or simply enjoy a thrilling and thought-provoking read, this book is an absolute must-read.
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