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Unblind
In a dark, dystopian future, America becomes Eramica, a new name for new and limited freedoms. Eramica enacts the era of the Censorship. The government's primary goal is to control misinformation about Unnaturals, a group of now-teenagers who were born with unusual abilities.
When sixteen-year-old Mercer is discovered as an Unnatural and kidnapped by the government, she believes they plan to kill her. For Mercer is special, as she's the only Unnatural with multiple abilities.
Upon waking at the government compound, ‘The Domain', Mercer discovers Unnaturals are not being killed, but instead trained.
Despite escaping what she thought to be imminent death, Mercer's prophetic dreams tell her that The Domain is not all it seems. Evil seeks to weaponize the powers of the Unnaturals, and Mercer is the only one who knows. Threatened by this secret, Mercer must escape the Domain before her dreams become reality.
When sixteen-year-old Mercer is discovered as an Unnatural and kidnapped by the government, she believes they plan to kill her. For Mercer is special, as she's the only Unnatural with multiple abilities.
Upon waking at the government compound, ‘The Domain', Mercer discovers Unnaturals are not being killed, but instead trained.
Despite escaping what she thought to be imminent death, Mercer's prophetic dreams tell her that The Domain is not all it seems. Evil seeks to weaponize the powers of the Unnaturals, and Mercer is the only one who knows. Threatened by this secret, Mercer must escape the Domain before her dreams become reality.
- GenresDystopia
350 pages, Paperback
Published November 30, 2023
5 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 13, 2025
Bailey Vos’ Unblind offers a tense, fast paced plunge into a dystopian future that feels both chillingly imaginative and disturbingly plausible. With its layered themes of censorship, state control, and the battle between autonomy and indoctrination, this novel is not just a speculative thriller it’s a reflection of the moral dilemmas we wrestle with today. I found myself fully immersed in Mercer’s journey, rooting for her even as the world around her became increasingly uncertain.
Set in the rebranded nation of Eramica a stark transformation of America into a hyper regulated regime Vos wastes no time establishing a world that feels Orwellian but with a distinctly modern flavor. Eramica has entered what’s called “the era of the Censorship,” where the government suppresses any information that contradicts its narrative, particularly surrounding a rare group of individuals known as the Unnaturals.
These Unnaturals, teenagers gifted (or cursed) with supernatural abilities, are viewed as a threat to the tightly controlled order. As the story opens, we’re introduced to sixteen year old Mercer sharp, defiant, and grounded in equal parts vulnerability and inner strength. When Mercer is discovered to be not just an Unnatural, but a rare one with multiple abilities, the stakes immediately skyrocket. She is ripped from her life and thrust into the government-run facility ominously dubbed “The Domain.” From the outset, I could feel Mercer’s fear, her confusion, and later her quiet rebellion, pulse through the pages.
What I particularly appreciated is how Vos plays with the reader’s expectations. At first, The Domain seems like a sinister prison Mercer herself believes she's been taken to be executed. But when she awakes in the sterile halls of the compound, she finds something more complex than she'd imagined: the Unnaturals are not being eliminated, but trained. The psychological pivot here is subtle yet powerful. Instead of the death sentence she expected, Mercer is introduced to a curriculum of power control and mental conditioning, all under the veneer of benevolence. But Mercer, haunted by vivid prophetic dreams, suspects this is just the beginning of something far darker.
These dreams are one of the most intriguing elements in the book. More than mere nightmares, they act as warnings clues to what’s really unfolding beneath the surface. Through them, Vos builds suspense organically, keeping both Mercer and the reader one step ahead of the action while questioning everything we’ve been told. Are the instructors at the Domain trustworthy? Is this training meant to empower the Unnaturals or enslave them? What does it mean to be "useful" to a government that controls reality itself?
Vos does an excellent job of layering the plot with moral ambiguity. None of the characters are entirely what they seem. Mercer’s fellow Unnaturals are caught in their own webs of loyalty, confusion, and fear. Some buy into the Domain’s narrative of protection and purpose. Others, like Mercer, begin to question everything. As Mercer becomes more aware of the hidden agendas behind their training, she must also grapple with her growing powers, which she doesn't fully understand or control. This internal conflict adds depth to her character she’s not just fighting an external enemy, she’s also trying to make sense of who she is and who she might become.
There’s a poignant line Mercer recalls from her early days before the Domain: “In a world where truth is outlawed, your silence is your last act of freedom.” That sentiment echoes throughout the novel, highlighting a core theme resistance through knowledge. Unblind is ultimately about waking up. Not just to hidden truths, but to personal agency. Mercer’s journey is less about fighting with fists or fireballs, and more about realizing the value of critical thinking in a world that punishes it.
What’s particularly effective is Vos’ use of pacing. The story never drags. Whether Mercer is navigating training sessions, decoding her dreams, or quietly conspiring with others who are beginning to see through the cracks, there’s always a sense of urgency. The prose is tight and cinematic. Vos writes with a visual clarity that makes the Domain feel real the sterile corridors, the cold metallic hum of surveillance, the haunting quiet of a place that pretends to nurture while preparing to control.
I also admired how Unblind doesn’t offer easy answers. Even as Mercer plans her escape and the tension rises toward the climax, she’s forced to make painful choices. Should she take others with her, risking their lives? Can she trust those who claim to want the same thing she does? And worst of all what if she’s wrong? This psychological complexity gives the novel its heart. Mercer isn’t some superhero savior. She’s a teenager burdened with knowledge and terrified of what it could cost.
Vos doesn’t shy away from showing the weight of that fear. At several points, Mercer’s doubt becomes nearly paralyzing. But instead of breaking her, it sharpens her. Her ability to question, to resist manipulation, and to hold on to a fragile but unyielding belief in truth that’s what makes her heroic.
I won’t spoil the ending, but suffice it to say that Unblind closes on a note that is both devastating and hopeful. Vos sets up enough for what could easily become a series, and I truly hope it does. There are threads characters whose motives remain uncertain, mysteries about the origins of the Unnaturals, the wider structure of Eramica’s government that beg to be explored further.
In conclusion, Unblind is a standout entry in the young adult dystopian genre. While comparisons to The Hunger Games, Divergent, and Legend are inevitable, Vos brings a unique voice and contemporary resonance to the story. Her critique of censorship, state manipulation, and identity based oppression feels freshly relevant, especially in an age where misinformation and control over narrative are real world concerns.
Mercer is a compelling protagonist equal parts clever, flawed, and brave. Watching her journey from frightened captive to reluctant leader is both gripping and emotional. If you’re a fan of character-driven dystopias with sharp social commentary and a touch of the supernatural, Unblind is absolutely worth the read.
Set in the rebranded nation of Eramica a stark transformation of America into a hyper regulated regime Vos wastes no time establishing a world that feels Orwellian but with a distinctly modern flavor. Eramica has entered what’s called “the era of the Censorship,” where the government suppresses any information that contradicts its narrative, particularly surrounding a rare group of individuals known as the Unnaturals.
These Unnaturals, teenagers gifted (or cursed) with supernatural abilities, are viewed as a threat to the tightly controlled order. As the story opens, we’re introduced to sixteen year old Mercer sharp, defiant, and grounded in equal parts vulnerability and inner strength. When Mercer is discovered to be not just an Unnatural, but a rare one with multiple abilities, the stakes immediately skyrocket. She is ripped from her life and thrust into the government-run facility ominously dubbed “The Domain.” From the outset, I could feel Mercer’s fear, her confusion, and later her quiet rebellion, pulse through the pages.
What I particularly appreciated is how Vos plays with the reader’s expectations. At first, The Domain seems like a sinister prison Mercer herself believes she's been taken to be executed. But when she awakes in the sterile halls of the compound, she finds something more complex than she'd imagined: the Unnaturals are not being eliminated, but trained. The psychological pivot here is subtle yet powerful. Instead of the death sentence she expected, Mercer is introduced to a curriculum of power control and mental conditioning, all under the veneer of benevolence. But Mercer, haunted by vivid prophetic dreams, suspects this is just the beginning of something far darker.
These dreams are one of the most intriguing elements in the book. More than mere nightmares, they act as warnings clues to what’s really unfolding beneath the surface. Through them, Vos builds suspense organically, keeping both Mercer and the reader one step ahead of the action while questioning everything we’ve been told. Are the instructors at the Domain trustworthy? Is this training meant to empower the Unnaturals or enslave them? What does it mean to be "useful" to a government that controls reality itself?
Vos does an excellent job of layering the plot with moral ambiguity. None of the characters are entirely what they seem. Mercer’s fellow Unnaturals are caught in their own webs of loyalty, confusion, and fear. Some buy into the Domain’s narrative of protection and purpose. Others, like Mercer, begin to question everything. As Mercer becomes more aware of the hidden agendas behind their training, she must also grapple with her growing powers, which she doesn't fully understand or control. This internal conflict adds depth to her character she’s not just fighting an external enemy, she’s also trying to make sense of who she is and who she might become.
There’s a poignant line Mercer recalls from her early days before the Domain: “In a world where truth is outlawed, your silence is your last act of freedom.” That sentiment echoes throughout the novel, highlighting a core theme resistance through knowledge. Unblind is ultimately about waking up. Not just to hidden truths, but to personal agency. Mercer’s journey is less about fighting with fists or fireballs, and more about realizing the value of critical thinking in a world that punishes it.
What’s particularly effective is Vos’ use of pacing. The story never drags. Whether Mercer is navigating training sessions, decoding her dreams, or quietly conspiring with others who are beginning to see through the cracks, there’s always a sense of urgency. The prose is tight and cinematic. Vos writes with a visual clarity that makes the Domain feel real the sterile corridors, the cold metallic hum of surveillance, the haunting quiet of a place that pretends to nurture while preparing to control.
I also admired how Unblind doesn’t offer easy answers. Even as Mercer plans her escape and the tension rises toward the climax, she’s forced to make painful choices. Should she take others with her, risking their lives? Can she trust those who claim to want the same thing she does? And worst of all what if she’s wrong? This psychological complexity gives the novel its heart. Mercer isn’t some superhero savior. She’s a teenager burdened with knowledge and terrified of what it could cost.
Vos doesn’t shy away from showing the weight of that fear. At several points, Mercer’s doubt becomes nearly paralyzing. But instead of breaking her, it sharpens her. Her ability to question, to resist manipulation, and to hold on to a fragile but unyielding belief in truth that’s what makes her heroic.
I won’t spoil the ending, but suffice it to say that Unblind closes on a note that is both devastating and hopeful. Vos sets up enough for what could easily become a series, and I truly hope it does. There are threads characters whose motives remain uncertain, mysteries about the origins of the Unnaturals, the wider structure of Eramica’s government that beg to be explored further.
In conclusion, Unblind is a standout entry in the young adult dystopian genre. While comparisons to The Hunger Games, Divergent, and Legend are inevitable, Vos brings a unique voice and contemporary resonance to the story. Her critique of censorship, state manipulation, and identity based oppression feels freshly relevant, especially in an age where misinformation and control over narrative are real world concerns.
Mercer is a compelling protagonist equal parts clever, flawed, and brave. Watching her journey from frightened captive to reluctant leader is both gripping and emotional. If you’re a fan of character-driven dystopias with sharp social commentary and a touch of the supernatural, Unblind is absolutely worth the read.
December 26, 2023
This was a stellar debut novel by Bailey Vos. Her writing is clear and thorough, leaving only the perfect amount of details out for the reader to question while reading.
“Unblind” - a fantasy, meets science-fiction, meets thriller novel describes a dystopian society and a group of teenagers with unique, secret abilities, until they are all kidnapped and brought to “The Domain” to be watched and trained by its leader, Stealth. What happens at the Domain is truly unforeseeable - heartbreaking and evil, yet beautiful in many ways. While figuring out the best ways to use her abilities, Mercer finds a way to bring everyone together by the end. But will everyone survive? And will they be set free?
“Unblind” was perfectly paced. The character development, particularly in Mercer, is supreme. I felt connected to her character both through her internal dialogue with herself, and her confidence and strength shown throughout the book. The author included the perfect amount of action and twists that I didn’t see coming which gave it a thriller feel, too.
This book will reel you in, making you long for a happy ending while constantly feeling like it’s out of reach. I absolutely loved this book and I hope Bailey continues this as a series!!
“Unblind” - a fantasy, meets science-fiction, meets thriller novel describes a dystopian society and a group of teenagers with unique, secret abilities, until they are all kidnapped and brought to “The Domain” to be watched and trained by its leader, Stealth. What happens at the Domain is truly unforeseeable - heartbreaking and evil, yet beautiful in many ways. While figuring out the best ways to use her abilities, Mercer finds a way to bring everyone together by the end. But will everyone survive? And will they be set free?
“Unblind” was perfectly paced. The character development, particularly in Mercer, is supreme. I felt connected to her character both through her internal dialogue with herself, and her confidence and strength shown throughout the book. The author included the perfect amount of action and twists that I didn’t see coming which gave it a thriller feel, too.
This book will reel you in, making you long for a happy ending while constantly feeling like it’s out of reach. I absolutely loved this book and I hope Bailey continues this as a series!!
August 4, 2025
I bought this book because I saw Bailey Vos promoting her book on tiktok. The video I saw was about her being in her 30s and feeling cringey on tiktok. I could relate so I followed and read one sentence that said the book was a mix between Harry Potter and The Hunger Games, so I said sure let’s try it because those are nostalgic! It didn’t feel too YA like a lot of YA can feel, so I liked that part. I hate that it was left with cliffhangers and the 2nd one isn’t out yet, but that’s okay! The only reason this isn’t a 5 star read for me is because this isn’t my genre of choice, so it isn’t a reread for me.
August 28, 2025
Fans of Divergent and Hunger Games Unite!
Are you looking to fill the void left by Sunrise on the Reaping or Divergent (hoping this series has a better ending than Divergent, Bailey please) look no further!!!
Fun and fast world building with its own unique storyline.
I could actual picture this world, which normally is hard for me to do without some really heavy world building.
I absolutely love Mercer and ate up her character development.
This has an incredible found family aspect.
By the way this is a debut novel!
Can’t wait to see where it goes from here!
Bailey, give me book two NOW!
Are you looking to fill the void left by Sunrise on the Reaping or Divergent (hoping this series has a better ending than Divergent, Bailey please) look no further!!!
Fun and fast world building with its own unique storyline.
I could actual picture this world, which normally is hard for me to do without some really heavy world building.
I absolutely love Mercer and ate up her character development.
This has an incredible found family aspect.
By the way this is a debut novel!
Can’t wait to see where it goes from here!
Bailey, give me book two NOW!
January 25, 2026
I haven't been this hooked into a story for years! I read half the book in 1 night. I was surprised several times while reading and love how Bailey Vos didn't shy away from death. Described as Hunger Games meets Divergent, the book didn't disappoint. I hope she comes out with a sequel or that this is the beginning of a series! Would love to read more.
July 29, 2025
Bailey Vos did an incredible job with this one, I truly couldn’t put this book down. She markets it as a YA novel but as someone in my thirties I thoroughly enjoyed it. Hopefully there will be more in the series to come!
August 29, 2025
Overall a book with a lot of twists and turns. After the first couple chapters I was hooked. The story ended on a cliffhanger, excited to see where it goes!
December 12, 2025
great book!! definitely read it!
December 3, 2024
This book is incredible. This is not my typical genre of choice and I couldn’t put it down! I felt like i could not only follow everything clearly but there was also a level of suspense throughout the entire book. I could imagine the characters and places perfectly. Hoping there are plans for a sequel!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews