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The Outsider
The Inside was meant to keep her safe.
Yet the Outsider is what keeps her alive.
Living in a world where everyone has a soulmate sounds ideal, but when every soulmate can feel the same pain and receive the same scars as their other half, it's up to them to keep each other alive. With the world being divided into two, and Nova's soulmate living along the Outside walls, she makes the difficult choice to follow him into foreign territory. She would give her life to save his, but would he be willing to do the same?
She was thrown into his life without a choice, and now Caspian must face the challenges of trying to protect an Insider in an environment that wants to kill her at every turn. Including his own people. But when he finds himself willing to risk his status among his tribe for her, he sees just how far the bond of the soulmate can be stretched between the Inside and the Outside.
Yet the Outsider is what keeps her alive.
Living in a world where everyone has a soulmate sounds ideal, but when every soulmate can feel the same pain and receive the same scars as their other half, it's up to them to keep each other alive. With the world being divided into two, and Nova's soulmate living along the Outside walls, she makes the difficult choice to follow him into foreign territory. She would give her life to save his, but would he be willing to do the same?
She was thrown into his life without a choice, and now Caspian must face the challenges of trying to protect an Insider in an environment that wants to kill her at every turn. Including his own people. But when he finds himself willing to risk his status among his tribe for her, he sees just how far the bond of the soulmate can be stretched between the Inside and the Outside.
- GenresDystopia
539 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2024
34 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
About the author
S. Renea
1 book34 followersShannon Renea lives in the tiny, one red light town of New Market, TN with her family and her fur-baby, Memphis. When she's not writing, you can find her taking countless photos of her son, as a dog obsessed twenty-something year old does and trying to provide a good life for him with a countless pile of toys and treats.
Shannon grew up writing and has always had a passion for story-telling, which led to her getting a visual effects degree from East Tennessee State University, to bring her stories to life. After years of writing, Shannon is now pursuing her life long dream of being a published author, and she couldn't be happier to share her stories with her readers.
For glimpses into Shannon's crazy life and updates on her literary journey, follow her on any social media @author.s.renea.
Shannon grew up writing and has always had a passion for story-telling, which led to her getting a visual effects degree from East Tennessee State University, to bring her stories to life. After years of writing, Shannon is now pursuing her life long dream of being a published author, and she couldn't be happier to share her stories with her readers.
For glimpses into Shannon's crazy life and updates on her literary journey, follow her on any social media @author.s.renea.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
May 5, 2024
Warning: definite spoilers ahead
I want to start out by saying that I really appreciate what the author is going for, and I think that both the author and story have a lot of potential.
That being said, I think The Outsider has been published prematurely. I found this book difficult to read in a few ways. First, it needs some serious editing. I’m not one to worry too much about typos (though there are quite a few) but the writing is not cohesive. It is often confusing and extremely repetitive. The sentences are (more often than not) short and choppy and while I believe it’s meant to be a stylistic choice, I don’t think it is done in a way that makes sense.
Second, I found it to be very repetitive. Certain words and phrases are repeated over and over and over throughout the entire book. A few examples I noticed are:
‘Yet’
‘Within’
‘Oceans’
‘Poison’
‘I realized that now’
There are many other cases of repetitive words/phrases and I believe some of it is meant for impact, but, again, I don’t think it works well here.
Another thing that bothered me as I read is that there is almost no actual dialogue between the two main characters. Basically, they meet and Nova is INSTANTLY in love even though she knows literally nothing about him at all (which ok, soulmates, fine) and there is never any actual development of her personality beyond going back and forth between obsessing over and hating Caspian, and then eventually in the last half of the book she is suddenly inexplicably able to kick a$$ on the Inside even though she’s only been in the tribe for a short ambiguous amount of time with no training whatsoever. Most of the interaction we see between Caspian and Nova is described in the feelings of whoever’s POV it is. I feel no chemistry between them and there is no actual development of a relationship. Most of the book she is too caught up on his ex girlfriend Fern, who conveniently dies 1/4 into the book. (And I’m still upset that Caspian literally never once mentions Fern to Nova but when she throws a tantrum halfway into the book she claims that HE is the one comparing her to Fern and says ‘haven’t you hurt me enough?!’ Like huh???)
I think my biggest issue in the book is the prose. I’m not a critic by any means but what comes to mind when I read this book is the concept of purple prose. The descriptions of how the characters are feeling and the setting especially are very over the top and poetic and (again) repetitive. It can be very distracting and causes what’s actually happening in the scene to be extremely confusing. There are several scenes where Nova or Caspian are being attacked (by the blue tongues, by Kekoa, etc) where I couldn’t understand what was actually happening because of the metaphors used to describe whatever Nova was feeling in her head. And in between the limited dialogue of the characters there is usually an entire page worth of description about their heart falling into the ocean or something before the next person will answer, and it’s usually somewhat confusing as to who’s even talking because I don’t think ‘x character said’ or any variation of that is used. I think the author needs to do a serious cutback on the flowery descriptions and focus on actually developing the plot and characters. Not just their relationships with each other, but also their personalities and histories. It’s mentioned a few times in the story that Caspians mother is a scientist for the Inside but we don’t find out ANYTHING about Novas mother until she is captured and explains that BOTH of her parents have always been scientists. She even acts surprised when she wakes up after being captured and her father is wearing a lab coat.
Another thing that needs to be worked on is the flow of the plot. This is where I think this story could be really good. There are so many good plot points that need to just be expanded on. Scenes and events need to be fleshed out better, and not every chapter needs to have a big dramatic event happening one after another. Give the characters time to breathe in between traumatic events lol. Give Nova time to adjust and get to know the tribe and Caspian so that it is more believable when she aligns herself with them later in the book. The beginning throws you into this dystopian world, but we don’t actually get to see any of it. There are characters introduced at the end of the book that should have been there all along, like the second and third in command of the tribe. Honestly, I think that because this is the first in a trilogy, the majority of book one should be focused on Nova adjusting to life in the tribe and actually becoming an important member there while working on building up her relationship with Caspian. I don’t think it makes any sense that her only interactions have been extremely basic and distant (99% of the time the villagers just stare at her across the fire) and yet she’s willing to risk her life for her new ‘family’.
Finally, I need to mention the gene implant. On page 2 it specifically says that the gene is implanted in each person at birth. That makes no sense because why would Caspian, an Outsider, have the gene? To remedy this the author backtracks and says that the gene was implanted in the first Insiders after the war and that it has been ‘bred’ into future generations. However, when Nova is on the Inside she again states that the gene is implanted AT BIRTH for each person. So confusing.
I do think the author has some really good ideas and she can really make this a great book. I think the story is there, but it does need work. There’s a ton of potential and I wish her the best in her future writing.
I want to start out by saying that I really appreciate what the author is going for, and I think that both the author and story have a lot of potential.
That being said, I think The Outsider has been published prematurely. I found this book difficult to read in a few ways. First, it needs some serious editing. I’m not one to worry too much about typos (though there are quite a few) but the writing is not cohesive. It is often confusing and extremely repetitive. The sentences are (more often than not) short and choppy and while I believe it’s meant to be a stylistic choice, I don’t think it is done in a way that makes sense.
Second, I found it to be very repetitive. Certain words and phrases are repeated over and over and over throughout the entire book. A few examples I noticed are:
‘Yet’
‘Within’
‘Oceans’
‘Poison’
‘I realized that now’
There are many other cases of repetitive words/phrases and I believe some of it is meant for impact, but, again, I don’t think it works well here.
Another thing that bothered me as I read is that there is almost no actual dialogue between the two main characters. Basically, they meet and Nova is INSTANTLY in love even though she knows literally nothing about him at all (which ok, soulmates, fine) and there is never any actual development of her personality beyond going back and forth between obsessing over and hating Caspian, and then eventually in the last half of the book she is suddenly inexplicably able to kick a$$ on the Inside even though she’s only been in the tribe for a short ambiguous amount of time with no training whatsoever. Most of the interaction we see between Caspian and Nova is described in the feelings of whoever’s POV it is. I feel no chemistry between them and there is no actual development of a relationship. Most of the book she is too caught up on his ex girlfriend Fern, who conveniently dies 1/4 into the book. (And I’m still upset that Caspian literally never once mentions Fern to Nova but when she throws a tantrum halfway into the book she claims that HE is the one comparing her to Fern and says ‘haven’t you hurt me enough?!’ Like huh???)
I think my biggest issue in the book is the prose. I’m not a critic by any means but what comes to mind when I read this book is the concept of purple prose. The descriptions of how the characters are feeling and the setting especially are very over the top and poetic and (again) repetitive. It can be very distracting and causes what’s actually happening in the scene to be extremely confusing. There are several scenes where Nova or Caspian are being attacked (by the blue tongues, by Kekoa, etc) where I couldn’t understand what was actually happening because of the metaphors used to describe whatever Nova was feeling in her head. And in between the limited dialogue of the characters there is usually an entire page worth of description about their heart falling into the ocean or something before the next person will answer, and it’s usually somewhat confusing as to who’s even talking because I don’t think ‘x character said’ or any variation of that is used. I think the author needs to do a serious cutback on the flowery descriptions and focus on actually developing the plot and characters. Not just their relationships with each other, but also their personalities and histories. It’s mentioned a few times in the story that Caspians mother is a scientist for the Inside but we don’t find out ANYTHING about Novas mother until she is captured and explains that BOTH of her parents have always been scientists. She even acts surprised when she wakes up after being captured and her father is wearing a lab coat.
Another thing that needs to be worked on is the flow of the plot. This is where I think this story could be really good. There are so many good plot points that need to just be expanded on. Scenes and events need to be fleshed out better, and not every chapter needs to have a big dramatic event happening one after another. Give the characters time to breathe in between traumatic events lol. Give Nova time to adjust and get to know the tribe and Caspian so that it is more believable when she aligns herself with them later in the book. The beginning throws you into this dystopian world, but we don’t actually get to see any of it. There are characters introduced at the end of the book that should have been there all along, like the second and third in command of the tribe. Honestly, I think that because this is the first in a trilogy, the majority of book one should be focused on Nova adjusting to life in the tribe and actually becoming an important member there while working on building up her relationship with Caspian. I don’t think it makes any sense that her only interactions have been extremely basic and distant (99% of the time the villagers just stare at her across the fire) and yet she’s willing to risk her life for her new ‘family’.
Finally, I need to mention the gene implant. On page 2 it specifically says that the gene is implanted in each person at birth. That makes no sense because why would Caspian, an Outsider, have the gene? To remedy this the author backtracks and says that the gene was implanted in the first Insiders after the war and that it has been ‘bred’ into future generations. However, when Nova is on the Inside she again states that the gene is implanted AT BIRTH for each person. So confusing.
I do think the author has some really good ideas and she can really make this a great book. I think the story is there, but it does need work. There’s a ton of potential and I wish her the best in her future writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2024
The only way I can see this book having so many five star reviews is if the author has paid for them or they were left by family and friends - either way, very dishonest. I wasn’t going to write a review but now I think it’s necessary to balance the scales.
This book is very much a quickly slapped together first draft with very little consistency, world building, and writing experience from the author. It’s clunky and repetitive, it drags, the characters are flimsy and have poor motivations throughout. The use of metaphors is nonsensical and sloppy, often abused throughout the story in lieu of more direct writing. I’m a fan of metaphors, for sure, but there is a balance - and that balance is “enough that it’s pretty, not so much that the reader might not understand what happened because I refuse to be literal at any time”.
I’m an avid reader of romance, sci-fi, fantasy and dystopian genres and this book really didn’t hit the mark on any of them. It might have done, if there was a second draft or an editor involved.
This book is very much a quickly slapped together first draft with very little consistency, world building, and writing experience from the author. It’s clunky and repetitive, it drags, the characters are flimsy and have poor motivations throughout. The use of metaphors is nonsensical and sloppy, often abused throughout the story in lieu of more direct writing. I’m a fan of metaphors, for sure, but there is a balance - and that balance is “enough that it’s pretty, not so much that the reader might not understand what happened because I refuse to be literal at any time”.
I’m an avid reader of romance, sci-fi, fantasy and dystopian genres and this book really didn’t hit the mark on any of them. It might have done, if there was a second draft or an editor involved.
May 5, 2024
Let me preface this by saying:
It takes a lot to write a story and to share it with others let alone publish it for the world. Especially as a new author. So I really commend the author for putting herself and her work out here like this. As someone who dabbles in writing, I can’t say I am as brave. That being said, constructive criticism and editors and beta readers are necessary especially for this author.
I am giving this book a 1.5 star. I do think the plot and world could be really good. It’s a very cool concept in the sense of a gene connecting you to a soulmate. I just believe the world the author has created is in need of better building and definitely in need of a better explanation of what is going on and the WHY.
Like why did the gene become a thing? Why are they soulmates? Why is there an Inside and why is there an outside? Why is Outsiders described as barbaric and savage in loincloths and have curtains in the front of their huts for doors but have actual bedroom doors in later chapters? It feels like there is no purpose to the story until the end and even that doesn’t seem like there is much. I don’t even understand why the FMC left to go with the MMC after he was captured. Why does she feel so much for someone who feels little for her despite the whole soulmate thing.
The idea is good, it’s interesting. The actual writing is just plain bad. It seems like the author is trying so hard to be poetic with the writing and having it mean something that they ignore sentence structures and just making the scene make sense. There were moments reading this book where I would have to go and reread paragraphs to make sure I hadn’t missed a detail so I could understand what was happening because it got so confusing, only to realize it’s just really spotty and chaotic writing. There’s no real detail in anything either, ideas and scenes are very vague at times.
The way sentences are repeated and words italicized for emphasis and dramatics is honestly too much. It’s done every other paragraph. If I see the words oceans, savage, or barbaric I’m immediately triggered. Also the use of “yet”, and “within” is used over 1,000x in this book.
There is no character development. They are very 1D characters tbh. The way the FMC is immediately in love and the MMC barely likes her does not mesh well. I’m not sure if this was an attempt at fated mates or fated reluctant mates/forced proximity trope but it was not done well. The MMC i understand is supposed to be hesitant and torn due to being in love with another but the narrative is so inconsistent, I don’t understand what’s going on 99% of the time with the romance. There is no chemistry or connection from the main characters. Even the cave scene I didn’t feel anything. I thought the description of the FMC wailing, sobbing, and throwing up was a bit much especially since he mentioned the torture before and she also went through the pain??? I get being emotional for him but the scene was not written well for an emotional connection. It was just very in your face about it with some extra poetic lines to hopefully make it mean something.
Overall, the ideas for this book IS GOOD.
The writing is bad. If you would have given me this book with no context I would assume it’s a rough draft. I think with a big chop and better world building and fleshing out characters and getting some pro beta readers with experience and a good editor I think this has potential 💯.
I’ve seen really rough free kindle books written by baby authors that are rewritten years down the line and revamped by the author after they gain experience. I hope that’s what happens with this book! Because the author and the book have potential.
It takes a lot to write a story and to share it with others let alone publish it for the world. Especially as a new author. So I really commend the author for putting herself and her work out here like this. As someone who dabbles in writing, I can’t say I am as brave. That being said, constructive criticism and editors and beta readers are necessary especially for this author.
I am giving this book a 1.5 star. I do think the plot and world could be really good. It’s a very cool concept in the sense of a gene connecting you to a soulmate. I just believe the world the author has created is in need of better building and definitely in need of a better explanation of what is going on and the WHY.
Like why did the gene become a thing? Why are they soulmates? Why is there an Inside and why is there an outside? Why is Outsiders described as barbaric and savage in loincloths and have curtains in the front of their huts for doors but have actual bedroom doors in later chapters? It feels like there is no purpose to the story until the end and even that doesn’t seem like there is much. I don’t even understand why the FMC left to go with the MMC after he was captured. Why does she feel so much for someone who feels little for her despite the whole soulmate thing.
The idea is good, it’s interesting. The actual writing is just plain bad. It seems like the author is trying so hard to be poetic with the writing and having it mean something that they ignore sentence structures and just making the scene make sense. There were moments reading this book where I would have to go and reread paragraphs to make sure I hadn’t missed a detail so I could understand what was happening because it got so confusing, only to realize it’s just really spotty and chaotic writing. There’s no real detail in anything either, ideas and scenes are very vague at times.
The way sentences are repeated and words italicized for emphasis and dramatics is honestly too much. It’s done every other paragraph. If I see the words oceans, savage, or barbaric I’m immediately triggered. Also the use of “yet”, and “within” is used over 1,000x in this book.
There is no character development. They are very 1D characters tbh. The way the FMC is immediately in love and the MMC barely likes her does not mesh well. I’m not sure if this was an attempt at fated mates or fated reluctant mates/forced proximity trope but it was not done well. The MMC i understand is supposed to be hesitant and torn due to being in love with another but the narrative is so inconsistent, I don’t understand what’s going on 99% of the time with the romance. There is no chemistry or connection from the main characters. Even the cave scene I didn’t feel anything. I thought the description of the FMC wailing, sobbing, and throwing up was a bit much especially since he mentioned the torture before and she also went through the pain??? I get being emotional for him but the scene was not written well for an emotional connection. It was just very in your face about it with some extra poetic lines to hopefully make it mean something.
Overall, the ideas for this book IS GOOD.
The writing is bad. If you would have given me this book with no context I would assume it’s a rough draft. I think with a big chop and better world building and fleshing out characters and getting some pro beta readers with experience and a good editor I think this has potential 💯.
I’ve seen really rough free kindle books written by baby authors that are rewritten years down the line and revamped by the author after they gain experience. I hope that’s what happens with this book! Because the author and the book have potential.
May 23, 2024
I’m pretty uncomfortable giving this rating because it’s my understanding that this is a new author. I know I couldn’t do what she did and write a book. That’s such an amazing accomplishment and she should be proud!
On the other hand, the redundancies were exhausting. So many words/phrases were overused to an extent that it was hard to NOT notice. There was a lot of filler/descriptive words used in nearly every sentence. They were short and choppy. Details were vague and the characters lacked chemistry. I understand that there’s a soulmate gene and they just love each other, but there was no substance at all- no spark! They do not know each other. They spend the whole time hating to love each other. It goes around in circles. I’m hoping the author will build on their relationship by the next book. Maybe have them get to know each other and have real conversations? Possibly cut down on the repetitive use of “ocean eyes” and “oceans.”
I truly believe the series has so much potential, but there are some things that should be changed for readability.
On the other hand, the redundancies were exhausting. So many words/phrases were overused to an extent that it was hard to NOT notice. There was a lot of filler/descriptive words used in nearly every sentence. They were short and choppy. Details were vague and the characters lacked chemistry. I understand that there’s a soulmate gene and they just love each other, but there was no substance at all- no spark! They do not know each other. They spend the whole time hating to love each other. It goes around in circles. I’m hoping the author will build on their relationship by the next book. Maybe have them get to know each other and have real conversations? Possibly cut down on the repetitive use of “ocean eyes” and “oceans.”
I truly believe the series has so much potential, but there are some things that should be changed for readability.
December 30, 2023
*ARC review* In a world where soulmates can feel each other’s pain, Caspian and Nova must adjust to their new life together on the outside.
A dystopian world where there are insiders who live in a protected dome and the outsiders who rely on the earth for survival. The story follows Nova, an insider, as she decides to follow her soulmate Caspian to the outside. With duel POV you get to see how both characters, Caspian and Nova, try to fight against their bond and ultimately fall for it.
“You were written for me by the fates, Nova”
I haven’t read a dystopian book since The Hunger Games or Divergent and this book made me remember how much I loved reading dystopian books. Seeing the Characters grow from trying to fight the bond to succumbing to it was so beautiful. I loved being able to read from both Nova’s and Caspian’s POV. I couldn’t put this book down and I will keep thinking about this book until the second comes out.
A dystopian world where there are insiders who live in a protected dome and the outsiders who rely on the earth for survival. The story follows Nova, an insider, as she decides to follow her soulmate Caspian to the outside. With duel POV you get to see how both characters, Caspian and Nova, try to fight against their bond and ultimately fall for it.
“You were written for me by the fates, Nova”
I haven’t read a dystopian book since The Hunger Games or Divergent and this book made me remember how much I loved reading dystopian books. Seeing the Characters grow from trying to fight the bond to succumbing to it was so beautiful. I loved being able to read from both Nova’s and Caspian’s POV. I couldn’t put this book down and I will keep thinking about this book until the second comes out.
April 29, 2024
DNF graveyard
It hurts to write this review as I know this was written by a new author, all I can hope is that these points help make future books more palatable.
To start, the setting of this story was pretty yada yadaed to quickly get to the meeting of our characters. This is supposed to be a post world setting yet it doesn't really feel like it because there's little to no world building outside of "there's inside people who are perfect and outside people who are savage".
We get no glimpses at Novas "perfect life" before she leaves, no personal connection to her father, no mention of her mother or friends or any hobbies or interests. Nova is the FMC equivalent of wet sand. Her only personality type seems to be that she's instantly in love because...soulmates, apparently.
While reading I also quickly got tired of the how repetitive everything is. Like the word ocean being used to describe the MMC 's eyes. How the outside people are 'savage'. How every single time Caspian talks to Fern she walks away crying. How Caspian wants Nova but can't have her. At 40% of the book there has been zero advancement to the story.
I skimmed through the rest at that point, but the book just didn't get any better. The sudden ending was very jarring as the book just kind of ends in what I assume is a setup for a sequel, but the writing doesn't really get you there. It just ends mid sentence, I almost thought there was pages missing.
In short, this book needed a serious cut and re-edit to shorten it up and a serious FMC revisit.
It hurts to write this review as I know this was written by a new author, all I can hope is that these points help make future books more palatable.
To start, the setting of this story was pretty yada yadaed to quickly get to the meeting of our characters. This is supposed to be a post world setting yet it doesn't really feel like it because there's little to no world building outside of "there's inside people who are perfect and outside people who are savage".
We get no glimpses at Novas "perfect life" before she leaves, no personal connection to her father, no mention of her mother or friends or any hobbies or interests. Nova is the FMC equivalent of wet sand. Her only personality type seems to be that she's instantly in love because...soulmates, apparently.
While reading I also quickly got tired of the how repetitive everything is. Like the word ocean being used to describe the MMC 's eyes. How the outside people are 'savage'. How every single time Caspian talks to Fern she walks away crying. How Caspian wants Nova but can't have her. At 40% of the book there has been zero advancement to the story.
I skimmed through the rest at that point, but the book just didn't get any better. The sudden ending was very jarring as the book just kind of ends in what I assume is a setup for a sequel, but the writing doesn't really get you there. It just ends mid sentence, I almost thought there was pages missing.
In short, this book needed a serious cut and re-edit to shorten it up and a serious FMC revisit.
January 5, 2024
*ARC Review* My unbiased honest review
I was blown away by the world and character development. I was immediately sucked into this book. I could not get enough of it. The story line had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out how everything would play out. Just when I thought that I knew what was going to happen I would get hit with a greatly executed twist. I finished this book wanting more and I can't wait so see that this author has in store for us.
I was blown away by the world and character development. I was immediately sucked into this book. I could not get enough of it. The story line had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out how everything would play out. Just when I thought that I knew what was going to happen I would get hit with a greatly executed twist. I finished this book wanting more and I can't wait so see that this author has in store for us.
January 6, 2024
*ARC REVIEW*
A dystopian world divided into the Inside and the Outside.
Slow burn
Fated mates
Enemies to lovers
Some touch her and die?
Minimal spice
Strong FMC
I couldn’t put this book down. Reading Novas (FMC) growth as she learns how to navigate her new life was amazing. The way Nova and Caspian (MMC) tried denying their bond for each other and accepting it to grow stronger together was beautifully written.
I am so thankful to be given the opportunity to read an ARC copy. I intend to purchase a physical copy. This book is definitely on my “will read again” list and I can’t wait for the rest of the series to release!
A dystopian world divided into the Inside and the Outside.
Slow burn
Fated mates
Enemies to lovers
Some touch her and die?
Minimal spice
Strong FMC
I couldn’t put this book down. Reading Novas (FMC) growth as she learns how to navigate her new life was amazing. The way Nova and Caspian (MMC) tried denying their bond for each other and accepting it to grow stronger together was beautifully written.
I am so thankful to be given the opportunity to read an ARC copy. I intend to purchase a physical copy. This book is definitely on my “will read again” list and I can’t wait for the rest of the series to release!
February 21, 2024
ARC Read:
Life happened and it took me a little longer to read then I hoped but when I tell you… the scream I scrumpt at that ending. Holy cliffhanger 😂
For anyone wondering this is a true slow burn.
The way I was yelling at Nova and Cas to finally break the tension but no, of course not. They made me cry instead.
This story gave me Divergent/The 100 vibes and I was so here for it - plus I’m a sucker for the soulmate trope and this just takes it up a notch.
Anxiously awaiting the second book!
Life happened and it took me a little longer to read then I hoped but when I tell you… the scream I scrumpt at that ending. Holy cliffhanger 😂
For anyone wondering this is a true slow burn.
The way I was yelling at Nova and Cas to finally break the tension but no, of course not. They made me cry instead.
This story gave me Divergent/The 100 vibes and I was so here for it - plus I’m a sucker for the soulmate trope and this just takes it up a notch.
Anxiously awaiting the second book!
January 9, 2024
Where soulmates are tested beyond reason in a world that is separated into two🏙️🏞️
I received this book as an Arc read and honestly went in blind besides what was presented initially for the blurb/ synopsis. I was blown away by this book. I did not expect such a unique writing style by this author and the way she made you so emotionally connected and captured by the world and characters specifically Nova and Caspian. I could not put this book down and had a hard time actually going to bed after stopping halfway. All I could think about was this book and the characters. Nova was from the Inside as Caspian was from the Outside. Two worlds collided and their mate bond was tested beyond limits that most would not overcome. I have fallen in love with this world and characters. The ending leaves us at a cliffhanger but not one that leaves you questioning your sanity. I want to thank the author for creating such a beautiful book and story. Cannot wait for what Book 2 brings for Nova and Caspian🖤
I received this book as an Arc read and honestly went in blind besides what was presented initially for the blurb/ synopsis. I was blown away by this book. I did not expect such a unique writing style by this author and the way she made you so emotionally connected and captured by the world and characters specifically Nova and Caspian. I could not put this book down and had a hard time actually going to bed after stopping halfway. All I could think about was this book and the characters. Nova was from the Inside as Caspian was from the Outside. Two worlds collided and their mate bond was tested beyond limits that most would not overcome. I have fallen in love with this world and characters. The ending leaves us at a cliffhanger but not one that leaves you questioning your sanity. I want to thank the author for creating such a beautiful book and story. Cannot wait for what Book 2 brings for Nova and Caspian🖤
January 3, 2024
I could not put this book down, especially towards the end! I was so glad to receive this as an ARC copy & have already re-ordered the book also!! It is a trilogy, but I love that there wasn’t a major cliff hanger that ended book 1 - it was a great confusion that still left you wanting to know what happened without being panic stricken! The beginning of the book is a bit slower & Nova (FMC) will drive you bananas at first, but the story, characters, & world building were great!
January 28, 2025
The concept and idea behind it is so interesting but it could have used a bit more fleshing out. I was really interested in what was presented but would have loved to be shown more!
September 7, 2025
Absolutely LOVED this book from start to finish. Very dystopian, slow burn, romantasy vibes. One of my favorite reads of 2025. My only regret is reading it before the second book is out, because I don’t want to wait to continue the series.
December 30, 2023
*Received an ARC version*
Dystopian
Soulmates
Enemies to lovers?
Slow burn
Minimal spice- I bet it’ll get spicer further in the series
Strong FMC
I always love a good dystopian especially with a strong female main character who grows into her strength. Excited to see where this series takes us with the next book.
Dystopian
Soulmates
Enemies to lovers?
Slow burn
Minimal spice- I bet it’ll get spicer further in the series
Strong FMC
I always love a good dystopian especially with a strong female main character who grows into her strength. Excited to see where this series takes us with the next book.
January 21, 2024
The storyline and plot of this book kept me intrigued the entire time. I could see this being made into a movie. However, the writing at time was a bit much. I found myself having to skim over parts that were too descriptive in a repetitive and cliche way. The descriptions were often beautiful, but extremely repetitive and many sentence structures were choppy, and again, repetitive. I feel this book could have cut out a lot of unnecessary details and been stronger for it.
With all of that being said, I do plan to read the next book. The plot had me hooked and I really liked the main characters.
With all of that being said, I do plan to read the next book. The plot had me hooked and I really liked the main characters.
December 31, 2023
I was lucky enough to be a beta reader and an ARC reader for this book. When I finished reading it the first time I couldn’t stop thinking about it for weeks. I am so glad I get a chance to read it again. The story, the characters, the imagination that is put into this book is astounding. Trust me when I say that you do NOT want to pass this book up.
September 1, 2024
So, this is a tough review for me, as I know the author is new. I have tried so hard to get through this book and get past all the issues I have had with the book. This book is very heavily written and I could not get passed that. Terms and phrases were overused, and I could not look past them all. I have so many highlights within a few pages with the same word used over and over.
This book has a great idea behind it, which if written better this book would have been executed perfectly. I feel like the book was written using way too many metaphors. The relationship between the FMC and the MMC was so bland. It felt like they never held any type of conversation, but yet the author pushed their feeling and emotions so hard that we the readers were supposed to feel the "love" they had for each other. Their feelings just felt so ridiculous for each other. Caspian (MMC) had a true love prior to meeting Nova (MFC). You could tell the love Caspian had for Fern was true, then she dies and he immediately just "forgets" about the love he had for her and tries to focus it all on Nova and its so terrible. Then Nova, she's head over heels in love with Caspian the moment she laid eyes on him. Girl you have never met this man in your life, which I get y'all are genetically made to be soulmates, but this man could be a whole serial killer and you are willing to die for and with him.
I tried my hardest to continue reading and I just couldn't get past half of the book due to the writing. Conversations never felt like they happened because between each dialogue, there was so many metaphors and poetic type of writing that I got lost on what was actually happening.
I do feel like this book could be great, and I have seen others enjoy the book, but this book was not for me, the writing was not for me. I do commend the author for publishing a book, because like others have said, I definitely would not be able to write a book. I do think maybe she should look into the constructive criticism others have given and use that to write her next book.
This book has a great idea behind it, which if written better this book would have been executed perfectly. I feel like the book was written using way too many metaphors. The relationship between the FMC and the MMC was so bland. It felt like they never held any type of conversation, but yet the author pushed their feeling and emotions so hard that we the readers were supposed to feel the "love" they had for each other. Their feelings just felt so ridiculous for each other. Caspian (MMC) had a true love prior to meeting Nova (MFC). You could tell the love Caspian had for Fern was true, then she dies and he immediately just "forgets" about the love he had for her and tries to focus it all on Nova and its so terrible. Then Nova, she's head over heels in love with Caspian the moment she laid eyes on him. Girl you have never met this man in your life, which I get y'all are genetically made to be soulmates, but this man could be a whole serial killer and you are willing to die for and with him.
I tried my hardest to continue reading and I just couldn't get past half of the book due to the writing. Conversations never felt like they happened because between each dialogue, there was so many metaphors and poetic type of writing that I got lost on what was actually happening.
I do feel like this book could be great, and I have seen others enjoy the book, but this book was not for me, the writing was not for me. I do commend the author for publishing a book, because like others have said, I definitely would not be able to write a book. I do think maybe she should look into the constructive criticism others have given and use that to write her next book.
June 20, 2024
I was a little discouraged by the 500 pages of this read, but it gets right into it from the start. In no time, I was already halfway through in just one sitting. The writing is fluid and descriptive, painting a beautiful, rugged scene with the Outsiders by the ocean and a crisp, "perfect" prison of the Inside. Full of twists and turns, this book will leave you with questions, wondering what will happen next, what COULD happen next, and could this have an unhappy ending for our lovers?
I should also add, I'm not fond of fated mate tropes most of the time since I feel a lot of them lack chemistry. This one HAS chemistry. At times (somewhat SPOILERS), Nova & Caspian try to deny/fight their feelings. They feel like they shouldn't like one another - particularly Caspian and for good reason. But the chemistry between these two is built up and not just *SNAP* immediate. I mean, it is, but they're fighting it.
I'll be waiting for the sequel.
I should also add, I'm not fond of fated mate tropes most of the time since I feel a lot of them lack chemistry. This one HAS chemistry. At times (somewhat SPOILERS), Nova & Caspian try to deny/fight their feelings. They feel like they shouldn't like one another - particularly Caspian and for good reason. But the chemistry between these two is built up and not just *SNAP* immediate. I mean, it is, but they're fighting it.
I'll be waiting for the sequel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2025
Arc review: I really enjoyed this book. I'll definitely be waiting for book 2. It can be a bit slow to read at times and a bit repetitive, but the concept is very intriguing. The world is unique and very interesting. The slow burn between Caspian and Nova is great, but I wish it was a bit spicier. Overall good read. Would recommend! 👍🏻
January 16, 2024
Honest ARC review
A dystopian SLOW burn romance. I'll be honest, this is outside of my normal genres by a landslide. It is a very cool concept of genetically matched soulmates that experience each others pain and suffer the same scars. Enemies to lovers in a star crossed lovers sort of way.
"Bound by the same scars, the same pain, and the same trauma."
It speaks of a 100 year old war and the soulmate gene that keeps the peace both inside and outside the wall. The Insiders have technological advancements while the Outsiders are barbaric savages. I'm talking scientists with hovercrafts vs men in loincloth.
Nova has lived inside for 20 years. Caspian outside, age unknown but assumed to be close in age. Caspian, a respected tribe chief in his own right. Nova and her father have searched for her soulmate ever since realizing he was an outsider and finally capture him, only for Nova to give in to Caspian's demand he be let go but to take her with him. Nova is weak from her years inside and completely ignorant to the ways of life outside the wall. Caspian is strong and doesn't trust insiders. Their journey is turbulent to say the least and they both grow along the way but none more so than Nova. This book was full of angst. The internal monologues became redundant after awhile personally. I would have liked to see more interactions between the characters, this was a big point for me as the overall plot was interesting but it was like reading a journal most of the time. The action build up was very slow going but a war is brewing as the inside has been keeping secrets from everyone. The Rebellion is happening and book two will likely be steeped in red.
Shoutout to the call of the void though 🖤
"The waves slapped against the rocks below me, and I felt almost drawn to jump in. To soar off the edge, let the sand crumble under my feet and fly with me into the rushing ocean below me. Maybe I could be swallowed up and forgotten about. Maybe it would be for the best."
A dystopian SLOW burn romance. I'll be honest, this is outside of my normal genres by a landslide. It is a very cool concept of genetically matched soulmates that experience each others pain and suffer the same scars. Enemies to lovers in a star crossed lovers sort of way.
"Bound by the same scars, the same pain, and the same trauma."
It speaks of a 100 year old war and the soulmate gene that keeps the peace both inside and outside the wall. The Insiders have technological advancements while the Outsiders are barbaric savages. I'm talking scientists with hovercrafts vs men in loincloth.
Nova has lived inside for 20 years. Caspian outside, age unknown but assumed to be close in age. Caspian, a respected tribe chief in his own right. Nova and her father have searched for her soulmate ever since realizing he was an outsider and finally capture him, only for Nova to give in to Caspian's demand he be let go but to take her with him. Nova is weak from her years inside and completely ignorant to the ways of life outside the wall. Caspian is strong and doesn't trust insiders. Their journey is turbulent to say the least and they both grow along the way but none more so than Nova. This book was full of angst. The internal monologues became redundant after awhile personally. I would have liked to see more interactions between the characters, this was a big point for me as the overall plot was interesting but it was like reading a journal most of the time. The action build up was very slow going but a war is brewing as the inside has been keeping secrets from everyone. The Rebellion is happening and book two will likely be steeped in red.
Shoutout to the call of the void though 🖤
"The waves slapped against the rocks below me, and I felt almost drawn to jump in. To soar off the edge, let the sand crumble under my feet and fly with me into the rushing ocean below me. Maybe I could be swallowed up and forgotten about. Maybe it would be for the best."
January 8, 2024
✨️Arc review✨️
The Outsider by S. Renea
Book 1 of 3
✨️Dystopian Romance
✨️Slow Burn
✨️Enemies to Lovers
✨️Forced Proximity
✨️Soulmates
✨️Dual POV
✨️Morally Grey
The Inside was meant to keep her safe.
Yet the Outsider is what keeps her alive.
Living in a world where everyone has a soulmate sounds ideal, but when every soulmate can feel the same pain and receive the same scars as their other half, it's up to them to keep each other alive. With the world being divided into two and Nova's soulmate living along the outside walls, she makes the difficult choice to follow him into foreign territory. She would give her life to save his, but would he be willing to do the same?
She was thrown into his life without a choice, and now Caspian must face the challenges of trying to protect an insider in an environment that wants to kill her at every turn. Including his own people. But when he finds himself willing to risk his status among his tribe for her, he sees just how far the bond of the soulmate can be stretched between the inside and the outside.
I dont normally read this fantasy/dystopian genre, but it sounded really, really interesting, im trying to broaden my horizons as they say and, of course, my love of finding indie authors. I really enjoyed the character development for Nova, coming into her own and being a badass. S. Renea paints a beautiful picture of the world around them, the outside in all of its natural glory, as well as the sterile inside everyone is trying so hard to escape from.
If you love divergent and hunger games vibes but make it more ✨️adult✨️ you will enjoy this!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
.5/🌶
The Outsider by S. Renea
Book 1 of 3
✨️Dystopian Romance
✨️Slow Burn
✨️Enemies to Lovers
✨️Forced Proximity
✨️Soulmates
✨️Dual POV
✨️Morally Grey
The Inside was meant to keep her safe.
Yet the Outsider is what keeps her alive.
Living in a world where everyone has a soulmate sounds ideal, but when every soulmate can feel the same pain and receive the same scars as their other half, it's up to them to keep each other alive. With the world being divided into two and Nova's soulmate living along the outside walls, she makes the difficult choice to follow him into foreign territory. She would give her life to save his, but would he be willing to do the same?
She was thrown into his life without a choice, and now Caspian must face the challenges of trying to protect an insider in an environment that wants to kill her at every turn. Including his own people. But when he finds himself willing to risk his status among his tribe for her, he sees just how far the bond of the soulmate can be stretched between the inside and the outside.
I dont normally read this fantasy/dystopian genre, but it sounded really, really interesting, im trying to broaden my horizons as they say and, of course, my love of finding indie authors. I really enjoyed the character development for Nova, coming into her own and being a badass. S. Renea paints a beautiful picture of the world around them, the outside in all of its natural glory, as well as the sterile inside everyone is trying so hard to escape from.
If you love divergent and hunger games vibes but make it more ✨️adult✨️ you will enjoy this!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
.5/🌶
June 28, 2025
This story was so different than anything I usually read. It was more of dystopian type of book where we enter a world that had faced a great war and now is divided into two sections, The Inside where everything inside the wall is delightful, equal, easy, artificial and "safe" all thanks to the government that run it and the outside where people who live there live in the natural world and are part of tribes. Some tribes are more modern while others are almost cave-men like. This book follows the story of two characters Nova (an Insider) and Caspian (an Outsider) who are destined to be together thanks to something called the soulmate gene. Soulmates are linked together by a gene and whatever happens to one, happens to both and it's up to them to keep each other alive. When Nova finds out Caspian is her soulmate she chooses to follow him to the outside world and try to adapt to a world without all the comforts of the inside. She must try to fit into his tribe but Caspian is faced with the challenges of trying to protect an Insider in an environment that wants to kill her at every turn. Including his own people. But what happens when the inside decides they want Nova back and for Capstan's tribe to go with her? In a world on the brink of another great war will love be enough? Will they survive? I'll give a hint-theres a second book not released yet so we actually don't know and I am losing my mind over it.
January 8, 2024
Thank you so much to the author and team for giving me access to The Outsider as an eARC!
One of my favorite parts of the book were the various dynamics existing between the characters! Each character had such a fun and unique personality and the way they interacted with each other was so entertaining and fun for me to read.
I will say, I felt the beginning was a bit hard for me to initially get through. I felt the book jumped straight into the main themes with no introduction to the characters, no background or set up. I did feel lost at the beginning, wondering if there was a chapter I had missed, but once I had gotten to the halfway mark of the book everything started to piece together and I started to really and thoroughly enjoy the read. For this reason, I would rather mark this read as a 3.5 but since that isn't possible, and due to the wonderful characters, I am happy to leave this read at a 4.
My favorite part of the book was definitely the interesting world system that was created and the way the characters existed inside of it. I absolutely loved watching and reading as the characters grew and developed, they were so entertaining and fun even with their flaws! I can't wait to see how they continue to grow in the next book.
One of my favorite parts of the book were the various dynamics existing between the characters! Each character had such a fun and unique personality and the way they interacted with each other was so entertaining and fun for me to read.
I will say, I felt the beginning was a bit hard for me to initially get through. I felt the book jumped straight into the main themes with no introduction to the characters, no background or set up. I did feel lost at the beginning, wondering if there was a chapter I had missed, but once I had gotten to the halfway mark of the book everything started to piece together and I started to really and thoroughly enjoy the read. For this reason, I would rather mark this read as a 3.5 but since that isn't possible, and due to the wonderful characters, I am happy to leave this read at a 4.
My favorite part of the book was definitely the interesting world system that was created and the way the characters existed inside of it. I absolutely loved watching and reading as the characters grew and developed, they were so entertaining and fun even with their flaws! I can't wait to see how they continue to grow in the next book.
June 9, 2024
4.5 🌟
I cant belive this is a debut author?? Very well written! It gave me the feeling of the dystopian books I read as a teenager but definitely geared toward adults.
Nova...I LOVE that she wasn't portrayed as a badass, but she had so much emotional and mental strength. Yes she did what she had to in order to survive, but she was soft in ways most people won't let their FMCs be...and I loved it! She was flawed but had so much inner strength.
I liked our MMC, though I do have to say...I wish Nova had made Caspian grovel a bit more at the end. She just kinda took him back when he reciprocated and I really wish he'd been sorrier for his actions. I understand he had a lot going on with the whole Fern thing, but dude. I still like him though, and at least he isn't incessantly thinking of Fern anymore and admits Nova is his everything. Felt like maybe their love was a bit quick, but again, I enjoyed the book a ton so I'm here for it! Hopefully the next few books won't be constant miscommunication tropes or something *squint* I have trust issues I think 🤣
Can't wait for book number two!
I cant belive this is a debut author?? Very well written! It gave me the feeling of the dystopian books I read as a teenager but definitely geared toward adults.
Nova...I LOVE that she wasn't portrayed as a badass, but she had so much emotional and mental strength. Yes she did what she had to in order to survive, but she was soft in ways most people won't let their FMCs be...and I loved it! She was flawed but had so much inner strength.
I liked our MMC, though I do have to say...I wish Nova had made Caspian grovel a bit more at the end. She just kinda took him back when he reciprocated and I really wish he'd been sorrier for his actions. I understand he had a lot going on with the whole Fern thing, but dude. I still like him though, and at least he isn't incessantly thinking of Fern anymore and admits Nova is his everything. Felt like maybe their love was a bit quick, but again, I enjoyed the book a ton so I'm here for it! Hopefully the next few books won't be constant miscommunication tropes or something *squint* I have trust issues I think 🤣
Can't wait for book number two!
September 18, 2024
I know this is a new author so I'm giving an extra star for that because I believe in you and I see the potential of this story.
I will agree with others that there are a lot of repetitive phrases. Also there is not enough dialogue between the two main characters in the beginning. I wish they would have talked more about what was going on. I'm sure Caspian had a lot of questions.
I really enjoyed the last half. The beasts and other tribes are very interesting and my dark little heart was intrigued with Elbrus until his teeth were described lol idk what it is with me and sociopathic males 🫣
I do think the descriptive text could be cut back. Also I'm a bit confused with some sentences that were scratched out. I'm not sure if that's normal or I got an early drafted copy.
I will continue the series because I want to see what happens and I want to support the author. Her art work is amazing and I can't wait to see more.
If u would like a dystopian story with Tarzan vibes I highly recommend this 😉
I will agree with others that there are a lot of repetitive phrases. Also there is not enough dialogue between the two main characters in the beginning. I wish they would have talked more about what was going on. I'm sure Caspian had a lot of questions.
I really enjoyed the last half. The beasts and other tribes are very interesting and my dark little heart was intrigued with Elbrus until his teeth were described lol idk what it is with me and sociopathic males 🫣
I do think the descriptive text could be cut back. Also I'm a bit confused with some sentences that were scratched out. I'm not sure if that's normal or I got an early drafted copy.
I will continue the series because I want to see what happens and I want to support the author. Her art work is amazing and I can't wait to see more.
If u would like a dystopian story with Tarzan vibes I highly recommend this 😉
December 6, 2025
Arc Review :
When you first start reading the book you are thrown into the deep end, it doesn't give you an in depth with what is going on, but it is easy to follow once you give it a chance
I actually love the characters, my favourite was scout and I can't wait to see how much more he grows in the next book
It is a good book, and I will most likely read the next one, but there are a lot of repetitive descriptive words, which is probably what filled most of the book more than the action
Ocean was mentioned 102 times
Poison 52
Just to mention a few that was repeated.
I love love love how even though Nova forced herself into Caspian's life that he didn't just jump on her the first time she was like youre my mate, how he kept true to his previous lover Fern, I wish we had seen a bit/knew more of what went on with their relationship, on why he had hung on until she died.
When you first start reading the book you are thrown into the deep end, it doesn't give you an in depth with what is going on, but it is easy to follow once you give it a chance
I actually love the characters, my favourite was scout and I can't wait to see how much more he grows in the next book
It is a good book, and I will most likely read the next one, but there are a lot of repetitive descriptive words, which is probably what filled most of the book more than the action
Ocean was mentioned 102 times
Poison 52
Just to mention a few that was repeated.
I love love love how even though Nova forced herself into Caspian's life that he didn't just jump on her the first time she was like youre my mate, how he kept true to his previous lover Fern, I wish we had seen a bit/knew more of what went on with their relationship, on why he had hung on until she died.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2024
✨”You were written for me by the fates, Nova.”✨
Nova grew up on the Inside. The Inside was supposed to keep her safe. Soulmates were created through genes by the Inside, but what happens when you feel their pain and share their scars? Everything happening to one, happens to the other. The Outside was known for the savages, the ones who didn’t want to be apart of the Inside after the war. The two weren’t supposed to crossover…but when Nova discovers Caspian…both worlds change.
I absolutely LOVED this book! I wasn’t prepared for how addicted I was going to be to this book. Completely had a chokehold on me! Think Divergent meets The Maze Runner and you get The Outsider! This book made me remember how much I love the dystopian genre! Really enjoyed reading from the main characters POV. Nova and Caspian and their story is just getting started in this first book! I cannot wait for the other two books! The imagery and descriptors the author uses are amazing and makes me really want this to turn into a movie! 🎥
✨Slow burn
✨Dystopian
✨Forbidden Love
✨Soulmate
✨Enemies to Lovers
Nova grew up on the Inside. The Inside was supposed to keep her safe. Soulmates were created through genes by the Inside, but what happens when you feel their pain and share their scars? Everything happening to one, happens to the other. The Outside was known for the savages, the ones who didn’t want to be apart of the Inside after the war. The two weren’t supposed to crossover…but when Nova discovers Caspian…both worlds change.
I absolutely LOVED this book! I wasn’t prepared for how addicted I was going to be to this book. Completely had a chokehold on me! Think Divergent meets The Maze Runner and you get The Outsider! This book made me remember how much I love the dystopian genre! Really enjoyed reading from the main characters POV. Nova and Caspian and their story is just getting started in this first book! I cannot wait for the other two books! The imagery and descriptors the author uses are amazing and makes me really want this to turn into a movie! 🎥
✨Slow burn
✨Dystopian
✨Forbidden Love
✨Soulmate
✨Enemies to Lovers
December 26, 2023
When I tell you I did not expect this book to be so addicting!! I could not put it down! I love the dystopian society theme of books and this did not disappoint! I cannot wait for the next 2 books to come out! The plot twists are so good and this book so far has got everything! It’s brought tears and warm fuzzy feel goods and is just captivating! The cave scene was EVERYTHING 😍😍 overall, if you’re looking for a book with the same vibes/themes as divergent, hunger games, etc. but has dual pov and a little smuttier this is the book for you! Miss Shannon ma’am, you are doing the damn thing and to say I’m OBSESSED is an understatement!! Keep it up and I cannot wait for the next book!! (Fingers crossed that maybe it’ll be soon? 😅🫶🏼)
January 7, 2024
✩ɪ ᴡᴀɪᴛᴇᴅ ᴀ ʟɪꜰᴇᴛɪᴍᴇ ꜰᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴀ ꜰᴏᴏʟ ɴᴏᴛ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴇᴇ ɪᴛ ꜱᴏᴏɴᴇʀ✩
❥ Favorite character: Caspian
❥ Spice: 🌶️🌶️
❥ Ease of reading: I felt like I read a lot, so took some time for me to finish, but overall amazing!
❥ Recommend: YES
❥ Summary: I got this book as an ARC, and I absolutely loved it from the first chapter! It took me some time to finish it, but I can’t stress it enough how incredibly excited I am for the next book! S. Renea is one great author, and I can’t wait to see what she does next. I have actually never read a dystopian book, so this was completely new territory for me, but it really made me ready for explore that more!
Thank you so much for letting me become one of your readers🖤
❥ Favorite character: Caspian
❥ Spice: 🌶️🌶️
❥ Ease of reading: I felt like I read a lot, so took some time for me to finish, but overall amazing!
❥ Recommend: YES
❥ Summary: I got this book as an ARC, and I absolutely loved it from the first chapter! It took me some time to finish it, but I can’t stress it enough how incredibly excited I am for the next book! S. Renea is one great author, and I can’t wait to see what she does next. I have actually never read a dystopian book, so this was completely new territory for me, but it really made me ready for explore that more!
Thank you so much for letting me become one of your readers🖤
January 23, 2024
I'd forgotten how much I love a Dystopian book until I start this delight.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, with two sides of the spectrum, brought together by an idea, an experiment, a soul mate.
I loved the chemistry between Caspian and Nova, even if I wanted to slap their heads together on occasion.
I loved how detailed the author goes into each character, each tribe and each area of the world. It makes you feel like you walk among them.
My only ask would have been some more spice.. two people THAT hot need to get ir on.
I could really see this becoming a film or TV show, and I look forward to reading book two once it's available!
An easy 5 star read that reignited my love of Dystopian books
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, with two sides of the spectrum, brought together by an idea, an experiment, a soul mate.
I loved the chemistry between Caspian and Nova, even if I wanted to slap their heads together on occasion.
I loved how detailed the author goes into each character, each tribe and each area of the world. It makes you feel like you walk among them.
My only ask would have been some more spice.. two people THAT hot need to get ir on.
I could really see this becoming a film or TV show, and I look forward to reading book two once it's available!
An easy 5 star read that reignited my love of Dystopian books
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