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Crown Royale #1
All Better Now
From New York Times bestselling author Neal Shusterman comes a young adult thriller about a world where happiness becomes contagious and the teens caught in the conspiracy by the powers that be to bring back discontent.
An unprecedented condition is on the rise. It behaves like a virus, with the first symptom being a fever, but those who contract it experience long-term effects no one has ever seen utter contentment. Soon after infection, people find the stress, depression, greed, and other negative feelings that used to weigh them down are gone.
Almost everyone revels in this mass unburdening. But people in power—who depend on malcontents tuning into their broadcasts, prey on the insecure to sell their products, and convince people they need more, new, faster, better everything—know this new state of being is bad for business. Soon, campaigns start up convincing people that being happy all the time is dangerous. There’s even a vaccine developed to rid people of their inner peace and get them back to normal because, surely, without anger or jealousy as motivators, productivity will grind to a halt and the world will be thrown into chaos.
It’s nearly impossible to determine the truth when everyone with a platform is pushing their own agendas, and two teens from very different backgrounds who’ve had their lives upended in different ways by the virus find themselves enmeshed in the center of a dangerous power play. Can they reveal the truth?
An unprecedented condition is on the rise. It behaves like a virus, with the first symptom being a fever, but those who contract it experience long-term effects no one has ever seen utter contentment. Soon after infection, people find the stress, depression, greed, and other negative feelings that used to weigh them down are gone.
Almost everyone revels in this mass unburdening. But people in power—who depend on malcontents tuning into their broadcasts, prey on the insecure to sell their products, and convince people they need more, new, faster, better everything—know this new state of being is bad for business. Soon, campaigns start up convincing people that being happy all the time is dangerous. There’s even a vaccine developed to rid people of their inner peace and get them back to normal because, surely, without anger or jealousy as motivators, productivity will grind to a halt and the world will be thrown into chaos.
It’s nearly impossible to determine the truth when everyone with a platform is pushing their own agendas, and two teens from very different backgrounds who’ve had their lives upended in different ways by the virus find themselves enmeshed in the center of a dangerous power play. Can they reveal the truth?
528 pages, Hardcover
First published February 4, 2025
873 people are currently reading
20984 people want to read
About the author
Neal Shusterman
90 books29.9k followersAward-winning author Neal Shusterman grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where he began writing at an early age. After spending his junior and senior years of high school at the American School of Mexico City, Neal went on to UC Irvine, where he made his mark on the UCI swim team, and wrote a successful humor column. Within a year of graduating, he had his first book deal, and was hired to write a movie script.
In the years since, Neal has made his mark as a successful novelist, screenwriter, and television writer. As a full-time writer, he claims to be his own hardest task-master, always at work creating new stories to tell. His books have received many awards from organizations such as the International Reading Association, and the American Library Association, as well as garnering a myriad of state and local awards across the country. Neal's talents range from film directing (two short films he directed won him the coveted CINE Golden Eagle Awards) to writing music and stage plays – including book and lyrical contributions to “American Twistory,” which is currently playing in Boston. He has even tried his hand at creating Games, having developed three successful "How to Host a Mystery" game for teens, as well as seven "How to Host a Murder" games.
As a screen and TV writer, Neal has written for the "Goosebumps" and “Animorphs” TV series, and wrote the Disney Channel Original Movie “Pixel Perfect”. Currently Neal is adapting his novel Everlost as a feature film for Universal Studios.
Wherever Neal goes, he quickly earns a reputation as a storyteller and dynamic speaker. Much of his fiction is traceable back to stories he tells to large audiences of children and teenagers -- such as his novel The Eyes of Kid Midas. As a speaker, Neal is in constant demand at schools and conferences. Degrees in both psychology and drama give Neal a unique approach to writing. Neal's novels always deal with topics that appeal to adults as well as teens, weaving true-to-life characters into sensitive and riveting issues, and binding it all together with a unique and entertaining sense of humor.
Of Everlost, School Library Journal wrote: “Shusterman has reimagined what happens after death and questions power and the meaning of charity. While all this is going on, he has also managed to write a rip-roaring adventure…”
Of What Daddy Did, Voice of Youth Advocates wrote; "This is a compelling, spell-binding story... A stunning novel, impossible to put down once begun.
Of The Schwa Was Here, School Library Journal wrote: “Shusterman's characters–reminiscent of those crafted by E. L. Konigsburg and Jerry Spinelli–are infused with the kind of controlled, precocious improbability that magically vivifies the finest children's classics.
Of Scorpion Shards, Publisher's Weekly wrote: "Shusterman takes an outlandish comic-book concept, and, through the sheer audacity and breadth of his imagination makes it stunningly believable. A spellbinder."
And of The Eyes of Kid Midas, The Midwest Book Review wrote "This wins our vote as one of the best young-adult titles of the year" and was called "Inspired and hypnotically readable" by School Library Journal.
Neal Shusterman lives in Southern California with his children Brendan, Jarrod, Joelle, and Erin, who are a constant source of inspiration!
In the years since, Neal has made his mark as a successful novelist, screenwriter, and television writer. As a full-time writer, he claims to be his own hardest task-master, always at work creating new stories to tell. His books have received many awards from organizations such as the International Reading Association, and the American Library Association, as well as garnering a myriad of state and local awards across the country. Neal's talents range from film directing (two short films he directed won him the coveted CINE Golden Eagle Awards) to writing music and stage plays – including book and lyrical contributions to “American Twistory,” which is currently playing in Boston. He has even tried his hand at creating Games, having developed three successful "How to Host a Mystery" game for teens, as well as seven "How to Host a Murder" games.
As a screen and TV writer, Neal has written for the "Goosebumps" and “Animorphs” TV series, and wrote the Disney Channel Original Movie “Pixel Perfect”. Currently Neal is adapting his novel Everlost as a feature film for Universal Studios.
Wherever Neal goes, he quickly earns a reputation as a storyteller and dynamic speaker. Much of his fiction is traceable back to stories he tells to large audiences of children and teenagers -- such as his novel The Eyes of Kid Midas. As a speaker, Neal is in constant demand at schools and conferences. Degrees in both psychology and drama give Neal a unique approach to writing. Neal's novels always deal with topics that appeal to adults as well as teens, weaving true-to-life characters into sensitive and riveting issues, and binding it all together with a unique and entertaining sense of humor.
Of Everlost, School Library Journal wrote: “Shusterman has reimagined what happens after death and questions power and the meaning of charity. While all this is going on, he has also managed to write a rip-roaring adventure…”
Of What Daddy Did, Voice of Youth Advocates wrote; "This is a compelling, spell-binding story... A stunning novel, impossible to put down once begun.
Of The Schwa Was Here, School Library Journal wrote: “Shusterman's characters–reminiscent of those crafted by E. L. Konigsburg and Jerry Spinelli–are infused with the kind of controlled, precocious improbability that magically vivifies the finest children's classics.
Of Scorpion Shards, Publisher's Weekly wrote: "Shusterman takes an outlandish comic-book concept, and, through the sheer audacity and breadth of his imagination makes it stunningly believable. A spellbinder."
And of The Eyes of Kid Midas, The Midwest Book Review wrote "This wins our vote as one of the best young-adult titles of the year" and was called "Inspired and hypnotically readable" by School Library Journal.
Neal Shusterman lives in Southern California with his children Brendan, Jarrod, Joelle, and Erin, who are a constant source of inspiration!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,364 reviews
July 11, 2025
Jestem w szoku.
Nie sądziłam, że Shusterman może mnie tak rozczarować, a tu cyk 💀 Książka dramat moim zdaniem.
Przede wszystkim, jej największym problemem jest to, że miałam poczucie, jakbym już czytała wcześniej dokładnie tę samą historię, tylko zrobioną o wiele, WIELE lepiej. „All Better Now” próbuje zrobić to samo, co było tak innowacyjne i intrygujące w „Podzielonych” i osiąga sromotną porażkę.
Ogromny minus - bohaterowie. Dosłownie żadnej postaci, za którą miło się podąża. ANI JEDNEJ.
Fabuła - moim zdaniem mało ciekawa. Może sam pomysł był ciekawy, ale jest tu zrobiony w taki sposób, że nudziłam się jak bóbr, wiedząc od samego początku, gdzie musimy się znaleźć. Książka jest za długa, za żmudna i zbyt… idk, napuszona? Udaje, że jest czymś, do czego w rzeczywistości jej bardzo daleko.
Also also, sam koncept wirusa jest naginany w niektórych momentach do skraju logiki. Wirus zmienia Cię w szczęśliwego człowieka, który musi rzucić się w ogień i uratować obcą osobę, który odda wszystkie swoje pieniądze na cele charytatywne i tak dalej i tak dalej. Ok. Ale w kluczowym momencie jednak może być agresorem? To w końcu o czym ja czytam?
Ogólnie rzecz biorąc, czytało mi się to okropnie. I piszę to z wielką przykrością. Nie znalazłam w tej książce ani jednej zalety
WTF
Nie sądziłam, że Shusterman może mnie tak rozczarować, a tu cyk 💀 Książka dramat moim zdaniem.
Przede wszystkim, jej największym problemem jest to, że miałam poczucie, jakbym już czytała wcześniej dokładnie tę samą historię, tylko zrobioną o wiele, WIELE lepiej. „All Better Now” próbuje zrobić to samo, co było tak innowacyjne i intrygujące w „Podzielonych” i osiąga sromotną porażkę.
Ogromny minus - bohaterowie. Dosłownie żadnej postaci, za którą miło się podąża. ANI JEDNEJ.
Fabuła - moim zdaniem mało ciekawa. Może sam pomysł był ciekawy, ale jest tu zrobiony w taki sposób, że nudziłam się jak bóbr, wiedząc od samego początku, gdzie musimy się znaleźć. Książka jest za długa, za żmudna i zbyt… idk, napuszona? Udaje, że jest czymś, do czego w rzeczywistości jej bardzo daleko.
Also also, sam koncept wirusa jest naginany w niektórych momentach do skraju logiki. Wirus zmienia Cię w szczęśliwego człowieka, który musi rzucić się w ogień i uratować obcą osobę, który odda wszystkie swoje pieniądze na cele charytatywne i tak dalej i tak dalej. Ok. Ale w kluczowym momencie jednak może być agresorem? To w końcu o czym ja czytam?
Ogólnie rzecz biorąc, czytało mi się to okropnie. I piszę to z wielką przykrością. Nie znalazłam w tej książce ani jednej zalety
WTF
February 4, 2025
2.25!
I really like the ideas that Neal comes up with and the concept and the whole idea of this book was really fun to read about and even the execution was somewhat good. I liked the parts that were divided in this book and the way those parts started, his writing style was also fun to read at times, although there was a part where I felt a little distant from the story, I feel like Neal did enough to keep the story going and for the story to stand on it own and only because of that this book's getting 2 stars. It could have been so much more though If the characters were better. I also felt like the book got a little too long, I enjoyed how concise and well written scythe was and I was hoping this book would be tackled in the same manner as well.
The main problem for me were the characters. I did not connect with them or feel anything, literally no emotions, I read their pov's with a straight face and I could not give any care to them because they were just written that way, the only thing that was driving me towards the end was the plot and honestly the plot cant carry the whole book in it's shoulders, the characters need to back it up. So, I was disappointed also because his characters in his other series were so captivating and interesting to read about. I think Neal tried but eventually it just didn't work out.
Overall, it was definitely not for me!
___
I read and enjoyed his series Arc of a Scythe, and the concept of this book is really intriguing. So can't wait to see how much I like it 🤭
*Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for giving me an E-Arc*
I really like the ideas that Neal comes up with and the concept and the whole idea of this book was really fun to read about and even the execution was somewhat good. I liked the parts that were divided in this book and the way those parts started, his writing style was also fun to read at times, although there was a part where I felt a little distant from the story, I feel like Neal did enough to keep the story going and for the story to stand on it own and only because of that this book's getting 2 stars. It could have been so much more though If the characters were better. I also felt like the book got a little too long, I enjoyed how concise and well written scythe was and I was hoping this book would be tackled in the same manner as well.
The main problem for me were the characters. I did not connect with them or feel anything, literally no emotions, I read their pov's with a straight face and I could not give any care to them because they were just written that way, the only thing that was driving me towards the end was the plot and honestly the plot cant carry the whole book in it's shoulders, the characters need to back it up. So, I was disappointed also because his characters in his other series were so captivating and interesting to read about. I think Neal tried but eventually it just didn't work out.
Overall, it was definitely not for me!
___
I read and enjoyed his series Arc of a Scythe, and the concept of this book is really intriguing. So can't wait to see how much I like it 🤭
*Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for giving me an E-Arc*
December 2, 2025
If you're as hooked on the Scythe series as I am, you’ll understand my excitement at diving into any new Neal Shusterman sci-fi release! This time, we’re thrust into a world gripped by a unique pandemic, fittingly named after an alcohol brand, “Crown Royale.” The virus gifts its hosts an intoxicating state of bliss, offering clarity and euphoria that seem almost utopian—until it begins to threaten the fragile systems built on ambition, power, and human imperfection.
At the heart of this pandemic are four compelling characters whose lives intersect in unexpected ways to shape humanity’s future. Ron Escobedo, son of one of the world’s wealthiest men, battles clinical depression and the scars of multiple suicide attempts. His unlikely counterpart is Mariel Murdoch, a resilient, immune young woman living in a car with her mother, whose life tangles with Ron’s when she saves him from a fateful decision at the pier. Meanwhile, Margot Willmon-Wu, a ruthlessly ambitious 19-year-old, inherits the empire of her eccentric mentor, Dame Glynis Havilland. Margot’s goal? Exploit the pandemic to create a vaccine for profit and dominance. But Glynis, now humbled and transformed after surviving the virus, regrets her choice to empower Margot, fearing her protégé’s unchecked greed and manipulation.
As Ron, inspired by a former window cleaner turned community leader, embarks on a mission to spread the virus for humanity’s collective benefit, he enlists Mariel’s help, unaware that her immunity may complicate his plans. Meanwhile, Margot begins her morally dubious experiments in a secret lab funded by Ron’s oblivious father. With competing visions for humanity’s future, the stakes couldn’t be higher. What if the cure for this happiness-inducing virus is something far more devastating? Could erasing ambition and anger truly lead to balance, or would a world devoid of its dark edges spiral into chaos?
This thought-provoking novel raises existential questions: Is unfiltered happiness a gift or a curse? Does erasing humanity’s darker impulses destroy its essence? And what, if anything, should counterbalance this blissful contagion—depression, despair, or something even darker?
Overall, this is a brilliantly executed sci-fi story with a unique premise, engaging pacing, and rich characterization. Dame Glynis is a standout, her arc fascinating both before and after her transformation. And Margot—undeniably a cunning, merciless villain—adds layers of intrigue and tension, elevating the plot into a riveting, unpredictable ride. While the beginning starts off slow, patience is rewarded as the narrative builds into a captivating exploration of morality, power, and human nature.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing for providing me with this remarkable dystopian tale in exchange for my honest thoughts!
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At the heart of this pandemic are four compelling characters whose lives intersect in unexpected ways to shape humanity’s future. Ron Escobedo, son of one of the world’s wealthiest men, battles clinical depression and the scars of multiple suicide attempts. His unlikely counterpart is Mariel Murdoch, a resilient, immune young woman living in a car with her mother, whose life tangles with Ron’s when she saves him from a fateful decision at the pier. Meanwhile, Margot Willmon-Wu, a ruthlessly ambitious 19-year-old, inherits the empire of her eccentric mentor, Dame Glynis Havilland. Margot’s goal? Exploit the pandemic to create a vaccine for profit and dominance. But Glynis, now humbled and transformed after surviving the virus, regrets her choice to empower Margot, fearing her protégé’s unchecked greed and manipulation.
As Ron, inspired by a former window cleaner turned community leader, embarks on a mission to spread the virus for humanity’s collective benefit, he enlists Mariel’s help, unaware that her immunity may complicate his plans. Meanwhile, Margot begins her morally dubious experiments in a secret lab funded by Ron’s oblivious father. With competing visions for humanity’s future, the stakes couldn’t be higher. What if the cure for this happiness-inducing virus is something far more devastating? Could erasing ambition and anger truly lead to balance, or would a world devoid of its dark edges spiral into chaos?
This thought-provoking novel raises existential questions: Is unfiltered happiness a gift or a curse? Does erasing humanity’s darker impulses destroy its essence? And what, if anything, should counterbalance this blissful contagion—depression, despair, or something even darker?
Overall, this is a brilliantly executed sci-fi story with a unique premise, engaging pacing, and rich characterization. Dame Glynis is a standout, her arc fascinating both before and after her transformation. And Margot—undeniably a cunning, merciless villain—adds layers of intrigue and tension, elevating the plot into a riveting, unpredictable ride. While the beginning starts off slow, patience is rewarded as the narrative builds into a captivating exploration of morality, power, and human nature.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing for providing me with this remarkable dystopian tale in exchange for my honest thoughts!
medium.com
December 21, 2024
I received an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
All Better Now by Neal Shusterman will be published in February 2025.
No major spoilers:
(I tried to keep spoilers at a minimum, but one or two very basic spoilers were necessary for clarity when explaining character interaction)
What a brilliant, provocative, timely, rollercoaster of a ride is this novel! Shusterman is known for his post-apocalyptic fiction, and All Better Now (ABN) is one of his most original, fascinating approaches to this genre to date, especially as the setting is fairly current the world nearly congruent with our own--with one exception. ABN takes place several years after the decline of our own covid19 epidemic. The public has been primed to both dread and ignore future pandemic warnings. Unfortunately, a brand new disease known as Crown Royale has quickly spread across globe taking the lives of one out of every 25 people. The death toll, however significant, isn't what concerns the general public. In fact, many deliberately want to contract this virus because of it's impact on survivors. Recovery Syndrome gives those who do not succumb a blissful sense of euphoria--they feel peaceful, happy, settled. The wealthiest survivors seem driven to donate all their money to charity. And much to the woe of capitalist economists, survivors have no more use for materialism. While in theory, the effects may sound positive, the forecasts for the future of basic productivity--even for necessities like food--are alarming. Approaches to this crisis range from moderate to extreme, and unfortunately the wealthiest most powerful of the protagonists seems to favor extreme measures only.
The novel follows the lives of Mariel, a potentially immune health worker; Ron, a billionaire's son with Recovery Syndrome; and Morgan, a brilliant young executive hired by billionaire Dame Havilland to inherit and care for her fortune once she succumbed to Crown Royale. The first half of the novel rotates through the third person perspectives of these three protagonists until eventually, their lives converge. This rotation is seamless and very easy to follow. Shusterman excels at switching from one to another--all are equally interesting so readers never feel that tug to get back to their favorite character. This is a prime example of multiple POVs used well and with purpose.
At the center of ABN is a timely paradoxical question--is poverty a necessary function of a prosperous economy and, moreover, of successful society itself? Our various protagonists obviously each have very different perspectives on this issue facing their world, and it's fascinating to see their perspectives clash in what reads like a very authentic depiction of our own society today. We of course all know how we feel--but have we really thought about all possible ramifications if capitalism were to suddenly fall and die bloody in only a matter of months? I personally had not.
Shusterman's deliberately rotating third person perspective gives readers plenty of space to analyze the central paradox, and many other issues, for themselves. Like most brilliant sci-fi, his prior novels Dry and The Arch of a Scythe Series contain, at least in part, activist warnings. But Shusterman never overly inserts his own judgment--his works are never in danger of turning into morality plays. This novel is no different, but the varied perspectives of his protagonists, characters which are all likable people in their own way, insist upon reader participation. It's just impossible to read this book and not want to respond to it. What a satisfying feeling--finishing a novel and immediately feeling an uncontrollable urge to talk about the ideas its offered. I sincerely wish I could be a fly on the wall during the discussions bookclubs and classrooms will have. All Better Now is a book that both demands and deserves debate. It's also a great joy to read.
Trigger Warnings: ABN does deal consistently with the loss of loved ones during an epidemic. Though Shusterman's portrayal is sensitive and in good taste, those who lost loved ones to covid19 may find such scenes difficult. ABN also references the decline of a parent to Alzheimer's.
All Better Now by Neal Shusterman will be published in February 2025.
No major spoilers:
(I tried to keep spoilers at a minimum, but one or two very basic spoilers were necessary for clarity when explaining character interaction)
What a brilliant, provocative, timely, rollercoaster of a ride is this novel! Shusterman is known for his post-apocalyptic fiction, and All Better Now (ABN) is one of his most original, fascinating approaches to this genre to date, especially as the setting is fairly current the world nearly congruent with our own--with one exception. ABN takes place several years after the decline of our own covid19 epidemic. The public has been primed to both dread and ignore future pandemic warnings. Unfortunately, a brand new disease known as Crown Royale has quickly spread across globe taking the lives of one out of every 25 people. The death toll, however significant, isn't what concerns the general public. In fact, many deliberately want to contract this virus because of it's impact on survivors. Recovery Syndrome gives those who do not succumb a blissful sense of euphoria--they feel peaceful, happy, settled. The wealthiest survivors seem driven to donate all their money to charity. And much to the woe of capitalist economists, survivors have no more use for materialism. While in theory, the effects may sound positive, the forecasts for the future of basic productivity--even for necessities like food--are alarming. Approaches to this crisis range from moderate to extreme, and unfortunately the wealthiest most powerful of the protagonists seems to favor extreme measures only.
The novel follows the lives of Mariel, a potentially immune health worker; Ron, a billionaire's son with Recovery Syndrome; and Morgan, a brilliant young executive hired by billionaire Dame Havilland to inherit and care for her fortune once she succumbed to Crown Royale. The first half of the novel rotates through the third person perspectives of these three protagonists until eventually, their lives converge. This rotation is seamless and very easy to follow. Shusterman excels at switching from one to another--all are equally interesting so readers never feel that tug to get back to their favorite character. This is a prime example of multiple POVs used well and with purpose.
At the center of ABN is a timely paradoxical question--is poverty a necessary function of a prosperous economy and, moreover, of successful society itself? Our various protagonists obviously each have very different perspectives on this issue facing their world, and it's fascinating to see their perspectives clash in what reads like a very authentic depiction of our own society today. We of course all know how we feel--but have we really thought about all possible ramifications if capitalism were to suddenly fall and die bloody in only a matter of months? I personally had not.
Shusterman's deliberately rotating third person perspective gives readers plenty of space to analyze the central paradox, and many other issues, for themselves. Like most brilliant sci-fi, his prior novels Dry and The Arch of a Scythe Series contain, at least in part, activist warnings. But Shusterman never overly inserts his own judgment--his works are never in danger of turning into morality plays. This novel is no different, but the varied perspectives of his protagonists, characters which are all likable people in their own way, insist upon reader participation. It's just impossible to read this book and not want to respond to it. What a satisfying feeling--finishing a novel and immediately feeling an uncontrollable urge to talk about the ideas its offered. I sincerely wish I could be a fly on the wall during the discussions bookclubs and classrooms will have. All Better Now is a book that both demands and deserves debate. It's also a great joy to read.
Trigger Warnings: ABN does deal consistently with the loss of loved ones during an epidemic. Though Shusterman's portrayal is sensitive and in good taste, those who lost loved ones to covid19 may find such scenes difficult. ABN also references the decline of a parent to Alzheimer's.
May 10, 2025
Imagine a pandemic that doesn’t leave you coughing, bedridden, or binge-watching TV in isolation—but instead blesses you with pure, unshakeable joy. That’s the setup in Neal Shusterman’s latest dystopian brain-bender, where the world is gripped by a bizarre new condition: a fever that wipes away anxiety, insecurity, greed, and pretty much every negative emotion in the human catalog.
Sounds like a dream, right? Wrong—at least if you’re a power-hungry CEO, a sensationalist news anchor, or anyone whose entire existence depends on misery-driven capitalism. Suddenly, society’s "happiness problem" becomes the threat to the system, and the powers-that-be roll out a vaccine—not to prevent illness, but to undo peace. Because if no one's angry, broke, or dissatisfied, who's going to buy another pair of overpriced shoes or vote for a rage-fueled campaign?
Enter two teens—strangers turned allies—thrown into the chaotic heart of a movement where truths are twisted, agendas are everywhere, and even your inner calm isn’t safe. It’s a wild, high-concept ride with all the thought-provoking goodies you expect from Shusterman: societal satire, moral dilemmas, and a reality just twisted enough to feel eerily close to home.
Now, let’s talk real talk: the concept? Chef’s kiss. Thought-provoking, deeply imaginative, and ripe for book club debates (teen or adult—this one’s multigenerational). But... the characters? Not quite as memorable as the premise. They feel more like passengers in the plot than emotional anchors, which makes it a little tricky to feel the stakes, especially once the high wears off and the world-building takes the front seat.
Still, this book is a conversation starter wrapped in a dystopian shell and injected with just enough chaos to keep you guessing. For fans of Scythe and Unwind, this one will fit nicely on your shelf of mind-melters. Just don’t expect to fall in love with the characters—this one’s more brains than heart.
A sinisterly clever pandemic plot where happiness is the enemy? Count me in. The characters may not have thrilled me, but the ideas definitely did. Highly recommend for fans of speculative fiction and people who like their dystopias with a dash of "what if this actually happened?"
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing for the early peek—this one’s a thinker.
Sounds like a dream, right? Wrong—at least if you’re a power-hungry CEO, a sensationalist news anchor, or anyone whose entire existence depends on misery-driven capitalism. Suddenly, society’s "happiness problem" becomes the threat to the system, and the powers-that-be roll out a vaccine—not to prevent illness, but to undo peace. Because if no one's angry, broke, or dissatisfied, who's going to buy another pair of overpriced shoes or vote for a rage-fueled campaign?
Enter two teens—strangers turned allies—thrown into the chaotic heart of a movement where truths are twisted, agendas are everywhere, and even your inner calm isn’t safe. It’s a wild, high-concept ride with all the thought-provoking goodies you expect from Shusterman: societal satire, moral dilemmas, and a reality just twisted enough to feel eerily close to home.
Now, let’s talk real talk: the concept? Chef’s kiss. Thought-provoking, deeply imaginative, and ripe for book club debates (teen or adult—this one’s multigenerational). But... the characters? Not quite as memorable as the premise. They feel more like passengers in the plot than emotional anchors, which makes it a little tricky to feel the stakes, especially once the high wears off and the world-building takes the front seat.
Still, this book is a conversation starter wrapped in a dystopian shell and injected with just enough chaos to keep you guessing. For fans of Scythe and Unwind, this one will fit nicely on your shelf of mind-melters. Just don’t expect to fall in love with the characters—this one’s more brains than heart.
A sinisterly clever pandemic plot where happiness is the enemy? Count me in. The characters may not have thrilled me, but the ideas definitely did. Highly recommend for fans of speculative fiction and people who like their dystopias with a dash of "what if this actually happened?"
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing for the early peek—this one’s a thinker.
December 11, 2025
Conocí a este autor cuando publicó su serie "Desconexión". Desde entonces no había vuelto a leer nada suyo. Esta novela está en consonancia con el estilo que recordaba.
Lo primero que hay que saber es que no es autococlusiva sino que estamos ante la primero de una serie. He leído por algún sitio que van a ser dos, pero esto último no me ha quedado claro. Es importante conocer este dato, porque eso explica el final abierto en todas sus líneas.
La trama es original como todas las de este autor. Un coronavirus con un 25% de mortalidad se propaga entre la población mundial. Los supervivientes experimentan una transformación en su carácter y personalidad. Son incapaces de experimentar emociones negativas y su empatía se vuelve exponencial. Las repercusiones que tiene esta nueva concepción de la vida van más allá de lo que pueda suponerse. Tiene consecuencias en el ámbito económico, medioambiental y en la organización social.
Se empieza a configurar una sociedad a dos bandas, los recuperados y los que no han contraído la enfermedad. Ahora, no es oro todo lo que reluce. Shusterman profundiza en las dos caras de la moneda de un recuperado y en como a veces los extremos se tocan.
Los protagonistas son tres jóvenes, Tiburón, Mariel y Morgan. Las vidas de los tres son muy distintas igual que sus objetivos. Acabarán confluyendo en un desenlace, que, como he apuntado, deja muchos interrogantes planteados para la próxima entrega.
Y poco más puedo decir sin caer en spoilers. Está bien narrado. El ritmo es el propio de Shusterman, fluido sin ser nunca vertiginoso. Se lee bien.
En conclusión. Una primera entrega de una serie que promete. Ojalá que efectivamente sea bilogía. En cualquier caso la seguiré. Espero que no tarden en publicar la siguiente.
Lo primero que hay que saber es que no es autococlusiva sino que estamos ante la primero de una serie. He leído por algún sitio que van a ser dos, pero esto último no me ha quedado claro. Es importante conocer este dato, porque eso explica el final abierto en todas sus líneas.
La trama es original como todas las de este autor. Un coronavirus con un 25% de mortalidad se propaga entre la población mundial. Los supervivientes experimentan una transformación en su carácter y personalidad. Son incapaces de experimentar emociones negativas y su empatía se vuelve exponencial. Las repercusiones que tiene esta nueva concepción de la vida van más allá de lo que pueda suponerse. Tiene consecuencias en el ámbito económico, medioambiental y en la organización social.
Se empieza a configurar una sociedad a dos bandas, los recuperados y los que no han contraído la enfermedad. Ahora, no es oro todo lo que reluce. Shusterman profundiza en las dos caras de la moneda de un recuperado y en como a veces los extremos se tocan.
Los protagonistas son tres jóvenes, Tiburón, Mariel y Morgan. Las vidas de los tres son muy distintas igual que sus objetivos. Acabarán confluyendo en un desenlace, que, como he apuntado, deja muchos interrogantes planteados para la próxima entrega.
Y poco más puedo decir sin caer en spoilers. Está bien narrado. El ritmo es el propio de Shusterman, fluido sin ser nunca vertiginoso. Se lee bien.
En conclusión. Una primera entrega de una serie que promete. Ojalá que efectivamente sea bilogía. En cualquier caso la seguiré. Espero que no tarden en publicar la siguiente.
December 12, 2024
~~Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC!~~
I just - can't. This book is both overwhelming and underwhelming all at once.
I really feel like Shusterman's pandemic dystopia is far too soon, especially since, in large parts, COVID is very much still a problem, despite the pandemic being "over." Reading about improper masking, people purposely spreading a 5% mortality rate disease, worldwide shutdowns, it's practically a replica of what we experienced. Maybe I'd feel different if this was published in the 2030's or 2040's, but as is, it just isn't hitting.
Outside of that, Shusterman is trying way too hard to be philosophical here. It's not subtle, whatsoever. Rather, it feels like it's jammed directly down your throat. It very much gave off "I'm not like the other YA books" vibes with the story showing off how "deep" and "insightful" it is over telling a good story and characters. This whole tone kept throwing me off so much that I dreaded picking up the ARC; books should not make you feel like this!
The characters aren't really characters, just devices Shusterman uses to fit the message. The main characters aren't even interesting enough for the story to pay attention to, because we kept jumping into random side characters' who I care for even less. There was nothing for me to get invested to, whatsoever.
All in all, this was just not it for me. I recognize that Shusterman's talent as a writer, but this book was just too condescending in its tone for me to like in the slightest.
I just - can't. This book is both overwhelming and underwhelming all at once.
I really feel like Shusterman's pandemic dystopia is far too soon, especially since, in large parts, COVID is very much still a problem, despite the pandemic being "over." Reading about improper masking, people purposely spreading a 5% mortality rate disease, worldwide shutdowns, it's practically a replica of what we experienced. Maybe I'd feel different if this was published in the 2030's or 2040's, but as is, it just isn't hitting.
Outside of that, Shusterman is trying way too hard to be philosophical here. It's not subtle, whatsoever. Rather, it feels like it's jammed directly down your throat. It very much gave off "I'm not like the other YA books" vibes with the story showing off how "deep" and "insightful" it is over telling a good story and characters. This whole tone kept throwing me off so much that I dreaded picking up the ARC; books should not make you feel like this!
The characters aren't really characters, just devices Shusterman uses to fit the message. The main characters aren't even interesting enough for the story to pay attention to, because we kept jumping into random side characters' who I care for even less. There was nothing for me to get invested to, whatsoever.
All in all, this was just not it for me. I recognize that Shusterman's talent as a writer, but this book was just too condescending in its tone for me to like in the slightest.
March 1, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up
While this isn't my go-to genre, I LOVED this one. Dystopian vibes with a twist of a new pandemic that makes people happy. It had SO many twists that just kept reeling me in. I completely devoured this 500+ page book in two quick sittings because of that. It was intriguing to see things from both sides of the coin. While this is a fiction novel, it had so very interesting topics that are eye opening about us a human race, as us as individuals, societal needs versus mother Earth's needs plus our morals and values. I'll take away from this, to try to see the "blue" in every day and stop taking so much granted, but also always choosing kindness and happiness along the way. This is action-packed, tons of crazy twists from start to finish. You'll be on the edge of your seat several times. You'll laugh. You'll get teary-eyed. You'll open your eyes to some things happening in this world. All in all, it's a fantasic read. Highly recommend!!
I received this book by Simon & Schuster to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book
While this isn't my go-to genre, I LOVED this one. Dystopian vibes with a twist of a new pandemic that makes people happy. It had SO many twists that just kept reeling me in. I completely devoured this 500+ page book in two quick sittings because of that. It was intriguing to see things from both sides of the coin. While this is a fiction novel, it had so very interesting topics that are eye opening about us a human race, as us as individuals, societal needs versus mother Earth's needs plus our morals and values. I'll take away from this, to try to see the "blue" in every day and stop taking so much granted, but also always choosing kindness and happiness along the way. This is action-packed, tons of crazy twists from start to finish. You'll be on the edge of your seat several times. You'll laugh. You'll get teary-eyed. You'll open your eyes to some things happening in this world. All in all, it's a fantasic read. Highly recommend!!
I received this book by Simon & Schuster to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book
October 27, 2025
“If it prevails, world markets fall, economies are left in ruins. The entire political structure collapses. It would be irreparable. The upheaval of everything we know.” “Are you sure that’s a bad thing?”
All Better Now is a sci-fi dystopian following a cast of characters facing a pandemic called Crown Royale that (unlike COVID-19) leaves recoverees in a state of pure bliss. shame, fear, anger … all negative feelings are gone! to some this is a newfound freedom, to others it is a robbery of your true self.
Shusterman’s writing is crisp and easy to follow. the premise kept me invested, though the commentary throughout felt a bit obvious and heavy-handed.
aside from Mariel, the characters felt flat and one-dimensional so I struggled to connect with them.
the story lacked tension that I crave in a dystopian. and the plot wasn’t packed enough to require over 500 pages, causing certain sections to drag.
at least i got to annotate a signed copy for my sister who first introduced me to Shusterman’s work via the Scythe series — which i did enjoy and recommend 🫶😅 but you can skip this one
All Better Now is a sci-fi dystopian following a cast of characters facing a pandemic called Crown Royale that (unlike COVID-19) leaves recoverees in a state of pure bliss. shame, fear, anger … all negative feelings are gone! to some this is a newfound freedom, to others it is a robbery of your true self.
Shusterman’s writing is crisp and easy to follow. the premise kept me invested, though the commentary throughout felt a bit obvious and heavy-handed.
aside from Mariel, the characters felt flat and one-dimensional so I struggled to connect with them.
the story lacked tension that I crave in a dystopian. and the plot wasn’t packed enough to require over 500 pages, causing certain sections to drag.
at least i got to annotate a signed copy for my sister who first introduced me to Shusterman’s work via the Scythe series — which i did enjoy and recommend 🫶😅 but you can skip this one
Want to read
March 3, 2025All Better Now is the first book in a brand-new sci-fi duology, followed by All Over Now, the second and final installment. [Source] It's a pandemic story (not covid, a different illness.) People discover after recovering from this illness that everything that was wrong with their life is now right. If they were depressed they're no longer depressed. If they were struggling they're no longer struggling. It's as if this illness taps their joy centers and it's basically the happy virus when you recover from it. All that was wrong with their life is well and that starts causing a problem because as more and more people are happy the economy starts collapsing because most products are geared toward their unhappiness. With companies saying "You need this new product. You need to buy this new car to make you happy." When people stop buying things then the economy goes down. Politicians get their power by turning up people's fear and anger. If people are no longer afraid and no longer angry politicians have no power so there's a vested interest in preventing this illness from making people happy.
Neal said this at an event last year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA1U-...
Update August 2, 2024:
Neal shared on his newsletter that the main characters are : Mariel and Tiburón. Tiburón means 'shark' in Spanish. He also shared a description of the story:
“A deadly and unprecedented virus is spreading. But those who survive it experience long-term effects no one has ever seen before: utter contentment. Soon after infection, people find the stress, depression, greed, and other negative feelings that used to weigh them down are gone.
More and more people begin to revel in the mass unburdening. But not everyone. People in power—who depend on malcontents and prey on the insecure to sell their products, and convince others they need more, new, faster, better everything—know this new state of being is bad for business. Surely, without anger or jealousy as motivators, productivity will grind to a halt and the world will be thrown into chaos. Campaigns start up to convince people that being eternally happy is dangerous. The race to find a vaccine begins. Meanwhile, a growing movement of Recoverees plan ways to spread the virus as fast as they can, in the name of saving the world.
It’s nearly impossible to determine the truth when everyone with a platform is pushing their agenda. Three teens from very different backgrounds who’ve had their lives upended in very different ways find themselves at the center of a power play that could change humanity forever.”
Update August 29, 2024:
The cover was changed. This was the cover that was revealed back in June 2024. It was even on People and was in retailers: https://people.com/author-neal-shuste...
Now the cover has been changed everywhere (retailers and publisher site) to this one:
Publisher's site: https://www.simonandschuster.com/book...
Neal said this at an event last year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA1U-...
Update August 2, 2024:
Neal shared on his newsletter that the main characters are : Mariel and Tiburón. Tiburón means 'shark' in Spanish. He also shared a description of the story:
“A deadly and unprecedented virus is spreading. But those who survive it experience long-term effects no one has ever seen before: utter contentment. Soon after infection, people find the stress, depression, greed, and other negative feelings that used to weigh them down are gone.
More and more people begin to revel in the mass unburdening. But not everyone. People in power—who depend on malcontents and prey on the insecure to sell their products, and convince others they need more, new, faster, better everything—know this new state of being is bad for business. Surely, without anger or jealousy as motivators, productivity will grind to a halt and the world will be thrown into chaos. Campaigns start up to convince people that being eternally happy is dangerous. The race to find a vaccine begins. Meanwhile, a growing movement of Recoverees plan ways to spread the virus as fast as they can, in the name of saving the world.
It’s nearly impossible to determine the truth when everyone with a platform is pushing their agenda. Three teens from very different backgrounds who’ve had their lives upended in very different ways find themselves at the center of a power play that could change humanity forever.”
Update August 29, 2024:
The cover was changed. This was the cover that was revealed back in June 2024. It was even on People and was in retailers: https://people.com/author-neal-shuste...
Now the cover has been changed everywhere (retailers and publisher site) to this one:
Publisher's site: https://www.simonandschuster.com/book...
August 13, 2025
Fun! Thoughtful speculative fiction. An epidemic of happiness and malicious forces to counteract it. Could humanity's mental wiring be transformed by a virus into kind stewards of the earth and each other? Or are the forces of greed and power and control just too deeply embedded?
November 21, 2024
ARC for review. To be published February 4, 2025.
In my reviews I often say a book is “YA for YA,” meaning a book is OK young adult lit for a young adult audience. This is to contrast it with those rare books like this that elevate the genre and cross over into being “YA for everyone” because they are so well done. This 4 star read is one of those books. Good show.
A new pandemic is spreading, but those who survive have long-term….contentment? All their negative feelings, stress and depression are gone. Oh, I want some of that.
And you would think it would be great, but, of course, we can’t have nice things, plus it’s sometimes fatal, plus the power people who rely on people’s dissatisfaction to sell their products just aren’t having it. Those people/entities start campaigns to convince people that happiness is dangerous so the race to find a cure begins, because we, my friends, are complete and absolute morons as evidenced by….well, you know what. Anyway, another group of the population rejects this and wants the virus to spread as quickly as possible.
Three older teenagers, Mariel Mudroch, who is homeless, Ron Escobedo, son of the world’s third richest man and Morgan Willmon, who takes over a fortunes from a misanthrope who instructs her to eradicate the virus have their lives changed in very different ways as they become caught up in this mad new world.
What a wonderful, deep story. So enjoyed how thoughtful this was. This is how you do smart, relevant YA.
In my reviews I often say a book is “YA for YA,” meaning a book is OK young adult lit for a young adult audience. This is to contrast it with those rare books like this that elevate the genre and cross over into being “YA for everyone” because they are so well done. This 4 star read is one of those books. Good show.
A new pandemic is spreading, but those who survive have long-term….contentment? All their negative feelings, stress and depression are gone. Oh, I want some of that.
And you would think it would be great, but, of course, we can’t have nice things, plus it’s sometimes fatal, plus the power people who rely on people’s dissatisfaction to sell their products just aren’t having it. Those people/entities start campaigns to convince people that happiness is dangerous so the race to find a cure begins, because we, my friends, are complete and absolute morons as evidenced by….well, you know what. Anyway, another group of the population rejects this and wants the virus to spread as quickly as possible.
Three older teenagers, Mariel Mudroch, who is homeless, Ron Escobedo, son of the world’s third richest man and Morgan Willmon, who takes over a fortunes from a misanthrope who instructs her to eradicate the virus have their lives changed in very different ways as they become caught up in this mad new world.
What a wonderful, deep story. So enjoyed how thoughtful this was. This is how you do smart, relevant YA.
May 21, 2025
Okay, first thing to know before starting is this is the first of a two-book series.I didn't know this going in and when I got to the end of this long book I was like WTF! Zero closure?! How unsatisfying, and what a bummer. But then I did find out there is a planned follow-up book called All Over Now due out at some point in the future, which shifted my perspective to Ahh, cliffhanger, of sorts...
This dystopian story about the division a new, post-covid viral pandemic is causing has several compelling storylines that eventually weave their way together. No spoilers here to ruin things for others but I will share that the plot is really clever in that I am still not clear which side is the side I am supposed to be rooting for. Both camps make some good points for why it makes sense to side with their point of view but both factions can also be complete and total selfish a$$holes who make super sh*tty choices at times.
As noted above, the book leaves us hanging on just about all the plot-lines but despite this, it is worth checking out. I look forward to part 2 and learning how things will end. And if there is no sequel, even though there won't any closure for the characters, the story does raise some good ethical questions to ponder...
This dystopian story about the division a new, post-covid viral pandemic is causing has several compelling storylines that eventually weave their way together. No spoilers here to ruin things for others but I will share that the plot is really clever in that I am still not clear which side is the side I am supposed to be rooting for. Both camps make some good points for why it makes sense to side with their point of view but both factions can also be complete and total selfish a$$holes who make super sh*tty choices at times.
As noted above, the book leaves us hanging on just about all the plot-lines but despite this, it is worth checking out. I look forward to part 2 and learning how things will end. And if there is no sequel, even though there won't any closure for the characters, the story does raise some good ethical questions to ponder...
February 5, 2025
I’m a huge fan of Neal Shusterman’s and couldn’t get enough of his Scythe and Unwind books. His imagination knows no bounds and he always seems to blow my mind with his twists and storylines.
When I realized he had written a book about a pandemic (another variant of Covid) but where the survivors become “good”, I knew it had to be another one of his unique, crazy tales.
And it was!
But for me, there was something off. I just didn’t mesh with the story overall. It felt overly long and although I did enjoy a couple of the characters, I didn’t love them like I typically do.
Overall I am really glad I read this because it was pretty trippy and I adore Neal’s imagination.
*Thanks to Simon and Shuster and NetGalley for the eGalley!*
When I realized he had written a book about a pandemic (another variant of Covid) but where the survivors become “good”, I knew it had to be another one of his unique, crazy tales.
And it was!
But for me, there was something off. I just didn’t mesh with the story overall. It felt overly long and although I did enjoy a couple of the characters, I didn’t love them like I typically do.
Overall I am really glad I read this because it was pretty trippy and I adore Neal’s imagination.
*Thanks to Simon and Shuster and NetGalley for the eGalley!*
October 22, 2024
Look out! Once you start reading this book, you will be unable to stop. You’ll ignore your family and responsibilities in favor of racing through this page-turner. It might just be the most addictive read of the year for me!
All Better Now emerges on a world in the throes of a new pandemic, dubbed Crown Royale. The virus is transmissible by air and more deadly than COVID, but survivors have an interesting side effect: they are content and no longer experience stress, sadness, greed, jealousy, or depression. Therein lies the debate and great conflict of the book – is this a form of body snatching that will ruin economic systems, ambition, and productivity or a gift from nature that promotes peace and harmony?
The narrative follows four characters in this new world. Mariel, a young homeless teen who lives in her car with her mother and appears to have natural immunity to the virus; Tiburon who is son of one of the wealthiest men in the world and suffers from debilitating depression and wants to contract and spread the virus; and Morgan, a clever nineteen year old who inherits great wealth and a mission to eradicate Crown Royale from the world. The fourth main character is an elderly woman, Dame Glynis Havilland, Morgan’s benefactor who bequests the money while in the throes of Crown Royale and then tries to reverse her decision once she becomes a recoveree who only wants to spread happiness. All four narratives are equally compelling and readers will be excited to see the ways their stories intertwine.
Shusterman is the master of writing books that address current societal issues in a creative way and make you think deeply. This one had me internally debating the meaning of life and trying to see the world through a recoveree’s eyes. Diversity abounds; Tiburon is Latino and Morgan is Euroasian and other secondary characters are multiracial, as well. Perfectly paced, totally original, and a wild ride.
Reviewed for MA YSBR.
All Better Now emerges on a world in the throes of a new pandemic, dubbed Crown Royale. The virus is transmissible by air and more deadly than COVID, but survivors have an interesting side effect: they are content and no longer experience stress, sadness, greed, jealousy, or depression. Therein lies the debate and great conflict of the book – is this a form of body snatching that will ruin economic systems, ambition, and productivity or a gift from nature that promotes peace and harmony?
The narrative follows four characters in this new world. Mariel, a young homeless teen who lives in her car with her mother and appears to have natural immunity to the virus; Tiburon who is son of one of the wealthiest men in the world and suffers from debilitating depression and wants to contract and spread the virus; and Morgan, a clever nineteen year old who inherits great wealth and a mission to eradicate Crown Royale from the world. The fourth main character is an elderly woman, Dame Glynis Havilland, Morgan’s benefactor who bequests the money while in the throes of Crown Royale and then tries to reverse her decision once she becomes a recoveree who only wants to spread happiness. All four narratives are equally compelling and readers will be excited to see the ways their stories intertwine.
Shusterman is the master of writing books that address current societal issues in a creative way and make you think deeply. This one had me internally debating the meaning of life and trying to see the world through a recoveree’s eyes. Diversity abounds; Tiburon is Latino and Morgan is Euroasian and other secondary characters are multiracial, as well. Perfectly paced, totally original, and a wild ride.
Reviewed for MA YSBR.
April 21, 2025
2.75 Every time Neal Shusterman writes a dystopian, I stop in my tracks, and this was no different!
This covers a post COVID world where a new virus (Crown Royale) is taking over — an often deadly virus that, if you survive, turns you into the most happy and fulfilled version of yourself (I’m talking mental illness curing, billionaires donating all their money to charity level of happy and fulfilled.) As more people contract Crown Royale, the world is split between the recoverees and those who’d rather die than get it.
I really liked how much this book made me think; any story that makes it hard to choose between two sides is a one well worth telling.
My main critique would be how long this is, I read the ARC (advanced readers copy) on my kindle so idk how long it was or if it ended up being cut down a bit, but I think the finished copy is still over 500 pages which is a liiiiitle much. I wasn’t super invested in the plot, but the concept is so fascinating that I can’t help but cheer.
This covers a post COVID world where a new virus (Crown Royale) is taking over — an often deadly virus that, if you survive, turns you into the most happy and fulfilled version of yourself (I’m talking mental illness curing, billionaires donating all their money to charity level of happy and fulfilled.) As more people contract Crown Royale, the world is split between the recoverees and those who’d rather die than get it.
I really liked how much this book made me think; any story that makes it hard to choose between two sides is a one well worth telling.
My main critique would be how long this is, I read the ARC (advanced readers copy) on my kindle so idk how long it was or if it ended up being cut down a bit, but I think the finished copy is still over 500 pages which is a liiiiitle much. I wasn’t super invested in the plot, but the concept is so fascinating that I can’t help but cheer.
January 31, 2025
All Better Now by Neal Shusterman. Thanks to @simonteen for the gifted Arc #simonteeninfluencer #allbetternowbook ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A new virus kills one out of twenty five. Those that it doesn’t kill are never the same. They become completely happy; selfishness and greed are eradicated from them. Three teens from different backgrounds find themselves in the middle of a battle between those that want to spread the disease and those that want to stop it.
Don’t be put off by the young adult genre. This is a book everyone can enjoy. Also don’t be put off by the size. It reads very quickly. The heart of the story is the characters and I loved how the main ones were so different, yet their stories worked so well together. The idea of the pandemic was interesting, especially the controversy and philosophical arguments behind it. The characters grow a lot, which is one of my favorite things about young adult characters, especially in a dystopian world.
“This disease… if it doesn’t kill you, it steals your agency. Your ambition. It turns you into someone you’re not and ruins you.”
All Better Now comes out 2/4.
A new virus kills one out of twenty five. Those that it doesn’t kill are never the same. They become completely happy; selfishness and greed are eradicated from them. Three teens from different backgrounds find themselves in the middle of a battle between those that want to spread the disease and those that want to stop it.
Don’t be put off by the young adult genre. This is a book everyone can enjoy. Also don’t be put off by the size. It reads very quickly. The heart of the story is the characters and I loved how the main ones were so different, yet their stories worked so well together. The idea of the pandemic was interesting, especially the controversy and philosophical arguments behind it. The characters grow a lot, which is one of my favorite things about young adult characters, especially in a dystopian world.
“This disease… if it doesn’t kill you, it steals your agency. Your ambition. It turns you into someone you’re not and ruins you.”
All Better Now comes out 2/4.
January 4, 2025
I find myself really heart broken by the messages of the book.
In the early days of COVID, before many protections were in place (though my area listened to few of those protections even later), I had to go grocery shopping. I remember an old woman, tiny little thing, wearing a mask, a face shield, and gloves trying to stay as far away from anyone and everyone as possible. Three people, old enough to know better but maybe not old enough to grasp their cruelty went up to her and started coughing on her. She was scared and the people around her did not take that fear seriously.
This book kept reminding of that moment. Most of the book has little care for other people. Both sides of the "war" are doing what they are doing largely for their own self interests.
There is a moment later on where they are discussing how people on a bus are on a bus because they've either accepted the chance of getting sick or actively want to get sick. Maybe that is true for some but anyone having lived through COVID knows many people were exposed who had no choice in the matter and this book completely ignores that fact from both sides. There is a flippant attitude about lives and peoples' choice.
I honestly don't know how I would have responded to this book as a teenager or someone who was a teenager during COVID. I can see it being just stressful in general no matter where you fall on the spectrum of fears coming out of 2020. I'll avoid spoilers but every layer I pealed back with the plotlines and characters of this book was worse and worse the more you thought about it.
As for the writing. I enjoy Shusterman's style. I liked the sections of the book from other perspectives that turn out to be important later. I think it could have been way shorter or it should have been longer with a better foundation for the morals and ethics of what everyone is doing. As it stands, I didn't really enjoy the book. I'll have to think twice before reading if this becomes a longer series.
In the early days of COVID, before many protections were in place (though my area listened to few of those protections even later), I had to go grocery shopping. I remember an old woman, tiny little thing, wearing a mask, a face shield, and gloves trying to stay as far away from anyone and everyone as possible. Three people, old enough to know better but maybe not old enough to grasp their cruelty went up to her and started coughing on her. She was scared and the people around her did not take that fear seriously.
This book kept reminding of that moment. Most of the book has little care for other people. Both sides of the "war" are doing what they are doing largely for their own self interests.
There is a moment later on where they are discussing how people on a bus are on a bus because they've either accepted the chance of getting sick or actively want to get sick. Maybe that is true for some but anyone having lived through COVID knows many people were exposed who had no choice in the matter and this book completely ignores that fact from both sides. There is a flippant attitude about lives and peoples' choice.
I honestly don't know how I would have responded to this book as a teenager or someone who was a teenager during COVID. I can see it being just stressful in general no matter where you fall on the spectrum of fears coming out of 2020. I'll avoid spoilers but every layer I pealed back with the plotlines and characters of this book was worse and worse the more you thought about it.
As for the writing. I enjoy Shusterman's style. I liked the sections of the book from other perspectives that turn out to be important later. I think it could have been way shorter or it should have been longer with a better foundation for the morals and ethics of what everyone is doing. As it stands, I didn't really enjoy the book. I'll have to think twice before reading if this becomes a longer series.
February 4, 2025
After falling in love with the Scythe series, I eagerly read Shusterman's new book! I was not disappointed! Shusterman takes the reader to a new level of a virus. I mean, the virus side effects do not sound terrible! All the negative feelings that affect millions of people daily are gone: greed, anger, stress, and even depression.
The pandemic is in full blow and four different people and how their lives intertwine in surprising ways! Also, how each of the characters thought they were doing the right things, but it did not always work in the best way. I'm trying to decide how I feel about this book, but it's amazing, not only amazing, it's interesting and very thought-provoking! While I loved the storyline and the writing style, Shusterman has a very thrilling easy-to-read writing style that is not only captivating, it's addicting! However, there were times the writing seemed very long-winded, and the pacing dragged at some places but it does not take away from the story! Thank you Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this one! It was an interesting read and very thought-provoking!
The pandemic is in full blow and four different people and how their lives intertwine in surprising ways! Also, how each of the characters thought they were doing the right things, but it did not always work in the best way. I'm trying to decide how I feel about this book, but it's amazing, not only amazing, it's interesting and very thought-provoking! While I loved the storyline and the writing style, Shusterman has a very thrilling easy-to-read writing style that is not only captivating, it's addicting! However, there were times the writing seemed very long-winded, and the pacing dragged at some places but it does not take away from the story! Thank you Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this one! It was an interesting read and very thought-provoking!
February 14, 2025
“Show me someone who always smiles, and I’ll show you someone with bodies in their basement,”
1.25
OOF. And once again for emphasis, OOF.
I finished this book last night and still am so angry about this book. And I love Neal Shusterman so much, which is what makes me all the more angry. I've read most of his bibliography and always enjoy his interesting plots and dynamic characters. But while All Better Now reads like Shusterman from a prose persepective, I thought his characters were some of the most superficial characters I've ever read from and I can't shake the feeling that the plot was offensive?
The first 33% of this book I actually didn't mind. I thought it was handled tactfully enough and I was actually kind of engaged. Rón seemed like he was going to be this deeply troubled and flawed character who was rich but mentally ill. Marial seemed like she was going to be this strong moral compass because she was forced to grow up too quickly to take care of her chaotic Mom. And I was SO invested in Morgan because she seemed so confident and morally flexible. I thought that this would be more a narrative about public reaction to pandemics and how the government vs individuals react to sudden changes and health scares.
This QUICKLY changed. Marial and Rón became SUCH a case of Insta-love. Which wouldn't be ideal, but would be fine....IF RÓN WASN'T THE WHINEST SOCIOPATH.
The justifications that Rón needed each time became more and more absurd, and I feel like Shusterman let him get away with it because it was never talked about again.
SPOILER ALERTS:
1. He hacks people's digital masks to cause a super spreader event (where it's listed that he goes as far as sneezing in peoples faces) which breaks his promise to Marial that he wouldn't.
2. He overloads people's digital masks so he can get his Father sick, which cause a fire and kills someone.
3. He partakes in a coup that leads to the exploding of a mountain that would kill people, as well as what he thinks of at the time as the cure to Crowne Royal.
Etc.Etc. Etc.
And his justfications feel so offensive considering this is a world that also contains Covid and they are often compared to each other. When asked about the people who don't want to get sick, Rón says that anyone who doesn't wear a mask, leaves the house, enters the workplace should expect to get it and is asking for it. After asking about that 1/4 people die, he tells Marial (whose Mom died of Crowne Royale) that at least people who die from it feel a little joy in the end and the people who get over it will be stronger. And a large motive he uses is that once you get Crowne Royal you learn to have empathy and forgive yourself, so any mistake he makes he just forgives himself, and no one corrects his behavior. We're just meant to forget and forgive too.
And what was Shusterman's deal with teeth??? There were several characters who's defining thing about them were their teeth.
“But maybe a mask would have been better, because the woman had seriously bad teeth.”
“A ride operator with proud teen goat hair, and teeth not much better than Buc-ee Beaver’s”
“Morgan couldn’t see her horrible teeth through the hazmat mask. Which was a mercy.”
These were all about different character and from different POV's.
I wonder if this came out pre-pandemic if I would have enjoyed it more. This whole book just felt so callous and inappropriate. I'm not even one who thinks certain subjects can't be touched, but writing this so soon when Covid surges and varients are still in our lexicon, reading from the perspective of two characters who believe in spreading Crowne Royal (with a mortality rate only slightly larger than Covid) and one character (spoiler alert) who starts a new pandemic by the end, it just felt so flippant and rude.
I wanted to do some re-reads of Scythe and Skinjackers this year, but after this book I think I need some time away from Shusterman.
I also don't know how I feel about the ending.
EDIT
Reading this and then discovering I have Covid may actually be camp.
1.25
OOF. And once again for emphasis, OOF.
I finished this book last night and still am so angry about this book. And I love Neal Shusterman so much, which is what makes me all the more angry. I've read most of his bibliography and always enjoy his interesting plots and dynamic characters. But while All Better Now reads like Shusterman from a prose persepective, I thought his characters were some of the most superficial characters I've ever read from and I can't shake the feeling that the plot was offensive?
The first 33% of this book I actually didn't mind. I thought it was handled tactfully enough and I was actually kind of engaged. Rón seemed like he was going to be this deeply troubled and flawed character who was rich but mentally ill. Marial seemed like she was going to be this strong moral compass because she was forced to grow up too quickly to take care of her chaotic Mom. And I was SO invested in Morgan because she seemed so confident and morally flexible. I thought that this would be more a narrative about public reaction to pandemics and how the government vs individuals react to sudden changes and health scares.
This QUICKLY changed. Marial and Rón became SUCH a case of Insta-love. Which wouldn't be ideal, but would be fine....IF RÓN WASN'T THE WHINEST SOCIOPATH.
The justifications that Rón needed each time became more and more absurd, and I feel like Shusterman let him get away with it because it was never talked about again.
SPOILER ALERTS:
1. He hacks people's digital masks to cause a super spreader event (where it's listed that he goes as far as sneezing in peoples faces) which breaks his promise to Marial that he wouldn't.
2. He overloads people's digital masks so he can get his Father sick, which cause a fire and kills someone.
3. He partakes in a coup that leads to the exploding of a mountain that would kill people, as well as what he thinks of at the time as the cure to Crowne Royal.
Etc.Etc. Etc.
And his justfications feel so offensive considering this is a world that also contains Covid and they are often compared to each other. When asked about the people who don't want to get sick, Rón says that anyone who doesn't wear a mask, leaves the house, enters the workplace should expect to get it and is asking for it. After asking about that 1/4 people die, he tells Marial (whose Mom died of Crowne Royale) that at least people who die from it feel a little joy in the end and the people who get over it will be stronger. And a large motive he uses is that once you get Crowne Royal you learn to have empathy and forgive yourself, so any mistake he makes he just forgives himself, and no one corrects his behavior. We're just meant to forget and forgive too.
And what was Shusterman's deal with teeth??? There were several characters who's defining thing about them were their teeth.
“But maybe a mask would have been better, because the woman had seriously bad teeth.”
“A ride operator with proud teen goat hair, and teeth not much better than Buc-ee Beaver’s”
“Morgan couldn’t see her horrible teeth through the hazmat mask. Which was a mercy.”
These were all about different character and from different POV's.
I wonder if this came out pre-pandemic if I would have enjoyed it more. This whole book just felt so callous and inappropriate. I'm not even one who thinks certain subjects can't be touched, but writing this so soon when Covid surges and varients are still in our lexicon, reading from the perspective of two characters who believe in spreading Crowne Royal (with a mortality rate only slightly larger than Covid) and one character (spoiler alert) who starts a new pandemic by the end, it just felt so flippant and rude.
I wanted to do some re-reads of Scythe and Skinjackers this year, but after this book I think I need some time away from Shusterman.
I also don't know how I feel about the ending.
EDIT
Reading this and then discovering I have Covid may actually be camp.
February 14, 2025
3.5/5. A pandemic that results in utter content if you survive the illness? I was so intrigued by this plot and was excited to read this. There were parts of this I loved and parts that dragged on a bit. My main complaints were the characters were lacking depth and I couldn’t connect with any of them. I felt they were all pretty unlikable in their own ways. I loved the “battle” of the two sides and understanding each of their motivations to either spread the disease or get rid of it.
This is my first book by this author and I’m excited to dive into more of his catalog.
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC!
This is my first book by this author and I’m excited to dive into more of his catalog.
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC!
March 27, 2025
4★
┊ ⋆˚ ⚛》Overall Thoughts《⚛
All Better Now tells the story of three teenagers with way too much time on their hands, an evil old lady and her equally evil butler, and the average people affected by a virus that can cure depression.
And I loved it!
This is one of the rare cases in which I would highly recommend a book but only to certain people. If you’re looking for a character-driven story with found family and lasting friendships and all that, this is *not* the book for you! Every single character gives you at least 5 reasons to hate their guts, because they all do questionable things to defend their perspective on the virus. I found that aspect to be very realistic, because there isn’t one clear “correct” answer. Shusterman leaves the big question in the reader’s hands: If there were a virus that makes people happy, what would be the best way to handle it?
✺✳ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ✳✺
┊ ┊ ⋆˚ ⚛》Characters《⚛
【Mariel】
She wasn’t too interesting in the first part of the book, but eventually she proved her selflessness by contributing to the creation of the “cure” for Crown Royale. Her role was unique because she experienced loss and hardship due to the virus but chose to spread it anyway, seeing it as an opportunity to give others a chance at happiness even though all it did for her was cause trouble.
【Rón】
He annoyed me… a lot. Whereas Mariel weighed the risks of spreading the virus, he went ahead and did it with almost no consideration of how it could negatively impact others.
【Morgan】
At first I thought she was going to become some kind of misunderstood character who was viewed as a villain by everyone else when she was just trying to do what she thought was best, but then she started committing literal crimes😭still an interesting character though!
【Dame Havilland】
She was a fantastic villain. I was pretty surprised by some of the things she did considering she was 80 years old or something. I’m interested to see what she does in the next book.
✺✳ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ✳✺
┊ ┊ ⋆˚┊ ⚛》Who should read this book?《⚛
If you’re okay with the trigger warnings and you like stories that explore mental illness, (and you think that treehouse submarines are cool!!) then you should definitely read it.
✺✳ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ✳✺
┊ ┊ �� ┊ TW: unethical animal testing and human testing, suicidal ideation, depression, fire, deadly disease
┊ ⋆˚ ⚛》Overall Thoughts《⚛
All Better Now tells the story of three teenagers with way too much time on their hands, an evil old lady and her equally evil butler, and the average people affected by a virus that can cure depression.
And I loved it!
This is one of the rare cases in which I would highly recommend a book but only to certain people. If you’re looking for a character-driven story with found family and lasting friendships and all that, this is *not* the book for you! Every single character gives you at least 5 reasons to hate their guts, because they all do questionable things to defend their perspective on the virus. I found that aspect to be very realistic, because there isn’t one clear “correct” answer. Shusterman leaves the big question in the reader’s hands: If there were a virus that makes people happy, what would be the best way to handle it?
✺✳ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ✳✺
┊ ┊ ⋆˚ ⚛》Characters《⚛
【Mariel】
She wasn’t too interesting in the first part of the book, but eventually she proved her selflessness by contributing to the creation of the “cure” for Crown Royale. Her role was unique because she experienced loss and hardship due to the virus but chose to spread it anyway, seeing it as an opportunity to give others a chance at happiness even though all it did for her was cause trouble.
【Rón】
He annoyed me… a lot. Whereas Mariel weighed the risks of spreading the virus, he went ahead and did it with almost no consideration of how it could negatively impact others.
【Morgan】
At first I thought she was going to become some kind of misunderstood character who was viewed as a villain by everyone else when she was just trying to do what she thought was best, but then she started committing literal crimes😭still an interesting character though!
【Dame Havilland】
She was a fantastic villain. I was pretty surprised by some of the things she did considering she was 80 years old or something. I’m interested to see what she does in the next book.
✺✳ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ✳✺
┊ ┊ ⋆˚┊ ⚛》Who should read this book?《⚛
If you’re okay with the trigger warnings and you like stories that explore mental illness, (and you think that treehouse submarines are cool!!) then you should definitely read it.
✺✳ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ✳✺
┊ ┊ �� ┊ TW: unethical animal testing and human testing, suicidal ideation, depression, fire, deadly disease
December 28, 2024
This is the type of book that will make you question what is right and wrong the entire time.
You follow 3 different characters on their path to survive a new outbreak from a virus that cures all your depression, anxiety and the like.
Things aren't always what they seem though and the journey you go on is one that is fast, twisty, and unexpected.
I really enjoyed this story and would recommend this to readers who like stories that are realistic scenarios.
This book does touch on the topic of covid and could be triggering due to some of the practices of the characters throughout this outbreak. I found this to be a story that got my brain thinking, my adrenaline pumping, and at time my anger levels to an all time high.
Overall I think the length of this story could have been a touch shorter. The beginning of this book hooked me SO fast, you get put right into story line with multiple pov's and lots of information that will keep you engaged and reading. However; the middle of the book while necessary did drag/lull a bit and so I found myself going what are we doing here. The end was a phenomenal conclusion though that makes me want to pick up the next book in the series for sure and so for that I will land on a 3.75 for score, rounding to a 4.
I love the way the author introduces characters into the story in such a unique way and his writing style just meshes perfectly with what I am looking for in an authors work. I think if you are looking for a book to resonate with maybe some of our current state of affairs in life, this would be worth picking up. I would gear this book towards upper YA readers due to some of the more graphic content and overall topic/themes within the story.
You follow 3 different characters on their path to survive a new outbreak from a virus that cures all your depression, anxiety and the like.
Things aren't always what they seem though and the journey you go on is one that is fast, twisty, and unexpected.
I really enjoyed this story and would recommend this to readers who like stories that are realistic scenarios.
This book does touch on the topic of covid and could be triggering due to some of the practices of the characters throughout this outbreak. I found this to be a story that got my brain thinking, my adrenaline pumping, and at time my anger levels to an all time high.
Overall I think the length of this story could have been a touch shorter. The beginning of this book hooked me SO fast, you get put right into story line with multiple pov's and lots of information that will keep you engaged and reading. However; the middle of the book while necessary did drag/lull a bit and so I found myself going what are we doing here. The end was a phenomenal conclusion though that makes me want to pick up the next book in the series for sure and so for that I will land on a 3.75 for score, rounding to a 4.
I love the way the author introduces characters into the story in such a unique way and his writing style just meshes perfectly with what I am looking for in an authors work. I think if you are looking for a book to resonate with maybe some of our current state of affairs in life, this would be worth picking up. I would gear this book towards upper YA readers due to some of the more graphic content and overall topic/themes within the story.
February 4, 2025
Many thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for the early copy of All Better Now. Below is my honest review.
Every time I pick up a Neal Shusterman novel and tear through it, my first thought is "why haven't I gone back and finished reading his entire catalogue yet?" This one was no exception.
It was a lot of fun (for us, the readers, at least) and had a lot to say in the way of social commentary regarding public health, and also carried an interesting message about how we've allowed pure unfettered capitalism to use negativity and hate and pessimism to drive us to a consume consume consume mindset.
Definitely recommended for Shusterman fans and YA readers.
Every time I pick up a Neal Shusterman novel and tear through it, my first thought is "why haven't I gone back and finished reading his entire catalogue yet?" This one was no exception.
It was a lot of fun (for us, the readers, at least) and had a lot to say in the way of social commentary regarding public health, and also carried an interesting message about how we've allowed pure unfettered capitalism to use negativity and hate and pessimism to drive us to a consume consume consume mindset.
Definitely recommended for Shusterman fans and YA readers.
June 8, 2025
Z bólem serca baaaardzo naciągane 3 gwiazdki. Mam wrażenie, że było to trochę o niczym, bohaterowie dość papierowi, nie kibicowałam absolutnie nikomu. Taka „dystopia” na kolanie pisana, wybrzmiewająca jak fanfik o covidzie.
January 27, 2025
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Neal Shusterman's books have almost always had something in them to make me think that this could be a really weird and warped version of the world we live in. He is really good at taking a what if scenario and pushing it to an extreme. All Better Now is the first book in a continuing, yet to be named series, covering another pandemic. Only the after effects of this illness leave you changed forever. If you survive Crown Royale, you become Happy.
I'm going to just throw out there that I don't know that I would have read another book about a pandemic by most authors. I feel a little PTSD anytime someone brings up the last one or the prospect of another. No matter who you are, I think it impacted your life in some way and society as a whole in a big ways. But, my experience with the last Pandemic made this book feel all the more plausible and added to the foundations for emotional impact I think is needed for this story to really work for reader to connect to it.
Told from multiple PoVs we follow different characters as some try to share the illness so all can feel what it is like to have things like fear, ambition, hatred and selfishness fall away from them. Others are desperate to thwart the virus that is causing Billionaires to give up their wealth, consumers to stop buying new goods when the old ones are just fine and people who would rather take a bullet than shoot one. We get glimpses into the lives of those who have recovered and how their lives changed. Others that live in isolation and desperation to make sure they never get the virus, afraid of how it could change them.
I was captivated by this story. The characters all have different motivations, everyone thinks they are doing the right thing and most have good intentions. Mariel lost her mother to the virus but never got it herself. She and Rón, a recovery, are traveling across the country trying to find a new purpose in their lives and hide Rón from his father. Rón has a mission and no time to be locked away for his safety. The question is will Rón's mission drive a wedge between him and the girl he has come to love.
Morgan is everything that the recovered are not. She is conniving, driven, cruel and willing to do just about anything to win. Because of someone's need to pass on a legacy, she is also in control of a large amount of money, companies and a research center. Her goal is to combat the Crown Royale virus, but the cure might be worse than the disease.
I enjoyed this book so much. Because of the multiple PoVs I found that the story moved along fast and it was interesting to see into the minds of all of the major players in the book. Neal Shusterman's writing is always great with solid one liners and things to make the reader ponder. I look forward to seeing where he takes the story as I think this will be on par with two of my series Unwind and Arc of the Scythe.
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Neal Shusterman's books have almost always had something in them to make me think that this could be a really weird and warped version of the world we live in. He is really good at taking a what if scenario and pushing it to an extreme. All Better Now is the first book in a continuing, yet to be named series, covering another pandemic. Only the after effects of this illness leave you changed forever. If you survive Crown Royale, you become Happy.
I'm going to just throw out there that I don't know that I would have read another book about a pandemic by most authors. I feel a little PTSD anytime someone brings up the last one or the prospect of another. No matter who you are, I think it impacted your life in some way and society as a whole in a big ways. But, my experience with the last Pandemic made this book feel all the more plausible and added to the foundations for emotional impact I think is needed for this story to really work for reader to connect to it.
Told from multiple PoVs we follow different characters as some try to share the illness so all can feel what it is like to have things like fear, ambition, hatred and selfishness fall away from them. Others are desperate to thwart the virus that is causing Billionaires to give up their wealth, consumers to stop buying new goods when the old ones are just fine and people who would rather take a bullet than shoot one. We get glimpses into the lives of those who have recovered and how their lives changed. Others that live in isolation and desperation to make sure they never get the virus, afraid of how it could change them.
I was captivated by this story. The characters all have different motivations, everyone thinks they are doing the right thing and most have good intentions. Mariel lost her mother to the virus but never got it herself. She and Rón, a recovery, are traveling across the country trying to find a new purpose in their lives and hide Rón from his father. Rón has a mission and no time to be locked away for his safety. The question is will Rón's mission drive a wedge between him and the girl he has come to love.
Morgan is everything that the recovered are not. She is conniving, driven, cruel and willing to do just about anything to win. Because of someone's need to pass on a legacy, she is also in control of a large amount of money, companies and a research center. Her goal is to combat the Crown Royale virus, but the cure might be worse than the disease.
He and Morgan were alike, in a way. Both had powerful, all-consuming agendas. But that was where the similarity ended -- because, while Rón was motivated to fix a broken world, Morgan was motivated to take credit for fixing a broken world. A subtle difference, with miles between.
I enjoyed this book so much. Because of the multiple PoVs I found that the story moved along fast and it was interesting to see into the minds of all of the major players in the book. Neal Shusterman's writing is always great with solid one liners and things to make the reader ponder. I look forward to seeing where he takes the story as I think this will be on par with two of my series Unwind and Arc of the Scythe.
The beauty of disinformation was that the more outlandish it was, them more people would believe it, because it was fed by the public's own paranoia.
Read
January 26, 2025DNF at 40%. This was disappointing for me because I have enjoyed other books from this author. The premise was interesting, a virus that causes people to become content with their life, but the overall execution fell flat. I found no interest in any of the main characters we followed. It felt like the plot was all over the place and I couldn’t figure out where the story was heading. The story overall just didn’t hold my attention. Anytime I put this down I had no desire to pick it back up. I will try more from this author but this one just didn’t work for me.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review
February 16, 2025
Actual rating 3.5
Thanks to Simon Teens for this copy in exchange for an honest review
This was my first book by Neal Shusterman, and I was completely hooked from the first chapter. By the word dystopian, I think of a different and complex setting. So, I was surprised how everything was set in the real world so it didn’t take time to get into the book. We got a few characters and each was intersting. Morgan, very smart individual who unexpectedly comes into wealth and power, Tiburon, son of one of the world’s richest men, and Mariel who lives in a vehicle with her mom. I always enjoy books where characters from very different backgrounds cross paths in unexpected ways.
This book has a really unique and thought-provoking concept—a virus that is kinda opposite of COVID. After recovering, people experience enhanced senses, become happier and stress-free, and develop such high levels of empathy that they’d risk their own lives to save others without hesitation. People in power don’t like these side effects as the balance of the world is getting affected and they are losing their control.
I really enjoyed the first half, especially the dynamics between characters, including some side characters. One of my favorite relationships was between Tiburon and his father, it’s rare to see a wealthy parent in fiction who genuinely cares about their child. However, after the first half, the story starts to feel like it just keeps going without much progress. The pacing slowed down, and I also felt a change in my writing style. I also wish the characters had a little more depth which could have elevated the story. Despite these issues, it’s still an enjoyable dystopian read.
Thanks to Simon Teens for this copy in exchange for an honest review
This was my first book by Neal Shusterman, and I was completely hooked from the first chapter. By the word dystopian, I think of a different and complex setting. So, I was surprised how everything was set in the real world so it didn’t take time to get into the book. We got a few characters and each was intersting. Morgan, very smart individual who unexpectedly comes into wealth and power, Tiburon, son of one of the world’s richest men, and Mariel who lives in a vehicle with her mom. I always enjoy books where characters from very different backgrounds cross paths in unexpected ways.
This book has a really unique and thought-provoking concept—a virus that is kinda opposite of COVID. After recovering, people experience enhanced senses, become happier and stress-free, and develop such high levels of empathy that they’d risk their own lives to save others without hesitation. People in power don’t like these side effects as the balance of the world is getting affected and they are losing their control.
I really enjoyed the first half, especially the dynamics between characters, including some side characters. One of my favorite relationships was between Tiburon and his father, it’s rare to see a wealthy parent in fiction who genuinely cares about their child. However, after the first half, the story starts to feel like it just keeps going without much progress. The pacing slowed down, and I also felt a change in my writing style. I also wish the characters had a little more depth which could have elevated the story. Despite these issues, it’s still an enjoyable dystopian read.
March 27, 2025
THERE WILL BE SOME SMALL SPOILERS SO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!! 4.25 stars rounded down.
Let's get the bad out of the way first
Growl count: 2
Growl average: 0.00388349514563 or 2⁄515 (yes I did pull out a calculator and did the math)
There was also the term "alpha-spreader" used throughout the book so uhh no because why?? Why in the Wattpad fanfiction?? 😭 😭😭😭
Minus 0.25 stars
The pacing felt really inconsistent (maybe because this will be a duology) but it's really hard to get into the first half of the book because of how slow it felt. The pacing felt a lot like One Dark Window.
Minus 0.5 stars
Now let's get on to the good stuff!!!!
The plot: the plot was very unique and I wasn't expecting what happened at the end (IT WAS INSANE IN A GOOD WAY I PROMISE!!!!) but this isn't a COVID book however COVID is mentioned in this book a bit! This book was definitely something that Neal surprised me with, as i wasn't expecting how it turned out I feel like Neal's writing style almost didn't fit this book, but he was able to make it work
The characters: overall the characters were okay they annoyed a bit throughout the book (LOOKING AT YOU MARIAL MUDROCH!!!!!)
Rón: you were an alpha-spreader and I don't like that name!! But you were alright as a character a little annoying sometimes but overall not to bad
Mariel: I don't know how to feel about you because on one hand you were kinda cool in some moments but on the other hand you kept trying to get sick and that's disgusting 😷 😷 😷 😷 like mask gurl!!!
Morgan: at first you were the most sensible one, but then the power went to your head and you kinda went delulu you're still one of my favorite characters tho
THE SIDE CHARACTERS (there are far too many side characters to do a little section for each of them) they all had a really important role to play, especially Zello (I think that's his name) as Zello was the one who sent this whole book into motion. Overall some of them were annoying some we're not going to speak of, and some I really liked
Let's get the bad out of the way first
Growl count: 2
Growl average: 0.00388349514563 or 2⁄515 (yes I did pull out a calculator and did the math)
There was also the term "alpha-spreader" used throughout the book so uhh no because why?? Why in the Wattpad fanfiction?? 😭 😭😭😭
Minus 0.25 stars
The pacing felt really inconsistent (maybe because this will be a duology) but it's really hard to get into the first half of the book because of how slow it felt. The pacing felt a lot like One Dark Window.
Minus 0.5 stars
Now let's get on to the good stuff!!!!
The plot: the plot was very unique and I wasn't expecting what happened at the end (IT WAS INSANE IN A GOOD WAY I PROMISE!!!!) but this isn't a COVID book however COVID is mentioned in this book a bit! This book was definitely something that Neal surprised me with, as i wasn't expecting how it turned out I feel like Neal's writing style almost didn't fit this book, but he was able to make it work
The characters: overall the characters were okay they annoyed a bit throughout the book (LOOKING AT YOU MARIAL MUDROCH!!!!!)
Rón: you were an alpha-spreader and I don't like that name!! But you were alright as a character a little annoying sometimes but overall not to bad
Mariel: I don't know how to feel about you because on one hand you were kinda cool in some moments but on the other hand you kept trying to get sick and that's disgusting 😷 😷 😷 😷 like mask gurl!!!
Morgan: at first you were the most sensible one, but then the power went to your head and you kinda went delulu you're still one of my favorite characters tho
THE SIDE CHARACTERS (there are far too many side characters to do a little section for each of them) they all had a really important role to play, especially Zello (I think that's his name) as Zello was the one who sent this whole book into motion. Overall some of them were annoying some we're not going to speak of, and some I really liked
January 31, 2025
Thank you to Simon Teen for the e-ARC!
3.5 stars
This book was solidly okay. I think the plot set up was intriguing and the characters were interesting. I was entertained throughout. There were some fun and poignant moments in the different communes throughout. However, I also was left to feel like I was missing a real ending.
I guess my major complaint about this book is it doesn’t seem to have a point of view, or even a point. I like my scifi to be thoughtful or exciting, or both, but it fell short on both marks. The book spent too long wondering about the morality of spreading versus fighting the virus, but didn’t ever make it to real societal commentary beside “it would be good if people were more selfless but then maybe they won’t be motivated? or maybe not?” To the opposing side, this is sold as a thriller, but it never feels particularly exciting, even though there are technically several fight scenes and high stakes throughout. Between this, and the lack of really glowing chemistry between any of the characters, the book as a whole fell flat for me.
I think some people will enjoy this book. If you enjoy a mix of some action and some thoughtfulness in science fiction, maybe the balance would hit right for you. This could serve as a younger adult’s intro to dystopian fiction, and I’m not sure it would be a disappointment, but I also think young adult science fiction/dystopian fiction could be a lot stronger than this.
3.5 stars
This book was solidly okay. I think the plot set up was intriguing and the characters were interesting. I was entertained throughout. There were some fun and poignant moments in the different communes throughout. However, I also was left to feel like I was missing a real ending.
I guess my major complaint about this book is it doesn’t seem to have a point of view, or even a point. I like my scifi to be thoughtful or exciting, or both, but it fell short on both marks. The book spent too long wondering about the morality of spreading versus fighting the virus, but didn’t ever make it to real societal commentary beside “it would be good if people were more selfless but then maybe they won’t be motivated? or maybe not?” To the opposing side, this is sold as a thriller, but it never feels particularly exciting, even though there are technically several fight scenes and high stakes throughout. Between this, and the lack of really glowing chemistry between any of the characters, the book as a whole fell flat for me.
I think some people will enjoy this book. If you enjoy a mix of some action and some thoughtfulness in science fiction, maybe the balance would hit right for you. This could serve as a younger adult’s intro to dystopian fiction, and I’m not sure it would be a disappointment, but I also think young adult science fiction/dystopian fiction could be a lot stronger than this.
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