Step into the sterile confines of The Collective: a near-future dystopian society in which scientists have unlocked the secrets to long life. The pinnacle of perfection, Ethereals are the best humanity has to offer and so much more. However, only the wealthy may attain the status of Ethereal through costly genetic enhancements, creating a stark divide between unmodified humans, heavily indoctrinated Reapers, and their Ethereal counterparts.
Three worlds collide when one woman dares defy her predestined role in society.
A story of overcoming abuse at its core, Obedient asks difficult questions, pondering the human condition and the repercussions of disrupting nature's balance.
In Obedient, W. Pearl masterfully intertwines elements of dark dystopia, romance, and the haunting realities of domestic violence to create a gripping narrative that explores themes of control, autonomy, and the complexities of love in a world stripped of freedom. Set in a chillingly plausible future, the novel draws readers into a society where conformity is not just encouraged but enforced, and where the personal becomes deeply entwined with the political, challenging our notions of obedience and rebellion.
Pearl does not shy away from depicting the psychological and emotional toll of domestic violence, illustrating how Eve’s spirit is gradually eroded under Gabriel's domineering presence.
One of the novel’s strengths is its exploration of character dynamics. The story is told through multiple character points of view, allowing readers to gain a nuanced understanding of the oppressive world and the various ways individuals respond to it. W. Pearl also includes the point of view of the villain in the story. The chapters from Gabriel's point of view provide a chilling glimpse into the mind of an abuser, showcasing how power dynamics play out both personally and societally. His internal justifications for his behavior paint a disturbing portrait of entitlement and control, illustrating how domestic violence can thrive in environments where power is absolute and dissent is crushed.
Pearl's world-building is particularly impressive, skillfully crafting a setting that feels both eerily familiar and disturbingly foreign. The societal structures are meticulously detailed, showcasing a world where technology and authoritarianism intersect to create a chilling atmosphere. The depiction of domestic violence is handled in a way that reveals how such abuse can thrive in environments where power dynamics are skewed and dissent is not tolerated.
W. Pearl does not shy away from the darker aspects of the narrative, and at times, the story delves into unsettling territory. The pacing is expertly handled, with a balance of suspenseful moments and introspective passages that keep readers engaged throughout.
While Obedient is undeniably dark, it is also a testament to the strength of love and the innate desire for freedom. Pearl poses thought-provoking questions about what it means to be truly free and whether love can thrive in the shadows of oppression. The ending leaves readers with a sense of ambiguity that lingers long after the final page is turned, ensuring that the themes of the novel resonate well beyond its conclusion.
Obedient is a compelling read that will captivate fans of dystopian fiction and romance alike. W. Pearl’s ability to weave a tale that is both haunting and heartwarming is a testament to her skill as a storyteller. This novel is not just a journey through a dark world; it is an exploration of the human condition, the pervasive nature of domestic violence, and the enduring power of love in the face of adversity. Highly recommended for those who enjoy thought-provoking narratives that challenge the status quo and illuminate the complexities of human relationships.
I was given the amazing opportunity to receive a free ARC copy of this book for my honest review. First things first, definitely read the TW and the letter from the author before proceeding with reading this book as she does not shy away from the grotesque imagery and otherwise some may consider extremely uncomfortable. There are topics/situations that arise that are NOT for the faint of heart!
I must admit this is not my typical genre read but I’ve throughly enjoyed the more grim dystopian of this book. It does have the romance component as well of a blur of dark romance with some of the romance aspects.
I really love the author’s range of detailed imagery throughout the book, as well as the multi-pov following 5 characters throughout the entire story. I also loved the variety of different character archetypes and how they have vast ranges from each other. The character chemistry in this book is truly phenomenal and I can’t wait to see what other works W. Pearl comes out with next!
This is an ARC review. . . It is important to note that the TW list as well as the author’s note should definitely be reviewed prior to reading this book. It touches on many sensitive topics and may be difficult for some readers to experience. With that said, the way in which the author addresses, describes, and takes the reader through these issues was done beautifully! She gives issues such as DV and surviving it a new voice and perspective that this reader hasn’t seen before; as a DV survivor, the way in which W. Pearl approached those darker topics was sincerely appreciated.
I truly loved this book! It is not my typical choice of genres so I was skeptical starting off. This is a dystopian romance, with some darker themes, told from multiple POVs. The world and character building are written almost lyrically in some places, and keeps you wanting more as you read! The author, W. Pearl, paints pictures with her writing and makes it extremely easy to see all of the scenes, characters, and the flow of the book in your mind’s eye! This also makes it nearly impossible to put down; which for me is a sign of a great read! I highly, highly recommend this book (preorder it now!!) and giving it a 5 star rating was an absolute no brainer!
Finding soul deep love in a dystopian hellscape and people who will fight against the dark regardless of the cost, I came out of this feeling shattered but also with the feeling that there is a glimmer of hope shining in the worst times.
Check the content warnings, but also know that if you can make it through the darkness, you will reach the light… and it will be worth it. There are many interesting ideas touched on in this book and characters you will feel strong emotions for (love and hate).
P.S. It was even better the second time I read it.
ARC reader here, I highly recommend this book - it's so good that I've preordered a copy for myself on Amazon. Although it's not my usual, it caught me off guard on how much I liked it. I experienced a rollercoaster of emotions while reading. The characters evoked strong feelings in me, ranging from love to loathing. Despite the painful world the author created, she still managed to inject authentic joy. The characters' struggles forced me to reflect on my own prejudices. I appreciate how thought-provoking the book is. My favorite line is, 'You can love things that hurt you... but it doesn't mean it's what you deserve.'
This book is a genre-breaking dystopian romance. It offers multiple points of view and multiple characters readers will be sure to love. The writing ranges from a cozy feel for certain characters to profound for others. The pacing leans more towards the "slow-burn" side but absolutely delivers with the finale. If you are looking for a departure from beach reads and dukes, then this is it.
I'm not gonna lie, this is the darkest book I've ever read. It is an emotional rollercoaster to the very end. It will make you feel emotions you don't have names for. It will leave you feeling raw and vulnerable and potentially have you staring into the void for 30-45 minutes. If you want a book that makes you FEEL, this is the one for you.
Star rating: 4.5 Writing style & characters: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 6! Story flow and world: an unfair, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ spice: 🌶️ Could I follow along while having a cocktail?: Absolutely not the first 30%
I was not expecting that the writing and characters here were going to be ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ . Pearl is writing for readers who prefer a more mature tone and drops powerful one liners that end sentences, paragraphs, chapters with substantial oomph! Kudos— I love it when an author is brilliant enough to pull that off and Pearl does it often.
However…
There were a few main issues here and that’s mostly the fault with marketing rather than the flaws of the actual story. This does not read as a stand alone, or at least does not feel like one and ends unresolved to me. Apologies if I got that wrong or missed that somewhere. If you don’t go into the story knowing that, you may wonder why we aren’t given more information on the “rules” of the dystopia up front. With multiple MMCs, it takes a while to figure out which main POV is going to prevail. If it was clear that this was “book 1”, I would have had much more patience with the story.
The other main thing is that this is marketed as a dark book with a bunch of trigger warnings. While all the topics referenced were touched upon, this isn’t a Court of Ravens and most of the triggers I would think are violence and gore. Obedient also lacks the spice I think it deserved— I wasn’t sure why Pearl shied away from writing it, given everything else described in detail. It mattered, I think, to understanding some of the relationship dynamics.
Overall, if you are looking for just phenomenal writing, this one’s for you. I wanted to give it five stars, but felt with some of the bigger picture things to consider, I just couldn’t get there. But Eve is worth meeting. She’s special in the landscape of FMCs.
A slow-burn psychological descent that is as gripping as it is unsettling.
Obedient by W. Pearl is one of those rare books that doesn’t just tell a story—it unravels you. The atmosphere is thick with tension, the characters feel startlingly human, and the emotional impact builds with precision and purpose.
Eve is a fascinating protagonist. She walks into a world shaped by control and hidden cruelty, and watching her piece together the truth while fighting not to lose herself is an experience that feels both intimate and terrifying. Pearl captures internal conflict with remarkable clarity; Eve’s growth is subtle at first, then fierce, then devastating.
The worldbuilding is wonderfully eerie. Every setting—the fog-covered city, the stark rooms, the cracks in the foundation—reflects the mental and emotional fractures within the story. Pearl’s prose is cinematic yet deeply psychological, creating a sense of immersion that makes the darker moments even more powerful.
And the antagonist? A chilling presence whose motives are complex, whose cruelty is quiet but razor-sharp. Pearl avoids clichés and instead builds a villain who feels disturbingly real.
What I loved most is the emotional layering: the trauma, the fear, the defiance, the moment Eve realizes she won’t be broken. The novel walks a tightrope between darkness and resilience, and it does so with impressive finesse.
If you enjoy dark, character-heavy stories, morally gray motivations, and themes that explore identity, autonomy, and the cost of survival, this book deserves a place on your shelf.
An unforgettable start to the series—I can’t wait for what comes next.
I was nervous to do an ARC review. What if it were awful? I'm honest in reviews and I'll admit to maybe getting carried away when dramatically ranting about a book I disliked, so possibly ending up leaving an unkind review and hurting feelings was a real possibility.
Thankfully, I LOVED this book. The world building was masterfully done, giving me a clear picture without feeling like it was bluntly spelled out to me. The characters, of which there were many, were deftly crafted with a depth and sincerity that left me invested in every character. Even the worst of them I wanted to understand better... to see them redeemed even when they were undeserving of such. There was a complexity and humaness to them that triggered my pesky empathy (I'd never survive the apocalypse. I'd give too many second chances).
I devoured this book in a day. I don't know what genre I'd place it in- it contains elements of horror, science fiction, dystopia, mystery and romance, without fitting nearly into any slot.
It has some of my favorite plot lines- people finding their strength, growing into that strength, and vengeance. I adore me a good vengeance.
The amount of POVs in this book started off a bit much for me. However, it settled down quickly and focused mainly on the POV of the FMC and MMC with just a sprinkle of others views. The writing was great and the story line kept me interested throughout the book. The pacing was good, I did feel like the timeline was a bit unclear at times, I would think it had only been a day and then find out it had been months so that was a bit jarring but not terribly distracting from the story. Overall, I think this was a wonderful story that shows just what the world could become with power and corruption controlling all things. This book highlights the dangers and powers that knowledge can provide to a person.
I did not find this book to be particularly spicy I would give it 🌶️ personally but others may feel differently about this.
I've had this on my TBR for ages and now I'm kicking myself for not reading it sooner. for a debut novel this book is twisty and complex. I usually struggle with the multiple POVs but this book has set the scene for a complex epic of a tale with many moving parts and multiple characters with a vital part to play. I loved how the author twinned the seemingly unrelated characters around each other. occasionally brushing past one another while they traveled their own paths. there are so many questions left unanswered and so many little tidbits that I know are leading somewhere but I don't know where yet. I can't wait for the next book! word of warning this book deals with dark themes and does not shy away from them. check your triggers.
LOVED this book. Legitimately sat and read it in one sitting. This book had the perfect mix of romance, dystopian dread (in the best way), feminine resilience, and friendship. I was left wanting more backstories on a few characters and have the privilege of knowing the author and knowing those backstories are coming. I love books written from multiple POV’s and this book flowed so well throughout all the characters. The twists were twisty, the spice was perfect, the tempo was chef’s kiss, and the story was so well executed. The only reason I’m giving this 4 stars is because I’m REALLY picky with my 5 star ratings. Please please please give this book a read!!!
It won't let me do half a star but I rated it a 4.5. I had the privilege to ARC read this. Thank you.
Woa. It took about 30 percent to get into the book but from there it was gripping. I would have liked to have seen more of the dystopian aspect but it was a great story, very intense and didn't see the ending coming. The writing is very descriptive and helps to see the scenes in your mind. It is definitely a mixed genre so there is something for everyone. In the darkest of times there is still hope.
Pearl’s dystopian world is masterfully crafted and thought-provoking, providing a great backdrop for difficult subjects, such as various forms of abuse. Yet, the story never glorifies these darker elements—a feat many books fail to accomplish.
The characters are deeply flawed, adding dimension and seamlessly integrating them into the world Pearl has created. I loved and hated them in equal measure, but most importantly, I found them believable and compelling. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish!
As previous have said, please please please check your TW before reading. Some bits are uncomfortable but they are so well done and well managed and they are needed to add to the brutality of the story.
The characters are so well thought out and developed and having multiple POVs really helps you understand their motives.
It did take me a little to get into which is why it’s not a 5 ⭐️ and more a 4.5 but once I was in I was hooked! I was desperate to read on but afraid of what I would find and I love that in a book!
I absolutely loved the concept, character development and world that this book is set in.
The characters were so well written. I do wish we had a bit more world building, I was so intrigued by the world that I wanted more!!
Although I finished the book with plenty of questions, it was a really thought provoking story and I would definitely recommend reading it if you enjoy dark and dystopian worlds.
It was the CW that had me intrigued. Little did I know the absolute CHOKEHOLD this book would have on me. The best way to describe it is if ACOTAR and Handmaids Tale had a baby. That would be this world. It’s rich, it’s immersive, and you’ll fall for the characters immediately. This author is now on my favorites list and would recommend instantly to any and all of my book girlies.
I definitely enjoyed the book , although is not action packed ( my personal preference it’s more action packed) . I give it 4 stars because i missed that chemical dynamic between characters. If I will recommended it - absolutely yes , for everyone who needs a dystopian world who will make it think that’s your book , read it before become a reality 😉
This book had me hooked from the very first page. The plot is full of thrilling twists and turns that keep you on your toes, and the romance is just so well done. The dystopian vibe really elevates the whole experience. It’s a must read for anyone who loves a gripping, immersive story. Highly recommend it!
This was a very enjoyable Distopian! It's not like anything I have ever read before. I came across this Indie Author thanks to TikTok, and I can't wait to see what else she creates.
I can't say enough good things about this book. The writing, the characters, the plot... All amazing! I was sucked into the world so quickly. I need more!
I loved this book! It kept me engaged and I read it fast. W.Pearl expresses how DV can sneak up and leaving isn’t as simple as some people might imagine. The way the FMC is treated in her relationship is very realistic and classic narcissistic abuse. The story is reminiscent of the Handmaid’s Tale, with womens’ body autonomy taken away in a classist society.
This story is written from multiple points of view, which was a little jarring at first, but once I got to know the characters it was easier to follow. I would have liked to understood more about how this society came to be and the bigger picture intent behind the ethereals’ creation.
Overall, a really good read and highly recommended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.