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The Merge
A thrilling and ominously prophetic debut set in a world when Earth and its resources have been pushed to breaking point, giving rise to a revolutionary—and highly controversial—procedure in which two people’s consciousness can be combined to exist in one body.
How far would you go to never say goodbye?
Laurie is sixty-five and living with Alzheimer’s. Her daughter Amelia, a once fiery and strong-willed activist, can’t bear to see her mother’s mind fade. Faced with the reality of losing her forever, Amelia signs them up to take part in the world’s first experimental merging process for Alzheimer’s patients, in which Laurie’s ailing mind will be transferred into Amelia’s healthy body and their consciousness will be blended as one.
Soon Amelia and Laurie join the opaque and mysterious group of other merge teenage Lucas, who plans to merge with his terminally ill brother Noah; Ben, who will merge with his pregnant fiancée Annie; and Jay, whose merging partner is his addict daughter Lara. As they prepare to move to The Village, a luxurious rehabilitation center for those who have merged, they quickly begin to question whether everything is really as it seems.
An exhilarating, immersive debut from an astonishing new voice, The Merge is a personal story of love, family, and sacrifice, as well as a thought-provoking examination of the limits of control, resistance, and freedom in our modern world.
How far would you go to never say goodbye?
Laurie is sixty-five and living with Alzheimer’s. Her daughter Amelia, a once fiery and strong-willed activist, can’t bear to see her mother’s mind fade. Faced with the reality of losing her forever, Amelia signs them up to take part in the world’s first experimental merging process for Alzheimer’s patients, in which Laurie’s ailing mind will be transferred into Amelia’s healthy body and their consciousness will be blended as one.
Soon Amelia and Laurie join the opaque and mysterious group of other merge teenage Lucas, who plans to merge with his terminally ill brother Noah; Ben, who will merge with his pregnant fiancée Annie; and Jay, whose merging partner is his addict daughter Lara. As they prepare to move to The Village, a luxurious rehabilitation center for those who have merged, they quickly begin to question whether everything is really as it seems.
An exhilarating, immersive debut from an astonishing new voice, The Merge is a personal story of love, family, and sacrifice, as well as a thought-provoking examination of the limits of control, resistance, and freedom in our modern world.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published November 11, 2025
269 people are currently reading
40802 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 334 reviews
November 21, 2025
☆☆☆☆
The Merge by Grace Walker is one of those books that stayed with me way more than I expected it to. What I appreciated most was how deeply it dives into questions of ethics, nature vs. nurture, and just how far people are willing to go to achieve their own (often selfish) goals. Walker isn’t afraid to make you uncomfortable, and honestly, I think that’s the whole point. She delivers on that unsettling, nervous feeling so well that I actually had clammy hands at times because I was so anxious about what was coming next.
I also want to mention that the ending really surprised me, but not in the best way. I was listening casually, and the story ended so abruptly that I genuinely thought I’d missed a chapter or my audiobook had glitched. It caught me off guard, and not in the impactful way I was hoping for.
That said, this is still a very strong debut, and I’m genuinely excited to see what Grace Walker writes next. Just be aware that this book can get deeply disturbing, with several heavy trigger warnings, dementia/Alzheimer’s, suicide, medical content (including needles), death, and more. Definitely look those up if you’re someone who needs a heads-up before diving in.
Overall, if you enjoy dark, ethically complicated stories in the vein of John Marrs’ The One, this might be a great fit for you.
The Merge by Grace Walker is one of those books that stayed with me way more than I expected it to. What I appreciated most was how deeply it dives into questions of ethics, nature vs. nurture, and just how far people are willing to go to achieve their own (often selfish) goals. Walker isn’t afraid to make you uncomfortable, and honestly, I think that’s the whole point. She delivers on that unsettling, nervous feeling so well that I actually had clammy hands at times because I was so anxious about what was coming next.
I also want to mention that the ending really surprised me, but not in the best way. I was listening casually, and the story ended so abruptly that I genuinely thought I’d missed a chapter or my audiobook had glitched. It caught me off guard, and not in the impactful way I was hoping for.
That said, this is still a very strong debut, and I’m genuinely excited to see what Grace Walker writes next. Just be aware that this book can get deeply disturbing, with several heavy trigger warnings, dementia/Alzheimer’s, suicide, medical content (including needles), death, and more. Definitely look those up if you’re someone who needs a heads-up before diving in.
Overall, if you enjoy dark, ethically complicated stories in the vein of John Marrs’ The One, this might be a great fit for you.
November 13, 2025
Fans of John Marrs’ speculative fiction novels or Black Mirror fans —- THIS IS FOR YOU!
Imagine this….. your mother has Alzheimer’s and it keeps getting worse. You are afraid to lose your mother forever. It’s crucially gut-wrenching and breaking your heart.
So, you have been offered the opportunity to MERGE yours and your mother’s mind, in one body. Your body, both your minds. That way no memories are lost and you can cherish her forever.
Do you think this would solve your problem or go terribly wrong?
That’s this book. It was such a trip! This story is done so uniquely well. I have read several speculative fiction novels, and this one was absolutely fascinating. Scary! Sad!
This is a slow burn, however, at the halfway point, bam! 💥
I can’t believe this is her debut! Her writing is incredible! I freaking loved it and think it’s set up for a sequel!
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Mariner for the gifted copy.
Pub Date - 11/11/25
Imagine this….. your mother has Alzheimer’s and it keeps getting worse. You are afraid to lose your mother forever. It’s crucially gut-wrenching and breaking your heart.
So, you have been offered the opportunity to MERGE yours and your mother’s mind, in one body. Your body, both your minds. That way no memories are lost and you can cherish her forever.
Do you think this would solve your problem or go terribly wrong?
That’s this book. It was such a trip! This story is done so uniquely well. I have read several speculative fiction novels, and this one was absolutely fascinating. Scary! Sad!
This is a slow burn, however, at the halfway point, bam! 💥
I can’t believe this is her debut! Her writing is incredible! I freaking loved it and think it’s set up for a sequel!
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Mariner for the gifted copy.
Pub Date - 11/11/25
Want to read
May 12, 2025yay got the arc!!!!! so so excited thank you mariner books 🤗
sounds like the opposite of severance so naturally i must read it
sounds like the opposite of severance so naturally i must read it
November 23, 2025
WHOA. A deeply thought-provoking tale of speculative fiction, The Merge took a hard look at selfhood, sacrifice, love, and control in a thoroughly original way. From the dystopian edge to the cult-like behavior, I was fully immersed in the near-future setting. You see, both the world-building and plot were on par with anything by John Marrs or Emily St. John Mandel and had a definite Black Mirror-esque feel. But it was the depth of this one that really got me. Starting off with character-driven first half, I loved getting to know the mother-daughter protagonists. True-to-life and compelling, I was easily pulled into their ethical dilemma. That being said, up until the halfway point, it was a long, slow burn as we got to know them all. Once they were established, though, the plot took off like a rocket with a twist that changed absolutely everything. After all, there was far more going on below the dark surface than I could’ve ever imagined.
All said and done, while I loved the poignant start and found family vibe, the last fifty pages were the *mic drop* portion of this stunning debut novel. Racing in with a tense atmosphere and ratcheting pace, my eyes only grew wider and wider as the truth was revealed. I can’t get into the specifics without spoiling it all, but just know that the twists were as shocking as they were well-plotted. Not only that, but it finished with an open-ended conclusion that I utterly loved. Giving me a very Hitchcock-meets-The Twilight Zone vibe, it was everything I wanted from this unforgettable plot. I do have to say, however, that even though the premise itself was utterly fantastic, the scathing social commentary is still sure to be what will live rent free in my head. Reducing our current problems into one taut, provocative story, I was completely blown away by Ms. Walker’s undeniable skill at crafting this unnervingly timely, prophetic novel. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Laurie is sixty-five and living with Alzheimer’s. Her daughter Amelia, a once fiery and strong-willed activist, can’t bear to see her mother’s mind fade. Faced with the reality of losing her forever, Amelia signs them up to take part in the world’s first experimental merging process for Alzheimer’s patients, in which Laurie’s ailing mind will be transferred into Amelia’s healthy body and their consciousness will be blended as one.
Soon Amelia and Laurie join the opaque and mysterious group of other merge participants: teenage Lucas, who plans to merge with his terminally ill brother Noah; Ben, who will merge with his pregnant fiancée Annie; and Jay, whose merging partner is his addict daughter Lara. As they prepare to move to The Village, a luxurious rehabilitation center for those who have merged, they quickly begin to question whether everything is really as it seems.
Thank you to Grace Walker and Mariner Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: November 11, 2025
Content warning: dementia, suicide, grief, gaslighting, pregnancy, mention of: terminal cancer, domestic abuse, death of a child
All said and done, while I loved the poignant start and found family vibe, the last fifty pages were the *mic drop* portion of this stunning debut novel. Racing in with a tense atmosphere and ratcheting pace, my eyes only grew wider and wider as the truth was revealed. I can’t get into the specifics without spoiling it all, but just know that the twists were as shocking as they were well-plotted. Not only that, but it finished with an open-ended conclusion that I utterly loved. Giving me a very Hitchcock-meets-The Twilight Zone vibe, it was everything I wanted from this unforgettable plot. I do have to say, however, that even though the premise itself was utterly fantastic, the scathing social commentary is still sure to be what will live rent free in my head. Reducing our current problems into one taut, provocative story, I was completely blown away by Ms. Walker’s undeniable skill at crafting this unnervingly timely, prophetic novel. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Laurie is sixty-five and living with Alzheimer’s. Her daughter Amelia, a once fiery and strong-willed activist, can’t bear to see her mother’s mind fade. Faced with the reality of losing her forever, Amelia signs them up to take part in the world’s first experimental merging process for Alzheimer’s patients, in which Laurie’s ailing mind will be transferred into Amelia’s healthy body and their consciousness will be blended as one.
Soon Amelia and Laurie join the opaque and mysterious group of other merge participants: teenage Lucas, who plans to merge with his terminally ill brother Noah; Ben, who will merge with his pregnant fiancée Annie; and Jay, whose merging partner is his addict daughter Lara. As they prepare to move to The Village, a luxurious rehabilitation center for those who have merged, they quickly begin to question whether everything is really as it seems.
Thank you to Grace Walker and Mariner Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: November 11, 2025
Content warning: dementia, suicide, grief, gaslighting, pregnancy, mention of: terminal cancer, domestic abuse, death of a child
November 16, 2025
TRIP by Aime Barrodale meets THE MEMORY POLICE by Yōko Ogawa
Pre-Read Notes:
I shamelessly requested this book because of that amazing cover! I guess I'm susceptible to great covers, especially if the art is thought provoking and the typeface suggests something about the book. Couldn't pass on this one. Turns out it's a futuristic scifi-ish dystopian story. I usually like those!
"We’re well versed in ridding people of their guilty consciences[:] Of course you only get so cross with my mother because you love her so much. Of course you didn’t mean to hurt her. Of course you only hit her because you care." p236
Final Review
(thoughts & recs) This book is adult fiction, and includes open door sex scenes, but it reads like YA. It's a little incongruous. I would definitely call it a character driven story, and it has a sharp concept, but a blurry plot.
I had trouble with the style, specifically the abundant hyperbole. In her style, Walker favors hyperbole, which is a wonderful device when used intentionally, but can be overwhelming when used as a general aspect of style. An example: "Waking to a blue sky, knowing we couldn’t go outside, would be unbearable." p156 Walker describes this experience-- seeing a blue sky but not being able to go outside-- as unbearable, but it's not that. Not getting to eat food is unbearable. Not getting to breathe air is unbearable. Being tortured is unbearable. But not being able to go outside on a nice day? Definitely not unbearable. When an author leans this heavily into hyperbole, she risks accidentally making her narrator unreliable. *edit I found that this style element subsided in the second half.
The execution of the concept uses for its scaffolding a cluster of ableist ideas-- that ill people are burdens on society and must do something to earn their life (like merge with a healthy person), that sharing one's most vulnerable spaces with an ill person is the stuff of horror, and that caretakers are self-sacrificing heros of a sort. I think these ideas are part of the subtext, as opposed to something the text or author condones. So, this book was a horror story for me, as a mentally ill reader, but it's a lot like the one I live every day inside an ableist society that's already terrified of my very existence. And I think Walker tells a very important story in a striking way.
By the time I finished this story I was on the edge of my seat. I was all in, and style issues didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book. If you like weird fiction, dystopian scifi futures, or books about institutional ableism, I encourage you to give this a try!
My Favorite Things:
✔️ "“You must never put off anything,” I tell the girl. “You must find reasons to go through with your plans as opposed to finding reasons not to.”" p105 I really relate to this, as a disabled person with mental illness. The minute I feel up to something, I do it, because I have no idea how long I'll feel that way. But also-- this is a thought trap. It's a mindset that can make us ignore our needs in favor of our wants. I wonder how this idea will develop here?
✔️ Seriously, this is some beautiful descriptive writing: "I dip my brush in the water, letting the paint bloom across the page in soft, translucent waves. I layer ochre and sienna. The colours bleed together, creating a hazy background that mirrors the texture of the church bricks. As I work, I wonder what’s happening inside, beyond the glass. Someone kneeling in a pew, their hands clasped tightly, pleading with God to hear them. To help. The faint murmurs of their prayer rising to the vaulted ceiling." p120
Content Notes: ableism, institutional ableism, Alzheimer's disease, addiction, alcohol abuse, early childhood trauma, prolonged medical treatment, graphic sex, eugenics
Thank you to Grace Walker, Mariner Books, and NetGalley for an accessible digital arc of THE MERGE. All views are mine.
Pre-Read Notes:
I shamelessly requested this book because of that amazing cover! I guess I'm susceptible to great covers, especially if the art is thought provoking and the typeface suggests something about the book. Couldn't pass on this one. Turns out it's a futuristic scifi-ish dystopian story. I usually like those!
"We’re well versed in ridding people of their guilty consciences[:] Of course you only get so cross with my mother because you love her so much. Of course you didn’t mean to hurt her. Of course you only hit her because you care." p236
Final Review
(thoughts & recs) This book is adult fiction, and includes open door sex scenes, but it reads like YA. It's a little incongruous. I would definitely call it a character driven story, and it has a sharp concept, but a blurry plot.
I had trouble with the style, specifically the abundant hyperbole. In her style, Walker favors hyperbole, which is a wonderful device when used intentionally, but can be overwhelming when used as a general aspect of style. An example: "Waking to a blue sky, knowing we couldn’t go outside, would be unbearable." p156 Walker describes this experience-- seeing a blue sky but not being able to go outside-- as unbearable, but it's not that. Not getting to eat food is unbearable. Not getting to breathe air is unbearable. Being tortured is unbearable. But not being able to go outside on a nice day? Definitely not unbearable. When an author leans this heavily into hyperbole, she risks accidentally making her narrator unreliable. *edit I found that this style element subsided in the second half.
The execution of the concept uses for its scaffolding a cluster of ableist ideas-- that ill people are burdens on society and must do something to earn their life (like merge with a healthy person), that sharing one's most vulnerable spaces with an ill person is the stuff of horror, and that caretakers are self-sacrificing heros of a sort. I think these ideas are part of the subtext, as opposed to something the text or author condones. So, this book was a horror story for me, as a mentally ill reader, but it's a lot like the one I live every day inside an ableist society that's already terrified of my very existence. And I think Walker tells a very important story in a striking way.
By the time I finished this story I was on the edge of my seat. I was all in, and style issues didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book. If you like weird fiction, dystopian scifi futures, or books about institutional ableism, I encourage you to give this a try!
My Favorite Things:
✔️ "“You must never put off anything,” I tell the girl. “You must find reasons to go through with your plans as opposed to finding reasons not to.”" p105 I really relate to this, as a disabled person with mental illness. The minute I feel up to something, I do it, because I have no idea how long I'll feel that way. But also-- this is a thought trap. It's a mindset that can make us ignore our needs in favor of our wants. I wonder how this idea will develop here?
✔️ Seriously, this is some beautiful descriptive writing: "I dip my brush in the water, letting the paint bloom across the page in soft, translucent waves. I layer ochre and sienna. The colours bleed together, creating a hazy background that mirrors the texture of the church bricks. As I work, I wonder what’s happening inside, beyond the glass. Someone kneeling in a pew, their hands clasped tightly, pleading with God to hear them. To help. The faint murmurs of their prayer rising to the vaulted ceiling." p120
Content Notes: ableism, institutional ableism, Alzheimer's disease, addiction, alcohol abuse, early childhood trauma, prolonged medical treatment, graphic sex, eugenics
Thank you to Grace Walker, Mariner Books, and NetGalley for an accessible digital arc of THE MERGE. All views are mine.
November 11, 2025
The Merge by Grace Walker is a trip, but not the kind you expect. It’s a Hitchcockian descent into eugenics-fueled social engineering. Amelia and her mother decide to merge in an attempt to beat her mother’s Alzheimer’s, and what follows is pure psychological horror.
The premise hooked me before I even began reading. It felt outrageous and improbable at first, but the further I read, the more plausible it became, and that’s what made it so terrifying. I honestly didn’t want to stop reading, even when I had to in order to “adult.”
The book begins with first-person narration from Amelia and her mother, Laurie, then shifts into first-person plural as their consciousnesses merge. Both characters feel believable, like people I might really know, even after the merge. The secondary cast is distinct and well-drawn, though I found myself wishing for more time with them, especially the other participants in their group.
Walker’s writing is balanced and rhythmic, with a journalistic crispness that makes it read as uncluttered, image-driven, and quietly immersive. It’s not stylized or lyrical, but confident, exact, and anchored in the physical world. That precision is another factor in its success at drawing the reader in and holding them there, breath caught in anticipation of what might come next. The story drags a little before the merge, but once it passes that point, the pacing becomes cinematic. I found myself wide-eyed, astonished, and desperate to know what happened to Amelia and Laurie.
I didn’t intentionally choose to read this book over Halloween weekend, but it turned out to be perfect timing. The Merge was more terrifying to me than any story about supernatural creatures could be. I highly recommend it for its intriguing premise, especially to readers who enjoy sci-fi and dystopian fiction, those who like a touch of suspense, and anyone who prefers their horror psychological rather than gory.
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of The Merge from Mariner Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
The premise hooked me before I even began reading. It felt outrageous and improbable at first, but the further I read, the more plausible it became, and that’s what made it so terrifying. I honestly didn’t want to stop reading, even when I had to in order to “adult.”
The book begins with first-person narration from Amelia and her mother, Laurie, then shifts into first-person plural as their consciousnesses merge. Both characters feel believable, like people I might really know, even after the merge. The secondary cast is distinct and well-drawn, though I found myself wishing for more time with them, especially the other participants in their group.
Walker’s writing is balanced and rhythmic, with a journalistic crispness that makes it read as uncluttered, image-driven, and quietly immersive. It’s not stylized or lyrical, but confident, exact, and anchored in the physical world. That precision is another factor in its success at drawing the reader in and holding them there, breath caught in anticipation of what might come next. The story drags a little before the merge, but once it passes that point, the pacing becomes cinematic. I found myself wide-eyed, astonished, and desperate to know what happened to Amelia and Laurie.
I didn’t intentionally choose to read this book over Halloween weekend, but it turned out to be perfect timing. The Merge was more terrifying to me than any story about supernatural creatures could be. I highly recommend it for its intriguing premise, especially to readers who enjoy sci-fi and dystopian fiction, those who like a touch of suspense, and anyone who prefers their horror psychological rather than gory.
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of The Merge from Mariner Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
April 29, 2025
ARC for review. To be published November 11, 2015.
4 stars
In the near future science will now all two consciousnesses (is that right? It doesn’t look right.) to exist in one body. Laurie, 65, has Alzheimer’s and Amelia, 23, her daughter, who was once an activist against the Merge, can’t bear to let her go, so they are preparing to be the first pair to undergo the merge where one of the two participants has Alzheimer’s (and things are reeeeeeally sketchy on how, exactly, they expect this to work so that, in the new version, neither has Alzheimer’s. I understand the cancer brothers, the addict family and the baby couple, but this one doesn’t make any sense from a purely medical standpoint. You know, if you’ve bought into the Merge.). Anyway, Laurie will be transferred into Amelia’s body.
They join other Merge participants; teenager Lucas who will merge with his brother Ben who has leukemia, Ben who will merge with pregnant fiancée, Aimee and Lara, an addict who will merge with her father, Jay, all are experimental, like Laurie and Amelia. The group prepares for the procedure and the move to the Village, (The Villages? Ha! That would explain a lot! I kid my southern Florida retirees!) a fancy rehab center for those who have undergone the Merge. However the group starts to wonder if everything is as it seems.
The POV shifts between Laurie and Amelia, and the book takes a Quick Look at economic realities in Western nations (this is in the UK) and class divides, but mainly examines the ethics of this whole thing. It’s very good, if a bit depressing, and the end is excellent. An easy 4 stars.
4 stars
In the near future science will now all two consciousnesses (is that right? It doesn’t look right.) to exist in one body. Laurie, 65, has Alzheimer’s and Amelia, 23, her daughter, who was once an activist against the Merge, can’t bear to let her go, so they are preparing to be the first pair to undergo the merge where one of the two participants has Alzheimer’s (and things are reeeeeeally sketchy on how, exactly, they expect this to work so that, in the new version, neither has Alzheimer’s. I understand the cancer brothers, the addict family and the baby couple, but this one doesn’t make any sense from a purely medical standpoint. You know, if you’ve bought into the Merge.). Anyway, Laurie will be transferred into Amelia’s body.
They join other Merge participants; teenager Lucas who will merge with his brother Ben who has leukemia, Ben who will merge with pregnant fiancée, Aimee and Lara, an addict who will merge with her father, Jay, all are experimental, like Laurie and Amelia. The group prepares for the procedure and the move to the Village, (The Villages? Ha! That would explain a lot! I kid my southern Florida retirees!) a fancy rehab center for those who have undergone the Merge. However the group starts to wonder if everything is as it seems.
The POV shifts between Laurie and Amelia, and the book takes a Quick Look at economic realities in Western nations (this is in the UK) and class divides, but mainly examines the ethics of this whole thing. It’s very good, if a bit depressing, and the end is excellent. An easy 4 stars.
July 12, 2025
I received this book as part of a Goodreads Giveaway, and I want to thank Mariner for the free copy!
5/5
This book has been HAUNTING me ever since I started reading it. Its one of those novels that I know I'll be thinking about during quiet moments years to come, because it has left that deep of an impression upon me. (It's also now one of my all-time favorite novels.)
The concept of the Merge is inventive and well-executed. The dual 1st person POVs provide so much interiority and depth to these two individuals. The depiction of being inside the mind of someone with Alzheimer's is well-balanced--it pulled at heart strings without ever becoming lugubrious.
The entire conceit of merging the consciousness into one individual is so delightfully and unsettlingly existential. The psychological horror of it is riveting, and the cultish culture that enveloped around the practice drove home the worldbuilding. The novel not only reaches forward in time, asking how far we'd go in response to climate change, but also seems to reflect and examine the societal attitudes that had emerged during the pandemic.
This is definitely one of those books that makes me want to form an impromptu book club to discuss it. While sad and disturbing, it's an immensely satisfying, thought-provoking, and haunting read. Highly recommend.
5/5
This book has been HAUNTING me ever since I started reading it. Its one of those novels that I know I'll be thinking about during quiet moments years to come, because it has left that deep of an impression upon me. (It's also now one of my all-time favorite novels.)
The concept of the Merge is inventive and well-executed. The dual 1st person POVs provide so much interiority and depth to these two individuals. The depiction of being inside the mind of someone with Alzheimer's is well-balanced--it pulled at heart strings without ever becoming lugubrious.
The entire conceit of merging the consciousness into one individual is so delightfully and unsettlingly existential. The psychological horror of it is riveting, and the cultish culture that enveloped around the practice drove home the worldbuilding. The novel not only reaches forward in time, asking how far we'd go in response to climate change, but also seems to reflect and examine the societal attitudes that had emerged during the pandemic.
This is definitely one of those books that makes me want to form an impromptu book club to discuss it. While sad and disturbing, it's an immensely satisfying, thought-provoking, and haunting read. Highly recommend.
November 13, 2025
This was such a fantastic book. I loved it. I don't read too many sci-fi or dystopian books, but this one reeled me in and kept me on edge the whole time. It's a creepy and suspenseful speculative fiction, and it's so thought provoking.
Taking place during a time when Earth’s climate crisis is raging and the population is out of control. “The Merge” is a new way for two people's consciousness to merge into one body. We have our two main characters, a mother and daughter, who decide to merge their minds into the daughter's healthy body because her mother has Alzheimer's and this will preserve her mother's mind. Then as the book progresses we get other characters who decide to merge for other reasons. We get multiple POV's and I found them all really interesting to read. I can't believe this was a debut. The plot was well executed and the world building was immersive. I absolutely loved this one.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Taking place during a time when Earth’s climate crisis is raging and the population is out of control. “The Merge” is a new way for two people's consciousness to merge into one body. We have our two main characters, a mother and daughter, who decide to merge their minds into the daughter's healthy body because her mother has Alzheimer's and this will preserve her mother's mind. Then as the book progresses we get other characters who decide to merge for other reasons. We get multiple POV's and I found them all really interesting to read. I can't believe this was a debut. The plot was well executed and the world building was immersive. I absolutely loved this one.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
November 23, 2025
1 ✰ After that ending, this book is dead to me. Everything in this book made me feel uneasy, congrats to me for being able to finish it
Read
October 17, 2025terrifying!
October 20, 2025
This novel made me feel very emotional and sad. I cried on and off while reading it. It is dark, tense and mysterious. This is a speculative dystopian book that is extremely thought provoking. It came with strong character developments, has an Alzheimer’s representation and is chilling. I found it to be memorable and believable. It had a very slow start, but started picking up towards the middle of the book. This is about a found family, freedom and sacrifice. I really felt like this was the perfect book for spooky season.
The protagonist Amelia is a caregiver in the book and her decisions are what ultimately drive the plot of the story. This is not a fast paced thriller, but the ending of the book will make a lasting impression on you. This has a twist at the end that will leave you in chills! It is really thought provoking and memorable. Overall, I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars!
Some of the content warnings include terminal illness and gaslighting. Be sure to read the full list before reading this incredible book! I think fans of the book “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel would really enjoy this book!
Thank you to NetGalley, author Grace Walker and Mariner Books for this digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be published on November 11, 2025!
The protagonist Amelia is a caregiver in the book and her decisions are what ultimately drive the plot of the story. This is not a fast paced thriller, but the ending of the book will make a lasting impression on you. This has a twist at the end that will leave you in chills! It is really thought provoking and memorable. Overall, I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars!
Some of the content warnings include terminal illness and gaslighting. Be sure to read the full list before reading this incredible book! I think fans of the book “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel would really enjoy this book!
Thank you to NetGalley, author Grace Walker and Mariner Books for this digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be published on November 11, 2025!
August 27, 2025
It’s a great Sci-Fi speculative fiction book for those who appreciate the storylines but don’t like a lot of scientific explanation. It’s very emotional and intriguing. The dual POV is between Laurie, suffering from early onset dementia, and her 23 year old daughter Amelia. They have elected to do “the merge,” when two people go through a process to merge two consciousness in the same body. They are in a support group of sorts with other pairs that will be electing to do the merge for a variety of reasons.
It reads like a mystery, as not is as it seems. There is a long period of set up, which allows the reader to really consider the ramifications of this if it were possible. It is a slower set up but at the 50% mark things change rapidly. I would have liked to have had more POV with other people in their group. But the second half of the book is not like the first half.
I loved the story and the characters. They are flawed yet likable. It made me think about the symbolism of how we turn over our identity in social media and in AI. Also the idea that unborn fetuses depend on the mother to want them inside their body. In this case they are dependent on the “host body” to continue their “life.”
If you like a far fetched thought provoking book, I definitely recommend this page turner.
Thanks to NetGalley and Mariner Books for the ARC. Book to be published 11/10/25.
It reads like a mystery, as not is as it seems. There is a long period of set up, which allows the reader to really consider the ramifications of this if it were possible. It is a slower set up but at the 50% mark things change rapidly. I would have liked to have had more POV with other people in their group. But the second half of the book is not like the first half.
I loved the story and the characters. They are flawed yet likable. It made me think about the symbolism of how we turn over our identity in social media and in AI. Also the idea that unborn fetuses depend on the mother to want them inside their body. In this case they are dependent on the “host body” to continue their “life.”
If you like a far fetched thought provoking book, I definitely recommend this page turner.
Thanks to NetGalley and Mariner Books for the ARC. Book to be published 11/10/25.
November 13, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up
Thank you @marinerbooks + @librofm for the ARC + ALC of The Merge by Grace Walker.
😶🌫️ would you mind meld if it could save your mom from Alzheimer’s?
It’s a fast-paced scifi thriller depicting a chilling dystopian future.
Exploring themes of
• bodily + mental autonomy
• class structures
• freedom of speech
4 pairs of family members are deciding whether to Merge their consciousness’ into one being: the ultimate sacrifice in the name of humanity.
One thing that kept me from a perfect rating is I wanted a less open ended ending. Lots of threads that reader gets to guess what happened.
This kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||။|• 🎧 Dual POV worked really well on audio. Tamaryn Payne and Pearl Hewitt sounded just how I imagined the mother-daughter pairing.
Thank you @marinerbooks + @librofm for the ARC + ALC of The Merge by Grace Walker.
😶🌫️ would you mind meld if it could save your mom from Alzheimer’s?
It’s a fast-paced scifi thriller depicting a chilling dystopian future.
Exploring themes of
• bodily + mental autonomy
• class structures
• freedom of speech
4 pairs of family members are deciding whether to Merge their consciousness’ into one being: the ultimate sacrifice in the name of humanity.
One thing that kept me from a perfect rating is I wanted a less open ended ending. Lots of threads that reader gets to guess what happened.
This kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||။|• 🎧 Dual POV worked really well on audio. Tamaryn Payne and Pearl Hewitt sounded just how I imagined the mother-daughter pairing.
October 24, 2025
This book is split in half: pre-Merge and post-Merge.
Pre-Merge was very weak with many, many plot holes, cliche twists, and a bizarre lack of science for a sci-fi book based on a medical procedure. Amelia pushed her mother to Merge consciousness with her for contrived, stupid reasons that I couldn't believe. Nobody ever asks real questions or shows curiosity to the process they're to experience, which I found very frustrating and un-human. The process is never explained. The level to which the Merge has been accepted to society was wild and, again, difficult to believe. Children, really? The characters don't explore the moral and ethical implications at all, they either feel it is good or bad, no nuance. Sci-fi is made for exploring shocking social extremes, so why not do that?? There's one throwaway line towards the end about how all religions bonded together to be anti-Merge - why not explore this??? The patients act shocked when they meet their first Merged person, even though the book explains there are Merged folk everywhere? The author hides behind Laurie having dementia as a plot device, so readers never get the answers they want because Laurie conveniently forgets things or people lie to her and tell her they've already told her. The author had a hard time crafting a story with how tightly she cornered herself with the final reveal, so that the first part of the story mostly isn't necessary.
The second half, Post-Merge, was much better, as the main character experienced rehabilitation being Merged with her mother. However, Amelia is 23 and acts much older, which meant it was difficult to tell the difference between Amelia and Laurie post-Merge; I think it would have been much more fascinating if Amelia had been written her age. I also question the final twist - how would something so simple not have been discovered or revealed? How did Combine scientifically explain the Merge to the greater world, for it to be accepted, when it turns out it's not science? I'm sorry, we just went through COVID, and half the world couldn't even accept clear science, and I'm supposed to believe humans just went along with something that was unexplained?
This would have been better off as a short story or a young adult novel. The book is full of interesting concepts but they have no meat to them nor are they explored.
Pre-Merge was very weak with many, many plot holes, cliche twists, and a bizarre lack of science for a sci-fi book based on a medical procedure. Amelia pushed her mother to Merge consciousness with her for contrived, stupid reasons that I couldn't believe. Nobody ever asks real questions or shows curiosity to the process they're to experience, which I found very frustrating and un-human. The process is never explained. The level to which the Merge has been accepted to society was wild and, again, difficult to believe. Children, really? The characters don't explore the moral and ethical implications at all, they either feel it is good or bad, no nuance. Sci-fi is made for exploring shocking social extremes, so why not do that?? There's one throwaway line towards the end about how all religions bonded together to be anti-Merge - why not explore this??? The patients act shocked when they meet their first Merged person, even though the book explains there are Merged folk everywhere? The author hides behind Laurie having dementia as a plot device, so readers never get the answers they want because Laurie conveniently forgets things or people lie to her and tell her they've already told her. The author had a hard time crafting a story with how tightly she cornered herself with the final reveal, so that the first part of the story mostly isn't necessary.
The second half, Post-Merge, was much better, as the main character experienced rehabilitation being Merged with her mother. However, Amelia is 23 and acts much older, which meant it was difficult to tell the difference between Amelia and Laurie post-Merge; I think it would have been much more fascinating if Amelia had been written her age. I also question the final twist - how would something so simple not have been discovered or revealed? How did Combine scientifically explain the Merge to the greater world, for it to be accepted, when it turns out it's not science? I'm sorry, we just went through COVID, and half the world couldn't even accept clear science, and I'm supposed to believe humans just went along with something that was unexplained?
This would have been better off as a short story or a young adult novel. The book is full of interesting concepts but they have no meat to them nor are they explored.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2025
What a fantastically eerie premise for a book! In a world teetering on the verge of environmental collapse, one company’s answer to overpopulation and dwindling resources is radical: the Merge. 2 minds, 1 body. Fewer people, more perks, right?! Sounds reasonable, until you start peeling back some layers.
The author drops us into the story into a society in flux, presumably just a few steps before collapse, and it’s THAT tension that weaves into every fiber of the story. You can feel how close things are to breaking. And what was scary to me is that so much of it felt entirely plausible. Propaganda, possibility of manufactured scarcity, societal pressure disguised and advertised as progress… it’s chilling because it feels closer to our reality than some dystopian made up future.
I thought the writing was immersive with plenty of momentum. I especially enjoyed how the narrative slowly shifted my own perspective… what began as some futuristic social experiment quickly morphed into something dark and unsettling, and even sinister. All of the comparisons to a Black Mirror episode are spot on. The government and corporate manipulation is really subtle at first… until you realize you’re being slapped in the face with it.
And let us not forget to discuss the ENDING! WOW. The final stretch of this book is 3000% tension. It’s fast. It’s intense. I was on the edge of my seat! Unfortunately, this book doesn’t tie up the loose ends. There is no pretty bow on top. It just ends and you’re left there with your thoughts and questions.
Hands down one of the weirdest, coolest, thought provoking books I’ve read this year.
I will say that there are themes of suicide, dementia, drug addiction, domestic violence, loss of autonomy, and child death that could be triggering to some.
Huge thank you to NetGalley and Mariner Books for the ARC, I can’t wait to buy the physical copy of this one! Also, round of applause for the author, Grace Walker… I understand this is a debut novel. Bravo, this was fantastic!
The author drops us into the story into a society in flux, presumably just a few steps before collapse, and it’s THAT tension that weaves into every fiber of the story. You can feel how close things are to breaking. And what was scary to me is that so much of it felt entirely plausible. Propaganda, possibility of manufactured scarcity, societal pressure disguised and advertised as progress… it’s chilling because it feels closer to our reality than some dystopian made up future.
I thought the writing was immersive with plenty of momentum. I especially enjoyed how the narrative slowly shifted my own perspective… what began as some futuristic social experiment quickly morphed into something dark and unsettling, and even sinister. All of the comparisons to a Black Mirror episode are spot on. The government and corporate manipulation is really subtle at first… until you realize you’re being slapped in the face with it.
And let us not forget to discuss the ENDING! WOW. The final stretch of this book is 3000% tension. It’s fast. It’s intense. I was on the edge of my seat! Unfortunately, this book doesn’t tie up the loose ends. There is no pretty bow on top. It just ends and you’re left there with your thoughts and questions.
Hands down one of the weirdest, coolest, thought provoking books I’ve read this year.
I will say that there are themes of suicide, dementia, drug addiction, domestic violence, loss of autonomy, and child death that could be triggering to some.
Huge thank you to NetGalley and Mariner Books for the ARC, I can’t wait to buy the physical copy of this one! Also, round of applause for the author, Grace Walker… I understand this is a debut novel. Bravo, this was fantastic!
November 21, 2025
I recommend this book. All my thoughts are included in video reviews of all platforms. Happy Reading!
November 11, 2025
2.5 rounded up. So many plot issues with this book but there was some good tension in the middle.
Although there weren't any twists or gotchas, I will try to be vague and not spoil anything
1. No one would ever agree to merging. Possibly I am too much of an individual but I can't see anyone permanently sharing headspace with someone else voluntarily
2. There are no problems solved by this. Huge resources wasted for no identifiable problem
The book was pretty dull throughout, dwelling on the details and hesitations of a few of the pairs. There was a bit of big brother drama but the book did not live up to its promise
Although there weren't any twists or gotchas, I will try to be vague and not spoil anything
1. No one would ever agree to merging. Possibly I am too much of an individual but I can't see anyone permanently sharing headspace with someone else voluntarily
2. There are no problems solved by this. Huge resources wasted for no identifiable problem
The book was pretty dull throughout, dwelling on the details and hesitations of a few of the pairs. There was a bit of big brother drama but the book did not live up to its promise
November 14, 2025
This book didn’t land for me at alllll. I had high hopes for this book as it sounded like it might be Black Mirror-esque - a futuristic dystopia with sharp social commentary - but it honestly lacked on all fronts for me.
The story starts intriguingly enough, introducing Amelia and her mother Laurie, who wish to “merge” (i.e. Laurie's consciousness would be merged into Amelias body and consciousness) following the mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The merging procedure is presented as both a potential cure and a way to preserve her mother’s memories, which is an interesting premise. But my BIGGEST issue with this book lies with the concept and execution of the merge itself. I just couldn’t suspend my disbelief enough to buy into the idea that people would willingly merge—or that doing so would actually solve anything!
Walker tries to paint a world where merging is a logical choice people make to save loved ones (several parts of the book referencing the merges as "making a sacrifice for the greater good"??), but I never felt sold on the concept. The worldbuilding felt sparse; while there were small hints of climate change and societal strain, there wasn’t enough detail or substance to make the merging in the fictionalized world feel real or the concept convincing. For example, there’s a subplot involving a father and his addict daughter deciding to merge so he can “save” her from a lifetime of addiction in her own body by incorporating her consciousness into his own. I just couldn’t get past the absurdity of that idea—the daughter would be living inside her father’s mind AND his body, reliving his memories, including intimate ones? And living in his body as he went through this life (no more alone time with mom I guess!)? Like what????
There were bits of interesting dystopian ideas—children merging, the poor being pressured to merge—but again, the execution fell short. The fundamental question of why merging was necessary or beneficial was never really addressed. If climate change and overpopulation are issues in this world, is merging two people really the solution? I don’t mind far-fetched sci-fi concepts, but I need to see some LOGIC. How can I buy into the idea??
Structurally, the book also struggled. While I enjoyed the development of Amelia and Laurie’s characters, the rest of the cast felt underwritten. Then the ending was completely chaotic (leaving out details on that to avoid spoilers for this review). There were several revelations and lots of new information in the final thirty (give or take) pages, left me scratching my head. Plot holes remained, questions went unanswered, and rather than a thought-provoking cliffhanger... it was just a messy chain of events.
I hate to be harsh on a debut novel, but this one left me wanting much more. Walker is a good writer though and I appreciate her ambitions with this for a debut; she should keep writing!
Thank you Net Galley and Mariner Books for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story starts intriguingly enough, introducing Amelia and her mother Laurie, who wish to “merge” (i.e. Laurie's consciousness would be merged into Amelias body and consciousness) following the mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The merging procedure is presented as both a potential cure and a way to preserve her mother’s memories, which is an interesting premise. But my BIGGEST issue with this book lies with the concept and execution of the merge itself. I just couldn’t suspend my disbelief enough to buy into the idea that people would willingly merge—or that doing so would actually solve anything!
Walker tries to paint a world where merging is a logical choice people make to save loved ones (several parts of the book referencing the merges as "making a sacrifice for the greater good"??), but I never felt sold on the concept. The worldbuilding felt sparse; while there were small hints of climate change and societal strain, there wasn’t enough detail or substance to make the merging in the fictionalized world feel real or the concept convincing. For example, there’s a subplot involving a father and his addict daughter deciding to merge so he can “save” her from a lifetime of addiction in her own body by incorporating her consciousness into his own. I just couldn’t get past the absurdity of that idea—the daughter would be living inside her father’s mind AND his body, reliving his memories, including intimate ones? And living in his body as he went through this life (no more alone time with mom I guess!)? Like what????
There were bits of interesting dystopian ideas—children merging, the poor being pressured to merge—but again, the execution fell short. The fundamental question of why merging was necessary or beneficial was never really addressed. If climate change and overpopulation are issues in this world, is merging two people really the solution? I don’t mind far-fetched sci-fi concepts, but I need to see some LOGIC. How can I buy into the idea??
Structurally, the book also struggled. While I enjoyed the development of Amelia and Laurie’s characters, the rest of the cast felt underwritten. Then the ending was completely chaotic (leaving out details on that to avoid spoilers for this review). There were several revelations and lots of new information in the final thirty (give or take) pages, left me scratching my head. Plot holes remained, questions went unanswered, and rather than a thought-provoking cliffhanger... it was just a messy chain of events.
I hate to be harsh on a debut novel, but this one left me wanting much more. Walker is a good writer though and I appreciate her ambitions with this for a debut; she should keep writing!
Thank you Net Galley and Mariner Books for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2025
4.5 stars
A thought-provoking sci-fi thriller about identity, The Merge reminds me of John Marrs at his best (think The One)—where a supposedly 'for the good of humanity' invention sparks an array of moral and societal questions. Here, Grace Walker uses the premise of merging two minds into one body to explore environmental issues, terminal illness, and broader human rights. These topics are examined thoroughly and woven into an engrossing narrative through a diverse cast of characters.
I’m especially curious how readers will react to the ending. It takes a bold, unexpected turn—delivering a finale that’s both memorable and conversation-worthy. That said, the shift does lessen the impact of a few earlier plot points, and makes the overall structure easier to poke holes at.
The Merge feels tailor-made for discussion, not only for its questions about technology’s impact on society but also for its Marmite-like ending, which will no doubt divide readers. Still, it’s an impressively ambitious and engaging debut.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
A thought-provoking sci-fi thriller about identity, The Merge reminds me of John Marrs at his best (think The One)—where a supposedly 'for the good of humanity' invention sparks an array of moral and societal questions. Here, Grace Walker uses the premise of merging two minds into one body to explore environmental issues, terminal illness, and broader human rights. These topics are examined thoroughly and woven into an engrossing narrative through a diverse cast of characters.
I’m especially curious how readers will react to the ending. It takes a bold, unexpected turn—delivering a finale that’s both memorable and conversation-worthy. That said, the shift does lessen the impact of a few earlier plot points, and makes the overall structure easier to poke holes at.
The Merge feels tailor-made for discussion, not only for its questions about technology’s impact on society but also for its Marmite-like ending, which will no doubt divide readers. Still, it’s an impressively ambitious and engaging debut.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
September 18, 2025
WOWWWWWWWWW HOLY SHIT
November 6, 2025
HOLY CRAP.
My jaw is on the floor. I feel speechless. I am stunned. I am gobsmacked. I am all the adjectives. I need time to recover. Wow. Grace Walker, this is your DEBUT?! This author is going places and one of them is straight to my TBR for subsequent books.
This book takes place in a futuristic dystopian society in the UK in which you can merge two souls into one body. These merged persons, called combines, are afforded luxuries and given other’s housing and other extreme government/societal benefits. This is supposed to help with overpopulation. Some of the population actively protests while the rest support the transition. The novel follows Laurie, a woman with early-onset Alzheimer’s, and Amelia, her daughter and previous activist, along with others on their merging journeys. No one on the outside really knows exactly what occurs in these centers.
If you like Black Mirror then you will love this. To me, this was more of a dystopian horror than anything. I’m having a hard time voicing how good this was. I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this book in the beginning. About 50 pages in, I was hooked. By the end of this book you would have had to pry this out of my hands to get me to set it down. I felt like I was immersed in the world, and I could feel the anxiety and all of the emotions of the characters. I was never sure what was going to happen next but I HAD to know. This was so well written. I am shocked that it is the author’s first novel.
One thing that was difficult for me personally was the struggle with dementia. Reading the personal difficulties as well as the caregiver’s was hard. As someone with a close family member with dementia those parts were pretty painful to read. I will say that it became easier as the book progressed in that aspect, at least. At this time, I can’t really think of anything negative to say about this novel. I thought it was exceptional. I only wish it didn’t end on a cliffhanger. I will be biting my nails to read the next book. TWs listed below.
Thanks so much to NetGalley, Mariner Books, Harper Collins, and Grace Walker for providing this e-ARC book for my honest review. All opinions on this book are my own.
I’d recommend this book to anyone, especially Black Mirror, dystopian, and sci-fi fans. Just read it.
Coming soon on Nov 11th, 2025
TWs: dementia, domestic abuse, cancer, self unalive (on page), addiction
* please disregard grammatical errors due to accessible voice texting. Thanks.
My jaw is on the floor. I feel speechless. I am stunned. I am gobsmacked. I am all the adjectives. I need time to recover. Wow. Grace Walker, this is your DEBUT?! This author is going places and one of them is straight to my TBR for subsequent books.
This book takes place in a futuristic dystopian society in the UK in which you can merge two souls into one body. These merged persons, called combines, are afforded luxuries and given other’s housing and other extreme government/societal benefits. This is supposed to help with overpopulation. Some of the population actively protests while the rest support the transition. The novel follows Laurie, a woman with early-onset Alzheimer’s, and Amelia, her daughter and previous activist, along with others on their merging journeys. No one on the outside really knows exactly what occurs in these centers.
If you like Black Mirror then you will love this. To me, this was more of a dystopian horror than anything. I’m having a hard time voicing how good this was. I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this book in the beginning. About 50 pages in, I was hooked. By the end of this book you would have had to pry this out of my hands to get me to set it down. I felt like I was immersed in the world, and I could feel the anxiety and all of the emotions of the characters. I was never sure what was going to happen next but I HAD to know. This was so well written. I am shocked that it is the author’s first novel.
One thing that was difficult for me personally was the struggle with dementia. Reading the personal difficulties as well as the caregiver’s was hard. As someone with a close family member with dementia those parts were pretty painful to read. I will say that it became easier as the book progressed in that aspect, at least. At this time, I can’t really think of anything negative to say about this novel. I thought it was exceptional. I only wish it didn’t end on a cliffhanger. I will be biting my nails to read the next book. TWs listed below.
Thanks so much to NetGalley, Mariner Books, Harper Collins, and Grace Walker for providing this e-ARC book for my honest review. All opinions on this book are my own.
I’d recommend this book to anyone, especially Black Mirror, dystopian, and sci-fi fans. Just read it.
Coming soon on Nov 11th, 2025
TWs: dementia, domestic abuse, cancer, self unalive (on page), addiction
* please disregard grammatical errors due to accessible voice texting. Thanks.
November 4, 2025
I devoured and absolutely loved this book. It somehow managed to be truly horrific without being horror.
It’s in a time where the world is overpopulated and people have the option to “merge,” where they combine two consciousness into one body. Not only are there incentives for choosing to merge, there are repercussions for choosing not to, and under some circumstances, you can be forced.
Amelia has lived her life joining the protesters against merging. When her mother is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she rethinks her position and signs them up to be merged to save her mother’s mind.
The first half is the preparation leading up to Amelia and her mother merging. The whole concept is creepy and eerie. They meet a pregnant couple planning to merge to grow their family, two brothers merging to save one from cancer, and a father and daughter merging to save her from the throws of addiction.
I was truly horrified by this book. Children under 18 didn’t have a choice if their parents wanted to have them merged that that played a big part. Inmates in prison could be merged against their will due to overcrowding.
The ending of this one was pretty devastating when you realized what was actually going on.
Overall, this was a fantastic dystopian, speculative fiction book that I would highly recommend.
It’s in a time where the world is overpopulated and people have the option to “merge,” where they combine two consciousness into one body. Not only are there incentives for choosing to merge, there are repercussions for choosing not to, and under some circumstances, you can be forced.
Amelia has lived her life joining the protesters against merging. When her mother is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she rethinks her position and signs them up to be merged to save her mother’s mind.
The first half is the preparation leading up to Amelia and her mother merging. The whole concept is creepy and eerie. They meet a pregnant couple planning to merge to grow their family, two brothers merging to save one from cancer, and a father and daughter merging to save her from the throws of addiction.
I was truly horrified by this book. Children under 18 didn’t have a choice if their parents wanted to have them merged that that played a big part. Inmates in prison could be merged against their will due to overcrowding.
The ending of this one was pretty devastating when you realized what was actually going on.
Overall, this was a fantastic dystopian, speculative fiction book that I would highly recommend.
November 14, 2025
The Merge by Grace Walker is an absolutely enthralling science fiction novel. In a near future society where resources seem minimal and climate protests are mentioned heavily, population is out of control and a solution has emerged: to combine. To merge two consciences into one body and make the ultimate sacrifice for humanity.
This book follows Amelia, a young woman in her early twenties who was anti-merge and her mother, Laurie, who is dealing with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Amelia and Lor enter training for the Merge along with several others merging for financial or medical reasons- Ben and Annie, who is pregnant, Noah with cancer diagnosis and his partner, Lucas, and Lara, a teenage addict with her father, Jay.
This book grapples with some intense issues and themes like the literal price of individuality and what it’s like to be lost in your own brain. It can also show how a corporation can change the entire societal structure. This is fast-paced and well-written. I would recommend it for fans of Immaculate Conception, Made to Love, and sci-fi fans in general. Five stars from me!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.
This book follows Amelia, a young woman in her early twenties who was anti-merge and her mother, Laurie, who is dealing with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Amelia and Lor enter training for the Merge along with several others merging for financial or medical reasons- Ben and Annie, who is pregnant, Noah with cancer diagnosis and his partner, Lucas, and Lara, a teenage addict with her father, Jay.
This book grapples with some intense issues and themes like the literal price of individuality and what it’s like to be lost in your own brain. It can also show how a corporation can change the entire societal structure. This is fast-paced and well-written. I would recommend it for fans of Immaculate Conception, Made to Love, and sci-fi fans in general. Five stars from me!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.
November 20, 2025
The Merge is an unnervingly timely piece of speculative fiction. This dystopian debut is brimming with the vibes of Blake Crouch and Black Mirror with some hints of Hitchcock.
A dual POV shifts between Laurie and Amelia, a mother and daughter who are preparing to potentially merge their consciousness' in an effort to stop Laurie's demise into Alzheimer's. Within their group are 3 other pairs of family members who are considering the merge for their own reasons. All of their stories add a heartachingly human level of authenticity to a book rooted in science fiction.
The first half is heavily character driven as we get to know Laurie, Amelia, and the core characters within their group as well as what the Merge itself is. The ethics of the Merge program are examined through class divides, body autonomy, and corporate and government manipulations. Because of this, a fictional concept that seems initially dubious becomes chillingly feasible as the story progresses.
Several pivotal moments throughout the second half keep the momentum building to a crescendo. My anxiety grew in the desperation to know what would happen to Laurie, Amelia, and the others. My only qualm is that after so much buildup and tension, I wanted something a little more conclusive from the ending.
🎙️ Tamaryn Payne and Pearl Hewitt do a truly fantastic job co-narrating. Having two distinct voices for Laurie and Amelia made it easier to follow as the POV shifts back and forth.
✨ Thank you @librofm for this ALC from November!
A dual POV shifts between Laurie and Amelia, a mother and daughter who are preparing to potentially merge their consciousness' in an effort to stop Laurie's demise into Alzheimer's. Within their group are 3 other pairs of family members who are considering the merge for their own reasons. All of their stories add a heartachingly human level of authenticity to a book rooted in science fiction.
The first half is heavily character driven as we get to know Laurie, Amelia, and the core characters within their group as well as what the Merge itself is. The ethics of the Merge program are examined through class divides, body autonomy, and corporate and government manipulations. Because of this, a fictional concept that seems initially dubious becomes chillingly feasible as the story progresses.
Several pivotal moments throughout the second half keep the momentum building to a crescendo. My anxiety grew in the desperation to know what would happen to Laurie, Amelia, and the others. My only qualm is that after so much buildup and tension, I wanted something a little more conclusive from the ending.
🎙️ Tamaryn Payne and Pearl Hewitt do a truly fantastic job co-narrating. Having two distinct voices for Laurie and Amelia made it easier to follow as the POV shifts back and forth.
✨ Thank you @librofm for this ALC from November!
November 13, 2025
3.75🌟 This book can best be described as a dystopian brain-teasing think piece, and I enjoyed the ride! I was constantly trying to put myself in the shoes of the characters, contemplating whether I would opt to ‘merge’ to save my home, a loved one or even my own future. Laurie’s perspective was especially emotional, what with her progressing battle with Alzheimer’s. This book raises questions around bodily autonomy, political corruption and gaslighting, and critical thinking, just to name a few. There were twists and the writing was thoughtful in the way that it intentionally left you questioning everything- and my final question is, will there be another book? I certainly hope so!
November 12, 2025
My gosh this was good! I can't believe this is a debut. I haven't read a speculative fiction/sci fi this gripping in quite awhile. I could not stop reading. One of my favorite parts about books is slowing learning the truths about worlds you are thrown into and in this one I just wanted to keep reading to find out what exactly was going on. This book is so thought provoking and heart breaking. The character development was great and I really felt like I got to know everyone even the smaller players in the story. This made the whole thing even more emotional. What would you do if you thought it was for the betterment of the world and could save your family member? Who is worthy of staying in a world that can no longer support everyone?
The Merge is set in a world where the climate crisis has come to a head and the world can no longer sustain its population. People are encouraged to merge consciousness to reduce the worlds population and their own carbon footprint. New higher taxes are placed on everyone and big tax cuts are allowed to those who decide to merge. Poorer people are being encouraged to merge for a better quality of life.
This story follows a mother who has early onset Alzheimer's and a daughter who decide to possibly merge to save her mothers memories. I will be thinking about this one for awhile. Read it!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the EARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
November 24, 2025
Thank you @marinerbooks for my beautiful, finished copy! I had total fomo over this and it was for a reason. This is literally the perfect read for a book club. It dives into the morality of certain situations. This one hit really close for me as my MIL passed away from Early Onset Alzheimer’s about a month ago.
Since this is speculative, you get to sort of infer certain aspects of the story which made it a bit more chilling. Its told in multiple POVs and Walker handled a character with Alzheimer’s in a realistic way while also protecting the character’s dignity. I loved the dystopian setting and the reasoning of climate change behind the push for “merging” It’s disturbing in the best way and I couldn’t stop reading. Debuts have really been knocking it out of the park lately.
Since this is speculative, you get to sort of infer certain aspects of the story which made it a bit more chilling. Its told in multiple POVs and Walker handled a character with Alzheimer’s in a realistic way while also protecting the character’s dignity. I loved the dystopian setting and the reasoning of climate change behind the push for “merging” It’s disturbing in the best way and I couldn’t stop reading. Debuts have really been knocking it out of the park lately.
November 23, 2025
3.75 stars
A difficult book to rate... Why? I loved the concept, it had me thinking about how I stood in life, what I would do, etc. I loved the twists too, the characters were interesting enough. However, the end left me wanting. Therefore I cannot give it the full 4 stars, though I will round it up for GR sake...
Characters 7
Atmosphere 8
Writing Style 8
Premise 9
Plot 7
Pace 8
Length 8
Structure/Setup 6
Enjoyment/Engrossment 8
Narration 8
A difficult book to rate... Why? I loved the concept, it had me thinking about how I stood in life, what I would do, etc. I loved the twists too, the characters were interesting enough. However, the end left me wanting. Therefore I cannot give it the full 4 stars, though I will round it up for GR sake...
Characters 7
Atmosphere 8
Writing Style 8
Premise 9
Plot 7
Pace 8
Length 8
Structure/Setup 6
Enjoyment/Engrossment 8
Narration 8
October 17, 2025
Actual Rating: 4.5/5
Thank you NetGalley for providing an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review.
In a future ravaged by overpopulation and dwindling resources, a new procedure allows two people’s consciousnesses to merge into one body. Laurie and her daughter, Amelia, volunteer in hopes of slowing Laurie’s Alzheimer’s and preserving her legacy. Alongside others with their own reasons for merging, they prepare for the procedure, only to realize not everything is as it seems.
I really like my speculative fiction to be somewhat rooted in reality, especially if it means the story can lead as a warning for current societal issues. If a story introduces new science or a reimagined way of life, I want it to feel plausible, because that believability makes the message hit even harder. Walker achieves this effortlessly.
The worldbuilding is smart and deliberate. Instead of overwhelming readers with information, Walker lets the details of Earth’s decline and the merging procedure surface naturally. She has come up with new words, jargon, ways of life, that all make sense for the setting. You begin to understand everything piece by piece, seeing how the wealthy and powerful manipulate the vulnerable to “fix” humanity’s mistakes. It’s a chillingly realistic vision, and the tension keeps the story moving. When the pace really picks up and things start coming to the surface, it does so at exactly the right moment, making it a chilling read.
I also really loved the entire cast of characters because they created one of my favorite tropes: a found family. As they prepare for the merging procedure, their motivations reveal a spectrum of love, grief, and desperation that feels painfully real. I found myself especially drawn to Laurie. Her struggle with Alzheimer’s is portrayed with care and authenticity, offering representation that’s rare to see in literature.
My only real critique is the ending, as it felt a bit rushed and didn’t match the ambitious and intellectual nature of the rest of the book. I could’ve easily read another fifty pages to see certain threads tied up or some side characters motivations for their work and choices explored more deeply.
I can’t recommend this book enough, though. It’s everything speculative fiction should be: thought-provoking, emotionally resonant, and unsettlingly plausible. Walker crafts a version of Earth that feels just close enough to our own to be terrifying, forcing readers to confront questions of class, government control, morality, bodily autonomy, identity, and the ethics of science.
I know a lot of people are recommending this if you liked Black Mirror episodes, and I agree. I would also say, if you loved the ethical implications explored in Immaculate Conception by Ling Ling Huang, I would absolutely recommend this book too.
The Merge comes out November 11, 2025 by Mariner Books.
Thank you NetGalley for providing an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review.
In a future ravaged by overpopulation and dwindling resources, a new procedure allows two people’s consciousnesses to merge into one body. Laurie and her daughter, Amelia, volunteer in hopes of slowing Laurie’s Alzheimer’s and preserving her legacy. Alongside others with their own reasons for merging, they prepare for the procedure, only to realize not everything is as it seems.
I really like my speculative fiction to be somewhat rooted in reality, especially if it means the story can lead as a warning for current societal issues. If a story introduces new science or a reimagined way of life, I want it to feel plausible, because that believability makes the message hit even harder. Walker achieves this effortlessly.
The worldbuilding is smart and deliberate. Instead of overwhelming readers with information, Walker lets the details of Earth’s decline and the merging procedure surface naturally. She has come up with new words, jargon, ways of life, that all make sense for the setting. You begin to understand everything piece by piece, seeing how the wealthy and powerful manipulate the vulnerable to “fix” humanity’s mistakes. It’s a chillingly realistic vision, and the tension keeps the story moving. When the pace really picks up and things start coming to the surface, it does so at exactly the right moment, making it a chilling read.
I also really loved the entire cast of characters because they created one of my favorite tropes: a found family. As they prepare for the merging procedure, their motivations reveal a spectrum of love, grief, and desperation that feels painfully real. I found myself especially drawn to Laurie. Her struggle with Alzheimer’s is portrayed with care and authenticity, offering representation that’s rare to see in literature.
My only real critique is the ending, as it felt a bit rushed and didn’t match the ambitious and intellectual nature of the rest of the book. I could’ve easily read another fifty pages to see certain threads tied up or some side characters motivations for their work and choices explored more deeply.
I can’t recommend this book enough, though. It’s everything speculative fiction should be: thought-provoking, emotionally resonant, and unsettlingly plausible. Walker crafts a version of Earth that feels just close enough to our own to be terrifying, forcing readers to confront questions of class, government control, morality, bodily autonomy, identity, and the ethics of science.
I know a lot of people are recommending this if you liked Black Mirror episodes, and I agree. I would also say, if you loved the ethical implications explored in Immaculate Conception by Ling Ling Huang, I would absolutely recommend this book too.
The Merge comes out November 11, 2025 by Mariner Books.
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