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The Merge
Not yet published
Expected 6 Nov 25How far would you go to never say goodbye?
Laurie is sixty-five and living with Alzheimer’s. Her beloved daughter Amelia, twenty-three, cannot bear to see her mother - and her memories - fade.
Faced with the reality of losing her forever, Amelia signs mother and daughter up to take part in a world first experimental merging process for Alzheimer’s patients, in which Laurie’s ailing mind will be transferred into Amelia’s healthy body where their consciousness will be blended as one.
As they prepare for their new life, they form strong relationships with other participants in equally difficult circumstances before moving to The Village, a luxurious rehabilitation centre for those who have merged.
But as their time in The Village progresses, they begin to question whether everything is really as it seems.
Laurie is sixty-five and living with Alzheimer’s. Her beloved daughter Amelia, twenty-three, cannot bear to see her mother - and her memories - fade.
Faced with the reality of losing her forever, Amelia signs mother and daughter up to take part in a world first experimental merging process for Alzheimer’s patients, in which Laurie’s ailing mind will be transferred into Amelia’s healthy body where their consciousness will be blended as one.
As they prepare for their new life, they form strong relationships with other participants in equally difficult circumstances before moving to The Village, a luxurious rehabilitation centre for those who have merged.
But as their time in The Village progresses, they begin to question whether everything is really as it seems.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 6, 2025
27248 people want to read
About the author
Grace Walker
9 booksLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
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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
October 16, 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
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.
Read
October 17, 2025terrifying!
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.
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!
June 24, 2025
4.5/5 stars! Review to come. 🫶
September 7, 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!**
July 21, 2025
I'm still reeling, my thoughts a kaleidoscope of what-ifs, as I attempt to articulate the profound impact of Grace Walker’s astounding debut, "The Merge." This novel plunges us headfirst into a chillingly plausible future where overpopulation and dwindling resources have pushed humanity to the brink, culminating in a radical, almost sacrilegious solution: the merging of two individual consciousnesses into a single body. If you're a fan of the unsettling speculative fiction found in "Black Mirror" or the mind-bending dilemmas of "Dark Matter," prepare to have your own reality subtly, yet irrevocably, altered.
At the heart of this audacious premise are Laurie and Amelia, a mother and daughter whose entry into the "Combine" program is triggered by Laurie’s devastating Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Walker masterfully navigates the brutal and heart-wrenching reality of this disease, capturing its insidious erosion of self and the profound grief it inflicts upon loved ones. Amelia is thrust into an impossible ethical quagmire: to accept the natural, albeit cruel, progression of her mother's illness, or to embrace a technological intervention that promises to preserve cherished memories and their fading bond, yet fundamentally alters the very essence of what it means to be human.
The emotional resonance of "The Merge" is palpable. I found myself moved to tears on multiple occasions, a testament to Walker's ability to craft characters so deeply relatable, so achingly human. Beyond Amelia and Laurie, we encounter a tapestry of interconnected lives that grounds the narrative in a sense of authentic familiarity. From the utterly convincing brotherly dynamic between teenagers Lucas and Noah, to the tender anticipation of engaged and expecting couple Benjamin and Annie, and the painfully typical friction between father and teenage daughter Jay and Lara – each character arc serves to amplify the story's emotional weight, making the fantastical elements feel eerily close to home.
"My gut was tied in knots the entire time," a constant refrain in my mind, "just thinking: what if this really happened?" This is where "The Merge" truly excels, echoing the best of "Black Mirror" and "Dark Matter." It presents a concept so incredibly bizarre, so morally ambiguous, yet frames it within a societal context that feels terrifyingly within reach. It’s a masterful exercise in speculative fiction that forces deep introspection on the nature of identity, consciousness, and the lengths we might go to in the face of an existential crisis.
The only discordant note in this otherwise symphony of thought-provoking narrative was the ending. After such a meticulously crafted and emotionally charged journey, the conclusion felt… disconnected. It didn’t quite fit the meticulously built world and the profound questions posed throughout the book, leaving me yearning for a resolution that felt more congruent with the novel's immense ambition.
Despite this singular misstep, which I��m willing to overlook given this is an ARC, "The Merge" is an undeniable triumph. I've rounded up to a 5-star rating because Grace Walker has delivered a debut that is as emotionally devastating as it is intellectually stimulating. Prepare to have your mind stretched and your heartstrings pulled when "The Merge" arrives on November 11, 2025. This is a book that will linger long after you turn the final page, prompting uncomfortable questions about the future of humanity and the sacred boundaries we might be willing to cross.
+++I have received this eARC in an exchange for an honest review+++
I want to thank @gracerosewalker @netgalley and @marinerbooks for allowing me to read this amazing eARC. I truly feel honored to have had the privilege to read and review it.
·
At the heart of this audacious premise are Laurie and Amelia, a mother and daughter whose entry into the "Combine" program is triggered by Laurie’s devastating Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Walker masterfully navigates the brutal and heart-wrenching reality of this disease, capturing its insidious erosion of self and the profound grief it inflicts upon loved ones. Amelia is thrust into an impossible ethical quagmire: to accept the natural, albeit cruel, progression of her mother's illness, or to embrace a technological intervention that promises to preserve cherished memories and their fading bond, yet fundamentally alters the very essence of what it means to be human.
The emotional resonance of "The Merge" is palpable. I found myself moved to tears on multiple occasions, a testament to Walker's ability to craft characters so deeply relatable, so achingly human. Beyond Amelia and Laurie, we encounter a tapestry of interconnected lives that grounds the narrative in a sense of authentic familiarity. From the utterly convincing brotherly dynamic between teenagers Lucas and Noah, to the tender anticipation of engaged and expecting couple Benjamin and Annie, and the painfully typical friction between father and teenage daughter Jay and Lara – each character arc serves to amplify the story's emotional weight, making the fantastical elements feel eerily close to home.
"My gut was tied in knots the entire time," a constant refrain in my mind, "just thinking: what if this really happened?" This is where "The Merge" truly excels, echoing the best of "Black Mirror" and "Dark Matter." It presents a concept so incredibly bizarre, so morally ambiguous, yet frames it within a societal context that feels terrifyingly within reach. It’s a masterful exercise in speculative fiction that forces deep introspection on the nature of identity, consciousness, and the lengths we might go to in the face of an existential crisis.
The only discordant note in this otherwise symphony of thought-provoking narrative was the ending. After such a meticulously crafted and emotionally charged journey, the conclusion felt… disconnected. It didn’t quite fit the meticulously built world and the profound questions posed throughout the book, leaving me yearning for a resolution that felt more congruent with the novel's immense ambition.
Despite this singular misstep, which I��m willing to overlook given this is an ARC, "The Merge" is an undeniable triumph. I've rounded up to a 5-star rating because Grace Walker has delivered a debut that is as emotionally devastating as it is intellectually stimulating. Prepare to have your mind stretched and your heartstrings pulled when "The Merge" arrives on November 11, 2025. This is a book that will linger long after you turn the final page, prompting uncomfortable questions about the future of humanity and the sacred boundaries we might be willing to cross.
+++I have received this eARC in an exchange for an honest review+++
I want to thank @gracerosewalker @netgalley and @marinerbooks for allowing me to read this amazing eARC. I truly feel honored to have had the privilege to read and review it.
·
September 7, 2025
My first ARC and wow, what a great one to start with! This story will stick with me for a long time. It’s brilliantly written, with a world and characters that pulled me in completely. Scary, heartfelt, eerie, and so deeply human - just wow. I loved every moment of it and I can’t wait to see what Grace Walker writes next. An incredible, wonderful book!
July 30, 2025
Perfect for fans of Netflix's Black Mirror, "The Merge" is an outstandingly eerie debut novel that is sure to get under your skin and make you question just how close could a reality like this actually be.
What would you say if you were presented with the opportunity to merge consciousnesses with another human being and become two people living in a single body? Would you be open to it, or would you choose to join in protests against the process? What if this merge meant making the choice between life and death for you or a loved one? What if the decision to merge was a matter of life and death for the world as we know it?
Starting with the opening page, which acts as the prologue, I was immediately grabbed by this novel. It's been awhile since I was so quickly engaged in a new read but this prologue was just right for me—with just enough detail to get you wanting to know more without giving too much away right in the beginning. Aside from that, the overall writing style for the entire book is easy to read while still giving off an air of mystique that leaves the reader guessing at every turn. I also thought the characters were very well-done, all with distinct personalities and backgrounds that made it easy to remember who was who. These are all characters with realistic problems and emotions, and it's easy to get invested in their individual progressions throughout the story.
As far as I'm aware science isn't near the point of making something like the merge process an actual reality, but the rest of the worldbuilding in this novel feels concerningly plausible and really helps build up this sense of dread as you progress through the story.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed this novel and I'd consider it an easy contender for my favorite read of the year. I'll definitely be recommending this one to other readers that I know—especially those who are interested in sci fi and dystopian novels. I'll also absolutely be keeping an eye out for any future releases from Grace Walker.
Thank you to both NetGalley and Mariner Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
What would you say if you were presented with the opportunity to merge consciousnesses with another human being and become two people living in a single body? Would you be open to it, or would you choose to join in protests against the process? What if this merge meant making the choice between life and death for you or a loved one? What if the decision to merge was a matter of life and death for the world as we know it?
Starting with the opening page, which acts as the prologue, I was immediately grabbed by this novel. It's been awhile since I was so quickly engaged in a new read but this prologue was just right for me—with just enough detail to get you wanting to know more without giving too much away right in the beginning. Aside from that, the overall writing style for the entire book is easy to read while still giving off an air of mystique that leaves the reader guessing at every turn. I also thought the characters were very well-done, all with distinct personalities and backgrounds that made it easy to remember who was who. These are all characters with realistic problems and emotions, and it's easy to get invested in their individual progressions throughout the story.
As far as I'm aware science isn't near the point of making something like the merge process an actual reality, but the rest of the worldbuilding in this novel feels concerningly plausible and really helps build up this sense of dread as you progress through the story.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed this novel and I'd consider it an easy contender for my favorite read of the year. I'll definitely be recommending this one to other readers that I know—especially those who are interested in sci fi and dystopian novels. I'll also absolutely be keeping an eye out for any future releases from Grace Walker.
Thank you to both NetGalley and Mariner Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
September 18, 2025
WOWWWWWWWWW HOLY SHIT
September 3, 2025
Out November 11th, 2025
The Merge, Grace Walker dives headfirst into a future that feels disturbingly close, where Earth’s resources are depleted and humanity is desperate for new ways to preserve what matters most—each other. The story centers on Amelia, a passionate activist, and her mother Laurie, who’s slowly slipping away due to Alzheimer’s. Faced with the heartbreak of losing Laurie, Amelia agrees to a radical new procedure: merging their consciousnesses into one body. It’s a controversial experiment that promises connection beyond death, but also raises unsettling questions about identity, autonomy, and what it means to truly share a mind.
As Amelia and Laurie enter this new phase of existence, they’re joined by others who’ve chosen to merge for their own reasons—Lucas and his dying brother Noah, Ben and his pregnant fiancée Annie, and Jay with his daughter Lara, who’s battling addiction. Together, they move into The Village, a sleek rehabilitation center designed for merged individuals. But the glossy exterior hides something darker. The more time they spend there, the more they begin to suspect that merging might not be the miracle they hoped for—it might be a trap dressed up as salvation.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Mariner Books for this ARC!
The Merge, Grace Walker dives headfirst into a future that feels disturbingly close, where Earth’s resources are depleted and humanity is desperate for new ways to preserve what matters most—each other. The story centers on Amelia, a passionate activist, and her mother Laurie, who’s slowly slipping away due to Alzheimer’s. Faced with the heartbreak of losing Laurie, Amelia agrees to a radical new procedure: merging their consciousnesses into one body. It’s a controversial experiment that promises connection beyond death, but also raises unsettling questions about identity, autonomy, and what it means to truly share a mind.
As Amelia and Laurie enter this new phase of existence, they’re joined by others who’ve chosen to merge for their own reasons—Lucas and his dying brother Noah, Ben and his pregnant fiancée Annie, and Jay with his daughter Lara, who’s battling addiction. Together, they move into The Village, a sleek rehabilitation center designed for merged individuals. But the glossy exterior hides something darker. The more time they spend there, the more they begin to suspect that merging might not be the miracle they hoped for—it might be a trap dressed up as salvation.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Mariner Books for this ARC!
August 22, 2025
4.25⭐️ ARC Review
I’ve been on a dystopian bender recently and I can easily say that this was one of my favorites that I’ve read! This book is perfect if you love eerily realistic, scientifically-advanced dystopians like the tv show Black Mirror!
First off, I wasn’t expecting this book to depict the wide range of emotions that it does. This book shows grief, loss, trauma, interpersonal connections, etc. in such a realistic and touching way. The way the author portrayed someone battling Alzheimer’s was the most impactful for me. Watching Lor battle her disease and the confusion that goes along with it was absolutely heartbreaking.
Second; the suspense and revelations in this book were superb! I had inklings to some of the plot twists but they still left me shook!! The concept of the Merge process and events leading up to its founding were very realistic and plausible. I pray that technology isn’t discovered because wtf!
I so wanted to rate this book a 4.5/4.75 but I had a few complaints. From 50-80% the book lulled for me quite a bit. I found myself getting impatient with the sudden slow pacing after the build up prior to the halfway mark.
I wished the author dove a little deeper into what the current state of Earth’s environment/infrastructure was. It gave small tidbits explaining that resources were dramatically low, climate changes, and natural disasters. However, a more thorough exploration would have made the need for the Merge more clear.
There were also a couple plot holes I found, but they weren’t too extreme to ruin the book. I’m not a fan of abrupt endings and I do hope the author does a follow up novella or something to tie up loose ends.
Overall, thoroughly enjoyed this book and I will for sure be getting a physical copy!
Thank you NetGalley, Mariner Books, and HarperCollins Publishers for this ARC! Congrats to Grace Walker for an amazing debut novel!
I’ve been on a dystopian bender recently and I can easily say that this was one of my favorites that I’ve read! This book is perfect if you love eerily realistic, scientifically-advanced dystopians like the tv show Black Mirror!
First off, I wasn’t expecting this book to depict the wide range of emotions that it does. This book shows grief, loss, trauma, interpersonal connections, etc. in such a realistic and touching way. The way the author portrayed someone battling Alzheimer’s was the most impactful for me. Watching Lor battle her disease and the confusion that goes along with it was absolutely heartbreaking.
Second; the suspense and revelations in this book were superb! I had inklings to some of the plot twists but they still left me shook!! The concept of the Merge process and events leading up to its founding were very realistic and plausible. I pray that technology isn’t discovered because wtf!
I so wanted to rate this book a 4.5/4.75 but I had a few complaints. From 50-80% the book lulled for me quite a bit. I found myself getting impatient with the sudden slow pacing after the build up prior to the halfway mark.
I wished the author dove a little deeper into what the current state of Earth’s environment/infrastructure was. It gave small tidbits explaining that resources were dramatically low, climate changes, and natural disasters. However, a more thorough exploration would have made the need for the Merge more clear.
There were also a couple plot holes I found, but they weren’t too extreme to ruin the book. I’m not a fan of abrupt endings and I do hope the author does a follow up novella or something to tie up loose ends.
Overall, thoroughly enjoyed this book and I will for sure be getting a physical copy!
Thank you NetGalley, Mariner Books, and HarperCollins Publishers for this ARC! Congrats to Grace Walker for an amazing debut novel!
July 4, 2025
This was a thrilling read. A must-read for those that enjoyed Black Mirror. I'd think that this would be a good read for those that enjoyed The Silent Patient.The concept is fire and the writing lived up to that expectation. A delectable psychological read that starts as a simmer and becomes quite the page turner.
Only complaint was that I felt the ending was rushed. Details and motivations seemed a little vague or not completely worked out. Despite those issues, I still thought the ending was excellent.
For a second I thought the storyline was going in the cult direction, but no...it's stranger than that (in a good way)!
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC, ya'll are dope!
Only complaint was that I felt the ending was rushed. Details and motivations seemed a little vague or not completely worked out. Despite those issues, I still thought the ending was excellent.
For a second I thought the storyline was going in the cult direction, but no...it's stranger than that (in a good way)!
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC, ya'll are dope!
September 7, 2025
This was totally bizarre, in an interesting way - and when you think about it, terrifying even?
In an alternate world where merging consciousness is considered normal (and actually encouraged), Amelia and her 65 year old mother with Alzheimers decide to take part. We follow not only their experience, but also the experience of several other pairs also deciding to "merge".
The content dives into themes of freedom and autonomy, while presenting a larger ethical debate - should human consciousness be altered in a lab? And if so, where do we draw the line?
Overall, while I was intrigued by the story, I found it slow and rather confusing at times. Maybe because the book is so morally heavy, it's meant to be drawn out at a more gradual pace. I can also understand that it's a difficult topic to digest. Additionally, the book itself is incredibly emotional and has some hard scenes to swallow. Regardless, if you like ominous Sci-Fi, I would say this is definitely a book for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mariner Books for an advanced copy of The Merge in exchange for my honest review!
In an alternate world where merging consciousness is considered normal (and actually encouraged), Amelia and her 65 year old mother with Alzheimers decide to take part. We follow not only their experience, but also the experience of several other pairs also deciding to "merge".
The content dives into themes of freedom and autonomy, while presenting a larger ethical debate - should human consciousness be altered in a lab? And if so, where do we draw the line?
Overall, while I was intrigued by the story, I found it slow and rather confusing at times. Maybe because the book is so morally heavy, it's meant to be drawn out at a more gradual pace. I can also understand that it's a difficult topic to digest. Additionally, the book itself is incredibly emotional and has some hard scenes to swallow. Regardless, if you like ominous Sci-Fi, I would say this is definitely a book for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mariner Books for an advanced copy of The Merge in exchange for my honest review!
October 13, 2025
The idea of the merge is terrifying and I loved how this book brought such a unique idea to an otherwise simple dystopian world. Merging is combining two separate people’s consciousness into a single body to reduce the physical population. This process touts many societal, financial, and health benefits. This book did a good job of presenting this idea as a benefit while slowly delving into the scarier aspects of what the concept means for consent, individualism, and overall personal freedom. I actually appreciated the lack of over scientific explanation behind the process as it didn’t feel needed and would shave significantly slowed the book.
While the idea was unique and terrifying, I would have liked more horror/sci-fi elements or something additional of interest as I found myself getting bored of the same concept.
The ending was well thought out and interesting, although quite sad. The whole book kind of felt like a Black Mirror episode.
Thank you NetGalley and Mariner Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
While the idea was unique and terrifying, I would have liked more horror/sci-fi elements or something additional of interest as I found myself getting bored of the same concept.
The ending was well thought out and interesting, although quite sad. The whole book kind of felt like a Black Mirror episode.
Thank you NetGalley and Mariner Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
September 2, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and Mariner Books for the e-ARC.
The Merge is a vastly interesting story about a world devastated by climate change and extreme overpopulation. -- a mysterious company called Combine has discovered a way to save the world. The Merge. The Merge takes two people and turns them into one -- one person gives up their body and "jumps" into another person that they're compatible with. For instance, our main character, Amelia, wants to merge with her mother so her mother won't suffer from Alzheimer's anymore. Another set of characters wants to merge to cure their cancer. Another because they're pregnant.
We watch as Amelia and her mother learn more and more about the process, and what to expect from their merge. We find out very little about Combine, and the little we do find out is not exactly good. Does the Merge work? What does it entail? What happens to those it doesn't work on?
I really enjoyed this book, right up until the very end. I was desperately looking for more answers. What was that ending? Where is the rest of it? Is this going to be a series? Is there a sequel? The end of The Merge feels like there needs to be at least another chapter or two, if not another book. It just abruptly ends, with VERY little closure. I need more from this world. I want so, so much more.
The Merge is well written, well thought out, and very much anxiety inducing. Which I assume is the point, seeing as this is a horror novel. You feel the anxiety creeping up, and up, and up as the book goes on. You can sense something is wrong, but you're not exactly sure what it is that's off.
Three stars, simply because of the ending. If it had ended with proper closure, this would have been SO SO SO good. Instead, it's merely okay.
The Merge is a vastly interesting story about a world devastated by climate change and extreme overpopulation. -- a mysterious company called Combine has discovered a way to save the world. The Merge. The Merge takes two people and turns them into one -- one person gives up their body and "jumps" into another person that they're compatible with. For instance, our main character, Amelia, wants to merge with her mother so her mother won't suffer from Alzheimer's anymore. Another set of characters wants to merge to cure their cancer. Another because they're pregnant.
We watch as Amelia and her mother learn more and more about the process, and what to expect from their merge. We find out very little about Combine, and the little we do find out is not exactly good. Does the Merge work? What does it entail? What happens to those it doesn't work on?
I really enjoyed this book, right up until the very end. I was desperately looking for more answers. What was that ending? Where is the rest of it? Is this going to be a series? Is there a sequel? The end of The Merge feels like there needs to be at least another chapter or two, if not another book. It just abruptly ends, with VERY little closure. I need more from this world. I want so, so much more.
The Merge is well written, well thought out, and very much anxiety inducing. Which I assume is the point, seeing as this is a horror novel. You feel the anxiety creeping up, and up, and up as the book goes on. You can sense something is wrong, but you're not exactly sure what it is that's off.
Three stars, simply because of the ending. If it had ended with proper closure, this would have been SO SO SO good. Instead, it's merely okay.
August 10, 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.
August 8, 2025
I absolutely devoured this one, and it’s definitely a contender for my book of the year.
As a lover of dystopian & speculative fiction, this book had me gripped the entire way through. Every time I thought I knew where it was going, it completely surprised me in the best possible way.
If you love Black Mirror and Severance, this is the book for you. The writing was incredible, the characters were well-developed, and the pacing was spot on!
In classic dystopian fashion, it also felt very close to what our reality could very easily be. Terrifying!
Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC! I’m excited for this one!
As a lover of dystopian & speculative fiction, this book had me gripped the entire way through. Every time I thought I knew where it was going, it completely surprised me in the best possible way.
If you love Black Mirror and Severance, this is the book for you. The writing was incredible, the characters were well-developed, and the pacing was spot on!
In classic dystopian fashion, it also felt very close to what our reality could very easily be. Terrifying!
Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC! I’m excited for this one!
August 4, 2025
What a brilliant book! Grace writes with such empathy for her characters making the world around them all the more disturbing. loved it.
July 26, 2025
A thrilling couldn’t put down read that follows an unsettling premise of merging consciousness into one.
Sci/fi meets eco contemporary fiction in a dystopia where freedom and collective responsibility is questioned.
This book is so compelling, well written, and fascinating as we journey through the family drama and love, loss, and how to preserve what matters to you.
Sci/fi meets eco contemporary fiction in a dystopia where freedom and collective responsibility is questioned.
This book is so compelling, well written, and fascinating as we journey through the family drama and love, loss, and how to preserve what matters to you.
July 28, 2025
Happy I got the ARC for this! I was so pleasantly surprised by this. Things really picked up in the last 35ish percent — I will say, I felt a little dissatisfied by the very very end, but I still enjoyed it. Such a unique concept and enjoyable read.
July 23, 2025
Received an ARC of this masterpiece and WOW. I loved it. Amazing debut! Hope to see more from this author!
September 9, 2025
3.25 🌟
I picked up The Merge by Grace Walker because the concept and cover totally caught my eye and honestly, the suspense did not disappoint! The story kept me on edge with all these shocks and eerie moments, and once things started happening, it was kinda hard to put it down. Laurie’s POV at the beginning of the book was really interesting and lowkey gave like an unreliable narrator vibe, but I actually found myself more invested in some of the side characters’ stories than the main plot because they felt way higher stakes while our Laurie-Amelia (wink) POV's felt more safe. I understand why, but I just felt more drawn towards the other people in the group
That said, the first half of the book dragged a little and kinda had some pacing issues leading up to the second part, the second part was super good and kept my attention, and the ending left me wanting more. The big reveal about the merging process didn’t come until almost the very end, and the resolution felt really abrupt and then the story was over, which was a bummer. It got super super exciting, and then the rug gets pulled out from under you with the acknowledgements page. If this was a series I would not have minded, but knowing that I never truly get to know how the book ends lowkeys haunts me..
The writing was solid for a debut, and the story is exciting, unique, and totally immersive. When this author comes out with something in the future, I would definitely be interested in picking it up and seeing how their writing voice matures, especially if she does another dystopian twisty book like this
If you’re into suspenseful, dystopian reads with a twist, this one’s definitely worth checking out!
I picked up The Merge by Grace Walker because the concept and cover totally caught my eye and honestly, the suspense did not disappoint! The story kept me on edge with all these shocks and eerie moments, and once things started happening, it was kinda hard to put it down. Laurie’s POV at the beginning of the book was really interesting and lowkey gave like an unreliable narrator vibe, but I actually found myself more invested in some of the side characters’ stories than the main plot because they felt way higher stakes while our Laurie-Amelia (wink) POV's felt more safe. I understand why, but I just felt more drawn towards the other people in the group
That said, the first half of the book dragged a little and kinda had some pacing issues leading up to the second part, the second part was super good and kept my attention, and the ending left me wanting more. The big reveal about the merging process didn’t come until almost the very end, and the resolution felt really abrupt and then the story was over, which was a bummer. It got super super exciting, and then the rug gets pulled out from under you with the acknowledgements page. If this was a series I would not have minded, but knowing that I never truly get to know how the book ends lowkeys haunts me..
The writing was solid for a debut, and the story is exciting, unique, and totally immersive. When this author comes out with something in the future, I would definitely be interested in picking it up and seeing how their writing voice matures, especially if she does another dystopian twisty book like this
If you’re into suspenseful, dystopian reads with a twist, this one’s definitely worth checking out!
September 14, 2025
✅ For Fans of:
- dystopian future
- science fiction
- moral issues
- family drama
- Alzheimer’s
- activism
✏️ Spoiler-Free ARC Review
5.0 True Rating
FIVE OUT OF FREAKIN FIVE STARS
Maybe my favorite book I’ve read all year??? I am literally going to buy all my friends copies of this book because I need them to know what I’m feeling in this moment as I finish the book but also I want to discuss EVERYTHING because this book??? THIS BOOK!!!!
Wild ride.
Immediately, by page 1, everyone is sus. We’re presented with 4 pairs that will be undergoing “The Merge”—a process in which two people’s consciousness are merged into one of their bodies. So, of course everyone is suspicious. Why choose this process? What are the effects of this process?
BUT THATS ONLY HALF OF THE BOOK because the second half? Even sketchier as the main character continues to ask questions and learn more about the merge process.
🖤 Thank you to author Grace Walker, publisher Harper Collins, and NetGalleyfor the digital advanced reader copy. As always, my reviews are honest, my own, and voluntary.
- dystopian future
- science fiction
- moral issues
- family drama
- Alzheimer’s
- activism
✏️ Spoiler-Free ARC Review
5.0 True Rating
FIVE OUT OF FREAKIN FIVE STARS
Maybe my favorite book I’ve read all year??? I am literally going to buy all my friends copies of this book because I need them to know what I’m feeling in this moment as I finish the book but also I want to discuss EVERYTHING because this book??? THIS BOOK!!!!
Wild ride.
Immediately, by page 1, everyone is sus. We’re presented with 4 pairs that will be undergoing “The Merge”—a process in which two people’s consciousness are merged into one of their bodies. So, of course everyone is suspicious. Why choose this process? What are the effects of this process?
BUT THATS ONLY HALF OF THE BOOK because the second half? Even sketchier as the main character continues to ask questions and learn more about the merge process.
🖤 Thank you to author Grace Walker, publisher Harper Collins, and NetGalleyfor the digital advanced reader copy. As always, my reviews are honest, my own, and voluntary.
July 16, 2025
This story is wild! Presented with the opportunity to take part in an experimental procedure to cure Laurie of Alzheimers, Amelia signs her and her mother up to merge their two consciousnesses into one body. Theirs is a journey of learning to cope with a devastating illness and navigating the moral implications of their decision to merge. I thoroughly enjoyed the thought provoking theme of perceived freedoms and what it means to be conditioned to conformity by a controlling regime. I felt the overall flow of the book was consistent if otherwise slow at times. The ending made me audibly gasp, and I would read this again.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the ARC.
October 16, 2025
The Merge is a compelling and chilling examination of state control and the future of a society plagued by over population under the looming backdrop of climate change. Walker examines the frightening possibility of the future through the relationship of a mother and daughter facing the reality of Alzheimer's. Walker is a bright, incisive new voice in contemporary fiction - a writer to make you think and make you feel and this is a debut that will stay with you long after you've finished.
October 19, 2025
This book blew my expectations out of the water and I can’t stop thinking about it. Imagine you merge with another person and have to live as one, this concept kept my brain churning the entire novel. I highly recommend to all but especially those who like to read dystopian fiction. I really hope this book blows up!
Thank you NetGalley and Mariner Books for the arc! Arc provided in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Mariner Books for the arc! Arc provided in exchange for an honest review.
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