What do you think?
Rate this book
Enhanced #1
Enhanced
A gripping and thought-provoking dystopian thriller that blends intrigue, rebellion, and emotional depth into an instant YA classic. Perfect for fans of Divergent, Legend, Suzanne Collins, and Scott Westerfeld.
When THEA turns seventeen, she’s accepted into The Elite society of New America and given her dose of the Elixir—a substance that promises to eradicate all negative aspects of ‘mental illness’ and enhance natural abilities. With the Elixir declaring one’s place in society, Thea is astounded when she is declared not one, but two roles—a Moodist and an Analyst.
With her newfound skills, Thea is determined to use them to help others. After throwing herself into her studies and befriending the intelligent Seer HARLEY, Thea uncovers a web of lies and deceit surrounding the distribution of the Elixir.
As more and more horrendous truths surrounding the government and the Elixir are unearthed, Thea abandons everything she used to believe in and joins an underground rebellion known as the Disorder.
Bonding with the insurgent ELIAS, they make it their mission to find out why the Elixir is being held back from those who need it most. To take down the corrupt agenda of New America’s governing body, Thea will have to face the mysterious scientific Order of Alchemists and someone closer to her than she could imagine.
When THEA turns seventeen, she’s accepted into The Elite society of New America and given her dose of the Elixir—a substance that promises to eradicate all negative aspects of ‘mental illness’ and enhance natural abilities. With the Elixir declaring one’s place in society, Thea is astounded when she is declared not one, but two roles—a Moodist and an Analyst.
With her newfound skills, Thea is determined to use them to help others. After throwing herself into her studies and befriending the intelligent Seer HARLEY, Thea uncovers a web of lies and deceit surrounding the distribution of the Elixir.
As more and more horrendous truths surrounding the government and the Elixir are unearthed, Thea abandons everything she used to believe in and joins an underground rebellion known as the Disorder.
Bonding with the insurgent ELIAS, they make it their mission to find out why the Elixir is being held back from those who need it most. To take down the corrupt agenda of New America’s governing body, Thea will have to face the mysterious scientific Order of Alchemists and someone closer to her than she could imagine.
- GenresYoung AdultDystopia
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 11, 2025
1 person is currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Caroline J. Trussell
2 books16 followersCaroline J. Trussell is an independently published author and has served in a number of editorial roles throughout her career. She was previously a contributing writer for Her Campus and Folio Weekly. Caroline graduated from the University of Central Florida with a major in Writing and Rhetoric and also attended the prestigious Columbia Publishing Course in 2021. Her speculative fiction fantasy novel, ENHANCED, is out now with Fire & Ice YA Books. She is a queer, neurodivergent, disabled writer specializing in thriller, horror, and fantasy, and is a mental health and chronic illness warrior. She hopes to inspire others through discussing these topics in her work.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 16, 2025
Enhanced follows Thea as she’s accepted into the Elite society after being given the Elixir, a treatment that eradicates all negative aspects of mental illnesses and enhances those abilities into something good. Thea is declared a Moodist and an Analyst—an very uncommon occurrence. As she settles into her new skills and life, she befriends a seer named Harley and uncovers secrets and deceit surrounding the Elixir. With the help of Harley and Elias, a mysterious boy who gives her butterflies, they work to take down the corruption and expose the lies.
I’ve read so many dystopians over the years and it brings me so much joy when an author can create such a new, unique concept that is fascinating and thoroughly gripping. I loved the mental illness conversations and how the elixir works to remove the bad parts and enhance the good. And that the people experience the bad until they’re seventeen. There were so many relatable moments and feelings and if you struggle with any mental illness you’ll definitely feel seen. There were really great conversations and themes and this is just such a special book. It’s so moving and easy to fly through. I can’t wait for the sequel!!
The characters were all so great! Thea was such a joy to read about. She has such heart and care for those around her and she’s so strong. Her interest in Harley and Elias was so well done and I was rooting for both of them! But I really enjoy where the author steered the ship!! They were both so mysterious and sweet and cared so much for Thea it was great. I also loved her relationship with her brother. It’s always nice when there’s a supportive group of characters that are so loveable.
If you love dystopians and books that discuss mental illness with amazing characters, I’d highly recommend this book!
I’ve read so many dystopians over the years and it brings me so much joy when an author can create such a new, unique concept that is fascinating and thoroughly gripping. I loved the mental illness conversations and how the elixir works to remove the bad parts and enhance the good. And that the people experience the bad until they’re seventeen. There were so many relatable moments and feelings and if you struggle with any mental illness you’ll definitely feel seen. There were really great conversations and themes and this is just such a special book. It’s so moving and easy to fly through. I can’t wait for the sequel!!
The characters were all so great! Thea was such a joy to read about. She has such heart and care for those around her and she’s so strong. Her interest in Harley and Elias was so well done and I was rooting for both of them! But I really enjoy where the author steered the ship!! They were both so mysterious and sweet and cared so much for Thea it was great. I also loved her relationship with her brother. It’s always nice when there’s a supportive group of characters that are so loveable.
If you love dystopians and books that discuss mental illness with amazing characters, I’d highly recommend this book!
August 30, 2025
LOVE!!
This book gave me all the good feels that I love about a YA dystopian novel! Think Uglies meets Divergent except it’s about mental health! I’m obsessed. I love the anxiety and OCD representation and I don’t want to give anything away but the story is super thought provoking and makes you wonder what would happen to society if this was real. Can’t wait for the next one!!
This book gave me all the good feels that I love about a YA dystopian novel! Think Uglies meets Divergent except it’s about mental health! I’m obsessed. I love the anxiety and OCD representation and I don’t want to give anything away but the story is super thought provoking and makes you wonder what would happen to society if this was real. Can’t wait for the next one!!
August 12, 2025
I love that this book turns mental health issues on its head. It both celebrates how mental health issues can be strengths while not shying away from the struggles they bring. The plot is compelling and the characters are very real feeling. It started a little slow, but the further I got into it, the harder it became to put down.
July 28, 2025
Powerful, poetic, profound—Caroline Trussell’s words sink their claws into your heart and refuse to let it go, even after the final page has been turned.
Set in a dystopian future where mental illnesses have been all but eradicated thanks to a powerful Elixir given to initiates on their seventeenth birthday, Enhanced follows the journey of Thea, a quirky, anxious teen whose range of diagnoses perplex even the most well-trained doctors. For Thea, obtaining relief from her crippling panic attacks and using the Elixir’s gifts to help others is all she’s ever dreamed about since she was young. Days before she’s due to receive it, a strange boy from an Elite family warns Thea that the Elixir isn’t all that it seems, and she starts to wonder what other secrets her society may be hiding. Thrust into a world of vast conspiracy where not even her own family can claim innocence, Thea must decide what her role will be as a growing insurgency beckons her to join and a mysterious prophecy foretells of her hand in reshaping society as she knows it.
Twisty, magnetic, and deeply moving, Enhanced offers a welcome commentary on how we treat those with mental disabilities, daring readers to reframe their thinking and open up to the possibility that in their diagnoses lies untapped potential for greatness.
Perfect for fans of Suzanne Collins and Scott Westerfeld.
Set in a dystopian future where mental illnesses have been all but eradicated thanks to a powerful Elixir given to initiates on their seventeenth birthday, Enhanced follows the journey of Thea, a quirky, anxious teen whose range of diagnoses perplex even the most well-trained doctors. For Thea, obtaining relief from her crippling panic attacks and using the Elixir’s gifts to help others is all she’s ever dreamed about since she was young. Days before she’s due to receive it, a strange boy from an Elite family warns Thea that the Elixir isn’t all that it seems, and she starts to wonder what other secrets her society may be hiding. Thrust into a world of vast conspiracy where not even her own family can claim innocence, Thea must decide what her role will be as a growing insurgency beckons her to join and a mysterious prophecy foretells of her hand in reshaping society as she knows it.
Twisty, magnetic, and deeply moving, Enhanced offers a welcome commentary on how we treat those with mental disabilities, daring readers to reframe their thinking and open up to the possibility that in their diagnoses lies untapped potential for greatness.
Perfect for fans of Suzanne Collins and Scott Westerfeld.
July 26, 2025
I am the author of this book lol :)
December 30, 2025
A combination of divergent and the uglies as well as having a similar feel to it as the maze runner and the hunger games, enhanced had me gripped in a vice and didn't let go until the very end of the story.
In the story, the main character of Thea Velos (the daughter of a high class founder family) within their society finds herself embroiled within a deep, dark conspiracy to deprive the vast population of a serum known as "The Elixir"- a liquid substance which ceases the negative aspects of each individuals mental illness and enhances the good qualities of each illness as a whole. This action, in turn, would then result in the termination of the lives of these deprived of the serum culling the population within the society.
Thea, along with a group of her friends as well as her father and brother (and after a face to face confrontation and discussion) with her mother (being a highly regarded individual within the government echelons) all take a stand against the tyranny and corruption and are then transported to the area where the Prime Minister resides in order to be recruited and trained towards making the elixir available to everyone (not just those individuals deemed worthy of it). However, not everyone is rescued in time and one person is left to take the fall and meet the wrath of the evil government.
I really enjoyed this story especially the twists throughout the plotline along with the jaw dropping revelation at the end making a nice opening for a continuum within the series.
Thankyou to Net galley, Fire and Ice Young Adult Books and the author Caroline J. Trussell for an arc of this amazing book!
In the story, the main character of Thea Velos (the daughter of a high class founder family) within their society finds herself embroiled within a deep, dark conspiracy to deprive the vast population of a serum known as "The Elixir"- a liquid substance which ceases the negative aspects of each individuals mental illness and enhances the good qualities of each illness as a whole. This action, in turn, would then result in the termination of the lives of these deprived of the serum culling the population within the society.
Thea, along with a group of her friends as well as her father and brother (and after a face to face confrontation and discussion) with her mother (being a highly regarded individual within the government echelons) all take a stand against the tyranny and corruption and are then transported to the area where the Prime Minister resides in order to be recruited and trained towards making the elixir available to everyone (not just those individuals deemed worthy of it). However, not everyone is rescued in time and one person is left to take the fall and meet the wrath of the evil government.
I really enjoyed this story especially the twists throughout the plotline along with the jaw dropping revelation at the end making a nice opening for a continuum within the series.
Thankyou to Net galley, Fire and Ice Young Adult Books and the author Caroline J. Trussell for an arc of this amazing book!
October 10, 2025
Enhanced by Caroline J. Trussell is a YA read about Thea who has just turned 17 and is accepted into Elite Society of New America. She is given an exlir that will make sure that she has no mental illnesses and is given two very special roles, Moodist and Analyst. This is an uncommon thing to happen, most people only get one role. Enhanced is a great fantasy read about a dystopian world where the government provides an elixir to the chosen for them to have an amazing life with a chosen profession. Only Thea doesn't take her role and makes herself a new role where she can help others. And she also meets Harley a seer who knows the future and also can see what is happening with the elixir which is something sinister. The writing in this story is engaging and the fact that there is a future where all mental illnesses are gone is an amazing plot point. The characters are relatable to the readers and well crafted , we can not help but love the relationship that Thea has with her brother and the connection that they share. I loved my older brother and shared a connection with him that I do not with my other brother, so I relate to Thea on that. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
August 17, 2025
This book is a compelling story with a message that will resonate with audiences, leave you thinking, and touch your heart. As an avid dystopian fan, I was so excited to read this book and it did not disappoint.
If you like stories with a strong FMC uncovering secrets a corrupt government wants hidden (and a good love triangle), Enhanced is for you!
If you like stories with a strong FMC uncovering secrets a corrupt government wants hidden (and a good love triangle), Enhanced is for you!
September 8, 2025
Enhanced had me on the edge of my seat, especially the second half. It was full of adventure, romance, and friendship in a dystopian setting. Thea is such a strong protagonist and her mental health journey is portrayed in a realistic way that is relatable, and also inspiring. Caroline J. Trussell created the perfect story of a group set on bringing to light the government corruption going on around them. I’m (not so patiently) waiting for the sequel to see what happens next!
August 11, 2025
I so enjoyed ENHANCED! Dystopian is one of my favourite genres, so I felt at home in the world Trussell has created. The worldbuilding was rounded out and believable, and I rooted from the characters from the out. With themes of mental health, (which is close to my heart), this was an unique take on how a dystopian society would deal with the issue and all but eradicate it.
While having familiar dystopian undertones, it was such a well-executed concept. Mental health is so important and I could empathise with the struggles the characters faced, and the innate desire to do something about it. The main characters, especially, were relatable and I liked them. I found myself invested in the burgeoning romance, and loved the refreshing take on it - one that was resolved in a satisfactory way for me.
The ebb and flow of events made me keep turning the page and had me on the edge of my seat: eager to see what happened... but not wanting it to finish either!
I would recommend this to fans of Divergent, Maze Runner, Hunger Games, The Diseased Ones, and The Shatter Me Series.
Looking forward to reading more from Trussell in the future.
While having familiar dystopian undertones, it was such a well-executed concept. Mental health is so important and I could empathise with the struggles the characters faced, and the innate desire to do something about it. The main characters, especially, were relatable and I liked them. I found myself invested in the burgeoning romance, and loved the refreshing take on it - one that was resolved in a satisfactory way for me.
The ebb and flow of events made me keep turning the page and had me on the edge of my seat: eager to see what happened... but not wanting it to finish either!
I would recommend this to fans of Divergent, Maze Runner, Hunger Games, The Diseased Ones, and The Shatter Me Series.
Looking forward to reading more from Trussell in the future.
August 31, 2025
Perfect for Suzanne Collins Fans
ENHANCED is the perfect dystopian adventure for any lover of near future societies with less-than-savory secrets, such as The Hunger Games, The Uglies, Divergent, and Delirium.
ENHANCED has the perfect mix of intrigue and wittiness while still delivering on very timely themes of mental health and right-vs-wrong. As someone that deals with severe anxiety and OCD, I found this story very relatable. It helps give us a voice in a very special way. The main character’s journey in developing her special abilities is incredibly exciting…but I won’t give anything away! Just read it!
This is an exciting novel and I look forward to more stories from this universe!
ENHANCED is the perfect dystopian adventure for any lover of near future societies with less-than-savory secrets, such as The Hunger Games, The Uglies, Divergent, and Delirium.
ENHANCED has the perfect mix of intrigue and wittiness while still delivering on very timely themes of mental health and right-vs-wrong. As someone that deals with severe anxiety and OCD, I found this story very relatable. It helps give us a voice in a very special way. The main character’s journey in developing her special abilities is incredibly exciting…but I won’t give anything away! Just read it!
This is an exciting novel and I look forward to more stories from this universe!
September 1, 2025
"Why does our pain make us special, and why do we have to endure so much to prove our worth to society?"
Caroline does it again with another book perfect for the New Adult genre, exploring themes of mental health and identity through a harrowing dystopian setting and multifaceted characters. She brought the timely messages of THE HUNGER GAMES and DIVERGENT back into the spotlight, but with a flair and nuance unique to her own voice.
I sincerely enjoyed ENHANCED. Thea was such a complex character, and it was both her strength and fears that made her come alive off the page. I cannot wait to see what stories Caroline releases next.
Caroline does it again with another book perfect for the New Adult genre, exploring themes of mental health and identity through a harrowing dystopian setting and multifaceted characters. She brought the timely messages of THE HUNGER GAMES and DIVERGENT back into the spotlight, but with a flair and nuance unique to her own voice.
I sincerely enjoyed ENHANCED. Thea was such a complex character, and it was both her strength and fears that made her come alive off the page. I cannot wait to see what stories Caroline releases next.
August 27, 2025
I was immediately drawn into ENHANCED as a positive story about mental health as I also share an interest in the subject myself. The characters were well-crafted, the main protagonist, Thea, in particular was a character that grew in strength and relatability throughout the story. I enjoyed the twist of romance. The plot kept me guessing right up to the end as old and new world problems collided, giving the readers plenty to think about. Highly recommended read.
October 5, 2025
This novel needs to be in every high school library, front row and center. It is so important to discuss mental health with students and the youth, and to make it accessible in that environment would be priceless for them! I loved the dystopian fictional world and Thea is such a strong rebellious character. I loved this one so much! The writing is page turn worthy, can’t wait to read more by this author!
August 20, 2025
I enjoyed this dystopia set in a future that doesn't seem too far away. The disability and ND twist on superpowers was different and interesting. The book built mystery and dissonance from the first chapter.
August 26, 2025
This book had me HOOKED from the very first page and then it just kept getting better. So many twists and turns I didn’t see coming. Thea is such a relatable character and I was so sad when I got to the last page. I need more of this world NOW!!!
July 26, 2025
I am the author of this book lol :)
July 26, 2025
Enhanced by Caroline J. Trussell is an exciting and fast-paced dystopian debut, perfect for fans of Divergent and I Am Number Four. Well-written and with vivid world building—like New America and New Canada—ENHANCED is an instant classic for young adult fans. The sci-elements of the Elixir and Order of Alchemists were unique, expertly crafted, and engaging.
Thea Veros is a strong, capable protagonist, and her relationship with Elias is steamy and wholesome. I was rooting for her and the rebellion the whole time. As someone with mental illness, it was great to see that representation, and this book touches on a lot of important themes like inner strength, power, and what it’s like to be different in society.
5/5 stars for ENHANCED! I can’t wait to read more from this author and explore this new world again!
Some of my favorite quotes:
“I’m Thea Veros. I’m a lot of things.
Tonight, I’m going to be fearless.”
“But we can help those in need. And we are going to help so, so many people, save so many
lives. Every pain, every scar, every tear has led us here.”
“Theodora, people will be expecting a lot out of you,” my mom finally speaks.
“So let them,” I reply.
Thea Veros is a strong, capable protagonist, and her relationship with Elias is steamy and wholesome. I was rooting for her and the rebellion the whole time. As someone with mental illness, it was great to see that representation, and this book touches on a lot of important themes like inner strength, power, and what it’s like to be different in society.
5/5 stars for ENHANCED! I can’t wait to read more from this author and explore this new world again!
Some of my favorite quotes:
“I’m Thea Veros. I’m a lot of things.
Tonight, I’m going to be fearless.”
“But we can help those in need. And we are going to help so, so many people, save so many
lives. Every pain, every scar, every tear has led us here.”
“Theodora, people will be expecting a lot out of you,” my mom finally speaks.
“So let them,” I reply.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2025
Enhanced harkens back to the YA dystopian stories I fell in love with back in the early 2010s, but places its own unique spin on the genre with a focus on mental health that's so necessary in this day and age. If you're ready to go on an adventure reminiscent to the early 2010s dystopian era, but with a fresh, modern take, Enhanced might be perfect for you.
I had the pleasure of getting to beta read Enhanced prior to its publication and I could not be more proud of how this story turned out. I'm so excited to see where it's sequel goes!
I had the pleasure of getting to beta read Enhanced prior to its publication and I could not be more proud of how this story turned out. I'm so excited to see where it's sequel goes!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews