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Conform #0
Beneath
Not yet published
Expected 24 Mar 26Win a free print copy of this book!
2 days and 09:00:42
50 copies available
U.S. only
Hundreds of years before the Illum ruled supreme, humanity risked everything to rebuild after a devastating war in this explosive dystopian romance and prequel to Conform.
Twenty-three-year-old Sasha Cadell knows time is running out in the underground city, filled with survivors of the nuclear fallout six years ago. She works in the Expansion Sector, trying to escape the memories of those she lost. Her bleak existence is upended when Tristian Hayes, a stunningly handsome, frustratingly determined commander of the Force, recruits her to join him and his elite team of soldiers as they embark on a secret mission to the surface.
Sasha is thrust into brutal training with stakes far beyond mere survival. The fate of the remaining humankind depends on their success—or failure. As she confronts her own demons, Sasha finds both allies and foes in the training program, as well as a sizzling attraction between her and Tristian that threatens the walls she’s built around her heart.
But under the surface, secrets and deception run as rampant as illnesses. And not everyone will survive the rise of a power more terrifying than anything they’ve ever known.
Twenty-three-year-old Sasha Cadell knows time is running out in the underground city, filled with survivors of the nuclear fallout six years ago. She works in the Expansion Sector, trying to escape the memories of those she lost. Her bleak existence is upended when Tristian Hayes, a stunningly handsome, frustratingly determined commander of the Force, recruits her to join him and his elite team of soldiers as they embark on a secret mission to the surface.
Sasha is thrust into brutal training with stakes far beyond mere survival. The fate of the remaining humankind depends on their success—or failure. As she confronts her own demons, Sasha finds both allies and foes in the training program, as well as a sizzling attraction between her and Tristian that threatens the walls she’s built around her heart.
But under the surface, secrets and deception run as rampant as illnesses. And not everyone will survive the rise of a power more terrifying than anything they’ve ever known.
464 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication March 24, 2026
20716 people want to read
About the author
Ariel Sullivan
4 books773 followersAriel Sullivan lives in Connecticut with her husband and two sons, as well as their two French bulldogs. Growing up a military brat, Ariel moved every two years and was a perpetual new kid; she often observed from the outskirts, where a deep love of reading was born.
When she isn’t writing, Ariel loves to read everything from poetry to psychology, bake with her sons, listen to live music and travel.
When she isn’t writing, Ariel loves to read everything from poetry to psychology, bake with her sons, listen to live music and travel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
October 9, 2025
4⭐️
After reading Conform and really enjoying it I was very excited to read Beneath. I loved hearing more about the history of the environment in Conform, as it was such a cool and unique setup. Its so nice to finally have a good dystopian romance, as so many books say that they are dystopian but aren’t. Beneath/Conform definitely are true dystopian books, and the world is so fleshed out and you can really tell the author spent a lot of time putting history and background into where the world is now.
I loved Sasha and was rooting for her the whole time, even when she had a hard time doing so herself. This book definitely kept me intrigued and reading the whole time and I would love to hear more of Sasha’s story in future books. Though this is a prequel, I personally think to understand what’s happening and where it’s going it makes a lot of sense to read Conform first, but that’s definitely my biased opinion since I read the Conform eARC before Beneath. I do really love Ariel Sullivan’s writing though, and for her first debut books she has done a phenomenal job. I’ll be looking forward to reading more in this world, and anything else Ariel Sullivan writes.
Thank you to Ballentine and NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
After reading Conform and really enjoying it I was very excited to read Beneath. I loved hearing more about the history of the environment in Conform, as it was such a cool and unique setup. Its so nice to finally have a good dystopian romance, as so many books say that they are dystopian but aren’t. Beneath/Conform definitely are true dystopian books, and the world is so fleshed out and you can really tell the author spent a lot of time putting history and background into where the world is now.
I loved Sasha and was rooting for her the whole time, even when she had a hard time doing so herself. This book definitely kept me intrigued and reading the whole time and I would love to hear more of Sasha’s story in future books. Though this is a prequel, I personally think to understand what’s happening and where it’s going it makes a lot of sense to read Conform first, but that’s definitely my biased opinion since I read the Conform eARC before Beneath. I do really love Ariel Sullivan’s writing though, and for her first debut books she has done a phenomenal job. I’ll be looking forward to reading more in this world, and anything else Ariel Sullivan writes.
Thank you to Ballentine and NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
October 22, 2025
Beneath is just as special as Conform! Ariel Sullivan does a beautiful job of world building, and creates characters that are dynamic and emotional. You are sucked in to their grief and inspired by the hope they somehow maintain. It started a little slow, with Sasha’s constant indecision, but ultimately it felt plausible when the stakes were high and her history was so heavy. I was constantly looking for threads to see how this ties into the future where it meets Conform and that cast of characters. Cannot wait for more from this series, and for more people to read and chat about it!
November 24, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley & Ballentine Books for the Arc for my honest review.
This book is a prequel to "Conform", a whole different story and all new characters. I ate this book up, i did not want to put it down. I dont know what Ariel does with her writing but it completly sucks you in. I just loved Sasha and all the barriers she was trying to overcome with her past. There is romance and a Found Family and every side character was perfect (although i have a soft spot for levi)
If Ariel Sullivan writes it, Im going to devour it. I cannot wait for more to both series.
synopsis: Hundreds of years before the Illum ruled supreme, humanity risked everything to rebuild after a devastating war in this explosive dystopian romance and prequel to Conform.
Twenty-three-year-old Sasha Cadell knows time is running out in the underground city, filled with survivors of the nuclear fallout six years ago. She works in the Expansion Sector, trying to escape the memories of those she lost. Her bleak existence is upended when Tristian Hayes, a stunningly handsome, frustratingly determined commander of the Force, recruits her to join him and his elite team of soldiers as they embark on a secret mission to the surface.
Sasha is thrust into brutal training with stakes far beyond mere survival. The fate of the remaining humankind depends on their success—or failure. As she confronts her own demons, Sasha finds both allies and foes in the training program, as well as a sizzling attraction between her and Tristian that threatens the walls she’s built around her heart.
But under the surface, secrets and deception run as rampant as illnesses. And not everyone will survive the rise of a power more terrifying than anything they’ve ever known.
This book is a prequel to "Conform", a whole different story and all new characters. I ate this book up, i did not want to put it down. I dont know what Ariel does with her writing but it completly sucks you in. I just loved Sasha and all the barriers she was trying to overcome with her past. There is romance and a Found Family and every side character was perfect (although i have a soft spot for levi)
If Ariel Sullivan writes it, Im going to devour it. I cannot wait for more to both series.
synopsis: Hundreds of years before the Illum ruled supreme, humanity risked everything to rebuild after a devastating war in this explosive dystopian romance and prequel to Conform.
Twenty-three-year-old Sasha Cadell knows time is running out in the underground city, filled with survivors of the nuclear fallout six years ago. She works in the Expansion Sector, trying to escape the memories of those she lost. Her bleak existence is upended when Tristian Hayes, a stunningly handsome, frustratingly determined commander of the Force, recruits her to join him and his elite team of soldiers as they embark on a secret mission to the surface.
Sasha is thrust into brutal training with stakes far beyond mere survival. The fate of the remaining humankind depends on their success—or failure. As she confronts her own demons, Sasha finds both allies and foes in the training program, as well as a sizzling attraction between her and Tristian that threatens the walls she’s built around her heart.
But under the surface, secrets and deception run as rampant as illnesses. And not everyone will survive the rise of a power more terrifying than anything they’ve ever known.
November 11, 2025
I’m lost in a radioactive wasteland, and my heart is in pieces, but I’ll risk exposure to stay in this world for as long as I live. 🥺
“𝙒𝙚𝙡𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙.”
𝕍𝕚𝕓𝕖𝕤: Fallout meets Divergent meets the 100
𝐓𝐋;𝐃𝐑 - The world was nuked and a broken girl with nothing left to live for, lives in a bunker full of shady individuals with sketchy motivations and nonexistent empathy, but she’s a badass called deaths angel who gives zero shits about the rules, so the fiercely protective commander hijacks her, forcing her to join his team to venture into the nuclear fallout above. 😮💨
☢️ 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿/𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘁
🐦🔥 𝗛𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁
☢️ 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘆
🐦🔥 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆
☢️ 𝗪𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲
🐦🔥 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲
☢️ 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴
🐦🔥 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹𝘆𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗰
☢️ 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀
🐦🔥 𝗣𝗹𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝘄𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀
☢️ 𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗹 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓵𝓭
Ariel managed to fit an entire world underground, but she didn’t stop there. It spreads outwards like roots, growing into something massive, magnificent. I could vividly envision the closed off spaces, the winding tunnels, the large training rooms, the living quarters. It felt small, but large at the same time. It set the mood perfectly. The dynamics between the factions were wonderfully done, and the health score was such an interesting way to sort people. It was the perfect nod to Conform and really helps build the overall world. The motives, the why; all of the pieces are falling into place.
“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙚,”
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓮
Tristian is the perfect man. 🥹 No notes. He’s fiercely loyal, protective, haunted, sexy, perfection. He falls first, and hard. And my girl Sasha does 𝘯𝘰𝘵 make it easy. But she has her reasons. She’s flawed in the way most MC’s aren’t brave enough to be. Strong, broken, and real. And them together? 𝙈𝙚𝙡𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩. They’re the strength each other needed, the safe place to call home. I wouldn’t call it a slow burn, but man if it doesn’t seem like it takes 𝒻𝑜𝓇𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 for them to get there.
“𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙚. 𝙄’𝙢 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙪𝙞𝙣𝙨. 𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙣 𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙚.”
^ I mean COME ON. 🥹
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼
Once again Ariel writes an entire cast of unique individuals that wrap you around their little fingers with ease. She’s the only author I write a side characters category for. Every single one of them is complex, with history and emotions unique to them. They are multifaceted and feel incredibly real. 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝗳 𝗔𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗹 𝘀𝗺𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗲𝗳𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲, 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴. Regardless of how they got there… 👀 I loved them with every beat of my heart. The found family in this, is one of the best I’ve ever seen. The camaraderie between them, the love… 😮💨 𝙏𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙣. 🤌🏼
“𝙒𝙚 𝙜𝙤 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙖𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙚.”
“𝙒𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙖𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙚.”
While this is the first of a prequel trilogy before Conform (please read btw, it’s EXCELLENT) it holds its own and could easily be read without ever moving past this trilogy. Although, that’s a horrible decision and I will judge you for it. 💁🏼♀️🫶🏼
𝗜 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱. 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗜’𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗲, 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘁, 𝗜 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁… 𝗜’𝗱 𝗱𝗶𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 😆
The cliffhanger is a doozy, so grab your PPE and wait for the end of the world with me, because we’ll be fighting for our lives until the next one releases.
🧗🏻♀️
𝙄 𝙨𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙙𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙩.
Thank you to Netgalley, and the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
“𝙒𝙚𝙡𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙.”
𝕍𝕚𝕓𝕖𝕤: Fallout meets Divergent meets the 100
𝐓𝐋;𝐃𝐑 - The world was nuked and a broken girl with nothing left to live for, lives in a bunker full of shady individuals with sketchy motivations and nonexistent empathy, but she’s a badass called deaths angel who gives zero shits about the rules, so the fiercely protective commander hijacks her, forcing her to join his team to venture into the nuclear fallout above. 😮💨
☢️ 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿/𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘁
🐦🔥 𝗛𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁
☢️ 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘆
🐦🔥 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆
☢️ 𝗪𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲
🐦🔥 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲
☢️ 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴
🐦🔥 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹𝘆𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗰
☢️ 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀
🐦🔥 𝗣𝗹𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝘄𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀
☢️ 𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗹 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓵𝓭
Ariel managed to fit an entire world underground, but she didn’t stop there. It spreads outwards like roots, growing into something massive, magnificent. I could vividly envision the closed off spaces, the winding tunnels, the large training rooms, the living quarters. It felt small, but large at the same time. It set the mood perfectly. The dynamics between the factions were wonderfully done, and the health score was such an interesting way to sort people. It was the perfect nod to Conform and really helps build the overall world. The motives, the why; all of the pieces are falling into place.
“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙚,”
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓮
Tristian is the perfect man. 🥹 No notes. He’s fiercely loyal, protective, haunted, sexy, perfection. He falls first, and hard. And my girl Sasha does 𝘯𝘰𝘵 make it easy. But she has her reasons. She’s flawed in the way most MC’s aren’t brave enough to be. Strong, broken, and real. And them together? 𝙈𝙚𝙡𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩. They’re the strength each other needed, the safe place to call home. I wouldn’t call it a slow burn, but man if it doesn’t seem like it takes 𝒻𝑜𝓇𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 for them to get there.
“𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙚. 𝙄’𝙢 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙪𝙞𝙣𝙨. 𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙣 𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙚.”
^ I mean COME ON. 🥹
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼
Once again Ariel writes an entire cast of unique individuals that wrap you around their little fingers with ease. She’s the only author I write a side characters category for. Every single one of them is complex, with history and emotions unique to them. They are multifaceted and feel incredibly real. 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝗳 𝗔𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗹 𝘀𝗺𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗲𝗳𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲, 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴. Regardless of how they got there… 👀 I loved them with every beat of my heart. The found family in this, is one of the best I’ve ever seen. The camaraderie between them, the love… 😮💨 𝙏𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙣. 🤌🏼
“𝙒𝙚 𝙜𝙤 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙖𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙚.”
“𝙒𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙖𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙚.”
While this is the first of a prequel trilogy before Conform (please read btw, it’s EXCELLENT) it holds its own and could easily be read without ever moving past this trilogy. Although, that’s a horrible decision and I will judge you for it. 💁🏼♀️🫶🏼
𝗜 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱. 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗜’𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗲, 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘁, 𝗜 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁… 𝗜’𝗱 𝗱𝗶𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 😆
The cliffhanger is a doozy, so grab your PPE and wait for the end of the world with me, because we’ll be fighting for our lives until the next one releases.
🧗🏻♀️
𝙄 𝙨𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙙𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙩.
Thank you to Netgalley, and the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 4, 2025
I was lucky enough to be an early reader of the first book in this series (Conform), and I was equally as lucky to get my hands on an early copy of Beneath! I wasn’t sure what to expect from a prequel, but I think this was even better than Conform!
This was a fast-paced dystopian adventure with so many heart-pounding moments. I stayed up late reading several nights in a row because I just couldn’t put it down! The world of Beneath is so intense and visceral and emotional. I loved the found family and the love story that develop against all odds. I can tell that there is so much ground work being laid for a truly epic series—I can’t wait for whatever book we get next in this universe!
5 ⭐️
1st person, single POV
Medium 🌶️
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Ballantine for gifting me a digital advance reader copy of this amazing book!
This was a fast-paced dystopian adventure with so many heart-pounding moments. I stayed up late reading several nights in a row because I just couldn’t put it down! The world of Beneath is so intense and visceral and emotional. I loved the found family and the love story that develop against all odds. I can tell that there is so much ground work being laid for a truly epic series—I can’t wait for whatever book we get next in this universe!
5 ⭐️
1st person, single POV
Medium 🌶️
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Ballantine for gifting me a digital advance reader copy of this amazing book!
November 19, 2025
Loved this even more than Conform!! I had no idea the prequel would be its own trilogy and I kept waiting for answers on how the world came to be in Conform. But instead we got a huge cliffhanger 😅
Six years after the world had a nuclear war everyone surviving is living underground in Haven. They are divided into 5 different units depending on their jobs, medical, sanitation, expansion, kitchens, or the force (like a military). We follow Sasha and her world of grief after losing her entire family to the war, she is alone at Haven like many others. The plot was plotting and I saw some Easter eggs for conform and there was thankfully not a love triangle lol.
Can’t recommend this book enough but definitely would read after Conform, not before!
Thank you NetGalley for an eARC of this book, pub date expected 3/24/26!
Six years after the world had a nuclear war everyone surviving is living underground in Haven. They are divided into 5 different units depending on their jobs, medical, sanitation, expansion, kitchens, or the force (like a military). We follow Sasha and her world of grief after losing her entire family to the war, she is alone at Haven like many others. The plot was plotting and I saw some Easter eggs for conform and there was thankfully not a love triangle lol.
Can’t recommend this book enough but definitely would read after Conform, not before!
Thank you NetGalley for an eARC of this book, pub date expected 3/24/26!
December 2, 2025
Beneath is the gripping next installment in Ariel Sullivan’s breakout series, Conform. Set before the rise of the Elites, this prequel plunges us into the Below—a fractured world clawing its way back after nuclear fallout.
At the heart of the story is Sasha, a survivor who’s lost everything and is barely hanging on. When she meets the indomitable Hayes, her life takes a sharp turn as she becomes a medic for a daring above-ground task force. The stakes are high, the world-building is intense, and Sullivan’s storytelling keeps you on edge.
While the unconventional structure might frustrate readers craving a linear plot or tidy resolutions, it also adds to the tension and urgency. Every chapter leaves you wanting more. I didn’t want to put this down. Early ARC from NetGalley.
At the heart of the story is Sasha, a survivor who’s lost everything and is barely hanging on. When she meets the indomitable Hayes, her life takes a sharp turn as she becomes a medic for a daring above-ground task force. The stakes are high, the world-building is intense, and Sullivan’s storytelling keeps you on edge.
While the unconventional structure might frustrate readers craving a linear plot or tidy resolutions, it also adds to the tension and urgency. Every chapter leaves you wanting more. I didn’t want to put this down. Early ARC from NetGalley.
December 13, 2025
Beneath is dark, immersive, and emotionally heavy in the best way. Ariel Sullivan creates a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere that pulls you in and doesn’t let go, with morally gray characters who feel deeply flawed and real. The story isn’t afraid to sit in discomfort, which adds depth and weight to the emotional stakes.
The pacing drags slightly in the beginning, but the payoff is strong and satisfying. Overall, Beneath is a compelling, character-driven read that lingers after the final page. I absolutely love this series and can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
Thank you so much NetGalley and Ballentine Books for the ARC in exchange of an honest review
The pacing drags slightly in the beginning, but the payoff is strong and satisfying. Overall, Beneath is a compelling, character-driven read that lingers after the final page. I absolutely love this series and can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
Thank you so much NetGalley and Ballentine Books for the ARC in exchange of an honest review
October 11, 2025
5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
Obsessed. This is a prequel to a book I haven’t read but will definitely be picking up. I loved everything about this. It reminds me of Six of Crows and Fallout (the game/show) mixed together. I leftover the writing style to the character relationships I was hooked. When I wasn’t reading this book I was busy thinking about it. It’s got everything from romance to found family to post-apocalyptic rebuilding and mutiny. Everything about this was just so good.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
Obsessed. This is a prequel to a book I haven’t read but will definitely be picking up. I loved everything about this. It reminds me of Six of Crows and Fallout (the game/show) mixed together. I leftover the writing style to the character relationships I was hooked. When I wasn’t reading this book I was busy thinking about it. It’s got everything from romance to found family to post-apocalyptic rebuilding and mutiny. Everything about this was just so good.
November 11, 2025
When I first started this book or “prequel” to Conform I was under the impression that this was a standalone prequel an would have all these answers to how we got to the world in Conform… however through reading the book I was getting confused how the world in Beneath was getting us to Conform. I saw a few Easter Eggs but nothing really solid. When I got to the authors note - I had NO clue that this was going to be its own trilogy. That makes a lot more sense… but I’m not sure exactly how I feel about the two dueling trilogies thing. But I’m interested to see how Sullivan pulls it off.
I did enjoy this book and give it a 3.5, however the final act of the book felt a bit clunky - especially with all of the betraying, backstabbing and multiple names and call signs for everyone. It was becoming difficult to keep things straight in those final 4-5 chapters. But I will definitely keep reading this series!
I did enjoy this book and give it a 3.5, however the final act of the book felt a bit clunky - especially with all of the betraying, backstabbing and multiple names and call signs for everyone. It was becoming difficult to keep things straight in those final 4-5 chapters. But I will definitely keep reading this series!
December 10, 2025
4.5⭐️ 🌶️🌶️
Liked this one even more than Conform.
Set 6 years after a global nuclear war sent survivors under ground and 100s of years before Conform. The remaining human population has formed themselves in to 4 groups to try and keep some level of civility and survive as they wait out radiation levels above.
Sasha has been through absolute hell in the last 6 years. She has lost anyone and everyone who meant something to her and has put the weight and guilt of that responsibility firmly on her shoulders. She is torn between the fight to survive and help others and the guilt and torment losing everyone she loves has put her through.
Sasha is thrown against her will in to the group that acts as the military/police of sorts with the hot, epically bad ass and most loyal of remaining humans as the group’s commander - Tristian. She has to navigate her inner torment with her ever growing feelings all while discovering things are very much not what they seem on the surface and stakes are high.
Full of twists and discoveries, this was a great dystopian story build up - world building was clear, plot was well executed and timed, keeping me hooked and not wanting to put the book down. Character development was solid and the side characters were also well developed.
Really enjoyed this one and am excited for this whole world and trilogy of trilogies to play out.
Liked this one even more than Conform.
Set 6 years after a global nuclear war sent survivors under ground and 100s of years before Conform. The remaining human population has formed themselves in to 4 groups to try and keep some level of civility and survive as they wait out radiation levels above.
Sasha has been through absolute hell in the last 6 years. She has lost anyone and everyone who meant something to her and has put the weight and guilt of that responsibility firmly on her shoulders. She is torn between the fight to survive and help others and the guilt and torment losing everyone she loves has put her through.
Sasha is thrown against her will in to the group that acts as the military/police of sorts with the hot, epically bad ass and most loyal of remaining humans as the group’s commander - Tristian. She has to navigate her inner torment with her ever growing feelings all while discovering things are very much not what they seem on the surface and stakes are high.
Full of twists and discoveries, this was a great dystopian story build up - world building was clear, plot was well executed and timed, keeping me hooked and not wanting to put the book down. Character development was solid and the side characters were also well developed.
Really enjoyed this one and am excited for this whole world and trilogy of trilogies to play out.
December 26, 2025
i absolutely fleeeew through this book! it was genuinely so good that i couldn't put it down.
i read "conform" a few weeks ago and was so excited to get to read "beneath" so soon after. while it wasn't the immediate sequel i originally wanted after "conform," it was perfect. i loved getting to see some of the history before the happenings of current day in book one. while i was expecting a prequel that would have bits and pieces directly connecting to the "conform" story and leading us right to where that one started, it was different than that. yes, it connects, but it's also it's own story with different struggles and new characters.
one of the strongest parts of this book was the characters. they were so well-developed and you grow to care about so many of them. you were excited for their wins and heartbroken for their losses. even sasha, who had the potential to get really annoying with her self-hatred, was someone that i truly loved, understood, and rooted for. getting to see her growth throughout the story was beautiful and the romance with tristian (swoon!) didn't hurt either.
after reading her first two books, i can honestly say that i will 100% be reading absolutely anything that ariel sullivan writes. i'll also be over here begging her to write more books about sasha and co. either way, i can't wait to see what's next!
thank you to ballantine books for the eARC via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
i read "conform" a few weeks ago and was so excited to get to read "beneath" so soon after. while it wasn't the immediate sequel i originally wanted after "conform," it was perfect. i loved getting to see some of the history before the happenings of current day in book one. while i was expecting a prequel that would have bits and pieces directly connecting to the "conform" story and leading us right to where that one started, it was different than that. yes, it connects, but it's also it's own story with different struggles and new characters.
one of the strongest parts of this book was the characters. they were so well-developed and you grow to care about so many of them. you were excited for their wins and heartbroken for their losses. even sasha, who had the potential to get really annoying with her self-hatred, was someone that i truly loved, understood, and rooted for. getting to see her growth throughout the story was beautiful and the romance with tristian (swoon!) didn't hurt either.
after reading her first two books, i can honestly say that i will 100% be reading absolutely anything that ariel sullivan writes. i'll also be over here begging her to write more books about sasha and co. either way, i can't wait to see what's next!
thank you to ballantine books for the eARC via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2025
I’m still thinking about this one.
Okay, can we talk about Beneath by Ariel Sullivan? Because I am officially obsessed.
If you loved the "tough-as-nails" heroines from Divergent but you want a romance that actually has some heat and emotional depth, you need to add this to your TBR immediately.
The Premise: We’re underground. Like, "nuclear-fallout-everyone-is-cramped-in-tunnels" underground. Sasha is a total badass who works in the expansion sector (basically digging tunnels and being grumpy), and she’s just trying to survive her own grief. Then enters Commander Tristian Hayes with a "secret mission" and… well, things get complicated. Fast.
Why I loved it:
The Grumpy x Grumpy dynamic: Sasha and Tristian are both so guarded, and watching their walls slowly crumble while they’re stuck in forced proximity? Chef’s kiss.
The Vibes: It’s super atmospheric. It’s dark, it’s gritty, and it feels a little claustrophobic in the best way possible.
Sasha: She isn’t some perfect, polished MC. She’s messy, she’s grieving, and she’s relatable. I just wanted to give her a hug (and then watch her kick some serious butt).
Final Thoughts: It starts a little slow because there’s a lot of world-building to do, but once it picks up, I couldn't put it down. It’s the perfect prequel—it makes me want to go back and re-read Conform immediately.
Read this if you like: ✅ Dystopian "Underground" worlds ✅ Slow-burn romance (with actual chemistry!) ✅ Secrets, lies, and high-stakes training ✅ Strong, "take-no-crap" female leads
Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for this honest review
Okay, can we talk about Beneath by Ariel Sullivan? Because I am officially obsessed.
If you loved the "tough-as-nails" heroines from Divergent but you want a romance that actually has some heat and emotional depth, you need to add this to your TBR immediately.
The Premise: We’re underground. Like, "nuclear-fallout-everyone-is-cramped-in-tunnels" underground. Sasha is a total badass who works in the expansion sector (basically digging tunnels and being grumpy), and she’s just trying to survive her own grief. Then enters Commander Tristian Hayes with a "secret mission" and… well, things get complicated. Fast.
Why I loved it:
The Grumpy x Grumpy dynamic: Sasha and Tristian are both so guarded, and watching their walls slowly crumble while they’re stuck in forced proximity? Chef’s kiss.
The Vibes: It’s super atmospheric. It’s dark, it’s gritty, and it feels a little claustrophobic in the best way possible.
Sasha: She isn’t some perfect, polished MC. She’s messy, she’s grieving, and she’s relatable. I just wanted to give her a hug (and then watch her kick some serious butt).
Final Thoughts: It starts a little slow because there’s a lot of world-building to do, but once it picks up, I couldn't put it down. It’s the perfect prequel—it makes me want to go back and re-read Conform immediately.
Read this if you like: ✅ Dystopian "Underground" worlds ✅ Slow-burn romance (with actual chemistry!) ✅ Secrets, lies, and high-stakes training ✅ Strong, "take-no-crap" female leads
Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for this honest review
November 22, 2025
4.5⭐️Do not start this book at bed time else like me, you’ll keep telling yourself just one more chapter and suddenly it’s 3AM and you have to work in a few hours. Needless to say, this book was so fucking good I could not put this book down.
Beneath is a dystopian romance (a prequel to Conform, which I have not read yet and is currently out now) that takes place after a nuclear war has forced everyone to live underground. The story follows Sasha, a hardened survivor grappling with grief, guilt, and loads of trauma. It could be very easy to be frustrated with Sasha’s tendency to sabotage every relationship she makes within the story, but as her past unfolds throughout- she starts to grow on you. This is the slowest of burns with a top tier MMC, and fiercely loyal found family.
Beneath will hit the shelves March 2026. Thank you to Net Galley and Ballentine for the ARC!
Beneath is a dystopian romance (a prequel to Conform, which I have not read yet and is currently out now) that takes place after a nuclear war has forced everyone to live underground. The story follows Sasha, a hardened survivor grappling with grief, guilt, and loads of trauma. It could be very easy to be frustrated with Sasha’s tendency to sabotage every relationship she makes within the story, but as her past unfolds throughout- she starts to grow on you. This is the slowest of burns with a top tier MMC, and fiercely loyal found family.
Beneath will hit the shelves March 2026. Thank you to Net Galley and Ballentine for the ARC!
November 25, 2025
Thank you Ballantine Books, Ariel Sullivan, and NetGalley for the ARC!
I could not put this down. What a different feel from Conform, in the best way. I experienced every emotion with these characters. This is gritty, suspenseful, desperate, romantic, and powerful. I am so grateful I was able to read this right after Conform and I am beyond eager for more!
I could not put this down. What a different feel from Conform, in the best way. I experienced every emotion with these characters. This is gritty, suspenseful, desperate, romantic, and powerful. I am so grateful I was able to read this right after Conform and I am beyond eager for more!
December 2, 2025
Slow to start but by the end I was not ready to give up any of the characters. I loved Conform, but I loved this more, and I am so glad that I went into this thinking it was a one book prequel to now know we get more time with this family. NEED to know what happens next!
December 21, 2025
This book had me captivated in the first chapter. Conform was a book I wanted, a true rags to riches in a unique and immersive way. Beneath was the book I needed, strength in the face of true pain. I can’t wait to see what this author does next.
October 28, 2025
The way that Conform and Beneath need to be on everyone’s TBR immediately. I loved Conform and immediately went to Ariel’s website to see what was coming next. Long behold a prequel of the events made Beneath! I immediately signed up for the e-arc. Both these books were such an easy 5 star read for me. Beneath follow a woman named Sasha who lives beneath the ground with survivors of a nuclear event that leave the above unlivable. Sasha is a such a strong character with a hard exterior but also such a caring and loyal person and I adored her character so much. She is recruited by Tristin a commander in the force to be apart of a mission to explore the surface. Tristin is my new top book boyfriend and if you liked tris/four or xaden/violet then you will absolutely love them. Wait until you meet unit 7 because if you were a fan of the squad from Forth Wing you are going to absolutely be obsessed with these side characters. I was engrossed with everyone’s side stories as well. Obviously this book had twist and turns that my jaw dropped at one point. The ending has me wanting more .The Beneath was so fast paced that I was instantly picking up my kindle to continue wherever I could. Beneath is what I’ve wanted in a dystopian read with a face paced plot, amazing characters and jaw dropping twists. I absolutely cannot wait to continue with both these series and Ariel has become one my new favorite authors. Fans of fallout, the 100, divergent this one is for you! Thank you so much Ballentine for an e-arc for my honest review
December 28, 2025
Beneath will capture your heart and soul. A tale of adventures managing grief, depression and hope. Here’s to always “keeping hope alive”. Bravo, Ariel Sullivan on your 2nd book of your trilogy of trilogies. I can’t wait to read your 3rd story, Reveal.
January 3, 2026
What a whirlwind. Felt every emotion possible in this book, literally could not put it down.
November 24, 2025
The prequel for Conform and dare I say I loved it even more?!
October 20, 2025
HOW IN THE WORLD AM I SUPPOSED TO WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK AFTER BENEATH AND THE NEXT BOOK AFTER CONFORM? Gosh, I couldn't put this book down. This is a perfect mix of dystopian, found family, and so much more. I highly recommend reading this book when it comes out.
Thank you to Ballentine and NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to Ballentine and NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
November 15, 2025
I'm not sure if I'm at a loss for words, or if I just need to catch my breath. I dove into Ariel Sullivan's Beneath—the highly anticipated next installment in this searing dystopian romance trilogy—and it did not just meet the hype; it obliterated it. If you loved the debut, Conform, clear your schedule now. If you haven't read Conform, you'll be one-clicking it before you finish this review.
The dedication alone—"To anyone who has ever been at war with themselves or lost in the abyss of grief"—should serve as a warning: this book is going to hurt. In the best possible way.
Sullivan writes with the skill of a seasoned veteran, weaving a non-linear narrative that doesn't just build a world, but submerges you in it, one agonizing secret at a time. The world-building is sharp, but the true brilliance lies in the character creation, particularly with Sasha.
Sasha is the kind of heroine who feels relatable on a cellular level. She's a woman who grew up starved for her mother's love, trained by her father to see the world's ugliness, and equipped with only one defense mechanism: pushing everyone away. She built walls so thick she became a master of emotional survival, convincing herself she needed no one. This is the core of Beneath: a deeply moving, agonizingly slow-burn dystopian romance about a woman who continually self-sabotages the very love she craves.
This book is emotionally deep, exploring intense themes of grief, trauma, and the process of tearing down your own walls. I found myself crying more than once as Sasha navigates the painful journey from isolation to acceptance. Her victory isn't about being saved by someone else, but realizing she is worthy of being loved and accepted for who she is while she saves herself.
This journey brings her to a fiercely loyal chosen family, a realization that family is defined by trust, not blood, and a romance that unfolds with devastatingly high stakes.
The message is powerful, the romance is earned, and the finale... the ending is a shocking cliffhanger that will leave your head spinning. This is one of those trilogies that will live rent-free in my head forever.
Your Assignment:
1. READ CONFORM NOW. Seriously. Stop what you’re doing.
2. ADD BENEATH TO YOUR TBR. The wait for the next book is going to be brutal, but every emotional blow is worth it.
Beneath releases on March 24, 2026, and copies are available for pre-order. Don't miss out on this absolute masterpiece of human resilience wrapped in a dystopian world.
+++I have received this eARC in an exchange for an honest review+++
I want to thank @arielhsullivan @netgalley and @bellantinebooks for allowing me to read this amazing eARC. I truly feel honored to have had the privilege to read and review it.
The dedication alone—"To anyone who has ever been at war with themselves or lost in the abyss of grief"—should serve as a warning: this book is going to hurt. In the best possible way.
Sullivan writes with the skill of a seasoned veteran, weaving a non-linear narrative that doesn't just build a world, but submerges you in it, one agonizing secret at a time. The world-building is sharp, but the true brilliance lies in the character creation, particularly with Sasha.
Sasha is the kind of heroine who feels relatable on a cellular level. She's a woman who grew up starved for her mother's love, trained by her father to see the world's ugliness, and equipped with only one defense mechanism: pushing everyone away. She built walls so thick she became a master of emotional survival, convincing herself she needed no one. This is the core of Beneath: a deeply moving, agonizingly slow-burn dystopian romance about a woman who continually self-sabotages the very love she craves.
This book is emotionally deep, exploring intense themes of grief, trauma, and the process of tearing down your own walls. I found myself crying more than once as Sasha navigates the painful journey from isolation to acceptance. Her victory isn't about being saved by someone else, but realizing she is worthy of being loved and accepted for who she is while she saves herself.
This journey brings her to a fiercely loyal chosen family, a realization that family is defined by trust, not blood, and a romance that unfolds with devastatingly high stakes.
The message is powerful, the romance is earned, and the finale... the ending is a shocking cliffhanger that will leave your head spinning. This is one of those trilogies that will live rent-free in my head forever.
Your Assignment:
1. READ CONFORM NOW. Seriously. Stop what you’re doing.
2. ADD BENEATH TO YOUR TBR. The wait for the next book is going to be brutal, but every emotional blow is worth it.
Beneath releases on March 24, 2026, and copies are available for pre-order. Don't miss out on this absolute masterpiece of human resilience wrapped in a dystopian world.
+++I have received this eARC in an exchange for an honest review+++
I want to thank @arielhsullivan @netgalley and @bellantinebooks for allowing me to read this amazing eARC. I truly feel honored to have had the privilege to read and review it.
December 27, 2025
I was so very excited to have been approved for this ARC right after I finished Conform. I had so much fun with Conform, it felt like it hit that perfect blend of nostalgia and breath-of-fresh-air. Sadly, Beneath just… really didn’t hit the mark for me.
The first 15% or so had me really interested and engaged. The last 15% was also super interesting and engaging. The entire middle? Complete useless filler. There’s barely anything that happens that actually has any effect on the story. All the story happens in that first and last 15%, the rest is just pointless drivel thrown in to pad out the book. Which I honestly found really upsetting, considering how much fun I had with Conform and how much I actually really enjoyed that first and last bit.
I think this likely just suffers from what a lot of books are suffering from at the moment, and that’s a lack of sufficient editing. The plot and pacing issues aside, this was also fairly poorly written compared to Conform. It was full of inconsistencies and errors and repetition, as well as typos and grammar issues galore. It truly felt like reading a rough draft, and I find that so frustrating.
In the middle, the main character gets so extraordinarily insufferable. She does nothing but whine and throw tantrums and treat everyone around her like actual garbage and refuses to communicate or act like an adult. Straight up, she (and others) act like they’re 14-16 the entire book and it’s completely unbelievable that they’re supposed to be late 20’s early 30’s.
There’s also so many problems I had with the actual writing that I didn’t find I had in Conform. For some reason, the author decided to give each character a minimum of 3 names they’re referred to, some with 5. Which could work if it was 1-2 characters, but nope. Every character and side character is randomly called by their first name, last name, call sign, and often nickname. And you’re often not given any context so you have to try and piece it together. Even when you do have context, it’s hard to remember 3-5 names for each character when there’s 10+ characters. That’s 30-50 names to remember. There was also a lot of silly stuff. Like bad science to fit the story. And the cringey over-use of the word “beast” which was written no less than 58 times. And some really, really strange sentence structures that threw me out of the story. Also tons of inconsistencies like incorrect character names during conversations, sentences that just stop in the middle, and info that doesn’t match the info we’ve been given - but not in a mystery way, in a “author forgot who did what and when” kinda way. Also a lot of generalised stuff that just doesn’t make any sense.
In the end, so much of this book had absolutely no bearing on the actual plot and it didn’t really achieve what it set out to achieve. It’s supposed to be a prequel to Conform, supposed to show us how the world ended up the way we see it there. But the only connection it has to the main series is a handful of pages at the very end. This really should’ve had the bulk of the middle removed (where literally nothing happens but Sasha sulking and being an ass), and the ending should’ve been the climax, with a comedown of what I imagine will be the start of book 2.
So yeah, interesting enough. But a lot of issues that made this a much less enjoyable read than Conform.
The first 15% or so had me really interested and engaged. The last 15% was also super interesting and engaging. The entire middle? Complete useless filler. There’s barely anything that happens that actually has any effect on the story. All the story happens in that first and last 15%, the rest is just pointless drivel thrown in to pad out the book. Which I honestly found really upsetting, considering how much fun I had with Conform and how much I actually really enjoyed that first and last bit.
I think this likely just suffers from what a lot of books are suffering from at the moment, and that’s a lack of sufficient editing. The plot and pacing issues aside, this was also fairly poorly written compared to Conform. It was full of inconsistencies and errors and repetition, as well as typos and grammar issues galore. It truly felt like reading a rough draft, and I find that so frustrating.
In the middle, the main character gets so extraordinarily insufferable. She does nothing but whine and throw tantrums and treat everyone around her like actual garbage and refuses to communicate or act like an adult. Straight up, she (and others) act like they’re 14-16 the entire book and it’s completely unbelievable that they’re supposed to be late 20’s early 30’s.
There’s also so many problems I had with the actual writing that I didn’t find I had in Conform. For some reason, the author decided to give each character a minimum of 3 names they’re referred to, some with 5. Which could work if it was 1-2 characters, but nope. Every character and side character is randomly called by their first name, last name, call sign, and often nickname. And you’re often not given any context so you have to try and piece it together. Even when you do have context, it’s hard to remember 3-5 names for each character when there’s 10+ characters. That’s 30-50 names to remember. There was also a lot of silly stuff. Like bad science to fit the story. And the cringey over-use of the word “beast” which was written no less than 58 times. And some really, really strange sentence structures that threw me out of the story. Also tons of inconsistencies like incorrect character names during conversations, sentences that just stop in the middle, and info that doesn’t match the info we’ve been given - but not in a mystery way, in a “author forgot who did what and when” kinda way. Also a lot of generalised stuff that just doesn’t make any sense.
In the end, so much of this book had absolutely no bearing on the actual plot and it didn’t really achieve what it set out to achieve. It’s supposed to be a prequel to Conform, supposed to show us how the world ended up the way we see it there. But the only connection it has to the main series is a handful of pages at the very end. This really should’ve had the bulk of the middle removed (where literally nothing happens but Sasha sulking and being an ass), and the ending should’ve been the climax, with a comedown of what I imagine will be the start of book 2.
So yeah, interesting enough. But a lot of issues that made this a much less enjoyable read than Conform.
January 3, 2026
I was given an ARC of Beneath by Ariel Sullivan from NetGalley and Ballantine Publishing, and this book absolutely wrecked me in the best way.
With Beneath being Ariel’s second novel, I still don’t know what to expect from her, and that unpredictability is part of what makes her writing so powerful. From the beginning, I was pulled into this underground world, watching it slowly take shape in my mind. The atmosphere is heavy, unsettling, and immersive, and once it has its hooks in you, it does not let go.
There were chapters that crushed me emotionally and others that made me genuinely afraid to keep turning the pages, not because I didn’t want to know what happened, but because I wasn’t sure I was ready for how much it might hurt. I ugly cried. I laughed through tears. I built up real anger and resentment toward certain characters. By the end, I didn’t know who to trust or what was actually true, and I was left sitting there, staring at the pages, trying to process everything I’d just experienced. Ariel Sullivan is very good at that kind of emotional disorientation. I felt the same way finishing Conform.
Sasha is the kind of protagonist who stays with you. She is strong, not loudly, but in the way that comes from surviving things no one should have to endure. She was forced to grow up far too young and carry responsibilities that left deep scars, yet she still leads with compassion and heart. I think so many readers will see pieces of themselves in her, and those who don’t are incredibly lucky.
“Had he realized that with each trip into the woods, his little flower lost her petals?”
And Tristian… he is the kind of MMC wounded girls dream about. Not a savior, not a fixer, but someone who stands beside you while you learn how to save yourself.
“I didn’t find someone to save me, Lara, but I found someone who stood by my side while I saved myself.”
Beneath is emotionally heavy, beautifully written, and deeply unsettling in the most intentional way. This is a book that doesn’t end when you close it. It lingers.
With Beneath being Ariel’s second novel, I still don’t know what to expect from her, and that unpredictability is part of what makes her writing so powerful. From the beginning, I was pulled into this underground world, watching it slowly take shape in my mind. The atmosphere is heavy, unsettling, and immersive, and once it has its hooks in you, it does not let go.
There were chapters that crushed me emotionally and others that made me genuinely afraid to keep turning the pages, not because I didn’t want to know what happened, but because I wasn’t sure I was ready for how much it might hurt. I ugly cried. I laughed through tears. I built up real anger and resentment toward certain characters. By the end, I didn’t know who to trust or what was actually true, and I was left sitting there, staring at the pages, trying to process everything I’d just experienced. Ariel Sullivan is very good at that kind of emotional disorientation. I felt the same way finishing Conform.
Sasha is the kind of protagonist who stays with you. She is strong, not loudly, but in the way that comes from surviving things no one should have to endure. She was forced to grow up far too young and carry responsibilities that left deep scars, yet she still leads with compassion and heart. I think so many readers will see pieces of themselves in her, and those who don’t are incredibly lucky.
“Had he realized that with each trip into the woods, his little flower lost her petals?”
And Tristian… he is the kind of MMC wounded girls dream about. Not a savior, not a fixer, but someone who stands beside you while you learn how to save yourself.
“I didn’t find someone to save me, Lara, but I found someone who stood by my side while I saved myself.”
Beneath is emotionally heavy, beautifully written, and deeply unsettling in the most intentional way. This is a book that doesn’t end when you close it. It lingers.
December 10, 2025
I am WRECKED. One of the more emotional stories I’ve read in a long long time. This prequel series to Conform provides a look into the very beginning of this dystopian world Ariel has built. We hear how war started, ravaged, and decimated until humankind is on the brink of extinction. We see how people have flocked together to create some type of society for shelter, food, companionship, purpose. Certainly not safety—because as it’s been proven time and time again, there is something within humanity that breeds greed and selfishness no matter the circumstance.
Sasha is our FMC who has lost everything and is stuck living within the nightmares of her past. Death haunts her and clings to her, but provides no relief and it’s taken its toll. She has so much rage and hate for the world that was forced upon her, her only defense left is to push everyone away no matter the cost to her soul. But Unit 7 and a certain commander (😮💨😮💨😮💨) has a way of sneaking into her heart (and mine obviously) and she has no choice but to come to terms with herself and her choices.
There’s a lot of moving pieces to this story, similarly to Conform. The mystery behind what Unit 7’s mission is, what they are fighting for, who is a friend and who is an enemy… everything about their underground compound, Haven, and how it functions are secrets we need to uncover. I am OBSESSED with Ariel’s writing and how she keeps you so hooked from the first page to the last. The found family of Unit 7 is what we all crave to read about—the kind that absolutely GUTS YOU. Must be protected at all costs!!!! The banter, the love and trust, the devastating backstories!!!! 😩
The ending holy shit ABSOLUTELY DESTROYED ME. I don’t know who I will become after this series, it feels life changing 🥲 I know I’m dramatic but truly this book is amazing.
Sasha is our FMC who has lost everything and is stuck living within the nightmares of her past. Death haunts her and clings to her, but provides no relief and it’s taken its toll. She has so much rage and hate for the world that was forced upon her, her only defense left is to push everyone away no matter the cost to her soul. But Unit 7 and a certain commander (😮💨😮💨😮💨) has a way of sneaking into her heart (and mine obviously) and she has no choice but to come to terms with herself and her choices.
There’s a lot of moving pieces to this story, similarly to Conform. The mystery behind what Unit 7’s mission is, what they are fighting for, who is a friend and who is an enemy… everything about their underground compound, Haven, and how it functions are secrets we need to uncover. I am OBSESSED with Ariel’s writing and how she keeps you so hooked from the first page to the last. The found family of Unit 7 is what we all crave to read about—the kind that absolutely GUTS YOU. Must be protected at all costs!!!! The banter, the love and trust, the devastating backstories!!!! 😩
The ending holy shit ABSOLUTELY DESTROYED ME. I don’t know who I will become after this series, it feels life changing 🥲 I know I’m dramatic but truly this book is amazing.
December 23, 2025
I will officially absolutely devour anything that comes from this world. Both Beneath and Conform are in my top reads this year. Something about the way the author writes just makes me want to stay up late reading. It’s addicting in the best possible way.
I had so many questions about the world when I read Conform so I was super excited for this prequel. It did not let me down. This book takes place hundreds of years before Conform and it’s actually quite different. Think, military squad vibes in a newly dystopian world.
We’re introduced to a multitude of new characters and I found myself really enjoying the dynamics of the group. Each character truly brings something different to the story. While there is a major romance component to the story the found family relationships really shined.
The book also focuses heavily on topics of depression and grief. With the fallout from the war happening only a few years before the book begins a lot of the characters are dealing with the grief of losing family, friends, loved ones and just life as they knew it before. I think the author did a wonderful job of creating a raw, real and relatable character in this situation. The last 100 pages or so were insane and so much happened I wasn’t anticipating. Having to wait for the next book will be torture!
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.
I had so many questions about the world when I read Conform so I was super excited for this prequel. It did not let me down. This book takes place hundreds of years before Conform and it’s actually quite different. Think, military squad vibes in a newly dystopian world.
We’re introduced to a multitude of new characters and I found myself really enjoying the dynamics of the group. Each character truly brings something different to the story. While there is a major romance component to the story the found family relationships really shined.
The book also focuses heavily on topics of depression and grief. With the fallout from the war happening only a few years before the book begins a lot of the characters are dealing with the grief of losing family, friends, loved ones and just life as they knew it before. I think the author did a wonderful job of creating a raw, real and relatable character in this situation. The last 100 pages or so were insane and so much happened I wasn’t anticipating. Having to wait for the next book will be torture!
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.
November 12, 2025
What have you done to me, Ariel Sullivan!?! I have now read two of your books in this dystopian world you’ve created, I gobbled both of them up, and inhaled them in less than 24 hours because they were so gripping. And now I have not one but two cliffhangers that I need resolved!
This story is a prequel to the book Conform, and the setting is about six years after humanity, basically nukes themselves to the point where everyone is living underground in a community called Haven. Sasha as the FMC is so heartbreaking to me. I loved her, I hated her decisions, I love that she finally broke through some of the grief that she’s been experiencing losing all of her family.
I started this book, only knowing the plot of conform and eager to find out what set everything in motion. And I would say for the first third of the book I was super engaged because I wanted to know what happens, yet at the same time I was yanked in to this setting and story that got me invested right away. Spoiler alert, we still wanna know what happened! But that doesn’t matter to me at this point, I am so eager to continue the journey of Sasha and Tristan and unit seven and see what happens in the next book!
Ariel Sullivan, we need these stories finished! Keep on keeping on! And thank you to Ballantine books for the ARC.
This story is a prequel to the book Conform, and the setting is about six years after humanity, basically nukes themselves to the point where everyone is living underground in a community called Haven. Sasha as the FMC is so heartbreaking to me. I loved her, I hated her decisions, I love that she finally broke through some of the grief that she’s been experiencing losing all of her family.
I started this book, only knowing the plot of conform and eager to find out what set everything in motion. And I would say for the first third of the book I was super engaged because I wanted to know what happens, yet at the same time I was yanked in to this setting and story that got me invested right away. Spoiler alert, we still wanna know what happened! But that doesn’t matter to me at this point, I am so eager to continue the journey of Sasha and Tristan and unit seven and see what happens in the next book!
Ariel Sullivan, we need these stories finished! Keep on keeping on! And thank you to Ballantine books for the ARC.
November 25, 2025
I’m in love with this book. Completely, wholeheartedly in love. What a masterpiece.
In this novel we follow Sasha. Once a medic and now someone who makes tunnels in this underground community, she is chosen to join the force. Tristian leads the force and has selected her as the teams medic to assist as they go above ground to find hidden supplies. But alas, Sasha has sworn off her medic skills, as she was known as Deaths Angel and had to hold too many people’s hands as they passed away, including her siblings and mothers. Will she stick it out and train with this interesting team of misfits for the better of her community? Will more secrets be unleashed as we dive in deeper?
You guys, I couldn’t wait for this book. I devoured Conform and thought “what could top this?” But honestly this one is even better!!! I’m hoping there is a next book after Beneath because I need details!
Also, TABITHA!!! 🤯
This book has it all: slow romance, a fierce FMC, a dystopian world, a villian you want to punch through the book, and a gang of misfits you will fall in love with.
I’m so happy with the character growth in this one. Even the romance. Everything was so organic, believable, and was set at the perfect pace. Nothing happened too quickly or took too long to reveal. I couldn’t put this book down. I love it.
I need to get my hands on another book. Be it a book after Beneath, Conform, or another book by this author… I need it now!
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review. I’m brutally honest in my reviews, so when I pick a good one you know it’s good.
In this novel we follow Sasha. Once a medic and now someone who makes tunnels in this underground community, she is chosen to join the force. Tristian leads the force and has selected her as the teams medic to assist as they go above ground to find hidden supplies. But alas, Sasha has sworn off her medic skills, as she was known as Deaths Angel and had to hold too many people’s hands as they passed away, including her siblings and mothers. Will she stick it out and train with this interesting team of misfits for the better of her community? Will more secrets be unleashed as we dive in deeper?
You guys, I couldn’t wait for this book. I devoured Conform and thought “what could top this?” But honestly this one is even better!!! I’m hoping there is a next book after Beneath because I need details!
Also, TABITHA!!! 🤯
This book has it all: slow romance, a fierce FMC, a dystopian world, a villian you want to punch through the book, and a gang of misfits you will fall in love with.
I’m so happy with the character growth in this one. Even the romance. Everything was so organic, believable, and was set at the perfect pace. Nothing happened too quickly or took too long to reveal. I couldn’t put this book down. I love it.
I need to get my hands on another book. Be it a book after Beneath, Conform, or another book by this author… I need it now!
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review. I’m brutally honest in my reviews, so when I pick a good one you know it’s good.
December 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review
I read Beneath in less than a day and honestly, I would’ve finished it faster if real life hadn’t interfered. This is one of those books you physically cannot put down.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where nothing is quite what it seems, Beneath slowly peels back layers of truth, trauma, and survival in a way that keeps you constantly questioning everything you think you know. The world-building is immersive without being overwhelming, and the tension never lets up.
What really stood out to me was how beautifully this story handles death and trauma. It doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff, but it also never feels heavy for the sake of being heavy, it feels earned. Those emotional beats hit hard, and they linger.
And then there’s the romance. Spicy enough to keep things interesting, emotional enough to matter. Tristan is a full-on golden retriever MMC who is loyal, protective, and impossible not to love. The entire cast of Unit 7 is incredibly lovable, and I found myself genuinely invested in each of them. Sasha, in particular, was such a standout character that was strong, layered, and deeply compelling.
This book has action, emotion, romance, spice, and heart. It’s the kind of story that pulls you under and doesn’t let go until the very last page.
Truly a book everyone will love. Highly recommend.
I read Beneath in less than a day and honestly, I would’ve finished it faster if real life hadn’t interfered. This is one of those books you physically cannot put down.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where nothing is quite what it seems, Beneath slowly peels back layers of truth, trauma, and survival in a way that keeps you constantly questioning everything you think you know. The world-building is immersive without being overwhelming, and the tension never lets up.
What really stood out to me was how beautifully this story handles death and trauma. It doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff, but it also never feels heavy for the sake of being heavy, it feels earned. Those emotional beats hit hard, and they linger.
And then there’s the romance. Spicy enough to keep things interesting, emotional enough to matter. Tristan is a full-on golden retriever MMC who is loyal, protective, and impossible not to love. The entire cast of Unit 7 is incredibly lovable, and I found myself genuinely invested in each of them. Sasha, in particular, was such a standout character that was strong, layered, and deeply compelling.
This book has action, emotion, romance, spice, and heart. It’s the kind of story that pulls you under and doesn’t let go until the very last page.
Truly a book everyone will love. Highly recommend.
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