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Lavender Spike
“Lavender Spike is that rarest thing in fiction: a truly unique dystopia, one that shuns simple allegory and plays by its own strange and fascinating set of rules. In a just world, everyone would be obsessed with this book.” — Jason Pargin, bestselling author of John Dies at the End and I’m Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom
“Pain, passions, and violence are conveyed as agonizingly and earnestly here as they were in the Hunger Games and Handmaid’s Tale cycles… . Cautious brush strokes help sell this speculative story of art as the basis of a future police state.” — Kirkus Reviews
Isobel “Izzy” Ker, the last working artist of the Old Holy Order, lives a life of poverty in the Dumps outside of Mahl City, covertly selling her illegal paintings to the Old Order’s few remaining devotees. But when her studio is ransacked by the city’s enforcers, her only choice is to seek refuge with the Half-Light Rebels, a gang of anti-art radicals and glorified thieves.
She agrees to help the rebels, but their first mission goes south, and Izzy is arrested and brought before the leader of the oppressive New Art Government, a group that keeps people in check by feeding their addiction to a novel and dangerous craft, Trigger Art. Izzy has a choice: Convert to their way of life, using her skills to debut as a Trigger Artist, or rot in the city’s infamous prison. Izzy accepts and is thrust into the spotlight, now intoxicated by the luxury and power afforded her, not to mention her handsome bodyguard, Rilke. The wild, engrossing act of creating her first public piece almost makes her forget what life was like in the Dumps. Almost. All the while, Izzy is fanning the flames of rebellion, working in secret with the rebels and preparing to unveil her audacious debut piece.
Written by a rising star in science fiction, Lavender Spike is a bold, wholly original cyberpunk novel in which art is both drug and religion.
“Pain, passions, and violence are conveyed as agonizingly and earnestly here as they were in the Hunger Games and Handmaid’s Tale cycles… . Cautious brush strokes help sell this speculative story of art as the basis of a future police state.” — Kirkus Reviews
Isobel “Izzy” Ker, the last working artist of the Old Holy Order, lives a life of poverty in the Dumps outside of Mahl City, covertly selling her illegal paintings to the Old Order’s few remaining devotees. But when her studio is ransacked by the city’s enforcers, her only choice is to seek refuge with the Half-Light Rebels, a gang of anti-art radicals and glorified thieves.
She agrees to help the rebels, but their first mission goes south, and Izzy is arrested and brought before the leader of the oppressive New Art Government, a group that keeps people in check by feeding their addiction to a novel and dangerous craft, Trigger Art. Izzy has a choice: Convert to their way of life, using her skills to debut as a Trigger Artist, or rot in the city’s infamous prison. Izzy accepts and is thrust into the spotlight, now intoxicated by the luxury and power afforded her, not to mention her handsome bodyguard, Rilke. The wild, engrossing act of creating her first public piece almost makes her forget what life was like in the Dumps. Almost. All the while, Izzy is fanning the flames of rebellion, working in secret with the rebels and preparing to unveil her audacious debut piece.
Written by a rising star in science fiction, Lavender Spike is a bold, wholly original cyberpunk novel in which art is both drug and religion.
- GenresScience Fiction
384 pages, Paperback
First published June 23, 2026
About the author
Rachel Tremblay
7 books46 followersRachel Tremblay is a Canadian artist, musician and writer. After an adolescence filled with drawing, guitar, and poetry, she studied Fine Arts in Quebec and British Columbia. She wrote her first music album upon returning to Quebec, married, and had her first child. The next decade was spent working as a contemporary realist painter and graphic designer, all while writing music for her second album, gigging, and giving life to a second child. Amidst art and homeschooling, she embarked on her book-writing journey.
Rachel lives in Montreal with her husband and two grown children. Lavender Spike is her fifth novel.
Rachel lives in Montreal with her husband and two grown children. Lavender Spike is her fifth novel.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Did Not Finish
June 22, 2026DNF'ed at 30%, so no star rating. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
I requested this due to the intriguing premise, but the execution was tremendously shoddy. The prose was unpolished. The worldbuilding was very poorly expressed; I had a very hard time figuring out the timeline of relevant past events and how art had the effect that it did. This lack of understanding paradoxically coupled with tremendously blunt exposition drops. I didn't feel anything for any of the characters, other than thinking that Izzy was a bit annoying, mainly because I still really had no idea what being an artist meant for her social standing and upbringing. I could easily see myself liking her if I had more of an idea about where she was coming from. My final straw was when Tremblay did a classic "MC examines themself in a mirror" and had her strip to examine her naked body, describing her breasts in a very detailed sentence. I'm out!
Lavender Spike isn't a book that's doomed by an unworkable premise. While I do think that the effects of looking at Trigger Art veer a little too close to what evangelical Christians think will happen if you see one (1) gay couple in an advertisement, the idea of art exerting a powerful influence on people is fun, and I would be interested to see a world where that is a consideration. It's unfortunate that this book is so poorly written.
I requested this due to the intriguing premise, but the execution was tremendously shoddy. The prose was unpolished. The worldbuilding was very poorly expressed; I had a very hard time figuring out the timeline of relevant past events and how art had the effect that it did. This lack of understanding paradoxically coupled with tremendously blunt exposition drops. I didn't feel anything for any of the characters, other than thinking that Izzy was a bit annoying, mainly because I still really had no idea what being an artist meant for her social standing and upbringing. I could easily see myself liking her if I had more of an idea about where she was coming from. My final straw was when Tremblay did a classic "MC examines themself in a mirror" and had her strip to examine her naked body, describing her breasts in a very detailed sentence. I'm out!
Lavender Spike isn't a book that's doomed by an unworkable premise. While I do think that the effects of looking at Trigger Art veer a little too close to what evangelical Christians think will happen if you see one (1) gay couple in an advertisement, the idea of art exerting a powerful influence on people is fun, and I would be interested to see a world where that is a consideration. It's unfortunate that this book is so poorly written.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ꔛ thank you, ECW Press and Netgalley, for this ARC!
ꔛ summary:
✦ in a world where art is the new religion, izzy kir is the last remaining artist of the previous art movement—a purist, a bunny, a cork. until one day her home is ransacked by hounds and she’s forced to seek shelter with the half-lights, a group of rebels who fights against the dichotomy between the triggers and the purists, who stands against the system rather than bend and get high to the ecstasy-inducing repros and mini-digis. unfortunately, she’s a purist artist whose fidelity to the group has yet to be proven, so they snuck her into mahl city to become their spy. but things did not go according to plan and she ended up being broadcasted to the entire etching as the first ever convert, forced to make trigger art, and hounded by the handsome eccentric rilke. here, she is free to make art, to make others feel, while struggling with her values and her mission to aid the rebels.
ꔛ thoughts:
✦ there were typos and awkward phrasings, unprompted actions—like that one character suddenly giving an exposition dump, or that one character telling her to skip rope?? like why? workout? build stamina for running? am i missing something?
✦ hate the exposition dump. it just seemed like it came out of nowhere. like literally, this character just sat in front of her and spat out the “basics” as if izzy hadn’t gone through the exact same history as them.
✦ there were a lot of book-specific terms as usual with the dystopian genre where the world is essentially flipped and renewed due to one apocalyptic event (in this case, the great burn). it does seem intimidating at first, but the book does essentially teach it to you by way of example. still wish there was a glossary, though. could’ve helped with clarifying some terms.
✦ the division between trigger art and purism. the new age and the old order. hedonism and conservatism. i like that izzy is true to herself, that she considers both sides to have their own flaws and imperfections. she’s a born purist, but she also likes making trigger art. this is the internal struggle izzy has to go through as someone who loves to make art, art that would make people feel rather than the bland, unfeeling purist art she makes for the bunnies.
✦ as for the characters, they were all interesting, but i find it hard to like the rebel side, having spent only the second part of the book with them and only two of them were likable to me. i wish we got to know more about though. i guess my gripe with joanie’s plot line was that
✦ i like izzy and rilke. they were the two characters that felt fully fleshed out, and they had a warm, endearing dynamic. they’re just adorable together. plus i really like
ꔛ final rating: 3.5
it was an interesting book. i like the idea of art becoming the new religion, a sort of pseudo-drug that inspires addiction, with the hounds and the devotees acting as fanatics. these people would literally kill just to get a card of the artwork. but i don’t get how being constantly surrounded by trigger art makes for a productive, self-sustaining society when even one look gets you down on your knees, feeling a barrage of emotions, literally a mindfuck. it gets explained halfway through the book how such a society would work, but it was all telling and no show, so it didn’t fully convince me. but it’s dystopian fiction. some things just work even when they don’t seem to practically. but it’s a good “what-if” book to think about and read.
ꔛ summary:
✦ in a world where art is the new religion, izzy kir is the last remaining artist of the previous art movement—a purist, a bunny, a cork. until one day her home is ransacked by hounds and she’s forced to seek shelter with the half-lights, a group of rebels who fights against the dichotomy between the triggers and the purists, who stands against the system rather than bend and get high to the ecstasy-inducing repros and mini-digis. unfortunately, she’s a purist artist whose fidelity to the group has yet to be proven, so they snuck her into mahl city to become their spy. but things did not go according to plan and she ended up being broadcasted to the entire etching as the first ever convert, forced to make trigger art, and hounded by the handsome eccentric rilke. here, she is free to make art, to make others feel, while struggling with her values and her mission to aid the rebels.
ꔛ thoughts:
✦ there were typos and awkward phrasings, unprompted actions—like that one character suddenly giving an exposition dump, or that one character telling her to skip rope?? like why? workout? build stamina for running? am i missing something?
✦ hate the exposition dump. it just seemed like it came out of nowhere. like literally, this character just sat in front of her and spat out the “basics” as if izzy hadn’t gone through the exact same history as them.
✦ there were a lot of book-specific terms as usual with the dystopian genre where the world is essentially flipped and renewed due to one apocalyptic event (in this case, the great burn). it does seem intimidating at first, but the book does essentially teach it to you by way of example. still wish there was a glossary, though. could’ve helped with clarifying some terms.
✦ the division between trigger art and purism. the new age and the old order. hedonism and conservatism. i like that izzy is true to herself, that she considers both sides to have their own flaws and imperfections. she’s a born purist, but she also likes making trigger art. this is the internal struggle izzy has to go through as someone who loves to make art, art that would make people feel rather than the bland, unfeeling purist art she makes for the bunnies.
✦ as for the characters, they were all interesting, but i find it hard to like the rebel side, having spent only the second part of the book with them and only two of them were likable to me. i wish we got to know more about though. i guess my gripe with joanie’s plot line was that
✦ i like izzy and rilke. they were the two characters that felt fully fleshed out, and they had a warm, endearing dynamic. they’re just adorable together. plus i really like
ꔛ final rating: 3.5
it was an interesting book. i like the idea of art becoming the new religion, a sort of pseudo-drug that inspires addiction, with the hounds and the devotees acting as fanatics. these people would literally kill just to get a card of the artwork. but i don’t get how being constantly surrounded by trigger art makes for a productive, self-sustaining society when even one look gets you down on your knees, feeling a barrage of emotions, literally a mindfuck. it gets explained halfway through the book how such a society would work, but it was all telling and no show, so it didn’t fully convince me. but it’s dystopian fiction. some things just work even when they don’t seem to practically. but it’s a good “what-if” book to think about and read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My thanks to NetGalley and ECW Press for an advance copy of this new work of science fiction that looks at a future world where art is the dominant force, both good and bad, a tool of control, a power to free minds, and as always a threat to those who limit freedoms.
I have know quite a few people who have used art as both their meaning in life, and their way of getting through life. Some of these people have been incredibly astute, aware of the world in ways that I would have never noticed, capable of seeing things that I would just pass by. Some have been successful, some bubble under, some are happy with what they do, and their attitudes show this. Some of my artist friends, I am thinking of one in particular, are just chaos magnets. Sort of like the main character in this novel. Some might know this artist, but not for the art. A police raid, one I think federal. An art showing in a place that turned out to be an organized crime front. Shows canceled before drinks could be served. Lawsuits. And so on. I thought of this artist quite a bit while reading this book, a science fiction novel about a dark future where even art has been co-opted. Lavender Spike by Rachel Tremblay is a story about creativity, the fear that people have of it, power, a bit of love and or lust, and the power that art can have, to give hope, or cause fear in those who love control.
Isobel Ker, Izzy, to most, is an artist, the last of a breed. She has the tattoo to prove it. In the future the world is a dark place, where violence is close at hand, and the people have mostly given up. Izzy makes her way creating art in her studio that is free of the government that runs things, an illegal act. The New Art Government uses art to control people, called Trigger Art, an additive mix that keeps certain people in line, and others it allows to run free, causing chaos. Times are hard for Izzy, dodging roving gangs, finding brushes, good squirrel brushes, not the rat brushes so many have. Until the day her studio is raided. Izzy flees, and finds sanctuary with a group of anti-art rebels, who want to bring the system down. However they are not good at their rebellion, and Izzy finds herself in an even worse place, being an artist for the government. However Izzy has a plan, and maybe just maybe a way out, for everyone, including the new people she has found to care for.
A book that is big, sprawling, and yet never loses the reader, even with all the cool ideas that Tremblay comes up with. This is a unique look at a bleak future, a bit out of an 80's underground movie, filmed in the meat district of Manhattan. That's a good thing. Tremblay has a good way of setting the scene, of making the reader understand what is going on, even while things are a little chaotic. There is a bit of an info dump, but one can see why, informing characters about the world they thought they knew, as well as the readers. I focused on Izzy, but there are other characters, POV does jump around and so does the story style. However this is handled well and there is no real displacement while reading.
I loved the world and the ideas. A cyberpunk book from the 80's with the sad reality of life in 21st century. Just as schizoid as the song by King Crimson made it sound. A very interesting novel, and one I really enjoyed. I look forward to reading more by Rachel Tremblay.
I have know quite a few people who have used art as both their meaning in life, and their way of getting through life. Some of these people have been incredibly astute, aware of the world in ways that I would have never noticed, capable of seeing things that I would just pass by. Some have been successful, some bubble under, some are happy with what they do, and their attitudes show this. Some of my artist friends, I am thinking of one in particular, are just chaos magnets. Sort of like the main character in this novel. Some might know this artist, but not for the art. A police raid, one I think federal. An art showing in a place that turned out to be an organized crime front. Shows canceled before drinks could be served. Lawsuits. And so on. I thought of this artist quite a bit while reading this book, a science fiction novel about a dark future where even art has been co-opted. Lavender Spike by Rachel Tremblay is a story about creativity, the fear that people have of it, power, a bit of love and or lust, and the power that art can have, to give hope, or cause fear in those who love control.
Isobel Ker, Izzy, to most, is an artist, the last of a breed. She has the tattoo to prove it. In the future the world is a dark place, where violence is close at hand, and the people have mostly given up. Izzy makes her way creating art in her studio that is free of the government that runs things, an illegal act. The New Art Government uses art to control people, called Trigger Art, an additive mix that keeps certain people in line, and others it allows to run free, causing chaos. Times are hard for Izzy, dodging roving gangs, finding brushes, good squirrel brushes, not the rat brushes so many have. Until the day her studio is raided. Izzy flees, and finds sanctuary with a group of anti-art rebels, who want to bring the system down. However they are not good at their rebellion, and Izzy finds herself in an even worse place, being an artist for the government. However Izzy has a plan, and maybe just maybe a way out, for everyone, including the new people she has found to care for.
A book that is big, sprawling, and yet never loses the reader, even with all the cool ideas that Tremblay comes up with. This is a unique look at a bleak future, a bit out of an 80's underground movie, filmed in the meat district of Manhattan. That's a good thing. Tremblay has a good way of setting the scene, of making the reader understand what is going on, even while things are a little chaotic. There is a bit of an info dump, but one can see why, informing characters about the world they thought they knew, as well as the readers. I focused on Izzy, but there are other characters, POV does jump around and so does the story style. However this is handled well and there is no real displacement while reading.
I loved the world and the ideas. A cyberpunk book from the 80's with the sad reality of life in 21st century. Just as schizoid as the song by King Crimson made it sound. A very interesting novel, and one I really enjoyed. I look forward to reading more by Rachel Tremblay.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review Details?
-no spoilers!
-ebook (ARC)
-4.25 (out of 5)
Fanta-SciFi-ness?
-Lavender Spike is a dystopian sci-fi with some cyberpunk elements, and the world we visit is engaging. in Etching, art is a harmful (or beloved) addiction for some and the source of misery, in one way or another, for others.
-this leans toward soft sci-fi in that character decisions are the driving force and the mechanism by which art induces terrible/euphoric effects is not clearly outlined. that said, despite the "rules" of it being unclear, this sci-fi system is unique.
-throughout the book, we visit a few distinct locations within two broader areas: Mahl City and the Dumps. they resemble the haves and have-nots in a way that is familiar to the genre, but the focus on art and its role there keeps the story fresh and interesting.
Complexity?
-although we follow multiple characters, Izzy is the central protagonist. personally, I found Izzy to be likable with interesting flaws. it is incredibly easy to root for her.
-there are two or three major threads that we follow throughout the book which correspond to the journeys of individual characters or sets of characters. these threads were straightforward and interesting.
-the book provides some details about the lore/history of the world, but it does not hold the reader's hand and walk through every piece. that said, we do get a bit of an exposition dump by a secondary character in the first 1/3 or so of the book. ultimately, I felt that this was easy to follow.
-I should note that there is some literal POV shifting throughout the book--from 3rd-person to 1st-person and back again. I did not mind that, but another reader might.
Keep it Coming?
-the "I must keep reading!" feeling ebbed and flowed for me, but in general, I wanted to see where things were going and what would happen next. I think the central character and the overarching plot helped to keep things moving and to keep me engaged.
-chapters seemed to be fairly short (perhaps 5-10 pages per chapter), and they included chapter breaks. that helped to stoke the "just one more chapter before bed..." feeling.
-no spoilers!
-ebook (ARC)
-4.25 (out of 5)
Fanta-SciFi-ness?
-Lavender Spike is a dystopian sci-fi with some cyberpunk elements, and the world we visit is engaging. in Etching, art is a harmful (or beloved) addiction for some and the source of misery, in one way or another, for others.
-this leans toward soft sci-fi in that character decisions are the driving force and the mechanism by which art induces terrible/euphoric effects is not clearly outlined. that said, despite the "rules" of it being unclear, this sci-fi system is unique.
-throughout the book, we visit a few distinct locations within two broader areas: Mahl City and the Dumps. they resemble the haves and have-nots in a way that is familiar to the genre, but the focus on art and its role there keeps the story fresh and interesting.
Complexity?
-although we follow multiple characters, Izzy is the central protagonist. personally, I found Izzy to be likable with interesting flaws. it is incredibly easy to root for her.
-there are two or three major threads that we follow throughout the book which correspond to the journeys of individual characters or sets of characters. these threads were straightforward and interesting.
-the book provides some details about the lore/history of the world, but it does not hold the reader's hand and walk through every piece. that said, we do get a bit of an exposition dump by a secondary character in the first 1/3 or so of the book. ultimately, I felt that this was easy to follow.
-I should note that there is some literal POV shifting throughout the book--from 3rd-person to 1st-person and back again. I did not mind that, but another reader might.
Keep it Coming?
-the "I must keep reading!" feeling ebbed and flowed for me, but in general, I wanted to see where things were going and what would happen next. I think the central character and the overarching plot helped to keep things moving and to keep me engaged.
-chapters seemed to be fairly short (perhaps 5-10 pages per chapter), and they included chapter breaks. that helped to stoke the "just one more chapter before bed..." feeling.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is one of those dystopian stories that feels original. The entire concept of art functioning as a form of religion, addiction, power, and rebellion all at once was fascinating and unlike anything I have read before.
The story follows Izzy Ker, the last working artist of the Old Holy Order, surviving in poverty while secretly selling illegal paintings in the Dumps. After her studio is destroyed, she gets pulled into the world of rebels, thieves, and eventually the terrifyingly glamorous New Art Government, a society built around “Trigger Art,” surreal art capable of manipulating emotions and intoxicating the masses. Watching Izzy get caught between rebellion and luxury, morality and desire, survival and identity made this impossible to put down.
What really stood out to me was the world-building. Rachel Tremblay creates a society that feels vivid, strange, chaotic, and believable all at once. The contrast between the gritty desperation of the Dumps and the hypnotic excess of Trigger Art culture was incredibly immersive. The art itself felt alive throughout the story, violent and addictive in a way that constantly blurred the line between beauty and control.
I also loved how morally messy everything felt. Nobody here is fully innocent, and every side believes they’re justified. Izzy, especially, was such an interesting protagonist because you can feel her being pulled in multiple directions at once by ambition, fear, rebellion, attraction, and the intoxicating nature of art itself.
The deeper I got into the story, the harder it became to stop reading. It’s cyberpunk, dystopian, artistic, unsettling, and strangely beautiful all at once.
This felt like a fresh take on dystopian fiction while still giving me the intensity and rebellion themes.
Thank you so much ECW Press and Rachel Tremblay for sending me a #gifted arc!
All opinions are my own 🖤
The story follows Izzy Ker, the last working artist of the Old Holy Order, surviving in poverty while secretly selling illegal paintings in the Dumps. After her studio is destroyed, she gets pulled into the world of rebels, thieves, and eventually the terrifyingly glamorous New Art Government, a society built around “Trigger Art,” surreal art capable of manipulating emotions and intoxicating the masses. Watching Izzy get caught between rebellion and luxury, morality and desire, survival and identity made this impossible to put down.
What really stood out to me was the world-building. Rachel Tremblay creates a society that feels vivid, strange, chaotic, and believable all at once. The contrast between the gritty desperation of the Dumps and the hypnotic excess of Trigger Art culture was incredibly immersive. The art itself felt alive throughout the story, violent and addictive in a way that constantly blurred the line between beauty and control.
I also loved how morally messy everything felt. Nobody here is fully innocent, and every side believes they’re justified. Izzy, especially, was such an interesting protagonist because you can feel her being pulled in multiple directions at once by ambition, fear, rebellion, attraction, and the intoxicating nature of art itself.
The deeper I got into the story, the harder it became to stop reading. It’s cyberpunk, dystopian, artistic, unsettling, and strangely beautiful all at once.
This felt like a fresh take on dystopian fiction while still giving me the intensity and rebellion themes.
Thank you so much ECW Press and Rachel Tremblay for sending me a #gifted arc!
All opinions are my own 🖤
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Dialogue is horrifically bad; info-dumps everywhere; unbearably pretentious MC; and I tapped out when it was revealed that it only took the dictator ONE SINGLE YEAR to abolish all religion. I’m sorry, but that is straight-up stupid. I don’t care what your take on religion is, the fact is that it’s a pretty fundamental thing humans do and it would take a LOT longer than a single year to make everyone give it up!
The prose is not great. Quotes taken from my review copy, so bear in mind any or all of these could be edited in the final version of the book.
Eyes WHAT?
From context, this is happening metaphorically, she’s not literally got stones pressing into her eyes.
This is Isobel emerging from where she was hiding. Something about ‘one foot out into the brightness’ keeps making me twitch.
I think I know what you’re trying to say, but that’s a terrible way to say it.
I’m sorry, but a 23yo does not talk like this.
I just hate it.
The prose is not great. Quotes taken from my review copy, so bear in mind any or all of these could be edited in the final version of the book.
Bodies moved fast, eyes craved–it was always a frenzy.
Eyes WHAT?
She let the roundness of the stones and the sharp edges of the cracks seep into her eyes.
From context, this is happening metaphorically, she’s not literally got stones pressing into her eyes.
One foot out into the brightness, Isobel stopped.
This is Isobel emerging from where she was hiding. Something about ‘one foot out into the brightness’ keeps making me twitch.
unaffected by the stress and fear epitomized by grown-up life.
I think I know what you’re trying to say, but that’s a terrible way to say it.
“What might it be like, I wonder, to create a painting that would make people feel intense, profound emotions. A painting that might permit a change…”
I’m sorry, but a 23yo does not talk like this.
It pleased Isobel to witness their camaraderie, confirming her lofty thoughts of the night before.
I just hate it.
June 1, 2026
Thank you to netgalley for this ARC….. this was definitely an interesting and very unique read so a 3.5 ⭐ for me
The story follows Izzy who is one of the last remaining artist… in a city which is living in poverty. And selling her paintings illegally as there is a new order that controls the art work. Along the way we have her best friend Joanie who is apart of the rebels who want to stop this way of life.
Izzy gets nearly caught by the hounds and joins the rebels and heads into the city as a spy and creates art which is like a drug for the citizens there as the art work makes them feel different feelings and kinda get them into a high. She has a bodyguard hound who looks after her Called Rilke.
The story is so so unique and completely unlike anything I have ever read but very clever in the way it is brought out. The artwork being the kind of controlled drug to keep the people in line in the city is really different.
The characters are likeable and interesting but also some are downright vile and have no sympathy for, it’s kind of a rebellion side with good and bad on both sides as like everything nothing is always all good or all bad.
However while I did enjoy it, at times I did find it very confusing to follow along with, and not a lot actually happened it was more following the lives of them. But I do think it’s a read that will definitely keep you thinking and will be something that is completely unique to anything you have read.
The story follows Izzy who is one of the last remaining artist… in a city which is living in poverty. And selling her paintings illegally as there is a new order that controls the art work. Along the way we have her best friend Joanie who is apart of the rebels who want to stop this way of life.
Izzy gets nearly caught by the hounds and joins the rebels and heads into the city as a spy and creates art which is like a drug for the citizens there as the art work makes them feel different feelings and kinda get them into a high. She has a bodyguard hound who looks after her Called Rilke.
The story is so so unique and completely unlike anything I have ever read but very clever in the way it is brought out. The artwork being the kind of controlled drug to keep the people in line in the city is really different.
The characters are likeable and interesting but also some are downright vile and have no sympathy for, it’s kind of a rebellion side with good and bad on both sides as like everything nothing is always all good or all bad.
However while I did enjoy it, at times I did find it very confusing to follow along with, and not a lot actually happened it was more following the lives of them. But I do think it’s a read that will definitely keep you thinking and will be something that is completely unique to anything you have read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
(e-ARC received through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review; thank you to Rachel Tremblay and ECW Press) true rating: 4.75
“Reverence for beauty gives heart. And a world without heart isn’t a world worth living in.”
I absolutely loved this book. What a unique and fascinating concept, where art is both religion and drug, and how a people can be both improved and destroyed by it.
Tremblay paints such a vivid picture of a dystopian (or maybe not-so-dystopian) world, complete with ignorant rich/privileged people and the rebels who thirst for change and equality. The writing style was excellent, keeping me hooked from the very beginning. I loved most of the characters. Some felt a bit 2-dimensional, but that often happens when there are a lot of characters involved. Parts of the ending also felt a little rushed, and I was confused over how Rilke survived the hit from a blaster gun (though of course I’m glad he did).
I loved how the author really dove into the essence of what it means to be an artist, both in the traditional and modern sense. Art is crucial to any human experience, whether we consciously realize it or not, and this book portrays that beautifully.
I’m so grateful to have read an e-ARC of this book, and I will absolutely be purchasing a physical copy. I am also going to be recommending this book to everyone, for its unique concept and fascinating world.
“Reverence for beauty gives heart. And a world without heart isn’t a world worth living in.”
I absolutely loved this book. What a unique and fascinating concept, where art is both religion and drug, and how a people can be both improved and destroyed by it.
Tremblay paints such a vivid picture of a dystopian (or maybe not-so-dystopian) world, complete with ignorant rich/privileged people and the rebels who thirst for change and equality. The writing style was excellent, keeping me hooked from the very beginning. I loved most of the characters. Some felt a bit 2-dimensional, but that often happens when there are a lot of characters involved. Parts of the ending also felt a little rushed, and I was confused over how Rilke survived the hit from a blaster gun (though of course I’m glad he did).
I loved how the author really dove into the essence of what it means to be an artist, both in the traditional and modern sense. Art is crucial to any human experience, whether we consciously realize it or not, and this book portrays that beautifully.
I’m so grateful to have read an e-ARC of this book, and I will absolutely be purchasing a physical copy. I am also going to be recommending this book to everyone, for its unique concept and fascinating world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and ECW Press for the e ARC!
A dystopian novel set in a post apocalyptic future where art is treated like a drug to tame the masses sounds like such a cool premise for a book. Sadly 'Lavender Spike' did not live up to its premise.
First and foremost, the pacing was a mess. Either the book should have been longer or split into a duology. Everything leading up to Izzy entering the city was well done but then it just all falls apart after that. How do you speed run your main character being thrown in prison, breaking out of prison and then participating in a rebellion? Like just why. Plus there are several deus ex machina moments towards the end to speed us towards the climax that make absolutely no sense. Just events happening with zero explanation.
And honestly I dont think this book knew what it was trying to say about art, consumerism or religion. And if your book has nothing to say then what is the point?
Other small things that annoyed me: mentioning characters' breasts in detail for no reason and we never get an explanation for why the lavender spike itself was so important. I assume it had something to do with the drug like effect of the art but who the hell knows.
A dystopian novel set in a post apocalyptic future where art is treated like a drug to tame the masses sounds like such a cool premise for a book. Sadly 'Lavender Spike' did not live up to its premise.
First and foremost, the pacing was a mess. Either the book should have been longer or split into a duology. Everything leading up to Izzy entering the city was well done but then it just all falls apart after that. How do you speed run your main character being thrown in prison, breaking out of prison and then participating in a rebellion? Like just why. Plus there are several deus ex machina moments towards the end to speed us towards the climax that make absolutely no sense. Just events happening with zero explanation.
And honestly I dont think this book knew what it was trying to say about art, consumerism or religion. And if your book has nothing to say then what is the point?
Other small things that annoyed me: mentioning characters' breasts in detail for no reason and we never get an explanation for why the lavender spike itself was so important. I assume it had something to do with the drug like effect of the art but who the hell knows.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have to admit I could not buy into the concept of this book. While the idea of art turning people into addicts is great in itself, everything around it just does not work. I think the biggest problem was turning this book into a dystopian future with art as religion.
After the success of the hunger games, we've had a lot of authors attempt their hand at dystopian world. Unfortunately in a lot of cases it falls flat because the socio-political considerations of what this dystopia looks like just aren't there.
This book unfortunately falls into this category, the world building falls completely flat and at times just doesn't make any logical sense. The main character is not flashed out enough to carry the story, and the relationships between the characters are at times confusing at best, and make very little sense within the world and backstory of said characters.
I wanted to give this story a fair shot, however it just wasn't for me.
Thank you to ECW Press and Rachel Tremblay for providing me with this ARC.
After the success of the hunger games, we've had a lot of authors attempt their hand at dystopian world. Unfortunately in a lot of cases it falls flat because the socio-political considerations of what this dystopia looks like just aren't there.
This book unfortunately falls into this category, the world building falls completely flat and at times just doesn't make any logical sense. The main character is not flashed out enough to carry the story, and the relationships between the characters are at times confusing at best, and make very little sense within the world and backstory of said characters.
I wanted to give this story a fair shot, however it just wasn't for me.
Thank you to ECW Press and Rachel Tremblay for providing me with this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and ECW Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinions!
DNF @ 15%
I love ambitious, theoretical scifi but I just could not get behind the fundamental ideas in this story. I think the concept of art as a drug, one that can latch the viewer on and get them addicted against their will, is really cool. If that had been 100% of the driving factors behind the conflict in this story I think it would have been great and I would have continued. But the opposing faction, the "Purists" who want to keep art as art, inane, harmless and non-addictive, and becoming outlaws because of this, that concept is just a bit silly to me. It was too difficult to take the storyline seriously and I couldn't even properly dive into the book to continue.
Best wishes to Rachel Tremblay and their future publications
DNF @ 15%
I love ambitious, theoretical scifi but I just could not get behind the fundamental ideas in this story. I think the concept of art as a drug, one that can latch the viewer on and get them addicted against their will, is really cool. If that had been 100% of the driving factors behind the conflict in this story I think it would have been great and I would have continued. But the opposing faction, the "Purists" who want to keep art as art, inane, harmless and non-addictive, and becoming outlaws because of this, that concept is just a bit silly to me. It was too difficult to take the storyline seriously and I couldn't even properly dive into the book to continue.
Best wishes to Rachel Tremblay and their future publications
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks ECW Press and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. Just finished this today and exciting read! Izzy Ker is the last working artist of the Old Holy Order. She lives in the Dumps illegally selling her paintings to the few remaining devotees of the Old Order. And when her studio is ransacked she is forced to seek out the Half-Light Rebels a gang of anti-art rebels and thieves. She helps them but when things go wrong she is captured by the New Art Government and forced to join them or rot in jail. She’s thrust into the spotlight and becomes intoxicated by the luxury and her bodyguard. Though she is still secretly working with the rebellion, fanning the flames, and preparing to unveil her debut piece. A thrilling fast paced read that is engaging and captivating! Rachel Tremblay writes a story with wonderful world building, and strong characters that I really enjoyed!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Lavender Spikes by Rachel Tremblay
4/5 stars
The cover is beautifully done and is what caught my attention first. The name is also something that is unique to the novel. The story line follows Izzy in a dystopian world where art is heavily regulated by the government. Things go the wrong way in their first mission and Izzy is given a ultimatum that changes her life.
I am a sucker for a good dystopian novel. I loved the story and character building. You actually grew to love the roles by the end.
I do feel that the overall plot itself if unique and might drive some readers away.
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to be a ARC reader.
4/5 stars
The cover is beautifully done and is what caught my attention first. The name is also something that is unique to the novel. The story line follows Izzy in a dystopian world where art is heavily regulated by the government. Things go the wrong way in their first mission and Izzy is given a ultimatum that changes her life.
I am a sucker for a good dystopian novel. I loved the story and character building. You actually grew to love the roles by the end.
I do feel that the overall plot itself if unique and might drive some readers away.
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to be a ARC reader.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A 3+ but maybe not be a great margin.
This one was up and down as I read it and even now as I think back on it for a review.
This first quarter of the book is jarring in that everything is off kilter to what you know. Most of the world supposedly gone (not a lot of explanation). Religions wiped out. Art fills in the void but it is somehow addictive to look at etc etc
Mid book for mind has accepted the world and the story gets intriguing.
Then boom a rebellion that lasts a mere night and no plan for a future that seemed again too jarring.
This one was up and down as I read it and even now as I think back on it for a review.
This first quarter of the book is jarring in that everything is off kilter to what you know. Most of the world supposedly gone (not a lot of explanation). Religions wiped out. Art fills in the void but it is somehow addictive to look at etc etc
Mid book for mind has accepted the world and the story gets intriguing.
Then boom a rebellion that lasts a mere night and no plan for a future that seemed again too jarring.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A dystopian society where art is the religion. Trained artusts called "purists" are hunted. These are the ones that paint landscapes and the like. The reign that is currently in charge are the surreal "triggers" their paintings act like addictive psychodelic drugs-- violent and angry in many ways. As one character says "vomit your soul". We find both sides have good and bad. And it's time for a change.
Puts me in mind of Fahrenheit 451 in many ways.
Puts me in mind of Fahrenheit 451 in many ways.
June 17, 2026
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley
Lavender Spike was well-written, dystopian, and art-driven. I really enjoyed reading it and was hooked by the concept immediately. I always love when it feels you’ve been dumped into the story with no prior context, learning as you go.
The only downside, and the reason for my three star review, is that the last 20% of the book seemed rushed.
Lavender Spike was well-written, dystopian, and art-driven. I really enjoyed reading it and was hooked by the concept immediately. I always love when it feels you’ve been dumped into the story with no prior context, learning as you go.
The only downside, and the reason for my three star review, is that the last 20% of the book seemed rushed.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Incredibly creative and engaging and fun to read. Easily my favorite read of the year so far.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Interesting, effective, and unique book with some good plotting, great themes, and excellent vibes. 4 stars. tysm for the E-ARC.
July 5, 2026
The story and characters of this dystopian art world are engaging and full of colour. The language is rich yet down to earth and there are important reflections on art and society.
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