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Nothing Out There
Poise. Obedience. Purpose.
Within the walls of a secluded facility that reforms troubled girls into obedient daughters, there are only two outcomes: graduate or disappear. Erased and rebuilt from the ruins of herself, Maysie knows little about the future she’s training for, let alone the world outside. Daily sedatives, posture drills, and the constant reminder to smile shape the only life she’s ever known.
She considers herself lucky. She has friends who keep her calm, rules to keep her safe, and a future she’s been taught to want. The guidance of armed enforcers and watchful doctors is a small price to pay for the promise of perfection.
But perfection never lasts. Dreams bleed into memories of a girl they claim no longer exists. Girls who break vanish without explanation. And two rival mentors—each claiming to know what's best for her—pull Maysie into a game she can’t afford to lose.
In the Advancement Program, being chosen is just as dangerous as being discarded. Every lie she uncovers threatens the version of her they’ve built, and the Program knows how to silence girls who know too much.
Only this time, they won’t stop at her memories.
Within the walls of a secluded facility that reforms troubled girls into obedient daughters, there are only two outcomes: graduate or disappear. Erased and rebuilt from the ruins of herself, Maysie knows little about the future she’s training for, let alone the world outside. Daily sedatives, posture drills, and the constant reminder to smile shape the only life she’s ever known.
She considers herself lucky. She has friends who keep her calm, rules to keep her safe, and a future she’s been taught to want. The guidance of armed enforcers and watchful doctors is a small price to pay for the promise of perfection.
But perfection never lasts. Dreams bleed into memories of a girl they claim no longer exists. Girls who break vanish without explanation. And two rival mentors—each claiming to know what's best for her—pull Maysie into a game she can’t afford to lose.
In the Advancement Program, being chosen is just as dangerous as being discarded. Every lie she uncovers threatens the version of her they’ve built, and the Program knows how to silence girls who know too much.
Only this time, they won’t stop at her memories.
428 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2026
105 people are currently reading
2667 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
March 7, 2026
3.75 🌟
this was a very quick and fun read!! i like how the chapters were so short and it didn’t feel like a burden to read them at all
honestly this book had me go from
😯->😦->😧->🫨->😶🌫️->😥
i wanted to read a dystopian book and this one was honestly perfect
I LOVED THE PLOT IDEA OMG
i was genuinely teeming with energy
the characters were a bit confusing though😭
but maysie poor maysie☹️☹️
also i’m definitely team colt
vincent was VERY confusing😭
it’s safe to say that i NEED the next book
ALSO SPOILERS AHEAD‼️
i like how the author didn’t introduce maysie’s real name in the beginning
and i honestly didn’t notice that i didn’t know her name until the other characters called for her
this was a very quick and fun read!! i like how the chapters were so short and it didn’t feel like a burden to read them at all
honestly this book had me go from
😯->😦->😧->🫨->😶🌫️->😥
i wanted to read a dystopian book and this one was honestly perfect
I LOVED THE PLOT IDEA OMG
i was genuinely teeming with energy
the characters were a bit confusing though😭
but maysie poor maysie☹️☹️
also i’m definitely team colt
vincent was VERY confusing😭
it’s safe to say that i NEED the next book
ALSO SPOILERS AHEAD‼️
i like how the author didn’t introduce maysie’s real name in the beginning
and i honestly didn’t notice that i didn’t know her name until the other characters called for her
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2026
Gagged... GAGGED
(Also, is it concerning that I'm very much shipping her with Maverick... I love Colt but she doesn't deserve him after what she did...)
(Also, is it concerning that I'm very much shipping her with Maverick... I love Colt but she doesn't deserve him after what she did...)
Review of advance copy
This is after reading the arc this book was absolutely amazing i spent the whole day reading and finished it in one day I usually finished books in around 4 days so this shows how wonderful of a book it was highly recommended to pre order and prepare for this masterpiece to hit to shelves counting down till March 10th 📖😊
April 7, 2026
so many unanswered questions, i need the next one
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Hawthorne and Aster services as well as Mae Harcourt for the opportunity to ARC read Nothing Out There. I chose to sign up, as well as review this book. All words are my own.
Order, structure, unravels into delirium.
What secret experiments are being run on these girls is well hidden under layers of subterfuge. I can't decide what characters to root for. Who is there to further torture, who's presence I should be happy for. Just when I think, "Maybe.." something is said or done that has me questioning motives all over again.
The pod the story follows, you can feel the shifts. The initial solidarity, slowly twists into concern and then jealousy. The experiments don't even know if they can trust each other.
A ghost of truth hiding behind every corner. Haunting.
It was exhilarating reading. The mystery ramped to 100. Characters are well developed and some even underhanded. I felt I was going insane along with Maysie.
Order, structure, unravels into delirium.
What secret experiments are being run on these girls is well hidden under layers of subterfuge. I can't decide what characters to root for. Who is there to further torture, who's presence I should be happy for. Just when I think, "Maybe.." something is said or done that has me questioning motives all over again.
The pod the story follows, you can feel the shifts. The initial solidarity, slowly twists into concern and then jealousy. The experiments don't even know if they can trust each other.
A ghost of truth hiding behind every corner. Haunting.
It was exhilarating reading. The mystery ramped to 100. Characters are well developed and some even underhanded. I felt I was going insane along with Maysie.
April 11, 2026
I gave Nothing Out There four stars, and it was such a memorable read for me. I read this book with my mom, which made the experience even more special. It was something we could talk about together, and it made certain moments feel even more intense and meaningful.
At first, it was a little slow to get into. It took me a bit to really feel hooked, which is the main reason I didn’t give it five stars. But once I reached a certain point, everything changed—I literally could not put the book down. It completely pulled me in, and I just had to know what was going to happen next.
Also, I LOVE Colt. He was so sweet and protective, and I found myself getting so invested anytime he was involved.
One thing I really appreciated about this book was how different and unexpected it felt. It didn’t follow a super predictable path, which made it way more exciting to read. Overall, even with the slower start, it turned into such an engaging and unique story that I’m really glad I read.
⭐💛🖤✨
At first, it was a little slow to get into. It took me a bit to really feel hooked, which is the main reason I didn’t give it five stars. But once I reached a certain point, everything changed—I literally could not put the book down. It completely pulled me in, and I just had to know what was going to happen next.
Also, I LOVE Colt. He was so sweet and protective, and I found myself getting so invested anytime he was involved.
One thing I really appreciated about this book was how different and unexpected it felt. It didn’t follow a super predictable path, which made it way more exciting to read. Overall, even with the slower start, it turned into such an engaging and unique story that I’m really glad I read.
⭐💛🖤✨
March 13, 2026
This was definitely dystopian and at times even fitting for the horror genre. I was super excited to read this and the first few chapters started off strong, but by the end my patience for the point was waning and this did not work for me.
The first 60% is extremely repetitive: plot development where? Maybe the author was hyper-focused on making sure she was showing and not just telling, but it was overkill, especially because the setting was so limited. Me: "I get it, and?" I just feel like the reader is really strung along for the majority of the story. I think this needed another POV. And what really irritated me is that after what I thought was the climax we get several more mundane chapters before the underwhelming conclusion.
Ultimately, I'm not quite sure what the author wanted the reader to get out of her concept, while at the same time feeling she could've done more/been more creative with it in this first installment. This was executed much differently than I anticipated. This was creepy and not in a good way. What is written well, in my opinion, is the protagonist's internal dialogue but I found the actual dialogue between characters cringe and often added nothing to anything. There wasn't really any romance and I'll be honest, I wasn't sure who the love interest was supposed to be for a while. The author lists feminine rage as a theme in her marketing and I'm still not sure what's going on with that ideologically. I don't want to spoil anything but my questions were not answered. I can see book 2 redeeming this first book and so I might try it out of mere curiosity, because mere curiosity is what kept me reading this. I wanted to know where it was going... I do feel like I wasted my time, but like I said, book 2 has strong potential to redeem this.
This is YA Dystopian and does read YA, but I was not happy with the language used.
In this book:
-memory manipulation
-morally gray love interest
-single POV
-power imbalance
-authoritarian "perfection" academy
-slowest of slow burns
-cliffhanger
Content Guide:
romance - clean/very very light
language - hell (8x); damn (10x+); sh*t (5x); douche (1x); and God's name taken in vain (10x+) - sometimes capitalized and sometimes not
violence: semi-frequent & semi-graphic, but brief
Potential Content Warnings:
-psychological manipulation
-mental/physical torture
-sedation/injection
-unhinged mental/emotional states
-perfection pressures
-mentions of "terminating" people
The first 60% is extremely repetitive: plot development where? Maybe the author was hyper-focused on making sure she was showing and not just telling, but it was overkill, especially because the setting was so limited. Me: "I get it, and?" I just feel like the reader is really strung along for the majority of the story. I think this needed another POV. And what really irritated me is that after what I thought was the climax we get several more mundane chapters before the underwhelming conclusion.
Ultimately, I'm not quite sure what the author wanted the reader to get out of her concept, while at the same time feeling she could've done more/been more creative with it in this first installment. This was executed much differently than I anticipated. This was creepy and not in a good way. What is written well, in my opinion, is the protagonist's internal dialogue but I found the actual dialogue between characters cringe and often added nothing to anything. There wasn't really any romance and I'll be honest, I wasn't sure who the love interest was supposed to be for a while. The author lists feminine rage as a theme in her marketing and I'm still not sure what's going on with that ideologically. I don't want to spoil anything but my questions were not answered. I can see book 2 redeeming this first book and so I might try it out of mere curiosity, because mere curiosity is what kept me reading this. I wanted to know where it was going... I do feel like I wasted my time, but like I said, book 2 has strong potential to redeem this.
This is YA Dystopian and does read YA, but I was not happy with the language used.
In this book:
-memory manipulation
-morally gray love interest
-single POV
-power imbalance
-authoritarian "perfection" academy
-slowest of slow burns
-cliffhanger
Content Guide:
romance - clean/very very light
language - hell (8x); damn (10x+); sh*t (5x); douche (1x); and God's name taken in vain (10x+) - sometimes capitalized and sometimes not
violence: semi-frequent & semi-graphic, but brief
Potential Content Warnings:
-psychological manipulation
-mental/physical torture
-sedation/injection
-unhinged mental/emotional states
-perfection pressures
-mentions of "terminating" people
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What a spectacular book with a DIABOLICAL ending. But lets rewind and talk about my most anticipated release of the year, Nothing Out There.
The story follows Maysie in a dodgy "behavior" program where they teach young girls how to behave. Be perfect. Obedient. Poised. Everything they wanted them to be. Set in a dystopian world full of mystery, evil men, no respect towards women and masked truths about our own world, Nothing Out There has simply become... unique, in the best of ways. The setting was "dark-academia gone wrong", as Mae says so herself, and it cannot be more true. This program, academy if you will, is cruel and twisted, making girls feel less and be less, at that. Maysie was treated unfairly throughout the whole journey we got to see. This program also wiped away their memories, making them into mere puppets at their disposal. The amount of quotes I have annotated is beyond me, considering this book had so many true depictions of our world right now hidden inside. Mae has simply created a realistic, yet magnificent world of mystery, secrets to unravel and a strong FMC, ready to fight the regime.
Maysie was written well, realistic with a tone of naivety in the beginning, and we see her slowly become what the system fears - a human being who thinks. Another tidbit- the way this book talked about music made so much sense. I may have... cried over the descriptions, because I wouldnt be able to write something so deep.
Overall, the book wasnt perfect BUT it was for me, Fast-paced and addictive! I literally binged this in one afternoon. Id highly recommend reading this book if you're looking for something to pull you out of a slump, if you're a fan of slow-burns (TEAM V FOR LIFE!!), dystopian settings, girls fighting the system and the "all is not as it seems" trope.
The story follows Maysie in a dodgy "behavior" program where they teach young girls how to behave. Be perfect. Obedient. Poised. Everything they wanted them to be. Set in a dystopian world full of mystery, evil men, no respect towards women and masked truths about our own world, Nothing Out There has simply become... unique, in the best of ways. The setting was "dark-academia gone wrong", as Mae says so herself, and it cannot be more true. This program, academy if you will, is cruel and twisted, making girls feel less and be less, at that. Maysie was treated unfairly throughout the whole journey we got to see. This program also wiped away their memories, making them into mere puppets at their disposal. The amount of quotes I have annotated is beyond me, considering this book had so many true depictions of our world right now hidden inside. Mae has simply created a realistic, yet magnificent world of mystery, secrets to unravel and a strong FMC, ready to fight the regime.
Maysie was written well, realistic with a tone of naivety in the beginning, and we see her slowly become what the system fears - a human being who thinks. Another tidbit- the way this book talked about music made so much sense. I may have... cried over the descriptions, because I wouldnt be able to write something so deep.
Overall, the book wasnt perfect BUT it was for me, Fast-paced and addictive! I literally binged this in one afternoon. Id highly recommend reading this book if you're looking for something to pull you out of a slump, if you're a fan of slow-burns (TEAM V FOR LIFE!!), dystopian settings, girls fighting the system and the "all is not as it seems" trope.
March 10, 2026
Thank you Hawthorne & Aster and Mae Cortland for the eARC!
-
A brief summary of the book: Poise. Obedience. Purpose. Those are the words Maysie has been taught to obey. She has had her memory erased and knows little about the outside world. She has to follow the rules of the Advancement Program that reforms troubled girls into obedient daughters. Maysie has been taught to be perfect in order to graduate. After advancing further in the program, things start to change. Girls start to vanish, two rival mentors argue over what is best for Maysie, and dreams bleed into memories. Maysie uncovers lie after lie, which threatens her view of the Program. Maysie must do whatever it takes to survive.
My review:
I genuinely loved this book so much! The plot truly was unique and I never knew what was going to happen. I kept trying to guess the ending, but I was completely wrong (which I loved!). I also never knew who to trust. I was nervous this book would be similar to other dystopian novels, but trust me when I tell you this book is completely unique and I highly recommend it!
-
A brief summary of the book: Poise. Obedience. Purpose. Those are the words Maysie has been taught to obey. She has had her memory erased and knows little about the outside world. She has to follow the rules of the Advancement Program that reforms troubled girls into obedient daughters. Maysie has been taught to be perfect in order to graduate. After advancing further in the program, things start to change. Girls start to vanish, two rival mentors argue over what is best for Maysie, and dreams bleed into memories. Maysie uncovers lie after lie, which threatens her view of the Program. Maysie must do whatever it takes to survive.
My review:
I genuinely loved this book so much! The plot truly was unique and I never knew what was going to happen. I kept trying to guess the ending, but I was completely wrong (which I loved!). I also never knew who to trust. I was nervous this book would be similar to other dystopian novels, but trust me when I tell you this book is completely unique and I highly recommend it!
February 25, 2026
Omg. This book had me captivated from page one. I absolutely can NOT wait for the rest of this series. I’m so curious to learn more about this world.
March 31, 2026
First, I’m not a dystopian reader or sci fi fanatic. But maybe I need to explore both the genres more… I CANNOT say how much I’m invested in this series. As much as it pains me to start another unfinished series… I HAD TO! You don’t understand the torture of going through this book with no context or recommendation behind it, simply a title and insta gram reel prompting my hours of binge reading.
Okay so beyond loving the book let me say I’m a huge shatter me fan so this book also satisfied that side of my book world. Like the authors note at the end states a lot about how she began this book In high school and how she felt inspired by so many. Tahera Mafi MUST be one of those inspirations. I mean there were moments when the author was directly calling out the titles saying: shatter, ignite, unraveling, and fracturing. BUT all of the story line was completely its own. The concepts and world building along with the characters were all surprisingly and to my delight COMPLETELY UNIQUE!!!
I honestly can’t wait to re read this book, I feel like I missed so much I can now go back and see even more. It’s quite frankly the vibes of a murder mystery read without trying to solve a murder. I would say the beginning is slightly overwhelming with how many characters are thrown out there, but it’s a quick turnover to interesting plot and world building. I really felt like I was in this world being brought up beside them as another bunk mate.
Also please keep in mind this book genuinely might not be for everyone and it’s not shatter me so don’t go into it expecting a super similar story line or character plot, this is its own creation. But I highly recommend that people give this book a shot, it’s full of plot twists and beautifully illustrated details.
Okay so beyond loving the book let me say I’m a huge shatter me fan so this book also satisfied that side of my book world. Like the authors note at the end states a lot about how she began this book In high school and how she felt inspired by so many. Tahera Mafi MUST be one of those inspirations. I mean there were moments when the author was directly calling out the titles saying: shatter, ignite, unraveling, and fracturing. BUT all of the story line was completely its own. The concepts and world building along with the characters were all surprisingly and to my delight COMPLETELY UNIQUE!!!
I honestly can’t wait to re read this book, I feel like I missed so much I can now go back and see even more. It’s quite frankly the vibes of a murder mystery read without trying to solve a murder. I would say the beginning is slightly overwhelming with how many characters are thrown out there, but it’s a quick turnover to interesting plot and world building. I really felt like I was in this world being brought up beside them as another bunk mate.
Also please keep in mind this book genuinely might not be for everyone and it’s not shatter me so don’t go into it expecting a super similar story line or character plot, this is its own creation. But I highly recommend that people give this book a shot, it’s full of plot twists and beautifully illustrated details.
March 26, 2026
OH MY WORD- IVE BEEN WAITING MONTHS TO READ THIS AND IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!! Considering I've been in semi close contact with the author telling her how much I was obsessed with this story!
First off, Maysie, has to be one of my favorite FMC's out of every book I've read, and that's saying something- I've read a lot.
Hard to pick just one of these three men- I mean, come on, something tells me y'all still can't root for the one to end up with her- and after a lot of mental crashouts and maybe a few out loud, I've finally decided- COME ON, VINCENT, I mean, Colt's nice and all and treats her decent, BUT VINCENT HARROW, NEW HEAR ME OUT, COME ON, PRETTY, PRETTY PLEASE HAVE HIM END UP WITH HER, she deserves it.
Also, I'm saying her name wrong, aren't I? BECAUSE THAT'S NOT HER REAL NAME!!!! I was very surprised at that ( my jaw hit the floor same way hers did when she found out Vincent used to be HER MENTOR, like are we joking?!!!)
I knew he was my favorite the entire time- I just had no faith until now.
I'll just say one last thing- I think Maverick's either got something wrong with him, or is just a very strange guy, like, sure, I love the nickname " little star," like, who wouldn't? But also, he's the last person I'd trust to be around me, just saying.
Colt- OH MY GOSH, I wish there wasn't just one guy she had to end up with, because I feel like Colt has a chance in this- Vincent vs. Colt, okay, I'd love to see this.
Id honestly love to see if we ever get a Vincent-Colt-Maverick POV, because one, two, or all of them are clearly obsessed with her, but I feel Vincent has the upper hand here, those private lessons weren't for nothing, Harrow. I'm rooting for you!
First off, Maysie, has to be one of my favorite FMC's out of every book I've read, and that's saying something- I've read a lot.
Hard to pick just one of these three men- I mean, come on, something tells me y'all still can't root for the one to end up with her- and after a lot of mental crashouts and maybe a few out loud, I've finally decided- COME ON, VINCENT, I mean, Colt's nice and all and treats her decent, BUT VINCENT HARROW, NEW HEAR ME OUT, COME ON, PRETTY, PRETTY PLEASE HAVE HIM END UP WITH HER, she deserves it.
Also, I'm saying her name wrong, aren't I? BECAUSE THAT'S NOT HER REAL NAME!!!! I was very surprised at that ( my jaw hit the floor same way hers did when she found out Vincent used to be HER MENTOR, like are we joking?!!!)
I knew he was my favorite the entire time- I just had no faith until now.
I'll just say one last thing- I think Maverick's either got something wrong with him, or is just a very strange guy, like, sure, I love the nickname " little star," like, who wouldn't? But also, he's the last person I'd trust to be around me, just saying.
Colt- OH MY GOSH, I wish there wasn't just one guy she had to end up with, because I feel like Colt has a chance in this- Vincent vs. Colt, okay, I'd love to see this.
Id honestly love to see if we ever get a Vincent-Colt-Maverick POV, because one, two, or all of them are clearly obsessed with her, but I feel Vincent has the upper hand here, those private lessons weren't for nothing, Harrow. I'm rooting for you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2026
I’M SHOOK TO MY CORE! What did I just read genuinely!!!!!
The journey of this story with Maysie is so liminal and hollow and your thoughts start to echo as you go further. As she loses her friends and her autonomy even more. To feel just as underground as she is where everyone betrays her, even her own memories. I cannot appreciate the raw panic and feeling this book made me feel. Like you’re reading in a box and it only gets smaller with each chapter. It’s Don’t Worry, Darling in a secret underground lab for genetically altered girls to be experimented on and I would give anything to read this again for the first time. Absolutely incredible.
The journey of this story with Maysie is so liminal and hollow and your thoughts start to echo as you go further. As she loses her friends and her autonomy even more. To feel just as underground as she is where everyone betrays her, even her own memories. I cannot appreciate the raw panic and feeling this book made me feel. Like you’re reading in a box and it only gets smaller with each chapter. It’s Don’t Worry, Darling in a secret underground lab for genetically altered girls to be experimented on and I would give anything to read this again for the first time. Absolutely incredible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2026
This is a review from an advanced ARC copy:
Okay so… this YA book HOOKED me!! It’s like female maze runner with a bit of princess academy thrown into a singular plot. It’s 100% meant for teenagers in the greatest ways possible without being too innocent or too edgy. All of the characters are great. The world draws you in. There’s an eeriness to it all that’s perfect for the dystopian fantasy it is.
Pros:
- Maysie our FMC is great! She’s smart and snarky and learns how to be brave. She is a little too outspoken for the setting to be still a live imo (I’ll get to that in cons) but I definitely could see her with Tris, Katniss, and Thomas in the dystopian universe of 2010s.
- the setting: the controlling dystopian etiquette school with watchful eyes and sedations and strict policies and mysterious mentors who contradict one another… *chefs kiss* again it felt like a female Maze Runner with the girls relationships in the beginning and the amnesia
- the first half of the book is incredible. I read like 70% of this book in one sitting cause I couldn’t get enough and couldn’t wait to find answers
- Colt and Vincent are 10/10 the best is all I’ll say
- there’s no romance… and for this type of world I’m actually glad
Cons:
- for a book constantly reminding us the girls are under camera surveillance and strict duties/expectations they sure have a good amount of time to goof off and say what they want and somehow get away with it like 85% of the time without consequences. It dulled the tension mid book when it kept going despite threats cause most of the threats weren’t followed through. There’s also lots of weird holes and gaps that aren’t explained whatsoever the entire book about the organization but aren’t really given clues to to keep us interested in knowing why random things are just functioning the way they are.
- Maysie has TOO much plot armor. I won’t say much more so I don’t spoil anything but yeah it’s a bit like I said before where the worlds own rules break/bend too much to feel threatening. It gets rid of any tension. The worst that happens to her *most* of the time is an injury or she gets depressed.
- there’s so so so so so so so many character introductions in the first three chapters. Like nine to be exact. It’s a bit overwhelming at first but I eventually got adjusted— doesn’t mean I remembered what anyone looked like though because there’s only so many descriptions of characters one can read before you get glassy eyes
- the plot thins out by 250 pages in. The last third of the book is fairly uneventful and I kept bracing myself for a big twist and honestly walked away a little disappointed. Hence I can’t give it five stars. I am excited for the next book don’t get me wrong but it just wasn’t the build up I was being promised in the first half.
- the chapter breaks— omg these made NO SENSE. It would just cut at a weird point and either start somewhere completely new or like the scene never changed. But the chapters that did flow into the next didn’t have the typical cliff hanger or something… it just ended and then kept going under a new name/chapter number. It started getting annoying mid book cause I’d expect the scene to continue but no we’re two weeks later or I’d expect a scene to be over but no we’re still having the same conversation it’s just chapter 65 instead of 64 (or something)
Listen, I put a lot of cons, but in the long term it’s my personal grumpy opinions as a picky reader. But this book has solid writing, great characters, a unique plot that also feels familiar, and kept my attention in the span of 48 hours. For a debut, this author is going somewhere.
3.5 stars rounded to 4 ❤️
Okay so… this YA book HOOKED me!! It’s like female maze runner with a bit of princess academy thrown into a singular plot. It’s 100% meant for teenagers in the greatest ways possible without being too innocent or too edgy. All of the characters are great. The world draws you in. There’s an eeriness to it all that’s perfect for the dystopian fantasy it is.
Pros:
- Maysie our FMC is great! She’s smart and snarky and learns how to be brave. She is a little too outspoken for the setting to be still a live imo (I’ll get to that in cons) but I definitely could see her with Tris, Katniss, and Thomas in the dystopian universe of 2010s.
- the setting: the controlling dystopian etiquette school with watchful eyes and sedations and strict policies and mysterious mentors who contradict one another… *chefs kiss* again it felt like a female Maze Runner with the girls relationships in the beginning and the amnesia
- the first half of the book is incredible. I read like 70% of this book in one sitting cause I couldn’t get enough and couldn’t wait to find answers
- Colt and Vincent are 10/10 the best is all I’ll say
- there’s no romance… and for this type of world I’m actually glad
Cons:
- for a book constantly reminding us the girls are under camera surveillance and strict duties/expectations they sure have a good amount of time to goof off and say what they want and somehow get away with it like 85% of the time without consequences. It dulled the tension mid book when it kept going despite threats cause most of the threats weren’t followed through. There’s also lots of weird holes and gaps that aren’t explained whatsoever the entire book about the organization but aren’t really given clues to to keep us interested in knowing why random things are just functioning the way they are.
- Maysie has TOO much plot armor. I won’t say much more so I don’t spoil anything but yeah it’s a bit like I said before where the worlds own rules break/bend too much to feel threatening. It gets rid of any tension. The worst that happens to her *most* of the time is an injury or she gets depressed.
- there’s so so so so so so so many character introductions in the first three chapters. Like nine to be exact. It’s a bit overwhelming at first but I eventually got adjusted— doesn’t mean I remembered what anyone looked like though because there’s only so many descriptions of characters one can read before you get glassy eyes
- the plot thins out by 250 pages in. The last third of the book is fairly uneventful and I kept bracing myself for a big twist and honestly walked away a little disappointed. Hence I can’t give it five stars. I am excited for the next book don’t get me wrong but it just wasn’t the build up I was being promised in the first half.
- the chapter breaks— omg these made NO SENSE. It would just cut at a weird point and either start somewhere completely new or like the scene never changed. But the chapters that did flow into the next didn’t have the typical cliff hanger or something… it just ended and then kept going under a new name/chapter number. It started getting annoying mid book cause I’d expect the scene to continue but no we’re two weeks later or I’d expect a scene to be over but no we’re still having the same conversation it’s just chapter 65 instead of 64 (or something)
Listen, I put a lot of cons, but in the long term it’s my personal grumpy opinions as a picky reader. But this book has solid writing, great characters, a unique plot that also feels familiar, and kept my attention in the span of 48 hours. For a debut, this author is going somewhere.
3.5 stars rounded to 4 ❤️
April 19, 2026
The YA Dystopian book you didn't know you needed!
This book was so fun to read! Your immersed into the world immediately, characters are introduced and connected with right away. And the story and plot are spot on!
Nothing Out There is a gripping, atmospheric read with a protagonist (Maysie) who is part of a perfection program for young girls. You can’t help but root for her as she is sedated, drilled and brain washed through her daily life. She's watched after by armed enforcers and watchful doctors and two handsome mentors who are at odds about how to control her. Let's just say I'm 200% Team V! (IYKYK)
Mae's writing is immersive and flowing. I’m still thinking about that ending, I can’t wait to see what she writes next!"
This book was so fun to read! Your immersed into the world immediately, characters are introduced and connected with right away. And the story and plot are spot on!
Nothing Out There is a gripping, atmospheric read with a protagonist (Maysie) who is part of a perfection program for young girls. You can’t help but root for her as she is sedated, drilled and brain washed through her daily life. She's watched after by armed enforcers and watchful doctors and two handsome mentors who are at odds about how to control her. Let's just say I'm 200% Team V! (IYKYK)
Mae's writing is immersive and flowing. I’m still thinking about that ending, I can’t wait to see what she writes next!"
April 23, 2026
This felt like I was playing a video game - I was so inept with the mc’s thoughts and actions as well as what was going on. One of the few times I’ve felt completely immersed in a books.
April 4, 2026
I was so excited to read Nothing Out There, and it absolutely exceeded my expectations. It’s hard to believe this is the author’s first book—the level of suspense and intrigue is unlike anything I’ve read before. The way the characters are developed really pulls you in and keeps you invested the entire time.
I had a bit of a love-hate relationship with the ending, which honestly just makes me want the second book even more—I’m really hoping one is on the way! The plot is refreshingly unique, and I also appreciated how clean and appropriate it is for all ages without sacrificing depth or intensity.
Overall, such an impressive debut and a story that really sticks with you.
I had a bit of a love-hate relationship with the ending, which honestly just makes me want the second book even more—I’m really hoping one is on the way! The plot is refreshingly unique, and I also appreciated how clean and appropriate it is for all ages without sacrificing depth or intensity.
Overall, such an impressive debut and a story that really sticks with you.
April 3, 2026
BRILLIANT PROSE, BRILLIANT PLOT, DELICIOUSLY UNNERVING CLIFFHANGER, AND AMAZING CHARACTERS!! I personally found it quite immersive. The characters sort of seem aware of the fact that the place they're in isn't normal even tho some of them are not supposed to and that felt like a "raw instinct, muscle memory" thing. The characters leave a lingering mark on the reader, and the amount of speculation that can be done about the characters and the plot is huge even as the payoff is wonderful. IF YOU HAVEN'T READ IT YET, WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIFE??
April 4, 2026
I LOVED this book! I was genuinely captivated from the start. I’m not usually a dystopian reader, but I found this book on Instagram and NEEDED to read it. The short chapters made it easy to read even when I didn’t have much time and they all ended with me wanting to read another. The characters were so interesting and real and the plot was so intriguing! This book really got me thinking about it’s themes and warnings and I highly recommend it!!
March 25, 2026
3.25⭐️
…what?🥴😐
I had such high expectations for this story and really wanted to love it, but I just did not vibe with it at all. The beginning was very promising, but the book was SO repetitive, nothing really happened until about 60-70%…which led the reader to feel like the climax was coming…only for the story to drop back to boring repetitive chapters again…and then worked back up only for that lackluster, confusing ending?😵💫 The pacing was SO wonky, and I just felt confused the whole time. I think the concept is really great, and maybe things will be more clear in the next book, but there was never a point I felt gripped by the story or invested in the characters.
Also, there was essentially zero romance😭. The way the book was marketed led me to believe we would get SOMETHING??like don’t get me wrong, I LOVE a good slow burn…but we needed SOMETHING. You don’t even know who the rormnatic interest(s) are until the end. And I felt that Maysie’s POV didn’t lead me to feel like she was into anyone romantically. So that also fell flat for me.
That being said, I appreciated the originality and concept of this debut novel, and definitely think this author should continue to write!
…what?🥴😐
I had such high expectations for this story and really wanted to love it, but I just did not vibe with it at all. The beginning was very promising, but the book was SO repetitive, nothing really happened until about 60-70%…which led the reader to feel like the climax was coming…only for the story to drop back to boring repetitive chapters again…and then worked back up only for that lackluster, confusing ending?😵💫 The pacing was SO wonky, and I just felt confused the whole time. I think the concept is really great, and maybe things will be more clear in the next book, but there was never a point I felt gripped by the story or invested in the characters.
Also, there was essentially zero romance😭. The way the book was marketed led me to believe we would get SOMETHING??like don’t get me wrong, I LOVE a good slow burn…but we needed SOMETHING. You don’t even know who the rormnatic interest(s) are until the end. And I felt that Maysie’s POV didn’t lead me to feel like she was into anyone romantically. So that also fell flat for me.
That being said, I appreciated the originality and concept of this debut novel, and definitely think this author should continue to write!
April 25, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ I loved the concept and the plot of this whole book. I wish there was more romance and it was VERY fast-paced. I loved the mystery aspects and the characters. They were very complex and I especially liked Maysie and Mister V. Honestly, I don't even know what else to say except it was good and I enjoyed it!
March 21, 2026
OMG THIS BOOK MAE OUTDID HERSELF for a debut novel this is AMAZING this gives me motivation for the novel I’m writing I truly hope one day Mae can become a best selling author and I’m sure she will even if she doesn’t i will
Always read her books so good job MAE
Always read her books so good job MAE
March 18, 2026
How was this a debut? It was utterly fantastic.
Nothing Out There had tight pacing, intriguing world building, fantastic, thriller-level suspense and a stellar ending.
The prose was clean and fast. The characterization solid. And somehow? Mae wrote an ultra ultra slow burn love triangle that I got genuinely invested in.
A phenomenal read. Entirely teen appropriate (15+) but gripping and in depth enough for adult readers too.
If I could give it six stars I would. I cannot wait for book two.
Nothing Out There had tight pacing, intriguing world building, fantastic, thriller-level suspense and a stellar ending.
The prose was clean and fast. The characterization solid. And somehow? Mae wrote an ultra ultra slow burn love triangle that I got genuinely invested in.
A phenomenal read. Entirely teen appropriate (15+) but gripping and in depth enough for adult readers too.
If I could give it six stars I would. I cannot wait for book two.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you so much to Hawthorn and Aster for selecting me to be an ARC reader of Nothing Out There!!
This book was incredible! I was hooked from chapter one! I have been majorly needing a new dystopian book and this one not only exceeded my expectations but left me shocked!!
I am just seriously still trying to process everything that happened and there was a lot... I love it when a book has you guessing and trying to figure out what's happening, but I also love when it has such great twists that your guesses aren't even close!!
I loved Maysie and her strong personality so much! There were actually a few different characters who I really liked, and then of course a few I absolutely couldn't stand!
I am so excited to see how Maysie's story is going to continue and to see how everything is going to play out after that ending!! 🤗
Nothing Out There releases on March 10th, 2026!! Highly highly recommend!! 😆
This book was incredible! I was hooked from chapter one! I have been majorly needing a new dystopian book and this one not only exceeded my expectations but left me shocked!!
I am just seriously still trying to process everything that happened and there was a lot... I love it when a book has you guessing and trying to figure out what's happening, but I also love when it has such great twists that your guesses aren't even close!!
I loved Maysie and her strong personality so much! There were actually a few different characters who I really liked, and then of course a few I absolutely couldn't stand!
I am so excited to see how Maysie's story is going to continue and to see how everything is going to play out after that ending!! 🤗
Nothing Out There releases on March 10th, 2026!! Highly highly recommend!! 😆
February 27, 2026
✨ARC Review✨
As soon as I started this book I was sucked into the world without knowing what was going on. I loved that because it was first person POV I was learning with Maysie and it was like putting together a puzzle. Her memory loss felt like I was also losing my mind.
This book reminded me of The Maze Runner with girls combined with the dollhouse storyline in Pretty Little Liars
and worked.
The friendship she had with the girls she was grouped with was so great and their banter made me laugh multiple times. Right now there seems to be two MMCs, yes I have a favorite but of course that’s subject to change!
I’m excited to see where this story goes. The way it ended had me needing answers ASAP.
As soon as I started this book I was sucked into the world without knowing what was going on. I loved that because it was first person POV I was learning with Maysie and it was like putting together a puzzle. Her memory loss felt like I was also losing my mind.
This book reminded me of The Maze Runner with girls combined with the dollhouse storyline in Pretty Little Liars
and worked.
The friendship she had with the girls she was grouped with was so great and their banter made me laugh multiple times. Right now there seems to be two MMCs, yes I have a favorite but of course that’s subject to change!
I’m excited to see where this story goes. The way it ended had me needing answers ASAP.
March 3, 2026
Thank you to the author for providing me with an early copy of this book.
I was totally down for the dystopian vibes of this story. The set up was so interesting and I wanted to know more about the world. I was confused for most of this but in a good way. There was so much I didn’t understand but I think we’re meant to. Everything was so vague. I would like to read the second book and see if we can finally get a glimpse of the outside world. Especially after that ending. I was like, wait what just happened?! I think the only thing I would improve on would be the pacing. There were times when it was a bit off for me. Overall though I had a good time.
I was totally down for the dystopian vibes of this story. The set up was so interesting and I wanted to know more about the world. I was confused for most of this but in a good way. There was so much I didn’t understand but I think we’re meant to. Everything was so vague. I would like to read the second book and see if we can finally get a glimpse of the outside world. Especially after that ending. I was like, wait what just happened?! I think the only thing I would improve on would be the pacing. There were times when it was a bit off for me. Overall though I had a good time.
April 16, 2026
This book exceeded my expectations. I started slow, reading here and there when I had the time as a side book, but as I got further into it, I fell IN LOVE. I don't read a lot of YA, but this book changed that for me! I was really confused by the plot, but in a good way. Cannot wait for the second book to come out!!!!!!!!!!
April 5, 2026
This is possible one of the best books I have ever read
March 31, 2026
LOVED IT. The plot is fast. I need the second book asap.
March 10, 2026
Book: Nothing Out There
Author: Mae Harcourt
My Rating: 5/5 ⭐️ Spice Level: 0/5 🌶️
Genre: Dystopian
Release date: March 10th, 2026
Tropes:
- Memory manipulation
- Forced proximity
- Forbidden romance
- Government programs
- Feminine rage
- Love triangle...?
My thoughts:
What was this. How is this Mae's debut novel?! Does she have like a PHD in psychology or sm?! Also THE CHARACTERS DESERVE SO MUCH BETTER. This was totally amazing and surprised me SO MUCH. I didn't think I would enjoy this THIS MUCH. The characters are amazing, the plot is amazing, the writing is amazing, i just loved this so much. I think it's a must read anddd you should go read it
Blurb:
Poise. Obedience. Purpose.
Within the walls of a secluded facility that reforms troubled girls into obedient daughters, there are only two options: graduate or disappear. Erased and rebuilt from the ruins of herself, Maysie knows little about the future she’s training for, let alone the world outside. Daily sedatives, posture drills, and the constant reminder to smile shape the only life she’s ever known.
She considers herself lucky. She has friends who keep her calm, rules to keep her safe, and a future she’s been taught to want. The guidance of armed enforcers and watchful doctors is a small price to pay for the promise of perfection.
But perfection never lasts. Dreams bleed into memories of a girl they claim no longer exists. Girls who break vanish without explanation. And two rival mentors—each claiming to know what's best for her—pull Maysie into a game she can’t afford to lose. Every lie she uncovers threatens the version of her they’ve built, and the Program knows one sure way to silence girls who know too much.
Only this time, they won’t stop at her memories.
Author: Mae Harcourt
My Rating: 5/5 ⭐️ Spice Level: 0/5 🌶️
Genre: Dystopian
Release date: March 10th, 2026
Tropes:
- Memory manipulation
- Forced proximity
- Forbidden romance
- Government programs
- Feminine rage
- Love triangle...?
My thoughts:
What was this. How is this Mae's debut novel?! Does she have like a PHD in psychology or sm?! Also THE CHARACTERS DESERVE SO MUCH BETTER. This was totally amazing and surprised me SO MUCH. I didn't think I would enjoy this THIS MUCH. The characters are amazing, the plot is amazing, the writing is amazing, i just loved this so much. I think it's a must read anddd you should go read it
Blurb:
Poise. Obedience. Purpose.
Within the walls of a secluded facility that reforms troubled girls into obedient daughters, there are only two options: graduate or disappear. Erased and rebuilt from the ruins of herself, Maysie knows little about the future she’s training for, let alone the world outside. Daily sedatives, posture drills, and the constant reminder to smile shape the only life she’s ever known.
She considers herself lucky. She has friends who keep her calm, rules to keep her safe, and a future she’s been taught to want. The guidance of armed enforcers and watchful doctors is a small price to pay for the promise of perfection.
But perfection never lasts. Dreams bleed into memories of a girl they claim no longer exists. Girls who break vanish without explanation. And two rival mentors—each claiming to know what's best for her—pull Maysie into a game she can’t afford to lose. Every lie she uncovers threatens the version of her they’ve built, and the Program knows one sure way to silence girls who know too much.
Only this time, they won’t stop at her memories.
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