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Golden Resistance: Book One of the Signalborn Series
Survival doesn't always mean redemption...
Perfect for fans of Red Rising, Mistborn, and Crescent City.
Golden Resistance is a high-stakes dystopian sci-fi thriller with genetic engineering, a touch of romance, and a heroine raised by the regime her family betrayed.
Arelia was a democracy—until it wasn’t.
146 years ago, a contamination in the water supply altered humanity in Arelia forever. Those who survived the genetic shift became something else entirely—Behtari, marked by golden-flecked eyes and inhuman abilities. Now, they rule the New Republic.
Luna, born into this superior race, works for the government with brutal efficiency. Her duty to the New Republic is simple: be obedient. And she’s good at it. But when a night spent celebrating her birthday turns into a tragedy, her entire world is flipped on its head. Luna finds herself face-to-face with the resistance her family bled for—and a human woman who challenges everything she thought she knew.
As Luna's reality fractures, she begins to question everything—from the gamma-wave genetic shift that created the Behtari to the regime built in the aftermath. What would it mean to be free? And what is she willing to risk for a chance at something more?
In a world engineered for obedience, even thinking differently is dangerous. But the real threat may be the human who makes Luna want to.
Will she uphold the regime that forged her or help bury it forever?
Inside Golden Resistance, readers will find:
• A morally conflicted heroine with real-life flaws
• A slow-burning forbidden romance
• A genetically altered ruling class vs. enslaved humans
• Political intrigue, found family, and rising revolution
• Plot twists and tension,
• Will leave you wanting more...
In Arelia, obedience is survival—And trust, fatal.
Perfect for fans of Red Rising, Mistborn, and Crescent City.
Golden Resistance is a high-stakes dystopian sci-fi thriller with genetic engineering, a touch of romance, and a heroine raised by the regime her family betrayed.
Arelia was a democracy—until it wasn’t.
146 years ago, a contamination in the water supply altered humanity in Arelia forever. Those who survived the genetic shift became something else entirely—Behtari, marked by golden-flecked eyes and inhuman abilities. Now, they rule the New Republic.
Luna, born into this superior race, works for the government with brutal efficiency. Her duty to the New Republic is simple: be obedient. And she’s good at it. But when a night spent celebrating her birthday turns into a tragedy, her entire world is flipped on its head. Luna finds herself face-to-face with the resistance her family bled for—and a human woman who challenges everything she thought she knew.
As Luna's reality fractures, she begins to question everything—from the gamma-wave genetic shift that created the Behtari to the regime built in the aftermath. What would it mean to be free? And what is she willing to risk for a chance at something more?
In a world engineered for obedience, even thinking differently is dangerous. But the real threat may be the human who makes Luna want to.
Will she uphold the regime that forged her or help bury it forever?
Inside Golden Resistance, readers will find:
• A morally conflicted heroine with real-life flaws
• A slow-burning forbidden romance
• A genetically altered ruling class vs. enslaved humans
• Political intrigue, found family, and rising revolution
• Plot twists and tension,
• Will leave you wanting more...
In Arelia, obedience is survival—And trust, fatal.
- GenresDystopiaScience Fiction
307 pages, Hardcover
Published January 21, 2026
About the author
A.O. Garnette
2 books14 followersA.O. Garnette is the author of Fractured Rebellion - Book One of the Behtari series.
Nestled in Upstate New York, she juggles a full-time job while crafting stories late into the evening with way too many snacks. Her current favorite is the Jalapeno Sun Chips.
She is currently working on book two and three of the Behtari series, and cannot wait to share what happens next.
Nestled in Upstate New York, she juggles a full-time job while crafting stories late into the evening with way too many snacks. Her current favorite is the Jalapeno Sun Chips.
She is currently working on book two and three of the Behtari series, and cannot wait to share what happens next.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
January 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. It hooked me early and kept my attention the most of the way through. The plot moves fast, the twists land well, and just when you think you know where things are going, something shifts. I really enjoyed that.
Luna’s journey is one I’m definitely interested in following. The world and larger storyline are clearly being set up for a series, and by the time I hit the cliffhanger, I was already wanting the next book. The stakes feel real, and I liked that actions actually have consequences.
That said, it is a little rough around the edges. The romance came on too fast for me. With everything the FMC had been through, I didn’t feel like all that trauma was really addressed before things turned physical, and it made that part of the story feel rushed. The connection itself is interesting—I just wanted more buildup. Also, if you’re going in expecting spice, this probably isn’t it.
Overall, this is a solid debut with a lot of promise. Tighten up the pacing around the relationship and it could’ve easily been a higher rating for me. I’m definitely curious to see where the series goes next.
Thank you for the ARC
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. It hooked me early and kept my attention the most of the way through. The plot moves fast, the twists land well, and just when you think you know where things are going, something shifts. I really enjoyed that.
Luna’s journey is one I’m definitely interested in following. The world and larger storyline are clearly being set up for a series, and by the time I hit the cliffhanger, I was already wanting the next book. The stakes feel real, and I liked that actions actually have consequences.
That said, it is a little rough around the edges. The romance came on too fast for me. With everything the FMC had been through, I didn’t feel like all that trauma was really addressed before things turned physical, and it made that part of the story feel rushed. The connection itself is interesting—I just wanted more buildup. Also, if you’re going in expecting spice, this probably isn’t it.
Overall, this is a solid debut with a lot of promise. Tighten up the pacing around the relationship and it could’ve easily been a higher rating for me. I’m definitely curious to see where the series goes next.
Thank you for the ARC
December 26, 2025
This debut novel was absolutely phenomenal. It was packed full of action and so fast paced that it felt like I was on the crazy train with the characters and reminded me a lot of Divergent. There was a twist or some new information dropped around every single corner, and then we got hit with a cliffhanger at the end too. If you need a new dystopian novel to add to your TBR, then you need to get this one on your lineup asap!
January 12, 2026
Review to come!!
January 5, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“You can be more than the cards you were dealt. But you must make that choice. No one else can make it for you.”
*ARC Review*
AO Garnette’s debut dystopian sci-if novel, Golden Resistance, is a page turner that left me wanting and excited for the next book in the series.
Luna is a young adult who lives in the dystopian futuristic world of Arelia. She was born as a genetically altered and superior group of people known as Behtari, who enslave the humans. Now, she must discover the truth. She knows her parents have been part of the Resistance, but there is so much for her to uncover. In a world controlled with technology, power, and scientific secrets who can Luna trust? Her brother? Her friends? The government who she works for day in and day out? Her own desires?
I enjoyed the strong FMC, themes of family, trust, and mental health support woven into a whole lot of action. Hello, death and destruction! There is a forbidden romance, but I hope for deeper character development of relationships in the next novel. That said, you won’t regret adding this one to your reading list!
“You can be more than the cards you were dealt. But you must make that choice. No one else can make it for you.”
*ARC Review*
AO Garnette’s debut dystopian sci-if novel, Golden Resistance, is a page turner that left me wanting and excited for the next book in the series.
Luna is a young adult who lives in the dystopian futuristic world of Arelia. She was born as a genetically altered and superior group of people known as Behtari, who enslave the humans. Now, she must discover the truth. She knows her parents have been part of the Resistance, but there is so much for her to uncover. In a world controlled with technology, power, and scientific secrets who can Luna trust? Her brother? Her friends? The government who she works for day in and day out? Her own desires?
I enjoyed the strong FMC, themes of family, trust, and mental health support woven into a whole lot of action. Hello, death and destruction! There is a forbidden romance, but I hope for deeper character development of relationships in the next novel. That said, you won’t regret adding this one to your reading list!
January 7, 2026
I thought this was a fun dystopian sci-fi. It had good pacing overall for the plot line and characters you’re invested in. The characters are capable and not always in need of someone to save them which was refreshing. The world building was integrated throughout the story and didn’t force you to trudge through a drawn out backstory. The only complaint I have is that the pacing of the romance didn’t feel completely organic. I love them as a couple but would’ve enjoyed a little more build up to the development of their feelings for each other. I would recommend this book if this is your type of genre though.
Thanks to the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars
Received this from the author as an ARC. This is my honest review.
Pretty darn great for a debut novel!
I shall call A.O. the plot twist queen as (at least for me) they kept coming! I was always on the edge of my seat without any idea what was coming next.
The pacing is pretty evenly paced. You have a good balance between action-packed chapters, and slower, reflective ones.
Talk about an FMC that's a baddie! Those are my favorite. 🫶
There was some tension and angst between the FMC and another character that honestly surprised me! I did not see that coming. (go back to my comment about plot twists)
Overall, I truly enjoyed this debut. The flow was easy to follow, my attention was engaged throughout, and I am definitely picking up book 2.
Received this from the author as an ARC. This is my honest review.
Pretty darn great for a debut novel!
I shall call A.O. the plot twist queen as (at least for me) they kept coming! I was always on the edge of my seat without any idea what was coming next.
The pacing is pretty evenly paced. You have a good balance between action-packed chapters, and slower, reflective ones.
Talk about an FMC that's a baddie! Those are my favorite. 🫶
There was some tension and angst between the FMC and another character that honestly surprised me! I did not see that coming. (go back to my comment about plot twists)
Overall, I truly enjoyed this debut. The flow was easy to follow, my attention was engaged throughout, and I am definitely picking up book 2.
January 5, 2026
4.5 stars - First and foremost, thank you to the author for allowing me the privilege of reading this advanced copy.
Don't let the YA classification make you miss out on this amazing book. This is a dystopian novel with very mature themes. Set in the future, a select few developed a way to alter the brains of humans, some develop powers, some do not survive the attempt. Our FMC is thrown into the world of espionage and revolution when her parents are tried for treason. She must play the part of a dutiful citizen or risk being charged herself. As secrets and agendas are revealed, she finds herself at the mercy of the resistance in order to survive.
I love the writing style, the author paints a gritty world where every day is a game of survival and the character development of the FMC is a strong point in the story. The friendships between the characters creates a found family who risk their lives to trust each other. Love is in bloom but at what cost. There are twists that are very well plotted out.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys dystopian novels and I will be reading the continuation of the story.
Don't let the YA classification make you miss out on this amazing book. This is a dystopian novel with very mature themes. Set in the future, a select few developed a way to alter the brains of humans, some develop powers, some do not survive the attempt. Our FMC is thrown into the world of espionage and revolution when her parents are tried for treason. She must play the part of a dutiful citizen or risk being charged herself. As secrets and agendas are revealed, she finds herself at the mercy of the resistance in order to survive.
I love the writing style, the author paints a gritty world where every day is a game of survival and the character development of the FMC is a strong point in the story. The friendships between the characters creates a found family who risk their lives to trust each other. Love is in bloom but at what cost. There are twists that are very well plotted out.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys dystopian novels and I will be reading the continuation of the story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This one had me hooked from the start. It drops major bombs all throughout. Twists and turns of the organizations and resistance. can not wait for book 2
Review of advance copy received from Author
*ARC Reader*
Overall I really enjoyed this story. It had my attention the whole time and the characters are great. I think Lunas journey will be one worth following and am interested to see where it goes. That being said it is a little rough around the edges. The lovers angle came on too fast. I didn't feel like all the trauma leading up to that point had been adequately addressed let alone dealt with prior to everyone making out. It had a great twist and I think it will be worth it in the long run. Looking forward to the next one.
Overall I really enjoyed this story. It had my attention the whole time and the characters are great. I think Lunas journey will be one worth following and am interested to see where it goes. That being said it is a little rough around the edges. The lovers angle came on too fast. I didn't feel like all the trauma leading up to that point had been adequately addressed let alone dealt with prior to everyone making out. It had a great twist and I think it will be worth it in the long run. Looking forward to the next one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
I enjoyed this book overall, it is multiple POVs and it will draw you in. It has a Divergent vibe which I love!! We have a world where there are the Behtari and humans. There is such a good amount of world building with the character development in this story woth just enough of the backstory that you want to instantly know how everything happened to create this world they now live in. The way it ended makes me want book 2 now.
I enjoyed this book overall, it is multiple POVs and it will draw you in. It has a Divergent vibe which I love!! We have a world where there are the Behtari and humans. There is such a good amount of world building with the character development in this story woth just enough of the backstory that you want to instantly know how everything happened to create this world they now live in. The way it ended makes me want book 2 now.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was out of my normal genre but I did enjoy it. There were a few points where I put the book down and debated continuing, but I'm glad I did. This book definitely keeps you on your toes and has quite a few twists that you wouldn't expect. The ending is intense with a major cliffhanger. Can't wait for the next installment!
December 16, 2025
This book weaves an incredible narrative that draws you into a world filled with magic, deception, and resilience. The protagonist, Luna, faces profound loss—her parents and older brother are mysteriously taken away due to their ties with the resistance against the oppressive regime of the New Republic and the Behtari.
The plot unfolds brilliantly, revealing that Luna's family harbored secrets to protect her, secrets that ultimately led to their tragic demise. This backstory sets the stage for a gripping exploration of power dynamics, as humans are relegated to mere pawns in a larger game. The Behtari’s tyranny transforms them into slaves, stripped of agency and dignity, creating a palpable tension that drives the story forward.
The author masterfully combines elements of fantasy with a poignant commentary on power and resistance, making it not just a story of magic, but a reflection on the human spirit’s fight against oppression.
Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a rich plot filled with emotional depth and a strong, courageous protagonist. It leaves you questioning the balance of power and the cost of standing up for what is right. And the ending gosh I didn’t imagine that happening. What an amazing read.
The plot unfolds brilliantly, revealing that Luna's family harbored secrets to protect her, secrets that ultimately led to their tragic demise. This backstory sets the stage for a gripping exploration of power dynamics, as humans are relegated to mere pawns in a larger game. The Behtari’s tyranny transforms them into slaves, stripped of agency and dignity, creating a palpable tension that drives the story forward.
The author masterfully combines elements of fantasy with a poignant commentary on power and resistance, making it not just a story of magic, but a reflection on the human spirit’s fight against oppression.
Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a rich plot filled with emotional depth and a strong, courageous protagonist. It leaves you questioning the balance of power and the cost of standing up for what is right. And the ending gosh I didn’t imagine that happening. What an amazing read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A.O. Garnette’s Golden Resistance completely drew me in from the first page. The story was captivating and layered with emotional depth, and I found myself invested in every twist and turn. While there are a few slower parts throughout the book, those moments are used thoughtfully, they add meaning through character and plot development rather than dragging the pace.One of my favorite aspects was the portrayal of racial and class tensions. Garnette explores these themes with realism and nuance, making the world feel alive and the stakes intensely personal. It’s a story that feels timely and immersive, with characters that linger in your mind long after finishing the last page.Overall, Golden Resistance earns a solid four stars from me. It’s beautifully written, full of heart, and sets the stage perfectly for what’s to come. I’m already eager for the next installment!
December 9, 2025
This book hooked me early with a premise that feels fresh and inventive. A girl needs a half star because I’d bump this one up. The plot is immediately intriguing, and the author does a fantastic job layering in tension and mystery. Just when you think you’ve found your footing, another twist lands—there are several throughout the story—each one keeping the momentum high and making it impossible to stop turning the pages.
The world and overarching storyline are clearly built with a series in mind, and the author sets up multiple compelling threads to explore in future installments. By the time I reached the cliffhanger ending, I was fully invested and already craving the next book.
My only wish is that the physical relationship between the FMC and her love interest had a bit more development. If you crave spice, this book might not be for you. While the connection is an interesting one, the progression felt rushed, and a little more buildup would have made their dynamic more impactful.
Overall, this is a unique, twist-filled start to what promises to be an exciting series. I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment!
The world and overarching storyline are clearly built with a series in mind, and the author sets up multiple compelling threads to explore in future installments. By the time I reached the cliffhanger ending, I was fully invested and already craving the next book.
My only wish is that the physical relationship between the FMC and her love interest had a bit more development. If you crave spice, this book might not be for you. While the connection is an interesting one, the progression felt rushed, and a little more buildup would have made their dynamic more impactful.
Overall, this is a unique, twist-filled start to what promises to be an exciting series. I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment!
January 25, 2026
ARC Read Review -
I absolutely loved Golden Resistance! The characters were fantastic, and I enjoyed watching their development throughout the story. A.O. Garnette did such a good job making me feel connected to the characters. While the romantic storyline might have caught me off guard, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. The plot was packed with twists that genuinely left me stunned and kept me fully engaged until the very end. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book. This book earns a 5/5 from me for leaving my jaw on the floor and my mind buzzing long after I turned the last page.
I absolutely loved Golden Resistance! The characters were fantastic, and I enjoyed watching their development throughout the story. A.O. Garnette did such a good job making me feel connected to the characters. While the romantic storyline might have caught me off guard, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. The plot was packed with twists that genuinely left me stunned and kept me fully engaged until the very end. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book. This book earns a 5/5 from me for leaving my jaw on the floor and my mind buzzing long after I turned the last page.
December 15, 2025
Golden Resistance will take you on an incredible journey into a new world of powers, love and deceit. I absolutely enjoyed the plot of this book, and the plot twists are INSANE. While I loved the overall story of this book, I do wish there was more yearning/anticipation between the physical relationship of the characters. This is definitely a step up from YA, but if you are looking for a ton of spice, it may not be your cup of tea! I am already anxiously awaiting to see what happens next because the cliff hanger at the end is no joke!
January 8, 2026
I received this book as an ARC reader! If you are looking for a book that will give you whiplash from unsuspected happenings and will leave you guessing at every turn in the best way… THIS IS THE ONE FOR YOU! I like to think I’m good at context clues and guessing what’s going to happen next but I can say 90% of everything that happens in this book took me for a RIDE. This book got me out of a long almost 4 month reading slump and left me itching for more time in my busy schedule just to be able to read and find out what happens next. I love the way each character is developed and thought each of their character growth was depicted beautifully. Except obviously for one who is (unbeknownst to me until the end) the villain who I didn’t like from the moment we met them(IYKYK). This plot was very fun and unparalleled to anything else I’ve read and unlike some other books I’ve read the world building is very easy to follow while also being unique and descriptive. I personally love that the author is not afraid to kill off characters even though selfishly one of my FAV characters dies and I’m still not over it! The love interest was a pleasant surprise and it ended on a GREAT cliff hanger that has left me so excited for the next book! 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a great read…I started before the weekend and hated that I got busy and couldn’t finish it until Monday. The plot is a grabber . The plot builds and never lulls and leaves you wanting more. There is no spice, so it’s a great read for older teens (there is a mild GG kissing scene).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2026
I just finished A.O. Garnette's Golden Resistance, and wow, it really pulled me into the world of Arelia! This dystopian sci-fi debut throws you right into a society split between the genetically altered Behtari and enslaved humans. I followed Luna, a young Behtari, as she grappled with the truth about her parents' involvement in the Resistance. She navigates this world absolutely brimming with technology and scientific secrets, and I found myself constantly questioning with her: who can she really trust? Her brother? Her friends? The government she serves? Or her own instincts?
This book is definitely a page-turner. I loved the strong female protagonist, and the themes of family, trust, and even mental health support are engagingly woven into a high-stakes narrative packed with action, death, and destruction. There's a hint of forbidden romance, which was interesting, but I do hope for a bit more character development in that area in future installments.
The pacing is excellent; it kept me completely invested in the characters and the plot. The world-building is seamlessly integrated too, which I really appreciated – no long, boring expositions here! And the characters are refreshingly capable; they don't constantly need rescuing. My one minor critique is that the romance felt a little rushed for me. I would have liked more build-up to the development of their feelings.
Even though it's classified as YA, Golden Resistance doesn't shy away from mature themes. It paints a gritty picture of a future where brain alterations lead to varied and often tragic outcomes. When Luna's parents are accused of treason, she's thrust into a world of espionage and revolution, forced to choose between conforming or risking her own life. As secrets unravel, I saw her become increasingly reliant on the resistance for her survival.
I really commend Garnette's writing style. She vividly paints a world where every day is a fight for survival. Luna's character development is a particular highlight, and the strong friendships that forge a "found family" are incredibly well done. They're willing to risk everything for each other, which I loved. The twists are also cleverly plotted and add so much to the intrigue.
For fans of dystopian novels, I definitely recommend Golden Resistance.
I recieved an ARC from the author for an honest review.
This book is definitely a page-turner. I loved the strong female protagonist, and the themes of family, trust, and even mental health support are engagingly woven into a high-stakes narrative packed with action, death, and destruction. There's a hint of forbidden romance, which was interesting, but I do hope for a bit more character development in that area in future installments.
The pacing is excellent; it kept me completely invested in the characters and the plot. The world-building is seamlessly integrated too, which I really appreciated – no long, boring expositions here! And the characters are refreshingly capable; they don't constantly need rescuing. My one minor critique is that the romance felt a little rushed for me. I would have liked more build-up to the development of their feelings.
Even though it's classified as YA, Golden Resistance doesn't shy away from mature themes. It paints a gritty picture of a future where brain alterations lead to varied and often tragic outcomes. When Luna's parents are accused of treason, she's thrust into a world of espionage and revolution, forced to choose between conforming or risking her own life. As secrets unravel, I saw her become increasingly reliant on the resistance for her survival.
I really commend Garnette's writing style. She vividly paints a world where every day is a fight for survival. Luna's character development is a particular highlight, and the strong friendships that forge a "found family" are incredibly well done. They're willing to risk everything for each other, which I loved. The twists are also cleverly plotted and add so much to the intrigue.
For fans of dystopian novels, I definitely recommend Golden Resistance.
I recieved an ARC from the author for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an ARC from the author.
Golden Resistance delivers a well-constructed dystopian story with an intentional plot. The twists are thoughtfully executed, and one thing I especially appreciated was having a reliable narrator. It was refreshing to not be confused about what was actually happening.
The world-building is solid and easy to follow, with a timeline that makes sense with chalter timestamps that ground the reader as time passes. That clarity made it easy to stay immersed in the story without feeling lost, which can sometimes be an issue in stories with time jumps.
My main critique is that I wish the book had been longer, particularly when it comes to relationships. I would have loved more time devoted to the romance. The details really matter here, and those quieter moments are what build emotional investment and a strong reader connection. The sibling relationship also could have benefited from more nuanced, on-page interactions.
The strongest sections of the book were the scenes set in the past. These moments were vivid and descriptive and felt like where A.O. Garnette truly shined by showing rather than telling. The imagery was immersive, and I found myself wishing that same depth carried through more of the present-day narrative.
The story touches on themes of resistance, identity, power, and love, and I think they were handled thoughtfully, especially considering the pacing and length of the story.
The ending felt satisfying, even though it does end on a cliffhanger. It stopped at a place that felt right and clearly set the story up as part of a series rather than leaving things unresolved in a frustrating way.
Overall, I would recommend Golden Resistance to readers looking for LGBTQ+ dystopian fiction with a romantic subplot. Spice is low. Nothing crazy, but it fits the tone of the story well.
Golden Resistance delivers a well-constructed dystopian story with an intentional plot. The twists are thoughtfully executed, and one thing I especially appreciated was having a reliable narrator. It was refreshing to not be confused about what was actually happening.
The world-building is solid and easy to follow, with a timeline that makes sense with chalter timestamps that ground the reader as time passes. That clarity made it easy to stay immersed in the story without feeling lost, which can sometimes be an issue in stories with time jumps.
My main critique is that I wish the book had been longer, particularly when it comes to relationships. I would have loved more time devoted to the romance. The details really matter here, and those quieter moments are what build emotional investment and a strong reader connection. The sibling relationship also could have benefited from more nuanced, on-page interactions.
The strongest sections of the book were the scenes set in the past. These moments were vivid and descriptive and felt like where A.O. Garnette truly shined by showing rather than telling. The imagery was immersive, and I found myself wishing that same depth carried through more of the present-day narrative.
The story touches on themes of resistance, identity, power, and love, and I think they were handled thoughtfully, especially considering the pacing and length of the story.
The ending felt satisfying, even though it does end on a cliffhanger. It stopped at a place that felt right and clearly set the story up as part of a series rather than leaving things unresolved in a frustrating way.
Overall, I would recommend Golden Resistance to readers looking for LGBTQ+ dystopian fiction with a romantic subplot. Spice is low. Nothing crazy, but it fits the tone of the story well.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5/5. First of all, I like to think A.O. Garnette for providing me with an opportunity to read this book in advance!
"The New Republic is build on order, and the order is built on truth." -- Page 19
The story is about Luna, a signalborn aka someone who inherited her powers genetically; she is a shielder, but at some point in the story, she learns that she is a prophet. In the book, she had to watch the execution of her parents, who were part of The Resistance. Later, she lost her brother, Kent, a prophet in an explosion at a concert.
To me, I thought the author did a fantastic job with making me feel so much sympathy for Luna. My heart constantly broke for her because she's suffered so much. She was also kept in the dark about how involved her family was within The Resistance. She was given the opportunity to join the resistance where she manages to test out her prophet abilities. I thought this book was full of twist and turns. I was not expecting for Kasandra Sanders to be nothing more than a puppet for Milo, who I had no idea was going to be the way that he was.
What prevented me from giving this book a complete five stars was the pacing between Luna and Naomi's relationship. She went from being upset about her playing a role in the death of Kent to falling in love with her. I understand that the book focused on the dystopian aspect of the book, but I felt like it could have been built up a bit more. Maybe, it will in the second book where that sense of lust becomes love.
I thought the author did a great job with this book; a fantastic start to this book series. I can't wait to see if/how the gang gets out of Gamma Island and out of the grasps of Milo.
"The New Republic is build on order, and the order is built on truth." -- Page 19
The story is about Luna, a signalborn aka someone who inherited her powers genetically; she is a shielder, but at some point in the story, she learns that she is a prophet. In the book, she had to watch the execution of her parents, who were part of The Resistance. Later, she lost her brother, Kent, a prophet in an explosion at a concert.
To me, I thought the author did a fantastic job with making me feel so much sympathy for Luna. My heart constantly broke for her because she's suffered so much. She was also kept in the dark about how involved her family was within The Resistance. She was given the opportunity to join the resistance where she manages to test out her prophet abilities. I thought this book was full of twist and turns. I was not expecting for Kasandra Sanders to be nothing more than a puppet for Milo, who I had no idea was going to be the way that he was.
What prevented me from giving this book a complete five stars was the pacing between Luna and Naomi's relationship. She went from being upset about her playing a role in the death of Kent to falling in love with her. I understand that the book focused on the dystopian aspect of the book, but I felt like it could have been built up a bit more. Maybe, it will in the second book where that sense of lust becomes love.
I thought the author did a great job with this book; a fantastic start to this book series. I can't wait to see if/how the gang gets out of Gamma Island and out of the grasps of Milo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2026
As a sucker for dystopian fiction, I went in to this with high hopes. And I must say I was not disappointed in the least.
The brewing sapphic romance only made it better and increased my need for the secrets the two characters kept from one another to be revealed.
I was instantly drawn to Luna, all the grief she had to face so early on in the book, only fueling her knowledge that the way the government presided had very society wasn’t right, and her growing desire to do something about it!
I loved the introduction to this corrupt society and the tiny glimpses woven throughout of how it came to be, not to mention the bigger betrayals and conspiracies revealed in the ending.
The concept of the different enhanced abilities people could possess was thrilling and I loved getting the different firsthand knowledge of abilities, as well as resistance to them, directly from the minds of the characters we were growing close to, as they experienced them. This author is brilliant at showing, not just telling, and I loved that.
I will definitely be recommending this book to all dystopian lovers out there, and my only complaint is the cliffhanger ending. (But it isn’t really a complaint, so much as a need for the next installment, asap!)
I received this as an arc, these opinions are entirely my own, and I’m stoked to share that the premise lived up to the hype of the synopsis, and exceeded my already elevated expectations of what the story would be by a lot.
I’d read more by this author anytime!
The brewing sapphic romance only made it better and increased my need for the secrets the two characters kept from one another to be revealed.
I was instantly drawn to Luna, all the grief she had to face so early on in the book, only fueling her knowledge that the way the government presided had very society wasn’t right, and her growing desire to do something about it!
I loved the introduction to this corrupt society and the tiny glimpses woven throughout of how it came to be, not to mention the bigger betrayals and conspiracies revealed in the ending.
The concept of the different enhanced abilities people could possess was thrilling and I loved getting the different firsthand knowledge of abilities, as well as resistance to them, directly from the minds of the characters we were growing close to, as they experienced them. This author is brilliant at showing, not just telling, and I loved that.
I will definitely be recommending this book to all dystopian lovers out there, and my only complaint is the cliffhanger ending. (But it isn’t really a complaint, so much as a need for the next installment, asap!)
I received this as an arc, these opinions are entirely my own, and I’m stoked to share that the premise lived up to the hype of the synopsis, and exceeded my already elevated expectations of what the story would be by a lot.
I’d read more by this author anytime!
January 19, 2026
I received this book as an ARC directly from the author in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars! This beautiful debut indie novel was full of suspense, unexpected twists, and wonderfully crafted dystopian fantasy.
Luna comes from a society that is ruled by the behtari, a class of people with infected special abilities, where humans without abilities are slaves. All citizens are subject to the New Republics rules and any who step out of line are publicly executed or disappear.
The plot thickens are Luna realizes her parents and brother are part of a resistance effort and watches each of them be killed in front of her. When she’s lost everyone she loves she turns to the resistance for answers and a new purpose, only question is how many resistances exist and which one is on the side of good.
This story kept me on my toes. Every time I thought I knew which direction it would end another plot introduced itself and took things in a different direction. The romance in the book I did feel needed a bit more flushing out. The love story between Luna and Naomi seemed to happen in a blink of an eye and didn’t make a whole lot of sense until further into the story. I’m hoping as the series progresses it has a bit more structure to it.
Overall highly enjoyed this story and can’t wait for the next book in the series.
4.5 stars! This beautiful debut indie novel was full of suspense, unexpected twists, and wonderfully crafted dystopian fantasy.
Luna comes from a society that is ruled by the behtari, a class of people with infected special abilities, where humans without abilities are slaves. All citizens are subject to the New Republics rules and any who step out of line are publicly executed or disappear.
The plot thickens are Luna realizes her parents and brother are part of a resistance effort and watches each of them be killed in front of her. When she’s lost everyone she loves she turns to the resistance for answers and a new purpose, only question is how many resistances exist and which one is on the side of good.
This story kept me on my toes. Every time I thought I knew which direction it would end another plot introduced itself and took things in a different direction. The romance in the book I did feel needed a bit more flushing out. The love story between Luna and Naomi seemed to happen in a blink of an eye and didn’t make a whole lot of sense until further into the story. I’m hoping as the series progresses it has a bit more structure to it.
Overall highly enjoyed this story and can’t wait for the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an ARC directly from the author in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars! This beautiful debut indie novel was full of suspense, unexpected twists, and wonderfully crafted dystopian fantasy.
Luna comes from a society that is ruled by the behtari, a class of people with infected special abilities, where humans without abilities are slaves. All citizens are subject to the New Republics rules and any who step out of line are publicly executed or disappear.
The plot thickens are Luna realizes her parents and brother are part of a resistance effort and watches each of them be killed in front of her. When she’s lost everyone she loves she turns to the resistance for answers and a new purpose, only question is how many resistances exist and which one is on the side of good.
This story kept me on my toes. Every time I thought I knew which direction it would end another plot introduced itself and took things in a different direction. The romance in the book I did feel needed a bit more flushing out. The love story between Luna and Naomi seemed to happen in a blink of an eye and didn’t make a whole lot of sense until further into the story. I’m hoping as the series progresses it has a bit more structure to it.
Overall highly enjoyed this story and can’t wait for the next book in the series.
4.5 stars! This beautiful debut indie novel was full of suspense, unexpected twists, and wonderfully crafted dystopian fantasy.
Luna comes from a society that is ruled by the behtari, a class of people with infected special abilities, where humans without abilities are slaves. All citizens are subject to the New Republics rules and any who step out of line are publicly executed or disappear.
The plot thickens are Luna realizes her parents and brother are part of a resistance effort and watches each of them be killed in front of her. When she’s lost everyone she loves she turns to the resistance for answers and a new purpose, only question is how many resistances exist and which one is on the side of good.
This story kept me on my toes. Every time I thought I knew which direction it would end another plot introduced itself and took things in a different direction. The romance in the book I did feel needed a bit more flushing out. The love story between Luna and Naomi seemed to happen in a blink of an eye and didn’t make a whole lot of sense until further into the story. I’m hoping as the series progresses it has a bit more structure to it.
Overall highly enjoyed this story and can’t wait for the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐️
Golden Resistance by A.O. Garnette was a very intriguing read. I received this book as an eARC, and I really enjoyed the depth of the world building and the foundations laid for what feels like a much larger story to come. This is best described as a YA dystopian fantasy, with a strong focus on the world, power structures, and resistance rather than romance.
There are many moving pieces throughout the story that clearly leave room for further exploration in the upcoming books, which kept me engaged and curious the entire time. While there is some romance, it’s very minimal. I would have loved a bit more buildup in that area, but it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the story.
Just when the reader starts getting answers, the book ends on a cliffhanger that immediately reels you back in and has you waiting impatiently for the next installment. If you enjoy dystopian worlds, slow-burn plot development, and stories that set the stage for an expanding series, this is definitely one to check out.
Golden Resistance by A.O. Garnette was a very intriguing read. I received this book as an eARC, and I really enjoyed the depth of the world building and the foundations laid for what feels like a much larger story to come. This is best described as a YA dystopian fantasy, with a strong focus on the world, power structures, and resistance rather than romance.
There are many moving pieces throughout the story that clearly leave room for further exploration in the upcoming books, which kept me engaged and curious the entire time. While there is some romance, it’s very minimal. I would have loved a bit more buildup in that area, but it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the story.
Just when the reader starts getting answers, the book ends on a cliffhanger that immediately reels you back in and has you waiting impatiently for the next installment. If you enjoy dystopian worlds, slow-burn plot development, and stories that set the stage for an expanding series, this is definitely one to check out.
January 12, 2026
ARC review
This story takes place in a world where the water supply has been contaminated, causing some people to develop extraordinary powers. As a result, ordinary humans become the lesser class. The main character, Luna, endures immense heartache after losing several family members, events that ultimately change the course of her life.
Luna discovers that her family has long been involved in a resistance movement, something she never knew until she becomes part of it herself. As she navigates this dangerous new reality, she realizes she has a new ability that begins to emerge. Unsure of who she can trust, Luna must keep her secrets close while learning how to survive.
The book is packed with twists and turns. Just when I was convinced a character was a villain, the story flipped my expectations, only to make me suspicious of someone else instead. The constant uncertainty kept me hooked from start to finish.
I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to see where the story takes us in the next installment.
This story takes place in a world where the water supply has been contaminated, causing some people to develop extraordinary powers. As a result, ordinary humans become the lesser class. The main character, Luna, endures immense heartache after losing several family members, events that ultimately change the course of her life.
Luna discovers that her family has long been involved in a resistance movement, something she never knew until she becomes part of it herself. As she navigates this dangerous new reality, she realizes she has a new ability that begins to emerge. Unsure of who she can trust, Luna must keep her secrets close while learning how to survive.
The book is packed with twists and turns. Just when I was convinced a character was a villain, the story flipped my expectations, only to make me suspicious of someone else instead. The constant uncertainty kept me hooked from start to finish.
I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to see where the story takes us in the next installment.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Golden Resistance by A.O. Garnette is a gripping blend of rebellion, identity, and resilience set in a richly imagined world where power is both a gift and a curse. The story follows a fierce, determined protagonist who must navigate a rigid society built on hierarchy, control, and hidden truths. Garnette does an excellent job building tension, slowly revealing secrets that reshape everything the characters—and readers—think they know.
What stands out most is the emotional depth. The characters feel real, flawed, and driven by complex motivations, making their struggles genuinely compelling. Themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and self-discovery run throughout the novel, adding weight to every major decision.
The pacing is steady with moments of intense action balanced by quieter, reflective scenes. Garnette’s writing style is vivid without being overwhelming, making the world easy to visualize. Overall, Golden Resistance is an engaging, thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of fantasy, dystopian fiction, and character-driven stories.
What stands out most is the emotional depth. The characters feel real, flawed, and driven by complex motivations, making their struggles genuinely compelling. Themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and self-discovery run throughout the novel, adding weight to every major decision.
The pacing is steady with moments of intense action balanced by quieter, reflective scenes. Garnette’s writing style is vivid without being overwhelming, making the world easy to visualize. Overall, Golden Resistance is an engaging, thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of fantasy, dystopian fiction, and character-driven stories.
January 31, 2026
Golden Resistance is the kind of dystopian story that pulls you in quietly—and then refuses to let go.
Set in a world where a fallen democracy has been rebuilt on genetic supremacy and control, this book delivers a morally gray heroine you can’t help but root for, even when you question her choices. Luna is duty-bound, conflicted, and painfully human in a society that values obedience above all else.
The world-building is rich without being overwhelming, the political intrigue is layered and tense, and the resistance storyline adds real emotional weight. What truly elevates this book, though, is the slow-burn forbidden romance—subtle, charged, and devastating in all the right ways.
Golden Resistance asks hard questions about power, freedom, and what it means to wake up after a lifetime of believing lies. If you enjoy dystopian fiction with depth, found family, betrayal, and a heroine who evolves in believable ways, this book is absolutely worth your time.
I’m already desperate for the next installment.
Set in a world where a fallen democracy has been rebuilt on genetic supremacy and control, this book delivers a morally gray heroine you can’t help but root for, even when you question her choices. Luna is duty-bound, conflicted, and painfully human in a society that values obedience above all else.
The world-building is rich without being overwhelming, the political intrigue is layered and tense, and the resistance storyline adds real emotional weight. What truly elevates this book, though, is the slow-burn forbidden romance—subtle, charged, and devastating in all the right ways.
Golden Resistance asks hard questions about power, freedom, and what it means to wake up after a lifetime of believing lies. If you enjoy dystopian fiction with depth, found family, betrayal, and a heroine who evolves in believable ways, this book is absolutely worth your time.
I’m already desperate for the next installment.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a book set in a dystopian world where there are humans and a race of people who were contaminated calls Behtari. The humans are enlsaved, and there is of course an anti government group working to free the humans.
Part 1 was a great set up for the book: I really enjoyed the set up and the dual POV. Where it started to lose me was part 2 when the FMC fast forwarded over her feelings about Naomi being the reason her brother was dead. It was so far fetched to believe that after a few days in forced proximity, she would have these feelings. The sex scene that was thrown into the book was also so contrived, it didn’t feel authentic. I would have been happier had there been no spice at all in this book. It was over quickly, and there was no mention of it again.
The premise is great, and I would have loved it more had it not been so rushed in the middle. It seemed like the love interest portion was an afterthought, and only thrown in to appease a certain core of readers.
Part 1 was a great set up for the book: I really enjoyed the set up and the dual POV. Where it started to lose me was part 2 when the FMC fast forwarded over her feelings about Naomi being the reason her brother was dead. It was so far fetched to believe that after a few days in forced proximity, she would have these feelings. The sex scene that was thrown into the book was also so contrived, it didn’t feel authentic. I would have been happier had there been no spice at all in this book. It was over quickly, and there was no mention of it again.
The premise is great, and I would have loved it more had it not been so rushed in the middle. It seemed like the love interest portion was an afterthought, and only thrown in to appease a certain core of readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
Golden Resistance weaves an inventive story of class war struggles, female power and a touch of romance; ACOTAR meets Divergent meets The Hunger Games. No spoilers, but I found myself cursing the author on more than one occasion. Unexpected twists, turns and losses lead you through a world where Luna, the female protagonist, finds out the truth about her family and must fight against the new world order that has enslaved humans and seeks to create the perfect being. Word of warning: don’t get too attached to any character, nobody is safe in Garnettes storytelling. It finishes fairly quickly, but leaves you on a cliffhanger of significant proportions. If you’re looking for an easy-to-read book filled plot twists and the occasional “WTF” moments, I highly recommend as this will have you reading late into the night.
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