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It's Not the End of the World
Fourteen-year-old Layla was supposed to get her braces off in two days. Instead, the world ended.
All Layla wants is to make comics with her best friend, avoid another fight with her mom, and see her older brother, Preston, come home from his grueling wilderness therapy camp. But when a mysterious virus sweeps across the country—turning people into violent, undead monsters—her mundane worries are replaced by a singular, desperate mission: get to Preston before the camp becomes his grave.
As the power grid fails and society collapses, Layla and her anxious, untrusting mother are forced into a perilous roadtrip to Oregon. But the road is crawling with more than just the infected. From eerie Wild West tourist traps to desolate salt flats, Layla must navigate a landscape where human desperation and the ghosts of familial resentment are just as destructive as the virus itself.
Told through the eyes of a girl witnessing the end of her childhood and the end of civilization alike, IT’S NOT THE END OF THE WORLD explores the messy endurance of motherly love and how far a family will go to find their way back to each other—and be forgiven. When the world breaks down, loyalty is the only currency left. But will it be enough to keep them together?
All Layla wants is to make comics with her best friend, avoid another fight with her mom, and see her older brother, Preston, come home from his grueling wilderness therapy camp. But when a mysterious virus sweeps across the country—turning people into violent, undead monsters—her mundane worries are replaced by a singular, desperate mission: get to Preston before the camp becomes his grave.
As the power grid fails and society collapses, Layla and her anxious, untrusting mother are forced into a perilous roadtrip to Oregon. But the road is crawling with more than just the infected. From eerie Wild West tourist traps to desolate salt flats, Layla must navigate a landscape where human desperation and the ghosts of familial resentment are just as destructive as the virus itself.
Told through the eyes of a girl witnessing the end of her childhood and the end of civilization alike, IT’S NOT THE END OF THE WORLD explores the messy endurance of motherly love and how far a family will go to find their way back to each other—and be forgiven. When the world breaks down, loyalty is the only currency left. But will it be enough to keep them together?
342 pages
First published May 7, 2026
About the author
Sophie Riley
1 book25 followersSophie is an author and illustrator from Illinois, USA. With a B.A. in creative writing and art & design, she attended the Columbia Publishing Course at Oxford and co-founded a writing community called NovelBound, which offers retreats, events, and resources to writers around the world. When she’s not writing, you can find her traveling, hanging out with her sisters, playing video games, and starting too many creative projects she’ll never finish.
From young readers to adults, Sophie loves to write stories with messy, enduring relationships at the center.
From young readers to adults, Sophie loves to write stories with messy, enduring relationships at the center.
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March 19, 2026Just finished this awesome book (that I wrote oops) and I think you should read it too!!
March 7, 2026
Any book that makes me cry automatically gets five stars.
I beta read this book last May and BLEW through it! I’m not even kidding when I say this was my favorite book I read in 2025 and it wasn’t even the finished product. I was so invested in the story and eager to find out what would happen next. This book tugged at my heart and hurt me in the best way. Sophie is such a talented writer, and I’m so excited to reread the finalized copy!
I beta read this book last May and BLEW through it! I’m not even kidding when I say this was my favorite book I read in 2025 and it wasn’t even the finished product. I was so invested in the story and eager to find out what would happen next. This book tugged at my heart and hurt me in the best way. Sophie is such a talented writer, and I’m so excited to reread the finalized copy!
March 31, 2026
It’s NOT The End of the World - by Sophie Riley
Review – Jon Upton
I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy of It’s Not the End of the World, and I’m here to say, “YOU SHOULD READ IT TOO!” Not only is this illustrated YA debut an edge of your seat thrill ride, but it packs a huge emotional wallop. The story of Layla and her mother, Heather’s, road trip to save Layla’s brother, Preston, during the beginning of a zombie apocalypse, is one that I know I will re-read many times over. I loved it.
That said, I was nervous going into this book. Post apocalyptic and dystopian stories used to be my bread and butter. The Road by Cormac McCarthy is one of the books that inspired me to write as a teen. But since the pandemic, and given the current state of the world, I have been much less inclined to indulge in these kinds of tales. And, in lesser hands, the handling of the pandemic in It’s Not the End of the World could have felt too real. But Riley knows when to draw from real-life experiences and when to break from them.
She applies this same intelligence throughout the book. Despite the apocalyptic set-up, the terrifying rashers hiding around every corner, and the hazardous journey from California to Oregon, Riley never allows the plot to make choices for her characters. Instead, Layla and Heather’s decisions propel the story forward, while their relationship acts as the unwavering core.
As a protagonist, Layla is immediately relatable. She’s not a chosen one. She’s not trying to save the world. She doesn’t have special powers. She’s simply trying to get to her brother in Oregon, while reconciling how she feels about her mother. She’s an average teen. And she manages to be more engaging than 99% of the protagonists out there. Riley writes her main character in a way that is supremely real. Layla worries just as much about getting bit by a rasher as she does about how the comic she’s creating with her best friend, Jamal, should end. And just because she and her mother are faced with almost certain doom, it doesn’t stop Layla from being angry at Heather for the actions she took in the past that have put them in their current predicament. After all, if Heather hadn’t sent Preston away to wilderness camp (bad kids camp), the family would already be hunkering safely in a shelter. Together. Unbroken.
Riley clearly remembers what it felt like to be a teen. And she knows that the pain and uncertainty that come with not yet figuring out who you are—or where you belong in the world—doesn’t just evaporate because the world is being torn to hell by zombies. In fact, those worries often come to the forefront. After all, if Layla were to focus too heavily on the zombie apocalypse, it’s possible she’d just give up.
In this way, Riley very smartly utilizes the apocalypse as a mirror for these characters to self-reflect, to examine their relationships with each other, and, in so doing, strengthen their resolve to see their journey through to the end. We come to understand Layla, Heather, Preston, and Jamal inside and out. And you can’t help but love them. Even in their most selfish, stubborn, or occasionally stupid moments (again, the beer!). The action is highly realistic. Danger waits around every corner. Nobody gets by on luck. And, let me tell you, you wind up worrying about these character’s safety in equal measure whether they are sipping a beer (IYKYK) or trying to escape a zombie horde on the outskirts of an abandoned town.
All that’s to say… if you pick up this book hoping for an edge of your seat YA zombie thriller. You won’t be disappointed. There’s action. There’s gore. There are grim images galore. But running through the center of all the cold, dead, frightful aspects of this story beats a heart that’s as fierce and boundless as the open road Layla and Heather must brave on their journey to save Preston and reconnect their broken family.
Review – Jon Upton
I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy of It’s Not the End of the World, and I’m here to say, “YOU SHOULD READ IT TOO!” Not only is this illustrated YA debut an edge of your seat thrill ride, but it packs a huge emotional wallop. The story of Layla and her mother, Heather’s, road trip to save Layla’s brother, Preston, during the beginning of a zombie apocalypse, is one that I know I will re-read many times over. I loved it.
That said, I was nervous going into this book. Post apocalyptic and dystopian stories used to be my bread and butter. The Road by Cormac McCarthy is one of the books that inspired me to write as a teen. But since the pandemic, and given the current state of the world, I have been much less inclined to indulge in these kinds of tales. And, in lesser hands, the handling of the pandemic in It’s Not the End of the World could have felt too real. But Riley knows when to draw from real-life experiences and when to break from them.
She applies this same intelligence throughout the book. Despite the apocalyptic set-up, the terrifying rashers hiding around every corner, and the hazardous journey from California to Oregon, Riley never allows the plot to make choices for her characters. Instead, Layla and Heather’s decisions propel the story forward, while their relationship acts as the unwavering core.
As a protagonist, Layla is immediately relatable. She’s not a chosen one. She’s not trying to save the world. She doesn’t have special powers. She’s simply trying to get to her brother in Oregon, while reconciling how she feels about her mother. She’s an average teen. And she manages to be more engaging than 99% of the protagonists out there. Riley writes her main character in a way that is supremely real. Layla worries just as much about getting bit by a rasher as she does about how the comic she’s creating with her best friend, Jamal, should end. And just because she and her mother are faced with almost certain doom, it doesn’t stop Layla from being angry at Heather for the actions she took in the past that have put them in their current predicament. After all, if Heather hadn’t sent Preston away to wilderness camp (bad kids camp), the family would already be hunkering safely in a shelter. Together. Unbroken.
Riley clearly remembers what it felt like to be a teen. And she knows that the pain and uncertainty that come with not yet figuring out who you are—or where you belong in the world—doesn’t just evaporate because the world is being torn to hell by zombies. In fact, those worries often come to the forefront. After all, if Layla were to focus too heavily on the zombie apocalypse, it’s possible she’d just give up.
In this way, Riley very smartly utilizes the apocalypse as a mirror for these characters to self-reflect, to examine their relationships with each other, and, in so doing, strengthen their resolve to see their journey through to the end. We come to understand Layla, Heather, Preston, and Jamal inside and out. And you can’t help but love them. Even in their most selfish, stubborn, or occasionally stupid moments (again, the beer!). The action is highly realistic. Danger waits around every corner. Nobody gets by on luck. And, let me tell you, you wind up worrying about these character’s safety in equal measure whether they are sipping a beer (IYKYK) or trying to escape a zombie horde on the outskirts of an abandoned town.
All that’s to say… if you pick up this book hoping for an edge of your seat YA zombie thriller. You won’t be disappointed. There’s action. There’s gore. There are grim images galore. But running through the center of all the cold, dead, frightful aspects of this story beats a heart that’s as fierce and boundless as the open road Layla and Heather must brave on their journey to save Preston and reconnect their broken family.
March 21, 2026
Thank you so much to the author Sophie for sending me this ARC despite me missing the deadline!
This was a fantastic YA debut novel, and it sucked me in entirely. Every character had so much depth to them, all complex and well written.
The end of the world from the perspective of a young girl driven by the love for her brother. As a little sister, a lot of this story made me really emotional.
[SPOILER] I appreciated the lack of closure on the fate of the world, because Layla's whole world is her brother and that closure is all that matters. [END SPOILER]
For fans of the Last of Us, Lord of the Flies, The Walking Dead (video game), or just for anyone wanting a glimpse of hope in an apocalypse. It made me cry, laugh, stress, hope, and cry again.
Impressive debut novel, and I look forward to reading more from this author!
This was a fantastic YA debut novel, and it sucked me in entirely. Every character had so much depth to them, all complex and well written.
The end of the world from the perspective of a young girl driven by the love for her brother. As a little sister, a lot of this story made me really emotional.
[SPOILER] I appreciated the lack of closure on the fate of the world, because Layla's whole world is her brother and that closure is all that matters. [END SPOILER]
For fans of the Last of Us, Lord of the Flies, The Walking Dead (video game), or just for anyone wanting a glimpse of hope in an apocalypse. It made me cry, laugh, stress, hope, and cry again.
Impressive debut novel, and I look forward to reading more from this author!
March 12, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
As a former insufferable, angry fourteen year old girl with a troubled older brother and a complicated relationship with my single-mom... this is the book I needed all of those years ago. Fourteen year old me related so much with Layla. Her anger, her frustration, her helplessness.
Now at thirty-one, my mom is my best friend, and a mother myself now; I followed Layla's story with a wiser, kinder and more understanding point of view.
It's Not the End of the World is a fast paced, high stakes thrill of a read. You feel the urgency of this impossible situation. But make no mistake, Sophie Riley emphasizes the mother/daughter relationship is the heart and soul of this book.
As a former insufferable, angry fourteen year old girl with a troubled older brother and a complicated relationship with my single-mom... this is the book I needed all of those years ago. Fourteen year old me related so much with Layla. Her anger, her frustration, her helplessness.
Now at thirty-one, my mom is my best friend, and a mother myself now; I followed Layla's story with a wiser, kinder and more understanding point of view.
It's Not the End of the World is a fast paced, high stakes thrill of a read. You feel the urgency of this impossible situation. But make no mistake, Sophie Riley emphasizes the mother/daughter relationship is the heart and soul of this book.
May 7, 2026
Thank you SO MUCH to Sophie for giving me an ARC copy of this book!! I express my gratitude not only the opportunity, but also for gracing me with such a beautiful, emotional and riveting novel that both made me sob and laugh. Sophie clearly loves her work and has poured her heart and soul into her craft. As someone who has been following her on TikTok for a while, I couldn't be more proud to see one of her many brilliant ideas come to life.
Layla, a fourteen-year-old girl, is traveling with her mother in order to rescue her brother Preston from a wilderness therapy camp in the midst of a zombie outbreak. The premise, while sounding similar to many other apocalypse stories such as TLOU or The Road (young, naive child, solemn adult trying to survive, a destination they must reach at all cost, etc.) This book somehow manages to be completely original in its own right. The characters are what stand out to me the most. All are incredibly complex and have several little details that made them feel like real people. There wasn't a single character that felt cartoonishly mean or evil. They all just felt like people trying to survive a terrible situation-except for one character I won't name out of spoilers but iykyk. (Poor Layla. Props to Sophie for managing to handle such a sensitive topic with so much respect and care). Speaking of Layla, I absolutely loved her character and reading from her perspective. Sophie really took me back to my early teen years. Her internal dialogue was funny but also incredibly relatable. I think every girl/woman remembers feeling just as Layla did-always doing too much or not enough. As someone who had braces from 11-15, I would absolutely lose my mind if this situation had happened to me.
As for Heather, Layla's mom, I felt nothing but sympathy for her. Yes, her decision to send her son to wilderness therapy and some of the things she said had me raising an eyebrow, but at the end of the day, it was clear she just wanted the best for her children. Her son and Layla's brother, Preston, was also incredibly nuanced. The reasonings behind his behavior and the overall backstory of the Wise family is heartbreaking. And the ending??? I was UNWELL!! i dropped the book and immeditly went and hugged my mom. She was very confused, lol.
Excluding characters, everything else about this book is incredible-the plot, the pacing, the setting, the dialogue, everything. I couldn't put it down and ended up finishing it in one day. Please, do yourself a favor and support this young, amazing author by reading this book.
Layla, a fourteen-year-old girl, is traveling with her mother in order to rescue her brother Preston from a wilderness therapy camp in the midst of a zombie outbreak. The premise, while sounding similar to many other apocalypse stories such as TLOU or The Road (young, naive child, solemn adult trying to survive, a destination they must reach at all cost, etc.) This book somehow manages to be completely original in its own right. The characters are what stand out to me the most. All are incredibly complex and have several little details that made them feel like real people. There wasn't a single character that felt cartoonishly mean or evil. They all just felt like people trying to survive a terrible situation-except for one character I won't name out of spoilers but iykyk. (Poor Layla. Props to Sophie for managing to handle such a sensitive topic with so much respect and care). Speaking of Layla, I absolutely loved her character and reading from her perspective. Sophie really took me back to my early teen years. Her internal dialogue was funny but also incredibly relatable. I think every girl/woman remembers feeling just as Layla did-always doing too much or not enough. As someone who had braces from 11-15, I would absolutely lose my mind if this situation had happened to me.
As for Heather, Layla's mom, I felt nothing but sympathy for her. Yes, her decision to send her son to wilderness therapy and some of the things she said had me raising an eyebrow, but at the end of the day, it was clear she just wanted the best for her children. Her son and Layla's brother, Preston, was also incredibly nuanced. The reasonings behind his behavior and the overall backstory of the Wise family is heartbreaking. And the ending??? I was UNWELL!! i dropped the book and immeditly went and hugged my mom. She was very confused, lol.
Excluding characters, everything else about this book is incredible-the plot, the pacing, the setting, the dialogue, everything. I couldn't put it down and ended up finishing it in one day. Please, do yourself a favor and support this young, amazing author by reading this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the lovely opportunity to receive an ARC for It’s Not the End of the World, and I am so happy I did!!
I was pleasantly surprised to see such a unique spin on a very well-loved (and, admittedly, sometimes tired) zombie apocalypse genre. Exploring the complex relationships between mother and children on the open road where trust is everything… I was really taken by how human every single character was. They were all well-formed and fully-fledged, entirely their own. The art only illuminated the beauty of the story (and the author is incredibly talented, by the way, so please buy the hard copy!) and I especially loved the childhood innocence of our sweet MC Layla making a comic book with her best friend, an enduring symbol that kept her connected in times they were uncertain and separated.
Layla’s mom Heather was a hard character to fully support or rally against, which was a wonderful writing design on the author’s part. Her anxiety was such a fascinating aspect of who she was—you don’t often see mothers represented as multidimensionally as that; mothers who are wracked with their own fears and desires and hardships. She was not merely an extension of her children, but a character in her own right. Even though she would, of course, go to the end of the world to save and protect her children.
I really appreciate how this story left me with some interesting questions that always follow me in zombie apocalypse media: were the complicated “villains” presented to us a product of their circumstances, or were they always this way, and the atmosphere only exacerbated what already existed in them?
While the twists were more or less predictable, I chalked that up mostly to my obsession with zombie media! If I can depart with any favorite aspect, it is the author’s amazing attention to detail and setting design. I felt so immersed the entire time, and that stayed consistent throughout the story. You can feel the love she has for this project in every chapter; I’m happy I bore witness to it!
I foresee a great career for this author and wish her all the best. What a debut this was. I can’t wait to see what comes next!! 😊
I was pleasantly surprised to see such a unique spin on a very well-loved (and, admittedly, sometimes tired) zombie apocalypse genre. Exploring the complex relationships between mother and children on the open road where trust is everything… I was really taken by how human every single character was. They were all well-formed and fully-fledged, entirely their own. The art only illuminated the beauty of the story (and the author is incredibly talented, by the way, so please buy the hard copy!) and I especially loved the childhood innocence of our sweet MC Layla making a comic book with her best friend, an enduring symbol that kept her connected in times they were uncertain and separated.
Layla’s mom Heather was a hard character to fully support or rally against, which was a wonderful writing design on the author’s part. Her anxiety was such a fascinating aspect of who she was—you don’t often see mothers represented as multidimensionally as that; mothers who are wracked with their own fears and desires and hardships. She was not merely an extension of her children, but a character in her own right. Even though she would, of course, go to the end of the world to save and protect her children.
I really appreciate how this story left me with some interesting questions that always follow me in zombie apocalypse media: were the complicated “villains” presented to us a product of their circumstances, or were they always this way, and the atmosphere only exacerbated what already existed in them?
While the twists were more or less predictable, I chalked that up mostly to my obsession with zombie media! If I can depart with any favorite aspect, it is the author’s amazing attention to detail and setting design. I felt so immersed the entire time, and that stayed consistent throughout the story. You can feel the love she has for this project in every chapter; I’m happy I bore witness to it!
I foresee a great career for this author and wish her all the best. What a debut this was. I can’t wait to see what comes next!! 😊
May 8, 2026
Let me begin by saying that the only thing this book has in common with Neil Druckmann’s The Last of Us is a touching yet nuanced familial relationship within a post-apocalyptic setting. If one were to police and critique every source material with this theme, then other stories such as Telltale Games: The Walking Dead, The Road, and A Quiet Place would also be held to that standard. Even so, I argue that Sophie Riley’s It’s Not the End of the World showcases a welcoming spin unlike anything I’ve ever read before in this ARC I was privileged to read.
Most of the previously mentioned titles examine father-daughter dynamics. The relationship between our first-person protagonist, Layla, and her mother Heather already is a game changer within the troupe. Not only with it being more akin to Lady Bird within a mother-daughter relationship, but also in the voice that is Layla.
There are some protagonists that are only strong when they bounce off of other characters’ personality. That is not Layla. In the moments when she was isolated with only her thoughts to guide us the audience, I was never bored. Matter of fact, all of the voices within this piece were unique (whether they were on every page, or only one). The versatility as well within character traits and faults is something to be credited. No character felt stagnant within my opinion on them. One chapter, they were my favorite, the next, I wanted to teat my hair out from how they were acting. It was pleasantly real.
In all honesty, this novel masterfully created the grittiness of a post-apocalyptic world without going into gruesome detail for it to become too much. It kept me on my toes, and I had no idea where the journey would quite literally take me. That is something I cannot say for most novels I read, but this one did.
Most of the previously mentioned titles examine father-daughter dynamics. The relationship between our first-person protagonist, Layla, and her mother Heather already is a game changer within the troupe. Not only with it being more akin to Lady Bird within a mother-daughter relationship, but also in the voice that is Layla.
There are some protagonists that are only strong when they bounce off of other characters’ personality. That is not Layla. In the moments when she was isolated with only her thoughts to guide us the audience, I was never bored. Matter of fact, all of the voices within this piece were unique (whether they were on every page, or only one). The versatility as well within character traits and faults is something to be credited. No character felt stagnant within my opinion on them. One chapter, they were my favorite, the next, I wanted to teat my hair out from how they were acting. It was pleasantly real.
In all honesty, this novel masterfully created the grittiness of a post-apocalyptic world without going into gruesome detail for it to become too much. It kept me on my toes, and I had no idea where the journey would quite literally take me. That is something I cannot say for most novels I read, but this one did.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I recently had the pleasure of reading this book as an ARC and absolutely DEVOURED it. When reading ‘This is Not the end of the World’ I could never predict which way the story would turn next. From the moment I opened it, to the conclusion, there were very few moments in which it was not on my mind and I found myself constantly waiting for the next time I’d be able to pick it back up. So many aspects of life within a post-apocalyptic world are covered, yet it never feels rushed or disjointed. The illustrations throughout were also a perfect addition, really helping to solidify the characters into my mind and were a fun surprise to look forward to every time they appeared.
Going into the book, I assumed the story would follow the mother-daughter relationship between the two main characters. Despite this definitely being the heart of the book, and extremely well done, so much thought and care is put equally into every other character within Layla’s life. Her relationships are written so well that they feel genuine and as a reader, I felt really immersed into her life. The writing of the characters was my favourite aspect of the book, Sophie Riley really thrives in being able to write all of the age groups as accurately as each other, with none seeming stronger than others. At no point did Layla’s narrative not seem perfectly taken from an actual fourteen year old girl’s mind.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the finalised edition and will definitely be purchasing a physical copy! It is now strongly sat at the top of my zombie-based novel recommendations list and I’m already in anticipation to see what she writes next!
Going into the book, I assumed the story would follow the mother-daughter relationship between the two main characters. Despite this definitely being the heart of the book, and extremely well done, so much thought and care is put equally into every other character within Layla’s life. Her relationships are written so well that they feel genuine and as a reader, I felt really immersed into her life. The writing of the characters was my favourite aspect of the book, Sophie Riley really thrives in being able to write all of the age groups as accurately as each other, with none seeming stronger than others. At no point did Layla’s narrative not seem perfectly taken from an actual fourteen year old girl’s mind.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the finalised edition and will definitely be purchasing a physical copy! It is now strongly sat at the top of my zombie-based novel recommendations list and I’m already in anticipation to see what she writes next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
REVIEW OF ADVANCE COPY RECEIVED FROM AUTHOR
I had the pleasure of reading It’s Not the End of the World, and I was genuinely impressed from beginning to end. As a debut novel, this is incredibly strong.
Sophie Riley is a fantastic writer who crafted a compelling story that completely pulled me in. I found myself turning page after page, needing to know what would happen next.
One of the standout elements for me was the writing itself. The settings are beautifully described, and the characters feel so real and fully developed. It was easy to root for Layla, and stick with her from start to finish. Sophie also does a wonderful job balancing heavier, tragic moments with pockets of joy and humor.
What I love the most in a YA story are family relationships. Parent/Child, Siblings, you name it, I want to read it. Sophie excels at crafting these beautiful relationships between Layla and her mother, and Layla and her brother, Preston. As in any relationship, they aren’t perfect. They’re messy and layered, yet at the heart of it all is love. The way these characters care for one another truly shines. Your heart will break, heal, and break again throughout the story.
I also loved the illustrations included throughout the book. It added a special touch since YA novels don’t tend to have illustrations.
I’ve been excited to read this book since learning about it on social media, and this doesn’t disappoint. As a fellow author, there’s something especially meaningful about reading and appreciating another writer’s work, and this one truly stood out to me.
I had the pleasure of reading It’s Not the End of the World, and I was genuinely impressed from beginning to end. As a debut novel, this is incredibly strong.
Sophie Riley is a fantastic writer who crafted a compelling story that completely pulled me in. I found myself turning page after page, needing to know what would happen next.
One of the standout elements for me was the writing itself. The settings are beautifully described, and the characters feel so real and fully developed. It was easy to root for Layla, and stick with her from start to finish. Sophie also does a wonderful job balancing heavier, tragic moments with pockets of joy and humor.
What I love the most in a YA story are family relationships. Parent/Child, Siblings, you name it, I want to read it. Sophie excels at crafting these beautiful relationships between Layla and her mother, and Layla and her brother, Preston. As in any relationship, they aren’t perfect. They’re messy and layered, yet at the heart of it all is love. The way these characters care for one another truly shines. Your heart will break, heal, and break again throughout the story.
I also loved the illustrations included throughout the book. It added a special touch since YA novels don’t tend to have illustrations.
I’ve been excited to read this book since learning about it on social media, and this doesn’t disappoint. As a fellow author, there’s something especially meaningful about reading and appreciating another writer’s work, and this one truly stood out to me.
Review of advance copy
I went into Its Not the End of the World expecting zombies, but I stayed for the relationships—and honestly could not put it down once I started, even when I was a little scared.
Sophia Riley captures something so real in the narrator Layla’s voice: the small, almost funny heartbreak of worrying about getting your braces off and not being able to because of a looming apocalypse. The contrast between ordinary teenage life and the “dark cloud” of events makes the story hit so much harder. Lines like “I wasn’t sure when that changed, when I became more of an obligation than a daughter” and “I could feel the newness of the a sense in our lives” wrecked me.
The mother-daughter relationship is especially powerful—messy, strained, but still full of love in quiet moments that we see scattered throughout the book, these bring peace and serenity through the chaos of the book’s main subject.
Riley’s book wouldn’t have felt complete without the drawings scattered throughout. They added such an intimate layer to Layla’s perspective, like we were seeing more than just what we imagined in her heads as there it was drawn for us.
By the end, I was emotional in a way I didn’t expect from a “zombie apocalypse” book. It’s really about growing up, forgiveness, friendships both by blood and not, and how people hold on to each other when everything as is gone. “As long as we were still here, it wasn’t the end”—that line says it all.
A heartbreaking, funny, and deeply human story. I love the author and her debut novel.
Sophia Riley captures something so real in the narrator Layla’s voice: the small, almost funny heartbreak of worrying about getting your braces off and not being able to because of a looming apocalypse. The contrast between ordinary teenage life and the “dark cloud” of events makes the story hit so much harder. Lines like “I wasn’t sure when that changed, when I became more of an obligation than a daughter” and “I could feel the newness of the a sense in our lives” wrecked me.
The mother-daughter relationship is especially powerful—messy, strained, but still full of love in quiet moments that we see scattered throughout the book, these bring peace and serenity through the chaos of the book’s main subject.
Riley’s book wouldn’t have felt complete without the drawings scattered throughout. They added such an intimate layer to Layla’s perspective, like we were seeing more than just what we imagined in her heads as there it was drawn for us.
By the end, I was emotional in a way I didn’t expect from a “zombie apocalypse” book. It’s really about growing up, forgiveness, friendships both by blood and not, and how people hold on to each other when everything as is gone. “As long as we were still here, it wasn’t the end”—that line says it all.
A heartbreaking, funny, and deeply human story. I love the author and her debut novel.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"As long as we were still here, it wasn't the end. It was only the end of the world we knew. Only the beginning of something new."
I'm not much of a crier but this debut had me bawling.
Sophie Riley skilfully portrays the tentative relationship between the fourteen-year-old narrator, Layla, and her paranoid mother, Heather, on their odyssey from California to Jackpot, Oregon to find Layla's older brother at his "Wilderness Therapy" camp during the zombie apocalypse.
This book is a page turner. I was left on the edge of my seat throughout. Every chapter added more momentum, a new development or turn. There was never a moment I felt the story stagnated or lost my interest.
The illustrations were beautiful and often added more impact to a scene.
The tone begins as less emotionally charged, but grows more intense as the story progresses. With there being multiple instances of real tragedy that the characters have to endure on their journey.
The story grapples at multiple points with the arbitrary nature of all that tragedy, asking why a God would allow all of that... Pain. Though there's never a clear conclusion on this (minor) plot thread, the narrative is always optimistic in the face of adversity. Even if the world around the characters might not bend to give each character a happy ending, there is still optimism for the characters to find.
I would definitely recommend reading. I look forward to reading whatever the author writes in future.
I'm not much of a crier but this debut had me bawling.
Sophie Riley skilfully portrays the tentative relationship between the fourteen-year-old narrator, Layla, and her paranoid mother, Heather, on their odyssey from California to Jackpot, Oregon to find Layla's older brother at his "Wilderness Therapy" camp during the zombie apocalypse.
This book is a page turner. I was left on the edge of my seat throughout. Every chapter added more momentum, a new development or turn. There was never a moment I felt the story stagnated or lost my interest.
The illustrations were beautiful and often added more impact to a scene.
The tone begins as less emotionally charged, but grows more intense as the story progresses. With there being multiple instances of real tragedy that the characters have to endure on their journey.
The story grapples at multiple points with the arbitrary nature of all that tragedy, asking why a God would allow all of that... Pain. Though there's never a clear conclusion on this (minor) plot thread, the narrative is always optimistic in the face of adversity. Even if the world around the characters might not bend to give each character a happy ending, there is still optimism for the characters to find.
I would definitely recommend reading. I look forward to reading whatever the author writes in future.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It's Not the End of the World by Sophie Riley is a terrific debut YA novel. From the first page, you are immediately sucked into this vivid world, and once you're in, you can't get out. Layla was a great protagonist, and experiencing the story through her eyes made it all feel so real. The star of the story was truly her relationship with her mother--something I do wish we'd gotten more of. But it's the emotional throughline that the entire journey stems from, and it hits you right in the heart. Every character Layla runs into or forms some sort of relationship with practically jumps off the page, and it's definitely the best part of the novel. You feel for every character, even the ones who do bad things, because they feel human. When this book is good, it's good. And though there are portions I felt began to lose my interest, the good parts were enough to keep me so excited to keep reading and return to them. Plus, the illustrations throughout really amplified a lot of the moments and helped to fill out the world. (We need more illustrated novels!) The action and horror were done well and weaved throughout the story in a way that complemented it rather than taking over. There were certain plotlines I expected more from, but all in all, It's Not the End of the World is an impressive feat by a debut author, and a fantastic portrayal of the difficulties of growing up.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an advanced copy!
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an advanced copy!
April 21, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
first and foremost i’d like to begin by thanking Sophie Riley for the opportunity to receive her book as an E-ARC.
Zombies have always intrigued me, i love to see the different ways authors portray such an expansive archetype and the way Sophie Riley went about the infected in her book was unique in a way i haven’t yet read.
we follow 14 year old Layla Wise after a viral outbreak reeks havoc through her town. through the hysteria Layla and her mother set out to bring home her brother from a wilderness camp hundreds of miles away. their plan was straightforward but obstacles get in their way.
from page one i was hooked, i thoroughly enjoyed our characters, i loved the depth to each and every backstory, the imagery used was phenomenal and i, in every way felt very connected to the story. the twists and turns were so unexpected. i laughed, i cried, i related and really truly found myself rooting for the characters. the atmosphere was so eerie, but the setting of the gorgeous Oregon mountains cut through the horror with beautiful descriptions.
Overall, after months in a reading slump, and binge watching the entirety of the TWD universe this was the perfect read to snap me out of my funk.
this book is perfect if you are looking for the early show vibes of TWD, or you enjoy the depth that comes with the last of us.
first and foremost i’d like to begin by thanking Sophie Riley for the opportunity to receive her book as an E-ARC.
Zombies have always intrigued me, i love to see the different ways authors portray such an expansive archetype and the way Sophie Riley went about the infected in her book was unique in a way i haven’t yet read.
we follow 14 year old Layla Wise after a viral outbreak reeks havoc through her town. through the hysteria Layla and her mother set out to bring home her brother from a wilderness camp hundreds of miles away. their plan was straightforward but obstacles get in their way.
from page one i was hooked, i thoroughly enjoyed our characters, i loved the depth to each and every backstory, the imagery used was phenomenal and i, in every way felt very connected to the story. the twists and turns were so unexpected. i laughed, i cried, i related and really truly found myself rooting for the characters. the atmosphere was so eerie, but the setting of the gorgeous Oregon mountains cut through the horror with beautiful descriptions.
Overall, after months in a reading slump, and binge watching the entirety of the TWD universe this was the perfect read to snap me out of my funk.
this book is perfect if you are looking for the early show vibes of TWD, or you enjoy the depth that comes with the last of us.
Review of advance copy
The Walking Dead meets Gilmore Girls meets Lord of the Flies.
A gripping and satisfying debut YA novel that dives into motherhood, family dynamics, growing up, friendship, and the effects of a world changing pandemic.
I enjoyed the subtle nods to the walking dead (rashers not walkers) the horses, ranches, and the cowboy hat. ( as a big fan it reminded me of the earlier seasons in the best way possible) CARL.
The beginning was slow and the stakes felt low. It wasn't until around 40% when the story picked up and then I couldn't put it down. The relationships and character motivations were well fleshed out and kept me turning the page.
I think this is a well needed and impactful story with an engaging plot. The author also included some beautiful illustrations that captured important moments so well. You can tell there was a lot of thought and work put into this book.
This is a great read for people who love zombie stories, but I would label this one as more introspective than action packed! So if that is what you are into you definitely will want to give it a read.
Thank you to the author for providing the arc copy via bookfunnel! This review was voluntary and 100% my honest opinion.
A gripping and satisfying debut YA novel that dives into motherhood, family dynamics, growing up, friendship, and the effects of a world changing pandemic.
I enjoyed the subtle nods to the walking dead (rashers not walkers) the horses, ranches, and the cowboy hat. ( as a big fan it reminded me of the earlier seasons in the best way possible) CARL.
The beginning was slow and the stakes felt low. It wasn't until around 40% when the story picked up and then I couldn't put it down. The relationships and character motivations were well fleshed out and kept me turning the page.
I think this is a well needed and impactful story with an engaging plot. The author also included some beautiful illustrations that captured important moments so well. You can tell there was a lot of thought and work put into this book.
This is a great read for people who love zombie stories, but I would label this one as more introspective than action packed! So if that is what you are into you definitely will want to give it a read.
Thank you to the author for providing the arc copy via bookfunnel! This review was voluntary and 100% my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
In a world where zombie apocalypse media tells the tales of fathers, Sophie Riley writes about a mother.
I want to begin by giving a HUGE thank you for the opportunity to receive an ARC copy. It was such an honour to be able to read this book ahead of publishing time.
In It’s Not The End of The World we follow Layla Wise, a fourteen year old girl who has to navigate a newly turned apocalyptic world whilst dealing with the strained relationship between her and her mother - and the spawn of the devil itself, braces.
Layla is a relatable character all people who have had an angsty teen era can understand, myself included. Throughout the book we see her learn, grow, and adapt to this new life.
Sophie Riley put a lot of devotion and thought into the tale she wrote and it’s very prominent throughout the entirety of the book with self-drawn illustrations which add a whole new ‘umph’ of emotion into scenes and within the writing itself, serious topics are talked of/experienced and are written so beautifully I sobbed like a baby multiple times.
To anyone who adores zombie media such as myself, I would recommend this book without hesitation. It’s truly a masterpiece and deserves recognition.
I want to begin by giving a HUGE thank you for the opportunity to receive an ARC copy. It was such an honour to be able to read this book ahead of publishing time.
In It’s Not The End of The World we follow Layla Wise, a fourteen year old girl who has to navigate a newly turned apocalyptic world whilst dealing with the strained relationship between her and her mother - and the spawn of the devil itself, braces.
Layla is a relatable character all people who have had an angsty teen era can understand, myself included. Throughout the book we see her learn, grow, and adapt to this new life.
Sophie Riley put a lot of devotion and thought into the tale she wrote and it’s very prominent throughout the entirety of the book with self-drawn illustrations which add a whole new ‘umph’ of emotion into scenes and within the writing itself, serious topics are talked of/experienced and are written so beautifully I sobbed like a baby multiple times.
To anyone who adores zombie media such as myself, I would recommend this book without hesitation. It’s truly a masterpiece and deserves recognition.
May 5, 2026
First of all, thank you so much to the author for providing me with an ARC copy of the book!
It's Not the End of the World revolves around the strained relationship between a mother and her teenage daughter as they journey across the country during a recent zombie outbreak. As I first found this premise online, I was immediately hooked-- and I'm incredibly glad that I followed up on the chance to find out more.
Riley's characterization is so rich and complex. Layla, the 14-year-old protagonist, has a very distinct and true-to-life teenage voice that carries the narrative the entire way through. Her stubbornness, being carried even through the shoes she wears that give her blisters, reminded me a lot of my own stubbornness at her age! Heather, her mother, makes the progression from anxious to fiercely protective in a seamless and endearing way. Riley's craftsmanship of her characters made me root for them in the highest moments, and had me worrying when the world began to dive further and further into danger. The mix of emotional tension along with the external conflict of the Rasher apocalypse made for a delightful mix!
The storyline begins slowly, but it still doesn't fail to keep attention. Once the action picks up, the story becomes a rollercoaster of combat and drama-- I was only hooked from there!
While I wish that some information, such as expositional dialogue, could have been handled with a little more omission and mystery from the characters, that still did not stop me from enjoying the work every time I picked it up. I loved every minute of reading-- and the ending was absolutely perfect. The symbolism included was just beautifully done, and I found myself somehow feeling both utterly devastated and completely inspired.
A fantastic, thrilling apocalyptic read, and a great debut. Bravo! Can't wait to read whatever comes next!
It's Not the End of the World revolves around the strained relationship between a mother and her teenage daughter as they journey across the country during a recent zombie outbreak. As I first found this premise online, I was immediately hooked-- and I'm incredibly glad that I followed up on the chance to find out more.
Riley's characterization is so rich and complex. Layla, the 14-year-old protagonist, has a very distinct and true-to-life teenage voice that carries the narrative the entire way through. Her stubbornness, being carried even through the shoes she wears that give her blisters, reminded me a lot of my own stubbornness at her age! Heather, her mother, makes the progression from anxious to fiercely protective in a seamless and endearing way. Riley's craftsmanship of her characters made me root for them in the highest moments, and had me worrying when the world began to dive further and further into danger. The mix of emotional tension along with the external conflict of the Rasher apocalypse made for a delightful mix!
The storyline begins slowly, but it still doesn't fail to keep attention. Once the action picks up, the story becomes a rollercoaster of combat and drama-- I was only hooked from there!
While I wish that some information, such as expositional dialogue, could have been handled with a little more omission and mystery from the characters, that still did not stop me from enjoying the work every time I picked it up. I loved every minute of reading-- and the ending was absolutely perfect. The symbolism included was just beautifully done, and I found myself somehow feeling both utterly devastated and completely inspired.
A fantastic, thrilling apocalyptic read, and a great debut. Bravo! Can't wait to read whatever comes next!
May 7, 2026
"And maybe the power would come back on, or maybe we'd get used to the dark. Maybe the darkness was just a part of us now."
My goodness this was the most beautiful apocalypse book I've ever read.
In It's Not the End of the World, 14-year-old Layla navigates a crumbling world alongside her mother as they set out to rescue her brother from a wilderness therapy camp.
Sophie Riley does a phenomenal job of showing us a societal collapse and the chaos a plague brings through a teen's eyes. I flew through the book constantly on the edge of my seat, wondering how on earth Layla and her mother were going to overcome each new roadblock on their journey.
The characters were soooo well written, even the ones I wasn't necessarily rooting for. Everybody had a purpose and goal for their own survival.
I may have teared up several times through the book. The aspect of a broken family working through healing and forgiveness makes this zombie tale stand out from so many others. And Riley's illustrations throughout the book were a fantastic touch.
If you're craving a zombie horror, you need to read this one. It's intense, action-packed, and emotional. Thank you to the author for an ARC copy. All opinions are my own.
My goodness this was the most beautiful apocalypse book I've ever read.
In It's Not the End of the World, 14-year-old Layla navigates a crumbling world alongside her mother as they set out to rescue her brother from a wilderness therapy camp.
Sophie Riley does a phenomenal job of showing us a societal collapse and the chaos a plague brings through a teen's eyes. I flew through the book constantly on the edge of my seat, wondering how on earth Layla and her mother were going to overcome each new roadblock on their journey.
The characters were soooo well written, even the ones I wasn't necessarily rooting for. Everybody had a purpose and goal for their own survival.
I may have teared up several times through the book. The aspect of a broken family working through healing and forgiveness makes this zombie tale stand out from so many others. And Riley's illustrations throughout the book were a fantastic touch.
If you're craving a zombie horror, you need to read this one. It's intense, action-packed, and emotional. Thank you to the author for an ARC copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“You have a chance to do something good. To be good after all the bad that’s been done to you.”
First of all I want to start by saying thank you to Sophie for sending me an arc of this book. I’ve been following her for a while and I think she is so incredibly talented; I couldn’t wait to finally read some of her work, and not only did it meet my expectations, it exceeded them.
Sophie is such a master in conveying emotions and layering characters that I felt like I was with them every step of the way. Every chapter added something new, and yet never loses its momentum.
The highlight of this book was definitely the tough but incredibly real relationship between Layla and her mother as they try to reconnect and focus on their common goal; to save Layla’s brother. So much so that it hurts even harder to know what could have been.
The horror/action parts were vivid and real, even uncomfortable at times but in the good kind. Never once did I want to put it down, afraid that I was going to miss something.
To sum it all up: this book is a one in a lifetime-must be read by everyone-has immense potential to become a movie-kind of book.
First of all I want to start by saying thank you to Sophie for sending me an arc of this book. I’ve been following her for a while and I think she is so incredibly talented; I couldn’t wait to finally read some of her work, and not only did it meet my expectations, it exceeded them.
Sophie is such a master in conveying emotions and layering characters that I felt like I was with them every step of the way. Every chapter added something new, and yet never loses its momentum.
The highlight of this book was definitely the tough but incredibly real relationship between Layla and her mother as they try to reconnect and focus on their common goal; to save Layla’s brother. So much so that it hurts even harder to know what could have been.
The horror/action parts were vivid and real, even uncomfortable at times but in the good kind. Never once did I want to put it down, afraid that I was going to miss something.
To sum it all up: this book is a one in a lifetime-must be read by everyone-has immense potential to become a movie-kind of book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As someone who was around Layla's age during the COVID-19 lockdowns, the idea of the world ending at the hands of some uncontrollable virus hits very close to home. I too was a pre-teen who just wanted her braces off and for growing up to make a little more sense.
Once I started reading, I simply couldn't stop. Each new twist was genuinely so unexpected that I often found myself tearing up. The tensions between Layla and her mother are so raw and really drive the novel forward both in plot and in developing themes that surround motherly love, complex family relationships, and what happens when something like a zombie apocalypse unfolds around you. This novel is about so much more than just surviving.
I also can't forget to mention all the beautiful illustrations scattered throughout! I've never been very good at imagining what characters look like while I'm reading because I get so focused on what's next. But I truly appreciated how readers are given the chance to pause and really see how the characters experience their world. Thank you Sophie Riley for this novel– I'm sure middle school me would've had a dangerous hyper-fixation on it.
Once I started reading, I simply couldn't stop. Each new twist was genuinely so unexpected that I often found myself tearing up. The tensions between Layla and her mother are so raw and really drive the novel forward both in plot and in developing themes that surround motherly love, complex family relationships, and what happens when something like a zombie apocalypse unfolds around you. This novel is about so much more than just surviving.
I also can't forget to mention all the beautiful illustrations scattered throughout! I've never been very good at imagining what characters look like while I'm reading because I get so focused on what's next. But I truly appreciated how readers are given the chance to pause and really see how the characters experience their world. Thank you Sophie Riley for this novel– I'm sure middle school me would've had a dangerous hyper-fixation on it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I got the privilege of reading this as an arc and I’m so incredibly thankful for it. This was beautifully written, especially for a debut. The way Sophie writes the dynamic between Layla and her mother was so incredibly well done and had me tearing up at parts.
The wilderness therapy recognition is so important to me I don’t think I’ve ever seen that in a book before.
ALSO can we just talk about this quote?? The beauty in this quote alone makes the book a five star
“One of my earliest memories was a car ride
heading north. Mom hanging her head out the window like she was breathing it all in. Like for a second, she wasn't in the car, wasn't in her life. She was some-
where else entirely, a whole other person with sun on her face, wind in her hair, wildness in her bones.
Someone with places to go.
It made me sad to imagine what our life could have been. I had to stop thinking about it, so I just kept my eyes on the road.”
AHH please please take this as a sign to read this book I promise you won’t regret it.
And thank you to Sophie for the opportunity to read and review this beautiful book.
The wilderness therapy recognition is so important to me I don’t think I’ve ever seen that in a book before.
ALSO can we just talk about this quote?? The beauty in this quote alone makes the book a five star
“One of my earliest memories was a car ride
heading north. Mom hanging her head out the window like she was breathing it all in. Like for a second, she wasn't in the car, wasn't in her life. She was some-
where else entirely, a whole other person with sun on her face, wind in her hair, wildness in her bones.
Someone with places to go.
It made me sad to imagine what our life could have been. I had to stop thinking about it, so I just kept my eyes on the road.”
AHH please please take this as a sign to read this book I promise you won’t regret it.
And thank you to Sophie for the opportunity to read and review this beautiful book.
May 7, 2026
I was grateful to receive an ARC of this book from the author.
While zombie books aren't my normal thing, I do love YA dystopian, and this novel was hard to put down! I stayed up too late two nights in a row waiting to see what happened next.
While there were many exciting parts about the zombie pandemic, the story was really grounded in relationships: parent-child, siblings, friends. There was so much heart without being overly sentimental.
The pandemic aspect made me think a bit of the early days of COVID, but not in a bad or overbearing way. It felt just familiar enough.
I also loved the illustrations, even in an e-ink copy. I'm sure they'll be even better in the print version. If you enjoy mother-daughter, zombie, or dystopian novels, I think you'll like this one.
**Minor spoilers**
There is a scene of unwanted intimacy. It doesn't go too far, but it does leave the MC with some trauma and she thinks on it several times after the fact. It wouldn't stop me from letting my young teen read the book, but it could be triggering for others.
Of course, there's some gross bits with the zombies, but it didn't feel like too much to me.
While zombie books aren't my normal thing, I do love YA dystopian, and this novel was hard to put down! I stayed up too late two nights in a row waiting to see what happened next.
While there were many exciting parts about the zombie pandemic, the story was really grounded in relationships: parent-child, siblings, friends. There was so much heart without being overly sentimental.
The pandemic aspect made me think a bit of the early days of COVID, but not in a bad or overbearing way. It felt just familiar enough.
I also loved the illustrations, even in an e-ink copy. I'm sure they'll be even better in the print version. If you enjoy mother-daughter, zombie, or dystopian novels, I think you'll like this one.
**Minor spoilers**
There is a scene of unwanted intimacy. It doesn't go too far, but it does leave the MC with some trauma and she thinks on it several times after the fact. It wouldn't stop me from letting my young teen read the book, but it could be triggering for others.
Of course, there's some gross bits with the zombies, but it didn't feel like too much to me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book wrecked me in the best way.
I first beta read it last year, and picking it up again as an ARC earlier this month. Opening this book felt like stepping right back into a world I didn’t want to leave…one filled with chaos, zombie apocalypses, and of course family drama.
As an adult I was immediately drawn back to my young preteen/teenager years and recognized that this was definitely a book I would’ve sat down in middle school with and immediately felt connected to its main character Layla. She’s full of sass and one liners that make you laugh but most importantly she’s someone who shows strength and loyalty to those closest to her… even if it means keeping her braces on, ham radios, gas stations, creepy strangers, and dodging zombies with her mom.
The determination and love shown through out this novel is raw, powerful, and impossible not to feel and it’s definitely a book I’ll be recommending to anyone who will listen, this book doesn’t just tell a story it makes you live it and it definitely makes you appreciate that you got your braces off years ago.
I first beta read it last year, and picking it up again as an ARC earlier this month. Opening this book felt like stepping right back into a world I didn’t want to leave…one filled with chaos, zombie apocalypses, and of course family drama.
As an adult I was immediately drawn back to my young preteen/teenager years and recognized that this was definitely a book I would’ve sat down in middle school with and immediately felt connected to its main character Layla. She’s full of sass and one liners that make you laugh but most importantly she’s someone who shows strength and loyalty to those closest to her… even if it means keeping her braces on, ham radios, gas stations, creepy strangers, and dodging zombies with her mom.
The determination and love shown through out this novel is raw, powerful, and impossible not to feel and it’s definitely a book I’ll be recommending to anyone who will listen, this book doesn’t just tell a story it makes you live it and it definitely makes you appreciate that you got your braces off years ago.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for accepting my ARC request!
This book devastated me, and I honestly loved it. What drew me into the book immediately was the interiority. Layla’s narration is so incredibly introspective, and the author does a really great job at weaving the story in and out of the present and the past. Her main characters are so well-rounded that by the end of the book, I was able to completely understand all of their motives, weaknesses, fears, and hopes. I was very emotional reading the ending, but…I *got* it. It made sense to me why the author chose to go down the road she took. This book was a deeply illustrative account of a child who grew up way too fast in a world that changed way too fast, and that is something that I feel YA readers can really resonate with. I was incredibly impressed and thought this was an amazing debut. I can’t wait to see what she has next in store.
This book devastated me, and I honestly loved it. What drew me into the book immediately was the interiority. Layla’s narration is so incredibly introspective, and the author does a really great job at weaving the story in and out of the present and the past. Her main characters are so well-rounded that by the end of the book, I was able to completely understand all of their motives, weaknesses, fears, and hopes. I was very emotional reading the ending, but…I *got* it. It made sense to me why the author chose to go down the road she took. This book was a deeply illustrative account of a child who grew up way too fast in a world that changed way too fast, and that is something that I feel YA readers can really resonate with. I was incredibly impressed and thought this was an amazing debut. I can’t wait to see what she has next in store.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Incredibly well written, especially for a first-time author. I got incredibly attached to all the characters, which shows how well they were written. I was in tears by the end, forced myself not to cry in public, but I was close. I originally found the book through a TikTok video of the author drawing her art about the book and explaining what it was about. When I first found out about the story, I was just starting to get into The Last of Us, so more media about zombies and travelling across the US of A was intriguing. I was incredibly right to pick up this book, and I don't regret reading it. While I think the pacing was slightly off in certain parts, especially towards the end, where it just feels a little rushed, which is why I gave it 4/5 instead of 5/5, but otherwise it was a perfect book and has inspired me to keep writing my own things.
I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone I know and will be buying a physical copy when it releases.
I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone I know and will be buying a physical copy when it releases.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the absolute honor to be an ARC reader for this book, and it absolutely broke my heart. Layla is one of the most accurate depictions of a fourteen year old I've ever seen in a book. The pacing was absolutely fantastic. It had elements of the classic lyrics fast-paced apocalypse story, while still being balanced with the slower feel of the setting. The imagery that Sophie Riley's writing evoked throughout the entire book was so visceral and intense, it had me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading. The illustrations that Sophie included throughout the book also added so much detail to the story and made the book even more captivating than it already was. I don't typically reach for books about the apocalypse or zombies, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one, and I highly recommend it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I took my time reading this book because not only was it so emotionally rich, it was just a damn good story. I had a lot of faith in Sophie’s writing just from her positive outlook and extreme creativity through her other endeavors, my faith was not misplaced. This book is heart wrenching, it’s beautiful, and as someone who enjoys zombie media very avidly, it is very original in my personal opinion. Maybe refreshing is a better word? We see so many zombie books with badass men, and though they are good, this book showcases so much more!
Is it too early in the year to say it might be my favorite book I’ll read? Thank you Sophie for the early copy. I will be reading again and again until I cant cry anymore.
Is it too early in the year to say it might be my favorite book I’ll read? Thank you Sophie for the early copy. I will be reading again and again until I cant cry anymore.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a tear-jerker! I had the chance to read it early via ARC and finished it in 2 days, tops. Which is very rare for me. This book gives me the vibes of Telltale's TWD and TLOU. Which is a genre I'm a sucker for, and this book definitely fills that TWD-shaped hole in my heart.
The characters' motivations, wants, and fears instantly grab me into the story and make me want to root for them. Especially Layla, she was such a joy to follow in the story. I won't spoil much, ouch man. She's just a kid who wants to make comics.
Also, those illustrations add so much immersion while reading. I'm so happy the author decided to add them.
If you want a heartbreaking family dynamic, apocalyptic settings, and road-trip stories, this is a book you'll NEED to read!
The characters' motivations, wants, and fears instantly grab me into the story and make me want to root for them. Especially Layla, she was such a joy to follow in the story. I won't spoil much, ouch man. She's just a kid who wants to make comics.
Also, those illustrations add so much immersion while reading. I'm so happy the author decided to add them.
If you want a heartbreaking family dynamic, apocalyptic settings, and road-trip stories, this is a book you'll NEED to read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was one of the best books I have read in a longtime. I’m usually not one for the zombie apocalypse trope, but this was one of those books that I feel like definitely suck you in. The family dynamics 🤌the plot 🤌 the characters 🤌 The author did such a great job at writing from a 14 year old’s perspective and I feel like every single character was written so well. Every character was dynamic and she did such a good job giving them all so much depth while also not getting into the weeds. Would recommend to anyone especially if you love stories that are very character driven or just love a good story!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for providing me an ARC of this book. Wow. I’d seen videos forever of it on TikTok and was intrigued by the concept. I’m usually a total weenie about zombies. I’m pretty sure my eighth grade teacher showing us the first episode of the Walking Dead scarred me for life a bit. However, I was drawn to the family relationship aspect. Despite my fears of the zombie genre, I do think it is a great vehicle for exploring humanity and human relationships. This book was no exception. The absolute prolonged gut punch this book was. Can’t wait for this book to come out!
Also PS loved the addition of Sophie Riley’s art in this. I agree, more books should be illustrated!
Also PS loved the addition of Sophie Riley’s art in this. I agree, more books should be illustrated!
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