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The Reverse of Everything
One day can change everything.
One day the world is a delicate balance.
The next day the balance is tipped.
And there is no bringing it back.
When everyone over a certain age dies, a group of young adults make a perilous journey across the US, in hopes of finding something beautiful or amazing.
Something to cherish as their last memory.
Because maybe they’re dying too.
And in the end, all we want is something to be grateful for.
And maybe for someone to remember us when we’re gone.
From the author of The Born Trilogy, The Last City of Men, and The Blood Trail Chronicles comes a story of friendship and love, even as the world is ending.
This is a standalone novel
One day the world is a delicate balance.
The next day the balance is tipped.
And there is no bringing it back.
When everyone over a certain age dies, a group of young adults make a perilous journey across the US, in hopes of finding something beautiful or amazing.
Something to cherish as their last memory.
Because maybe they’re dying too.
And in the end, all we want is something to be grateful for.
And maybe for someone to remember us when we’re gone.
From the author of The Born Trilogy, The Last City of Men, and The Blood Trail Chronicles comes a story of friendship and love, even as the world is ending.
This is a standalone novel
47 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2019
136 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Tara Brown
117 books2,378 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Pen names for Tara Brown
- Tara Brown for science fiction and fantasy (primary author name)
- Sophie Starr for darker books
- Amy March for romantic comedies
- A.E. Watson
- T.L. Brown
- Erin Leigh
- Meg Browne
Caution: Author uses multiple pen names on the same book (different releases/editions). GR policy dictates that the name on the first release remain primary on all subsequent releases. The secondary name would be whatever name is on the cover, if different.
Pen names for Tara Brown
- Tara Brown for science fiction and fantasy (primary author name)
- Sophie Starr for darker books
- Amy March for romantic comedies
- A.E. Watson
- T.L. Brown
- Erin Leigh
- Meg Browne
Caution: Author uses multiple pen names on the same book (different releases/editions). GR policy dictates that the name on the first release remain primary on all subsequent releases. The secondary name would be whatever name is on the cover, if different.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 18, 2019
Heartbreaking. I think if I had to sum The Reverse of Everything up into one word, that’s the word I would use. It creates the question, if you knew when you were going to die, what would you do?
Tara Brown’s writing is incredible. This is my first book by her, but it definitely won’t be the last. I’m in awe at the world she has created, the feelings she was able to draw from me as a reader, and the complex characters she has penned.
The Reverse of Everything is one of those books you should try to head into without knowing much about it, so I won’t anything away with this review. I highly recommend checking this out, but get your tissue box ready.
*I read this book through a blog tour with Lady Amber's Reviews & PR. All opinions are my own.
Tara Brown’s writing is incredible. This is my first book by her, but it definitely won’t be the last. I’m in awe at the world she has created, the feelings she was able to draw from me as a reader, and the complex characters she has penned.
The Reverse of Everything is one of those books you should try to head into without knowing much about it, so I won’t anything away with this review. I highly recommend checking this out, but get your tissue box ready.
*I read this book through a blog tour with Lady Amber's Reviews & PR. All opinions are my own.
March 13, 2019
If i could do 3.5
I dislike that i liked this story damn it! I say that kindly! At first i was like wtf seriously its going to end like this?!?! Then i finished it and i grudgingly accept that you did good Tara Brown. I didn't ugly cry but it did get me in the feels here and there. I'll def reccomend this to my friends. I didn't hate any of the characters and how awesome is that?!? I don't want to say anything because i think the book would be best read going in blind its worth the read even though you might get a tad upset in some spots just like i did😉😈
I dislike that i liked this story damn it! I say that kindly! At first i was like wtf seriously its going to end like this?!?! Then i finished it and i grudgingly accept that you did good Tara Brown. I didn't ugly cry but it did get me in the feels here and there. I'll def reccomend this to my friends. I didn't hate any of the characters and how awesome is that?!? I don't want to say anything because i think the book would be best read going in blind its worth the read even though you might get a tad upset in some spots just like i did😉😈
August 19, 2019
Oh my heart
Crush my soul and rip out my heart! Everything I have read from Tara Brown has left me in awe and speechless. She’s a fantastic storyteller. This book crushed me. My soul feels raw and my eyes are swollen from the many tears I have ugly cried. While I am devastated, I loved this story. As heartbreaking as it is.
Crush my soul and rip out my heart! Everything I have read from Tara Brown has left me in awe and speechless. She’s a fantastic storyteller. This book crushed me. My soul feels raw and my eyes are swollen from the many tears I have ugly cried. While I am devastated, I loved this story. As heartbreaking as it is.
March 20, 2019
This book was recommended to me because I needed something to read. After reading it, I'd be selective in who I would recommend this book too. If you like apocalypse style books, this is a good one for you.
You get the story of what is going on by Celeste and Zoe. We find out that in a blip of time people over 100 - yes everyone over 100 - has died. We don't know why. They just fell over and died.
Zoe lives in Virginia, with her mom. When everything starts to go downhill the mom splits, leaving Zoe on her own. Thankfully she has Owen, her BFF. She also has West, the boy who is crushing so hard on her she doesn't see it because she only has eyes for her gay BFF - Owen. Love Triangle DuJour. They decide to travel west in West's families RV after the local correctional facility erupts.
Celeste and Roz are making their way South after they have nothing else to lose. Only in Virginia Beach, they run into some bad people. Making them move further on. Where they meet Milo and his faithful companion Stan. It doesn't take long for them to meet up with Zoe and the two guys. Together they head west. She needs to see her family and Zoe has unfinished business of her own.
This story is about love and loss. I cried at one point and wanted to just stop reading. But then I realized if I did that I wouldn't get my answers. Well, I didn't get answers anyhow. Disappointing. I still have questions about what happened. I guess we'll never know how and why? Some things are better left unknown. I don't know.
You get the story of what is going on by Celeste and Zoe. We find out that in a blip of time people over 100 - yes everyone over 100 - has died. We don't know why. They just fell over and died.
Zoe lives in Virginia, with her mom. When everything starts to go downhill the mom splits, leaving Zoe on her own. Thankfully she has Owen, her BFF. She also has West, the boy who is crushing so hard on her she doesn't see it because she only has eyes for her gay BFF - Owen. Love Triangle DuJour. They decide to travel west in West's families RV after the local correctional facility erupts.
Celeste and Roz are making their way South after they have nothing else to lose. Only in Virginia Beach, they run into some bad people. Making them move further on. Where they meet Milo and his faithful companion Stan. It doesn't take long for them to meet up with Zoe and the two guys. Together they head west. She needs to see her family and Zoe has unfinished business of her own.
This story is about love and loss. I cried at one point and wanted to just stop reading. But then I realized if I did that I wouldn't get my answers. Well, I didn't get answers anyhow. Disappointing. I still have questions about what happened. I guess we'll never know how and why? Some things are better left unknown. I don't know.
March 25, 2021
Amazing
When I first started reading this book I did not think it would live up to all the five star reviews but boy was I wrong. I literally could not put it down and I consumed it and it consumed me. This book touched my sole and broke my heart at the same time. It touched me in a very profound way and I haven’t been able to quit thinking about it. The characters were so well written and I soon fell in love with them and wanted to reach out and give them hugs. I cried big ugly tears and my heart still hurts. That’s how you know a book is good when it can make you feel right down to your bones.
When I first started reading this book I did not think it would live up to all the five star reviews but boy was I wrong. I literally could not put it down and I consumed it and it consumed me. This book touched my sole and broke my heart at the same time. It touched me in a very profound way and I haven’t been able to quit thinking about it. The characters were so well written and I soon fell in love with them and wanted to reach out and give them hugs. I cried big ugly tears and my heart still hurts. That’s how you know a book is good when it can make you feel right down to your bones.
March 14, 2019
I don't even know where to start with this review. It was amazing, tragic, heartbreaking and so good. It is a story about fundimental human behavior while learning to love oneself and those around you. It is about being more than just yourself, it is being a part of a collective and fundimentally enforces the knowledge that family isn't just people you are related to, it is those people who reside in your heart.
In typical Tara Brown style, I simultaneously want to love and hate her at the same time. Be prepared to have your heart stomped on, but possibly in the best way possible.
In typical Tara Brown style, I simultaneously want to love and hate her at the same time. Be prepared to have your heart stomped on, but possibly in the best way possible.
May 13, 2020
This book is a tear jerker!!!
The Reverse of Everything is a story told from two POV. Celeste is an art major at NYU and Zoey is a high school student with some abandonment issues. Out of the blue everyone over 100 years old dies at the same time and a week later everyone over 90 years old dies and so on. With weeks left to live these characters are trying to live their life on their terms.
Tara Brown has told a beautiful story about life, love, family, and happiness. Excellent job!!
The Reverse of Everything is a story told from two POV. Celeste is an art major at NYU and Zoey is a high school student with some abandonment issues. Out of the blue everyone over 100 years old dies at the same time and a week later everyone over 90 years old dies and so on. With weeks left to live these characters are trying to live their life on their terms.
Tara Brown has told a beautiful story about life, love, family, and happiness. Excellent job!!
March 13, 2019
You kill me Tara!!
I don't know why I consider you my all time favorite author. Again, I'm crying and heartbroken. BUT, this has tied Born as my favorites!
The world is ending. The countdown began with everyone over 100. Every week, something or someone has signed the death warrants of the age groups. Knowing when you will die, what would you do? Survive? Take advantage? Give up? Or live the time you have left to the fullest?
I don't know why I consider you my all time favorite author. Again, I'm crying and heartbroken. BUT, this has tied Born as my favorites!
The world is ending. The countdown began with everyone over 100. Every week, something or someone has signed the death warrants of the age groups. Knowing when you will die, what would you do? Survive? Take advantage? Give up? Or live the time you have left to the fullest?
March 13, 2019
The Reverse of Everything by Tara Brown is a full length, standalone romance novel set in a dystopian world.
It's the story of Celeste, Zoey and their friends. A story that kept me on the edge of my seat and glued to the pages, a story set in a world where life isn't worth much. It can be over in the blink of an eye. What would you do when you knew tomorrow at 8am you'll be dead?? A scenario incomprehensibly.
I enjoyed reading The Reverse of Everything and give 4 stars.
It's the story of Celeste, Zoey and their friends. A story that kept me on the edge of my seat and glued to the pages, a story set in a world where life isn't worth much. It can be over in the blink of an eye. What would you do when you knew tomorrow at 8am you'll be dead?? A scenario incomprehensibly.
I enjoyed reading The Reverse of Everything and give 4 stars.
April 21, 2019
I knew what the ending was going to be before I finished the book, but I sti was praying for an alternative ending. This is a fast paced read that will make your emotions spin a bit, especially if you begin to wonder what it would be like if this happened for real. Have I done everything I want to do in this life? Who do I want with me when my time comes? How does one handle knowing the exact time of your death and knowing you will leave your babies with no one to take care of them?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2025
Best and saddest
This was my best read and the saddest read but still felt a little comfort at the where it is the saddest .sure lives me with a beautifully written book that brought me laughter, tears and then wishful thinking in hoping when it's our time it will be this way and at the end I was hoping the teens would have lived to start a whole new generation and I do hope there is more to come from this book, please🙏💜💚
This was my best read and the saddest read but still felt a little comfort at the where it is the saddest .sure lives me with a beautifully written book that brought me laughter, tears and then wishful thinking in hoping when it's our time it will be this way and at the end I was hoping the teens would have lived to start a whole new generation and I do hope there is more to come from this book, please🙏💜💚
March 12, 2019
Wow, just wow!!!
I was emotionally not ready for all the feelings that this book stirred up in my soul. The journey of these friends was amazing and heart wrenching. Every time I got comfortable with the scene, BAM, the dynamic changed. Tara Brown, you are a master of storytelling and the words that flow from your pen are simply amazing.
I was emotionally not ready for all the feelings that this book stirred up in my soul. The journey of these friends was amazing and heart wrenching. Every time I got comfortable with the scene, BAM, the dynamic changed. Tara Brown, you are a master of storytelling and the words that flow from your pen are simply amazing.
March 15, 2019
Devastatingly beautiful
I was broken while reading this book, this masterpiece of writing. Utterly destroyed at Chapter 25 and glued back together at the end. I’m grateful for the beautiful ending because I was close to never picking up another book again. This truly sets a high bar.
I was broken while reading this book, this masterpiece of writing. Utterly destroyed at Chapter 25 and glued back together at the end. I’m grateful for the beautiful ending because I was close to never picking up another book again. This truly sets a high bar.
March 31, 2019
Exceeds all expectations
This story will pull you in with its depiction of normal, as told through two girls; one in college in New York, the other in high school in Virginia. But nothing is normal after that. These characters become so real it's nearly impossible to not get attached. You will be very emotionally invested.
This story will pull you in with its depiction of normal, as told through two girls; one in college in New York, the other in high school in Virginia. But nothing is normal after that. These characters become so real it's nearly impossible to not get attached. You will be very emotionally invested.
October 11, 2020
Out With A Whimper
This is a stand alone novel.
It starts slowly. One day at 8pm everyone all over the world over 100 dies at the same time. No one knows what to make of this. Why did they die? How did they die? Who will be next? Is the world coming to an end?
***This book is suitable for mature young adult through adult readers who enjoy modern apocalyptal takes :)
This is a stand alone novel.
It starts slowly. One day at 8pm everyone all over the world over 100 dies at the same time. No one knows what to make of this. Why did they die? How did they die? Who will be next? Is the world coming to an end?
***This book is suitable for mature young adult through adult readers who enjoy modern apocalyptal takes :)
November 1, 2020
Wow
I have no idea how this book ended up in my library or where it came from. I just decided on a bored quarantine day "hmmmm let's read this it has a pretty cover". I had no idea the emotional roller coaster ride this book would be. It's not the type I normally read however once I started I couldent stop. I loved this book with all my soul!
I have no idea how this book ended up in my library or where it came from. I just decided on a bored quarantine day "hmmmm let's read this it has a pretty cover". I had no idea the emotional roller coaster ride this book would be. It's not the type I normally read however once I started I couldent stop. I loved this book with all my soul!
February 21, 2021
I've read quite a few books with the premise of "all the adults die and the kids are left" ... and I thought that this was going to be another one of those. It was different ... and depressing. Even though our MCs are supposed to have some enlightenment at the end, it left me feeling super sad.
March 12, 2019
You have to read this book!!
This book is definitely a must read. This story and the characters will pull you in and grip you from the first page to the last. Make sure you have a box of tissues handy. You will definitely need them.
This book is definitely a must read. This story and the characters will pull you in and grip you from the first page to the last. Make sure you have a box of tissues handy. You will definitely need them.
April 29, 2019
The writing is fine although it's a lot of youngsters talk. The idea of the book was quite appealing but it lacks of suspense. I couldn't help myself thinking of that famous series *no spoilers* although the outcome is different.
Yeah, it was okay.
Yeah, it was okay.
November 7, 2019
So many tears.
Get your box of tissues out for this book. I cried through almost the whole thing. It was an interesting story with a really great plot. Tara never fails to make you think outside the box.
Get your box of tissues out for this book. I cried through almost the whole thing. It was an interesting story with a really great plot. Tara never fails to make you think outside the box.
January 5, 2020
What did I just read?
If you knew the exact date and time you were going to die what would you do with your time?
Excellent book. Heartbreaking at time. An emotional rollercoaster. Get the tissues and read this if you haven't yet!!
If you knew the exact date and time you were going to die what would you do with your time?
Excellent book. Heartbreaking at time. An emotional rollercoaster. Get the tissues and read this if you haven't yet!!
July 2, 2020
I love Tara Brown's books 📚
I haven't found one book I didn't care for from Tara's writing. I love her style and her mind! She sweeps you up and grows your imagination. This book was a great example of how deep her imagination goes. I loved it!
I haven't found one book I didn't care for from Tara's writing. I love her style and her mind! She sweeps you up and grows your imagination. This book was a great example of how deep her imagination goes. I loved it!
November 30, 2020
The best book by this author
I have read many of this author's books. The book ripped out my heart and made me cry, laugh, and wonder what I would do in the same situation. Please read this book! You will not regret it.
I have read many of this author's books. The book ripped out my heart and made me cry, laugh, and wonder what I would do in the same situation. Please read this book! You will not regret it.
March 18, 2019
Well. I’m no stranger to this author’s work. BORN was my first love all those years ago, But this review isn’t about that book. It’s about The Reverse of Everything.
I went into this story blind.
I didn’t read the blurb.
I had not heard anything about it.
Didn’t even know what genre it was.
All I saw was TARA BROWN.
That was and is the only thing that mattered to me. This book is filled with an INCREDIBLE story. What a unique plot. I’m still in awe at her creativeness and brain. I felt something for these characters and what they were going through. I even shed a tear or two because I was so attached to these words. Chapter 24... oh chapter 24. My heart and soul was living in this story. I’m rambling now. Just stop wasting your time reading reviews and go buy the book!
I went into this story blind.
I didn’t read the blurb.
I had not heard anything about it.
Didn’t even know what genre it was.
All I saw was TARA BROWN.
That was and is the only thing that mattered to me. This book is filled with an INCREDIBLE story. What a unique plot. I’m still in awe at her creativeness and brain. I felt something for these characters and what they were going through. I even shed a tear or two because I was so attached to these words. Chapter 24... oh chapter 24. My heart and soul was living in this story. I’m rambling now. Just stop wasting your time reading reviews and go buy the book!
March 16, 2019
Good.
I wasn't really feeling it until the last 3 chapters then I got hit with all the feels! Nicely written and edited, just lacking in that spark.
I wasn't really feeling it until the last 3 chapters then I got hit with all the feels! Nicely written and edited, just lacking in that spark.
March 22, 2019
Wonderful.
May 19, 2019
Loved it
I love this book. I laughed, cried, cried some more. But it's not sad. It makes you think though. At the end, what's most important to you..
I love this book. I laughed, cried, cried some more. But it's not sad. It makes you think though. At the end, what's most important to you..
May 4, 2021
Wow, this was so different and so hard to put down. I loved every minute of this unique story.
March 10, 2019
Every since I saw the title and blurb for this book, I couldn’t WAIT to get my greedy little hands on it. And dang, Tara did NOT disappoint! I can’t tell you how much I loved, and hated, this book all at the same time. Definitely going on my top favorites list. It was spellbinding, an epic page turner with lots of twists around every corner.
I couldn’t stop reading.
Never have I ever wanted to skip to the ending of a book before, but I was dying to know how all this crazy ended. I didn’t though, I was good and read it the right way. Stayed up all night, glued to the pages and was held captive by the words of the intricate story of these characters whose lives are woven together to fight for survival. The friendships that was formed, the love between them as they clung to each other and fought for each other. Their fight and struggles in a world they don’t quite understand.
***My heart was broken.
My soul was crushed.
My spirit was gone.
And everything about the world sucked.
^^^ I feel ya, Zoey. Almost how I feel while reading this book. It literally will rip your heart out and make your heart pound with anxiety with what comes next. It’s so much more than you'd expect about the end of the world, and I loved every minute of it!
I couldn’t stop reading.
Never have I ever wanted to skip to the ending of a book before, but I was dying to know how all this crazy ended. I didn’t though, I was good and read it the right way. Stayed up all night, glued to the pages and was held captive by the words of the intricate story of these characters whose lives are woven together to fight for survival. The friendships that was formed, the love between them as they clung to each other and fought for each other. Their fight and struggles in a world they don’t quite understand.
***My heart was broken.
My soul was crushed.
My spirit was gone.
And everything about the world sucked.
^^^ I feel ya, Zoey. Almost how I feel while reading this book. It literally will rip your heart out and make your heart pound with anxiety with what comes next. It’s so much more than you'd expect about the end of the world, and I loved every minute of it!
May 23, 2023
I loved this book SO much!
Tara Brown is one of my most favorite authors and this book was one I didn’t want to put down!
Tara Brown is one of my most favorite authors and this book was one I didn’t want to put down!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews