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Nightmare Scenario
Eighteen-year-old Gracie Thrace has a secret. Four months ago she started to hear voices that force her to carry out frightening scenarios. With her father abroad and her relationship with her high-powered mother strained, Gracie has no one to turn to for solace.
When a new voice called Kai materialises, Gracie finds herself attracted to his kindness. Kai offers the support Gracie craves, but how can she possibly let herself fall for someone who isn’t real?
Set in 2047 London, Nightmare Scenario is a gripping love story that explores the stigma around mental illness and offers a daunting prediction of the future where technology infiltrates every part of society.
When a new voice called Kai materialises, Gracie finds herself attracted to his kindness. Kai offers the support Gracie craves, but how can she possibly let herself fall for someone who isn’t real?
Set in 2047 London, Nightmare Scenario is a gripping love story that explores the stigma around mental illness and offers a daunting prediction of the future where technology infiltrates every part of society.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2019
41 people want to read
About the author
Hazel Clarke
1 book13 followersHazel Clarke started writing her debut novel, 'Nightmare Scenario', when she was 19 as a result of an assignment at university and due to her own struggles with mental health. She is autistic, and has had other mental health conditions since she was a teenager, including depression, anxiety, psychosis, and nightmare disorder.
She hasn't let this hold her back, though, and she has completed a BA Degree and a Masters in Creative Writing as well as a Masters in Scriptwriting, and she is due to start a PhD this October, 9 days before her novel is released.
'Nightmare Scenario' is a young adult science-fiction romance novel set in London in 2047, and it's about a girl who falls in love with one of the voices she hears inside her head. The novel was inspired by Hazel's psychosis and the stigma that is still attached to this condition, as well as the too rapid development of technology.
When she isn't writing, she plays video games, goes clothes shopping, learns Korean and Chinese, and listens to kpop. Her favourite group is Seventeen.
She hasn't let this hold her back, though, and she has completed a BA Degree and a Masters in Creative Writing as well as a Masters in Scriptwriting, and she is due to start a PhD this October, 9 days before her novel is released.
'Nightmare Scenario' is a young adult science-fiction romance novel set in London in 2047, and it's about a girl who falls in love with one of the voices she hears inside her head. The novel was inspired by Hazel's psychosis and the stigma that is still attached to this condition, as well as the too rapid development of technology.
When she isn't writing, she plays video games, goes clothes shopping, learns Korean and Chinese, and listens to kpop. Her favourite group is Seventeen.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 23, 2024
I watched this author's YouTube channel and was intrigued when I learned she had written a book. The premise of "Nightmare Scenario" sounded interesting and right up my ally, so I decided to buy it last December. It took me a while to actually finish reading it due to some personal life events, but I finally made it through!!
This book "Nightmare Scenario" by Hazel Clarke is a compelling and thought-provoking read. The story revolves around eighteen-year-old Gracie Thrace, who begins hearing voices that force her to carry out disturbing scenarios. With her father abroad and a strained relationship with her high-powered mother, Gracie feels isolated and alone. The introduction of Kai, a new voice that offers kindness and support, adds a layer of complexity to her struggle. Gracie’s internal conflict about falling for someone who isn't real is both heart-wrenching and intriguing.
Set in a futuristic 2047 London, the book does an excellent job of exploring the stigma surrounding mental illness. Clarke’s depiction of a society where technology infiltrates every part of life is both chilling and thought-provoking. The narrative is well-paced, and it's easy to become invested in Gracie's journey.
Hazel Clarke's writing is engaging and evocative, drawing the reader into Gracie's world. The story is a poignant exploration of mental health, loneliness, and the search for connection. Clarke’s portrayal of Gracie’s struggles is sensitive and nuanced, offering a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those with mental health issues.
Overall, "Nightmare Scenario" is a complex and touching story that left a lasting impression on me. It's a daunting yet captivating prediction of the future, and a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in our increasingly technological world. If you're looking for a book that combines a unique premise with deep emotional resonance, I highly recommend giving this one a read. I noticed it said "to be continued..." so I really hope the author continues this series at some point!
This book "Nightmare Scenario" by Hazel Clarke is a compelling and thought-provoking read. The story revolves around eighteen-year-old Gracie Thrace, who begins hearing voices that force her to carry out disturbing scenarios. With her father abroad and a strained relationship with her high-powered mother, Gracie feels isolated and alone. The introduction of Kai, a new voice that offers kindness and support, adds a layer of complexity to her struggle. Gracie’s internal conflict about falling for someone who isn't real is both heart-wrenching and intriguing.
Set in a futuristic 2047 London, the book does an excellent job of exploring the stigma surrounding mental illness. Clarke’s depiction of a society where technology infiltrates every part of life is both chilling and thought-provoking. The narrative is well-paced, and it's easy to become invested in Gracie's journey.
Hazel Clarke's writing is engaging and evocative, drawing the reader into Gracie's world. The story is a poignant exploration of mental health, loneliness, and the search for connection. Clarke’s portrayal of Gracie’s struggles is sensitive and nuanced, offering a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those with mental health issues.
Overall, "Nightmare Scenario" is a complex and touching story that left a lasting impression on me. It's a daunting yet captivating prediction of the future, and a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in our increasingly technological world. If you're looking for a book that combines a unique premise with deep emotional resonance, I highly recommend giving this one a read. I noticed it said "to be continued..." so I really hope the author continues this series at some point!
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January 10, 2020A page-turner, I definitely wanted to know what would happen to Gracie as the nightmare scenarios began to escalate and her own life got much more complex.
Comes with androids, a dystopian London, a best friend, references to greek myths, tech companies running the world and rebels hiding underground.
Would recommend to any teenager in the vicinity :)
Comes with androids, a dystopian London, a best friend, references to greek myths, tech companies running the world and rebels hiding underground.
Would recommend to any teenager in the vicinity :)
April 16, 2020
A fantastic debut novel, can't wait for more!
October 27, 2019
Set in a future where I'll be 73 years old, if I'm still alive, Nightmare Scenario is something a little outside my comfort zone and I chose to read it to support Mental Health Awareness Week. I have been flirting with the dystopian and fantasy genres recently and now having read Nightmare Scenario, I'm fully committed to exploring more from these genres as I absolutely loved it. Yay! More books to add to my TBR!
I loved the character of 18 year old Gracie Thrace, a young woman just starting university and living in a day and age where android housemaids are commonplace in many households. Gracie doesn't have much of a family life; her father is very absent, as he fights terrorism abroad, and her mother is a prominent figure in the most successful company in the world, IrukaTech. IrukaTech make and control the Hourglasses that are permanently installed on wrists of every citizen. Hourglasses are multi-functional devices like a mobile phone; they are a flashlight, a phone and a tracking device. Whereas we can choose who can track us on our mobile phones, the police and IrukaTech can track every single person in 2047 and that's not the only level of control they are applying.
A mind altering drug called Hydrobliss is being tested and has secretly been given to four human test subjects. The drug causes schizophrenia and voices in your head that create challenges called nightmare scenarios that must be completed every single night at sunset. The Hydrobliss subjects are unaware that this is an IrukaTech experiment so you never know who might be watching and taking notes.
Gracie hears three voices in her head: Psyche, Eros and Terry (I'm not sure where Terry comes from but Psyche and Eros are from Greek mythology). I love this homage to Greek mythology where Psyche had to complete challenges to win back her husband, Eros (aka Cupid in classical mythology). The introduction of a fourth voice throws Gracie into turmoil as she falls in love with Kai, a voice who seems to be completely on her side unlike the mischievous and sadistic other three. How can you have feelings for a voice in your head? Hold that thought, as I have a feeling it will come back into play in the next instalment of the Scenario Series.
Wow! Just WOW! I abso-blooming-lutely loved this book! Hazel Clarke takes the reader on quite a scary ride in her inventive, imaginative, thought provoking and scarily realistic debut. A cross between The Hunger Games and 1984, Nightmare Scenario is set to be an absolute classic. It is such a stunning, visionary book and I am totally gobsmacked that Hazel Clarke wrote this when she was 19 years old. I'm a little torn between wanting to find out what happens next and leaving it at its pretty perfect ending, but who am I kidding? I will definitely be first in the queue for Book 2. A very highly recommended read, even if it's not a book you would usually pick up.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
I loved the character of 18 year old Gracie Thrace, a young woman just starting university and living in a day and age where android housemaids are commonplace in many households. Gracie doesn't have much of a family life; her father is very absent, as he fights terrorism abroad, and her mother is a prominent figure in the most successful company in the world, IrukaTech. IrukaTech make and control the Hourglasses that are permanently installed on wrists of every citizen. Hourglasses are multi-functional devices like a mobile phone; they are a flashlight, a phone and a tracking device. Whereas we can choose who can track us on our mobile phones, the police and IrukaTech can track every single person in 2047 and that's not the only level of control they are applying.
A mind altering drug called Hydrobliss is being tested and has secretly been given to four human test subjects. The drug causes schizophrenia and voices in your head that create challenges called nightmare scenarios that must be completed every single night at sunset. The Hydrobliss subjects are unaware that this is an IrukaTech experiment so you never know who might be watching and taking notes.
Gracie hears three voices in her head: Psyche, Eros and Terry (I'm not sure where Terry comes from but Psyche and Eros are from Greek mythology). I love this homage to Greek mythology where Psyche had to complete challenges to win back her husband, Eros (aka Cupid in classical mythology). The introduction of a fourth voice throws Gracie into turmoil as she falls in love with Kai, a voice who seems to be completely on her side unlike the mischievous and sadistic other three. How can you have feelings for a voice in your head? Hold that thought, as I have a feeling it will come back into play in the next instalment of the Scenario Series.
Wow! Just WOW! I abso-blooming-lutely loved this book! Hazel Clarke takes the reader on quite a scary ride in her inventive, imaginative, thought provoking and scarily realistic debut. A cross between The Hunger Games and 1984, Nightmare Scenario is set to be an absolute classic. It is such a stunning, visionary book and I am totally gobsmacked that Hazel Clarke wrote this when she was 19 years old. I'm a little torn between wanting to find out what happens next and leaving it at its pretty perfect ending, but who am I kidding? I will definitely be first in the queue for Book 2. A very highly recommended read, even if it's not a book you would usually pick up.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
November 22, 2019
I love the concept of this book; a girl forced to complete terrifying challenges by the voices in her head, and it was executed fantastically. Right from the beginning I was drawn in by both the characters and the scenarios themselves, and it was a refreshingly new take on a dystopian future. The book was an easy read, but incredibly gripping and well-paced, and I found myself completely emerged in the story. The issue of mental health and the stigma surrounding it comes across with a rawness and honesty that makes the story all the more compelling, and although the ending was a little cliche, I found I was excited rather than annoyed when it fulfilled my expectations. I would definitely recommend it to fans of YA, and look forward eagerly to book 2!
March 15, 2023
Omg this book was rlly good and OMG guess what the author watches miraculous ladybug my favourite show in the WORLD her channel for it is called haze clarke
July 3, 2025
This book was AMAZING. It was well set up for a sequel. I can't wait for the next one to come out.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews