Willa Triston loves three things – music, her only friend Poppy, and the earth. These passions are put on hold, and her reclusive life is shattered after she sees a strange flickering light from her window.
Her lack of impulse control forces her to investigate it, but the night turns dangerous, and a series of bad decisions bring her to the attention of Sheriff Rome Pendleton. When clearing up a misunderstanding creates more problems, and Rome’s department becomes understaffed, Willa gets wrapped up in the case, helping at his side.
At first, it seems easy enough to balance her studies, the mystery and Rome’s persistent flirtation – that is, until she finds there’s a bit more to the story than everyone initially thought.
Now, she realises it might not just be her in danger... but maybe her whole world.
Elaelah Harley is an Australian author who earned her Bachelor of Media and Communications from the Queensland University of Technology in 2018. Following her debut novel ‘A Plan to Save the World’ in 2021, she pursued a Master of Editing and Publishing at the University of Southern Queensland, and now works with publishing houses across Australia to edit both fiction and non-fiction stories. Aside from working in the industry, Elaelah finds happiness in the company of her friends, family, and animals. She's passionate about immersing herself in new books and TV series, fuelling her love for storytelling.
A plan to save the world is Elaelah Harley’s debut novel, and after reading this book, I cannot wait to see what she writes next. The book entices you with its beautiful cover, and then captivates you with the ever eventful story found within its pages. 🦋
Thank you so much Elaelah for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC for a review 💖 I can’t wait to be able to get a physical copy when it’s released 😊
I intended the just read a chapter or two before going to sleep for the night BUT I was hooked in the story from beginning to end. A Plan to Save the World was a pure delight for me to read, with witty dialogue, vivid descriptions and an overall pleasant writing style. The plot is original and I can safely say that I haven’t read anything similar and I was absolutely enthralled. I loved the balance between the mystery and romance in the novel and it was very well paced.
** spoilies **
AND I absolutely adored the concept of environmental activists with a warped version of ideologies as the antagonists.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A fresh storyline with high energy from the first paragraph. The lead, Willa Triston, a tenaciously curious UNI student with strong values and fast wit, finds herself on a collision course with excitement and mayhem. There is crime, suspense and a sneaky chuckle to be found along the way. Making for an engaging read that suggests a great future for the Author and Willa if she gets a Private investigators license. This book is a perfect weekend companion.
A captivating read :) a great novel - merging genres that kept me intrigued, with a hint of the mushy stuff, and a realism to the workings of a small town. It’s light and personable, whilst also being layered with everyday human complexities and moral dilemmas. The author is able to take you along with the characters, their strengths and flaws, and creates dynamic pace changes. Definitely following, keen on the next book!
I haven't finished reading this book yet, but so far so good! Some captivating images, and well thought out scenes, that make the wonderful book, a very easy read. I've personally met this brilliant young author, and she puts much effort into everything she does. I recommend you read it and discover the enjoyment for yourself Barbara Utley.
This book was fantastic! Really got me out of my reading slump!! It reminded me a lot of reading John Green when I was younger. Elaelah writes so descriptively, I could see each scene playing out in my head like a movie!
Willa is a great protagonist, obviously flawed, and definitely needs to learn to ask for help. But she’s very fleshed out as a character, I couldn’t help but like her!
A Plan to Save the World by Elaelah Harley is a concept-driven and reflective work that suggests a narrative built around large-scale stakes, responsibility, and the human desire to create meaningful change. The title immediately signals ambition, hinting at themes that may blend personal conviction with broader social or global concerns.
What stands out most is the book’s strong sense of purpose and scope. It appears to explore the tension between intention and action, and how individuals or groups respond when faced with challenges that feel larger than themselves. The framing suggests a story that invites readers to think critically about solutions, consequences, and the complexity of “saving” or improving the world. It is a thoughtful and idea oriented read that appeals to readers who enjoy meaningful, concept driven storytelling.
I didn’t know what to think going in to read this book from Elaelah, but I am impressed. The writing was beautiful and flowed well. The story incorporated solving a crime story, while using some of the FMCS field of study in university, I truly enjoyed reading this.
The characters were well written, they had a great chemistry. The story could have been dragged out and developed more, but it still wrapped up well and was easily understandable
This was such an enjoyable book, whilst not the usual genre I gravitate towards I was hooked from the start, I couldn’t put it down and spent every spare minute I got reading it. I’d been struggling ti find a book to captivate me for a while and this one certainly did, I finished it within the day
Started off a bit slow then once you fully got into it and found out who was all behind of it you were shocked by what was happening overall I really enjoyed it