I went into this book optimistic but guarded due to some reviews, but in the end I did find myself enjoying it! I had a few general qualms with it that dealt more with the specifics of the story and how it was told, but I think the overall message that comes from the story was a good one, especially when matched to the inspiration story given by the author.

Like my friend Isabel said in her review, there was just enough Atwood in it to give it the same magic as [b:The Handmaid's Tale|38447|The Handmaid's Tale (The Handmaid's Tale, #1)|Margaret Atwood|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1578028274l/38447._SY75_.jpg|1119185], but it was still unique enough to really tell it's own story. It was also leaning towards horror and thriller at points, bordering on [b:Wilder Girls|42505366|Wilder Girls|Rory Power|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1544204706l/42505366._SY75_.jpg|58031034], but I actually quite liked how madness was portrayed in this one. It was genuinely frightening at points during the grace year itself. I also generally liked the overall set-up of the society, though there are a lot of questions left unanswered by the end for a stand-alone. However, this isn't the biggest issue for me, as by the end

Spoiler

the MC is focused on staying and fixing her own world rather than fleeing to an outside, already better world

.

My main qualms were with how the twists were revealed and the mid-story romance. The latter mainly just fell flat for me, maybe based on how it was told or how it grew, as it occassionally felt forced. It also felt quite pointless at first, and I wanted Tierney to be her own inspiration, rather than a boy.

Spoiler

This problem got both better and worse by the end, as once the pregnancy is revealed, she seems to focus a lot on "preserving" dead Ryker's line, but she also grows more independent as well? It's kinda odd I guess.

The twists were also an issue for me, since a lot of it was Tierney being given the final pieces needed to put together the twist or someone telling her the twist (generally, it was a man helping in these cases). It's less thrilling in my opinion, when the MC learns the secrets in the safety of a closed room being told by someone trusted rather than her discovering it in the dark of night, or while on the run or something. Also, I guess I didn't like how much Tierney relied on men in the end, in terms of motivation and inspiration and knowledge (rather than her being more in control of her story/using the men for her own benefit).

All in all, I did still like it despite my small issues, but I can see other readers either disliking the book based on the issues I mentioned or not even being affected by them as they read. I'd definitely say it's worth the shot!