This book was highly addictive and I’m still trying to figure out why. The MC is quiet at first, but not exactly passive aggressive, she has agency but she’s kind of empty - which is maybe the point. Who else would let themselves be exploited on TV for a prize of endless stuff as long as you remain alone on the compound. It’s a commentary on consumerism, performance, and human nature but I wanted more. The violence felt obvious even if it was propulsive. I wanted more manipulation, more outside commentary, more nuance, more loose threads expanded, more from the ending. I think it could have benefited from other POVs. 3.5 rounded up bc it kept me so engaged. Queer rep: bisexual MC and queer side characters.

Short summary: Lord of the Flies meets Big Brother. Lily will do anything to avoid the mundanity of her life, especially if it comes with a prize - all she has to do is outlast 19 other competitors.

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

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