In a near-future world reeling from a deadly pandemic, survivors of the "Crown Royale" virus are left with total contentment and no negative emotions, threatening the foundations of society, capitalism, and power. As authorities race to suppress the virus and restore discontent, a group of teens from vastly different backgrounds become entangled in a high-stakes battle over whether enforced happiness is a blessing or a dangerous loss of human agency.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a near-future world still reeling from the aftermath of COVID-19, the story centers on a new pandemic caused by a virus called Crown Royale. This airborne virus is highly contagious and deadly, killing one in twenty-five people, but those who survive are left with a profound sense of contentment—free from stress, depression, greed, and other negative emotions. The resulting societal transformation disrupts the foundations of capitalism and power, as people lose interest in materialism and ambition, causing economic and political systems to falter. The narrative follows multiple characters, including Mariel, a homeless teen with apparent immunity; Ron (Tiburón), the depressed son of a billionaire who seeks out the virus; Morgan, a young executive who inherits a fortune and is tasked with eradicating the virus; and Dame Glynis Havilland, Morgan’s benefactor who changes after contracting the virus. The plot weaves their intersecting stories as they become entangled in a struggle between those who want to spread the virus for humanity’s benefit and those who seek to suppress it for the sake of societal order and profit, raising questions about the nature of happiness, agency, and the role of negative emotions in human motivation.

Readers praised the book’s exploration of philosophical and societal questions, particularly the debate over whether erasing negative emotions is a blessing or a curse. Many found the multiple points of view engaging, noting that the characters’ diverse backgrounds—ranging from extreme wealth to homelessness—added depth to the narrative. The pacing, especially in the first half, was described as gripping, with several reviewers mentioning that they finished the lengthy book quickly due to its compelling twists and action. The book’s handling of complex moral dilemmas, its willingness to present both sides of the central conflict, and its capacity to provoke thought and discussion were frequently highlighted. Some readers also appreciated the representation of diverse characters and the way the story’s structure allowed for the gradual convergence of their arcs.

Criticisms focused on several recurring issues. Some readers felt the book was overly long, with pacing that lagged in the middle and sections that could have been more concise. A number of reviewers struggled to connect with the main characters, describing them as lacking depth or serving more as vehicles for the book’s themes than as fully realized individuals. The philosophical aspects were sometimes seen as heavy-handed or didactic, with some feeling that the messaging overshadowed character development and narrative subtlety. Additionally, the book’s close parallels to the real-world COVID-19 pandemic were off-putting for some, who found the subject matter too soon or stressful, and others noted that the plot could feel scattered or unfocused at times, with too many perspectives or insufficient resolution.

The book is the first in a duology, with a sequel titled 'All Over Now' planned. It has received a moderate average rating (3.76 out of 5) from over a thousand readers, indicating a mix of strong reactions. The story is positioned as young adult fiction but has been described as accessible to adult readers as well, with some reviewers noting its crossover appeal. The narrative includes references to real-world pandemic experiences and touches on themes of public health, disinformation, and the impact of capitalism on human behavior. The book’s open-ended conclusion and the presence of unresolved questions suggest that further exploration of its themes and characters will continue in the next installment.