In a near-future dystopia, twenty contestants—including disillusioned protagonist Lily—are isolated in a desert compound for a reality TV show, forced to compete for luxury goods and basic necessities while coupling up to avoid banishment, all under constant surveillance. Beneath the addictive drama and suspense, the story explores themes of consumerism, performance, and the psychological toll of seeking meaning and connection in a world obsessed with spectacle and overconsumption.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a near-future, vaguely dystopian world, the novel follows Lily, a beautiful but disillusioned young woman who wakes up in a remote desert compound as a contestant on a reality TV show. Alongside nineteen other participants—ten women and ten men—she must compete in challenges to win both luxury items (like champagne, lipstick, and jewelry) and basic necessities (such as food, appliances, and even a front door) for their communal home. The contestants are constantly surveilled by cameras, and the show’s rules require them to pair up each night or risk banishment. As the competition progresses, the producers escalate the stakes, introducing increasingly difficult and sometimes dangerous tasks, while the outside world is hinted to be collapsing due to war, environmental catastrophe, and social unrest. The story is told exclusively from Lily’s perspective, focusing on her experiences, relationships, and gradual understanding of the game’s true nature, with the promise of extravagant rewards for the last one standing.

Readers appreciated the book’s exploration of performance culture, consumerism, and the psychological effects of constant surveillance. Many found the reality TV premise compelling, drawing comparisons to shows like Love Island, Big Brother, and Survivor, as well as works like Black Mirror and Lord of the Flies. The narrative’s focus on the superficiality and strategic alliances among contestants, the omnipresent sense of menace, and the commentary on late-stage capitalism and overconsumption were frequently highlighted. The pacing, especially in the opening chapters, and the immersive, voyeuristic atmosphere were praised, as was the author’s attention to issues of race, gender roles, and the commodification of bodies within the game. Several reviewers noted the book’s addictive quality, with some describing it as a page-turner that was difficult to put down.

Some readers were dissatisfied with the book’s slow pacing in the middle sections and the large cast of characters, which made it difficult to keep track of everyone until the group was reduced. The ending was often described as anticlimactic or unsatisfying, with several wishing for higher stakes, more dramatic twists, or greater character development, particularly for Lily. A few found the protagonist and other characters unlikable or emotionally detached, and some felt that Lily’s arc was limited or that her growth was insufficient. There were also comments about wanting more information about the outside world and a broader perspective beyond Lily’s narration. Content warnings for violence, animal cruelty, body horror, and confinement were noted by multiple reviewers.

The book has received a substantial number of ratings and reviews, with an average rating of 3.81 out of 5 from over 4,700 readers. It is categorized as fiction, thriller, dystopia, and science fiction, and is the debut novel of Aisling Rawle, set for publication in June 2025. The narrative structure is divided into three parts and is told in first person, with long chapters and a focus on character flaws and group dynamics. The story includes social commentary on beauty standards, exploitation, and the fleeting nature of fame, and is recommended for readers interested in reality TV, psychological suspense, and dystopian settings. Content warnings include violence, abuse, mental illness, grief, and body horror.