In a near-future London devastated by a failed neural chip that eradicated sleep and turned most of humanity into feral, sleepless monsters, guilt-ridden scientist Thea Chares and her colleagues are trapped in the Tower of London, desperately seeking a cure while grappling with the ethical fallout of their creation. Through introspective, diary-like narration, the story explores themes of humanity, disability, scientific hubris, and the psychological cost of survival, culminating in a surreal, ambiguous confrontation with the nature of identity and redemption.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a near-future dystopia, the novel explores the aftermath of a global catastrophe triggered by a neural chip designed to eliminate the need for sleep. Initially developed by scientists and funded by a billionaire, the chip was first used by the military and then rapidly adopted by the general population. When the chips malfunction, humanity is plunged into chaos as people lose their sanity and become feral, sleepless beings. The story centers on Thea Chares, one of the scientists responsible for the technology, who is now trapped with other survivors in the Tower of London. The narrative unfolds through Thea’s introspective, diary-like entries, focusing on her guilt, her relationship with her chronically ill mother, and the arrival of two mysterious survivors—Vladimir and a silent woman—who disrupt the fragile stability of the group. The book blends elements of horror, science fiction, and philosophical inquiry, with themes including the ethics of scientific advancement, the nature of humanity, and the lived experience of chronic illness and disability.

Readers praised the book’s atmospheric and introspective writing style, often describing the prose as poetic, lyrical, and emotionally resonant. Many found Thea’s character compelling, particularly her internal struggles with guilt, her scientific motivations, and her role as a caregiver to her mother. The philosophical and ethical questions raised by the narrative—such as the consequences of technological progress, the value of sleep, and the boundaries of humanity—were frequently highlighted as thought-provoking. The relationship between Thea and Vladimir was noted as a standout element, with their dynamic described as intense, dark, and psychologically complex. Several reviewers appreciated the representation of chronic illness and disability, especially the nuanced depiction of ME/CFS and the challenges faced by those living with such conditions. The setting of the Tower of London and the claustrophobic, post-apocalyptic atmosphere were also cited as strengths.

Criticisms focused on the book’s slow pacing, heavy introspection, and lack of traditional plot-driven action. Some readers found the narrative to be overly philosophical, with extended dialogues and internal monologues that detracted from momentum and made the story feel meandering or even pretentious. The secondary characters were often described as underdeveloped, with the focus remaining almost exclusively on Thea. Several reviewers expressed confusion or dissatisfaction with the ending, citing its ambiguity and the lack of clear resolution or explanation regarding the mechanics of the neural chips and the world’s collapse. A few readers found the prose to be dense or “purple,” and some DNFed the book due to its literary style or slow build. Comparisons to more action-oriented works like '28 Days Later' or 'The Girl With All the Gifts' led to disappointment for those expecting a more conventional horror or thriller experience.

The book has received a moderate average rating (3.59 out of 5) from early readers, with a mix of strong praise and notable reservations. It is Laura Elliott’s debut novel and is categorized as horror, science fiction, dystopia, and adult fiction, with both print and audiobook editions available. The narrative includes explicit content and addresses a range of sensitive topics, including chronic illness, disability, medical ethics, and body horror. The story’s structure is non-linear, with frequent shifts between past and present, and it is told primarily from Thea’s perspective. The book’s marketing compares it to works like 'The Girl with All the Gifts' and '28 Days Later,' though many readers felt it was more of a literary, philosophical exploration than a traditional genre thriller.