This was a very different story. It almost felt like the first part was a different book. It was a slow burner and I felt like it was going to go on a bit and I almost stopped reading, but it pulled it back at just the right moment.

It was really interesting the way it unfolded and re-reading parts in a different light. Anybody who has felt the grief of losing someone close to them will really understand this book and it's meaning.

ouise Beech has been writing emotionally powerful, award-winning novels for years. End of Story, written under her pen-name Louise Swanson, is her first foray into speculative fiction. Sitting at the thriller end of the genre, End of Story is set in 2035, five years after the government banned fiction.

Our lead character is Fern Dostoy, a big list author. A problem when fiction is taboo. Made up anythings, and creative practices have re-invented themselves for fear of persecution. Even the diary Fern uses to chronicle her days is subject to prosecution. Understandably, it’s an absolutely terrifying idea for anyone in the creative arts. We are subjected to a hopeless society. With the criminalisation of storytelling, Fern’s career crumbled, losing her wonderful home and everything she holds precious. Fern finds herself isolated, bereft of family, and immensely distrusting, leaving her writing life behind as a cleaner.

Described as a dystopian thriller, the novel is written in diary format, and delivered in five parts. Each part is named after the grieving process.

End of Story is not, however, a dystopian world that worked for me. A bookless, game devoid, theatre stripped, movieless, sea shanty removed Earth is a world beyond where I will go. I struggled with suspending my disbelief. Stories will always be told. If not in print, then by word of mouth. Creativity is sneaky. Swanson acknowledges this by developing a black-market for bedtime stories, and Fern’s critical indignation why rules don’t apply to marketing. And so you read on. Fern is drawn into an underground cult providing these stories via a hotline to children now deprived of imagination.

End of Story isn't for the anxious. Written during the height of the pandemic, the bitter taste of COVID and repression of journalism during the lockdown can be felt from the off. It's also worth noting Swanson was dealing with her own grief when writing this. Read with care.

The tense frantic-tinged prose and claustrophobic style is a testament to the to the author’s skill. Despite my misgivings about a fiction less world, End of Story insisted I return. Swanson plays a game with the reader, dusting paragraphs with subtle clues to why and how Fern Dostoy journals her experiences in this way. To truly submerge in it, give your reading time breathing space. It would be a different experience to read it in one sitting. Not one I’m strong enough for. I needed distance.

The little nods towards what is happening with Fern, the mysterious Tea Man, and her diary takes you beyond the expected 1984 and Fahrenheit 451 references. You have to pay attention. Closely.

End of Story is a highly visual and emotive tale. It deals with sensitive subjects of mental health and tosses them out in the open, with strong attachments. This is the author’s signature move. Swanson captures the main character’s personality and mindset very well. The loss of Fern’s self and her future sits heavy on the protagonist’s shoulders, as does Fern’s grief. The unfinished sentences disrupt the flow of the story at first, but it’s a stylistic choice that leans into the tale.

Its pace mirrors that of loss. Some chapters take time, others speed along.

The final section of the book wasn’t something that I felt added to it. To clarify why without spoilers is tricky. This section connects and expands matters for those less familiar with dystopian and science fiction expectations.

Despite these niggles (and Beech’s love of one star reviews), I don't have a problem recommending End of Story, especially to those who are horrified by the idea of a storyless world. End of Story belongs on reading lists, causing endless discussions. While Beech is enjoying recommendations within glossy magazines, it would not surprise me to find End of Story on recommendations within universities, as well. For BSFA members who know the genre, and their tropes? To those, End of Story may frustrate, despite its Atwoodesque feel. Until recently, Margaret Atwood was the first to acknowledge she doesn't write science fiction. To quote Atwood’s short story, Moral Disorder “In the end, we'll all become stories.”

Some books defy genre. End of Story is one of those.

Imagine a world where fiction is banned, authors have had their books/awards removed from them, gains from said books taken, the government isn't here to play. Meet Fern, Fern had only just really got into her stride as an author, published books, best sellers, events, signings, money rolling in, everything was looking up especially after everything she had been through. Now present day she is merely existing, doing a job she hates, not allowed contact with any other fiction writers, living in a home that gets period checks to make sure she is behaving and not writing. Fern isn't ready to give up and slowly finds herself rebelling.

What a wild ride and I wasn't sure what all was going on or where it was going which kept me on edge. Fern works as a cleaner at a hospital, had an aversion to the smell of milk and tries to stay off the radar. Whilst working she hears some really shady stuff, stuff similar to the out there fiction she created and the people from the government become increasingly more threatening and intrusive to her life/space.

I think whilst the initial idea you would be like oh that would never happen, recent years I think has showed us just how insane the world can get/be at times. Government included. The story is told with Fern writing diary entries so we get the chat directly from her as she tries to process her feelings and thoughts as she goes.

I really liked the tea guy, he isn't a huge character by any means but seems a tiny glimpse of normality, almost a lifeline for Fern as she is so lonely and untrusting of everyone. It is an interesting concept and when you think you know where the book is going or what is coming, you don't. To be fair I am terrible trying to work out who the bad guy is or what is coming but even those good at it I don't think you will with this one because it is such a different idea/theme and as I was reading, I didn't trust anyone lol. This is the first book I have read by Louise Swanson (I have read under her other/original pen name) and it won't be my last. I have at least one more on my tbrm (Beech) and will get the others, 4/5 from us. It is certainly different so if you are looking for something of a change that also looks at shady government behaviours, unscrupulous behaviours in the NHS/healthcare, friendship, mental health, grief, shady characters and a world where fiction is banned, then this is for you!

This was an intriguing book of loss, and the difficulties of COVID19 and the lockdowns that the world faced.

During lockdowns and COVID19 a lot of people faced so much sadness but life seemed a little easier for my hubby and I, not having the option to do something as an overthinker changed my mindset. To read novels with a theme of COVID19 and lockdowns in and the negative side of it is really interesting.

I think this author has been sensitive in the way they've written about it and the loss the main character felt. It's such a hard situation for her to deal with and the therapy sessions were almost amusing which is weird to say but the way the Dr asked the questions because he was so intrigued about her writing and diaries, was almost funny.

Brilliantly written I will be reading more by this author.

One of the best thrillers i read in a while! Fast paced, racy, page turning addictive! Can't believe this is my first book by the author, here I go digging for more . A fantastic read anyday.

I really liked the premise of this book and I didn’t guess the twist at the end which is always a sign I’ve enjoyed the book! However, while the idea and plot were good, I wasn’t sure about the execution. In parts there were some nice prose but some of it was repetitive and some of it I felt needed a good edit.
Normally, this would detract but I liked the characters and that get me going through the book as I was keen to find out what happened to them in the end.

An imaginative, superbly written and thought-provoking book. An easy 5* read and I'll look forward to what Louise delivers next!

I felt a bit cheated with this book (as I understand, after having read it) have been other. Honestly I did not see the finale coming, but I felt that it spoiled an otherwise nice dystopian novel

I was very excited to receive this novel given the amount of marketing and positive publicity I'd seen on social media. Unfortunately the book didn't quite live up to the hype for me. I struggled to get into it, finding the characters difficult to relate to. Ultimately, it took me a long time to finish it (way past any reasonable deadline) to the point where the book has now been out for months. For me, I found the 'writer writing about a writer' storyline to be a little overdone and the pace was slow. That said, there were flashes of brilliance within the story itself, to the point where I will try another book by this author - maybe it's just this particular book that wasn't right for me.

"End of Story" by Louise Swanson takes readers on a rollercoaster journey through a near-future world where the act of reading has become a forbidden pleasure. As the story unfolds, we follow the protagonist, Fern, a once-celebrated author who now toils as a cleaner in a hospital, relegated to obscurity.

One of the aspects I enjoyed most about the book is Swanson's ability to create a vivid and believable dystopian setting. The world she paints is not too far-fetched, making it both intriguing and unsettling. The concept of a society where reading books is a crime adds a unique layer of tension to the narrative, and the author explores the consequences of such a prohibition with a skillful hand.

Fern's character is compelling and resilient, and I appreciated the way Swanson portrayed her determination to continue writing despite the risks. The narrative keeps you engaged with its fast-paced, white-knuckle thrills, and the shocking twist towards the end is a brilliant stroke that adds depth to the overall storyline.

However, there were moments when I felt that certain aspects of the plot were a bit predictable, especially within the thriller genre. Some twists and turns were foreseeable, slightly diminishing the element of surprise. Additionally, while the premise is captivating, the execution could have delved even further into exploring the societal implications of banning books.

In conclusion, "End of Story" is a gripping thriller with a thought-provoking premise that will resonate with fans of the genre. Despite some predictable moments, the novel succeeds in creating a suspenseful atmosphere and delivering a compelling story. Louise Swanson's exploration of the power of storytelling in the face of adversity is both timely and engaging, making "End of Story" a worthwhile read for those who enjoy dystopian fiction with a thrilling twist.

In a world set in the future, fiction is banned. Fern used to be a best selling author but now she is a cleaner in a hospital, and writing is forbidden… but then she starts to secretly write her own story in a note book which she hides away from THEM.

‘If you tell a story well enough, it’s true’

I had a love (read: intrigued) hate relationship with this book to start - the premise was super engaging, but the half finished words and sentences at the end of chapters were not 🫠 it is eventually explained, and does stop at some point, but still. The AGGRAVATION.

It’s really quite hard to say anything without spoilers… but here are some thoughts -

- I like how the title ‘End of Story’ felt apt in a several ways once I finished the book.
- The writing is good, and it succeeded in creating a clear (horrifying) picture, but felt repetitive at times. There is reason for this but didn’t stop it being irritating.
- I felt myself waiting (and looking) for the twist, as the book is advertised as having one. But this is one where I feel it should have been kept from the reader - there were hints and I wasn’t surprised, but it would have been even more of a twist if I hadn’t been searching for it in the first place. Although, to be honest, it was the main reason I kept reading.
- Would be a spoiler but may be worth searching the TWs if you feel necessary

Overall I’m glad I kept going after almost DNFing at 20%, it was an interesting one - as well as emotional, poignant, frustrating and concerning. If you’re after a twisty dystopian page turner then this one may be for you.

I loved this book so much. Banning fiction would be my literal worst nightmare, so even though this isn’t a horror, it terrified me! The pacing was a bit slow to begin with but it soon picked up and I couldn’t stop turning the pages. The characters were like real people and I just wanted everything to work out for them! Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for a chance to read and review this book.

I was so intrigued by this novel - a dystopian where fiction is banned and novelists are no longer allowed to write. It sounded like a modern take on Fahrenheit 451, one of my favourite books, so I knew I had to read it! We follow Fern as she struggles to come to terms with how this has happened to her and to society. She keeps a secret journal and that is what we read. She is trying to find her way in this new world but there is also clearly something traumatic in her past that she is trying to hide from and so gradually we see what has happened to her. Over the course of the novel she finds clues to a group that is trying to still tell bedtime stories to those that need them, and here connects with an old writer friend but also has a boy that regularly rings up to hear a story from her. The novel is really unsettling and disorientating as this seems so much like our times but with no fiction. I did see some of where this novel was going but not the whole of it, but it's so well written and thought out that it's just devastating but also leaves you with some hope. I finished reading this book. few weeks ago but it's one of this novels that keeps floating around in my mind - I think it will stay with me for a long time to come. I recommend this one!

Unfortunately I struggled with this one, I can’t out my finger on why as it has brilliant reviews. I expected to have loved it but it just didn’t hit the top note for me.

Wow I am literally lost for words. This book wasn't like anything I was expecting but it was phenomenal. I can't really explain why, it just was. You should definitely read it for yourself and see what you think.

I chose to read a free eARC of End of Story but that has in no way influenced my review.

Fern Dostoy used to be a bestselling author. But times have changed drastically following the government's decision to ban all fiction, putting Fern out of a job and without her creative outlet. Life for Fern is pretty bleak. She works as a hospital cleaner, a job she hates, whilst secretly writing her thoughts and feelings down in a hidden diary. When Fern learns of a secret 'bedtime story service' a fellow ex-author is part of, she is keen to be involved. Yes, she's breaking the law but the urge to share fiction with children again is just too strong. Creeping out of the house in the dead of night and risking her life and freedom to do so. When a young boy calls the bedtime story line, Fern is immediately drawn to him. She's desperate for more information on Hunter. But Fern's need to tell stories, and to Hunter in particular, could be the death of her...

End of Story is a bold and highly imaginative tale from an author who knows how to pack an emotional punch. Side note: Swanson also writes under the name Louise Beech and I have read and enjoyed a number of her other books. The characters are always beautifully depicted, the story is always fully involving and you can guarantee it will be an emotional ride. End of Story is no different. This book had the author's gorgeous prose and unfaltering style stamped all over it, but with a dystopian twist. I am a huge fan of dystopian fiction but I don't read an awful lot of it these days. So when I heard Swanson was about to publish her near-future dystopian debut, I was excited to read it. And what a concept! Sounds like hell on earth to me. Fiction is illegal. No stories, no fairy tales, everything published must be cold, hard fact. It would be a terrifying situation for most of the people I know. At the centre of the novel is Fern, a once bestselling author who is monitored and watched by the government to make sure she is abiding by the law. I liked Fern. I enjoyed how she was determined to keep writing despite being watched. I liked that she was a risk taker and fully invested in the cause to keep stories alive. As the novel progresses the reader realises that there's so much more to Fern than meets the eye. Beautifully written by the author.

Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. I found End of Story to be a gripping, highly emotional read that's well paced and very intriguing. There are twists and turns throughout, moments where I found myself open mouthed at this strange new world which I hope never to experience for myself! I was (and I know I am in the smallest minority here) a smidge disappointed with the big twist. I can explain why this is but I believe in doing so, there's a chance I'm going to give something away which I shouldn't, so I won't elaborate now. However, please know that the writing is superb, the characters are believable and interesting, and the dystopia aspect of the novel had me fully invested, immersing myself in Swanson's strange new world. Recommended.

I chose to read and review a free eARC of End of Story. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.

This story is what a nightmare world is to me.
I do not tend to read the synopsis of books before I read them and this added to the tension I felt when reading this.
The story struck me as dystopian type thriller with me trying to guess what was going to happen at points.
I have complex feelings for this story, sometimes I lost my way with it but I am glad I stayed to the end as it was worth it.

New author for me. This book presents a chilling narrative which unfolds, weaving a story of danger and intrigue that's as addictive as it is frightening!

Where do I even begin?
I really enjoyed reading this book – I was so pleasantly surprised by what it turned out to be. I was genuinely hooked from the first pages. And I have also realised it’s a very difficult book to write a review for and not include any spoilers!
1984 meets Fahrenheit 541 which then in turn meets… Right, I’m not giving out more. But I can assure you there is so much more to the dystopian future world pictured there. It is a well-crafted, very engaging, and thought-provoking read. While some ideas might be borrowed but they are all woven so well in the whole story that by the time you finish reading it makes all so very perfect sense and nothing seems out of place. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a brand-new book like that.

And let’s just leave this very accurate and befitting quote here - “If you tell a story well enough, it’s true.”
Do yourself a favour. Read it.

This is my first title by this and author and what can i say?, what a fantastic read, thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book. I could not put it down.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and author for allowing me to read this title.
This was a chilling and intense read with a creepy atmosphere all the way through it. It was fast paced, dark and gripping and I couldn't put it down. I loved it.
5/5 stars all day
Would recommend this to everyone!