This was an engaging and quick read with a concept that showed a lot of potential. However, I felt like the worldbuilding and character development could have been more worked out.
Initially, I found it challenging to get into the story due to the writing style, but after a few chapters, I grew used to it.

The book explores important themes of resilience and self-discovery, which I appreciated, but I found the execution to be somewhat uneven.

That said, this book stands out for its originality. The ideas were truly unique—occasionally leaning toward the bizarre—but in the realm of science fiction, anything is possible, and that added to its charm.

The Boy Who Learned to Live is a thought-provoking exploration of survival, self-discovery, and the tension between a controlled, sterile society and the chaotic wilderness beyond. D. N. Moore crafts a gripping narrative in which the boundaries between technology and nature, sanity and madness, are continually blurred, leaving the reader questioning what is real.

Set in the year 2085, the novel introduces seventeen-year-old Oliver Mc’Neil, who has lived his entire life in the Fifth City—a claustrophobic urban environment where all aspects of life are virtual, monitored, and sterilized - a future that's looking increasingly likely, with the rise of Zoom meetings, home schooling and VR games. The stark contrast between Oliver's isolated, technology-dependent existence and the raw, untamed world he is thrust into forms the crux of the story.

Oliver's sudden dislocation from his sanitized existence to the underground, technology-free caves is jarring both for him and the reader. His struggle to adapt to a life where he must rely on his instincts and the help of others, particularly Autumn—an enigmatic girl with a fierce sense of independence—drives the emotional core of the narrative. Autumn's family, living outside the constraints of Fifth City law and embracing a life full of noise, disobedience, and survival in the wild, serves as an interesting foil to Oliver’s prior life. Their dynamic is compelling and gives the novel its warmth and heart.

What sets this novel apart is Moore’s handling of Oliver's internal turmoil. Drug withdrawals, the hallucinatory voices he hears, and his constant self-doubt keep the reader on edge, unsure whether Oliver is a victim of his circumstances or a perpetrator of some darker force. The blend of psychological suspense with a survivalist plot adds depth to the story, as the lines between Oliver’s reality and his delusions grow increasingly difficult to navigate. This aspect of the story will resonate with readers who enjoy unraveling complex, introspective characters.

The tension escalates when strange disappearances within the caves and growing suspicion about Oliver’s arrival propel the plot toward a tense climax. The stakes become personal as Oliver is forced to confront not only the external dangers of the wilderness but also the fears and doubts within himself. The question of whether he can ever trust his own mind becomes just as urgent as his need to trust others.

If you enjoyed Devil on My Back by Monica Hughes, you'll likely appreciate the way The Boy Who Learned to Live similarly grapples with the theme of a young person learning to navigate a harsh, unfamiliar world while questioning the nature of their own identity. Both novels explore the complexities of survival and the psychological scars left by living in oppressive, controlled environments, making them excellent companion reads.

Overall, The Boy Who Learned to Live is a gripping and emotionally charged story that raises profound questions about the cost of technology, the journey to self-acceptance, and the power of human connection. Moore’s writing style immerses readers in a bleak, captivating world, and Oliver’s journey is one of intense personal growth. This novel will appeal to fans of dystopian fiction, psychological thrillers, and stories about resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.

Strengths:

Compelling character arc for Oliver, driven by internal and external conflict.
Rich world-building that contrasts sterile technology with the wild, untamed world outside.
Psychological depth, particularly in exploring Oliver’s drug withdrawals and hallucinations.
Tension-filled plot that keeps the reader guessing.
Challenges:

The pace can feel slow at times, particularly in the early chapters as Oliver adjusts to his new life.
The intensity of Oliver’s internal struggle may be overwhelming for some readers, but for others, it will deepen the emotional impact.

Book Recommendation:

The Maze Runner by James Dashner
If you enjoyed the survival aspects of The Boy Who Learned to Live, The Maze Runner offers a similar sense of disorientation and urgency. Thomas, the protagonist, wakes up in a mysterious maze with no memory of how he got there, and alongside other "runners," he must navigate a perilous world that seems designed to trap them. Like Oliver, Thomas faces both external and internal challenges, pushing him to question who he can trust and whether he can survive in an environment that's far from the controlled world he once knew. The fast-paced, dystopian survival elements and the mystery surrounding the maze make it an exciting read for fans of psychological and survival thrillers.

Movie Recommendation:

The Road (2009)
For a film that captures a similar sense of survival in a harsh, post-apocalyptic world, The Road, based on Cormac McCarthy’s novel, would be an excellent choice. The story follows a father and son as they journey through a bleak, desolate landscape, scavenging for food and trying to stay alive while facing both environmental and human threats. The film’s somber tone, intense emotional depth, and the battle between holding onto humanity in a collapsing world parallel many of the themes in The Boy Who Learned to Live, particularly Oliver's struggle to survive and find his place in a world that seems both alien and threatening.

This was a short, but beautifully written book. I never knew where the author was going to go with the plot.

I loved the characters, Autumn and Oliver were so cute. But also the older folks, especially Bill.

This book will make you think about our own digital lives and what do we believe when we only get our news, friends, sources from online.

Oliver wakes up in a ball of hurt and confusion. He is no longer in his sterile environment. What is going on? He is found by Autumn and taken to the caves. The caves are full of people who have turned their back on technology and government interference.

This is a great novel and I would recommend it to anyone who wants a slight dive into digital realities and for young adults.

In this compelling YA dystopian novel, readers will find themselves drawn into a world that echoes the intense survival themes of The 100.

The pacing is fast. Each chapter propels the story forward, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment. Character development stands out as one of the novel’s strengths.

A YA dystopian novel that was unlike any I have read. The descriptions of the towns, the simulations, and the life of the unknown were all very well written. I enojoyed how the main character is taken from one of those areas and tries to live in another.

Oliver and Autumn had a connection and friendship that made the storyline solid. This was a quick read for me as it was difficult to put down. I wanted to continue to see what was going to happen with all the members of the families involved. You, as the reader, quickly become connected with them.

I will recommend this book to the middle school and high school levels in my district once it is available for purchase.

Thank you, NetGalley and Avonlea Publishing for the ARC.

The Boy Who Learned to Live by D.N. Moore is a mesmerizing dive into a dystopian future, and I couldn’t put it down. Set in 2085, this novel follows seventeen-year-old Oliver McNeil, who’s spent his whole life in City 5, where everything from school to socializing happens through computer simulations called “sims.” In this world, people rarely, if ever, go outside—it’s just too dangerous, or so they’ve been told.

Then, out of nowhere, Oliver wakes up in the wilderness, completely disoriented and terrified. He’s rescued by a group of people living off-grid who’ve rejected city life entirely. This underground community couldn’t be more different from what Oliver’s used to: here, people interact face-to-face, rely on nature, and live by their wits rather than on any technology. Autumn, a young woman with a fierce heart, takes him in, and her family becomes Oliver’s anchor in this strange, raw world. Watching Oliver, who’s used to a sterile, medicated existence, learn to trust himself and truly experience life for the first time was incredibly moving.

Moore’s prose is so vivid, and I felt immersed in Oliver’s perspective—his confusion, his awe, and his growing attachment to these people who live with such authenticity. Moments where he tries to explain “sims” to Autumn are chilling reminders of how deeply disconnected his old life was from reality. Oliver’s bond with Autumn is one of my favorite parts; she’s his guide but also someone who challenges his every assumption, and their relationship adds an emotional layer that really made the story for me.

For fans of The Giver or The Maze Runner, this book is an incredible mix of dystopian suspense and emotional depth. If I had one wish, it would be for a little more backstory on City 5, but ultimately, I think the focus on Oliver’s personal growth makes the story even stronger. Moore’s exploration of what it means to really live, connect, and rediscover humanity in a world bent on control feels both powerful and eerily relevant.

The Boy Who Learned to Live is a beautifully crafted story about breaking free and finding yourself, and it’s one that will definitely stick with me. Huge thanks to NetGalley and Bindery Books for the ARC—this is a book I’ll be recommending for a long time

I’m definitely going to go with more like 4.5⭐️

This YA dystopian novel was fantastic…IF there are plans for it to be a series.

This story is about a future where it seems everyone is afraid of the outside world and of illness and disease. The government has its citizens convinced it is better to stay inside and interaction with the world is done via a virtual simulation. Our main character, Oliver, somehow finds himself outside and taken in by a group of people who have deflected and live outside the city limits sans technology. The writing is easy to read and flows seamlessly, the characters are memorable and relatable, the plot is exciting and engaging.

This is definitely on the younger side of YA, which is not bad. I did have an issue with the fact that one of the characters falls in love after a matter of months, especially with this being a YA/Middle Grade book but that isn’t something new. There were a lot of holes, but that isn’t necessarily a problem if this is intended to be a series which I think it is. In fact, I hope it is a series, because this has so much potential!

I definitely recommend this to those who like younger YA books. At just over 200 pages, this book flew by. Bonus, the cover is awesome. It is YA, so if you go into this expecting literary fiction or adult science fiction, you will be disappointed. But, for what it is, it’s wonderful and I really enjoyed it. I will be purchasing this for my kids.
***Thank you NetGalley, Avonlea Publishing, and D.N. Moore for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.***

Ok so this is going to be a bit of an out there review. I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley (many thanks) and it really gave me a lot to think about, but I sort of spiraled a bit and ended up with more negative (and some almost paranoid) things to say about this book - 'bear' with me. I'm always hesitant to include too much negativity in an ARC review as it seems bad form, so please keep in mind that overall The Boy Who Learned to Live is a totally fine read - it just has some flaws that IMHO hold the book back from being a lot better, and if you stay till the end of this review I have some out there criticisms that may be more about my terminally online brain - you decide.

Firstly the positives. This book has an absolutely excellent premise. The idea of an MC who has been living in a futuristic overly sterile, overly simulated society (an only slightly exaggerated version of today's western society) finding himself in the wild and being taken in by 'outlaws' and having to detox and be accepted by the basic but wholesome society - is really compelling and interesting.

The way Fifth City and 'modern' society is kept relatively mysterious for much of the book - information is drip fed to us from Owen and sometimes other characters - made for a genuinely tense setup. Overall the pacing is pretty good, no really boring moments and so on.

However here is where some of my critiques come into play. This story could have been a great setup for Owen having to choose between live in Fifth City or as an Outlaw. Instead pretty much right from the get go the Outlaw lifestyle is presented as idyllic and wholesome and there isn't really much genuine tension about Owen fitting in, maybe a few chapters of questioning it and then he's basically in a relationship and putting on Shakespeare plays??

The real problem is though that once the wider 'City' society is revealed they are unambiguously evil, practically mustache twirling bad-guys. There is a mid-point scene where Owen is (I kid you not) randomly mauled by a bear and requires treatment elsewhere (more on this later) and it seems like its a bit of a setup for pointing out how, despite the apparent ideal life of the Outlaws, the risk and injury were things that would have been easily treated in Fifth City.

What I'm getting at is this could have been an actually quite amazing book about a young man exposed to both societies and eventually having to choose between the two - instead the 'Outlaw' lifestyle is so shamelessly presented as good and Fifth City as completely evil, that the message of the book is very diluted and boring (nature good, screens bad).

A couple of straight up weaknesses of the book - Owen has the classic protagonist problem where he doesn't really have any agency, he just reacts to the various situations that are thrown at him. Now, its okay to have a story about an MC with a lot of incidents thrown their way, but you really need to find a way to show their character or agency within these events. Owen kinda just does the most sensible/brave thing that makes sense in each scenario. When he is brought into the Outlaws at the start he works through his detox, learns to live with them and so on - he worries about some past programming from his days in Fifth City but again this isn't character development - its just stuff thrown his way that he deals with.

Even just a simple decision like the Outlaws offered Owen the chance to return to society because they now trust him not to reveal their location - that would add some agency and tension to his decisions. Perhaps his bear mauling could have (and should have) resulted in permanent damage that he wanted to get treated in The City. It felt like the name of the book was a bit too literal and Owen really does just learn a lot of self-sufficiency! It doesn't actually feel like he learns to "live" (other than some cringe pseudo deep thoughts like 'Shakespare didn't just write stories he wrote Truth')


Finally (and this is where things might get a little weird) the Science of this book is just SOOO Bad. I'm sorry, but Owen gets bitten by a Bear is rescued and taken back to their cave and the others are like "It's infected" - injuries don't get infected within moments. Yes you could say its GOING to get infected and should be treated as such. But then, even more ??? they decide to send Owen to a farm because they "have penicillin". Sorry what? The thousands of people in interconnected caves are operating without antibiotics but an isolated farm family is sitting on some - did they purify it themselves? Pretty sure most farmers don't have the time or equipment to make their own penicillin, but even more importantly you've got a society including printing presses but you don't have a plan to distribute the most important medicine known to humankind?

I'd probably let that go but there is also weird stuff like tiny computers operated by "magnets" that have been injected into characters...

Is this less bad science and more pushing an ideology?

Honestly reading this book which is slathered in stereotypes about farm living "I was born here, Ima die here" started to sound a lot like prepping fanfiction - which isn't actually intolerable its more just the endless nods to current mis and disinformation.

Going back to the computer injections - like its 2024, anyone with access to the internet knows that there are (ridiculous) conspiracy theories about Covid vaccines having a microchip in them and/or turning people magnetic. It seems very very odd to include this trope (or very very close to it) in a book, its fiction there could have been a thousand ways to explain this technology - why that?

It doesn't end there - Owen is described as detoxing from anti-anxiety medication specifically, again this could have been written with any number of drugs and on its own could have just been a trope. But it seems a bit pointed especially when you consider the sort of modern take on society as everyone being on screens and not having real connection - at first it sorta just sounds like an interesting Black Mirror take on some modern problems - but then you include stuff like society having 'one child policies' and 'just wanting to control everyone', and 'lying about the air being poisonous' it goes from cartoonish to rather blunt commentary.

Even the bear feels super meme inspired. There's even a scene where Owen is hesitant to handle a gun because he doesn't feel capable of being safe and gets a lecture from an adult that sounds just a little odd, like maybe a bit 'guns don't kill people' type thing.

Honestly at first I thought I was just reading a bit much into this book, but there is a lot of subtle and unsubtle messaging. The over-idealized outlaw society versus the demonic city society was perhaps just poor writing but intentionally adding anti-medication and nodding to anti-vaccine conspiracy makes this book a bit weird to me. Very interested to hear what other people think, I'm not alone in the 'bad science' take based on other reviews.

Welcome to a very different future, a future where only 10 cities remain, surrounded by vast wilderness. Life inside these cities is strictly controlled, even the air you breathe and the food you eat is regulated. People’s lives exist inside their apartments where they experience life of the outside world through virtual simulations, called SIMS. 

The story follows 17-year-old Oliver, who is used to and satisfied with the artificial life he has ever known in the 5th city. Everything suddenly changes when he wakes up in a forest, disoriented and drugged, only to be rescued by a group of mysterious cave dwellers.

He is taken in by the beautiful, rough around the edges, Autumn. Oliver is not accustomed to her family who are loud, rambunctious, and is shocked to learn, Autumn’s parents have three children over the legal birth limit. These folks are considered outlaws, living with thousands of others in a network of underground caves, where modern technology is forbidden and secrecy is imperative. Oliver is not equipped, yet is faced to survive in a land that is wild and dangerous. Adding to his difficulties are his hallucinations which may be due to withdrawals from the mind-numbing medication he has taken every day of his life, or maybe he is just simply a monster he thinks he may be. Autumn is his rock, and he will do whatever it takes to protect the girl who saved his life.

Can Oliver adapt to this hidden community that seems to hold secrets about his life, and the former familiar world?

The dystopian novel is a thought provoking adventure, a story that will leave readers thinking long after the final page is turned.

This YA dystopian novel transports readers into a future where only 10 cities remain, surrounded by vast wilderness. Life inside these cities is strictly controlled—everything from the air to the food is regulated, and inhabitants spend most of their lives in their apartments, relying on virtual simulations to experience the outside world.

The story follows 17-year-old Oliver, who is used to life in the 5th city. His routine is shattered when he wakes up in a forest, disoriented and drugged, only to be rescued by a group of mysterious cave dwellers. As he regains his clarity, Oliver begins to adapt to this hidden community that seems to hold secrets about his life—and the world he thought he knew.

While the book has some gripping moments, it often leans more toward intriguing concepts than deep exploration. Ideas like dehumanization, control, and eugenics make for a promising backdrop, but they aren’t fully unpacked and often are introduced very abruptly, which may leave older readers wanting more depth. However, younger readers—especially those transitioning from middle-grade to YA—might find the book’s pacing and ideas engaging without feeling overwhelmed.

The characters, though occasionally prone to delivering lines that seem out of character for the sake of sounding profound, still offer moments of connection. Oliver’s journey from confusion to self-discovery in a world that is more than it seems makes for an exciting ride, even if some parts feel a bit underdeveloped.

Overall, this is a solid read for readers who are looking to get into dystopian writing. It offers a unique setting, characters, and a story that younger readers are likely to enjoy.

Rating: 3.5/5

This was an incredibly thought-provoking dystopian novel that explored heavy themes of humanity and survival. The writing itself was amazing with the character development and immersive world building. This was definitely one of the most gripping reads of the year!

In this gripping and thought-provoking novel, D.N. Moore masterfully crafts a tale of survival, self-discovery, and the true meaning of humanity. Oliver's journey from a sterile, tech-driven existence to a harsh yet vibrant world is both thrilling and poignant.

The author's world-building is exceptional, with a vivid portrayal of a dystopian future that feels eerily plausible. The contrast between the Fifth City's artificial comfort and the raw beauty of the natural world is stark and compelling.

Oliver's character development is equally impressive, as he grapples with his troubled past, hallucinations, and growing feelings for Autumn. His struggles to adapt to a new way of life are deeply relatable, and his determination to protect those he cares about is admirable.

The supporting cast is equally well-crafted, with Autumn's family and the cave community adding depth and warmth to the story. The plot twists and turns, keeping the reader on edge as Oliver navigates the dangers of his new environment and confronts the darkness within himself.

Through Oliver's journey, Moore raises important questions about the consequences of playing it safe, the value of human connection, and the resilience of the human spirit. This book will resonate with fans of dystopian fiction, adventure, and anyone looking for a story that will leave them thinking long after the final page is turned.

"The Boy Who Learned to Live" by D.N. Moore is a captivating dystopian novel that offers a fresh take on the genre. Set in a futuristic world where technology has completely isolated humanity, the story follows seventeen-year-old Oliver Mc'Neil as he's thrust into a wild and unfamiliar environment.

Moore's world-building is impressive, painting a vivid picture of both the sterile, tech-driven Fifth City and the rugged, underground cave network where outlaws thrive. The contrast between these two settings provides a compelling backdrop for Oliver's journey of self-discovery and adaptation.

The characters are well-developed, particularly Oliver and Autumn. Their relationship adds depth to the narrative, and Oliver's internal struggle with his own nature creates an intriguing psychological element. The supporting cast, including Autumn's boisterous family, brings life and warmth to the story.

While the plot is engaging, with its mix of survival challenges, mysterious disappearances, and Oliver's personal growth, some aspects of the story feel familiar to seasoned dystopian readers. However, Moore's skillful storytelling and the unique elements of the setting help to overcome this minor drawback.

The novel excels in its exploration of themes such as the impact of technology on society, the importance of human connection, and the struggle to find one's identity. These themes are woven seamlessly into the narrative, providing food for thought without being heavy-handed.

Overall, "The Boy Who Learned to Live" is an absorbing and thought-provoking YA dystopian novel that will appeal to fans of the genre and newcomers alike. D.N. Moore has crafted a compelling tale that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

Oliver Mc’Neil lives in a high tech society where everything is experienced indoors through computer simulated “sims” ever since the outdoors was deemed too dangerous. What happens when Oliver, completely disoriented, wakes up in the middle of the woods with no idea how he got there?

This was a quick and interesting dystopian read! I didn’t feel like the city’s world building was fleshed out so much, but I don’t really think that was the point of the story. Seeing Oliver experience so many things first hand and seeing him well and truly live for the first time and trust himself was heartwarming.

Without giving anything away, the glimpses we did get of the dystopian city had me so intrigued and I thought they were woven into the story really well.

I’d give this a solid 4 stars! This was a great concept that was well executed. Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

Most gripping and neat book i have read this year. This book draws a big parallel to where things are and where they could easily be heading. It was arm-hair raising how true to things/situations we have entered and how at the same time we can observe and distance ourselves. I liked the authors sense of humor and the growth of the main character, Oliver. It is truly profound how well of a job Moore does in writing this book so it comes off edgy and new and a science fiction type novel.

The Boy Who Learned to Live is a YA dystopian novel set in a (hopefully) alternative future in which there are only 10 cities in the world and the rest is a wilderness. The cities are hi-tech with everything including the air, water and food tightly controlled. Inhabitants stay in their apartments and experience what passes for real life via a range of sims.
17-year-old Oliver lives in 5th city and rarely goes outside but when he wakes in the forest, drugged and disorientated he is rescued by a group of cave dwellers who seem to know more about what is really going on in his life than he does. As the drugs leave his system, the voices in his head recede and he works hard to be part of the cave community that has adopted him.
However, sentries are going missing, wild animals are getting into the caves and people are beginning to say that Oliver is behind all their problems. Oliver himself has a voice in his head telling him he is a monster. But is he?
This is a story full of adventure and challenge and whilst some parts require the reader to suspend belief, it does raise questions about power and control and the damage that can be done if technology causes us to be cut off from nature and the real world outside. A straightforward read and a good choice for someone trying their first dystopian novel.

I quite liked this book.

It's an interesting concept. Zoomed into the future, how will people act? Technology? Family?

It's told from the perspective of a young boy as he goes on an adventure. There's an interesting setting, set way in the future and people are confined indoors and prescribed food and nutrition, tailored to them.

I like how many characters there are and how the characters have well-developed relationships and social structure.

It is a book for children. I would estimate that the intended age would be 12-15 years old.

There are some things I didn't love. The scene where Oliver is bitten by the bear doesn't have a realistic timeline. He's injured, he's rushed to medical. Then it's infected? But wouldn't that take time? You wouldn't get an injury and then it's immediately infected. You would clean the wound, maybe worry about the risk of infection. It isn't clear how much time has passed and there isn't a lot of detail given about the injury (possibly because it's a children's book) but it needs more details with regards to timeline.

Oliver's recovery from his "surgery" was laughably quick for anyone who has ever had anaesthetic. Several minutes after unhygienic brain surgery, he's running away from police?

The ending felt disjointed and unrealistic. It felt very stereotypical that Oliver - who had never swum before in his life - could spontaneously save his love interest from drowning. Also, why did they get in the water during a lightning storm? Wouldn't they get electrocuted?

Overall, it's an engaging read. It's not a literary masterpiece, but it's a fun piece of escapism.