I'll admit, I requested the ARC of this purely because I've loved all of Ava Reid's books, even though the premise of this was so different to what I usually read. I didn't rush to pick it up.
HOWEVER! I was hooked. I absolutely devoured this and hope there is more to come.
The plot is clever, weaving in current issues in a way which makes the story even more believable. I cared so much for the characters and want more of their story. I found the romance believable and not overwhelming.
The ending wasn't what I'd wished for but it was still satisfying and has left me hoping it continues.
Very well written and clever. The influence of The Hunger Games is strong but has been developed enough that it's not a simple copy. The writing style is beautiful and draws you right in, while the facing and tension keeps you hooked.
I'm so glad I read this, and thanks to Random House and NetGalley for the ARC.

This was such a good read! It had a believable dystopian yet setting that wasn’t far fetched from reality and the heart-wrenching plight of the FMCs Inesa and Melinoë made for the perfect story. The only downside is I wanted to know what happened after the book ended and felt like I didn’t get the closure I needed - hopefully this means there will be a second book as I need to know what happens to our FMCs!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If I had to sum this book up in a sentence: it’s like The Hunger Games meets The Last of Us, but with more slow-burn feelings and less adrenaline-pumping action. There’s a lot I liked about it, but something just didn’t quite land for me.
Let’s get into it.

The premise is wild. Basically, this mega-corporation called Caerus runs the world by keeping people drowning in debt. If you owe too much, they can offer you up to the Lamb’s Gauntlet — a televised bloodbath where assassins hunt down “Lambs” (aka unlucky people chosen as sacrifices) for entertainment. Think reality TV meets The Purge.

We meet Inesa, who’s just trying to get by in a crumbling town with her brother. She’s tough and resourceful — the type of character who’s survived on sheer grit. But then she finds out her own mother has signed her up to be the next Lamb. Brutal, right?

Cue Melinoë, the assassin tasked with hunting her down. Mel is practically a killing machine — cold, calculated, and always gets her mark. Except… she’s got a messy past and is kind of falling apart inside.

What follows is a tense cat-and-mouse chase through the wasteland, but there’s a twist: these two might just be catching feelings for each other along the way.

What I Loved: The Characters and Vibes

The characters are what kept me hooked.
- Inesa is no damsel in distress. She’s scrappy and determined, and you can’t help but root for her, even when she’s just barely surviving.

- Melinoë is where things get interesting. On the outside, she’s all ice queen assassin, but underneath, she’s haunted by her own trauma. Watching her unravel and question everything she’s been taught to believe is one of the best parts of the story.

Their dynamic is super intriguing. It starts off all “hunter vs. prey,” but as the story unfolds, there’s this slow shift to mutual understanding… and maybe more. It’s subtle, though. Don’t expect dramatic love declarations or over-the-top romantic moments — this is more of a “quiet looks across the campfire” type of thing.

What Didn’t Hit: The Pacing
I’ll be honest: the pacing dragged in parts. The first half is tense and keeps you on edge, but somewhere in the middle, the story slows way down. I kept waiting for the tension to spike or for the romance to pick up speed, but it never fully got there.
If you’re someone who loves a slow-burn story with a lot of introspection, you’ll vibe with it. But if you’re expecting fast-paced action or intense romance, you might feel a bit let down.

Themes: More Than Survival

What I did appreciate is how the book explores bigger questions beyond just “stay alive.” Both Inesa and Melinoë are trying to figure out if there’s more to life than just surviving. For Inesa, it’s about finding hope in a world that’s beaten her down. For Mel, it’s about realizing she’s capable of more than violence.
It’s a story about breaking out of the roles you’ve been forced into and figuring out what you actually want from life — which is pretty deep, when you think about it.

Final Thoughts: A Mixed Bag, But Worth a Read

So, would I recommend it? Yeah, but with some caveats. It’s not a fast-paced, action-packed dystopian story. It’s more character-driven and introspective, with a touch of romance. If you’re into slow-burn stories with morally complex characters and a bit of social commentary, you’ll probably enjoy it.

But if you’re looking for something with big twists, high-stakes action, or lots of romance? This might not scratch that itch.
For me, it was good, just not mind-blowing. I loved the vibes, and I liked the characters, but I kept wishing for a bit more intensity and depth. It’s one of those books where you appreciate what it’s doing, but you also know it’s not going to be a favorite.

Still, if you’re a fan of Ava Reid, it’s worth checking out. Just know that it’s more quiet reflection than explosive action — and adjust your expectations accordingly.

As soon as I read the blurb for this book I was really intrigued to find out how it would go. I got loads of nostalgia for when I used to read dystopian novels back in school which I did enjoy and was what I was looking for in this book. However, I feel it didn’t really bring anything new into the dystopian field. As stated by the author, elements of this book are very similar to The Hunger Games and I think because of this I was constantly comparing the two which reduced my enjoyment slightly. I also felt the romance was lacking - I never really felt I was fully rooting for the two of them. However, I did enjoy reading this book and got through it quickly ! If you’re needing a bingeable and entertaining dystopian read this is perfect for you!

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

A Hunger Games inspired dystopian romance about survival and sacrifice. While it lacks Reid's trademark lyrical writing style, it's an impactful commentary on capitalism, violence and the female body with a pacy plot and clever twists.

"Maybe enough fear can add up to love."

A great book choice to be my final read and review of the year! 🙌

Reid delivers again with a gorgeous writing style that immediately brings you into this new world; bringing together such striking contrasts between beauty and lethality of the world and its characters.

I loved that this brought back all the feelings of my obsession with dystopian, and romantic dystopian fiction of 2010s. I loved that this had themes of dystopia and fight against the system whilst bringing forth a new voice. I was excited to have the perspective of the Gauntlet's angel, this point of view brought to the reader behind the scenes of the usual, singular terror and voice from the victim of the story.

It was really enjoyable to feel the futility throughout the story. I think it was one of the most enjoyable factors of the story; the sense that the characters were completely in the hands of the Gauntlet's makers and even small acts of defiance were twisted in their meaning. The ever-presence of a low but constant horror that remains with each page turn.

All the characters were able to bring different aims and pushes to keep the story flowing. I loved the contrast between the Angels and the Lambs, but I loved that Reid was able to develop and expand on the differences and individualistic goals between the Angels themselves and the Lambs. The story is able to play on the drive of emotions and how it can change our viewpoints and our aims, how emotions can overwhelm. The romance in the story, not only coming from the main characters and their slow building emotional connection, but the love that held between so many of the characters. Love in so many different forms and types following and contrasting the constant terror.

Overall if you are seeking to jump back into feeling of 2010s dystopia please pick this book up in March!

Thank you to Del Rey for a proof copy, I am voluntarily leaving a review.

I had such a good time with this book. I really enjoyed it. I love Ava Reid’s writing style in this, this is my first book of hers and won’t be my last that’s for sure.

I loved the character on Inesa, she didn’t deserve what she had to go through at all, but she was amazing. I also loved Melinoe, her story was fantastic and also dark in parts, parts of her story were just heartbreaking and I just felt for her.

This book just had me constantly wanting more and I loved it. I haven’t read a book like this since I was teen, so it was just perfect.

Thank you Netgalley, the author and Del Rey for this wonderful ARC!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of this book!

This was a dystopian book that gave major Hingrr Games vibes but it just felt so slow and predictable therefore I didn’t love it as much as I hoped I would and found myself flicking quickly through it without paying as much attention as inshouldb

Ava Reid is one of my favorite authors, I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for this book and WOW it did not disappoint!!

I saw A Fable for the End of the World described as a “lesbian hunger games” and while there are elements of the story that feel reminiscent of that (the state of the world, a deadly contest) it is a new and fresh take from other dystopian novels I have read before.

the story pits Inesa against Melinoë, a deadly, part-human hunter who has been sent to track her down to pay her mothers debts in a televised fight for survival. But as their paths collide an unexpected bond forms, challenging everything they have learnt to believe.

Perfect enemies to lovers, beautiful sapphic love story and a gut wrenching ending 😮‍💨

3.5


Introduced as 'a love letter to the dystopian YA fiction (Reid) grew up with' Fable for the End of the World is a gripping tale set in post-apocalyptic 'New Amsterdam' where the lines between power hungry corporations and government have been blurred, and the gap between those who have it all, and those who have nothing is stark.

Reid tackles themes of inequality, climate change and capitalism's relentless attack on the fundamental human desire to be in community with one another. Fable was fast paced, intensely readable and a lot of fun, although in my opinion, falls slightly short of the classics from the genre.

Whoaaaaaa what a read!!!!

I loved this story and felt like it was fast paced. The world building and storyline had me at the edge of my seat!!!

The cover of this book was why I initally requested, it us stunning!! Ava has not dissapointed me with any of her books although A Study of Drowning is my favourite still!

“In order for some creatures to live, there are always others that have to die.”

I am shooketh, I knew that this book was going to be incredible from the moment I read the description and queen Ava Reid did not disappoint. This was sold to me as a lesbian Hunger Games and it is everything I didn’t know I needed. It took me back to my youth reading and loving YA books and it’s reinstated my love of dystopian fiction.

The world building was flawless and I was immersed immediately as this book was action packed from the very first page. Inesa finds herself being hunted by the stunning and feline Angel who is sent to track her down to pay for her mother’s debts. Her brother Luka, the hunter, is able to help her survive for a time until they are separated and Inesa must survive alone. Soon she realises that perhaps Melinoë isn’t the cold blooded killer she thought she was.

A true enemies to lovers book, this was gut wrenching and cinematic. I also love the LGBT+ representation. It’s not often that I feel so seen in my romance books and this beautiful love story has made this one of my favourite reads of 2024!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC. I am truly blessed with incredible books right now 🙏🏻

This book was good, but it didn't wow me. It was essentially The Hunger Games, but make it sapphic.

I liked the dual POV element as it helped shoulder some of the world building and detail about how the Gauntlet works without being a boring info-dump.

My main critique of this book is that it's just not terribly original. Young adult dystopian books that focus around games or trials with a romantic subplot have been done many times before. While the setting adds a little bit of uniqueness, I found that the plot was a little lacklustre and predicatable for the most part. The blurb tells you absolutely everything you need to know, so I found that it wasn't itching to pick up this book very much. Also, the ending was a little anti-climactic. It would make more sense if it was going to have a sequel, but it's listed as a standalone, so that's what I'm basing my opinion off.

The writing is fine, but it lacked the beautiful, lyrical prose that I fell in love with in A Study In Drowning. And while I understand that poetic writing may not have been a fitting choice for a YA dystopian novel, there was just nothing special about it.

I think this book would be perfect for a young teen who wants to try the dystopia genre for the first time. It's not too heavy on the worldbuilding. It's not too tense or graphic, and the romance is minimal.

Overall, it was good, but not great. It lacked a big twist or a few more exciting events that could have pulled it up to 4 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It’s a privilege, really, to desire, to imagine, to believe.

Thank you to Harper Collins and Net Galley for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. (Yes, I didn’t stop grinning all day when my request got approved.)

Inesa lives in a hyper-capitalist, dystopian society, and her family are struggling to get by. Melinoë is a weapon of the state, used in the Gauntlet spectacles to hunt and kill ‘sacrifices’ of the debt-ridden classes. When Inesa learns that her mother has racked up significant debts, her path crosses with Melinoë’s.

Having read Ava Reid’s A Study in Drowning and Lady Macbeth, this sapphic, YA dystopian love-letter to The Hunger Games was very different to her recent gothic works. As a huge dystopian fan, I loved it!

I loved Inesa and Melinoë’s characters, and I also loved Inesa’s brother, Luka.

I thought there were a few plot holes and world building issues, but Ava Reid’s ability to create an immersive world is unparalleled.

For anyone who loves dystopian fiction, I would recommend this!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book. A gorgeous 4 star read book from me. What an exciting plot, vivid storytelling and relatable, rich characters. I could put this book down – absolutely loved it.

Sapphic max level yearning with a bit too close for comfort dystopian drowned world, that has its roots firmly in the 2010s dystopian heyday that we know and love.

What Ava's writing does best is being so poetic and atmospheric that you truly feel like you are present at all times.

When dystopian gets scary as a genre is when it holds up a mirror to your current world and reflects back a version that is so wrong but so close to happening you can't help letting it devour you.

A fable for the end of the world does this perfectly!
This book centres on a capitalist regime that's gone so far it's eradicated the last semblance of humanity in the place of survival.

When Inesa finds herself in the spotlight for her mothers debts she is forced into a hunger games style live broadcast fight for survival. Inesa is pitted against Melonie one of the regimes perfect killers part human part machine as they clash and come together it raises all the questions about what it means to be human and what the worst of humanity looks like.
If you love the dystopian genre this one is really worth giving a go! •

"Maybe l've survived this long so I could know how it feels to hold her. Maybe all my life has been one long gauntlet, running, fighting, searching for her."°

Ava Reid is amazing at setting the tone and this is no exception. This story is one that will sit with you for a while.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

An original dystopian creation, I was hooked right from the beginning. The premise was really interesting, and the characters were all beautifully crafted with their own unique nuances and personalities.

In a wet and polluted landscape, where society is controlled by a male dominated company, we are introduced to Inesa who is essentially just trying to survive running a taxidermy shop with her brother. Their mother lives at home where she locks herself away believing she is suffering from a number of ailments and creating massive debts for the treatments (and treats) she is buying herself on credit. In order to clear her debt, she enters Inesa into The Gauntlet to be hunted by an Angel- enter Melinoë (a trained assassin artificially enhanced to seek out targets).

Inesa and Melinoë are two really strong female characters each with her own story and fight which are brought together in the most brutal way. I adore the way Reid has built up these independent, loveable women and crafted such a tender love story despite the overwhelmingly misogynistic, sexist society they are stuck in.

The world building from the start of the book is compelling and gives great atmosphere for the plot to unfold, this is maintained throughout the book as we move through different landscapes on the mission to survive. I did find some of the wording was a bit repetitive at times, but this may be fixed before the final version is published. There are elements to the plot you might be able to guess along the way.

Will definitely be a hit for fans of dystopian works like The Hunger Games.

Ava Reid’s A Fable for the End of the World is a haunting and lyrical tale that beautifully weaves emotion and survival. Set in a world teetering on collapse, the story explores themes of resilience, identity, and the fragile ties that bind people together. Reid’s writing is lush and evocative, painting a vivid picture of a crumbling world while delving deeply into the characters’ struggles and choices. Some parts of the pacing felt uneven, but the raw emotions and poetic prose make this a captivating and thought-provoking read that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page.