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ClareR (6253 KP) rated The Garden in Books

Oct 14, 2025  
The Garden
The Garden
Nick Newman | 2025 | Dystopia, Science Fiction/Fantasy
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I knew The Garden was going to be set in a dystopian future, but I didn’t fully appreciate just how much I was going to like it.

The story starts off very gently: two elderly sisters, living in the grounds of a big house, one working tirelessly in the garden in order to provide them with enough food, the other joining in here and there, but mostly she’s preoccupied with practicing her dance routine. Outside the gardens walls lies unknown danger. One mustn’t even look beyond the wall.

And then a young boy arrives and everything changes. The outside comes inside.

I loved this. The rules the women live by, set by their mother decades ago, are there to keep them safe, but there’s no room for manoeuvre. So when they’re faced with the unexpected, they don’t know what to do. There’s a climate disaster angle too, and gives the reader a scenario of what might happen if we continue on our current trajectory. Changing seasons, drought, sandstorms.

This novel is so atmospheric. There’s an undercurrent of dread and impending doom, and the descriptions of the garden, cottage and land are quite beautiful.

Wonderful writing and a wonderful story. Highly recommended!
  
Unknown Omega (Alpha Elite Series, #1)
Unknown Omega (Alpha Elite Series, #1)
V.T. Bonds | 2026 | Erotica, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
UNKNOWN OMEGA is the first book in the Alpha Elite series, set in a dystopian Omegaverse. It begins with our unit on a secret mission, which gives you an insight into their abilities and capabilities. Time moves on, and they are sent on a different mission, to a world where there are only betas. While they are there, Seeck sees the Unknown Omega of the title. They slightly interact before her world is thrown into chaos, and she ends up leaving with the unit.

I thought this was a great start to the series. I loved how Seeck wasn't interested in his lifemate, but his brothers-in-arms wouldn't let him abandon her, knowing what it would mean. I thought all of these guys were wonderful, and I can't wait to read more about each of them.

The Unknown Omega claims a name, Nova, and yep, I loved that too. She is a contrary character, but I thought it was well written, because so much has been trained into her, yet the world has changed so much.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope to continue with the series. Definitely recommended by me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Apr 9, 2026
  
The Destroyer (A Broken World #2)
The Destroyer (A Broken World #2)
Dean Murray | 2015 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
If you are looking for a Sci-Fi/Dystopian book that is chock-full of action, then look no further. The amount of action in this book will leave you breathless as you travel with Skye as she tries to save the people she has grown to care for.

There isn't much of Skye and Brennan in this part, but trust me, there is so much else going on that you don't really miss it. Skye is such a strong character, I love her. She is prepared to put her neck on the line for what she believes in, even though it goes against everything she has been told her whole life. I love how she can already see the cracks in her society but just needs the back story for her to commit.

Exceptionally well-written, fast-paced and action-packed, this is a story to read, savour, and then go back and read again, just to make sure you didn't miss anything! Absolutely fantastic and highly recommended.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
 
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 3, 2015