Speculative/U(dis?)topian/Sci-fi, whatever you decide to classify The Architect of Grayland as, you won't be disappointed! This book was not only beautifully written, with so much more heart and emotion than I expect in this genre, it also kept me guessing what was going to happen next and how it would (or if it would) resolve.
I legitimately enjoyed this book cover to cover. The writing was so vivid that I could feel and see what was being described.

This had a unique concept for a experiment and had a great scifi element to it. I enjoyed the concept and thought the cover and description set the story perfectly. I enjoyed getting to learn about this world and what that experiment in the future worked well. I thought the characters were well written and could see the differences in the time-periods. I enjoyed the way Evelyn Arvey writes this and can’t wait to read more from her.

This was an incredibly interesting premise, but it felt like it dragged on. The modern day humans were great, and the hardships they faced kept the story alive. The future humans seemed more like an alien species than human beings. I'd definitely recommend to sci-fi fans.

despite the weight of the plot and subject matter, the architect of grayland was a fast, enjoyable read, that hooked me in from the get-go. arvey has written it in a way that feels light, and while it consumed me, it didn't bite me on my psyche.
i found myself transported into this world, watching as the world was meticulously built in front of my eyes, and curious to learn more about it. at the end of the book, a part of me remained in the story, my mind reliving the thrilling feeling i had while discovering it.
maybe the moment was right for me, maybe the atmosphere played a part in it (reading in a hospital waiting room is an ✨experience✨), and maybe i will question what it was about this book that made me enjoy it so much for as long as i wish to be able to read it again for the first time

Very good book with an interesting concept and characters. Slogged a bit in parts but appreciated the way the plot moved along.

The Architect of Grayland by Evelyn Arvey is a quick read, but a book you are likely to return to. Speculative fiction is always a good reference point as a reflection upon current events in soceity (as was the case for Orwell) and as such, I am thrilled at the highly talented authors in this genre I have been lucky enough to experience thus far

Elaine is transported to the future, a human lab rat if you will (imagine the Truman show, but without the people or the neighbourhood and research scientists instead of media execs) However, Elaine has no home comforts, she needs to learn to survive in this environment without losing her mind when the scientists toy with her achievements. An interesting twist to the story is the inclusion of two further "lab rats" into the experiment

The Architect of Grayland is absolutely inspired and written with vivid worldbuilding and diligent character development. An intelligent and insightful piece of literature that will generate conversations and reflections for years to come

Thank you to Netgalley and the author Evelyn Arvey for this stunning ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

A present day woman is taken by future humans to act as a lab rat for anthropology research. This was really engaging and so easy to read. I read this in one sitting, couldn’t put it down. This novel really works because every element in the story is given life and importance. From the h and her found family, each with their different personalities and talents; the acerbic scientist with her non existent/sad love life and terrifying ambition; even the foreign earth they live on is given presence and agency. A refreshing take on experimentation, ethics, humanity, surviving vs. thriving, and the environment. A beautiful study in empathy, connection and community. An excellent novel.

*It was a pleasure to read the ARC for The Architect of Grayland, thank you E. Arvey.

SCIENTISTS FROM THE FAR FUTURE KIDNAPPED HER.THREW HER INTO A HORRIFIC EXPERIMENT.SHE REFUSED TO DIE.Elaine, a modern-day woman, is abducted by elite Historical Anthropologists of the far-distant future. Spirited forward through time to their university laboratory, she is locked into a vast, empty, gray habitat built for the study of “primitive” humans.Elaine awakens in this appalling place, alone, naked, and terrified. She has no idea that a hidden audience of university students is studying her every move. Forced to create food, clothing, and shelter using nothing but her ingenuity and her bare hands, she fights a constant battle to maintain her sanity.Desperately lonely, Elaine searches for other people. After a journey across the featureless gray landscape, she locates two fellow Marc, who might be her soulmate; and Adam, a brilliant but troubled fifteen-year-old. Together, they form a precarious yet vibrant and supportive community of three.But now Elaine is about to lose it all. The Historical Anthropologist in charge of the experiment, Professor Mirri Daaha, is methodically destroying Elaine's carefully constructed world to study how her “primitive” test subjects will react to escalating threats to their existence. Elaine must confront the Professor and ultimately bring herself, Marc, and Adam safely home.

A pretty good sci fi thriller with some unique ideas and themes. Not too complicated, but interesting enough to hold my attention all the way through. Will look to continue this series for sure:)