Dude. This book. I really feel like I need to get together with a group of other people who've read it and talk about it. The English major in me came out while reading this. My goal is to write a nice review without analyzing aspects of the text that I thought were AMAZING!

Junior and Henrietta "Hen" live in a rural farm town a good distance from the city in this near-future psychological story. A visitor arrives one evening at Junior and Hen's farm, something so rare it hadn't happened before. The visitor tells Junior he's been selected to go on a once-in-a-lifetime journey far from home. Not only that, arrangements have been made so that Hen won't have to be alone while Junior's gone - she'll have a very familiar visitor. 

Reid did an amazing job with this book. Even though I predicted part of the end, there were so many questions that I couldn't figure out how the ending I predicted could happen. Which was exciting! Then the ending? WOW! If you pay attention to the signs you might figure it out, too. Honestly, if you don't figure out the ending, then you are legit missing the BEST part of the story. 

4/5

Stefanie Rae

"That's what a relationship is for: mutual support and acceptance. No one understands me the way she does. And that means something. To me, it means everything."

WOWZA! I really enjoyed this haunting and thought-provoking book! Junior and Henrietta (Hen)live away from most people and they like it that away. It's quiet where they live away from the city sounds and lights. Then one day a man, Terrance, arrives and informs them that they have won a lottery of sorts and that Junior will be going away but don't worry, a replacement will be left in his place so that Hen doesn't have to be alone.

"We don’t get visitors. Not out here. We never have."

If I had to describe this book in one word that world would be UNIQUE! This is a quiet book and the tension and creepiness slowly seeps into the pages. As I read, I knew that something wasn't right, something was off, and wondered why isn't the couple asking more questions. I believe this book is going to get mixed reviews but for me, I loved the premise and loved how it examines marriage, loneliness, acceptance, science, etc. I also loved the Author's writing. It flowed effortlessly. One thing readers will have to get used to is Junior's dialogue. When he speaks, the Author does not use quotations. So, at times I wondered is he thinking or speaking out loud? But it soon becomes clear what is what.

This science fiction book is eerie, and I had a hard time putting it down. Readers are told that this book is set in the near future, but we are not told exactly how far in the future or where the book takes place. We know it takes place in a rural location but not where. I thought this was a nice touch. Readers are left to use their imagination about where and when this book takes place. For me this book took place in American's heartland and in an old farmhouse which we are told is surrounded by fields.

I found this book to be very enjoyable, well thought out and captivating. For those of you who are not sure about Science fiction or do not consider yourselves to be science fiction fans, I highly encourage you to give this book a try. It is not heavy on the science fiction and is quite enjoyable.

Thank you to Gallery, Threshold, Pocket books, Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I listened to Iain’s previous work, I’m Thinking of Ending Things and absolutely loved it. When I saw that I was approved for a review copy of his latest book, I was thrilled. This was a another book that made you think a bit. Iain seems to like to do that to his readers. I appreciate that aspect of the story but found the rest to be lacking. I did not think that the ending was shocking, I would say it was out of the blue, at best.
This was a fast passed read and I was able to finish it quickly but the story itself was forgettable for me. I highly recommend his previous work and slightly recommend this one.

Even after finishing this, I'm not sure that I can say that I really liked it.

I was intrigued by it and so very curious about everything that was going on here. The book kept me reading simply because I had to know!

And what the story was really about was surprising, compelling, and slightly horrifying.

I was impressed by the author's vision.

And I'm still not sure that I liked it.

As I think about it, I think that I would have preferred if the book was actually about what it seemed to be at first. That being said, I appreciated that the author had such a surprise in store.

*ARC Provided via Net Galley

Like his debut novel "I'm Thinking of Ending Things", "Foe" is both reflective and deeply unsettling. Though his writing is sparse and the action is not explicit, Reid has a unique way of creating suspense and a feeling of dread. Although I preferred his debut for its complexity and unique style, I was impressed by "Foe" and Reid's ability to tell express deep and philosophical musings through a science fiction story. While most readers will likely guess the twist at the end, that will not take away from the impact of the story. In fact the implications of the story and the characters will likely stick with readers long after they've finished the book. As a librarian I will definitely recommend "Foe" to readers looking for a psychological thriller, literary horror, or fans of "Black Mirror".

*3-3.5 stars = good

Junior and Henrietta live in a remote, rustic farmhouse surrounded by Big-Ag owned canola fields. Late one evening a man in a self-driving government car shows up at their door. He says his name is Terrance and he works for OuterMore, a space exploration firm with one leg in the government. He tells Junior he is SO lucky--he has been picked, lottery-style, to go to space to help with 'the Installation,' the first phase in a planned space resettlement station.

Because Junior will be gone for years, they will be providing Henrietta with someone to keep her company, keep her safe. Soon Terrance has moved in with them and is interviewing Junior, taking measurements and affixing monitors. What is all this for?

Junior is becoming suspicious...the reader probably always was. But in a very neat plot twist, Iain Reid turns everything on its head.

This was a very quick read. To me, it seemed to be an ingenious short story idea that was stretched to novel length.

I received an arc of this new book from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest opinion. Many thanks.

Foe by Iain Reid is a beautifully crafted story. I absolutely loved how the characters and plot developed and how intense such a simple premise could be. I tore through this novel, and the ending was satisfying and thought-provoking. A fantastic psychological thriller, I didn’t want it to end! would love to read more from this author

This was pretty much a whole lot of nothing. I had the mystery figured out by the 50% point, and the twist at the end was exactly what I expected. The horror was nonexistent and the entire story was a really slow burn, all fizzle and no boom. Not at all what I expected.

The best thing was this is a short read, I had so looked forward to reading this book based upon the reviews and the description but I felt it did not live up to either. Lately I seem to be going against the grain on several of my reviews compared to others, this book was far from taut or intense, I considered it slow with not a lot of room to grow, and I kept waiting to have something stellar happen or have a big surprise in the end, not so. The book does have you questioning a few things, if you read carefully you will realize things are not quite as they seem, but all and all it was the same thing over and over again. Terrance talking to Junior and Hen, Hen and Junior not talking, feeding the chickens, both going to work, even though they lived in a truly remote area, I don’t remember ever finding out where Hen worked, and Junior drove a truck that navigated the trip to the mill, he only entered the coordinates, the truck took him there. I found that odd.
The entire story takes place at the remote farm. I can only muster up a 3*** on this one. I did finish it, but it is not one of my favorite books by far. If you like an odd, rather different story this may be for you. I do think this story could have been really good if it would have developed both sides of the story, the farm and the “other” place. In the end, it left you with more questions than answers. But maybe I missed the point of it all.
I was given the opportunity to receive this book from Gallery/Scout Press through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Unfortunately, this one gets 3 stars.

This book captivated me more than I thought it would. Interestingly, I actually figured out the ending before the big reveal, yet I still found it shocking when the truth came out. I think this is because of the overwhelming feeling of uneasiness that permeates throughout the book. Although my guess as to the ending was ultimately correct, there were little nuances sprinkled throughout the narrative that had me second guessing and wondering if I would be wrong.

What I also find incredible about this book is that I didn't really like any of the three characters, I yet I was still drawn to them enough to keep me interested in the outcome of their story. This is incredibly rare for me, as unlikeable characters is often means for me to put down a book and never come back.

It's apparent to me how much thought the author put into this book. The smallest details are the pieces that ultimately made the story for me. I also believe there's something in here for everyone: psychological thriller, mystery, family drama, even a little bit of sci-fi and romance. I would definitely recommend this book to other readers.

This one was a bit different for me. This was my first intro to Iain Reid and while I enjoyed his writing style and it flowed smoothly, it was a bit different for me. Not a bad different, just different. Kinda like you been eating bananas all your life and suddenly, someone gives you an apple.

This book was a real psychological twister. You meet the married couple, Junior and Hen, when they get company at their isolated farmhouse. You sense something isn't quite right but the puzzle pieces don't fall into place until the very end.

Another "philosophical thriller" from the author of I'm Thinking Of Ending Things, though I must say I found this slightly less compelling. With only three characters, the story often feels claustrophobic and repetitive. I also found it easy to guess what was happening, though I still enjoyed the journey I was taken on. I also loved that Henrietta got her escape from the awful Junior at the end!

I have to start off by saying that I absolutely loved IAIN REID'S "I'm Thinking of Ending Things." I got an Advanced Review Copy of that book and was blown away by how unsettling it was. When I got the opportunity to read a preview copy of "FOE" I was so excited!
This book is high-class literary suspense, sprinkled with a bit of Science-Fiction. I opened late last night, and finished it in just under three hours. It was a book that gripped me from the start and didn't let up until it's poignant but devastating finish.
The story follows Henrietta and Junior, who live on a secluded farm at some point in the distant (or perhaps near?) future. When a strange man from a government corporation disrupts their routine life by claiming that Junior is a candidate for an initial space travel--one which will require him to leave his wife behind for a few years--everything begins to subtly change.
Reid piles on a lot of questions, fewer answers, and sharp psychological insights into married life. This novel is perhaps a philosophical exploration of what love and happiness are, and how sometimes they are not intertwined.
The novel isn't your traditional thriller, nor is it as unsettling as his first novel. But this is a masterclass in subtleties, and the ending pages will haunt my dreams for a long, long time. Not because they necessarily terrified me, but because I was left wondering how this experiment would have changed me. This is a surefire winner, and one to add to your reading lists and book clubs. Seriously. Don't miss this mind-bending, emotional, and all-out-weird read. It will probably linger in your dreams, too

Technology, exploration, marriage and identity are all at the forefront of Foe, a story that, in Iain Reid fashion, upholds feelings of unease and surprise right up to the end.

Junior and Hen – a married couple – live on their rural farm, happily and simply. One day, a government agent shows up with news that intrudes on their simple way of living, as individuals and as a pair. Set in a variant of the world we know, there is a definite air of unease from the first pages of this book, offering further evidence of Iain Reid’s excellence in psychological and speculative fiction.

As in his novel, I’m Thinking of Ending Things, there is a first person narrator – in this case, Junior – who is used not only to shape the psychological mystery of the plot, but to shape and develop certainties and doubts in the mind of the reader. With a pretty straightforward tone, Foe describes the potential of technological advancement while alluding to its downfalls, including intrusiveness and distinguishing the difference between natural change and unnatural progress.

Looking at it on the surface, the conclusion is a little too neat and tidy. However, with a deeper analysis of the story as a whole, of Junior and Hen from beginning to end, the significance of the conclusion is magnified tenfold. Sure, it leaves some questions, but if you don’t overlook the details it’s ultimately quite satisfying and deliciously shocking at the same time. Iain Reid has once again pulled the rug out from under us; Foe is unexpected, eye-widening, and truly enjoyable.

This review appears on my blog, There's Something About KM.

Set in the vague near-future, Junior and his wife Henrietta live a quiet life on a farm far from the city, surrounded by canola fields and dilapidated barns.

One evening their routine is broken when headlights appear on their long driveway.  A man named Terrance arrives with suprising news:  Junior has been placed on a long list of people to take part in the Installation created by the company OuterMore. (I don't want to spoil this book for you so you'll have to read to find out what the Installation is!)  If he's selected, Junior will be gone for an extended period of time, leaving Henrietta alone.

Henrietta begins to act strangely after Terrance leaves; aloof and quiet.  Eventually months pass and they fall back into a routine ...until Terrance comes back two years later to tell Junior that OuterMore has officially selected him for the Installation.  Terrance explains that he'll be staying with the couple for a while, getting to know them and taking notes to make the transition period for the Installation run smoothly.  He knows that Junior's biggest worry is leaving his wife alone and explains that OuterMore has taken care of this concern and now Henrietta will not be alone after all:  she'll have company.

Soon Terrance becomes an unwanted visitor in their home, asking strange and uncomfortable questions and even working Junior's job for him.  Henrietta acts as if she can't speak to her own husband anymore unless Terrance is gone, and even then her words are cryptic and seem to hold some sort of warning.
Junior doesn't want to be a part of the Installation anymore and he certainly doesn't want to leave Henrietta and he fears what he'll be leaving her with.

Foe is a sci-fi novel without much sci-fi. There's vaguely placed information but nothing concrete, leaving readers to use their imagination to fill in the gaps (and we all know that clever trick makes the story much creepier for readers).  It's an examination of love and human nature set in a strangely familiar yet futuristic atmosphere and it will creep. you. out.

Many thanks to Gallery/Scout Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.  Foe is scheduled for release on September 4, 2018.

Many thanks to Gallery Books and Netgalley for the chance to read and review this book!

July created a new obsession for me called Iain Reid. I finally decided to pick up I'm Thinking of Ending Things earlier in the month and was completely blown away by the writing and the storyline that kept me guessing from the very first page. Upon finishing, I had to hit up Netgalley for a copy of Foe - Iain's writing is absolutely electrifying!

As with his previous book, I was captivated from the very beginning of Foe. The story had an Orwellian vibe, similar to 1984, which happens to be one of my very favorite books. I was enthralled by the author's ability to keep me wondering what the heck was going on throughout the novel while giving me a trail of crumbs to keep me satisfied and turning the pages as rapidly as possible.

I'm not a blurb reader and recommend going into this story blind to feel the full weight of what's to come. I only ventured to read the first line, "We don’t get visitors. Not out here. We never have," and was practically foaming at the mouth. Give me all of the seclusion and unpredictability and I will be a happy camper. Based on the author's last novel, however, I expected more of a scary, suspenseful read. I was rewarded instead with a similar writing approach but a completely different plot. The creepy/scare factor wasn't there in the same context, but it did not prevent me from eating up every word. This shows the author's versatility in creating unique stories while maintaining the style I grew to love.

As I write this, I'm still awe-struck by Iain Reid's ability to create such a well-rounded story while the majority of the writing is vague, featuring quick sentences, odd punctuation (ingenious), and such few pages! As I came near the end, much like in his last book, I was worried all of my questions would not be answered. As soon as one starts to anticipate, the crazy train slams on the brakes. To say I haven't been this blown away by a book in ages is the understatement of the century. I did not see any of the twists coming, something that is incredibly rare for me these days, and for that, I couldn't be more grateful. 

Foe is infused with a depth that doesn't quite make sense until the very end as it explores relationships and the toll they take on us in our daily lives and routines. In such a character-driven novel, it was fascinating to watch the characters play off of one another. Every moment of dialogue served an important purpose - not a word goes to waste.

One of my favorite things about this book was the implied ending. Many authors try to do this and fail miserably, leaving readers with too many unanswered questions. The events at the end of the book were clear, without being deliberately stated. I found it to be a truly clever ending to an outstanding read. I am hungover! I can't imagine starting another book while my brain is still replaying the movie of this story! Speaking of movies, this would make one of the most exciting book-to-screen adaptions I can think of. I'm sold on this author's work and will continue to pick up anything he puts out. He's genius!

Foe releases on September 4th, but you can pre-order today!

Thanks to Netgalley for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review! This was a fast paced page turner for me that kept me connected and wondering throughout. I couldn't put it down. I really liked this author's previous book (I'm Thinking Of Ending Things) and I really like this one as well.

This is an unsettling kind of book where you're always questioning what exactly is going on. It gives you that low-grade fear/uncertainty feeling that something is really wrong but you can't put your finger on it. You just know it, a strange knowing, that continues to bug you all the way through.

Then it's revealed what exactly is going on and you're thrown for one loop on top of another loop at the end. By the end of the story you're like okay, this is starting to make some sense now, only to get to the ending, to then be like WOW, DAMN, WHO'S FOOLING WHO HERE NOW?! You will have no idea what I'm saying unless you read it. I feel like I can't say much without giving much away but keep reading and watch out for the ending of the story! It's a doozy. It's also a reminder of do you truly know someone/can you truly ever really know someone/do you want to really know someone or are you making them who you want them to be? And it's a look at the complexities of relationships, identity, and being human, and what it means to be human, and what exactly an identity is and what it's made up of, and what it means to be "real".

This is a deep, dark, and complex book when you look below the surface of the story and see it from a deeper perspective. Even on the surface it's a nail biting, what is going on, I'm kinda creeped out but not sure exactly why yet until the end kind of story. I feel like this would be a good movie to watch if they could pull off the story from the book and the same feelings it gives you.

Definitely going to read more from this author!

Thank you Gallery and netgalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for my honest review.

Junior and Henrietta are a married couple living out in the middle of nowhere and that's how they like it. They never get visitors until one day, a strange man dressed in business attire comes up to their house and tells them that Junior has won a lottery to be the first to travel to Space to start a new colony. Henrietta will have to stay behind. Junior is hesitant about this, but has no choice. He has to go. Henrietta won't be alone as she stays behind. The man in the suit has a plan for her: he's going to allow someone to stay with her, someone she knows quite well: an exact copy of Junior himself. Is Junior okay with this? Is he ready to go to space? Will Henrietta be okay with this? Will she love the clone more or less than Junior himself? What is this space colony really like? 

There's a lot more to this story, but I don't want to give too much away. This is such a good book! I read the whole thing in one day. This has your brain rattling the whole time. It's a wonderful, quick read that is full of suspense and mystery. You keep asking yourself questions throughout and, don't worry, you'll get the answers. WOW. What a cool movie this would be too! I loved this book so much and recommend it to everyone. I can't wait to read it again and talk with friends about it! The ending blows your mind! I need to go back and read Iain's other book right away. 

5/5 Stars

This book was not for me, I tried to get into it, but it just seemed like nothing was happening. Unfortantly, I did not get very far before setting it down. I will be letting Chapter Chatter Pub know about its release.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers of Foe for allowing me to read an advance copy, in digital form, of this anticipated novel. This is a review of the advanced digital copy read on July of 2018.

I was late to the I’m Thinking of Ending Things party, barely reading it earlier this year (2018); however, it is one of my favorite reads this year. The story and its characters continued to haunt me days, weeks upon finishing the story. Once I’ve recovered from the Novel (…Ending Things), I looked up Iain Reid and was pleasantly surprised to find out that he was readying a new novel to release later in the year—Foe. Between I’m Thinking of Ending Things and Foe, Iain Reid is easily becoming one of my favorite authors.

Foe tells the story of a married couple, Junior and Henrietta (Hen), living their life in a secluded, quiet, and undisclosed location. They never get any visitors where they live and they were happy with that… until one night. Everything changes the night Terrance, a representative of an organization called OuterMore, knocks on their door and invites Junior to participate in an opportunity of a lifetime. From there, the story takes off where relationships, intentions, and intuitions are tested in this gripping, mind-bending mystery that will invite you in and will not let you leave until it is time for departure.

I’ve grown to appreciate Reid’s writing style—quick, short, sparse sentences. It took me a while to get used to it in I’m Thinking of Ending Things; however, being familiar with his [Reid’s] writing style now, I was able to get into Foe more easily. I find the writing style fitting to understand the narrator’s (Junior) way of thinking and his perception of the way events unfold. The book is fairly short, broken down to three parts with a little over 60 short chapters. The short chapters are effective as they build tension in the story and keeps the reader wanting to know what is going to happen next. Although short, readers still get a full sense of the overall journey and story of each of its characters by the end. I got through the book in less than two days, with one of the days being completely captivated by the story and not wanting to put it down as I kept wanting to know more and where the story is going. This is also a book that is very re-readable. Reid throws in details in the book that make sense by the end, so readers will be excited to go back and re-read the book and find those little details.

The mood of the book is one that is very eerie, mysterious, and, at times, unnerving. Reid does a great job setting the tone right from the beginning and continuing it throughout. I personally enjoy novels with this type of tone, so it grabbed me from the first sentence and didn’t let go. The setting alone—secluded farmhouse— just screams eerie, and then adding a strange visitor in the mix that the couple allows into their home to follow them around on a daily basis is just unsettling. The narration of the story makes you feel almost as if you are a voyeur into the home as you follow Junior’s thoughts and day to day living. The ambiguity of the characters’ intentions continuously leaves the reader wondering where the story is going; there were moments where I thought I had it all figured out only to find that I was completely wrong once the twist was revealed. Reid does a great job tackling feelings and situations that people go through on a daily basis and taking them step further—being afraid of being alone or leaving loved ones behind, connecting with a partner, and analyzing where one is in life and if they are truly happy.

Overall, Foe is a great second novel by Iain Reid. I was fortunate to not have had to wait too long for it to be released as I just found out about him earlier this year; however, had I had to wait two years, I would say that this novel would have been worth the wait, following I’m Thinking of Ending Things. A few days after finishing it, I’m still left thinking about it and eagerly want to discuss It with other people, just as I did with his previous novel. When a novel can get you to think about it for so long and wanting to re-read it right away, that’s how you know it’s a great novel. I can’t recommend this book enough but I also don’t want to give too much away. The best way to read this book is definitely going into it knowing as little as possible. Just pick it up, read, and be engrossed in the story that is Foe.

Foe will be available on 8/7/18 in Canada and on 9/4/18 in the United States.