Fable for the End of the World took me back to the glory days of dystopia. This book knowingly takes inspiration from The Hunger Games, but it did not copy or disgrace the subject material. It was honoring without mimicking. I really appreciated that Reid acknowledged her inspiration and that it didn't feel trite.

The setup of this book was fantastic. It had the games aspect of The Hunger Games, oppression of women that reminded me of The Handmaid's Tale, and a quality to the games that reminded me of Immortal Longings. I love THG and IL, but the similarities to THT gave me pause. It wasn't just similar in theme, but in bleakness. While I respected the points the author was trying to make, she did not give the characters, and therefore the reader, hope.

It was this lack of hope that kept me from loving the book. Because love the book I did--at the beginning. When I had hope that a happy ending was attainable. However, at about the 70% mark, I realized there wasn't time for the author to give this society a happy ending. I could've accepted that, but the ambiguous ending for the two main characters, I couldn't forgive.

I hope Reid will try dystopia again, because this was a solid start. However, the relationship and societal problems could've used the time a duology would've given them. I love and appreciate a good standalone, but this story needed more time to develop.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

**Thank you for the publishers & to NetGalley for giving me an arc in exchange for an honest review.**

My first introduction to Ava Reid was Lady MacBeth and it became one of my favorite books of 2024. Fable for the End of the World has become one of my favorite books of 2025. Yes even this early on.

This book is a love letter to dystopian and it really has to vibes of all of our favorite YA early 2010s dystopian novels. Ava Reid did an amazing portrayal of how survival is based on human compassion and companionship. Mel & Inesa were two complex characters with simple convictions, thus made them relatable and lovable. The sapphic love story was amazingly done. The ending had me shocked and I’m hoping we get a small short epilogue with a happy ending for them both cause my girls deserve it.

Thank you Harper Collins and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Boy this one felt relevant.

Capitalist dictators rule the world and have brought citizens to subservience via crippling debt.
!!!
Besides the obvious current world parallels, it was clear the book followed in some very large YA footsteps. Hunger Games is identified by the author as her inspiration, but with themes like murder, rampant greed, desensitization,and objectification, I couldn’t help also associating the premise with some of Atwood’s works. It definitely had my brain processing plot possibilities with every new page.
Amidst the soul crushing premise, Reid also manages to weave an impossible enemies-to-lovers sapphic romance. My only critique would be wishing this part of the story had been more fleshed out. At times the connection felt like it lacked the level of believability that I so desperately longed for.

This book is like a love letter to ‘00s dystopian YA like The Hunger Games and Uglies, and as a massive fan of the genre, I was so excited to receive an ARC!

Ava’s writing pulls you in immediately, and the world she constructs feels realistic and prescient. I mean, an omni-corporation who will drone-lift you anything you want at the touch of a button, until you’re so far in their debt you have to sell yourself (or a loved one) to The Gauntlet, everyone’s favorite streaming reality show/death competition? Unfortunately, very plausible!

If you’re in the mood for:
🧬 Dystopian, near-future sci-fi/fantasy
🧬 Sapphic ETL
🧬 Hunter x Hunted dynamic
🧬 Dangerous landscapes & creatures
🧬 Fighting for survival
🧬 Corporation slander

Then I think you’ll really enjoy this book!

Thank you so much to Harper-Collins for the gifted ARC and finished copy of the Deluxe Edition! 🥹

3.75 Stars
I was so incredibly excited to read this book because Ava Reid wrote it and it was a call back to the YA dystopian books I read in my teens and early twenties. I really enjoyed the gritty drowned setting and build-up of politics that led to this world. In typical Reid style, the parents were awful and I loved that. It gives messy family dynamics while still having supportive characters like Inesa’s brother. I felt like the characters were well fleshed out for a dynamic YA standalone novel and was pleasantly surprised to be pretty invested in Inesa and Melinoë in a relatively short book.

For me though, I may just be past my YA dystopian with a grand love story obsession days. The love story felt rushed, and while it seemed believable due to trauma bonding, it could have been fleshed out better. It may have also been a disservice to this book that I was reading the Earthseed duology alongside this.

Either way, I really did enjoy this for what it was; a dynamic sapphic love story thrown into a fight for survival. I can’t help but think that if I was ten years younger I would have made this book my whole personality.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins for providing an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.

I absolutely loved Lady Macbeth and while I am aware this is a very different genre, knowing how well the author can write just left me disappointed. This is yet another Hunger Games, battle to the death, class disparity, story, which I don't have a problem with, when the world is fully built and doesn't just leave huge plot holes everywhere.

The romance, sadly, was also lacking, because for a good enemies-to-lovers journey, you need some substance and character growth, and here there was very little of that. One moment one girl is trying to kill the other and the next they're in love.

The final complaint is the ending. It just sucked. This very much feels like a discount Hunger Games, and I don't know if the point of the ending is to do a surprise duology or trilogy but this just did not work for me.

4.5 ⭐️

Fable for the End of the World is a YA dystopian novel that follows two 17-year-old girls, Inesa and Melinoë, who are at the mercy of the company-driven government of New Amsterdam in two very different ways. A company by the name of Caerus essentially runs the entire nation as a business, controlling every facet of society and squeezing as much profit out of the people and land as possible. The entire economy is based on debt owed to Caerus for all living expenses from basic necessities to luxuries. When someone has surpassed a certain amount of debt to Caerus, they are chosen to participate in a highly publicized Gauntlet wherein they have 13 days to evade death while being hunted by an Angel. Angels are girls who have been physically augmented with technology and other procedures to make them into unfeeling killing machines. Melinoë is one of them. Inesa lives with her brother and mother in a small destitute town, doing everything in her power to protect herself and her brother from debt. She still gets forced into participating in her own Gauntlet, and Melinoë is the Angel hunting her.

I thought the concept of this novel was really strong as well as feeling relatable in some ways given current events. While I found the world-building compelling, I wish Ried had gone into a bit more detail about how the climate disasters and political relations with surrounding nations came to be; they felt just brushed upon rather than wholly fleshed out. There was a part in the last quarter of the book that explains some more world-building with Caerus’ ascent to power, and I wish that was added in earlier in the narrative to support the reader’s understanding of the government’s machinations better.

The dynamic between Inesa and Melinoë felt realistic in my opinion. In a survival setting where cooperation is needed for survival along with both people being teenagers, I didn’t mind the near insta-love that the girls experienced. I also liked that the ending wasn’t just all of their problems being wrapped up in a nice little bow, it added to the desperation and yearning for a better world that is explored throughout the novel. The open-endedness of the ending added a realistic sense of hope for both the characters and the issues that Ried was commentating on in the real world.

Overall I enjoyed Fable for the End of the World, and I would like to thank NetGalley and Harper Collins for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great dystopian stand alone! I could see the inspiration from the common dystopian books of the early 2000s but was a fresh take and kept me hooked. Finished it in less than 24 hours since I didn't want to put it down.

3.5 stars rounded down

I really, really wanted to love this book. Everything about the premise felt like something that would work for me, but it unfortunately did not quite hit the mark. I absolutely adored Ava's other books! This story just felt like it was *so* close to scratching the dystopian "fight to the death" itch that I've had, but it ended up floating rather awkwardly between Fantasy and Sci-Fi. When reading a dystopian novel, I REALLY want the setting and plot to reflect what the characters are experiencing. I felt somewhat immersed in the style of the writing, but it just didn't have that sci-fi grit to it that I've come to expect and love.

I don't think that Ava is really capable of writing a *bad* book, just ones that slightly miss the "vibes" mark. I think this is one I'll likely reread to see if I feel better about it, because in my heart I truly wanted to love every second of it! Some of the most climactic scenes have stuck with me and worked relatively well, but I can't help but to feel like there were a few moments in which Ava could've really chosen to *wow* the audience.

As always, all my thanks to both the Publisher and NetGalley for allowing me the chance to review one of my dream ARCs!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this title!

1.5 rounded up. I've liked a couple of Ava Reid's adult fantasy novels but this missed the mark for me personally. The vibe of the book kind of feels all over the place to me and I kept forgetting that I was reading a dystopian/scifi and not fantasy. That's probably at least partially because it's what I'm used to from the author but I think the cover also gives heavy fantasy vibes and it kept throwing me off.

In theory most of the moving pieces here should have worked for me, but things just never clicked into place. I didn't find myself very compelled by Inesa or Melinoë either and ended up getting bored by them and their hunt pretty quickly. The world building also felt a little half-baked and like it was a throwing spaghetti at the wall type of situation. I also don't know if it's just me being too woke but I didn't love "Wends" as a concept because it felt like it was just pulling directly from Indigenous myth in a way that felt silly and out of place within the rest of the story.

Ultimately I wasn't really into this one but I appreciate the opportunity to read it early.

I had really high hopes for this book, since I absolutely adore Ava Reid’s writing. Unfortunately, while the world building was good and I liked the setting, it reminded me of 2010s dystopian books and movies, I just couldn’t get into the romance bit. I found it to be too unbelievable and disingenuous — I couldn’t get into it and couldn’t stay focused on reading, I had to force myself to get through the book as a result.

My YA Dystopia loving heart is so happy. Thank you so much Ava Reid & Harper Collins for sending me an ARC of Fable for the End of the World.

In the same vein as The Hunger Games and Divergent, this story cleverly subverts the dystopian story we know so well. A beautiful queer rep, and a vividly illustrated world.

Inesa and Melinoë's slowly and intricately built relationship is beautiful to behold, and I'm a bit sad that this is a standalone.

This is simply a must-read and definitely worth adding to the top of your TBR for 2025!

Omg- in this day and age… I’m SO thankful I was granted an eARC for this one. Hear me out…. If you want to read something like the hunger games, but not the hunger games… this one is perfect (plus, it’s sapphic?! Like yes pleeeease)

Due to the current situation we find ourselves in (living in the US) I’ve been wanting to pick up the hunger games but honestly… it’s never been my jam. I wanted to read this one because it was sapphic (and by Ava Reid) and honestly it surpassed my expectations.

I appreciated the romancé despite the situations because it gave me some hope, or made things not feel as… dystopian. Which is something I find true IRL.

Def a case where it mimics reality and prob wouldn’t recommend if that gives you too much doom anxiety but I do think it’s worth the read

First, I’m always the fan of the political messaging behind dystopian novels and I think the world was clear. Very Elon taking over the government, and if they announced gauntlet style games in America tomorrow I’d believe it.

My main issue is that I don’t believe romantic love and trust can thrive under these conditions. And I know that’s ~ the point ~ but I just didn’t believe it. I liked Mel and Inesa, I just wanted so much more from them and for them.

I’m desperate to find an Ava Reid book I love because I SHOULD love them! They have all the makings of a book I’d be really into but unfortunately, the two I’ve read have fallen flat.

They are clearly consumable, I’ve read both of them in a day, and all her other books are on my TBR. I just want one of them to really WOW me.

Thank you to HaperCollins for the ARC!

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

To begin this review, I must say that I will certainly be purchasing a copy of the Barnes and Noble Exclusive as soon as it is released, as this narrative was exceptional in every aspect. Typically, I believe that a book's cover can significantly influence its appeal, and in this case, the cover instantly captured my interest, compelling me to read it without prior knowledge of its content. I am truly thankful to have been approved for this reading. Moving forward, I want to highlight that this story masterfully blends romance, dystopian world-building, action, suspense, and violence, all while remaining suitable for a young adult audience. The plot was well-structured, thoughtfully crafted, fast-paced, and rich in detail, ensuring that there was never a dull moment, making it an ideal one-sitting read. The characters were outstanding; their development was beautifully portrayed, showcasing themes of self-discovery and transformation that I found both inspiring and moving. In summary, this young adult sapphic romantasy is a must-read for anyone who enjoys titles like The Hunger Games, The Uglies, or The Last of Us.

4.25 stars! This was probably the most captivating hunger games-esque story I’ve read since the actual hunger games. It was interesting getting to see perspectives from both sides of the conflicts and such a deep dive into the emotions of those forced into this hunter/hunted dynamic. I also very much enjoyed watching the character growth throughout the book. I was mildly dissatisfied with the ending being a bit more open then I prefer but it does feel necessary since this isn’t a subject matter that will ever be summed up and wrapped in a nice bow in one book. I think that this displayed such a wonderful array of interpersonal relationships between family, friends, lovers, and even held a great deal of introspection. This is absolutely a book I can see many people loving especially seeing some similarities to modern day (nothing extreme but some descriptions of this dystopian world felt rather reminiscent to now).

Ava Reid has been an autobuy author for me since I finished a Study in drowning and I can’t wait to continue to read her work and watch her grow even more

DNF @ 25% (May revisit in the future)
I had high hopes for this book. I love Ava Reid’s early books, though her last few had been misses for me, and this was marketed as a love letter to the dystopians of 2010s. A genre I was deep in during that era. And the premise of this book was intriguing. The execution unfortunately could’ve been better.
I think its biggest challenge was that it was trying to do too much. It was trying to hit all the tropes found in other dystopians that it came across as unnatural and more like a box to check off. Then Reid was trying to do too much when it came to what it was trying to comment on. For example, here it was trying to be commentary on crippling debt and social media and environmentalism and reality tv. Then it was trying to balance family problems too and that’s just Inesa. That’s not taking in all the things going on with the other narrator. And I got all that from just the 25% I did read before DNFing. I think if Reid took some more time to workshop all these things, I believe she would’ve found a way to make them work or decide which to save for a different book.
The reason I ended up DNFing was in part because everything was coming across too heavy handed. The messaging lacked subtlety. Same with the motivations. Those were told to us outright and set up in too nice of wrapped box that it felt unnatural. But my breaking point was when Inesa was nominated as the sacrificial lamb for the upcoming games. Not only was it so disappointing because I saw it coming and who would nominate her from chapter one, but in that instant I saw that our two FMCs were going to have no real agency in this story. What makes the Hunger Games brilliant, what many new dystopian authors inspired by the Hunger Games are missing when it comes to these deadly games is agency. Katniss took back the agency in this story the moment she willingly and freely chose to volunteer for her sister. And immediately her actions are shown to be brave and of her own choice when we are told how no one in her district ever volunteered and shown with how none of Peeta’s brothers volunteer for him. With that moment, the moment that truly kick starts the story, Katniss chose her path. Inesa didn’t chose to be the lamb to save her family. It was chosen for her. And my biggest pet peeve with many new releases I’ve been reading is the lack of agency in the main characters. Or the poor attempt at agency but really it is a cheap mask to try to convince the reader to not look at the author’s hands obviously in view puppeting everything.
I walked into this book with so much hope I would love it as much as I loved Reid’s early works. Those are some of the most beautiful stories I’ve read with poignant messagings. The last two I’ve read by her have been disappointing. They’ve felt rushed and half baked. With both I could see the potential, see how brilliantly they could’ve been, but have been instead left wanting and disappointed. I think there definitely is an audience for this book. I ate up some less then stellar dystopians back in the day. However, if you are expecting a beautifully written story in the way the Hunger Games is, I fear you may walk away a little disappointed like me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for providing an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.

3.5⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

While the entire premise and setting of this book had me intrigued, it unfortunately fell a little flat for me. I love a good dystopian book, so I was excited to see the summary of The Last of Us meets The Hunger Games; and don't get me wrong, the world building was ultimately easy to understand and I also appreciated the complexities of the different characters. but that was about it. The first few chapters had me hooked, but then it really started to lack in the pacing and it dragged a bit for me and I couldn't tell which path the story was going to take. I fully expected the book to be fast paced and addicting the entire way through. The romance aspect of this happened so suddenly and then fell flat because of the ending, I was so sad (without actually giving away a minor spoiler).

Overall, I felt that Fable for the End of the World was thought provoking in its own way with the setup of the world and complex characters. I appreciated the dystopian realm and felt so sad that it fell so short.

Fable for the End of the World by Ava Reid is a dystopian novel that explores the consequences of a world torn apart by climate disasters, corporate overreach, and gruesome spectacle. In this world, those who fall into deep debt have the option to nominate themselves, or someone in their family, for a challenge called the Gauntlet. In each Gauntlet, the chosen "Lamb" is pursued by a highly trained assassin, known as "Angels." Inesa is one such Lamb, who is ultimately betrayed by her mother and nominated to the Gauntlet. Melinöe is the Angel assigned to Inesa's Gauntlet, instructed with creating the most compelling spectacle possible and redeeming herself in the eyes of Caerus, the company that controls almost every aspect of life. However, things become complicated for Melinöe when she finds herself stranded with Inesa and she realizes that maybe their situation is more complex than she was trained to believe.

This book had a fantastic start and really compelled me for the first few chapters as Reid built out the world and societal structure of Fable for the End of the World! However, as the plot progressed, the novel became quite slow-paced and never truly took off in the way that I expected. There was a lot of potential to expand the narrative surrounding Inesa's father, the Drowned Country, and the notion of reaching beyond Caerus control that wasn't explored as much as I hoped. I think that Reid creates some very compelling critique here, but I didn't feel as connected to Inesa and Melinöe as I might have liked. Ultimately, I was left wanting more at the end of the book and feeling a bit unresolved in terms of these characters' and their story.

I could not put this book down! I was standing in the kitchen reading it while simultaneously cooking lunch. It is bringing some much needed intensity and attention back to the YA dystopian genre.

Inesa is a delightfully flawed and refreshingly normal teenager who's running from her life from a deadly assassin in a government-controlled game where debts are repaid in blood. Melinoe is the assassin tasked with killing Inesa, while battling with her own inner demons and fighting the expectations placed on her by the corporation that created her.

The dystopian world they live in is well thought out and original. It was easy to slide right into the fantasy and follow along. My one catch was how quickly the MCs switch from hunter/prey to lovers (a matter of days) but I've come to expect that in books these days. I would have loved to see it thrashed out more across two or three books. Otherwise, a wonderful read!