A new pandemic is sweeping the globe and this one has different long-term effects on any survivors … they have a feeling of utter contentment. These survivors no longer feel greed, stress, or even a drive to be the best. Is there a problem with always being happy? Some would say, “Yes!” While people are working hard to create a vaccine that would stop the virus, others are working on a way to spread it faster. Who will win out? Are humans about to become extinct?

All Better Now is a stand-alone science fiction story that hits very close to home after our recent COVID-19 pandemic. The science is a little past our current science, but not so far advanced that it isn’t plausible soon. Shusterman created characters on both sides of the issue that are easy to relate to and no matter which side you are rooting for … the ending is satisfying. All Better Now is a fun read for sci-fi fans.

So for starters I am a Neal Shusterman fan! But this one, for over 500 pages, I felt like not enough was happening at times? Granted, I still really enjoyed it, and I’ll be curious to know how it evolves in the next book because I think we have just set the scene..for chaos! Let's go.

I loved the premise of a virus taking over and making people happy/content/grateful, and hopeful for their lives and the aha moment they have no matter what their previous conditions were.

I think it will continue to bring up a lot of big questions on human nature, how people react when faced with a crisis, in this case, a virus that seems to “change” you, even if for the better.

There are those who hide away out of fear or protection (or both) and others who embrace it. I like that we get characters in all these spaces so we can see how they are all reacting to the same situation. There’s a good amount of conflict, and both sides feel strongly that they are right. Which then leads to all sorts of typical human chaos, destruction, and potential war.

But the question is, is the world better off when everyone gets out of their own way, forgives themselves, and is always good to others? Or do we need a mixture of dark and light to persevere?

I do think the ending of this was predictable, but that’s not always a bad thing! The way it all went down was worth the ride. And again, you can tell this is just the beginning. I’m curious to see all the character arcs and if anyone changes their viewpoint as the story progresses.

I did find it very interesting to flip the storyline, especially coming off a recent pandemic, to have this virus that appears to be doing good rather than harm. As humans, I think it’s frightening either way.

Thank you to @netgalley and #simonandschuster for this ARC

I love Neal Shusterman’s books. This book is scarily real. A play off of the very worse of the pandemic, Shusterman takes the idea of the pandemic and mixes a bit of realism and fantasy. A bit confusing on the character switching, it may be helpful to lead into each chapter with who their names that would be great.

All Better Now was a sharp and inventive thriller that flipped the usual pandemic narrative on its head. In a world where happiness becomes a literal contagion, the book raised fascinating questions about what it truly means to be content and who benefits from societal discontent. The premise alone hooked me, but it was the trio of teens at the heart of the story who kept me invested.
The characters were vividly drawn, each bringing a unique perspective to the unfolding chaos. Whether grappling with the virus’s euphoric aftereffects, the moral implications of spreading happiness, or the darker agendas of those in power, their journeys were compelling and emotionally charged. I particularly enjoyed how the author explored themes of free will, societal control, and the lengths people will go to protect—or dismantle—systems of power.
The pacing was relentless, balancing tense action sequences with quieter, thought-provoking moments. The author's signature knack for blending big ideas with intimate character arcs shone throughout. My only minor complaint was that some of the world-building felt a little under-explored, leaving me wanting more details about the virus’s origins and the societal shifts it caused.
Still, All Better Now was an engrossing read that left me pondering long after I turned the final page. It was both a cautionary tale and an exploration of the human condition, wrapped in an addictive YA package. If you’re a fan of speculative fiction with high stakes and moral complexity, this book is a must-read.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I was excited to get into this one based on the premise, but disappointed when I actually did get into it. By 20% I wasn't entertained enough to want to continue reading. It feels like more of a speculation on COVID instead of a unique plot that also happens to center around a virus. I don't know, maybe this would have been better in 10 years when the YA audience (who's parents went though COVID) are mature enough to draw parallels to the novel and reality. I enjoy Shusterman's style of writing so if that is enough to keep you, then you might enjoy more than I did. Thank you as always to the publisher and Netgalley!

I was immediately pulled in by the premise of this book but unfortunately it fell flat for me. The use case of multiple POVs was distracting and some of the random backstory given seemed really unnecessary. Morgan was unbearable and not in an interesting way that made her a good villain. Then we get to the ending and it all feels like it’s unfinished.

I could not get into this book. It felt unnecessarily long, and compared to Shusterman's other books, crawled by at snail speed. I am not a reader who avoids longer books, quite the contrary, but after several days of not being engaged with this story and realizing I was only at 20 percent, I had to call it quits.

The entire pandemic scenario felt too close to home, and I couldn't really empathize with any of the main characters, who felt one-dimensional The multiple side plots were distracting, and why in the world did we need a forced romance? Please no. Not every book needs a love story, especially a
YA book.

Neal. Shusterman is an excellent writer and creative storyteller. I've liked his other series and suggest you give this book a try too if the blurb appeals.

I won't be posting this review on other sites because I do not want to inadvertently discourage other readers from giving this book a chance. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

perfect! I have been in such a reading slump for weeks and this was the perfect palette cleanser! It had the perfect amount of action and character development to keep the pace moving. I think this would be a great read for sci-fi and dystopian fans but also for those new to the genre. It's labeled YA but I'd say this is a great thought provoking read for everyone! There were a few small aspects that pulled me out of the story just a tad but I'm definitely already looking forward to the next installment in this series.

Another dystopian book by Neil Shusterman that was engaging. I really enjoyed the premise and it was thought provoking. I did read it rather quickly, but not as quickly as Dry, which I read in one sitting. The characters were interesting and well developed. I am still deciding how I feel about the ending.

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

#AllBetterNowBook #NetGalley.

Whew. I need to discuss this one so badly!

A few years after coronavirus, a new virus has started spreading around the world. While a good number of people do die from the illness, those that survive find bliss, peace, joy, and great empathy. Surviving has already led many wealth, powerful people to renounce their fortunes and set out to find a way to do good or just enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Those who haven't had it yet vary wildly between living in fear of such a massive personality change or wanting it.

One of our main characters, Tiburon, has one such father. A wealthy man with a myriad of children and exwives is terrified of catching the virus and losing his wealth. Tiburon on the other hand has struggled with depression for much of his young life and thinks it might not be so bad.

Mariel has been parentified by her child like mother and when she loses her to the virus she tries to seek out the peace the virus brings to no avail. This immunity leads her on an interesting bath as the virus unfolds.

And then there's Morgan. Morgan is a prodigy and at 19 is bequeathed the control of a powerful consortium with the aim of setting out to stop this virus and find a cure. She'll stop at nothing, even a shoddy "cure" to keep the virus at bay.

This was a fascinating look at a complex problem. Is being more empathetic and happy really a problem? Partially when those experience it are willing to help others to the point of harm to themselves. Then the way the characters evolve is gripping.

I'm going to be thinking about this one for a long time. Please read it so I can talk to you about it!!!!!

An epic, philosophical masterpiece!

This amazing, thought-provoking, moral dilemma-wrestling, dystopian thriller centers upon a new airborne virus Crown Royale, a next generation COVID-19, that leaves those surviving it with an intense sense of happiness, contentment, euphoria. They no longer crave “stuff” and instead feel a deep altruistic drive to give their possessions away as well as leap in to help others in need.

The recoverees want everyone to experience this, even if it means some deaths along the way during a typical 4-day virus recovery period. They see the virus as offering the best possible evolution of humankind away from our base hostile instincts. But some of the world’s wealthiest individuals and corporations, who thrive off human greed, consumerism and strife, want to stop this new virus in its tracks.

Three older teens get swept up in this battle for the future of humankind: Mariel, who’s the only human known to have immunity to the virus, Ron a mega-spreader of the virus who’s the son of a mega-wealthy family who pre-virus struggled with depression and suicidal tendencies, and Morgan, a protegee who unexpectedly becomes the heir of a controlling woman who mandates that Morgan must use all her inherited wealth to eradicate the virus. Ron emerges from the virus wanting to save humanity by giving the virus to as many people as possible with Mariel drawn to his side to counter his more radical impulses. Morgan takes ambitiously and passionately to her mission to shut down the virus, going completely over the top in what that might mean.

All converge on a protected subterranean lab in buried deep in Northern ice to heart-pounding ending that leaves open the possibility of a sequel (yeah!).

While marketed as a young adult novel, this amazing book will appeal to adults just as strongly. Just thought-provokingly brilliant!

Thanks to Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy.

It took a bit for me to fully feel engaged with this book, but when I did, it made me recall just why I loved reading science fiction-y books when I was in high school. The possibilities of a different world are so intriguing and I felt fully aware to all the opportunities and the possible pitfalls. I would think that a smart high school student would be thrilled to read this and as an adult, I also really enjoyed how cleverly Shusterman posed questions and created situations. I can't wait until my grandson is old enough to read this!

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. It is so timely and thoughtful and fun!

Wow! Neal delivers with another page turning dystopian. Really eye opening book, I found myself switching sides constantly. On paper everyone just being happy sounds great, but in actuality there are some clear negatives. The more the virus progresses, the more you are forced to really think. This seems to be a standalone, but I could see it turning into a series.

✨ Neal Shusterman has delivered another masterpiece! All Better Now is a must-read release of the year.

✨ From its intriguing premise to its action-packed, fast-paced storytelling, this book does not disappoint. It’s clever, thought-provoking, and poses fascinating philosophical questions about happiness, contentment, and their impact on global markets.

✨ I immediately felt a connection with Mariel, our fiercely relatable FMC, and absolutely adored Dame Madame Havilland—what a standout character! In fact, every character is richly developed, with complex motivations that kept me invested throughout.

✨ As a long-time fan of Shusterman (I loved *Scythe*), I was thrilled to see this ARC on NetGalley. While categorized as YA, *All Better Now* feels just as fitting—and compelling—for adult readers.

✨ One of my favorite aspects was the inclusion of “Elsewhere” chapters, which offered glimpses into the pandemic’s impact across the globe, from Tokyo to Brazil. These interludes added depth and context, enriching the story's already expansive world.

🧗Warning: The book ends with a cliffhanger! But it’s a satisfying one that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment.

❌ Potential Triggers: Readers with pandemic-related PTSD, medical anxiety, or sensitivities surrounding death (including family loss) should proceed with caution, as these themes are explored.

Here’s the central question posed by the story:
❓If you could catch a virus that gives you a 96% chance of lifelong contentment—but with a 4% risk of death—would you take the chance?
✨ This moral dilemma drives much of the narrative and will leave you thinking long after the final page.

This was a chunky science fiction story that I think could have been tightened up. For a story like this to keep my attention it has to move at a pace that continually keeps me motivated either by the curiosity of the world, a mystery, a romance, murder, etc.

This one felt like all worldbuilding without other motivating factors for me to continue. I'm not worried about it being "too close" the actual pandemic to be something to be written and read in the spin that Shusterman takes- that's super creative. Though, I wanted it to feel similar to the dystopians of yore (Delirium, The Hunger Games, Divergent) but it lacked the punch, it felt like it rode the pandemic that we all remember and didn't build enough of a story around it. Certainly just my thoughts. Would it be different listening to it? Maybe.

Massive points for an awesome cover connected to the crux of the "illness" causing discontent among those in power.

Wow.
I just finished this after midnight, my second reading session. That ending made me check to see if this is a standalone. The real question...would you rather risk dying to never feel true sadness again, or never risk dying from the virus and never feeling happiness or contentment again? I believe the choice is both personal and polarizing in the fun, talk about it for an hour at book club kinda way over lots of candy and adult beverages. What if the choice wasn't up to you? The ideas and world building in this book is beautiful. My only issue is the realization that I never have and probably won't from this book remember a single individual character from any of the five books I've read by the same author. Definitely going to have a good think about why that is. Overall, worth an evening or two and would be a fun TV series. I often think Neal's work would be amazing on the big screen. Thank you for the opportunity to read this arc and share my opinion. I enjoyed this book and my experience reading it was fun. 4/5 stars.

I went into this thinking “Oh boy, another Covid book”. I was thrilled when it didn’t follow the Covid guidelines that we had to follow and was its own twist. I appreciated how different this book was and I hadn’t read anything like it.

I’ve loved so many of Neal Shusterman’s books so I was really excited for this one! It was very good, and gets four stars for creativity of premise alone. However, it’s heavy sci-fi which isn’t always my favorite. If you love sci-fi, then you’ve got to give this one a read!

What an incredible and thought-provoking book! Neal Shusterman hits it out of the park again with his takes on dystopian novels. This book provides the perfect gateway into discussing emotions and mental health with students. If you do suffer from mental illnesses, like me, you may want to pace yourself as it can lead to some pretty heavy thoughts. However, that is not a bad thing and why I kept this rating at five stars. This is not an easy read and not every book is supposed to be. I hope he has more in store for us than just this book as it definitely ends on some cliffhangers! Thank you to Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC to proofread this book for my libraries.

Neal Schusterman’s All Better Now presents a captivating and thought-provoking concept: what if a virus could erase all negative emotions, leaving only eternal contentment in its wake? Set in a world grappling with another global pandemic, Crown Royale, the novel delves into weighty questions about humanity, identity, and the cost of happiness.

The premise of All Better Now is undeniably intriguing, and Schusterman’s writing is as insightful as ever. The central conflict—whether the virus is a blessing or a curse—sets the stage for some truly engaging and thought-provoking discussions, making this a solid pick for book clubs or anyone who loves unpacking moral dilemmas.

That said, my reading experience wasn’t as immersive as I’d hoped. The constant switching between three POVs—Morgan, Mariel, and Rón—kept me at arm’s length from the characters, and the abundance of side stories and secondary characters made the narrative feel scattered. While the concept is strong, the execution felt overly ambitious, stretching the story longer than it needed to be.

And while the pandemic backdrop is eerily familiar, it might hit a little too close to home for some readers. The masks, isolation, and split public opinions on the virus will undoubtedly remind many of COVID-19, for better or worse.

In the end, I appreciated the big questions All Better Now asks, but the storytelling didn’t quite live up to the potential of its premise. It’s a decent read for those who enjoy speculative fiction with a philosophical edge but be prepared for some narrative overload.

Would I recommend it? Yes, but with a caveat: go in for the discussions, not the immersion.