I have enjoyed other books from this author, but I didn’t care for this one. I didn’t really care for any of the characters and didn’t particularly care what happened in the end. This one was a miss for me.

In “All Better Now” the Crown Royale virus takes center stage as the new pandemic that is shaking the world to its core. This pandemic is unlike others before it, in that it changes most of its victims in a way that is unexpected. The story carries on the tale through a wide array of characters giving side plots to the overall plot. I felt that the book had quite a bit of extra information that wasn’t totally necessary for the story as a whole, and at 528 pages could have been cut out to reduce the sheer size of the book. Overall the story was enjoyable, some parts more than others but it was a bit slow moving for myself.

As is typical with Neal Shusterman books, I find myself thinking a lot about All Better Now after finishing it. This novel has the threads of multiple people woven through a pandemic brought on by a virus. At first glance it seems the loss of negative feelings such as sadness, grief, and anger that comes after recovery from the virus would be a benefit to society. It is quickly shown that there are drawbacks that come with the loss of some human emotions.

The main three young adults followed through the book each show a different perspective of the pandemic situation. Nothing is black or white about their actions and goals and I found each character hard to like at times. The impact of this virus on the ultra-rich was also thought provoking for me.

Overall it is a mix of thriller and science fiction; this kept me reading and trying to puzzle the pieces together and thinking about how the virus would affect current society.

Thank you Simon & Schuster Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.

All Better Now

What a trip, honestly Neal Shusterman can do no wrong.
I can not type the correct words on how this affected me.

Humans have lived through multiple pandemics, plagues, and madness. What is the worst that could happen if everyone was happy?
Could we live through another round of social distancing, or continue the loneliness epidemic that has increased since 2020? Or just breathe in the micro organisms and live?
Too many questions and twice as many answers, free will might be the only thing humanity has in common. Crown Royale has swept in and has made its masses of followers.

I am writing this unbiased review in exchange for an early ebook.

Thank You to Neal Shusterman, publishers, and Netgalley

Crown Royale is the latest pandemic to sweep the world. The symptoms are similar to Covid but with a higher mortality rate. Those who recover all experience a strange long-term effect, complete and utter contentment. No more jealousy, greed, anxiety, or depression. Without negative feelings, people are more empathetic and willing to help others, sometimes to the extreme. There are those who think this might be just what the world needs to be all better now and those who stand to lose all their power if Crown Royale has its way.

This obviously raises many interesting new questions and dilemmas, but I'm struggling to find adequate words to express my thoughts and feelings. I'm speechless. Just read this book! I absolutely burned through this 500+ page dystopian thriller, following Muriel, Rón, and Morgan through Schusterman's latest creative and eerily relevant world. I'm conflicted about the ending, though. I can't tell if this is going to be a series, so I'm giving it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I would increase my rating if I knew for certain that it was the start of a series. I loved Schusterman's Scythe series, and I can't believe it took me so long to pick up another of his books.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of All Better Now.

I am deeply conflicted about Neal Shusterman’s “All Better Now.” Set in a post-Covid near future, a new virus is on the move. However, if one recovers from this new pandemic, they experience a state of happiness and joy unknown before the illness. The pros of surviving but up against our capitalist society, selling us happiness. The fascinating premise keeps the novel moving. The story focuses on 3 young people on the two sides of the debate. For a 500+ page book, it’s remarkable that so little character development occurs. The minor characters evolve and change from their initial stance on the virus, but the main characters are stubbornly unwavering. I’m fascinated to know how the second will end, however; I’m not sure if I want to spend more time with these characters.

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.