Perfect for fans of Netflix's Black Mirror, "The Merge" is an outstandingly eerie debut novel that is sure to get under your skin and make you question just how close could a reality like this actually be.

What would you say if you were presented with the opportunity to merge consciousnesses with another human being and become two people living in a single body? Would you be open to it, or would you choose to join in protests against the process? What if this merge meant making the choice between life and death for you or a loved one? What if the decision to merge was a matter of life and death for the world as we know it?

Starting with the opening page, which acts as the prologue, I was immediately grabbed by this novel. It's been awhile since I was so quickly engaged in a new read but this prologue was just right for me—with just enough detail to get you wanting to know more without giving too much away right in the beginning. Aside from that, the overall writing style for the entire book is easy to read while still giving off an air of mystique that leaves the reader guessing at every turn. I also thought the characters were very well-done, all with distinct personalities and backgrounds that made it easy to remember who was who. These are all characters with realistic problems and emotions, and it's easy to get invested in their individual progressions throughout the story.

As far as I'm aware science isn't near the point of making something like the merge process an actual reality, but the rest of the worldbuilding in this novel feels concerningly plausible and really helps build up this sense of dread as you progress through the story.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed this novel and I'd consider it an easy contender for my favorite read of the year. I'll definitely be recommending this one to other readers that I know—especially those who are interested in sci fi and dystopian novels. I'll also absolutely be keeping an eye out for any future releases from Grace Walker.

Thank you to both NetGalley and Mariner Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The Merge by Grace Walker is an absolute gem of a novel that will leave readers both captivated and thoughtful. Set in a world where human minds can merge into a collective consciousness, the story follows a group of individuals who embark on this groundbreaking journey. The premise is utterly fascinating, offering a perfect blend of mind boggling technology and deep emotional exploration. As the characters navigate this transformative experience, the novel explores the highs and lows of interconnectedness, love, and what it truly means to be human in a digital age.
Grace Walker’s writing sparkles with clarity and heart. She masterfully weaves together suspense, wonder, and tenderness, making it impossible for me to put this book down while reading . The pacing is just right! There’s always something exciting happening, but the story never rushes through a good moment. The characters are so beautifully written, each with their own quirks and complexities, that you feel like you’ve known them forever. And as they navigate the joys and struggles of merging minds, you can’t help but cheer for them, hoping they find peace and understanding in this bold new world.
The novel shines brightest when it delves into its themes of connection and belonging. It’s a heartwarming reminder of how technology, while vast and powerful, can also be a means of deepening our connections with one another. The Merge is an absolute must-read for anyone who loves a thoughtful, thrilling, and ultimately uplifting exploration of the future. With its perfect balance of emotional depth and intellectual intrigue, Grace Walker has created a story that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
Thank you NetGalley and Mariner Books for this amazing ARC! I can’t wait to buy the physical book when it comes out.

I'm still reeling, my thoughts a kaleidoscope of what-ifs, as I attempt to articulate the profound impact of Grace Walker’s astounding debut, "The Merge." This novel plunges us headfirst into a chillingly plausible future where overpopulation and dwindling resources have pushed humanity to the brink, culminating in a radical, almost sacrilegious solution: the merging of two individual consciousnesses into a single body. If you're a fan of the unsettling speculative fiction found in "Black Mirror" or the mind-bending dilemmas of "Dark Matter," prepare to have your own reality subtly, yet irrevocably, altered.
At the heart of this audacious premise are Laurie and Amelia, a mother and daughter whose entry into the "Combine" program is triggered by Laurie’s devastating Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Walker masterfully navigates the brutal and heart-wrenching reality of this disease, capturing its insidious erosion of self and the profound grief it inflicts upon loved ones. Amelia is thrust into an impossible ethical quagmire: to accept the natural, albeit cruel, progression of her mother's illness, or to embrace a technological intervention that promises to preserve cherished memories and their fading bond, yet fundamentally alters the very essence of what it means to be human.
The emotional resonance of "The Merge" is palpable. I found myself moved to tears on multiple occasions, a testament to Walker's ability to craft characters so deeply relatable, so achingly human. Beyond Amelia and Laurie, we encounter a tapestry of interconnected lives that grounds the narrative in a sense of authentic familiarity. From the utterly convincing brotherly dynamic between teenagers Lucas and Noah, to the tender anticipation of engaged and expecting couple Benjamin and Annie, and the painfully typical friction between father and teenage daughter Jay and Lara – each character arc serves to amplify the story's emotional weight, making the fantastical elements feel eerily close to home.
"My gut was tied in knots the entire time," a constant refrain in my mind, "just thinking: what if this really happened?" This is where "The Merge" truly excels, echoing the best of "Black Mirror" and "Dark Matter." It presents a concept so incredibly bizarre, so morally ambiguous, yet frames it within a societal context that feels terrifyingly within reach. It’s a masterful exercise in speculative fiction that forces deep introspection on the nature of identity, consciousness, and the lengths we might go to in the face of an existential crisis.
The only discordant note in this otherwise symphony of thought-provoking narrative was the ending. After such a meticulously crafted and emotionally charged journey, the conclusion felt… disconnected. It didn’t quite fit the meticulously built world and the profound questions posed throughout the book, leaving me yearning for a resolution that felt more congruent with the novel's immense ambition.
Despite this singular misstep, which I’m willing to overlook given this is an ARC, "The Merge" is an undeniable triumph. I've rounded up to a 5-star rating because Grace Walker has delivered a debut that is as emotionally devastating as it is intellectually stimulating. Prepare to have your mind stretched and your heartstrings pulled when "The Merge" arrives on November 11, 2025. This is a book that will linger long after you turn the final page, prompting uncomfortable questions about the future of humanity and the sacred boundaries we might be willing to cross.

+++I have received this eARC in an exchange for an honest review+++

I want to thank @gracerosewalker @netgalley and @marinerbooks for allowing me to read this amazing eARC. I truly feel honored to have had the privilege to read and review it.

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Very unique premise! I liked it a lot. Thank you NetGalley and publisher for early arc. I would recommend it

This story is wild! Presented with the opportunity to take part in an experimental procedure to cure Laurie of Alzheimers, Amelia signs her and her mother up to merge their two consciousnesses into one body. Theirs is a journey of learning to cope with a devastating illness and navigating the moral implications of their decision to merge. I thoroughly enjoyed the thought provoking theme of perceived freedoms and what it means to be conditioned to conformity by a controlling regime. I felt the overall flow of the book was consistent if otherwise slow at times. The ending made me audibly gasp, and I would read this again.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the ARC.

I think this would make for a PERFECT book club book. I found myself asking friends what they would do if they were in this situation - would you merge? And who with? I could see the discussions being extremely engaging and fruitful.

An interesting concept full of innovation, twists, and upsetting but thought provoking commentary.

4.75 / 5

The best dystopian novel I have read in a while.

Set in a world where population limits are in place due to climate crisises. An experimental company seeks to combine two people's consciences into one body, as a way to fight overpopulation and resource scarcity.

An interesting look at how the wealthy have the privilege of keeping their individuality, whereas many others are forced to merge their consciouses with each other to retain their housing and families. How far would you go to keep your loved ones when faced with crisis and illness?

This was an amazing debut from Grace Walker, I look forward to reading more of her work in the future!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC!

What a fantastically eerie premise for a book! In a world teetering on the verge of environmental collapse, one company’s answer to overpopulation and dwindling resources is radical: the Merge. 2 minds, 1 body. Fewer people, more perks, right?! Sounds reasonable, until you start peeling back some layers.

The author drops us into the story into a society in flux, presumably just a few steps before collapse, and it’s THAT tension that weaves into every fiber of the story. You can feel how close things are to breaking. And what was scary to me is that so much of it felt entirely plausible. Propaganda, possibility of manufactured scarcity, societal pressure disguised and advertised as progress… it’s chilling because it feels closer to our reality than some dystopian made up future.

I thought the writing was immersive with plenty of momentum. I especially enjoyed how the narrative slowly shifted my own perspective… what began as some futuristic social experiment quickly morphed into something dark and unsettling, and even sinister. All of the comparisons to a Black Mirror episode are spot on. The government and corporate manipulation is really subtle at first… until you realize you’re being slapped in the face with it.

And let us not forget to discuss the ENDING! WOW. The final stretch of this book is 3000% tension. It’s fast. It’s intense. I was on the edge of my seat! Unfortunately, this book doesn’t tie up the loose ends. There is no pretty bow on top. It just ends and you’re left there with your thoughts and questions.

Hands down one of the weirdest, coolest, thought provoking books I’ve read this year.

I will say that there are themes of suicide, dementia, drug addiction, domestic violence, loss of autonomy, and child death that could be triggering to some.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Mariner Books for the ARC, I can’t wait to buy the physical copy of this one! Also, round of applause for the author, Grace Walker… I understand this is a debut novel. Bravo, this was fantastic!

Sincere thank you to Netgalley and Mariner Books for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinions! I have posted the following review to Goodreads as of 07/06/2025 at the link below, and will post to retail sites on request.

I love when a book has a really, really good premise and then delivers on it, or even adds more than you anticipated. This is definitely that book. I was excited and hoping to receive an ARC, and then I couldn't put it down once I got it.

I read it fast. Maybe a little too fast because this book will absolutely get in your head. It bravely explores difficult concept after difficult concept, and I'm honestly stunned Grace Walker is a debut author.

Climate change, overcrowding, terminal illness, authoritarian government, sense of identity and self... So many heavy topics addressed, I found myself questioning everything.

As a former healthcare worker myself, the focus on Laurie and her Alzheimer's was probably the most harrowing for me. I've worked with Alzheimer's patients and it really is a terrible illness that steals from everyone in its path. What if you were promised an extremely radical cure? Would you do it? Would you do it for someone you deeply loved?

In hindsight, the four pairings chosen do seem to each explore a different concept:

Lara and Jay - Loss of autonomy and trust

Noah and Lucas - Making large, permanent decisions at a young age, and trying to save someone you care about deeply from terminal illness

Annie and Ben - The hidden costs of starting a family during a climate crisis, and what you would be willing to do to fulfill your dream of being a parent

Laurie and Amelia - The yearning to preserve someone even when it might be time to let go, and a loss of identity and sense of self

This was definitely a very enjoyable read for me. Hard hitting sci-fi is not as popular on social media and requires some digging to find. Definitely looking forward to more books by Grace Walker!

This was a thrilling read. A must-read for those that enjoyed Black Mirror. I'd think that this would be a good read for those that enjoyed The Silent Patient.The concept is fire and the writing lived up to that expectation. A delectable psychological read that starts as a simmer and becomes quite the page turner.

Only complaint was that I felt the ending was rushed. Details and motivations seemed a little vague or not completely worked out. Despite those issues, I still thought the ending was excellent.

For a second I thought the storyline was going in the cult direction, but no...it's stranger than that (in a good way)!

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC, ya'll are dope!

I loved this very different dystopian setting, people are not fighting over resources YET but there is a climate crisis at its breaking point. One company has the solution: Merge your consciousness with another person and inhabit the same body. The food and housing needed for two bodies are then reduced in half so "Combines", as they're called, get preferential treatment in society (better housing, ability to start a family, tax breaks) but there is also a large group protesting and resisting the controversial idea of merging.

Mother and daughter, Laurie and Amelia, are going through the months long process to Merge, guided by psychologists and support workers they spend months getting their minds ready to inhabit one consciousness. Laurie is suffering from Alzheimer's and the idea is that merging with Amelia's younger body will cure Laurie. The two will soon share one body and essentially one mind, with their memories merging together there will be NO secrets between them. Naturally, they both have reservations about how it will all work.
We meet an interesting and diverse group of potential Mergers in group therapy who quickly become like a found family for Laurie and Amelia.

I know what you're thinking! "Ew, what about sex" and YES it's addressed. I'm really glad the author didn't gloss over this part, I think it's handled really well. Lots of tough topics that mother and daughter would not normally share with each other. But fear not, every topic that I was wondering about was addressed and it's was absolutely as awkward/horrible as you'd imagine. As a reader I really appreciate that I wasn't left with any "what about this or that?!" questions.

Grace Walker does a great job on Laurie's chapters, the confusion and fear of living with Alzheimers was so real, I was heartbroken for her. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the dystopian genre.

I really enjoyed this read, it kept me on the edge of my seat!

Thank you NetGalley for the epub ARC.

Ironically, I’m of two minds on this book. The book itself seems to be the same way.
The start of the book has a very classic literary fiction feel. It establishes a great atmosphere and sense of dread. But about 25% of the way into the book there’s a twist that makes the tone closer to a thriller.
Then again, halfway through the book it switches back to a more introspective perspective. The remainder of the book plays out like this. This is where the book shines. Something really interesting is done with the grammar which works amazingly.
There is another twist at the end which almost annoyed me? It doesn’t completely come out of nowhere, but it feels like it comes from another book.
The ending is also very opened ended, in way that, after the final twist, did not feel earned. I just got the feeling while reading that the book was unsure of itself. It felt like there was a struggle between being a thriller, suspense novel or leaning into the more popular literary fiction genre. It is a short read and if the prompt interests you it’s worth the read for the concept.

If you’re a fan of Blake Crouch or the show Severance, this book is for you! Interesting premise and honestly a terrifying thought. Sci-fi meets thriller and kept me guessing the entire time. The first 50% was definitely slow but the second half was so interesting. I’m assuming there’s going to be a sequel based on it not being wrapped up? I need answers!

An interesting look into a future in which two minds can be melded together, THE MERGE asks the question of what to do in times of overpopulation.

Rating: ★★★½

Grace Walker's *The Merge* is a compelling & thought-provoking dive into the possibilities—& perils—of human-technology integration. Set in a not-so-distant future where the merging of minds is becoming a reality, the novel intricately explores significant themes through a tightly woven narrative & richly developed characters.

The story centers around Laurie, a 65-year-old woman whose battle with Alzheimer's is deeply felt, & her daughter, Amelia, who is consumed by grief. In a desperate attempt to preserve her mother's essence, Amelia enrolls in a groundbreaking merging program that intertwines their consciousness. Joined by other participants—Lucas, Ben, Jay, & their respective merging partners—they enter The Village, a luxurious rehabilitation center where unsettling questions about identity & autonomy begin to surface.

Walker’s premise is both fascinating & equally unsettling, particularly as society adopts a controversial solution to reduce the global population—merging two consciousnesses into a single body, effectively discarding the “weaker” physical form. This concept raises profound questions about identity, ethics, & the evolution of technology, making the narrative feel eerily relevant.

The timeliness of the book is striking; the stakes are high & disturbingly realistic. Walker excels at world-building, crafting a society that feels not only plausible but also hauntingly close to our reality. The ethical dilemmas surrounding identity, privacy, & autonomy are approached with nuance, compelling readers to engage with the text on an intellectual level.

The protagonist’s journey is both emotional & intellectually stimulating, leading to a deeper questioning of what it means to be human in an era of rapid innovation. *The Merge* is completely mesmerizing—horrific & heartbreaking, with an Orwellian undertone that lingers long after the final page. The unexpected reveals throughout the narrative shatter expectations & provoke contemplation about the future of humanity.

In conclusion, Grace Walker's *The Merge* successfully blends a gripping narrative with profound philosophical inquiries, securing its place as a noteworthy read for those intrigued by the intersection of technology & humanity. It's a book that will resonate with readers & spark conversations well beyond its pages.

I was gifted an ARC from the Author @gracewalker && Publisher @harpercollins @marinerbooks of this book in exchange for an HONEST REVIEW via #NetGalley!

#theMERGE #Books #bookrecs #reviews #Netgalley #netgalleyreader #readmore #readingiscool #thePAGEMASTAreviews #scifireads #readscifi2025 #ARCreviews #GoodReads #GoodReadsReviews

For fans of Black Mirror. This kept me on the edge of my seat! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.1

In the not so distant future, resources are dwindling due to overpopulation. Enter a procedure that allows two people to combine consciousness and share one body. For the sacrifice of one of their bodies, Combines are rewarded with more affordable lifestyles, and those that don’t combine are struggling to even survive. Amelia and her mother, Laurie, see this as a perfect opportunity dur to Laurie’s recent dementia diagnosis. This way they can always have each other. However, things may not be what they seem.

Thank you Mariner Books, NetGalley, and Grace Walker for this ARC!

I really enjoyed this book. I couldn’t put it down, just waiting to see what happens next. I struggled in the beginning with the multiple story lines and keeping up with the characters. Glad I continued with reading because it really was such a great read.

In a future plagued with overpopulation, the controversial procedure known as the Merge is raised as a solution. Two consciousnesses are blended into one body. It’s offered as a cure for diseases as well. We follow a mother, Laurie, and daughter, Amelia, in the novel as they have their own reasons for looking into the procedure.

The novel has a through-line of questioning identity and sense of self. I believe this one is going to go over well with fans of unreliable narrators. There are layers of thoughts, actions, and memories to navigate.

Like the process of merging, the writing’s pacing feels disjointed in some parts, the cuts to the next scene weren’t seamless. I don’t know if that was an intentional reflection of the world they’re in, or simply just awkward cuts. I ended up loving the last third of the book more so than the beginning. The action and pacing feel more solid and exciting than everything else.

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins for my ARC.

This book was so timely it kind of scared me. The stakes were so high, and so real, and it was hard to put down, but also hard to pick up, in the best way. Completely mesmerizing, horrific, heartbreaking. A bit Orwellian. The reveals shattered me. Subverted all my expectations. Is there a sequel planned? The ending was a little confusing, or I "missed" it, but either way, wow. What a debut. I can't wait for a sequel, if there is one, or Grace's next book. Stunning. Thank you so much to HarperCollins and Mariner Books for this arc e-galley.

Thank you to Mariner Books and Grace Walker for the advanced reader copy of The Merge! This book was a wild ride and kept me glued to the page. I raced through this book in one sitting! In a world where you can “merge” with another person a mom with Alzheimer’s and her daughter go through a program to ready themselves for their impending merge. In order to combat the memory loss and slow fade with Alzheimer’s, the daughter (Amelia) wants her mother to merge with her to save her mind. This story speaks of four groups on their journey to merge for various reasons. In a future where climate change has ravaged the globe, lessoning your impact on earth by merging is seen as a status symbol with many benefits. Despite opposition, it becomes popular to do. The overall concept of this book felt original and intriguing. As someone who loves dystopian books, I was engrossed in this. I loved the perspectives throughout the book of different characters. The reveals were shocking, pacing was good, and the ending left me hungry for a sequel. An enjoyable book to zoom through with a thought-provoking premise!