This Is the Way the World Ends

I love any thriller involving prep schools and elite society and Waverly's voice got me hooked! As the events of the party unfolded, I was surprised how much of a dystopian turn the story was taking, especially with how normal the reality had been set up so far, but once things were explained, it was easier to believe and I couldn't stop turning pages until I found out Waverly and the main cast were okay.

Thank you Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the early review copy!

This book hooked me from page one! Protagonist Waverly is autistic, gay, and broke; her parents both work at the private school she got into as she works as a tutor, helping other students study. When her friend, Caroline suggests she "trade places" and wear the expensive gown she bought for the elite masquerade ball, Waverly is excited but apprehensive as she is worried about being discovered. But it turns out there is much more to be concerned about as odd things happen at this party and secrets are unveiled as the night goes on! The future is formidable as Wilde explores the possibilities that exist within this nightmarish landscape. Raced through it to get to the end!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

A mind blowing YA book chock full of interesting diverse characters, This is the Way the World Ends will hook you right in! Waverly attends a private NY school on scholarship due to her parents employment and her tutoring abilities. She is an autistic student and gay and feels like she doesn't "fit it." When her very wealthy and popular tutee Caroline asks her to switch places with her at the Masquerade Ball she is nervous but intrigued.
What goes down at the Masquerade is crazy! And Waverly is in the middle of it all. If you like fast moving and fun YA, great diverse characters living realistic lives or if you just want to attend a Masquerade Ball (with a Murder) then This Is The Way The World Ends is for you! #ThisistheWayTheWorld Ends. #JenWilde
#Stmartins

For fans of dystopian classics, This Is The Way The World Ends by Jen Wilde is a story that hits every dystopian mark. What will really happen as the world ends around us? Will we turn on each other or save the ones we hold the closest to us? Wilde spins a cautious and downright creepy tale of survival and differences in a world that wants nothing more than to kill off what makes us unique. I went into the story hoping for some good autism representation and I think Wilde did a great job. Waverly, our main character, is dynamic while also being very vocal about who she is and what her plans are for her future. The supporting cast, specifically the girls, take this story to another level. The pacing is great as well. The story unfolds quickly before us as we watch our characters having to face the wildest night of their lives. Hitting shelves in 2023, make sure to check out This Is The Way The World Ends.

This book in 3 words: Diverse. On-Edge. Excitable. 

Waverly attends a masquerade ball, held by her high-brow private school which she attends by scholarship, dressed as one the most popular girls in school. The ball has some weird occurrences and then a nationwide blackout proves that things are not what they seem. 

OOF this book is all secret societies, quirky and relatable characters, and power struggles (literally and figuratively). It's a quick read but jam packed full of strong characters, relatable emotions, and action. A solid YA read with diverse characters - we love to see it. 

I loved Waverly. Our main character has a voice that pulls you in, from the first page, with you desperately seeking all of the answers to her questions. The author's ability to create a diverse character that is authentic, genuine, and portrays life through a lens different than our own. 

The plot is unique, innovative, and a bit dire at times. The pacing is solid and you'll be itching to turn the page.

This was INCREDIBLE!

it felt a bit like a retelling of Poe’s The Masque of the Red Death—a rich white man throws a party for all his rich white friends at the end of the world as Death makes its way through all the rooms of the fancy mansion

except, Death here is an autistic lesbian scholarship kid and her amazing group of friends

(i LOVED the friendships in this SO MUCH!!!)

This Is the Way the World Ends was TENSE and ACTION PACKED and SO AUTISTIC!

now i need to get my hands on Jen Wilde’s backlist

CW: ableism, racism, classism, violence, death, death of teenager, blood, vomit, panic/anxiety attacks, meltdowns, and scenes that could provoke claustrophobia