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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Thank you NetGalley for sending me an ARC of this book for my honest review.
The Forgotten Earth has a very interesting premise. Humans stopped caring for the world and looking after it and it died. Humans were able to stay alive by manufacturing food and staying inside big walled cities to stay safe from horrible creatures that were created when the Earth died.
The plot was interesting at first, but I did grow tired of it after a while. The story is told from the first person point of view of the two main characters, Willow and Liam. This was interesting but I do think the story would have been better if it had been told from the third person POV.
I feel like this book had an interesting premise I just did not care for the two main characters or their love story. Everything that happened just seemed very predictable and when things went their way it was in the most convenient of ways at all times and even when "surprising" things happened I wasn't surprised.
I wish there was more about how the world came to be like this, and more about the Claeg. Unfortunately what we information we get usually happens in conversation between characters. More background about the world, as dystopian as it has become, would be interesting!
I thought the last quarter of the book seemed rushed, it was all this slow build up and then everything came together very quickly in a convenient way and then the book was over.
I personally did not really enjoy this book but I do think that others would. By no means was it a bad book, just was not my cup of tea! Due to this I rate it a 2.5/5 stars.
The Forgotten Earth has a very interesting premise. Humans stopped caring for the world and looking after it and it died. Humans were able to stay alive by manufacturing food and staying inside big walled cities to stay safe from horrible creatures that were created when the Earth died.
The plot was interesting at first, but I did grow tired of it after a while. The story is told from the first person point of view of the two main characters, Willow and Liam. This was interesting but I do think the story would have been better if it had been told from the third person POV.
I feel like this book had an interesting premise I just did not care for the two main characters or their love story. Everything that happened just seemed very predictable and when things went their way it was in the most convenient of ways at all times and even when "surprising" things happened I wasn't surprised.
I wish there was more about how the world came to be like this, and more about the Claeg. Unfortunately what we information we get usually happens in conversation between characters. More background about the world, as dystopian as it has become, would be interesting!
I thought the last quarter of the book seemed rushed, it was all this slow build up and then everything came together very quickly in a convenient way and then the book was over.
I personally did not really enjoy this book but I do think that others would. By no means was it a bad book, just was not my cup of tea! Due to this I rate it a 2.5/5 stars.
I received a gifted copy from Brilynn, thank you. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love reading books that cover dystopian worlds with a mix of romantasy. Red Rising being one of them. Our story starts in a world that is essentially falling into pieces. Is there even anything left? The world that we are being introduced to and walking into is essentially empty. Coria, full of Elites and Authoritarian who govern and leave the citizens with barely anything left. Willow's goal is to access forbidden books so that she is able to help and revive Earth again. Liam is an Elite who comes after Willow. I liked the premise of the story. Definitely check the trigger warnings prior to reading! You might find some topics could be sensitive to you. There were a few parts that I felt could have been explained more, such as Willow's trauma, but maybe that'll be relevant in the second book? I also don't want to leave out that this book does have a magic system, and so there is a sense of fantasy. You'll definitely have to read it.
I love reading books that cover dystopian worlds with a mix of romantasy. Red Rising being one of them. Our story starts in a world that is essentially falling into pieces. Is there even anything left? The world that we are being introduced to and walking into is essentially empty. Coria, full of Elites and Authoritarian who govern and leave the citizens with barely anything left. Willow's goal is to access forbidden books so that she is able to help and revive Earth again. Liam is an Elite who comes after Willow. I liked the premise of the story. Definitely check the trigger warnings prior to reading! You might find some topics could be sensitive to you. There were a few parts that I felt could have been explained more, such as Willow's trauma, but maybe that'll be relevant in the second book? I also don't want to leave out that this book does have a magic system, and so there is a sense of fantasy. You'll definitely have to read it.
2.5 Stars
The Forgotten Earth is set in a dystopian future where all plant life on Earth has vanished. I loved the originality and the overall idea behind this book. I thought the story was extremely unique and had a lot of potential, however the world building and magic system felt a bit underdeveloped and the ending seemed rushed. Who the Forgotten and the Elite were was never really explained and left me wanting more. There were multiple times throughout the book where new powers emerged and were barely addressed. Overall I think the book could have been great with a bit more development and editing.
The Forgotten Earth is set in a dystopian future where all plant life on Earth has vanished. I loved the originality and the overall idea behind this book. I thought the story was extremely unique and had a lot of potential, however the world building and magic system felt a bit underdeveloped and the ending seemed rushed. Who the Forgotten and the Elite were was never really explained and left me wanting more. There were multiple times throughout the book where new powers emerged and were barely addressed. Overall I think the book could have been great with a bit more development and editing.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
Star Rating: 4.5⭐️
Spice Rating: 1🌶️
Format: E-book 📱
🌻🦋 My Review 🦋🌻
I’m obsessed with this book I wish it never ended!! It was so unique, so intriguing & so out of this world.
In a dystopian dead Earth ruled by some random ass Emperor guy, Liam & Willow are hunted by the Elite soldiers & the Claeg (who will haunt me forever). This is such a wild journey through survival, discovery, wonder & love.
The hardships they face were so heartbreaking & the end wow. I just couldn’t. My heart was all over the place.
I would highly recommend this book if you’re looking for something unique, fun & adventurous.
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thank you to the author and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ahead of publication. This was unexpected in all the best ways. What a wonderful dystopian standalone romantasy! And this is a debut?! I was hooked from the dedication, that's how fast this pulls you in. Our FMC, Willow, is a smart, strong, lead character who embodies empathy and knowledge. Our MMC Liam has a tragic backstory and is an absolute cinnamon roll I would have enjoyed even more development of their characters and more detail in their relationship, but it was well rounded and blossomed throughout the story. The plot was shockingly relevant to today's world and had some really lovely ties back to Celtic mythology. A lot of the action was packed into the last third of the book, and I could have used more spread out, but there was a lot of development of the underlying story and the relationships. I would probably have read another 3 books like this and will look forward to whatever she writes next!
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
slow-paced
3.5⭐️
I really enjoyed this debut book by Brilynn O’Neal and I’m so excited to see what comes next.
I don’t normally pick up dystopian themed books but this one was calling to me and I’m so glad I applied and was lucky enough to be accepted to receive an ARC of this.
This book is full of character developments, slow burn, tension, and survival with a good amount of banter and wit to help lighten the seriousness at times.
The book was easy to follow and was filled with lovable characters including the main characters and side characters. This book is truly an adventure from start to end. I will say there were a couple moments where I struggled to get through and didn’t really want to read it hence the 1.5 star knocked off but I am so glad I pushed through. I definitely think it’s one of those books I will need to read again cause I do feel like I probably missed a few things during those moments I struggled.
This dystopian novel is set in a future where plants have ceased to grow, and an evil entity is bringing about the end of humanity. I can't help but feel that the story would have benefited from being split into two books to expand and allow for deeper world building. The relationships between the characters, especially the slow burn romance between Willow and Liam, as well as the lovable third wheel, Olivia, were fantastic. I would have appreciated the opportunity as the reader to build a stronger connection with each character or more insight into their backgrounds. I did struggle with the reasons behind the state of this world, as well as the presence of powers in some but not others, making it unclear. Additionally, Liam’s super-soldier-like abilities were never fully explained. However, if you’re a fan of dystopian settings, slow-burn romances, and forced proximity, this book is definitely worth reading.
*Thank you to Brilynn O’Neal, Regenerative Lives and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
If you haven’t read a dystopian novel in a while—or if you’ve been avoiding them because real life feels dystopian enough—this book might just pull you back in. It’s a gripping, story that gradually unfolds, expanding the world and stakes alongside the characters’ own growing awareness. While it takes some time to find its rhythm but, you’ll be hooked before you realize it.
The story follows Willow, a determined young woman armed with forbidden knowledge from banned books, who hopes to restore a dying world by reintroducing plants and fixing the broken food system. But her knowledge makes her a target in a world ruled by a ruthless Elite. Enter Liam, a soldier bound by duty and despair—until he meets Willow. When their paths collide in the chaos of a crumbling city, their survival depends on each other, forcing them to confront dangerous truths about their world while discovering Willow’s unexpected power to bring life back to the Earth.
The pacing is deliberate, focusing on character development and world-building rather than immediate action. At first, this can feel disorienting; the world isn’t handed to you on a platter, and there are moments of confusion as you piece things together. But this slow build works to the book’s advantage, mirroring the characters’ journey of discovery. As their understanding of the world broadens, so does yours, drawing you deeper into the story without you even realizing how invested you’ve become.
The stakes are raised further by mystical elements—monsters, magic, and even a sentient house—that add an intriguing layer to the dystopian landscape. The emotional core of the story lies in the growing connection between Willow and Liam, who must balance their hope for a better future with the constant threat of being hunted by the Elite.
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy slow-burn dystopian tales rich with character-driven plots, unexpected magic, and themes of survival, rebellion, and hope.
The story follows Willow, a determined young woman armed with forbidden knowledge from banned books, who hopes to restore a dying world by reintroducing plants and fixing the broken food system. But her knowledge makes her a target in a world ruled by a ruthless Elite. Enter Liam, a soldier bound by duty and despair—until he meets Willow. When their paths collide in the chaos of a crumbling city, their survival depends on each other, forcing them to confront dangerous truths about their world while discovering Willow’s unexpected power to bring life back to the Earth.
The pacing is deliberate, focusing on character development and world-building rather than immediate action. At first, this can feel disorienting; the world isn’t handed to you on a platter, and there are moments of confusion as you piece things together. But this slow build works to the book’s advantage, mirroring the characters’ journey of discovery. As their understanding of the world broadens, so does yours, drawing you deeper into the story without you even realizing how invested you’ve become.
The stakes are raised further by mystical elements—monsters, magic, and even a sentient house—that add an intriguing layer to the dystopian landscape. The emotional core of the story lies in the growing connection between Willow and Liam, who must balance their hope for a better future with the constant threat of being hunted by the Elite.
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy slow-burn dystopian tales rich with character-driven plots, unexpected magic, and themes of survival, rebellion, and hope.