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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I love how this story is both dystopian and elemental magic/ fairytale. It’s a great mix! And you get this feeling of Mother Nature against the people. And rebels against the patriarchy. There was good character growth with Willow and Liam. Some of the other characters weren’t as defined. I didn’t feel any connection to the characters even the ones that were battle trauma. They felt like they were just characters playing a role in the story at times. Part 1 starts of strong and pace was on point, but then it plateaus a bit. Part 2 was great and ramps up the pace, banter, and the chapters were written beautifully. They would end with questions and then the next chapter brought you to a different pov. Definitely keeps your interest. The ending was a little anticlimactic for me but well done.
I could’ve used a bit more angst to the romance and the third wheel thing was a little weird to me. I could’ve used a bit more inner dialogue during spicy scenes to give me that romantic feeling of being connected and loving of each other. I didn’t feel that heat and desire of need in the romantic scenes. Other than that— Fated mates was a nice touch.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Forgotten Earth feels like the start of something truly extraordinary. Brilynn O’Neal crafts a haunting world teetering on extinction—where plant life is a myth, the earth is barren, and humanity’s survival is a fragile thread. Compelling characters, rich world-building, and a plot that refuses to let go.
At the heart of this story is Willow, a fiercely intelligent protagonist with an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Desperate to save her starving community, she risks everything to uncover forbidden truths hidden in ancient books—truths that could rewrite the future. Joining her is Liam, initially tasked with stopping her but instead becoming her unlikely ally, and Olivia, her unwavering best friend. Together, they ignite a rebellion that challenges the decaying status quo.
The characters are the soul of this book- complex, relatable, and brimming with life. Willow’s determination is infectious, Liam’s moral conflict adds depth, and Olivia’s loyalty ties it all together. The pacing kept me hooked, even if a few moments lingered longer than necessary. Every scene felt purposeful, and I devoured this story like a feast in a famine-stricken world.
O’Neal’s world-building is masterful, painting a stark yet vivid landscape of despair and hope. The contrast between the desolation of the earth and the vibrancy of knowledge and resistance is beautifully executed.
This book isn’t just a story—it’s a call to imagine what we could lose and fight for what matters most. I’m already counting the days until book two. If you love dystopian tales with high stakes, unforgettable characters, and a glimmer of hope in the darkness, The Forgotten Earth should be your next read. Highly recommend
At the heart of this story is Willow, a fiercely intelligent protagonist with an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Desperate to save her starving community, she risks everything to uncover forbidden truths hidden in ancient books—truths that could rewrite the future. Joining her is Liam, initially tasked with stopping her but instead becoming her unlikely ally, and Olivia, her unwavering best friend. Together, they ignite a rebellion that challenges the decaying status quo.
The characters are the soul of this book- complex, relatable, and brimming with life. Willow’s determination is infectious, Liam’s moral conflict adds depth, and Olivia’s loyalty ties it all together. The pacing kept me hooked, even if a few moments lingered longer than necessary. Every scene felt purposeful, and I devoured this story like a feast in a famine-stricken world.
O’Neal’s world-building is masterful, painting a stark yet vivid landscape of despair and hope. The contrast between the desolation of the earth and the vibrancy of knowledge and resistance is beautifully executed.
This book isn’t just a story—it’s a call to imagine what we could lose and fight for what matters most. I’m already counting the days until book two. If you love dystopian tales with high stakes, unforgettable characters, and a glimmer of hope in the darkness, The Forgotten Earth should be your next read. Highly recommend
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A gripping dystopian romantasy where love and magic thrive.
In a world teetering on the edge of collapse, Willow carries forbidden knowledge that could save humanity—if it doesn't get her killed first. On a mission to restore plant life and heal the planet's broken food system, she finds herself pursued by the Elite, a powerful ruling force. Liam, a disillusioned soldier enslaved by the same Elite, is tasked with her execution but instead becomes her unlikely ally. As their bond deepens, Willow discovers an incredible power to revive the Earth, while the pair battles mystical creatures, magic, and a sentient house on their journey. But when they realize they’re being hunted for their abilities, Willow and Liam must decide whether to fight for the new world they’re building or surrender to the Elite's control.
I loved the main world premise – humans have disrespected the Earth long enough for her to go barren, creating violent, evil zombie-like creatures. Women are in a major state of abuse and oppression. Two distinct class systems have come about with the Elite getting all food, water, money, and power all in favor of the Emperor. Anything that could go wrong for a young ‘Forgotten’-class woman protagonist already has, so it’s her time to flourish. The abuse and oppression Willow faces are painfully believable, which makes her journey toward self-empowerment all the more rewarding. As a reader, you can’t help but root for her as she fights not only for survival but for the freedom and dignity denied to her kind.
The relationship between Willow and Liam burns slow, as they begin as enemies in the sense of what Liam represents – the oppressor. However, as they are forced to work together, trust begins to form, and so does an undeniable chemistry. Their relationship is filled with sharp wit, emotional depth, and an increasing sexual tension that makes their eventual connection all the more satisfying. The spice between them is perfectly balanced—enough to add heat without overshadowing the emotional stakes of their bond.
The novel also introduces an intriguing layer of magic, with both Willow and Liam harboring untapped potential. As they navigate their perilous journey, sentinel magic tries to communicate with them on how to achieve their full potential. It’s amazing the things that they can do, and what the magic can create and offer of its own accord when it knows it’s needed.
But perhaps the most compelling aspect of the book is the growth of its characters. Willow and Liam are transformed by their experiences and their journey together is one of learning, healing, and empowerment. The emotional stakes are high, and the author crafts moments of triumph and heartbreak with equal care, leaving me cheering at successes and crying with loss.
The Forgotten Earth is a powerful, emotionally charged story that combines rich world-building, complex characters, and a poignant exploration of injustice and resilience. It keeps readers eager to discover how the journey unfolds in the rest of the series.
In a world teetering on the edge of collapse, Willow carries forbidden knowledge that could save humanity—if it doesn't get her killed first. On a mission to restore plant life and heal the planet's broken food system, she finds herself pursued by the Elite, a powerful ruling force. Liam, a disillusioned soldier enslaved by the same Elite, is tasked with her execution but instead becomes her unlikely ally. As their bond deepens, Willow discovers an incredible power to revive the Earth, while the pair battles mystical creatures, magic, and a sentient house on their journey. But when they realize they’re being hunted for their abilities, Willow and Liam must decide whether to fight for the new world they’re building or surrender to the Elite's control.
I loved the main world premise – humans have disrespected the Earth long enough for her to go barren, creating violent, evil zombie-like creatures. Women are in a major state of abuse and oppression. Two distinct class systems have come about with the Elite getting all food, water, money, and power all in favor of the Emperor. Anything that could go wrong for a young ‘Forgotten’-class woman protagonist already has, so it’s her time to flourish. The abuse and oppression Willow faces are painfully believable, which makes her journey toward self-empowerment all the more rewarding. As a reader, you can’t help but root for her as she fights not only for survival but for the freedom and dignity denied to her kind.
The relationship between Willow and Liam burns slow, as they begin as enemies in the sense of what Liam represents – the oppressor. However, as they are forced to work together, trust begins to form, and so does an undeniable chemistry. Their relationship is filled with sharp wit, emotional depth, and an increasing sexual tension that makes their eventual connection all the more satisfying. The spice between them is perfectly balanced—enough to add heat without overshadowing the emotional stakes of their bond.
The novel also introduces an intriguing layer of magic, with both Willow and Liam harboring untapped potential. As they navigate their perilous journey, sentinel magic tries to communicate with them on how to achieve their full potential. It’s amazing the things that they can do, and what the magic can create and offer of its own accord when it knows it’s needed.
But perhaps the most compelling aspect of the book is the growth of its characters. Willow and Liam are transformed by their experiences and their journey together is one of learning, healing, and empowerment. The emotional stakes are high, and the author crafts moments of triumph and heartbreak with equal care, leaving me cheering at successes and crying with loss.
The Forgotten Earth is a powerful, emotionally charged story that combines rich world-building, complex characters, and a poignant exploration of injustice and resilience. It keeps readers eager to discover how the journey unfolds in the rest of the series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Rape, Torture
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
"Books are dangerous. They give you ideas. They give you possibilities. They open doors. They allow you to see what the world could be. And most dangerous of all, they give you hope. Unrelenting hope. That is why they don't want us to have them."
We have:
🖤 forced proximity
✨ found family
🖤 unexpected magic
✨ sentient house
🖤 forbidden knowledge
✨ epic adventure
*Spoiler free review ♡
I <i>loooove</i> a dystopian world. The Forgotten Earth explores what would happen to the world, and humanity, without plants or rain. In this story books are banned, and the government has become fully corrupted. Without rain or plants, they're having to engineer food sources, meanwhile right outside their city is a dangerous species, kind of like a zombie, that is constant threat to their cities. The book starts out pretty quickly with a SHOCKING event, and I was on the edge of my seat.
Our FMC sneaks into an abandoned library in the forbidden part of the city and reads books about what the world was like before, and studies up on plants. It was refreshing to see a main female character that still risks it all for her community and the people she cares about, but in a way that's different than just fighting. She was able to use her intelligence to take care of everyone, and I loved seeing that. I feel like the author did a great job with realistic dialogue, and I liked the banter between all of the characters. Sometimes authors put all of the "good stuff" into just the main two love interests, but I felt like even the side characters were well-rounded and interesting and FUNNY.
The magic system was really interesting, and I love the way that elemental magic tied into the world. I enjoy when we're able to learn with a character, but some parts did feel a little bit like info-dumping. I loved the way that magic kind of introduced itself, and I'm a huge fan of a sentient house. There was a great mix of conflict but also hope for the future, which felt really relevant to what's going on in the world now. I can't wait to see what comes next in the series.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Favorite Quotes:
"I've seen far less trauma break people. Drive them mad, but all you've done is gain more empathy for those around you. All you do is help people. People that many believe aren't worth helping, myself included. If that isn't strength, I don't know what is."
"You look lovely in the morning."
"Asshole."
"Remember, energy can only be transferred. It cannot be lost. You will see me again. In the flames of the fires you will set to transform the world into a beautiful living canvas."
We have:
🖤 forced proximity
✨ found family
🖤 unexpected magic
✨ sentient house
🖤 forbidden knowledge
✨ epic adventure
*Spoiler free review ♡
I <i>loooove</i> a dystopian world. The Forgotten Earth explores what would happen to the world, and humanity, without plants or rain. In this story books are banned, and the government has become fully corrupted. Without rain or plants, they're having to engineer food sources, meanwhile right outside their city is a dangerous species, kind of like a zombie, that is constant threat to their cities. The book starts out pretty quickly with a SHOCKING event, and I was on the edge of my seat.
Our FMC sneaks into an abandoned library in the forbidden part of the city and reads books about what the world was like before, and studies up on plants. It was refreshing to see a main female character that still risks it all for her community and the people she cares about, but in a way that's different than just fighting. She was able to use her intelligence to take care of everyone, and I loved seeing that. I feel like the author did a great job with realistic dialogue, and I liked the banter between all of the characters. Sometimes authors put all of the "good stuff" into just the main two love interests, but I felt like even the side characters were well-rounded and interesting and FUNNY.
The magic system was really interesting, and I love the way that elemental magic tied into the world. I enjoy when we're able to learn with a character, but some parts did feel a little bit like info-dumping. I loved the way that magic kind of introduced itself, and I'm a huge fan of a sentient house. There was a great mix of conflict but also hope for the future, which felt really relevant to what's going on in the world now. I can't wait to see what comes next in the series.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Favorite Quotes:
"I've seen far less trauma break people. Drive them mad, but all you've done is gain more empathy for those around you. All you do is help people. People that many believe aren't worth helping, myself included. If that isn't strength, I don't know what is."
"You look lovely in the morning."
"Asshole."
"Remember, energy can only be transferred. It cannot be lost. You will see me again. In the flames of the fires you will set to transform the world into a beautiful living canvas."
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I Was lucky enough to receive this as an ARC.
Book Review:
🌱✨The Forgotten Earth by Brilynn O’Neal ✨🌱
“He’s supposed to kill her, but instead, he learns to fight for her? Oh, the drama! 🫦💥
This book had me hooked faster than a sentient house deciding it likes you (yes, that’s a thing 🏡🔥). Brilynn O’Neal masterfully builds a crumbling dystopian world where knowledge is lethal 📚☠️ and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Willow, our fierce heroine, is on a mission to revive a dying planet—armed with banned books and forbidden hope 🌍📖. Liam, a soldier with nothing left to lose, enters as her unlikely (and very brooding) partner-in-survival. Together, they face mystical monsters, magic that feels alive, and, of course, the ever-looming shadow of the Elite.
The chemistry? SIZZLING. The plot? Unputdownable. The world-building? A+ I could practically smell 👃the regrown plants 🌿 (and hear my heart break at every twist 💔).
If you love dystopian survival with a splash of magic and romance, The Forgotten Earth is the wild, heart-pounding ride you need. Willow and Liam are the kind of characters who stay with you long after “The End” 🥹💚.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (and I’d give it more if the Elite didn’t forbid extra stars) 🌟✨
Run, don’t walk, to pick this one up—you will not regret it! 🏃♀️📚💚 #BookLoversUnite #DystopianMagic”
Book Review:
🌱✨The Forgotten Earth by Brilynn O’Neal ✨🌱
“He’s supposed to kill her, but instead, he learns to fight for her? Oh, the drama! 🫦💥
This book had me hooked faster than a sentient house deciding it likes you (yes, that’s a thing 🏡🔥). Brilynn O’Neal masterfully builds a crumbling dystopian world where knowledge is lethal 📚☠️ and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Willow, our fierce heroine, is on a mission to revive a dying planet—armed with banned books and forbidden hope 🌍📖. Liam, a soldier with nothing left to lose, enters as her unlikely (and very brooding) partner-in-survival. Together, they face mystical monsters, magic that feels alive, and, of course, the ever-looming shadow of the Elite.
The chemistry? SIZZLING. The plot? Unputdownable. The world-building? A+ I could practically smell 👃the regrown plants 🌿 (and hear my heart break at every twist 💔).
If you love dystopian survival with a splash of magic and romance, The Forgotten Earth is the wild, heart-pounding ride you need. Willow and Liam are the kind of characters who stay with you long after “The End” 🥹💚.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (and I’d give it more if the Elite didn’t forbid extra stars) 🌟✨
Run, don’t walk, to pick this one up—you will not regret it! 🏃♀️📚💚 #BookLoversUnite #DystopianMagic”
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was so good. I absolutely devoured it! And this was such a unique story, the magic system was perfect for this world and while it was magic, it felt so real! I loved how the plants that appeared had meanings and how everything tied together.
I loved this cast of characters Olivia was so funny and quippy and Willow and Liam had such good chemistry. And when Lily appears, she is adorable! I hope to see more of her in the next book!
I still have questions I need answered, but those will have to wait until book 2 I guess!
I loved this cast of characters Olivia was so funny and quippy and Willow and Liam had such good chemistry. And when Lily appears, she is adorable! I hope to see more of her in the next book!
I still have questions I need answered, but those will have to wait until book 2 I guess!
thank you netgalley for an arc
unfortunately this book just really isn't working for me. i told myself i had to read at least 20% because i thought maybe the problems i was having would be solved with more pages, but they weren't. while the premise was interesting, i was just confused by the world. maybe it's my fault for not realizing the world was literally just our world and not a fantasy world, but even then ... i feel like nothing was explained. there are Elite and there are Forgotten and i don't know why either of them exist. there is food scarcity because something happened that made most of the world inhospitable and plants are unable to grow outside of the lab. there are soldiers who seem to exist just to terrorize and murder people?? there are the Claeg who are ... monsters??
by 17% i should have a little more of a grasp of the world, but instead i am lost and confused and now that they've already begun their adventure into the wasteland i fear i won't get any kind of explanation about the city and the people that live in it. and unfortunately, i'm not liking the characters enough to follow them on their journey.
unfortunately this book just really isn't working for me. i told myself i had to read at least 20% because i thought maybe the problems i was having would be solved with more pages, but they weren't. while the premise was interesting, i was just confused by the world. maybe it's my fault for not realizing the world was literally just our world and not a fantasy world, but even then ... i feel like nothing was explained. there are Elite and there are Forgotten and i don't know why either of them exist. there is food scarcity because something happened that made most of the world inhospitable and plants are unable to grow outside of the lab. there are soldiers who seem to exist just to terrorize and murder people?? there are the Claeg who are ... monsters??
by 17% i should have a little more of a grasp of the world, but instead i am lost and confused and now that they've already begun their adventure into the wasteland i fear i won't get any kind of explanation about the city and the people that live in it. and unfortunately, i'm not liking the characters enough to follow them on their journey.