This novel was very close to being very good. Unfortunately, I found two of the main characters and one big plot line to be almost insufferable. I absolutely loved this book up until around page 180. Not a fan of the pseudo-action thriller there. Reading about the Crisis and titular Great Transition was amazing. I loved the world the author created, and it felt so rich and real. But then it devolves. Although I hated Emi, I can’t help but wonder if it’s because she’s such a good character — teenagers are, indeed, stupid and annoying. It also feels like reading a long Reddit AITA post for a while. (Yes, I hate the mom btw.) The ending is nice. I can’t help but wish we’d gotten to read more about the Furies and their plots post-Transition instead of a small family’s drama and tracking Emi through NYC. I honestly wish she’d died.

One other big critique I have is the whole ED plot line. It didn’t serve much of anything and felt like something I’d read on thinspo tumblr. Luckily, I didn’t get triggered by this, but I can imagine some people might. I guess it was meant to add depth to Emi or something? But I can’t think of why an ED would be the best way to do that.

I also want to shout out LARCH. I loved reading about this character and all of his chapters regarding his past were amazing. Highlight of the book.

I got this as an advanced readers edition by mistake from Simon & Schuster. Probably wouldn’t have picked it up otherwise, so I’m very glad I did. Overall, I think this is an amazing debut novel and will recommend it to pretty much anyone who asks. Slay, Mr. Googins.