Conform by Ariel Sullivan: A Dystopian Romance Worth the Buzz
When I first laid eyes on Conform by Ariel Sullivan, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. This debut novel called out to my inner book club enthusiast, the one that craves that special kind of read—where every page is a potential talking point. After devouring it in a single sitting, I can assure you, this book demands to be discussed, analyzed, and yes, even ranted about. So grab a reading buddy and prepare to scream your theories into the void; you’ll want someone to bounce ideas off of after experiencing Emeline’s journey.
At its core, Conform is a gripping dystopian romance that plays with themes of societal conformity, the quest for identity, and the moral ambiguity of power. It feels refreshingly relevant, tapping into the angst of conformity and rebellion reminiscent of both The Handmaid’s Tale and The Uglies. The world Sullivan creates is stunning yet suffocating: Elites floating in their high, colorful citadels while the "Minor Defects" languish below in gray, dreary quarters. It’s a visual feast that carries an emotional weight, particularly as Emeline navigates the dizzying heights of opulence and the insidious nature of her society.
The plot is action-packed, keeping readers on their toes, especially in the gripping last quarter where character development shines and themes solidify. I found myself deeply invested as the twists unfolded, trying to predict the moving pieces while being captivated by Sullivan’s sharp prose. Collin, the morally gray love interest, is a standout character who radiates competence and quiet protectiveness, making him hard to resist. He practically begs readers to root for him—seriously, I’d marry him if given half the chance!
But let’s talk about the side characters, which added delightful dimensions to the narrative. I couldn’t help but feel the potential for serious side Slytherin energy among them, making me yearn for fanfiction. Plus, there’s a simmering secondary romance that I’m absolutely obsessed with—who doesn’t love a bit of arguing as foreplay? The tension had me fanning my face!
That said, the emotional gravity of the world felt a bit muted to me. Perhaps I’m just an old hand at dystopian narratives, but I craved a deeper exploration of horror and morality. The pivotal moment that jolts Emeline isn’t as shocking as it ought to be, especially given her backstory. While I loved the fast-paced plot, at times it rushed past important relationship-building moments, which left me wanting to linger a bit longer with these characters and their evolving dynamics.
As I turned the last page, I found myself both exhilarated and cautiously optimistic about the potential of this series. Love triangles can be tricky waters to navigate, but I’m hopeful that Sullivan has set the stage for something truly satisfying.
So, who will enjoy Conform? If you’re a fan of bingeable dystopian tales with morally gray men, sizzling tension, and endless theories to bounce around, this book is a must-read. It’s perfect for book clubs looking for something to dissect over wine and snacks. Personally, this reading experience reminded me of why I love stories that challenge norms and provoke discussion.
In summary, Conform is not just a book; it’s a ticket to soul-searching conversations and a thrilling journey of self-discovery. Mark your calendars—this is one novel you won’t want to miss! Thank you to Ballantine for the ARC; my thoughts are entirely my own, but I can’t wait to hear yours!
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