Quick Synopsis

In the far future, one young woman finds herself torn between two loves—and two sides of a rebellion boiling under the surface—in the “luminous” (People) first novel of a sweeping dystopian romance series.

Publisher’s Synopsis

A lifelong outcast, twenty-seven-year-old Emeline spends her days alone, sorting ancient art for destruction. Centuries after a catastrophic war nearly decimated humanity, society is now ruled by an elusive and technologically advanced group called the Illum, who constantly monitor the population’s health and mandate procreation contracts. But Emeline’s bleak existence is shattered when, for the first time in decades, an Illum named Collin takes a Mate: Emeline.

Baffled as to why she was chosen, Emeline is swept into the dangerous game of the Courting, where one wrong move can mean elimination. Soon, she discovers a rebellion rising in secret, and that her Mate may be keeping secrets of his own. Collin is confusing, both cold and protective, and worse, she finds herself drawn to the very last person she should be falling for: Hal, one of the resistance leaders.

As she draws closer to both Collin and Hal, the Illum exercise their power in increasingly brutal ways, forcing Emeline to question everything—most of all whether she’ll have to give up her heart and even her life to stop them.

Book Review

Conform is a debut dystopian novel where society is defined by genetic classes. Despite being born to Elite parents, Emmeline is a minor defect due to her heterchromia. She lives at ground level and works 7 days a week destroying art work from the old world. Newly deemed eligible for procreation, she is chosen by the best member of the Iluim, the council that oversees society and highest social class. However, this also puts Emmeline under a microscope at the same time murmurs of an uprising are growing and a new friend tempts her to act out. 

Conform is one of the most compelling novels I have read this year. After finishing it, I immediately needed to read the next book in the trilogy only to discover it is a prequel, and I will be forced to wait for the end of a cliffhanger. Ugh! 

This is a propulsive debut that will keep you turning the pages until the very end. Initially, I was pulled in by the fascinating world building. But as I kept reading, I became fully invested in the characters and storyline. Emmeline does find herself in a love triangle and these romances are part of the narrative. However, even if you are not a typical romance reader, I think you will find something to enjoy in this riveting novel.