Booked Up Moms's Reviews > Conform

Conform is the kind of book that keeps you unsettled in the best possible way. From the very first chapters, I felt constantly conflicted. No one felt safe. No one felt fully good. Every paragraph had me changing my mind about who I trusted and which love interest I was rooting for, and that uncertainty is what made the storytelling so compelling.

(view spoiler)[The layered double meanings were especially brilliant—“you’re a spy” carried weight on multiple levels, both as the narrative Collin sold to the Elite and as Emeline quietly worked against the system. That tension threaded through the entire book, reinforcing the idea that truth is always subjective in a world built on control.

There’s family drama, political maneuvering, betrayals that genuinely hurt, and twists that land with emotional weight. The inclusion of famous artwork (and the accuracy of those references) added a striking layer of symbolism. I loved the visual parallels between characters: Hal in his blue jumpsuit, Nora always with her book, Lo in the pink dress. The symbolism wasn’t just aesthetic; it deepened the narrative and reflected each character’s role and inner conflict.

The betrayals were devastating in different ways. Hal’s betrayal hurt. Lo’s felt inevitable (her desperation for a contract made her choices predictable) but it still stung, especially knowing their friendship itself broke the rules. And Emeline’s father? Absolutely hated him. THE WORST.

The characters themselves were layered and complex, which only added to my constant suspicion. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that kept me this unsure about characters’ intentions from beginning to end, but what surprised me most was how human even the most morally questionable characters felt. I want so badly to believe that Collin has some humanity left and I could almost feel his internal struggle on the page. If I had one hope going forward, it’s that Emeline learns a little impulse control and discretion. I love her fire, but girl… gather some intel first. (hide spoiler)]

The pacing never drags and the world-building is vivid. The clouds, pods, and floating platforms create an atmosphere that feels tense, claustrophobic, and visually striking, making the setting just as dangerous as the people in it. And that cliffhanger! There was no neat, happy ending waiting to reassure us.

The Handmaid’s Tale meets Divergent, but with its own sharp, distinctive voice. Impossible to put down for anyone who loves morally gray characters and dystopians that mess with your head.

Ariel Sullivan I’m genuinely impressed. Knowing this is planned as a nine-book series has me both eager and a little nervous to see how it all unfolds.

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Huge thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the eARC!