“Death must be so beautiful. To lie in the soft borne earth, with the grasses waving above ones head, and listen to silence. To have no yesterday and no tomorrow. To forget time, forget life, to be at peace.”

Thank you NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for the advanced copy.

Oh my goodness, what a page turner! A book with a dystopian, post apocalyptic feel. Sadly, it shows how society will always be divided. I love Eve, she is so strong and such a badass. Her friends as well.
To live by a code of “we are survivors” must be so hard, but it keeps them going day by day. And Eve is so cunning, thinking of every possibility on how to get out. All the tragedies she encountered and yet she still remained caring, an overall good person. Those events could have turned her into a monster easily.
And Wren just makes my heart melt (and Eve should have given Addison a nice, broken nose). That ending should be a crime! Please get the next book out fast!

I really enjoyed the characters in this book. The different levels created an interesting class structure and I liked how the characters either fell into or defied that hierarchy. The power structure and struggles was the most interesting aspect of the book to me. The power and position of the guards was particularly intriguing as a lower level job that was most closely allied with the top level.

I have read other books with a similar premise so I found the plot to be a bit predictable. However, I still thought the way things unfolded was well written. Also while the premise of the book clearly indicates there will be fighting and violence I would like to note that is a bit graphic and overall the book does lean more into the older end of YA. If you aren’t sensitive to violence I think this is an interesting read and I do hope it continues as a series. I would particularly love to see more character’s perspective on the culture of the compound.

Thank you to Entangled Teen and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

The way this book ended should be criminal and if there’s not a second one... I will be highly upset. Wow. I think that’s the only thing that comes to mind right now. I haven’t read a dystopian in a good bit and I am shocked at how much I missed good dystopian novels. This is one of them. While it starts slow, following Eve, Maggie, Emerald, Hunter and Wren was so fun. I loved watching the characters develop, their relationships grow, and how each part of the districts works.

This was well thought out, had great prose, and beautiful character development. It was a little slow in the beginning and it took me a minute to get into, but I thoroughly enjoyed it once I was about 20% into it. I loved the fact that each character stayed in character throughout the novel, but still developed. They were multi dimensional, and well done. I actually really enjoyed the concept/plot. It was different but so fun.

I can’t wait to see where book two goes!

i really enjoyed reading this book, the characters were great and I really enjoyed the scifi elements. The cover drew me in and I'm glad I read this.

‘Escaping Eleven’ is the thrilling beginning to a dystopian series that is wholly captivating, and feels slightly evocative of series like Divergent and The Hunger Games.

When the earth became uninhabitable, humankind went underground, forming compounds deep beneath the soil. Compound Eleven is hierarchal by floor, with each caste inhabiting a specific floor and a specific role in society. Eve Hamilton is a fighter. It’s the way of life on her floor. And she lives and fights as if it’s second nature. It isn’t until she enters the ring with a privileged boy from the top floor named Wren that her axis shifts. He destroys her in the ring, but out of it? He might be the one to help put her back together. It’s too bad that Eve has no intention of sticking around long enough to find out.

Jerri Chisholm creates strong protagonists and an immersive narrative arc in ‘Escaping Eleven.’ The concept of this novel is interesting and unique in its scope and vision, but also feels uncomfortably prescient at times. Eve and Wren are interesting characters on their own, but they way that they interact with each other is also engrossing. The secondary characters feel well-sketched and add depth to the story. It’s a solid start to what I hope is a solid series. That being said, if a cliff hanger ending isn’t your thing, you might want to hold off on reading this until the whole series is published. But I thought that the way Chisholm ends this book is so effective, it's worth reading right away.

In sum, if you love a good dystopian story you’re going to love ‘Escaping Eleven.’


**Thank you to Entangled Teen and NetGalley for generously providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.**

I’ve been a fan of dystopian novels for years, and I’m glad they’re making a comeback. With the MC being a fighter, I felt shades of Katniss from the description.

Saying Eve is a strong female protagonist is an understatement. She’s fierce, physically strong, confident, and occasionally independent to a fault. In her world it’s easier to keep your head down, accept your station in life, and not hope for anything more. But Eve isn’t much of a follower and doesn’t necessarily believe everything she’s been told about the world above. She’s also more curious than most cats I’ve come across.

There are a number of tropes in this book, but some of them are necessary components for what happens later in the plot. When Wren steps in as the possessive-I’ll-fight-your-battles-for-you boyfriend, Eve lets him know in no uncertain terms she doesn’t need his help. The problem is that sometimes we all need help, but her flaw is not realizing it and refusing to ask for it in certain situations. A beautiful ex-girlfriend who hasn’t quite accepted the breakup is also in the mix, but serves a purpose. I’d hoped for more information about Wren. Hints are dropped about his backstory and a statement is made that I’d have serious questions about if I were Eve, but they weren’t addressed. I have to assume more details will be revealed in the next book.

With an immersive, fast-paced beginning, I was immediately caught up in the story, but there’s a long lack of action in the middle. In the last 20%, the plot moves at a break-neck pace, and those developments bumped up my overall rating.

Escaping Eleven is gritty, violent, and dark, but those aspects fit the Eve-s and Wren’s world. It’s an enticing debut, and the next book will absolutely be on my TBR.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book was incredible. I loved every moment of it. Sure, this story has been told by many authors before. But I don’t care, I loved it.

If you liked The Divergent or Red Rising, then you might want to read this book. It has a lot of the same feels as Red Rising did for me, just with less grit. That isn’t a bad thing by far, but just enough to make the book worth reading.

I do want to point out that there are MANY triggers in this book. For those who can’t read books with specific triggers in it please be warned. There is bullying, physical abuse, assault both physical and border line sexual and even genocide. I don’t want to spoil things for everyone. But if any of these topics make you uncomfortable, just kn

**Thank you NetGalley and Entangled Teen for sending me this ARC, All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Entangled publishing, their authors and editors never fail to amaze me and this book was absolutely no different. In this Hunger Games meets Divergent world, Escaping Eleven follows Eve, a girl from a dystopian futuristic earth. Due to climate change and the scorching sun, land has been made inhabitable and the solution was created by wealthy investors to move life below ground into a compound divided by classism and violence. We first meet Eve as she fights for her life in a fighting arena against the boy that soon becomes one of the most swoon worthy book boyfriends I've ever read *cue dramatic sigh* I devoured this book all in one sitting and I absolutely LOVED Eve's character and development especially towards the end.

Some of the choices Eve made definitely frustrated me, but I really believe that a good character has those flaws and quirks, and can't always be perfect. The authenticity of the characters really resonated with me as did Chrisholm's approach to very sensitive topics like love, loss, grief, violence and abuse. The book hasn't even been officially published and I already cannot wait for the next book and more content from the author!!. The cover is beautiful and Entangled has done a phenomenal job with the novel.

Final Rating: 4.5/5

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own, when I read what this book is about I knew I had to request an arc for it and I was right I loved it especially the romance between the two main characters, the start of the book was incredible but the middle was a little boring because it lacked action, I love the main character and her personality while I had a few problems with wren I still liked him very much, I would really recommend this book for dystopian fans.

Thank you to Entangled Publishing and Netgalley for providing me with ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Gritty, intense and not sparing you reality and hardships that is living in Compound Eleven and touching serious real life problems.
The earth becomes more and more baren,the sun is burning hotter and is no longer possible to walk safely outside....so all they can do is to move all the life underground but with it comes new ruthless order with no mercy if you don't follow the rules and stick to your level.
Our heroine Eve is one of the Compound Eleven's inhabitants and after so much oppression and so much loss she feels suffocated living there and is determined to find a way to go outside and taste freedom no matter the consequences.
I loved that about her that she is tough as nails and so stubborn but at the same time ,despite her ruthless surrounding she is kind and caring.
Torn between not leaving her friends and family alone in that place and finding freedom she meets THE boy from the upper level - Wren that changes everything and one more reason to stay and at the same time her only hope of getting free.
I was left curious about him and wanted to know him better , i think Eve was a little egocentric and didn't dig deep and tried to know him that much(especially tha talk about his dark side was left hanging) therefore we were left with not so full picture of him (really wished that we hadchapters with his point of view so we hear a little bit of his mind!).
I have to mention the atmosphere was so gripping that you can feel the tension,the stale air and little claustrophobic of the life there.Also both Eve and Wren's friends added a lot of color and lovable characters and lot of emotions.
The last 50 pages or so i was at the edge of my seat and prayed we get some king of closure and not left hanging and boy i wasn't disappointed and got relaxed exhale and i can't wait for the next book to see what awaits Wren and Eve after all they've been through.

So I really enjoyed the concept, the writing was good. It was very engaging but had some technical issues with the grammar in spots for me. If you like dystopia style books I do reccomend and I love the cover.

Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of Escaping Eleven in exchange for an honest review!

I'm not going to lie, Escaping Eleven is definitely a story you've come across if you read Dystopia. A civilization forced undergrounds because they can't handle the climate (or can they?). A corrupt system where the people on the bottom suffer as a result. A girl who dreams of leaving and a boy who dreams of keeping her safe. Escaping Eleven is full of tropes of the genre but it's unique enough to keep you interested from beginning to end.

Honestly, the low point for me was probably the love interest but considering I barely like men (in the romantic sense, I don't have a secret loathing of an entire gender), I recognize that I'm not the most qualified to rate those of the fictional variety and macho-men protective characters just don't work for me in general. It's not exactly insta-lovey but it's also not really developed enough that I could get really invested. I'm really curious to see where the series goes from here though.

I'm going to start with what I didn't like about this novel...the writing. Don't get me wrong, the story was well developed and engaging, but as I read it felt like I was reading a stilted conversation with disjointed thoughts. One sentence would contain proper speaking and contractions (examples NOT from the book: It is not fair the children don't get a treat. The are very unfortunate and can't understand what they did wrong. Won't they regret being so poor when they are begging for treats?). Those examples may not seem cumbersome but in a book this length it was very distracting. It felt like the FMC, Eve, was stuttering in her thoughts. Almost like she was trying to be formal, which was odd.

Other than that, Escaping Eleven was a unique combination of The City of Ember, The 100, and Divergent.

After the Earth begins to heat up and suffocate humans, they turn to compounds underground. The wealthy funded them, so naturally they end up making up the upper "floors" of the compounds while the laborers make up the lower "floors." There are clear distinctions in how members of society are treated from jobs to food rations. I really enjoyed the depth of explanation of the whole system. It was very easy to follow and very detailed.

Eve is a young fighter on the cusp of having to choose a job. After a fight with a young man, Wren, they begin a friendship that continues to uncover the differences between the floors and expectations and prejudices that flow deeply through the compound. Eve is dead set on leaving the compound and risking her life to go aboveground because she can't submit to a way of life she doesn't support. As she learns to trust Wren, a sweet romance blossoms.

With a great selection of side characters, a traumatic past, enemies around every corner, a vivid dystopian background, and amazing strength, Eve discovers what she needs and wants.

I am surprised the ending said it was Book 1, so I'm assuming it's a HFN, to be continued type of story. The ending was AMAZING and if there is another book, I'll be reading it!

ARC provided to me by the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

You guys! I read this almost in a one sitting!

I realize that I'm not a target audience, but I really don't care!! I love, love, LOVE YA dystopian.

All the elements for a great YA dystopian can be found in this books and it's very well written! What a great debut novel!

I can't wait for the next novel to come out. Actually I can't wait for this one to come out so I can get a physical copy of this book in my hands!

I really enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. The plot was very interesting and I really connected to the main characters. I will be recommending this book to my friends.

In this dystopian world, the Earth has become too hot to live on so people live in compounds underground. Within these compounds are different floor levels and each floor level determines your worth. Top floors for the rich and privileged, bottom for the poor. The main character Eve lives on one of the lower floors and wants to escape the compound.

I found this book to be intriguing and also a little dull. I loved the premise and the main character Eve, as well as Wren. I found it hard to understand this world at first and I wish the author would have explained it a little better. The story moved along well I just wish there was more action.

There is a TON of violence in this book, which I was not expecting. In this world I understand why the violence was necessary but it could potentially be triggering to some people.

Overall I did enjoy the book and I am looking forward to what happens next!

This book was really good! It's definitely one of the more violent and aggressive novels I have read (so be ready for that) and I won't lie I was kind of into it, depending on the situation. Meaning that there were some uncomfortable parts and there were some parts where I was very happy to see some retribution of the violent variety.

I will say that book did have your typical YA dystopian novel dynamics but it also had a fair bit uniqueness to it. Our main character Eve is one of my favorites of the year. She's fierce, strong, and she knows it which I love because I feel like most characters have to be constantly told that by others before they start to believe it. I really enjoyed being in her head and I was invested in every part of her journey. The rest of the characters were also quite interesting (although there are certainly some I would be very happy not seeing again). Overall, I really like this book and I am very excited to see where we go in the next one.


*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Special thanks to Jerri Chisholm, Entangled Publishing, and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity.*

The premise of this book immediately intrigued me, however I didn't love its execution. The writing style was lovely, and you could feel the environment around them and the atmosphere Chisholm intended. However, I couldn't fully immerse myself in this novel because I found the main characters unlikeable. I didn't care for their journey or their backstory, which led me to being disengaged with the plot and uninterested to see where the story went next.

This book ultimately just wasn't for me, which is ok! But if you're a fan of a classic dystopian novel, this one is probably for you.

Escaping Eleven was simply THAT book. It had no business being that amazing. Reading it brought me back to a time when dystopian books were big in YA and reminded me how much I love the genre.

The first chapter alone gave us such a tease. We got introduced to mysteries, secrets, and tense family dynamics. I laughed so so much reading this book. Most of my notes from the first few chapters is just me typing "lololol." The content itself isn't outright hilarious, but the author does a good job of bringing lightness to the grim situation of being stuck living underground through Eve's personality and interactions with other characters.

Let's talk about the romance though! I am very much into forbidden/ taboo love that goes against tradition, so I was all in for Wren. But the author couldn't just give us one sweet protector character. She had to give us a childhood best friend too, another one of my favorites. I was a little conflicted about what team I was on, but Wren is just everything. I loved Eve and Wren's banter, and this book truly had the best tropes in it. At the same time, I think there's some element of danger as there's more to him than meets the eye, and Eve overlooked a good number of things about him.

Now onto the characters. Eve is an emotionally stunted caterpillar who learned to be a butterfly over the course of this story. The story of her brother Jack gave me actual chills reading it, and that incident really impacts a lot of the decisions she makes in the book. Also her giving advice to her friends that she doesn't even follow herself is peak me behavior. I loved Eve and her compassion for and protectiveness over her friends. She's fierce and existential and dramatic all wrapped up in one. The side characters really brought flavor to the story and had such strong personalities and motivations. I enjoy seeing conflicts between people who love each other but also don't always approve of each other's decisions.

The setting of this book was also so well written. It felt like reading about psychology on how to break people down because the way the leaders of the compound treated everyone below them was terrible, especially when we learn about the tattoos. There are just so many added layers that compound Eve's life because they're underground.

There was a scene at the end of the book that made me cry. Like did I expect to go into this book and feel so much? Absolutely not. That is the power of Jerri Chisholm's writing.

Overall, I absolutely recommend this story if you love dystopian novels, enemies to lovers, and a strong female protagonist. This book hasn't even come out yet, and I'm already desperate for book 2.

Humanity has screwed the planet and now is forced to live underground in compounds that run on a socioeconomic caste structure. Eve lives on level 2 deep underground, which means she doesn't have many options. Life is brutal and violent. She is determined to escape Compound Eleven one way or another. Then she meets a boy from the top level...

This book carries you along right from the start and is pretty easy to rip through. The world created is vivid and fleshed out. It can be brutal at times, with physical violence, torture, death and attempted r*pe all featuring. If I had to give it one of those silly "X meets Y" billings, I'd call it Divergent meets WWE 😂 I can't quite put my finger on why it gave me Divergent vibes, it was nothing specific, just the overall feel.

I didn't warm to Eve straight away, but she grew on me. Wren I didn't really like until right at the end and even then... The book describes him quite a few times as "kind" but... he's not?? He's quite often an asshole and has a propensity for violence that is never fully explored or explained. Can we please PLEASE stop putting violent possessiveness/protectiveness in our YA heros and calling it romantic?? It's not romantic, it's toxic, and I'm SO so sick of it being sold to impressionable young people as desirable. "Oh he's so violent but never with me, cos I'm special and he loves me" - no girl, a violent man is a violent man, get the hell away.

I saw an aspect of the ending coming a mile away, but I'd still definitely pick up the second book and see what happens to Eve next.

It's hard for me to rate this because I did enjoy the read and the worldbuilding, but the toxic masculinity aspect did bother me. It's probably a 3.5 for that reason... I think I'll err on the side of rounding up.