*At the End of Everything* by Marieke Nijkamp is a gripping and poignant tale of resilience and survival. Set in a world on lockdown, it explores friendship, hope, and humanity in the face of crisis. The characters are richly developed, making it an emotionally resonant and unforgettable read. Highly recommended!

An interesting, gripping blend of sci-fi and mystery by an author who excels at it. It is not a light read at all and one that might hit a bit close to home since the pandemic but a worthy read.

A thrilling and action packed read, taken on from the pov of multiple narrators. Not all were likeable, as to be expected, but they keep you holding on to the very end. A particularly captivating concept, especially so near to the pandemic we faced. Received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was good, but not great. It started out pretty slow, picked up towards the middle but it never really had me fully engaged at the edge of my seat. This is a story about a group of teenagers residing in a juvenile detention rehabilitation center who are abandoned by the center's administration and guards after an outbreak has swept the country. It reads a bit like Lord of the Flies during a worldwide pandemic similar to Covid. The ending leaves us with too many unanswered questions.

At the End of Everything by Marieke Nijkamp is a contemporary young adult novel that delves into themes of trauma, survival, and the complexities of human relationships. Set in a juvenile detention center, the story follows a group of teenagers who are faced with a crisis when the facility is put on lockdown following a violent incident.

Nijkamp's narrative is notable for its exploration of intense emotional and psychological states, as well as its focus on diverse characters with distinct backgrounds and experiences. The author effectively uses a confined setting to heighten the tension and drama, pushing characters to confront their pasts and their fears.

The book is structured with multiple perspectives, allowing readers to gain insight into the inner lives of several characters. This approach adds depth to the story but can also create some narrative disjointedness. While the character development is generally strong, the plot can feel somewhat predictable at times.

Overall, At the End of Everything is a thought-provoking read that tackles serious issues with sensitivity and nuance. It may appeal to readers interested in character-driven stories and those looking for an exploration of complex emotional landscapes within a high-stakes environment.

I felt desperately sad once it was over and though I understand that this was probably Nijkamp's desire, I could have used a few more moments of lightness and hope to be peppered throughout this.

This was a struggle for me and I did not finish. I am fully aware that this may have been more of a me problem. Each time I went to pick this book back up I was unwilling to bring up my own childhood issues. I am certain that given the right audience this is a gold star. I just couldn't finish it.

Thank you to sourcebooks and netgalley for the opportunity to attempt it.

I've enjoyed everything that Marieke Nijkamp has written. I enjoyed At the End of Everything but it was missing something that I cannot put my finger on.

We have a book that is very character driven and somewhat dystopian with a bunch of kids stranded and forgotten about at a juvenile detention center after an outbreak has swept through the country.

I really didn't understand how all of the characters could talk to their loved ones but the entire time they complained about being forgotten about and unwanted.

It was a quick read and I actually had a hard time putting it down. I liked it enough to finish but I just wasn't completely awed by it.

This is a unique story line written by a skilled author. A treatment center of deliquent children left to fend for themselves during a pandemic that has made the world outside their compound much more dangerous than the world they live in everyday.

A very interesting and harrowing read. I don't tend to read YA books, not because they're not any good or I have anything against them, but because they just don't tend to stand out to me. The writing in this book was very well done and went along at a fast pace. I definitely will check out other works from this author and would recommend this book for those who want a YA that's a bit darker.

An emotionally charged story that will close your eyes in despair how neglected children can possibly be forgotten.

This story is reminiscent of Lord of the Flies during Covid-19 pandemic. There are a group of delinquent young adults at Hope Juvenile Treatment Center in the Ozarks. One day, the guards don't show up and some of the kids try to escape but are stopped by soldiers posted outside. They don't understand what is happening and why they were left alone and why they are slowly getting sick with respiratory illnesses. They are confronted with deciding who they can trust and determine what actions will keep them alive. They learn that the Center is shut down due to a contagious Black Death Plague; “Y. pestis is a gram-negative bacterium, widely known by the disease it causes: the plague. The plague is known to take three forms: bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic.”
“The world is crumbling all around us, but we have the chance to build something that is ours. A small outpost against the coming storm, where we’re safe and protected, because we’re the ones who secure and protect ourselves.” Some of them decide to plan an escape past the soldiers and others are determined to stay and tend to the very ill. Both options present the risk of being killed by the soldiers or the plague. There are some very unlikeable characters are there always when put in a desperate situation where the "fight, flight or freeze" response kicks in. It's a story of survival, perseverance and humanity.

You ever read a book and it just feels like it’s just a bit too soon? That’s how this felt. Not that it was terrible, just that it felt too soon especially due to the COVID pandemic. Like it was a COVID book without being an exact COVID book; the plague was different, but it just felt too close for comfort.
I enjoyed the excerpts from health organizations and felt like they were important and there should have been more of them, and felt like the twins who spoke in their own sign language just didn’t really fit in.

Overall, it was just okay. I would probably read another book by this author, but the COVID pandemic theme was just not it for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

"At the End of Everything" by Marieke Nijkamp delivers a powerful and compelling narrative that transcends the typical survival thriller, offering a unique perspective on the resilience of a group of delinquent teens in the face of a global pandemic. Nijkamp crafts a story that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, exploring themes of isolation, trust, and the innate human desire for connection.

The premise, centered around abandoned teens at the Hope Juvenile Treatment Center grappling with a world succumbing to an infectious disease, is gripping from the start. The ironic naming of the center sets the stage for a thought-provoking exploration of societal neglect, making readers empathize with characters who have been discarded by the world.

Nijkamp's storytelling is both evocative and poignant, drawing readers into the lives of these marginalized teens as they navigate a world that has never wanted them. The author skillfully balances the elements of suspense and emotion, creating a narrative that is not only about survival but also about self-discovery and the strength found in unexpected places.

The character development is a standout aspect of the novel. Each teen is given a distinct voice, allowing readers to connect with their struggles, fears, and aspirations. The group dynamics and the evolution of relationships within the diverse cast feel authentic, adding depth to the narrative.

The exploration of the pandemic's impact on society, coupled with the confined setting of the treatment center, adds a layer of claustrophobia and urgency to the story. As the teens face dwindling supplies and the threat of the deadly plague, the tension rises, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

Nijkamp's prose is both engaging and thought-provoking, prompting readers to reflect on societal injustices and the resilience of the human spirit. The novel's pacing is well-executed, maintaining momentum from start to finish.

I'm not sure why, but it's not giving me the option to not give feedback. Thanks for the opportunity to review this one.

I've read a few by this author and I just don't like the writing style. The characters become all to one dimensional and clichéd. I couldn't get I to this, sorry I can see other people would like it, just not for me

Imagine being trapped in a juvenile treatment center, abandoned and forgotten, as a deadly outbreak ravages the world outside. What if the only way to survive is to stay locked up inside? But what if even that isn't safe enough?

This thrilling apocalyptic tale follows a group of troubled teens as they navigate a world gone mad. After a violent argument breaks out, they discover a shocking truth: a deadly respiratory disease has spread across the state and the country, forcing the government to put everyone on lockdown. Anyone who tries to leave will be shot on sight. Despite some of them thinking the treatment center is the safest option, unexpected events force them to change their minds.

With multiple narrators and non-stop action, this gripping young adult novel kept me on the edge of my seat. I especially loved Grace, a fiery fighter against injustice who struggles to keep her temper in check. The satisfying conclusion left me with a pandemic-sized rush of excitement, earning this book four stars. Huge thanks to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Fire for providing me with a digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

I really wanted to like/love this book but I struggled through this the whole time. It was interesting that this was is yet another fiction pandemic book written during the coronavirus pandemic still happening.

I wish it had been better

2 stars

This sadly wasn't really my kind of thing but i can say it was well written and I could see how it would appeal to others.

I really wish this book had a better ending - I want to know what happens after everything the kids go through.