At the start, I thought that this was going to be a sort of run-of-the-mill dystopian, similar to some of the early 2010s fare I used to adore. But wow, I got so much more! The Chaperone was incredibly thought provoking, very engaging, and provided a ton of important social commentary, and I simply could not put it down. And I read it in Europe, so the fact that I was itching to get back to this book says a lot!

Stella lives in New America. New America is The Worst™. And frankly, it is very plausible. It is actually what I figure will eventually happen to the country- it will kind of have to split off, because the oppressors and the people who enjoy basic freedoms won't be able to sustain this tension much longer. And, I prefer separation to war, especially since we are the side who doesn't feel the need to arm ourselves to the teeth. I digress. Stella has only known life in New America. She is told that her being a woman makes her "less than", that her dad is in control of her life, and since she began menstruating, must be watched by, you guessed it, a chaperone. Her whole trajectory in life will either be wife/mother, or chaperone. They don't even teach girls real subjects in school. It's all very gross.

Here's the (happy) catch: Not everyone in New America, not even the seemingly "devout" chaperones, is cool with this garbage. But Stella, whose family has been not only part of the New America cause, but leaders of the cause, cannot even wrap her head around it. Until her chaperone dies under mysterious circumstances, and a new chaperone begins to open her eyes to the world around her.

I don't want to give too much away, since it really is the heart of the story, but Stella's transformation and growth is beautiful. And frankly, it gave me hope. That maybe even the most brainwashed folks can claw their way out, you know? Stella has to learn so much, not just about the real world around her, but her own beliefs and values, as well as the true nature of the members of her family. I could not put this book down, I was so engaged in the story of both Stella, and this world. The book ends well, but it also certainly lends itself to a sequel, which I would be clamoring for. May I clamor now? Thanks. I need to read more about this world, it is so fascinating, and while the author does a great job building it, I also think there is so much more that we could discover. Someone, green light this stat.

Bottom Line: I had a feeling this would be my kind of book, but it blew my already high expectations out of the water.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I had high hopes for the Chaperone, and it delivered.

I am starting to tire of dystopia style books, but this was different. I think that is because it doesn't feel impossible in this social climate.

It can easily be compared to a Handsmaid Tale mixed with the nightly news
I already ordered it for my 17 year old niece,
Great book that will hopefully open some eyes.

Well, this was really good. It's a very fast-paced read, certainly a page-turner. I must point out it has very short chapters—115 (!!!) to be precise—and that's something that made me want to keep reading nonstop.
The story includes a lot of elements featured in other dystopias, and it amazingly manages to give those elements a very unique treatment—although you can't name a dystopia where the MC doesn't make a public statement pretending to support the bad guys who rule the country, and this one's not the exception.
I really liked Stella's journey and how she grew as a character. I also found Sister Laura's story very interesting, and would've loved reading more about her.
The novel as a whole manages to deliver a really powerful message about women's rights and the need to keep fighting for them, which I think is really important in today's world.
If you love dystopian stories, you'll want to check this one out.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book has potential but I just don't think it was for me. I made it about 40% through the book before DNFing. It was an interesting and important premise, a future American where women and girls don't have autonomy and have to live by strict rules "to keep them safe", but one I feel like has been done before. There wasn't really a unique spin or approach to the topic that kept me engaged and wanting to keep reading. I would recommend this book for young girls who maybe haven't read something like this before or aren't at the reading level for more adult books on this topic. The writing was well done and I found the characters to be engaging.

This is a thought provoking, deeply emotional, and very realistic coming of age story set in a Dystopian time where “New America” is run by a group called The Minutemen. In this world, women are to be seen and not heard. Once girls hit puberty, they are assigned a Chaperone if their family can afford one, or sent to government school until they graduate and either get married, go to college, or enroll to become a Chaperone. This story will incite many emotions and keep you on the edge of your seat. I would love to see a sequel so we can continue Stella’s journey to expose New America for what it is, but at the same time the ending felt resolved.

I can’t wait to see what else M. Hendrix writes in their author career, as this was truly a beautiful debut!

This YA dystopian is a coming of age story with a twist! It was gripping and fast paced, I devoured it over the weekend! I really enjoyed the characters, Stella was strong and determined, she knew her own mind even after being brought up to be subservient. Sister Laura was also a great character standing up in little ways to help the girls she was charged with! The mention of banned books really struck a chord as there is a lot of that mirrored in reality in America even today and the premise that women are seen as only good for being wives and mother's, although dystopian and to the extreme in this story, was once how our society was does make me reflect on how times have changed for the better!

I couldn't put this down, I wanted more and I hope there will be a second book to follow Stella and her journey to bring down New America!

This story does give off Handmaid's Tale vibes, so if you enjoyed that you will enjoy this 🤷🏻

Stella Graham has been told her entire life how dangerous it is to be a girl. Girls in New America are disappearing or being kidnapped every day. For this reason, when a girl becomes a woman, they are assigned a chaperone—a woman that is her constant companion and helps guide her—if their family can afford it. Families not as fortunate have no choice but to send their daughters to a government school to keep them away from men. Slowly throughout the story and with the help of her chaperone, Stella begins to realize that things are not as they seem in New America.

M. Hendrix does some of the best dystopian world-building I’ve ever read. I could not get enough of Stella and New America. The author did an amazing job of taking serious issues and stigmas that females deal with daily and making it into a dystopian novel. I would love a sequel to this book because I just cannot get enough of New America. Clear your schedule to read this one because you won’t be able to put it down. If you love dystopian books, this book is for you. 5/5 stars.

Hendrix is a new author for me, but I sure look forward to reading other books! I would've liked a bit more worldbuilding, but I really enjoyed this one, particularly the dystopian/Handmaid's Tale vibe. The short chapters kept the pace active, and I hated to have to put the book aside! There are some eerie connections to "the real world." Stella's growth throughout the story could be encouraging to readers. I really enjoyed the fact that the author didn't see a need to include an overwhelming romance angle to the story (though there is a small one). The ending was an unexpected surprise, and I wouldn't mind reading a sequel to this story!

In the vein of Divergent and Matched, this novel focuses on a teenage girl who is dissatisfied with the dystopian country she finds herself in and, with the help of friends and mentors, finds out the truth and manages to escape. It’s a trope we’ve seen before, many times; and the reason is because it usually works. The premise is not so far fetched as some others (The Hunger Games) and the plot is entertaining if a bit formulaic.

The Chaperone is a story of an America I hope I never see in real life. Being a woman in New America is hard, your every movement is shadowed by your Chaperone, but if the choice is that or be kidnapped then Stella is willing to do what is necessary to stay safe. When Stella loses her beloved Sister Helen, she doesn't think anything could be more difficult, but when she gets a new chaperone and her entire world starts reshaping before her eyes, she learns how tough she really needs to be. Stella is a character who faces challenges head on and isn't afraid to look beyond what she knows to learn what may be possible. Her story is one of hope for just the possibility of freedom. The Chaperone comes out June 6th and is definitely not a story you want to miss! Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for giving me an early copy.

This book releases this month. It has been a while since I wanted to stay up and read. The book has all the Handmaiden’s Tale vibes.

In New American women are controlled in every way by men except when they have been overseen by their state issued Chaperone. The main character is a senior about to graduate and wants more out of life than to marry and have kids. Soon the reader sees that there may be more to the new America than what the women have been told.

Supposedly dystopian novels were out of style for a while, but my love for them never wavered. If you’re a reader who shied away from the genre for the past few years, The Chaperone is sure to reignite your interest.

In New America, once a girl reaches puberty she’s no longer allowed out in public alone or able to spend time with boys except at Visitations. She must always be accompanied by a chaperone. In high school boys are taught science and math. Girls learn about gynecological fitness and how to raise children. After graduation they’re expected to marry and have babies. No one asks these young women for their consent to marry or have children, and the marriages are often arranged. They’re not given choices.

To Stella this is simply the way the world is, and she doesn’t know any different. But when she’s assigned a new chaperone, Sister Laura, she’s given a glimpse of a different life. How things were in Old America. How she could control her life and make her own decisions. Stella’s character arc is thrilling as she evolves from an intelligent, but naive girl into a strong, determined woman with a plan. You’ll rage with her at the way women are treated in New America and cheer her on.

This novel is gripping from start to finish. It’s also terrifying and unnerving considering today’s political climate. It touches on many social issues – religious extremism, consent, body autonomy and more. It’s also hopeful, and the ending is a perfect setup for the sequel. Four hundred plus pages may sound like a chunk, but don’t let that deter you from reading this book – the chapters are short. Highly recommended!

I have to comment on the setting of Bowling Green, KY, which is where I live, and I really enjoyed the mention of local places (GADS Donuts!).

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

4 1/2 stars

Such a great book! This was a young adult dystopian done soooo well.

The main character, Stella is the oldest daughter of a wealthy family in New America. She and her family are living a life of privilege. Yet that privilege doesn't give her (or any other woman) the right to choose their own path. Her father is picking marriage candidates and Stella gets no say. Stella cannot be alone without a "chaperone" when she's out of her home. She's expected to follow her father's instructions to a tee without questioning anything.

When Stella's chaperone is killed, her world is thrown into complete chaos. She questions everything that everyone tells her and isn't sure who to trust. Sadly two of the people she trusts the least are her own parents because something is niggling in her conscience that makes her suspect they are being completely truthful with her.

The story basically shows us how this young woman falls away from her secure life of being "taken care of" and charges into one where she is taking care of and trying to save others. Her evolution and how she gets there is quite a story.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The audio for this book was great. I really enjoyed listening to it because it felt more like I was listening to a performance and sucked me completely into the story. Well done. 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley for early copies of both the audiobook and ebook.. I voluntarily chose to review both and the opinions contained within are my own.

If you are a young lady, under the age of 18 in this New America world, you can't go anywhere by yourself (they're afraid you'll be kidnapped), you can't spend any time alone with any male (including your own father), and there are other rules you must follow including you must respect your chaperone. Every girl is trained to know these rules from the moment they're born, but there's another rule that also is taught. You are trained to marry and have babies, because the population of New America isn't growing, it's shrinking.
Stella's chaperone Sister Helen passes, only, is it of natural causes? With this event, Stella's world comes to a shocking realization that all is not what it seems, the rules she's been taught since birth...she's now being led by her new chaperone to skirt these same rules, if not outright break them. As Stella is pushed deeper into this newfound freedom from these rigid rules, something happens that leads her on a journey to really push back against all that she's been taught, and even create some new rules of her own.
Stellar dystopian story, very reminiscent of The Handmaid's Tale in that the girls are just as guarded by adults and have so little rights for themselves.
The narrator Laura Knight Keating had a great voice to listen to and had no problems feeling like I was pulled into the story very quickly and stayed there. Great narration.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
The Chaperone is a dystopian novel for this present moment. While there are aspects that are reminiscent of the extreme patriarchal control and bondage of women in The Handmaid’s Tale, I love how it also develops on the insidious ways our society could regress, including the restriction of knowledge in the form of book bans, along with the extreme policing of women’s reproduction. The portrayal of New America is so harrowing, because of how real the possibility is that we as a society could end up in this place.
Stella is easy to root for, and I love how she slowly develops from someone heavily entrenched in this society to finding avenues to break away with the help of the rebellious Sister Laura and her connection to “Hush Hush” parties and an underground resistance. It was wonderful to see her come into her own and end up becoming an instrumental part of the resistance, paying it forward in a similar manner that Sister Laura did for her.
The choice to tell the story in relatively short, snappy chapters definitely helps with pacing. I remained consistently engrossed, and the pages flew by as I remained engrossed in what was going on with these characters.
I really enjoyed this book, and appreciate how it attempts to unpack these timely themes. If you enjoy dystopian fiction and/or books that draw from current political issues, I’d recommend checking it out!

The comparison to Handmaid's Tale and Grace Year is really apt. I think the love story is...unnecessary and I would have rather seen something more twisty or have it dropped entirely. There's not a ton of world-building in this, you are slammed right in the middle, and sometimes it's super effective and sometimes I just wonder what else happens in this 'country'. But overall it was very good, Stella had a lot of growth but also made decisions that were poor but very age appropriate.

Wow this was a really different dystopia!

I thought the writing and the premise were great, if a little simplistic. However, this book felt like it was 2 books in a trilogy in one - the climaxes were oddly paced. I also feel as though if you go into this with more of a cult mindset than a dystopia mindset, it will require less suspension of disbelief.

I won’t lie, The Handmaid’s Tale became too intense for me and ramped up my anxiety, so I took a break and never looked back. Maybe someday… But when I saw the cover for THE CHAPERONE by M. Hendrix and read the blurb, I needed to read it. This book is so good - I read it in a day! A dystopian coming-of-age story that also gave me anxiety at moments, but I couldn’t help but keep turning the pages because I needed to know what would happen in Stella’s life.

It’s possible I could handle THE CHAPERONE easier since it’s a YA book and not a creepy tv show, but Hendrix’s writing draws you in from the moment the book starts to the very end. I loved being in Stella’s head and caught up in this indoctrination that she has been brought up in and trying to decide what is right and wrong.

It has short chapters, which is always a plus for me! When I first saw that there were over 110 of them, I got a little nervous. But the short chapters perfectly emphasize Stella's thoughts and the book's intensity.

It’s a book that makes you think, filled with adventure and thrills, and it’s a story of a girl figuring out who she wants to be as a woman. It’s an intense journey, but one I will recommend taking!

Content Warnings: sexism, gaslighting, misogyny, murder, police brutality, classism, sexual assault, violence, fire, gun violence

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel! 4/5 stars.

Once I got into this....I did not want to put it down. It's a FAST read and it really keeps you hooked. You take a little bit of the 2010s dystopian and government and some Handmaid's Tale and some The Grace Year and you get The Chaperone. New America exists somewhere (I want to say Kentucky) and is a country within a country (Old America...but it's really just USA). Girls are controlled and have to have a Chaperone from puberty until graduation. They ultimately become mothers. Men have total control. Women are taught to be obedient, there's a fascist government, all that sort of stuff.

What was interesting is Stella's journey and realization about her society. There are escapes and rebellions and missing girls and finding ways to demonstrate resistance when you also can't risk disrupting the status quo. It was also interesting because it was a rather new "country" because her parents existed in "Old America" along with some of the older folks. I think this is where some of the star deduction comes in because while this world is built with New America and the Minutemen, there's not really an explanation for HOW it happened. Also, not to get into spoilers, but there's a time jump and a twist toward the end that was good but also like...it was a 5 month jump.

Overall, I really, really enjoyed this.

This is a story about revolution from within.

This was such an interesting story, but it’s hard to talk about the narrative without spoilers that would ruin the reading experience. I can say that if you enjoy dystopian reads, this is a solid option! I enjoyed the protagonists growth, and will be thinking about the world built here for a while- especially in the current political landscape.

Thank you so much @netgalley @recordedbooks & @sourcebooksfire for the e & audio copies!