This climate utopia novel is outstanding. In the beginning I questioned why I was reading a book frighteningly realistic in portraying the trajectory of our planet but I kept going and so glad I did. This novel reads like a thriller and I did not want to put it down. The story is told through differing points of view and with flashbacks about the decline of the world. The writing has smooth transitions between characters and storylines making it easy to read and maintain the main storyline. I originally did not like the author’s character building of Emi but she ultimately became my favorite character. I laughed, I cried, I learned, which is everything in a novel that makes a great read for me. This is my favorite book in 2023 and I highly recommend not just for reading enjoyment but discussion.
I received an ARC and this is an honest review.

Very good. This already has a number of high ratings, and I'd bet it will garner many more. It has a good story that is engaging and well-executed. Recommended.

Thank very much for the free copy for review!!

I really wanted to love it! The comp titles are some of my favorites, and I really love dystopian, climate-fiction novels. However, I did not like this one really at all. I found the alternating POVs and alternating timelines to be confusing. I usually like alternating POVs, but with the added timeline in the past it was hard to figure out which Larch chapters were in the present and which were in the past. I had to read a couple pages of each of his chapters to figure that out. I also didn't like any of the characters. I found Emi to be annoying while also kind of sympathetic. I think the added plot-line of her eating disorder was not handled well and frankly was confusing, I didn't understand why the author included it. Emi's mother, Kristina, was incredibly unlikeable. She's supposed to be this hero-type character, but she is not personable. The author, I think, tries to humanize her, but he doesn't successfully dive into her trauma. I think maybe Larch, Emi's father, is potentially the only likable character, but I didn't love him. I found the pacing of the book to be off. Googins does a really great job of setting a descriptive scene for what the world looks like after climate change goes unchecked. That said, some of the descriptions were too long, while others were too short. Then, at about 70% into the novel, the book makes a turn for the ~thriller~ genre, and I was not on board. It felt rushed.

Overall, I think this book has GREAT potential and brings up A LOT of super important topics. The themes and multiple POVs would be FANTASTIC for a book club. I do wish I had read the novel with others because, while I didn't love the book, I do think there is a ton of value to such a realistic climate fiction novel.

Such a unique climate fiction book about the after effects of a deteriorated and fallen earth! Emi and her parents now live on Greenland living a pretty "normal" life post The Great Transition. We follow 3 POV's of Emi, her mother told through a school report that Emi is writing and her father sharing his past.

The world had succumbed to the devastating effects of climate failure....but...people banded together and worked hard to begin the Great Transition where missions were led, similar to a military mission, to go to the inner world, such as NYC or Colorado, to repair the effects of the fallen world due to climate devastation. The hope and intent is to repair the damage done so it can hopefully thrive and repair itself over time. This is not a heavy subject point of the book but helps you know the world that you're walking into.

The book has a strong sense of family, a good mystery with a twist keeping you on the edge of your seat at times, and some humor along the way as Emi is into the oldies such as Adele, Brittney, Queen and Nirvana.

Climate fiction is really hit or miss for me, but I do have to say this is the best climate fiction I've read. I loved that it was AFTER the devastation of the climate crisis and focused on recovery and life after. It never felt too devastating or heavy, but perhaps motivates a person to reconsider your personal footprint here on the earth.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria books for the complimentary e-book.

Well written and engaging climate fiction , with a unique slant. This is the most political book with this theme I have read, and I’ve read lots.
This novel raises issues with relevance to many disputes like the inequality of society and the morality of terrorism.
The plot and characters were both gripping although Em felt both younger than her age and then more capable than was completely believable. .

this is thought provoking and haunting in that we don’t know how long this dystopian book will remain fictional. Moving and intriguing.

A BEST book of the year! For sure sure sure!

The Great Transition refers to a post apocalyptic world where much of the control has been wrested away from the 1%. The transition took place while much of the world had gone under in flooding or up in flames and it's been just enough time that people are beginning to forget just how bad it was.

This is the setting when we meet 15 year old Emi and her parents Larch and Kristina. Larch and Kristina were part of the revolution and have moved considerably apart in their believes. Their political tug of war leaves Emi in the middle and is part of the reason of her anxiety. When a series of vigilante events cause mayhem around the world, Larch realizes he may not know everything about his wife.

Told through several points of view, a variety of flashback and a very poignant school project, we learn how Larch and Kristina met and fought for the world. Best yet, Fuller Googins presents everyone's points of view and they characters are so real you think you will see them this week at work. The only question really is, which character would you turn out to be?

I loved this story and just hope for more of the same! If you love dystopia, contemporary criticism and strong characters you will absolutely love The Great Transition!
#Atriabooks NickFullerGoogins #TheGreatTransition