CW: parental abandonment (mentioned), heart attack (recounted), death of parent(s) (recounted), sexual harassment, recreational drug and alcohol use, physical injury, forced pregnancy, blood, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), substance abuse, overdose, suicide, kidnapping, transmisia, drugging

I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

When the world becomes almost unlivable due to the lasting damages of climate change, various oases, called the Inside, pop up in various places across the world and millions apply for their chance of survival. In Yours for Taking, it details the story of the North American Inside led by investor and womens’ rights activist Jacqueline Millender featuring interconnecting plot lines between Ava, Olympia, and Shelby during their fight for survival in the Inside.

I know that I’m not one for regularly reading the sci-fi/fantasy genre, especially dystopias, and I would have to be really interested in the plot to want to read it. Well, I can say that Yours for the Taking grabbed my attention when I first saw it on NetGalley and captured my attention throughout the book.

What I think Korn gets right in writing Yours for the Taking is the fact that it’s a really immersive reading experience. In addition to reading the plot as it plays , you also get commentary from Shelby as she writes about her experiences as Jacqueline’s assistant during the creation of the North American Inside. While you don’t get an exact timeline of when events are actually occurring in the book till the last third of the book, Korn makes up for it by having intertwined plot lines featuring the main characters of the book which results in a fast-paced read with quick chapters as the Inside occurs.

Another thing I found to be interesting about Yours for the Taking is that it really reflects the various sociopolitical and environmental concerns facing society today. With climate change becoming more of a global issue each day and inequality still becoming rampant, it was a bit eye-opening to see what our future could look like if we do not act to solve these issues.

Even though Yours for the Taking isn’t coming out until December, this is a book that you need to keep your eye on and I would especially recommend this title for anyone interested in reading a dystopian book that reflects the issues we currently face today.

An original premise that gave me much to think about. My only beef with the book is its abrupt ending, (particularly frustrating when the reader has invested so much time in the characters and world-building.)

This is a feminist tale with a capital F and it's a doozy--what if we created enclosed communities to save our species, but someone took the extra step to make one of these communities all women because, "What have men done except systematically dismantle our rights so they can abuse us, impregnate us, outearn us, and ruin the planet--all with no repercussions?"

It's a shame that this genuinely interesting premise isn't explored fully. It's the vision of a narcissist who lacks morals, who decides right off the bat to heavily drug all the resident and make everything in their community pink. So we pretty much know from the outset that things are going to go to hell.

Watching it happen IS interesting though, and the book has a number of complex female characters connected to this experiment who are easy to love and root for. I guess that's why the ending bothered me. When things fall apart the women are all quickly dispersed on different paths. It felt a lot like the move you'd make if you were setting this book up for a sequel. But I'm not sure it needs one.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for granting me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was an incredibly complex, engaging dystopia to explore and I loved it. The journeys of Ava, Shelby, Orchid and Olympia over the course of several decades were interwoven so well and each segment of the story was engaging. One aspect that felt really fresh to me was the next gen, born Inside - I'm so invested in what July especially does next. I'm (im)patiently awaiting book two! My only criticism is that the theme is very heavy-handed and preachy throughout the first fourth of the book or so. I agree with your perspective on the fatal flaws of white woman feminism but sections felt very on the nose and preachy. Trust your reader enough to be subtle rather than beating them over the head with The Message.

The deal: It’s 2050, the climate has rendered the planet increasingly unlivable, and people are applying to The Inside Project (a series of massive, contained structures) in hopes of surviving. Over the next few decades, we follow former Brooklynite Ava, doctor Olympia, girl boss billionaire Jacqueline, and her assistant Shelby. It’s a takedown of cis corporate feminism and also a portrait of queer love and chosen family. (I got an ARC from NetGalley.)

Is it worth it?: I mean, did you read that description? Extremely my shit. The world Korn built is bleakly rich, her characters well-drawn, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.

Pairs well with: The Record by boygenius, The Memory Librarian: And Other Stories of Dirty Computer by Janelle Monae

B+

This book is incredibly well written and well executed. The technology and the ideas aren’t really new but it’s a new spin on it that I’ve never seen before. The fact that it’s centered on the female experience and has actual representation in terms of race is also fantastic. This would be amazing for a women and gender studies class. It’s got the feel of Naomi Alderman’s the Power if it was actually better written. It also gives the feeling of Adrian Tchaikovsky’s Children of Time series- with the desperate attempt to save humanity and the hubris of those in power.

What a ride. When I read the description of a feminist queer post-apocalyptic story of betrayal, hope, chosen family, and an indictment of the girlboss culture, I was sold. I couldn't wait to start reading it, imagining a book that took all the good parts of so many of my favorite femist, queer, and post-apocalyptic books. But I was wrong. This is a unique story that stands alone. It may have come from the foundations of feminist books before, but this one is absolutely on its own in every way, and I loved it for it.

The book takes place in 2050, when climate change has made earth unlivable. Ava is selected to be Inside, which is a weather-safe, indoor, city-sized safe place that only has room for a select few--and she's selected to be in the Inside run by Jacqueline, a billionaire businesswoman who thrives on girlboss culture.. Shelby is ambitious and delighted when Jacqueline hires her as her assistant. And Olympia is a Black medical student selected by Jacqueline to run the Inside's health department.

As the women interact with each other, they realize that everything isn't as rosy as what was promised. Their idenities both help and hinder their progress and their access. Jacqueline's vision is limited by her lack of understanding and unwillingness to learn, Olympia struggles as a leader with ethical dilemmas presented by Jacqueline's meglomania, Shelby sees what is really going on, and Ava finds strength to do the unthinkable.

This book is so much more than a post-apocalyptic feminist book. It examines what family is and what it can be, it dismantles corporate white feminism, and it celebrates queerness in a beautiful way, all while offering a scathing commentary on what our world could be like if we don't take action now. An exceptional book with the promise of great dialogues.

My only complaint: I wasn't a fan of the title and when I selected it off my device to read without re-reading the description, I thought it was a romance novel.

Many, many thanks to Netgalley for the ARC of this book for my unbiased opionion.

This book was incredible, I could not put it down, if I didn't have to sleep I would have finished it in a day. The writing style made me feel like I was there every step of the way with each and every character, feeling their feelings, and going about their lives. I especially loved the multiple view points, connecting everyone's stories.

This book takes place over a span of almost 40 years starting as the world starts to shut down due to the massive destruction of climate change. I suggest going in mostly blind and experiencing everything first hand, bc its a wild ride!

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC of Yours For the Taking!

This was one of the most original futuristic, sci fi, apocalyptic, all female character driven stories. Set in 2050, the world is being ravaged by climate change and the select few are chosen to go on “the inside” as the only survivors. Families are separated as those members are chosen (or not) & selected to be part of this new community. Ava, our main character is selected & is brought into this all female haven, or so it initially seems. The leader”Jackie” has some crazy ideas for the future, her own offspring and the future of the women on her version of the inside. Interesting look at gender roles, apocalyptic themes and the long term impact of climate change. The concept of the inside, the crazy outcome of what it became and the strong relationships that developed throughout the book had me hooked from the first page. This book was given 5 stars for it originality. Thank you to NetGalley, St Martins Press & the author, Gabriella Korn for the opportunity to preview this unique gem in exchange for my honest review.

I have so many thoughts about this book, that I don’t know where to start. So, let’s start with the bottom line – This book is a masterpiece, go read it now.

Like other great dystopian novels (ie. 1984, The Handmaid’s Tale and Parable of the Sower), it takes the issues of today and fast forwards to the catastrophic future we’ll face if we keep going in the direction we’re headed.

Yours for the Taking starts in 2050, when climate change has made surviving on earth almost impossible. To ensure their own survival, billionaires have funded small, self-contained cities across the globe, known as “Insides” for the working-class to live in while they monitor and control the cities from space.

Most of the story is set in an Inside in what was formerly Manhattan and is primarily told from the point of view of the women who live in this Inside and the woman who founded it. While the characters are all women, they’re also incredibly diverse, with lots of LGBTIQA+ and racial representation.

The themes explored are timely and relevant. The author weaves commentary about wealth distribution, our reliance on corporations, feminism and climate change throughout the story so seamlessly, it’s nothing short of genius.

A big thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Wow this book! This is a lot going on and it is twisting and turning and always surprising and you are really not ever sure what is it about, what commentary is being made, or what is going to happen but we are on an sci-fi dystopian climate change adventure, so buckle in!

These bad ass woman are taking no prisoners. Actually as I finish this book I realize there are hardly any men in it all! Fine by me, but we come to see that we can't erase men, that's not going to work! What about non-binary and trans people? There is a lot explored in this book and it was a wild ride! I really enjoyed it.
It was face paced, creative and imaginative. I love sci-fi because I love seeing the worlds that writers come up with. Gabrielle Korn did a great job in their world.

My one-liner description: Cli-fi feminist dystopian where the world has been basically destroyed and people apply to be selected to live in sealed domes that are meant to carry on humanity and everyone else is left to fend for themselves with the understanding that they will all likely die.

I highly suggest going into this one as blindly as possible.

Y’all, I FLEW through this book. I couldn’t put it down. The story is told from multiple viewpoints and they were all interesting, all different.

I feel like giving much more info kind of gives some of the story away. But what I will say is that this is a book of found family, grief, joy, examining the choices we make, an exploration of corporate cis feminism, and explores whether good intentions excuse the ignoring of consent and the manipulation of entire populations.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this advance copy of Yours For The Taking.

Before I begin my review, I will strongly urge you to go into this reading experience blindly. When I received the eARC, I instantly started reading it without looking up the summary or any pre-reviews and I am so glad I did. So, go read the book and then come back, read my review, and discuss your thoughts with me because I really loved this book.

In 2050, the planet is in a state of crisis. Climate change has wrecked the environment beyond repair and people are beginning to look elsewhere for living arrangements and a way out. And so, The Inside Project is born. Inside is an elite, weather-safe city structure set on all the major continents, in which you are only allowed entry upon having your application selected. Each continent is running their Inside differently and North America’s has flaws from the get-go. This mesmerizing story follows three main characters, Ava, Olympia, and Shelby, and how their paths cross in the Inside. Once they begin to see the cracks in the system, there is no going back.

With the introduction of each of the main characters, I was instantly drawn into them, connecting with their strife or cheering them on. The way in which Gabrielle chose these characters from three very different walks of life and converged their storylines together throughout the plot was unmatched. I understood their sorrow, their confusion, and their hope for the future so easily. Their growth and development built so smoothly that it couldn’t be anything but sincere.

This book was not only an incredibly enjoyable read, it was also thought-provoking. It took a mirror to the way we view the patriarchy in our society. I was completely enthralled from page one of this book and the pacing and structure was phenomenal. I would love to hear Gabrielle’s planning process because the plot felt so genuine and fluid throughout the book, I would imagine she had to plan extensively. Props to her! I am still in awe that this is her first book, and you better believe I will be a life-long reader now!

Big thank you again to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Gabrielle Korn for sending me an eARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Setting: dystopian New York / space
Rep: queer cast, POC protagonists

This was a solid sci-fi/dystopia with a very human touch! It's not big on drama or action - it feels like quite a passive story, like something we're hearing about after it's happened rather than being in the middle of the action, but I enjoyed it. I'd say it's the lightest end of the sci-fi spectrum and it didn't delve very deep into the sciencey bits or technicalities. It's more of a character study of a set of people living in this futuristic world, 30-50 years on from our current world.

Listen, this was so good that I wanted to just eat my Kindle after I finished it. "Yours For The Taking" has definitely earned a place as one of my favorite distopian sci-fi novels, ever. It was friggin delicious.

The story starts is off in the year 2050. Earth has started to become inhabitable due to severe climate change. One of the main protagonists, Jaqueline Millander, is in charge of creating one of the self sustaining "Inside" communities where humanity can survive...or at least the ones who have been selected to be able to.

"Inside" is as large as a city, and to everyone's surprise, all female. Because frankly, it's because of men that the world even got to this point. War, ruining the environment and the patriarchy are all things that Jaqueline wants to breed out in her "experiment". So she watches and tries to control how it all plays out from her space shuttle where she lives with the other most wealthy and elite.

There was not a single dull moment in this book for me. I connected with or at least totally understood every main character and where they were coming from. This novel was so well planned out, written and goddamn perfect I can't even stand it. The fact that this is the author's first novel is just bonkers to me. I will RUSH to be at the front of the line for any future releases for her now.

I cannot give enough thanks to NetGalley and St. Marten's Press for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you netgalley for the arc of this novel!

This book has such a perfect formula. Maybe I’m bias, I find queer rep in sci-fi/fantasy, something I still want to hoot and holler about! I just hope for this novel to reach the masses

Received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley for review purposes.

This is an interesting dystopian novel set in what felt like a relatively near future where climate change has progressed to the point that the Earth is basically mostly too hot to inhabit safely. The super rich and the very lucky have been selected to live in "Inside" communities--basically giant, city-sized complexes that are completely self-contained and self-sustaining. This book follows a few different people living Inside and the uber rich benefactress of the North American inside. The benefactress has individually decided on adjustments she plans to make to the population and lifestyles of "her" Inside including limiting the population to certain demographics and even drugging them unknowingly if they step out of line. We also follow some everyday folks who live Inside and watch their adjustment to the new conditions. I thought more could be done with that in terms of exploring all the different issues that could arise with such a stark change of environment but the author felt like they really wanted to make a point about the dangers of what can happen when one person, based on success or wealth etc..., is given too much control over policies and procedures. The novel followed these people for a period of more than 20 years so the whole thing required some suspension of disbelief just because I think a lot of other things would have happened between the start of this Inside experiment and the place where the book ultimately ended.

The premise of this book is interesting but I wanted more about the daily life stuff of how this Inside thing would work. I was almost craving something like in John Marrs' The One where we got so many perspectives of how this invention could impact different people in different ways. I want to read that book. This one was good but how cool would like a short story collection be with different authors taking up this idea from various characters' perspectives and playing with what could happen???

I am still thinking about this book several days later. It is especially creepy that we have had crazy weather and a crazier debate about the source of that crazy weather.

This book did a really great job of making you pick a side, then making you regret that side. It is chilling how realistic it is / could be. This book also felt inclusive in its treatment of men. I wasn't sorry about that.

This book is for anyone who enjoys a mixture of dystopian futurism mixed with a good old fashioned love story.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I often find it hard to get into sci-fi / post-apocalyptic fiction because it takes a minute to wrap my head around what the world is in this scenario, and sometimes that can feel heavy handed, where the world is developed more strongly than the characters. That said, I think the author did a good job of balancing the two. I loved how queer this book was and how much it centered on gender and the way it is enforced in societies. I wanted to keep going and see what would happen, and was surprised by the length of time covered in the span of the storyline. I'd read a sequel!

This book unfortunately was not for me. I DNFed at about 100 pages in. I think it has the plot and substance and characters and everything you could want; something about the writing style just didn't mesh well with me right now. It's a huge case of 'it's not you, it's ME' though, because I truly think that this just was not the right time for me to read this, and I know this book will appeal to a lot of people. I would recommend it to anyone looking to read a diverse sci-fi with critiques on how feminism can be exclusive and gatekeepy. There was phenomenal representation, something that can be hard to find in sci-fi.

And who knows, maybe down the road, I'll pick it up again and it will be the right time!

Because all of the parts were there and it has potential to appeal to a lot of people, I'm optimistically giving this 4 stars. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.

This book was truly a wild ride! I’m always down for a good thought provoking dystopian novel! I won’t say the story is post apocalyptic bc as the book says multiple times - the world never truly ends, just changes and people adapt- but it is definitely post (what we know as) civilization.

The story spans a 30+ year time line with multiple characters and starts at the end of the world as we know it, where people are being forced to consider alternate forms of survival due to increasing temperatures and instances of natural disasters.

The solution comes in the form of closing off parts of major cities and turning them into “Inside”. Most of the story takes place inside the walls of the North American Inside, a closed off and fortified Manhattan. It seems like a dream to be accepted into Inside and have been chosen for survival in this human made Utopia, but things aren’t quite as they seem. Their main investor, a self proclaimed ultra feminist, has her own ideas of what makes the perfect place to live and what makes up the perfect population.

As the story unfolds, the project becomes more and more unethical, dangerous, and - for the reader - increasingly thought provoking. I will think about this book and these characters often. I read this book via an eARC from NetGalley, which did not influence my opinion at all! I will absolutely be purchasing it upon its release date later this year!