The longer I think about it, the less I like this book. The dystopian world of The Chaperone is eerily resonant with the fundamentalist Christian, heteronormative, trad country alt-right US Americans dream of, but there were simply too many plot holes for me to ignore. Let me summarize and give a few examples:

Stella lives in a "New America", where even a trace of unconventional behaviour can lead to being "shunned" - though whether that word holds the same meaning it does in today's Western societies or carries different, legal implications is unclear. Let's start with that. Even though she grew up in a gender-segregated (but explicitly not racist, sure) place, she attends a co-ed school and is forced on government-allotted dates with potential husbands. So she could technically speak to or be alone with or, dear god, even touch a boy, but shouldn't be caught doing that. Tell me, then, why that close-to-theocratic jerk state would even allow such situations to happen in the first place?

To keep an eye on her and ensure Stella is adhering to the expectations of a Stepfort wife, her affluent parents employ a live-in nanny, who belongs to an order of so-called chaperones. When her longtime chaperone and beloved friend Sister Helen dies, the chaperone is quickly replaced by a younger woman, who encourages her to pursue more liberal views. And... of course there are parties where teenagers drink alcohol and make out. There is access to morally reproachable movies and TV shows from "Old America", and even sex education (or a twisted conservative version thereof) constitutes part of the highschool curriculum. Modest clothing is it, but naturally, girls get to dress sexily from time to time, on the right occasion. But why??? Is it so easy to do all that in a dystopy???

Not to mention the many more, spoiler-adjacent things I could list that just made no sense. Yeah, i's my firm belief that when you go dystopian, you have to go all the way. Be extreme. But give me reasons to believe your worldbuilding. In this case I can't, above all, believe I read through all that and managed to retain my rolling eyeballs inside my cranium.

This was very much a YA retelling of The Handmaid’s Tale - and I throughly enjoyed it.

We follow Stella, a teenage girl in ‘New America’ where everything is governed by men and women are expected to be very demure and obedient. In New America girls are assigned chaperones when they hit puberty, helping them navigate the waters of womanhood. So when Stella’s long time chaperone died under mysterious circumstances, red flags are raised. How will her new chaperone live up to the old one?

I think the parallels to The Handmaid’s Tale (specifically the TV show) is seriously too close, but that might be a good way to introduce this type of concept to a younger audience.

The narrator for this was, in my opinion, fantastic. She put her all into this performance and it made for a very engaging audiobook! Overall this was probably more of a 3.5 for me - and a big thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this audiobook!

4.5 stars, rounded down.

This is a book for those who liked or are intrigued by The Handmaid Tales. The world M. Hendrix created is eerily similar; the world building was excellent. They've created such a strong lead character in Stella, I don't think I would have been quite so brave if I was in her shoes throughout the book.

I'm a big fan of short chapters so getting through this book was a breeze. This is definitely set-up for a sequel or series so I hope another book comes out soon.

Thank you NetGallery and RB Media for the arc. :)

If you have ever watched Hulu’s the Handmaid‘s Tale, then you have the exact feeling of this book. This book reads as if it’s a continuation or companion to that series. Women are supposed to be subservient. Teen girls are not allowed to be around men and they are always to have a chaperone at all times. The book pulls you in from the beginning knowing that one of the chaperones has died. It could cause problems for her charge and the family for which she works. Unfortunately, for the first half of the book nothing really comes of it. It’s about our main character getting a new chaperone and the new chaperone, almost being an emancipator, trying to teach her that the world has taught her to be afraid of men and that she really shouldn’t be. It felt like Offred (from Handmaids tale show) didn’t get what she wanted, went back to Gilead. To give the children the freedom she didn’t have. Overall, this book was boring. I DNFed it at 40%. The audiobook was dull and lifeless. It didn’t seem to be new, or have a unique spin, or anything to keep the reader’s interest.

Ugh...the worst part of this book is that you can literally imagine it happening in our society. The more you read, the more you feel that pit of dread in your stomach.

I will admit, it took me a little bit of time to get into the story. I think it's because I wasn't wholly connected to the protagonist. Once she developed a little more, she was a bit easier to rally behind and support.

Overall, the story was intriguing, but I didn't love the ending. It wasn't terrible, just not quite what I was hoping for. Even with my feelings on the ending, I still think the message was an important one for young adults. I know many of my students will really enjoy it, as the "dystopian" genre has been lacking recently.

Thank you to Netgalley, M. Hendrix & RB Media for an audio arc of The Chaperone in exchange for an honest review. This review is wholly my own (except for any quotations) and may not be reproduced.

Synopsis (quoted) – Review Below.

“Like every young woman in New America, Stella knows the rules:

Deflect attention.
Abstain from sin.
Navigate the world with care.
Give obedience.
Embrace purity.
Respect your chaperone.

Stella can't go out by herself, or spend time with boys except at Visitations. Girls in New America must have chaperones at all times until they marry, so Stella's lucky that Sister Helen is like a friend to her. When Sister Helen dies suddenly, she's devastated, especially when the Constables assign Stella a new chaperone just days later.

Sister Laura is... different. She leaves Stella alone at the library (isn't that illegal?) and knows how to get into the "Hush Hush" parties where all kinds of forbidden things happen. As Stella spends more time with Sister Laura, she begins to question everything she's been taught. What if the Constables' rules don't actually protect girls? What if they were never meant to keep them safe?

Once Stella glimpses both real freedom and the dark truths behind New America, she has no choice but to fight back against the world she knows. She sets out on a dangerous journey across what was once the United States, risking everything.”

This novel caught my attention, but not so much that I was willing to push it up into my TBR, so I kept pushing it back. And then a great book friend let me know that she was REALLY enjoying and that I should go ahead & read it/listen to it. Well, friends, she was 100% right. I have no idea why I kept putting it off because I absolutely loved it!

“New America” was mentioned a multitude of times. And sorry, not sorry, I’m going to add a dash of political views in – but every time I heard “New America,” my brain said “Trump’s America.” Because the “New America” in this story is EXACTLY what I picture Trump’s idea America would be. And I may be wrong, but I don’t think that was accidental on the author’s part.

Women – your blood will BOIL at how women & young girls were treated, but our heroine, Stella is utterly fabulous and you will root for her with all you’ve got and your heart will be pumping as it get pretty intense a few times.

The pacing was great, the storyline was fabulous and I absolutely, 100% NEED A SEQUEL! Don’t worry, readers – there is no cliffhanger ending. It has a perfect ending for a standalone novel, but at the same time, I absolutely see an opening for a follow-up and I really hope it happens.

Solid 4/5 Stars & I highly recommend!

When Stella’ beloved chaperone sister Helen is found dead in her room Stella is beside herself and after her week of mourning she gets a new chaperoned. Sister Laura however is nothing like sister Helen and at first Stella doesn’t like her and is unhappy just being around her when she takes Stella to a self-defense class that is not only illegal but causes Stella to have to keep secrets she really doesn’t know how she feels about that but at the library when sister Laura goes where Stella cannot see her the girl gets frightened. She has never been on her own anywhere and it’s dangerous but is that feer she is feeling? This will not be the last time sister Laura has Stella questioning her confidence but when Stella starts going with the flow and listening to sister Laura’s stories on freedom and independence it’s all fun and games until it isn’t. Sister Laura changes a lot in the house and almost changes the way Stella‘s dad looks at her. Is sister Laura good for Stella? What sister Helen murdered? But the biggest and best question is is there really a place where Stella can truly have freedom? There is so much to this book it is a girls adventure and I loved it from the narrator to the story both or definitely five star ratings I love teen stories I think this one is one of the best and absolutely great story it totally reminded me of the way women and girls were treated in the 1800s and before just way better. I would never want to live in new America… OMG that sounds so scary. I received this book from RB media and Net Galley but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

Thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for an early audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

3.8 stars

Handmaid's Tale for teens. Stella is a 17 yo teen. In New America, wealthy teens have Chaperone's following them. Stella's beloved chaperone Sister Helen dies and a new one is sent and she helps Stella open her eyes.

I love dystopian books but this one fell a bit flat for me.

Laura Knight Keating did an excellent job narrating.

The Chaperone by M Hendrix is a thrilling YA dystopian novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story follows Stella, a teenage girl living in New America, where strict rules are enforced, and chaperones are required for girls at all times. When Stella's chaperone suddenly dies, she is assigned a new one, Sister Laura, who begins to show her a side of the world she never knew existed. As Stella questions the rules and the world she lives in, she embarks on a dangerous journey to discover the truth and fight against the system.

Hendrix's writing is captivating, and the world-building is excellent. The rules and regulations set in place in New America are reminiscent of The Handmaid's Tale, and the tension and suspense build as Stella begins to uncover the dark truths behind the system. Stella's character is well-developed, and her journey towards self-discovery and rebellion is both inspiring and empowering. The supporting characters are also well-rounded and add depth to the story.

Overall, The Chaperone is an excellent YA dystopian novel that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. It is a story about questioning authority, finding your own voice, and fighting for what's right. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys dystopian novels or coming-of-age stories with a strong female lead.

Thank you to RB Media, Recorded Books and NetGalley for this advance reader copy. These thoughts and opinions are my own.

I did get an audio book version of the The Chaperone thanks to NetGalley. And oh man this is one crazy story. Like a modern take on the Handmaids Tale. The ladies have no choice and have to have 'chaperones' around at all time or something horrible will happen. And as the story goes Stella starts to learn more and more thanks to her own chaperone. Which figuratively opens up a Pandora's box. She wants more to her life and she wants things to go back to the old ways. Throughout the story you want Stella to push through, you want her to get everything she ever wants, you want her to help other younger girls. It truly is a crazy world Hendrix created and I say if you love reading dystopia stories do get this one. Because it makes you go, oh no throughout the whole story.

Embrace Purity

Give Obedience

Abstain from Sin

Respect your Chaperone

Navigate the World with Care


These are just some of the rules of New America, and what 17 year old Stella Graham has had to live by her whole life. Stella lives with her little sister, mother and powerful and wealthy father. She has everything she could want at her fingertips – except freedom.

At 11 she received her first chaperone. Sister Helen was there to protect her, make sure she followed the rules the Minute Men (leaders) laid down, and that the Constables enforce with fervor and fear.

Stella watches her mother cook and bow to her father’s firm guidance and tries to follow her lead. But the older she gets, and the more she sees on her forbidden time through the internet, more questions arise in her mind. When her beloved Sister Helen dies suddenly, Stella is bereft – especially when the Constables are taking a close interest in Sister’s Helen’s death. It was a heart attack. Wasn’t it?

A new chaperone is provided by the authorities of New America. Stella refuses to believe she could ever be as close to Sister Laura as she was with Sister Helen, but this new chaperone is different. Stella soon learns more about the world in a few months, than she did in years from Sister Helen. Things to protect herself, and things to think about. And most shockingly of all, who her father really is.

Her life is about to change forever, and the challenge to also change other’s lives is too important to ignore.



This will undoubtedly be labelled a young adult Handmaid’s Tale, as the control factor from men and the total subservience of woman is present in this dystopian novel.

Comparisons aside, The Chaperone is a gripping read. Stella is an engaging character, and her slow realisation of a world beyond what she has always known is gradual and authentic. Like many teenagers, she wants to escape the confines of home, experience the world, and wonders what it will be like to kiss the boy at school she likes.

The chaperones begin as a dark force under control by powerful men and strictly enforced rules, but an undercurrent of defiance grows stronger throughout the novel. Stella’s discovery of normal teenage behaviour and a whole new world is innocent and curious. This morphs into rage and the courage to begin taking back some control for womankind.

I cheered Stella through her journey, cringing when she cringed, holding my breath when she did, and heart pumping as she ran.

Great read!

Author – M Hendrix

Age – 15+

“The Chaperone” by M Hendrix is a thrilling dystopian YA novel. The story offers a look into the lives of privileged young women who are part of a new-wave of totalitarian patriarchal theocracy. As some who has loved “The Handmaid’s Tale” long before the series-adaptation, I ate “The Chaperone” up.

I enjoyed the audiobook with its engaging pace and gripping story. Stella's questioning of her life leads to a gripping dystopian coming-of-age tale. It starts with Sister Helen's murder investigation and evolves into a journey for of self discovery. I admire Stella's bravery, self awareness, and blossoming maturity.

I will be adding this title to my high school classroom library. I’m excited to recommend to my students that enjoy the dystopian genre!

4.5 ✨

Wow this was actually really good. There was hardly any diversity in the group of friends, but the story overall was very good. Definitely solid mix of The Handmaids Tale and The Grace Year . The flow of the story was good and fact paced. It made it really easy to keep up with the story and keep reading. While I was so annoyed with our MC at the beginning, her growth made me appreciate her a little bit more. Highly recommend!

I absolutely blew through this book. I loved Handmaid's Tale, and the overall premise for this one led me to believe I was in for something I would be interested in, but I have to be honest and say I was wary of the book being a rewriting of the story and not much more. I'm quite happy to report that there are several differences, although the premise has similar concepts.

The story was fast paced, suitable for the YA shelving without being too infantilizing, and had my whole brain invested throughout the story. It not only met, but vastly exceeded my expectations. I'd highly recommend checking this one out!

Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. (And yay for this being my first 5 star ARC review!)

Thanks to NetGalley for this audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The best way I can describe this book is as a PG-rated Handmaid’s Tale- the story of “New America” where girls are stripped of autonomy, valued only for breeding and denied proper education. An important cautionary tale for the YA set.

I enjoyed the narrator and recommend this audiobook.

I love a book with a different take on a dystopian new world. I enjoyed the characters. Stella is a likeable relatable character. I couldn’t imagine living her world.. I don’t tend to read YA but I would definitely say this has changed my mind. I listened on audio I believe a good story needs a good narrator which this did it flowed lovely. Was a good gripping tense YA book

I received this book for free from NetGalley. I was not paid for this review, nor received any other form of compensation. This is a completely honest review.

There's DANGER ahead, but don't worry, we have rules to keep us women safe.
Deflect attention.
Abstain from sin.
Navigate the world with care.
Give obedience.
Embrace purity.
Respect your chaperone.


Too bad for Stella, her well-loved elderly chaperone dies right in front of her. Did she die of old age, or was she murdered? Right away it becomes obvious that foul play was involved. But Stella doesn't have time to dwell on that because her new chaperone, Sister Laura arrives and starts shaking up the very foundation on which Stella has planted her roots. From taking her to an underground self defense class to questioning the fears that Stella has been taught from birth, Sister Laura is the wakeup call Stella never knew she needed.

I love how M Hendrix reminds the reader of the "rules" of society randomly mid paragraph. Stella will say something, someone will respond, and Stella will think of the rule that is applied to the situation. I think it is a really interesting take on how women are controlled by society and how we internalize a lot of what happens to us as our own fault because we "broke the rules".

Part One was world building. While at times it felt repetitive, all of it served a purpose. By Part Two, I was riveted. Even my husband (who was listening to the audiobook with me at times) was on the edge of his seat, making comments here and there about the characters, their actions, how fucked up it all was, etc. By the end of Part Two I was honestly so invested and so stressed that I forgot where I was. I was listening while at work, and got spooked by someone walking by outside my office because I forgot I wasn't in the world with Stella, trying my hardest to be quiet and unseen.

Part Three.
"Is this what other people experience their whole lives? Is this what they've stolen from us?" Goosebumps.

The clues were there. Dropped through the story like delicious little hidden breadcrumbs. Bravo, M Hendrix. Bravo.

"How can I be so happy and so sad at the same time?" MA'AM, if you figure that out, please let a bitch know.

In short, this is well worth the read. I've already given the title to the local librarian and she's working to get a copy for our library. I've also already told three separate people (women, specifically) that they absolutely *NEED* to read this book.

M Hendrix, I need a sequel. Sooner rather than later is preferred, but I'll be patient just like Stella if I need to be.

The Chaperone is a story about a girl living in New America, a country pushed violently back into a past of courting, women resigned to housework and raising children, and men holding all of the power. I went into this book not really knowing what to expect. The description made it sound as if this were going to be a sort of mystery to figure out what was going on and then some sort of fight from the inside plot once the mystery was solved.

The book really does shine in the first half. It starts off with a death and the mystery surrounding that death. Did our main character’s beloved chaperone just die of natural causes or is something more sinister at play? The more I learned about New America and all of its rules and regulations, the more frightening it was. This is, unfortunately, a very timely sort of plot with everything that is going on in our world now, and this sort of backtracking is not hard to imagine. I was engaged in learning about Stella and her family. I liked the characters that populated her life. I was really excited to see where everything was going to go. I knew there was going to be a big reveal point when she realized that things were not as pure as Stella believed and I was really itching to see what would happen after that.

Unfortunately the big reveal point happens at around the halfway point of the book. This is where the book loses all of the suspense, at least for me, and goes into territory that had me speeding up the audiobook to get through to an ending that just had me shaking my head a bit. (All of the props to the narrator because I was still able to 100% follow everything that was going on at the faster speed.)

The last half of the book has, I would say, almost two other books worth of material just kind of shoved in altogether then it just kind of stops. I don’t know if this was going to be a series then the author decided against it or what happened, but everything went just a little too well at certain points and other parts would have been really good if it had been moved up and the events happened earlier in the book. All in all, I feel like this book started off really well then just kind of fumbled the ending. It might just be me, so I wouldn’t necessarily discourage people from reading it, but I also feel like the plot has been done by others in a stronger way.

The first half was really good. I’m really sad, actually, at the way the last half went. But the writing was good and the characters– at least everyone surrounding Stella– were fleshed out pretty nicely. I’ll give other books by this author a try because I definitely see potential here.

Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review!

4+ stars

I really liked this book. I thought it would be fun and a bit fluffier, but while it had some of the standard dystopian elements, I quite enjoyed it and felt that it still had some unique characteristics (although it wouldn’t be unrealistic to describe it, in part, as a YA version of The Handmaid’s Tale). I’m interested to see what the writer comes out with next.

The Chaperone is a debut novel for M Hendrix. The story 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! Thank you to RB Media, Recorded Books & NetGalley for allowing me to review this book