I LOVED this book, it was so good and I read it in just two days. It had twists and turns and was suspenseful.

I used to love reading dystopian novels when I was in my teens and as a young adult. Reading A Better World made me realize that I do not enjoy that trope anymore. I wasn't very interested in this novel and I think that is more on me not the book. I feel many would still like this book it just wasn't for me.

Sarah Langan’s A Better World is a gripping, slow-burn dystopian novel that expertly blends psychological suspense with biting social commentary. Set in the seemingly utopian community of Plymouth Valley, the story follows Dr. Linda Farmer as she and her family try to assimilate into an elite, cult-like society that promises safety and prosperity—at a cost. When an outcast mother, Gal Parker, commits an unspeakable act, Linda’s world begins to unravel, forcing her to question the true price of belonging.

Langan’s writing is razor-sharp, dissecting themes of privilege, conformity, and the illusion of progress. The world-building is immersive, drawing eerie parallels to contemporary anxieties about class, control, and the dangers of groupthink. The novel’s slow-burn suspense keeps the reader engaged, though some sections meander before the tension fully ignites.

Linda is a fascinating protagonist—practical yet deeply flawed—and her moral dilemmas drive the novel’s emotional depth. The supporting characters, particularly the unsettling residents of Plymouth Valley, add layers of intrigue, making the book feel like a cross between Stepford Wives and Leave the World Behind.

This one set me on a wild ride from start to finish. It was well written and kept me fully engaged from start to finish. I liked that it was a thriller with some horror aspects of it. It gave me very creepy vibes but in such a good way. I could easily see this being adapted into a limited series. i really enjoyed this one.

sarah langan is one of my favorite authors. i was so excited when i saw that she was releasing a new book and this one was almost better than the last. i love her ability to create a world in which the characters feel real. i feel towards all of them, even the ones i don't like, and i genuinely am on the edge of my seat wondering what will happen next.

I have been searching for a book similar to The Pines by Blake Crouch. This is the first book that has made me feel somewhat like I was back in the land of Wayward Pines. I really love the premise of A Better World. The picture perfect town, the jobs done without an exchange of money, the brainwashing happening in the schools- I love how insane (but also smart) these towns are. I was a little bored by the 50% mark but I did need to see it through. I was rather shocked by the ending and really wish there was an epilogue.

Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opporunity to read, "A Better World", by Sarah Langan. Unfortunately this was not for me but I really appreciate being sent a copy!

So in an environmental collapse, Linda wants a better world for her family. Clean air, good schools, food available all the time, and no crime—Plymouth Valley promises it all. But, of course, nothing that perfect ever comes without a price, right? From the moment Linda and her family arrive, something feels... off. It’s not just the weird rules or the eerie smiles everyone seems to wear—it’s the sense that Plymouth Valley has secrets. Big ones.

As the story unfolds, Plymouth Valley transforms from a better world to a suffocating, controlled community.

Linda is the beating heart of this story, and she’s compelling. At first glance, she’s just a mom trying to create a better life for her family—But her journey goes far beyond finding the perfect home. As she navigates the increasingly hostile and secretive world of Plymouth Valley, Linda becomes our guide to the fractures hiding beneath the surface of this so-called utopia.

The brilliance here is the mirror the author holds up while using sharp, biting satire on wealth, power, privilege, and the lengths people will go to for "a better world." She uses Plymouth Valley to show us the evil sides of power in pursed of making things great, which only benefits the privilege
Langan doesn’t hold back, and she uses Plymouth Valley to aim at powerful corporations, governments, nationalism, and the abuse of the pharmaceutical industry.

The downside. The story occasionally feels overly cinematic, reaching for ambitious heights while driving that satire. The climax, though exciting, borders on chaotic and leans a bit into the over-the-top territory, making it slightly hard to follow.

Very much enjoyed this new(er) offering from Langan. Few authors have a keen eye for micro-societal upheaval like her.

Langan's gone full on dystopian in the best possible way. Every single part of the narrative is written to unsettle you at the bone marrow level. Little things at first, then the plot picks up steam and you are immersed in a truly crazy pants world. It's the "frog in a pot of slowly boiling water" aspect of that that was so interesting.

The most perfect comp I can give you (and it's pretty dang apt) is the movie Get Out by Jordan Peele. Not in plotline, but in vibe. It's doing so much of the same genius work. I also think this book plays well with books by Paul Tremblay, Victor Lavalle and Grady Hendrix. Sarah Langan has really taken her seat at the table of the dystopian horror genre with A Better World.

A Better World takes place in a post-apocalyptic-ish world, where climate change and nuclear bombs have rendered most of the US (now called United Colonies) not particularly hospitable. The Farmer-Bowen family have the opportunity to move to a company town--an enclosed community where everyone works for the company and they have clean air, fresh food, and some super creepy traditions. No one is being honest, no one will tell the truth, no one even welcomes the family to the town. As Linda, the mom and pediatrician, realizes that things aren't what they seem, she tries to find the truth and escape with her family, but it may already be too late.

A little slow--I kept expecting to be further along in the book than where I was. It was ok, but took too long to get to where it needed to be.

Wow, this book. . . I am aware that it is labeled a "mystery/thriller", and while it does have some mysterious aspects, in more ways than one, for me, it was a horror book, full stop. In a not so distant dystopian world, it is considered important to be chosen to live in a company town. . . .but everything about Plymouth Valley was pretty horrifying. People were unfriendly, and in some cases, downright caustic. There were some pretty terrible festivals in PV, which reminded me of The Lottery or Midsommar. I think by now you catch where I'm going with this, but that's about all I can say without ruining the rest of the book or the ending. I think, at times, a first person narrative would have been a bit more impactful. Aside from that one small criticism (if you can even call it that), I really enjoyed this book, although the reality of what was unfolding inside the town was ghastly. Sarah Langan did an incredible job with character and world building, and I felt so many times that this could be OUR not-too-distant future. (Which spawned a panic attack or two). The ending made me a little sad, but I am not sure it could have logically ended any other way . . .Doesn't mean that my heart didn't crack, slightly. . . . Definitely some deeper meanings in this novel, and it is very worth your time to read it. I've been recommending it for a little while now, and will continue to do so. On my list of the top 15 books I've had the pleasure of reading this year!

A Better World brings the Reader another unsettling near-future as imagined by Sarah Langan!!

I really enjoyed Good Neighbors by Langan, so was looking forward to checking this one out. It's absolutely as wild and wicked as that previous novel, but this one went even darker, IMO, which I adore.

This story follows the Farmer-Bowens family, a married couple, Linda and Russell, as well as their teen twins, Hip and Josie, as they are given the opportunity to join the company town of Plymouth Valley. In this dystopian near-future a safe haven like Plymouth Valley is an unbelievable windfall for any family.

After touring the community, they realize they can't turn it down. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. Russell, a genius with numbers, is offered a job with the company and that will be their foot in the door. Linda will have to give up her medical career, but truth be told, it's not exactly keeping them safe anyway. The family agrees that they're going to go for it. They're moving to Plymouth Valley. Once they're there, things are...a little too perfect. You know what I mean? It's so perfect, it's unsettling.

Hip and Russell seem to adjust okay. Linda and Josie not so much. Maybe it's slightly easier for the men for some reason. Is that possible?

Mainly through Linda's perspective, we learn the truth about this seemingly-bucolic company town and watch this one family try to survive it. It was hard to predict going in what exactly Langan was going to deliver with this one, but after reading it, it makes perfect sense. No one does unsettling perfection better than Sarah Langan.

This is The Stepford Wives on steroids. This story is nuts. The vibes are so creepy. It's one of those fantastically-told stories, where from the start you're creeped out, but you can't really put your finger on why. It's like, you're scared, but nothing overtly scary is happening. And reading it, it's like peeling back the layers of an onion, everything is slowly revealed but with perfect pacing, providing optimal impact for just exactly how messed up this situation is.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a deep dive into a dark dystopian future. This provides a lot of commentary on wealth, privilege and the power of corporations, for you to sink your teeth into. It feels a little long, as in, Langan really built out this story, but if you have the patience and just settle in for the ride, it's so well done. I definitely believe it successfully captured the vibes the author was hoping for!

Thank you to the publisher, Atria Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review.

I'm sorry it took me so long to get to this one, because I've been missing out. I cannot wait to see what Langan is going to deliver next!!!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for honest feedback. Highly rec to fans of Stepford Wives and Ira Levin in general

Great Stepford Wives take in the time of climate change. I wish there had been more backstory about the rest of the planet, but it's a really good, strong story that resonates on many layers.

Overall, A Better World is book that offers a warning about the dangers of blind trust in seemingly perfect societies. It’s a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction and those who enjoy a good psychological thriller.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of this novel. I highly enjoyed it and will be recommending it to others.

Dystopian setting. So the design and creativity behind this was fantastic but the delivery just didn’t work for me.

Hard time connecting with our main character Linda. Her son Hip, just didn’t find much likeable about him until the very end when he basically calls the whole family out individually and tells what’s wrong with them. That part was spot on. Josie, whiny, doesn’t want to communicate, doesn’t get how life really works as an adult. Russell kind of absent yet he’s the reason they get invited to live in this company town. Be careful what you wish for rings true the whole book. Just didn’t keep me engaged, didn’t enjoy reading it and kinda bummed i finished. Did have a decent ending but nothing that wowed me.

Thanks to atria books and netgalley for my electronic advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

What would you do to protect your family? The world is suffering an ecological crisis. Linda is grateful she has a chance to be accepted in a sustainable community where she, her husband, and their twins can count on healthier conditions. However, the other residents are unwelcoming, and there are a lot of things that aren't adding up. What is the real secret to the community?
This was slow for me, but culminated in a shocking end that brought all the pieces together. This is a book for people who enjoy speculative sci fi/climate disaster stories.

I enjoyed this and the writing style, and the story was compelling. I am very interested in reading this author’s future work and this was a very solid thriller. Would definitely recommend to others.