***Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ebook. /Review contains spoilers

I thought this was novel was well done. Twins Charlie and Maggie are growing up in a world where the end of society is predicted in the next 4-5 generations. The company they end up working for Mendalia, is trying to stop that "Limit," and end up doing shady things to continue their research, even if it exploits families. Maggie is "bold and bright," and Charlie (FMC) is timid and isn't character strong suited to live her life the way she actually wants.

Having read "Never Let Me Go," by Ishiguro, I felt a similar narrator voice as that novel but not nearly as well developed. I didn't feel much sympathy for our FMC because as time develops...there isn't much change in how her voice is carried. There are also few concrete timelines explaining their ages, especially when Maggie commits suicide/Nolan's death and her carrying forward 3 pregnancies' with her sister's embryos.

A lot of the really interesting ideas are not well flushed out either, at least on the scientific side of things. I think this would have had a higher impact if more details were given. The adoption/coercion of their biological parents was maybe the most detailed portion of the story and clearly a matter of deep importance to the author.

I'd say the book still sits with you a bit, and touches on similar dystopian settings as Brave New World, Never Let Me Go, Handmaid's Tale--our world/"biological responsibility," etc. I felt like this was missing something for me, personally and got a lot more from those titles above (sorry, a bit unfair).

This was a very unique concept for a novel that weaved family dynamics, sisterly bonds and reproductive rights into a dystopia setting. Charlie, and her twin sister, Maggie, are just 8 years old when a scientific discovery upends their world. They learn that the human race will become distinct in 5 generations and the clock is ticking to find a solution.

So begins a twisted and emotional tale of self discovery and finding a balance between your personal needs and the needs of society. The sisters join in a government run reproduce program to do their part and we begin to unravel more truths behind the scientific discover.

I felt that the ending of this book was a little lackluster after all the buildup. I wanted more from the two main characters but I might have entered this book with unrealistic expectations.

'The Beauty of the End' is an emotional exploration of grief, loss, and the transformative power of connection. Weaving together the stories of three women navigating the aftermath of tragedy, this novel blends heartbreak and healing. This novel leaves a lasting impression.

Good concept. Great execution. Contrasting twin characters. Easy to read.

Charlie's feelings are articulated pretty well. Really well. Wanting normalcy and peace in a world that's ending. The author does an excellent job of weaving together melancholia and a bit of hope to create a sort of mystery. Will they find the cure? Would the Limit ever be broken? I find myself asking these questions halfway through the book. But, like some of the characters, I'm happy to just read the story of the twins and how they grapple with life in this dystopian world. The mystery is an added bonus.

This is a work of literary fiction disguised in a dystopian story. Characters go through personal and professional hell, make hard choices, and some of them do not come out the other side unscathed.

The plot is very good but the story is very much character driven (which is a good thing). Sometimes, some of the characters leave you flummoxed with the choices they make. But that, I would say, is one of the strengths of this book. It makes you question what you would do in similar circumstances. Whether you'll be reckless/bold/daring like Maggie or be careful/calculating like Charlie.

And the ending justifies the title of the book.

Highly recommended. 👍

3.5 Stars

This was a thought-provoking read that tackles the heavy themes of morality, family, and the ethical dilemmas that humanity may experience in the face of extinction. Set in a world where humanity is racing against an inevitable demise, Stienstra invites us into the complex lives of sisters Charlie and Maggie Tannehill, who navigate a landscape fraught with tension and uncertainty.

The narrative is compelling, sparking deep questions about reproductive rights and individual agency that feel incredibly relevant. Charlie and Maggie’s relationship is beautifully drawn, illustrating both the bonds of sisterhood and the strains that arise when faced with monumental choices. Their differing perspectives on how to cope with their dire situation created a dynamic that kept me engaged throughout.

While the book raises important moral questions, there were moments where the pacing lagged, making it hard to maintain my momentum. Some plot points felt a bit rushed, leaving me wanting more exploration of the sisters' internal struggles. Still, the philosophical discussions and emotional stakes made it a worthwhile read.

"The Beauty of the End" challenges readers to think critically about difficult choices and the impact of those choices on our loved ones. It's a compelling story that will linger in your mind long after you've turned the last page. If you're looking for a book that stimulates both the heart and the mind, this one is definitely worth picking up.

My favorite thing about dystopian novels is how thought provoking they can be. Charlie's character development throughout the book was great and we really got to know her character like we would a friend. There were some "bigger" moments in the book that felt like they were skimmed over in comparison to "smaller" moments that felt like they were expanded on for pages, overall it didn't truly affect the story, but it did impact the pace of reading for me.

The overarching themes of ethics and sisterhood were very impactful for me and left me thinking for awhile about my own sister and the choices I have made. Thank you to Lauren Stienstra for providing us with something that make people think about something they never imagined before.

As my first more sci-fi/dystopian read, I'd give this a 3.5! We start by being introduced to adopted twins, Charlie and Maggie, and are quickly informed of the "Limit" which states the human race will end within the next four generations. As you follow the twins, you learn that people are tested to see who will be more fertile and this government agency called the Mendelia, basically does IVF for people to try to break the limit. People are not forced to use the Mendelia, but if you do, you do not have the ability to choose the DNA used for the procedure.

As the twins grow up, we learn that Maggie is much more outgoing, and a huge risk-taker, while Charlie is the complete opposite. Maggie ends up REALLY wanting to break the limit, but at what cost?

This book was very interesting and captivating in the beginning. however, at some point during the middle, the pace really slowed down, it felt like the book was never going to end. And then when it did finally end, it left me with a weird feeling. Charlie did something that just seemed very much not like her . All in all, I really enjoyed the story, I just wish it kept the same pace from the beginning throughout the book.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me early access to this book for a review!

In *The Beauty of the End*, the author presents a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of morality, family, and the ethical dilemmas that arise in the face of extinction. Set against a backdrop where humanity is racing against an inevitable demise, the story of sisters Charlie and Maggie Tannehill invites readers to grapple with profound questions about reproductive rights and individual agency.

The narrative begins with a chilling revelation: every living creature, including humans, is marked for extinction, with only four generations remaining. This unsettling premise serves as a catalyst for the sisters’ journey as they navigate a world turned upside down by scientific discovery. By the time they enroll as counselors in a controversial government-run human-husbandry program, the stakes have never been higher. Their choice to participate reflects not only their desperation but also their deep-seated hope for a future that seems increasingly unattainable.

Charlie, the more introspective of the two, is constantly at odds with the ethical implications of their work. As she grapples with the morality of incentivizing reproduction, her sister Maggie’s ambition pushes the boundaries of their shared values. Maggie’s choices lead her down a dark path, forcing Charlie to confront the lengths to which one might go for survival. This dynamic beautifully illustrates the complexities of sisterhood, ambition, and sacrifice, making their bond both a source of strength and a potential catalyst for tragedy.

The author masterfully intertwines speculative fiction with philosophical inquiries, encouraging readers to reflect on what it means to fight for humanity in a world teetering on the brink. The writing is both poignant and visceral, with moments of harrowing clarity that linger long after the final page. The ethical dilemmas presented in the book resonate deeply, particularly in our current societal context where reproductive rights and individual freedoms are fiercely debated.

*The Beauty of the End* is not just a tale of survival; it is a profound meditation on the choices we make when faced with impossible situations. As Charlie navigates her moral landscape, readers are left to ponder their own beliefs about sacrifice, hope, and the ties that bind us to one another. This novel is a must-read for those who appreciate speculative fiction that challenges conventions and provokes thoughtful discourse about our shared future.

A special thanks to NetGalley, Amazon’s Little A, and Lauren Stienstra for a free digital ARC of this book!

This book received a whole 4 stars from me! “The Beauty of the End” by Lauren Stienstra is about the extinction of humanity and its reaction, along with overarching themes of ethics, sisterhood, sacrifice, and of having children and loving them. It presented the various viewpoints and responses different people would have in this situation. What would people do when faced with an inevitable end? What would they sacrifice? Would they choose love, money, or altruism? Overall, it has a very unique and thought-provoking plot!

Right from the start it is evident that the author loves science. This book has a lot of bigger words, and I found myself looking at my dictionary often. I could see someone who doesn’t like this sort of thing having trouble enjoying this book, because the author jumps into long explanations about the science behind the extinction. I did appreciate it- it made it seem like this could actually realistically happen one day, and it shows how much thought and time Stienstra put into her research for this book.

I loved the character development of our MC, Charlie. She was always in her overzealous twin sister’s shadow, just average and unable to really connect with others. I found her relatable, even though I felt she was a little inconsistent. But she eventually found her footing and learned how to be more like her sister- for better or for worse. She finally understood what was truly important. She saw the beauty of the end. I loved Maggie and Nolan’s characters, too. The sacrifices and the decisions they both made for themselves and for humanity were unbelievable.

“Procreation allowed creatures to persist beyond their individual lives and infinitely elude an inevitable fate, and by giving my clients children, I restored their tomorrows.”

I did find the story kind of slow- ranging all the way from their childhood after the discovery, their decision in high school to be Mendelia, their time in the program, and then Charlie’s journey after it; there was a lot that unfolded in this book. I think some of that could have been cut out in exchange for more depth in the important parts and in the plot twist. Because even though I loved the book overall, I will also say that the writing was a little shallow. I felt like monumental moments were graced over a bit too quickly and without enough emotion- sometimes it felt more like reading a report of what happened than actually living through it with the characters. In my opinion, Charlie got what she wanted a little too easily. The government and the Mendelia’s hand in the story should’ve been stronger, and because of this we lost some of the pressure and stakes needed to make this book more thrilling.

This book did get a little boring at times, but it really gained momentum towards the end. I like stories with endings that make you think- and this one certainly achieved that for me. Although it was bittersweet, I really did enjoy the end of “The Beauty of the End.”

I truly hope this book helps achieve Stienstra’s mission of spotlighting child trafficking. Great message. This was an amazing first book and I look forward to reading her next!

This was an excellent read- the sort of speculative, science fiction that has me reading just one more chapter when I should be cooking dinner and breaking up fights between my children.
The book is about the end of the human race and the lengths people will go to to save it. Twins Charlie and Maggie are quite young when scientists discover that human extinction is encoded in our DNA and that most families will be wiped out within four generations. After high school they both join a government run organizations that seeks to break ‘the Limit” through selective breeding and genetic manipulation. It’s a story about ethics and how far people are willing to challenge the status quo. I loved the big ideas in this book, but also go smaller details that made it seem realistic- the professions and industries that wither eith the reduced birth rate and the ways that people adapt to their new reality. The pacing was quite sloe in places but I enjoyed the way the story developed so much that I didn't mind.

The Beauty of the End by Lauren Stienstra is a unique take on the near-dystopian genre, but it doesn't quite hit the mark in terms of depth or execution. The story centers around twin sisters, Maggie and Charlie, who find out that the human race is on the brink of extinction. Apparently, a scientific discovery called "The Limit" predicts that humans have only four generations left before we all go extinct. Heavy, right? It should have been a super intense, emotional ride, but I found myself struggling to stay invested.

The idea of a government agency called Mendelia trying to manage human reproduction is interesting, but it doesn't really make sense in practice. The rules and how people just go along with it feel unrealistic, and it made it hard for me to suspend my disbelief. Also, while Charlie and Maggie are supposed to be the main focus, everyone around them feels like they're just there to support their story without much agency of their own.

One of the biggest issues I had with the book was the writing style. It starts off feeling juvenile, which kind of makes sense since the characters are kids in the beginning. But even when they’re older, the writing didn’t mature, and by the end, it just felt awkward. There were also moments where the pacing dragged, especially in the middle, and it was hard to push through. Things pick up toward the end, but by then, I had already lost a lot of interest.

That being said, the book does have some cool ideas about how society would react to news like this—some people trying to help, others taking advantage of the situation, and the moral questions that come with all of that. But overall, I think it could have gone deeper with those themes instead of just brushing over them.

The book surely has an interesting concept, but it doesn’t fully deliver. If you're into dystopian stories with bioethics and some moral gray areas, it might be worth checking out, but don’t expect it to blow you away.

The beauty of the end is a very enticing story that plays with the idea of what if humans are going extinct and it’s more inevitable that you think. The story follows the twins, Charlie and Maggie both of them are adopted by an American family and they grow up in this world where is discovered when they were five years old, that all living species had a certain type of mutations in their DNA where you could see how many more generations was left of them. Of course the human race was no exception to this new discovery and the whole world turns upside down when they find out how many generations are left until humans are erased from the Earth.

I really liked this book, I think in terms of narrative and writing style it’s a book that gets you into the plot right away, even though you get to see a glimpse of the world before this discovery it just pushes you right in. I’m not gonna lie when I started this book I thought that it was going to be a little bit of motherhood propaganda, but it was actually really smart the way that the author portrays the themes of motherhood, identity, culture and science without making you feel that the choices these characters are making they are doing them because they are women and “they have to”. Also the characters were really solid for me, Charlie and Maggie are portrayed like basically the two faces of the same coin, both of them with different ideas and lifestyles on the same subject of human extinction that also intertwine someway or another with each other.

The book lacks a little on keeping a clear timeline of the events that happened in the story because there were not clear way that you could notice that the time jumps were being made other than the context of what Charlie (the narrator) was saying, and sometimes it could be a jarring. Also, given that the book has a very strong premise I think the last third of the book got a little weak, but it doesn’t take out that it’s a solid read overall

It’s a book that I would definitely recommend and would love that my reader friends could take a look at it, because I think it’s a great bookclub book to discuss.

Thank you NetGalley and little A for the arc.

This was such a compelling and moving read! I found the world of this book so captivating to watch unfold and found the narrator and her twin to have so much depth as characters. They kept me engaged and I wanted to know more about them as I kept reading. It was most interesting to me to watch Charlie move through situations to reach justice for her sister and Nolan, which included great lengths to find placements under time limits, but also instances of manipulation and greed. It was reflections of Maggie in Charlie that I found most compelling. I will be recommending this book to my library patrons!

This book started out really strong. The extinction of different species was truly fascinating. Then when scientists found out when the human race was going to be extinguished, my heart was pounding....wow! I had never thought of our own species dying out.

Then the book went downhill. The rise of the Mendels. They were the scientists that would save humanity. But you had to donate your eggs/ovaries.
The twins Charlie and Maggie sign up. Maggie is the rising star but the reader never knows what exactly she is working on.

Most of the book seems to have been throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what will stick.
Maggie all of a sudden disappears and the author says its because of this Congressional hearing. But the hearing happened AFTER Maggies disappearance.

I had no idea what Charlie was supposed to be doing or why she was doing it.

Everything after Charlie and Maggie entered the Convent was boring and confusing. I kept wondering why do we care? I felt that the author did not have a full grasp of genetics or why the reader would care about the funding or the congressional hearing.

Overall this book had promise and fell flat and fell flat hard.

This book introduces a gripping premise: humanity faces extinction due to a genetic quirk that sets an expiration date just four generations away. The story follows Charlie Tannehill and her twin sister, Maggie, as they navigate a government-run human-husbandry program designed to combat this impending doom. By offering incentives for reproduction and searching for a genetic fix, they grapple with the ethical and personal costs of their roles.

PROS:

1. Innovative Concept: The novel’s idea of humanity’s genetic deadline is both intriguing and thought-provoking. It provides a compelling backdrop for exploring human responses to existential threats.

2. Complex Characters: Charlie and Maggie offer opposing views and motivations, making for a dynamic, if occasionally unsettling, character study. Their conflicting approaches add depth to the narrative.

3. Realistic Reactions: The story captures the range of human responses to crisis effectively. Characters' struggles with morality and survival feel authentic within the high-stakes context of their world.

CONS:

1. Dry Writing Style: The narrative often relies heavily on exposition rather than immersive storytelling. This approach can make the prose feel dry and less engaging, detracting from the emotional impact.

2. Inconsistent Protagonist: Charlie’s character is somewhat inconsistent, particularly in how she adheres to her principles. Her eventual decisions seem at odds with her established values, leading to a sense of disconnection.

3. Shallow Exploration of Themes: Despite its intriguing premise, the novel doesn’t delve deeply into its core themes. The potential of the storyline feels underdeveloped, leaving readers wanting more substance.

4. Unremarkable Government Agency (Mendelia): The government agency, central to the story’s setting, is portrayed as ineffective and lacks significant impact, reducing the tension and stakes involved.

5. Pacing Issues: The narrative struggles with pacing, especially in the latter half. The story loses momentum around 30% in and doesn’t regain its intensity until the final chapters, which may disengage readers looking for a more dynamic plot.

Overall, this book offers a novel concept and interesting character dynamics but is marred by a lack of depth and a pacing that can disrupt reader engagement. The potential for a compelling exploration of humanity’s end is there, but the execution may leave some readers unsatisfied.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC copy!

The Beauty of the End follows along with the story of Charlie Tannehill alongside her twin sister, Maggie. There’s a biological countdown that’s been discovered, as a species of cicadas, Brood X, have gone extinct. It turns out there was a specific gene that indicated they had no generations left after theirs. Soon, this same gene is found to indicate in all species how many generations they have left. This means the end of humanity. The sisters embark on a journey in their teen years in an attempt to defy and break “the Limit.” This title was thought provoking, it was emotional, it was so very human. I greatly enjoyed this read, and am grateful to Netgalley for the opportunity!

The Beauty of the End
By Lauren Stienstra

A speculative fiction of an almost pre dystopian world where the human race is facing extinction. A story where humans genetic code is evaluated and assessed in an attempt to extend generations to find a cure for humanity's survival.

The plot follows two sisters who were children when the discovery was made. This had a prominent impact on their youth with both girls choosing to dedicate their lives in an endeavour to help scientists find a cure.

The story was both captivating and moving covering the personal and familial heartbrakes and scientific ethics of this parallel world. I was personally unsure about reading this speculative storyline but then found I couldn't put it down...it was that good.

4.5 🌟

Thank you Netgalley for the arc read!

#ilovebooks #bookreview
#scientificstory #greatread
#TheBeautyoftheEnd #NetGalley

3,5 ⭐️

I had never read speculative fiction and this was such a great book so start with!
The first half of the book is really well paced. It sets the context, it introduces the characters (Charlie, Maggie and Nolan) and it explains the problem that they will have to face through the book. I thought that it was well explained and it made you want to read more. The second part of the book, though, took a turn into the narrative that i didn’t expect. I was really into Charlie’s story and her dealing with her emotions when suddenly, plot twist! Now we switch to a Maggie-Nolan narrative. I feel like the main character, Charlie, lost herself when ^that^ issue with her sister happened and she never came back.
I struggled a little bit to finish it but in general I enjoyed it! It’s a really interesting book and a unique take on dystopian fiction.

Thanks to Little A and Netgalley for this ARC.

This is the kind of book I wish I had written !
The story is set in a world where humankind won't be able to reproduce for long. It tackles themes of family, womanhood, research, reproductive rights. It makes us question who has the right to manipulate our ability to reproduce, who has the right to reproduce at its core.
The character's evolution is compelling and we want to root for all of them. Yes, all of them.
I got goosebumps more than I thought I'd get, and I have found my new favourite read.

3.25 ⭐️ rounded down

The Beauty of the End has such an interesting premisce - humanity is four generations away from becoming extinct so the government develops a husbandry program, but the book focuses entirely on the wrong things and unfortunately reads like a poor man’s Never Let Me Go. Where NLMG’s narrator being removed from the “action” serves a purpose in its dreamy and mysterious quality, TBOTE doesn’t pull this off. By focusing on Charlie, we miss the fever dream her twin is experiencing and by jumping in time so frequently, we miss significant emotional moments that would better make me care about these characters.

There are good moments that kept me reading though. The parts we did get to read about the government husbandry training program and practice were highlights. The gambling motif both served a purpose and was fun to read. These moments just didn’t do enough.