Neal Shusterman does it again! All Better Now dives into mental health, resilience, and the messiness of recovery with heart and humor. The story is raw, real, and surprisingly uplifting—like a warm hug after a good cry.

Perfect for sparking conversations about life’s curveballs, this book belongs on every middle and high school library shelf. It’s a quick but impactful read that reminds us even the darkest days have a little light waiting to shine through.

This was both a darker and "brighter" book than many I have read of Shusterman's, and I appreciated the book for that fact. The premise was clear and explicit: a pandemic is sweeping the world and the virus results in recoverees' emotional states being "improved" to get rid of negative emotions: hate, greed, avarice. A complex but deftly interconnected set of characters and series of events moves the plot forward at a swift pace, and the tension Shusterman builds is palpable as the story builds towards a conclusion that feels perfect, even aas it is dissatisfying for those readers who might like a neatly "finished" package of a plot. I will add this book to the shelf of recommendations for students' independent reading, and look forward to interesting conversations about the possibilities Schusterman's pandemic brings.

(This novel contains suicidal ideation from the POV of the suicidal character including explicit reference to self harm wounds.)

Without pain, would you still be human? If you could be happy forever, would you want that? What should counter blind optimism, if not everlasting depression?

All Better Now features Crown Royale, an airborne virus more fatal than COVID-19, has caused a pandemic of enlightened bliss. This first book in a new series follows Mariel, a homeless girl who might be immune, Rón, the suicidal son of one of the richest men on Earth, and Morgan, an ambitious prodigy tasked with eradicating the virus. The three of them are entangled in a world of avarice and empathy, and have to decide which side they’re on—if either side is worth fighting for at all.

Although the nature of the virus itself is more fantastical—it removes your negativity, depression, and suffering in order to make you blissful and altruistic—the themes and questions the novel posits are all too real. The environment is very evocative of 2020’s real-life lockdowns, though since the COVID-19 pandemic did exist in the world of the novel, I questioned whether it was entirely accurate to imagine those same precautions would go over the same way for a second one. Obviously, this is speculative fiction; it doesn’t matter if every detail has its mirror in our world. It serves its purpose, to make the reader think and challenge their own beliefs if necessary. There is the inclusion of conspiracy theorists and hypochondriacs alike, whose presence helps to sell that current day realism.

Suffering vs happiness isn’t the only (perhaps false) dichotomy that takes a forefront. As the virus spreads, people in power are scrambling to extinguish it because they rely on fear and the negativity of the masses to keep that power. Greed vs altruism makes up a large part of Morgan’s arc in particular, as her mission to rid the world of Crown Royale may result in the creation of something much worse.

The novel is also diverse with its cast of characters, in many forms. Race, gender, social class, and even age are some ways that the POV characters are representative of our real world. The LGBT minor characters were a joy to discover, too. I hope there will be more representation in that regard from Shusterman in the future.

Personally, I’d be afraid of a virus like Crown Royale, with its apparant ability to change fundamental aspects of who you are or kill you in the process. I’m afraid of anti-depressants for the same reasons, and that’s only one layer of the cake that Shusterman baked here. Things are never so black and white in his books, and this one is no exception. My own personal hesitations and feelings throughout my readthrough only made the experience more meaningful. Certain things that I won’t spoil here made me really question the execution of some of the themes. Regardless of your thoughts, you will get something unique and significant out of reading this novel.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC! I’ve always been a fan of this author and absolutely devoured his Scythe series. While I do feel that series can be tough for younger YA readers to get into, much like my feelings with this book, he is a powerful storyteller that really sucks you into his books and his worlds. This book was interesting because it references the COVID pandemic while detailing a new pandemic that leaves recoveries unable to feel true anger or sadness and let’s them let go of their need for things like revenge and large amounts of possessions/money. Sounds great, right? Well, what if people don’t want or need things anymore? What if they let themselves get in harm’s way because they feel compelled to save people even if they’re really not in a position or able to do it? It was a really interesting concept. You have stories of a son of a rich man who suffers from depression and is high risk of dying from this disease, a poor daughter of a homeless mother living in their car who doesn’t seem capable of getting sick, a rich but vindictive woman willing to sign over her assets to a young prodigy to keep her legacy going. All the stories come together in such a way that you’ll be thinking about right and wrong, ethics, and free will. I was truly fascinated and engaged in this book the entire time and could never find a good place to stop reading for the evening. The ending, while open-ended in many ways, was quite satisfying as it wasn’t fairy tale perfect (I always appreciate that), I didn’t see if this was a series that would continue, but it definitely could. I highly recommend this one, especially if you’re a Schusterman fan, and I’ll be adding this to our school library purchase list. FYI some profanity and violence but nothing too concerning

All Better Now follows a new virus directly following the COVID19 pandemic. Similar to COVID19, this virus is highly contagious and deadly for a small population of the world. The major difference is that this new virus, Crown Royale, has what some might describe as a positive outcome and deeply affects the mind and emotions. Those who survive the virus find themselves with a new outlook on life free from worry and negative feelings. Recoverees no longer worry about material possessions or worry of capitalism and focus on a strong sense of community geared toward helping others. But not everyone is seeking the enlightenment that recoverees experience and are actively fighting against it. The story follows three main characters: Ron, the son of one of the richest men in the world, Mariel, a girl who has struggled financially with an irresponsible mother all her life, and Morgan, an ambitious young women looking to leave her mark on the world. This story was interesting and engaging at some points but also felt like it was dragging sometimes. The recoverees are a bit one dimensional (which I think is the point) but that made their POV chapters a little bit boring. It was fun seeing characters from around the world come together in the end but I thought the ending was a bit lackluster.

I've been having a difficult time unpacking my feelings about this book. I don't think the philosophical/ethical topics Schusterman tried to hit went over well with me, and that left me very confused toward the plot and characters.

This book is about a recently post-COVID world where there is a new virus. This new virus has a slightly higher mortality rate (5%) and survivors (recoverees) report feeling very happy and content with their life. However, the newfound peace of the recoverees threatens the stability of the economy, so the government is trying their best to deter the spread of the virus.

The book follows 3 teenaged/young adult characters: Mariel (a girl who learned to survive on the streets with her mother), Ron (the son of a billionaire), and Morgan (a cunning and resourceful girl who is given ownership of a huge consortium). The three characters embody different aspects of this world (minor spoilers ahead!!): what it's like to be immune when the virus promises a happier life; what you should do if you have the ability to "spread" happiness, and what people with power and money can/should do in the face of a pandemic.

I can't decide if some of my issues with this book stem from it being released so close to the COVID pandemic, or if that is advantageous for readers of this book. There were several explicit references to the coronavirus pandemic in All Better Now that brought me back to the difficult years of the pandemic. It felt a bit too soon to be reliving that time in my head. On the other hand, it made the idea of this new virus and pandemic all the more real because of that recent connection to the actual virus.

I don't think I'll be able to express the rest of my feelings without spoilers. That being said, I think that there is a ton to gain from this book even knowing the spoilers that I am about to mention.

Spoiler warning ahead!
<spoiler>Some of the actions of characters didn't sit right with me, and I think that they led me to root for the "villains" of this story. Granted, this is a hugely complex issue and there is no right or wrong. But, it being a YA dystopian book, I think it could be assumed that one side is being put forward as "right" and the other "wrong".

So this virus makes the recoverees very happy and content with their lives. Because of this, recoverees are very supportive of others getting infected with the virus. One of the main characters is a "super-spreader" of the virus, and even though they do not feel the illness symptoms, they are still able to spread it. There are several scenes in which this character intentionally infects others, mostly in sly ways. For example, this character asked another person what brand of mask they were wearing. The mask wearer took off her mask, and the spreader breathed in her face. It really didn't sit well with me that this character was deciding peoples' lives so flippantly. The virus had a 5% mortality rate--1 out of every 20 people die. Further, no one knew the long-term effects of the virus. I think that it was wrong to spread the virus so flippantly and so often, and that part of the book made me very uncomfortable.

Also, recoverees kept dying randomly in stupid ways. For example, they would try to save someone who was drowning, only to drown themselves because they couldn't swim. I would argue that this virus wasn't all good because of several similar instances.

The "super-spreader" part of the book made me root for the government, who was trying to stop the spread of the virus. The way they eventually did it was really sketchy though, so I stopped rooting for any side at all. It is also strange to me that Schusterman decided to make young audiences support the spread of a virus and be against a vaccine when we just got out of the COVID pandemic, where we believed the opposite for years. </spoiler>

Overall, I had a lot of really complicated feelings toward this book. It was very thought-provoking in the way Schusterman books are, but it was nowhere as intriguing as the Scythe (a 5-star series, please read it!!). I like his social commentary, but thought the execution could have been much better.

Thank you to NetGalley + Simon & Schuster Children's publishing for this ARC!

As a huge fan of the Scythe and Unwind series, I’m always excited to see another Schusterman book. This story had a very interesting premise, but got a little lost in complexities and double crossing. It is an especially interesting concept in the post COVID world, but it just wasn’t my personal cup of tea.

The concept is that there is a new virus, but it changes your behavior. Crown Royale spreads like any other virus, but for those who don’t die from it (appprox 1 in 4 do die), they come out of the fever without the same worries - no stress, no worries, no greed. But they also can be so selfless that they don’t consider their own safety or well being. Small groups pop up like communes for recoverees, funded by billionaires who have gone through the disease themselves. But not everyone is happy about the new virus and are afraid of what it will do to the economy and the world in general. They are trying to come up with a vaccine, but coming up with their own issues.

The first few chapters are taken to meet the wide array of main characters. After that it hops around for different parts of the story, that of course come together by the end. While it was an interesting story, it just became too convoluted to me.

As a big fan of Neal Shusterman, I was very excited to get a Netgalley of his newest book. A story about a pandemic that leaves the survivors happy seems like utopia, but, of course, it's never that simple. Happy people don't need to buy stuff, and money is the most important thing in this crazy world of ours. This is a fast-paced, believable tale of people fighting a war over happiness and contentment.

All Better Now by Neal Shusterman offers a fresh and thought-provoking take on a pandemic story—one that is not about Covid, but about a virus with a strangely transformative aftermath. This new virus sweeps across the globe, devastating some lives while leaving survivors fundamentally changed. Those who recover are filled with an unshakable sense of happiness, leading to profound shifts in behavior: billionaires giving away their fortunes, people abandoning materialism, and many setting off to explore the world with newfound purpose.

The story weaves together the lives of several compelling characters—Rón, Mariel, Morgan, and Dame Havilland—each navigating their own unique journey through the pandemic. Though their paths are different, their stories intersect in unexpected and meaningful ways, creating a tapestry of human resilience and change.

Shusterman masterfully explores themes of human nature, connection, and the pursuit of happiness in this deeply engaging and thought-provoking novel. All Better Now is a must-read for anyone looking for a pandemic story with an imaginative and uplifting twist.

As a long time fan of Susterman's Unwind series, I was thrilled to get the opportunity to read his newest sci-fi release!

My first thought after finished was, Wow! What a concept! jI loved the idea of having something so devastating leave you "All Better Now". The four main characters will have you drawn in from the beginning as you watch their lives weave together while they work through this "pandemic" in this though provoking novel.

I was pleased with the details, depth, and descriptions this story provided. I can only imagine the discussion that the YA community could have after reading this novel. What a fun bookclub book!

Thank you, Net Galley and Simon & Schuster Childrens Publishing for the ARC.

Neal Shusterman’s All Better Now is an addictive page-turner that grabs you from the first sentence and refuses to let go. Set in a world battling the Crown Royale virus—where survivors emerge completely content and free of negative emotions—the story dives into the clash between those who embrace this "gift" and those desperate to stop it.

Through Mariel, Tiburon, Morgan, and the unforgettable Dame Glynis Havilland, Shusterman weaves a masterful tale of interconnected lives and tough moral questions. Is this new world a utopia or a dangerous step toward chaos?

Packed with diversity, sharp social commentary, and Shusterman’s trademark pacing, this book will have you questioning ambition, happiness, and what it truly means to live. If you love stories that make you think while keeping you on the edge of your seat, All Better Now is your next must-read. A wild, thought-provoking ride!

DNF @ 25% The parallels to COVID just made this difficult to get into. While the multiple POVS make the story interesting in some aspects it also makes it difficult to connect off the bat with them. May pick this back up again in the future.

“All Better Now” is a fascinating speculative novel based on a global pandemic, but one with a surprising after-effect: the 96% who survive the disease become happy and contented. No more sadness, grief, anger, or depression. When companies that prey on people’s inadequacy, loneliness, and negative self-image start tanking, global corporations unite to try and find a cure. The story focuses on three young people: Mariel, who used to live with her mom in their car; Ron, the son of the world’s third-richest man and at increased risk for dying of the disease; and Morgan, a self-serving prodigy who aces an unusual job interview. Each of these three plays a different role in the history of this new virus.
This book poses a lot of interesting ethical questions. For those who recover from the disease and now have different emotions and make different choices, are they still the same people? Does a 4% death rate outweigh the eradication of selfishness and sadness? Or are our negative emotions crucial to our humanity? Despite the fascinating ramifications of this disease and the post-virus world, I didn’t find this to be the most enjoyable read. The characters felt fairly surface-level, with the exception of Morgan. The pacing and plot felt very strange, and the writing style wasn’t my favorite. However, I did appreciate how much food for thought there is here.

I am not typically a Sci-Fi fan, but apparently when it comes to Neal Shusterman, I am! This was such an interesting concept with the pandemic and the long term effect being contentment. I think this will be a hit with both YA and adult readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC.

The next pandemic after COVID is one that some might actually want. After patients make it through the worst of the fever they suddenly become.. enlightened... happy... selfless. For the average person this might sound appealing. For billionaires this sudden bought of optimism and charity can ruin their fortunes. This book follows several characters, all with different stakes in this new pandemic landscape. And in true Shusterman fashion keeps you guessing until the end. I enjoyed not knowing who to root for during the majority of the book and cannot wait to read the next installment. I am sad however that that isn't actually a Buc-ee's in Indiana, the state in which I live.

This is a book you absolutely cannot read a lone. The plot and premise were structured in such a way that after every chapter you step away to thinks many possibilities to ponder. It wasn't that anything was left unanswered or underdeveloped either. The story's world was so captivating, all-consuming in the most deeply opportunistic way. This is such a unique story written in the most unique way. It will have you reexamining your life and relationships.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading All Better Now by Neal Shusterman. I found that it consistently kept me interested and also engaged me into thinking about what it means to be happy and what my ethical obligations are towards my fellow human beings. I will definitely be buying this book for my school library and will also consider it for a future book club reading. I hope there will be a sequel as well! Thank you NetGalley for providing me this ARC.

I never thought I’d give a Neal Shusterman book less than 5 stars, but here I am. I have a few strict tropes that make me want to throw a book, and somehow this one had it all.


We have a “I’m not like other girls” character, the rich guy who wishes he wasn’t (and their extremely fast romance? What?). Miscommunication, quick random relationships, FMC who weren’t too bright. I felt like most of the scenarios were sped up SO fast, and were a bit too perfect (the airport first test example) . There didn’t feel like a lot of depth on any of the characters like I’m used to with his books. This also wrote way too close to the pandemic for me, which made it feel less dystopian and more “normal”, which is also something I’m not used to. I appreciate the chance to read this early, but I’m definitely bummed that it wasn’t a hit for me.

I really enjoyed the what-ifs of this one. I liked Mariel and Rón a lot, but I think I was most intrigued by Rón's father, Blas Escobedo. I hope to see more of him in the next book. Dame Havilland and her Butler were pretty entertaining too. There were more POVs than I prefer though, especially the ones that only lasted a few pages.

Shusterman really built on this intriguing premise, and there was a lot to ponder. I think it would be a good one for book clubs--lots of discussion material.
I was hoping it was stand-alone, but it seems not. I feel like it could have been, but maybe the author's got loads more surprises planned for the next one. It was a real page-turner in the last third or so.

4.25⭐️
Wow, this was way deeper than I expected as o did not read any reviews ahead of time. The author did a great job at offering difficult material in a very creative way.


I am thankful to have gotten an eARC for free from Netgalley and Simon and Schuster children publishing to enjoy which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.

This is a YA title but it is a great read for all ages. It is poignant, thought provoking and entertaining. It also thoughtful in how it’s presented with its multiple POV format.

On a personal note I have been reading so many women writers of late that o enjoyed the male authorship as k think it
Brings a different impact than a woman would . Not better or worse, just different.

What would you do if you caught a virus that completely made you feel unburdened? Who you do anything in your power to stop the spread or try to infect as many as possible?

My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.

⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again