If you could be eternally unburdened would you do it no matter the cost? A classic Neal Shusterman tale that weaves together character stories to an ending fitting dystopia. This book will hit a little close to home for some and will give readers lots to ponder about what is the greater good and who decides what is best.

Thank you Simon Teen for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I want to say first that my star rating is based solely on my enjoyment reading the book, not necessarily on how important or thought provoking the book is.

This book is missing something, but I can’t exactly put my finger on what it is.

Neal Shusterman’s All Better Now takes on a pandemic with a new angle. Instead of just making people sick, this virus also takes away “bad” emotions: fear, hate, anger. Some people want to catch the new virus and have their troubles wiped away and some are terrified of catching it, saying that the virus changes who you fundamentally are.

The book delves into a variety of topics, mental health and suicidal ideation, classism, and right vs wrong as some of the major ones. Each of the characters had their own motivations and drivers, their desires pushing up against those of the other characters, each fighting to gain the upper hand, to change the world to their own benefit.

I enjoyed the rapid changes in the points-of-view, and especially that the novel never really seemed to endorse one character or one ideology over another. The characters’ thoughts and opinions were constantly evolving as the narrative changed, and I found that incredibly refreshing. So many novels focus heavily on the “right” side or characters hitting the pivotal moment that changes their entire perspective. For the most part, Shusterman’s characters gradually changed; their opinions developed as they learned how to navigate their world as the pandemic progressed.

The plot, strangely enough, reminded me a lot of We Happy Few (which is half the reason I wanted to pick it up). It’s an interesting take on a pandemic is a world that is still saturated with conversations about Covid. In some ways, creating a new pandemic to cater to the needs of the novel actually acted as a detriment. Because Covid is still a hot topic, it makes sense to re-imagine the ways in which it could have further affected society. Using a virus also has the added benefit of taking away (for the most part) a person’s ability to resist the change that Crown Royale promised. Someone could do everything in their power to try to keep from catching Crown Royale, but there was never anything that could be 100% foolproof. On the other hand, I’m sure there’s people like myself who want to stop hearing about a pandemic. It’s been so permeating into our lives that it’s a slog to read another novel with a virus as its core concept.

The other big reason this book was very difficult to get through? The characters are all deeply unlikable. Sure, they’re constantly changing and evolving, they’re flawed and idealistic, but they’re also all fairly unrelatable (or maybe that’s just a me problem?) and honestly, just really annoying. They’re all cranked up to be the extremes of their motivations, and I just felt like I was reading the life story of a handful of internet trolls.
I think this book definitely has a place on the shelf, and I don’t think it isn’t important. Shusterman touches on a lot of important cultural thoughts and feelings. The book is very much relevant to today’s atmosphere and cultural situation. I appreciate that it’s written for a younger audience than myself, an audience that very much needs the exposure of the themes Shusterman’s toying with.

And at the heart of it, maybe because I’m not the target audience, the enjoyment of this book simply escaped me.

4.5 stars

In a post-Covid world, a new virus is on the rise—one that leaves recoverees with a sense of contentment and peace.

This was such a cool concept wonderfully told with detail and care. The multiple POVs that all strung together the narrative and expanded the reader’s view of how the virus affected so many aspects of society gave such nice depth even though you spend just a few pages with some characters. While the beginning was slow, once I reached the halfway point it was absolutely unputdownable!

Capitalism, the greater good, disinformation, and so much more gets tackled within this story and the rising tension of it all gave me such good chills. I’m very excited to see where Shusterman takes the rest of the series!

Neal Shusterman has a talent for asking difficult questions in his books, but not making super obvious statements one way or the other about what is the "correct" answer to those questions. In this case, the world is in the middle of another pandemic. One out of every 25 people who catches the Crown Royale virus will die, but those who survive are forever changed. They're happier. They're kinder. They aren't hung up on possessions and power. Should this virus be intentionally spread to make the world a better place even if it means killing so many people? What about spreading a counter-virus that will make people unable to catch Crown Royale, but makes them want everything, desperately. This is just the first book of a series, so there is no resolution, but it's certainly an interesting topic, and it definitely makes the reader think.

I don’t think Neal Shusterman knows how to disappoint.

This book follows 3 teenagers in the beginning stages of a new pandemic, taking place somewhat soon after COVID but this disease has an interesting side effect…if you survive, you become completely content. This contentment causes those in power to worry and scheme because if the world as a whole is content….how do you drive jealousy and greed to feed the global economy. But then this goes deeper, bringing up questions of ethics and morals, bodily autonomy and consent, and parallels can even be drawn between those who are for or against the disease and political parties in the US.

I found myself going in circles trying to figure out what would I do in a world where this virus is spreading. Do I risk death for contentment? Should you be given the choice? Can a disease be a good thing? And once you get deeper into the novel…is a vaccine ethical?

The three teenagers we meet Mariel, Rón and Morgan grapple with these questions and others throughout the novel. I thought the pairing of Mariel and Rón being essentially the yin and yang of the disease and, for lack of a better word, station in life was an excellent choice and vehicle to make the reader give full attention to either side of the debate.

The ties to COVID at first made me think I would not enjoy this book but, I found Shusterman’s unique twist on another virus to be refreshing. I especially enjoyed the parallels to modern society and highlighting the exploitation that a capitalistic society relies on to survive. I believe this book is setup to lead to another and…I need it…please.

This book was very interesting! What would you do if there was a pandemic of happiness and kindness? No one thought of the unforeseen consequences, but Mariel and Rón are trying to navigate it together. This was cleverly written and I was so thoroughly sucked in that I read for an entire day! I ignored everything and every responsibility and just read until I was done. I’m sure this is the beginning of a new series and I’m here for it!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book.

Neal Shusterman is one of my all time favorite novelists. His is incredible in world building and creating character driven stories. All Better Now is no exception. He creates this world that hits a little to close to home after what happened in 2020. He was able to sculpt a universe that mirrors our own and add to it but emulate what could've been far more worse. A disease that changes almost every part of who someone is. All Better Now showcases the dichotomy between the best and worst of the worlds population. It can be hard to read at times because there are points that hit to close to home from the covid-19 pandemic. But if you are a fan of Neal's other books this is a definite read.

Shusterman is one of my top YA authors and always a go-to for my reluctant readers and readers who aren’t sure what to read because I know his books will hook them. To say I am beyond excited to add this title my library is an understatement! It terrified me and had my jaw dropping. The pandemic storyline was on point and I found myself going back to 2020 and all the fears, unknowns, and thoughts which really placed me into the storyline of “All Better Now”. I also feel that there’s such a deeper message behind the story and think this would be a great book club read because you’re going to want/need to discuss it. The book will make you reevaluate consumerism and our own world.

First and foremost, this is absolutely a pandemic book. This is 100% not going to be for everyone and deals specifically with a global pandemic which comes with interesting consequences. Catch Crown Royale, and you'll be a whole new version of yourself, one that doesn't care for money, or greed, and is wholly unselfish. Catch Crown Royale and you'll be more interested in how to save your fellow person than personal gain. But not everyone wants to be infected, and those who are infected don't necessarily have the wisdom to recognize the consequences of certain ideas.

I loved this novel, but it definitely freaked me out. The idea of a pandemic that would make everyone a "better person" isn't something I've come across before, and as you read the novel, you definitely start to question whether or not erasing humanity's selfishness is actually for the greater good. The novel grapples with questions of how we deal with our worst (and our best) impulses, and what the impact of personal choice is, especially when facing any type of larger contagion. This is very much a slow burn, but by the end, I definitely couldn't put it down.

All Better Now is likely the best non-romantasy I have read this year. I liked how relatable it was to the pandemic, while not necessarily being about the 2019 pandemic. The Crown Royale virus and the idea of masks and people being embraced vs non-embraced really hit close to home. I can see how this fits in with Teens & YA and I can tell my students are going to love this.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. The above is my honest thoughts.

An interesting read on what happens during a pandemic and how it turns into an us vs. them scenario. Fear can bring out the worst in people and this virus makes those who survive it happier and more carefree almost to the point of stupidity. So those who haven't caught it would rather not turn into someone so "mindless". It follows three VERY different characters and how they react and plan for the pandemic and virus. It was a unique story but midway through I was ready for it to wrap up.

I have read every book Neal Shusterman has written and I have three categories for them. This one goes into the category of what, to me, is his finest work along with Unwind and Scythe. I think he is at his best when he is presenting a creepy future that invariably ends up coming true a couple years later. All Better Now feels like his prescience could be at work again with the part of the story concerning a vaccine. Although I didn't like this quite as much as the other two listed above, it is still a fantastic, unique story with deeply realized characters. I can't wait for this to be published so I can hand it to my devout Shusterman readers!

This book delivers a compelling, thought-provoking story that feels brutally relevant today. It is a viral pandemic dystopian narrative that ushers peace, contentment, and compassion for its survivors instead of bringing devastation. The virus acts as a cure for human suffering. This notion challenges the very foundations of society as corporations and governments scramble to suppress the virus in fear of losing their control. The Recovered, those who have saved the infection, are focused on the well-being of their fellow man and turn from a greedy, self-centered society. The result is a charged conflict that examines the delicate balance between systematic power structures. The tension between those who fear the virus and those who embrace it forces readers to consider their values and priorities in a world without ambitions or emotional struggles.

The exploration of warring moralities is its most compelling feature. It doesn't shy away from tough questions about losing our creativity and drive without struggle and whether true happiness exists alongside systems built on inequality and want. The media's role in shaping public perception of the virus and the infected is equally fascinating. The narrative offers a sharp critique of how agendas are pushed and how truth is obscured in a world dominated by conflicting narratives. The moments of reflection and emotional resonance are profound and will leave the reader in deep contemplation. This narrative provides a unique social commentary on the fate of humanity. The writing will immerse the reader and captivate them in a distinct and emotionally charged world. I could not put the book down and would highly recommend it.

I received an ARC ebook for my honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and Simon & Schuster.

Thank you to the publisher and to netgalley! I like many other readers love the Scythe series. I was so excited to see a new Neal Shusterman book. The plot intrigued me in this post pandemic world but I couldn’t get into the story and found the characters hard to connect to. I think this book is marketed towards middle schoolers and high schoolers and I think that would be perfect!

If you're as hooked on the Scythe series as I am, you’ll understand my excitement at diving into any new Neal Shusterman sci-fi release! This time, we’re thrust into a world gripped by a unique pandemic, fittingly named after an alcohol brand, “Crown Royale.” The virus gifts its hosts an intoxicating state of bliss, offering clarity and euphoria that seem almost utopian—until it begins to threaten the fragile systems built on ambition, power, and human imperfection.

At the heart of this pandemic are four compelling characters whose lives intersect in unexpected ways to shape humanity’s future. Ron Escobedo, son of one of the world’s wealthiest men, battles clinical depression and the scars of multiple suicide attempts. His unlikely counterpart is Mariel Murdoch, a resilient, immune young woman living in a car with her mother, whose life tangles with Ron’s when she saves him from a fateful decision at the pier. Meanwhile, Margot Willmon-Wu, a ruthlessly ambitious 19-year-old, inherits the empire of her eccentric mentor, Dame Glynis Havilland. Margot’s goal? Exploit the pandemic to create a vaccine for profit and dominance. But Glynis, now humbled and transformed after surviving the virus, regrets her choice to empower Margot, fearing her protégé’s unchecked greed and manipulation.

As Ron, inspired by a former window cleaner turned community leader, embarks on a mission to spread the virus for humanity’s collective benefit, he enlists Mariel’s help, unaware that her immunity may complicate his plans. Meanwhile, Margot begins her morally dubious experiments in a secret lab funded by Ron’s oblivious father. With competing visions for humanity’s future, the stakes couldn’t be higher. What if the cure for this happiness-inducing virus is something far more devastating? Could erasing ambition and anger truly lead to balance, or would a world devoid of its dark edges spiral into chaos?

This thought-provoking novel raises existential questions: Is unfiltered happiness a gift or a curse? Does erasing humanity’s darker impulses destroy its essence? And what, if anything, should counterbalance this blissful contagion—depression, despair, or something even darker?

Overall, this is a brilliantly executed sci-fi story with a unique premise, engaging pacing, and rich characterization. Dame Glynis is a standout, her arc fascinating both before and after her transformation. And Margot—undeniably a cunning, merciless villain—adds layers of intrigue and tension, elevating the plot into a riveting, unpredictable ride. While the beginning starts off slow, patience is rewarded as the narrative builds into a captivating exploration of morality, power, and human nature.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing for providing me with this remarkable dystopian tale in exchange for my honest thoughts!

3.5 stars

Shusterman nails the dystopian world again. This particular book felt a bit drawn out for me. Around 20-30% I lost interest a little, but it did pick back up.
It felt somewhat predictable if you've read him before, but you’ll find that to be common with most authors. Overall, it was a good read.

I’ve been waiting to see what the post pandemic YA literature will have to say about the pandemic, Shusterman adds to the conversation with this book, which has a lot to say about humanity, viruses, and the best and worst of us, this one doesn’t shy away from big conversations and ideas. However, I don’t like the characters as much as I do in other books by this author, I have to say I like the first book of Scythe even more, and so do students, since I’ve bought ten copies of it over the years. However, thoughtful readers and sci-fi fans will enjoy this one, too. The info about viruses, places like the seed vault, and implications of human medical experiments would all be great writing/research topics for the classroom as well.

All Better Now centers on a society where survivors of a recent pandemic are left as content, unselfish, and happy. Following three characters and how they approach this new pandemic, All Better Now gives a complex story about survival, mental health, and sacrifice. Especially coming after the COVID pandemic (which is referred to throughout the book), I think that this would make a great choice for book club discussions.

Pandemic fiction at its best. Imagine being infected with lasting contentment… but course there are forces trying to destroy the good feeling. This YA book is definitely recommended for adult readers, also. Once you start reading, you will want to finish it in one sitting .

"All Better Now" is a YA novel by Neal Shusterman. In the near present day, there is another pandemic. The illness is called Crown Royale, and those that get it mostly survive (1 in 25 people die) and those that do survive seem to end up in a permanent state of contentment and often give up their worldly goods to help others. Some people claim that this is a hoax and are trying to stamp out the virus, while others think that CR is amazing and everyone should be infected. We follow three different teens as they face the CR pandemic and make up their own minds about it. The story setting is believable, especially having gone through a recent pandemic and most of the characters are realistic. A must-buy purchase for YA collections, especially where Shusterman is popular.