I enjoyed this book, we got to explore a lot of this world with Oliver and grow with him, the book starts in a bit of mystery, because Autumn found him in the middle of the woods and its more or less adopted by hers family, but I wont give spoilers, we get to know the outside of the cities, and the cruelty of the cities, and even believe that something really wrong is happening with Oliver, you know what, the ending while it is complete, it feels that we could dive even further, and maybe try to overtake the cities, but that is a story of another time…

I recommend this book for fans of Young adult books, its very mild in part of the love interest, so I can recommend it for younger teens as well, that wish to read a dystopian world in where the main character tries to break free. In the end you’ll get a couple of questions that will be super usefull for a book club so it even gives more value to this book

Thank you NetGalley and Avonlea Publishing, for the free ARC and this is my honest opinion.

This is one of those books that stays with you long after you close the cover. Moore’s prose is raw and evocative, drawing you into a deeply personal journey of growth and self-discovery without ever feeling preachy. The characters feel real and relatable, each step in their journey resonating on a human level. I do wish the author had dived a little deeper into exploring some of the harder concepts on this book, because it felt like a lot was just surface level, but it doesn’t take away from the book too much.
If you’re looking for a thoughtful, beautifully written exploration of life’s ups and downs, this book is a must-read.

Many thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an ARC and allowing me to provide my honest review

The story portrays a seventeen-year-old boy, Oliver Mc’Neil who lives in the Fifth City in the year 2085. All of his daily activities like school, exercise, entertainment are done indoors on sims, machines that simulate life using computer monitors, virtual reality headsets, and holograms. However, when Oliver wakes up in the middle of the woods drugged and confused, he is taken in by Autumn and her loud, rambunctious family. They are outlaws, living with thousands of others in a network of underground caves, where modern technology is forbidden and secrecy is paramount. Oliver must learn to survive in a land that is wild and dangerous, while battling voices in his head that haunt him day and night. He doesn’t know if the hallucinations are due to withdrawals from the mind-numbing medication he has taken every day of his life, or if he truly is the monster he appears to be.

Oliver’s self discovery was impactful and relatable. The author takes you through his entire journey from a programmed zombie to a lively teenage boy. Although, the concepts and ideas the author was expressing was very appealing but they were never fully unpacked. A strong claim would be presented but would be dismissed as quick as it came. The story The blooming romance between Oliver and Autumn felt predictable and cliche but it also felt underdeveloped. At one point, he liked her and in the next they’re in love with each other. I couldn’t say I enjoyed this book but I would recommend this to middle schoolers, it’s a lighter read compared to other dystopian novels.

Thank you so much D.N. Moore and Netgalley for a copy of this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. DN Moore did an excellent job with the writing. It had a depth that had the ability to stay long after finishing. I especially enjoyed the dystopian setting that had a strong survival theme. The setting was well written and very descriptive. I was hooked early in the book, and I could not put it down. I can't wait for more from this author. I definitely recommend this novel to other readers.

Thank you Net Galley ARC, Avonlea Publishing, and DN Moore.

The Boy Who Learned to Live is frighteningly accurate in terms of what our society could turn into one day. It is heartwarming Oliver begins to experience life outside of the city and then becomes intensely reflective at the end of the novel. It’s definitely a commentary on society and what could happen if the wrong people are in power. Overall it was okay, but I’m not sure I’ll recommend it to my friends/followers.

This book was a little bit hard to follow at first, but once I was able to, I enjoyed it. There were a lot of characters to have to keep track of, but they all were fleshed out pretty well, and the development the main character goes through is a great read. Overall, I enjoyed the book, though it was a little difficult to at times.

Although short, this was difficult to read. And I think that may be the point. An immersive type of tale.
I did enjoy the futuristic elements to this novel and some aspects of Oliver's life and personalities.
Overall I found it difficult to get into it just wasn't the book for me.

Seventeen-year-old Oliver Mc’Neil has never been outside. Like everyone else in the Fifth City in the year 2085, he and his mother live in an apartment where the air and water are sterile, their food is couriered to them, and all their activities—work, school, exercise, entertainment—are done indoors on sims, machines that simulate life using computer monitors, virtual reality headsets, and holograms. The plot and storyline is really really outstanding.

The Boy Who Learned to Live was a heartwarming and introspective book that gently explored the journey of self-discovery and finding inner peace. This was a wonderful story that offers readers profound life lessons about resilience, mindfulness, and the importance of living authentically.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read this book in exchange for a fair and full review.

I thought that I would enjoy this book but I didn’t. I didn’t feel that the characters were developed deep enough; I did not feel invested in them at all. There were so many missed opportunities with this book to make the story come alive on the pages. I am disappointed as I had seen good reviews about this book but it fell flat for me.

An interesting dystopian take on the "boy in the bubble" type story. I think the world building was lacking somewhat, but this novel has a great concept.

Finished Reading The Boy Who Learned To Live by D.N Moore from my Netgalley shelf.

From simulated life to being brought to the woods after a blackout, Oliver's life changes perspective very much.

This story between the contrast of a wild natural world and a sterile technology-based one causing a blindness to the world around people sends a powerful message through the eyes of the protagonist.

Awaking in the woods couldn't have been easy. Skills are unlocked, new perspectives are reached, and truths are detected.

We see an olden days type of situation throughout the time in the cave and a bit of a Western movie style feeling when out of it. Not much in the means of a distopia and I wish that we had seen more of the interesting concepts of the cities people like Oliver come from.
There wasn't enough focus on the people of the apartment complexes but plenty of focus on The Forgotten.

There was quite an emphasis on the relationships within the story but I'd like to see more about the brilliant message that was playing a role throughout the whole thing. There have been some excellent quotes and I hope that the author can understand how important those statements are to me as a reader.

I do love the old time machinery concepts.
When they use the printing or ink press to get news out. Or the emotional construct conveyed from the music on the record player. Though it did bring quite a bit of realistic nature to the idea of it being set in the future.

It's definitely a good emphasis on the the way that I bet the government can be a force used to keep people complacent.
An example of how reading is political in nature, especially when reading Dystopian books though sci-fi and fantasy also have such themes.

During the middle portion of the book I have to say I was a bit skeptical, but the pace was quick and the last 40 pages of the book really solidified the entire thing for me.

A well-written,fast-paced book.

Copy recieved was an ARC.
My opinion is my own and is left voluntarily.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avonlea Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars

It is the year 2085 and Oliver lives his life in a sterile apartment with his mother. His entire existence and all experiences are through his virtual reality headset. One day he wakes up outside and ends up living with rebels in nature. Enjoyed the book and the impact of technology in our future. I recommend it.

I am a big fan of dystopias, so I was really happy to receive this ARC.

At first, I wasn’t sure I was into the book. I found some things happened way too quickly (like the romance), and some others were way too long. Some things did seem to come out from nowhere and I was like did I miss a page or something?? I also found that the main character was acting a bit odd for his age. I think the dystopian aspect should have been more on the front and I wished it would’ve been a bit longer, so that we could have seen more of this aspect.

One thing I really loved about this book is the inclusion of the deaf character! That was really nice. I wish there would’ve been more diverse characters. I also did love a lot of the plot twists, even though they were going faster than I would have liked.

So, I did enjoyed reading that book, and I do recommand it if you’re a fan of dystopias. I think it’s for a younger audience, which could explain why some aspects were stereotypical. There’s no depth to the characters. I do think I will read the second book, as I did like the plot twists!

D.N. Moore’s The Boy Who Learned to Live is a gripping blend of dystopian survival, coming-of-age self-discovery, and emotional depth. Set in a meticulously crafted future world, the novel explores the cost of sterile safety, the power of human connection, and what it truly means to live.

Plot Overview

The story begins in 2085 in the Fifth City, where humanity survives in isolated apartments, sustained by sterile environments and simulated realities. Seventeen-year-old Oliver Mc’Neil has never experienced the outside world until he inexplicably wakes up in the wilderness, a place he was raised to fear. Rescued by Autumn and her outlaw family, Oliver is thrust into a life filled with real danger, emotion, and unpredictability. As he grapples with hallucinations and the possibility of a dark past, his arrival sparks distrust among the cave-dwelling outlaws, particularly when mysterious disappearances threaten their fragile safety.

Strengths

Moore’s world-building is immersive, vividly contrasting the cold sterility of Oliver’s old life with the raw, vibrant chaos of the outlaw community. The dynamic between Oliver, who must relearn everything about survival, and Autumn’s fiercely independent family is heartwarming and poignant, with each character adding depth to the narrative.

Oliver’s internal conflict is the emotional core of the novel. His struggle to reconcile his artificial upbringing with the realities of a world he barely understands is handled with nuance, as is his battle against the haunting voices in his mind. The novel’s exploration of identity, trust, and what it means to truly live is thought-provoking and deeply relatable.

The pacing is tight, with a steady escalation of tension as Oliver fights to prove his worth while mysterious disappearances threaten the outlaws’ fragile peace. The eventual revelations about Oliver’s past are both shocking and satisfying, adding depth to his character arc.

Themes

The novel masterfully tackles themes of freedom versus control, the cost of living authentically, and the human need for connection. It also delves into mental health, with Oliver’s hallucinations and self-doubt mirroring the broader tension between his sterile, medicated upbringing and the raw, unfiltered reality of the outside world.

Critique

While the story’s central mystery is compelling, some secondary characters, particularly Autumn’s family, could have been given more development. Additionally, the resolution, while satisfying, feels slightly rushed, leaving some questions about the broader dystopian world unanswered. A deeper exploration of the Fifth City’s government and its motives might have enriched the narrative further.

Conclusion

The Boy Who Learned to Live is an engrossing and emotionally resonant tale of survival, identity, and self-discovery. D.N. Moore’s vivid prose and thought-provoking themes make it a standout addition to the dystopian genre. With its balance of action, mystery, and heartfelt moments, this novel is a must-read for fans of stories that challenge the boundaries between safety and freedom, control and chaos, and fear and courage.

This was an engaging and quick read with a concept that showed a lot of potential. However, I felt like the worldbuilding and character development could have been more worked out.
Initially, I found it challenging to get into the story due to the writing style, but after a few chapters, I grew used to it.

The book explores important themes of resilience and self-discovery, which I appreciated, but I found the execution to be somewhat uneven.

That said, this book stands out for its originality. The ideas were truly unique—occasionally leaning toward the bizarre—but in the realm of science fiction, anything is possible, and that added to its charm.

The Boy Who Learned to Live is a thought-provoking exploration of survival, self-discovery, and the tension between a controlled, sterile society and the chaotic wilderness beyond. D. N. Moore crafts a gripping narrative in which the boundaries between technology and nature, sanity and madness, are continually blurred, leaving the reader questioning what is real.

Set in the year 2085, the novel introduces seventeen-year-old Oliver Mc’Neil, who has lived his entire life in the Fifth City—a claustrophobic urban environment where all aspects of life are virtual, monitored, and sterilized - a future that's looking increasingly likely, with the rise of Zoom meetings, home schooling and VR games. The stark contrast between Oliver's isolated, technology-dependent existence and the raw, untamed world he is thrust into forms the crux of the story.

Oliver's sudden dislocation from his sanitized existence to the underground, technology-free caves is jarring both for him and the reader. His struggle to adapt to a life where he must rely on his instincts and the help of others, particularly Autumn—an enigmatic girl with a fierce sense of independence—drives the emotional core of the narrative. Autumn's family, living outside the constraints of Fifth City law and embracing a life full of noise, disobedience, and survival in the wild, serves as an interesting foil to Oliver’s prior life. Their dynamic is compelling and gives the novel its warmth and heart.

What sets this novel apart is Moore’s handling of Oliver's internal turmoil. Drug withdrawals, the hallucinatory voices he hears, and his constant self-doubt keep the reader on edge, unsure whether Oliver is a victim of his circumstances or a perpetrator of some darker force. The blend of psychological suspense with a survivalist plot adds depth to the story, as the lines between Oliver’s reality and his delusions grow increasingly difficult to navigate. This aspect of the story will resonate with readers who enjoy unraveling complex, introspective characters.

The tension escalates when strange disappearances within the caves and growing suspicion about Oliver’s arrival propel the plot toward a tense climax. The stakes become personal as Oliver is forced to confront not only the external dangers of the wilderness but also the fears and doubts within himself. The question of whether he can ever trust his own mind becomes just as urgent as his need to trust others.

If you enjoyed Devil on My Back by Monica Hughes, you'll likely appreciate the way The Boy Who Learned to Live similarly grapples with the theme of a young person learning to navigate a harsh, unfamiliar world while questioning the nature of their own identity. Both novels explore the complexities of survival and the psychological scars left by living in oppressive, controlled environments, making them excellent companion reads.

Overall, The Boy Who Learned to Live is a gripping and emotionally charged story that raises profound questions about the cost of technology, the journey to self-acceptance, and the power of human connection. Moore’s writing style immerses readers in a bleak, captivating world, and Oliver’s journey is one of intense personal growth. This novel will appeal to fans of dystopian fiction, psychological thrillers, and stories about resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.

Strengths:

Compelling character arc for Oliver, driven by internal and external conflict.
Rich world-building that contrasts sterile technology with the wild, untamed world outside.
Psychological depth, particularly in exploring Oliver’s drug withdrawals and hallucinations.
Tension-filled plot that keeps the reader guessing.
Challenges:

The pace can feel slow at times, particularly in the early chapters as Oliver adjusts to his new life.
The intensity of Oliver’s internal struggle may be overwhelming for some readers, but for others, it will deepen the emotional impact.

Book Recommendation:

The Maze Runner by James Dashner
If you enjoyed the survival aspects of The Boy Who Learned to Live, The Maze Runner offers a similar sense of disorientation and urgency. Thomas, the protagonist, wakes up in a mysterious maze with no memory of how he got there, and alongside other "runners," he must navigate a perilous world that seems designed to trap them. Like Oliver, Thomas faces both external and internal challenges, pushing him to question who he can trust and whether he can survive in an environment that's far from the controlled world he once knew. The fast-paced, dystopian survival elements and the mystery surrounding the maze make it an exciting read for fans of psychological and survival thrillers.

Movie Recommendation:

The Road (2009)
For a film that captures a similar sense of survival in a harsh, post-apocalyptic world, The Road, based on Cormac McCarthy’s novel, would be an excellent choice. The story follows a father and son as they journey through a bleak, desolate landscape, scavenging for food and trying to stay alive while facing both environmental and human threats. The film’s somber tone, intense emotional depth, and the battle between holding onto humanity in a collapsing world parallel many of the themes in The Boy Who Learned to Live, particularly Oliver's struggle to survive and find his place in a world that seems both alien and threatening.

This was a short, but beautifully written book. I never knew where the author was going to go with the plot.

I loved the characters, Autumn and Oliver were so cute. But also the older folks, especially Bill.

This book will make you think about our own digital lives and what do we believe when we only get our news, friends, sources from online.

Oliver wakes up in a ball of hurt and confusion. He is no longer in his sterile environment. What is going on? He is found by Autumn and taken to the caves. The caves are full of people who have turned their back on technology and government interference.

This is a great novel and I would recommend it to anyone who wants a slight dive into digital realities and for young adults.

In this compelling YA dystopian novel, readers will find themselves drawn into a world that echoes the intense survival themes of The 100.

The pacing is fast. Each chapter propels the story forward, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment. Character development stands out as one of the novel’s strengths.

A YA dystopian novel that was unlike any I have read. The descriptions of the towns, the simulations, and the life of the unknown were all very well written. I enojoyed how the main character is taken from one of those areas and tries to live in another.

Oliver and Autumn had a connection and friendship that made the storyline solid. This was a quick read for me as it was difficult to put down. I wanted to continue to see what was going to happen with all the members of the families involved. You, as the reader, quickly become connected with them.

I will recommend this book to the middle school and high school levels in my district once it is available for purchase.

Thank you, NetGalley and Avonlea Publishing for the ARC.