**Review of *The Forgotten Earth* by Brilynn O'Neal**

*The Forgotten Earth* is a captivating debut novel by Brilynn O'Neal that plunges readers into a hauntingly vivid dystopian world on the brink of ecological collapse. The story follows Willow, a tenacious woman armed with forbidden knowledge that could revive a dying ecosystem, and Liam, a soldier entangled in the oppressive regime of the Elites. Their journey together is fraught with tension, moral dilemmas, and the budding of a complex relationship.

O'Neal masterfully constructs a bleak landscape where nature is scarce and power is concentrated in the hands of the elite, providing a compelling backdrop for themes of rebellion and hope. Willow's unique ability to rejuvenate life from dirt is a striking metaphor for resilience, contrasting beautifully with the despair surrounding her. Meanwhile, Liam's character arc—from a loyal enforcer to a questioning ally—adds depth and emotional weight to the narrative.

While the world-building initially captivates, some critiques highlight a desire for more elaboration on the backstory of the Elites and the origins of the dire situation. Nonetheless, the novel's brisk pacing and O'Neal's engaging prose keep readers invested. The intertwining of magic with survival creates a unique and hopeful narrative that resonates with contemporary environmental issues.

Overall, *The Forgotten Earth* is a promising start for O'Neal, showcasing her ability to blend adventure, romance, and thought-provoking themes. It's an engaging read for fans of dystopian fiction looking for a mix of action and emotional depth.

**Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.**

The Forgotten Earth is a fun dystopian romantic fantasy, with characters that are so easy to fall in love with.

There were so many elements of this unputdownable novel that I really enjoyed- the pacing was wonderful and engaging throughout, the use of elemental magic and in depth knowledge of plants and their properties was very well done. The characters were all individually interesting and I especially loved Circe! I live for a female led rebellion trope and I adored that while O'Neal's characters display deep emotion, it is never to their detriment. The woman-centric approach of coming together to overthrow an oppressor was both empowering and beautiful

The world building and descriptive writing was truly captivating but I did feel like I needed more back story. How did the world come to be in it's current state? Why were the Elite in power? What separated them from everyone else? We find out a little about the governmental structure but other than a brief mention of the emperor in chapter 3 there is nothing else to build fear/disdain/hatred toward him until halfway through the book.

The Claeg were fantastically written monsters, definitely fear invoking and creepy! But again I have questions of their origins and how they came to be!

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and O'Neal's writing style, if this is their first book I'm so excited to see what else comes from them!

Thankyou Netgalley and Brilynn O'Neal for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own and based entirely on my reading experience.

Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

In a crumbling world, Willow holds forbidden knowledge that could revive the food system but is hunted by The Elite, a mysterious ruling class. Liam, a disillusioned soldier assigned to kill her, decides to ally with her instead. Together, they search for safety while facing danger along the way. Ultimately, they must choose between the harsh reality they know and the seemingly impossible possibility of a new world.

I really loved the premise behind the novel, a dystopian world that has been wrecked and unfit for human habitation. The ideas the author introduces are somewhat novel but the development of these ideas are somewhat generic.

Both Willow and Liam are likeable and relatable characters but their relationship was sudden in a way that makes me think their story was heavily edited. They weren't "insta-love" but their romance was not developed in the detail I think it deserved.

The world building was initially good. I really wanted more information and details though. Towards the end of the novel it felt like the story could be happening anywhere not in the unique space that the author had initially created. I needed more about The Elite and The Emperor. They are shadowy hidden figures throughout much of the story.

Overall a nice but unmemorable story. Fantastic ideas with initially good world building which ultimately fell a bit flat. Enough to keep me going to the end without wanting another instalment.

For an author's first novel it holds promise.

Thank you so much for an early copy. This was a great dystopia read. It kept it on your toes and overall was very intriguing.

Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read “The Forgotten Earth” by Brilynn O’Neal. I thought this book was like Fahrenheit 451 meets The Hunger Games with a medieval vibe and a romance. I got confused in the first 14 chapters because of the character switching. I would be confused on who Liam and Willow were talking to. I would have liked to look more into the backstory of some of the other characters like Olivia, Kat, and Marvin. I also would have liked to dive more into whether Liam was human or not. As well as learning more about the plants. I did enjoy the suspense in the begin and end chapters.

The Forgotten Earth is a gripping dystopian novel that blends suspense, adventure, and heart, delivering a story that feels both urgent and intimate. Set in a bleak world teetering on the brink of extinction, the story follows two compelling individuals, Willow and Liam, who are thrown together under dire circumstances despite their contrasting backgrounds.

Willow is a captivating character, brimming with curiosity and a sense of wonder despite the grim reality surrounding her. Her obsession with stealing books from the Elites provides a touching glimpse into her yearning for knowledge and hope—a sharp contrast to the shattered world she inhabits. Liam, on the other hand, offers a more complex arc. As a soldier loyal to the oppressive Elites, his internal conflict between duty and morality adds depth to the story. His transformation from a reluctant follower to someone willing to question authority is one of the book’s highlights.

The dynamic between Willow and Liam is electric and layered. Their relationship starts with suspicion, grows into trust, and eventually blossoms into something more profound, all while the stakes continue to rise.

what I loved most abput this story was the unique magic system. Willow’s ability to make life grow from dirt was a fun idea . It brought moments of beauty and hope into an otherwise grim setting, making her power feel both symbolic and essential to the plot.

If the book has any drawbacks, it’s that certain plot twists feel somewhat predictable. However, the emotional depth of the characters and their journey more than compensates for any narrative clichés. The pacing is brisk, with tension mounting as the story hurtles toward a climactic conclusion.

In the end, The Forgotten Earth is more than just a dystopian adventure. It's a story about finding light in the darkest places and the power of unlikely alliances.

I devoured this. Was it perfect? No. Was it what I needed? Yes. This was a very readable book - the story is fun and intriguing with enough twists and turns to keep you asking questions and seeking answers. My main gripe was from a point of view perspective. I wished we got more of the snarky and sassy Olivia seeing as she was present throughout the whole story. I also wished I had more information on the Claeg and where they came from. That said, however, I enjoyed my time here.

Wow, this was a fun read! Overall 3.5 star rating for me. I enjoyed the plot but some of the dialogue and scenes seemed a bit slow. Overall would recommend to fans of this genre.

Book Review: The Forgotten Earth by Brilynn O'Neal

Brilynn O'Neal's The Forgotten Earth is a spellbinding post-apocalyptic novel that blends action, romance, and elements of fantasy into a thrilling narrative about survival, hope, and rebellion. The story follows Willow, a determined and resourceful woman armed with forbidden knowledge that could restore the Earth's devastated ecosystem, and Liam, a soldier caught in the oppressive grip of a dystopian regime. Together, they embark on a dangerous journey that is as much about survival as it is about forging a new future.

The world O'Neal creates is vivid and bleak, a desolate landscape where nature has all but disappeared, and human life is ruled by an elite class that hoards resources and knowledge. Willow’s mission—to restore life to the Earth through banned plant lore—gives the novel an environmental focus that feels timely and urgent. Her character embodies both vulnerability and resilience, making her a compelling protagonist who readers will root for as she battles against a corrupt and powerful regime.

Liam, on the other hand, is a soldier enslaved by this dystopian order. His transformation from a hardened enforcer to a man who regains his humanity through his bond with Willow is both believable and emotional. O'Neal carefully builds their relationship, allowing it to develop naturally amid the chaos, rather than rushing into a predictable romance. This dynamic adds depth to the characters and makes their connection feel genuine, rather than just a subplot.

One of the novel's standout elements is the interplay of magic and mysticism, which O'Neal weaves seamlessly into the narrative. Willow's unexpected power to re-grow the Earth and the strange mystical monsters that populate the world add a layer of wonder to the story. This fantastical element serves as a refreshing contrast to the stark, dystopian reality that the characters face, providing both challenges and hope.

The sentient house that accompanies Willow and Liam on their journey is one of the more imaginative and unique aspects of the novel. It adds a whimsical touch to the story while also providing much-needed safety and refuge as they are pursued by forces far more powerful than they could imagine. This pursuit, led by the omnipotent Elite, creates a tense undercurrent throughout the novel, with O'Neal expertly ramping up the stakes as Willow and Liam fight not just for their lives but for the future of the planet.

O'Neal’s pacing is well-balanced, moving briskly through action-packed sequences while giving readers time to savor quieter, more introspective moments. The exploration of themes such as ecological destruction, the abuse of power, and the struggle for freedom makes the novel not just an entertaining read but a thought-provoking one as well. The book's world-building is immersive, and the characters' internal struggles are as gripping as the external ones.

One minor critique would be that certain aspects of the world and its history could benefit from further elaboration. The backstory of the Elite’s rise to power, as well as the details of how the Earth became so desolate, could have been fleshed out more to deepen the reader’s understanding of the stakes. However, these are small points in what is otherwise a richly detailed and well-thought-out setting.

In conclusion, The Forgotten Earth is a riveting and imaginative novel that will appeal to fans of dystopian fiction, fantasy, and adventure. With strong characters, a powerful environmental message, and a story full of magic, danger, and hope, Brilynn O'Neal has crafted a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. It’s a story about fighting for a future, even when that future seems impossible—a timely and compelling message in today’s world.

Rating: 4.5/5