Great, if chilling, premise, that does feel very much like watching a reality show while also seeing behind the scenes through Lily's eyes. A more modern Hunger Games, this novel asks serious questions about what we want versus what we need, and the lengths we will go to secure those things--and people.

What’s happening in The Compound is initially a bit confusing, but we soon learn that Lily is a contestant in the umpteenth year of an ongoing reality show. She wakes up dressed similarly to another contestant Jacintha and they wander around finding other woman who are sleeping around the compound. The women know they are waiting for the men to show up so they slowly begin to tidy the living space and cook for each other. The men show up and it is revealed that the contestants have to couple up and whoever is left without a partner will be banished. The group works together on tasks to receive rewards like necessary equipment, furniture and even a door for the house.

This book was a fascinating look at character and the nature of entertainment. In many ways every contestant is a slave to the reality that he or she created. The reader quickly learns which of these individuals is a leader, which a follower and finds out what each contestant values beyond measure. The protagonist, Lily, worries that she is not intelligent enough and enjoys the idea that others think she may be an influencer in her life away from the compound. Her excitement at the thought is a clear indicator that reality television is a huge part of the future. I found the story to be an interesting exploration into the nature of competition, rewards and desire.

My mind never wandered as I was reading, I was completely engaged in the story. The plot was compelling and, while I kept guessing, I was never able to guess the next twist correctly. The Compound by Aisling Rawle is a definite recommend. Five stars for this compelling thriller.

I received this advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and feedback.

The description of this book "Love Island meets Lord of the Flies" is quite apt and the description is a fair warning. This book was a stretch for me, as I am a fan of Lord of the Flies (and much more The Hunger Games), but I have never seen or had interest to see Love Island. The characters seem to me to be a vapid collection of male and female hotties who are mostly one-dimensional characters (the central male character notwithstanding). The central female character is pretty and nice to begin with and pretty and calculating to end with, so that does not seem like much of a character arc. While I liked the challenges and how the characters reacted to them, the ending lacked satisfaction and resolution and there were core questions that were raised, but not answered.

All that being said, it is probably best to say that others who are more fans of Love Island than Lord of the Flies would prefer this story. Sadly, that is not me.

What a Debut! The Compound by Aisling Rawle is a sharp, unsettling take on the modern reality show, blending elements of Big Brother, The Bachelorette, Survivor, and even Lord of the Flies into a chilling and unforgettable thriller.

Our heroine is Lily, a seemingly vapid, beautiful twenty-something cast to play the role of the bored millennial. But as the competition heats up, Lily’s depth, resilience, and sharp instincts emerge, surprising everyone—including herself.

The show’s premise is designed to unearth the worst in human nature. Ten contestants live together in a pressure-cooker environment, enduring emotionally charged challenges designed to rattle their nerves and provoke conflict. Individual wins grant trivial product placements, while group victories determine essential resources—like food—or laughably useless rewards, like nail polish. Every night, alliances are tested, as waking up without a bed partner means elimination within 24 hours.

Lily believes she has found a trustworthy partner, but as tensions escalate and paranoia sets in, she begins to question everything. Can she truly rely on him, or is she just another pawn in his strategy for survival?

Rawle expertly captures the sinister underbelly of reality television, dissecting how far people will go when fame, survival, and human connection are at stake. The novel’s gripping pace, layered characters, and psychological twists will keep you hooked. And the haunting finale? It’s guaranteed to linger long after you turn the last page.

An unmissable debut for fans of thrillers, dystopian tales, and anyone curious about the dark side of reality TV.

#RandomHouse #TheCompound #AislingRawle

This book grabs you with its intense psychological drama, questioning just how far people will go when they’re pushed to their limits. The blend of luxury rewards and dire survival tactics creates a tense atmosphere that keeps you glued to every page. The writing is sharp and thought-provoking, exploring themes of desperation, manipulation, and human connection in a way that feels uncomfortably real. Overall, it makes for a perfect gripping and a binge-worthy read.