Dima Zales’ Oasis is a dystopian novel that blends post-apocalyptic survival, psychological intrigue, and virtual reality twists into a fast-paced, thought-provoking read. If you enjoy books like Divergent, and The Hunger Games, and film concepts including The Matrix, this one might just pull you in.

The story follows Theo, living in Oasis, the last habitable place on Earth. Life in Oasis is meant to be peaceful—no violence, no cursing, no insanity. But Theo is different. He starts hearing a voice in his head, who knows things no imaginary friend should. Keeping her existence a secret is crucial, as any sign of mental instability is frowned upon in his society. When his friend Mason mysteriously disappears and no one else remembers he existed, Theo is forced to unravel a mystery that could change everything he thought he knew.

At first, the book can be a bit vague and disorienting, but this actually mirrors Theo’s own confusion. The world-building is intriguing, especially the structured society with its tiers of Youths, Adults, and the Elderly, as well as the mysterious history of the “Ancients” (modern-day humans). There are clear influences from classic dystopian tales, but Oasis introduces fresh elements, including an unexpected virtual reality twist that adds depth to the story.

The characters are engaging, though the focus is primarily on Theo and Phoe (imaginary friend). Theo is relatable, especially in his struggles with fear and uncertainty. His friendships with Liam and Mason add moments of humour and warmth, though some readers may wish for more development of side characters. Phoe, while mysterious and intelligent, can be confusing at times, but by the end, her role in the story becomes much clearer.

One unexpected highlight was the use of swearing and language. In a society where such things are practically unheard of, the moments of profanity stood out and honestly made me laugh. It added a layer of realism to Theo’s internal struggles and helped break up some of the heavier themes.

Action-packed and full of twists, Oasis keeps you hooked with its mix of mystery, suspense, and unexpected revelations. While the ending felt a little rushed, it still left enough intrigue to make me consider picking up the next book in the series. If you’re a fan of dystopian fiction with a unique twist, this is definitely worth a read.

I have tried to read this book a few times, and it never keeps my attention.

Was just eh. Dystopian but for some reason mental illness is erased?