the setup…
Lyla is a scientist finishing up her latest post-doctoral research (unsuccessful) and will undoubtedly see her current contract end without renewal. Her boyfriend Nico approaches her with an opportunity to join a new reality TV show, One Perfect Couple. He’s an actor whose career has never taken off and sees this as his big moment. Wanting to support him, Lyla reluctantly agrees to participate in the audition and they’re selected on the spot. The show is on a remote island in the Indian Ocean “near” Indonesia. There are five couples competing to be the last remaining “perfect couple.” Things get off to a rocky start from the onset but when a devastating storm hits Ever After Island on the second night, it is the beginning of a very real fight to survive.
the heart of the story…
I don’t watch much reality TV, especially these type shows, so as much as I’m a fan of the author, this one gave me pause. Even though it began rather predictably as I’d imagined real TV shows like this do, after that storm, this became something very different. Each one of the participating characters are extremely well developed, leaving the door open for just enough mystery and questions about them when trust becomes an issue and people turn up dead. Lyla is the principal narrator though one other has intermittent points of view from her journal. Cut off from the world with only a battery operated radio as a possible communication, it couldn’t get more desperate with no power and limited water.
the narration…
Imogen Church is one of my favorites and she was masterful here in storytelling and voice distinctions. Each character was given a recognizable identity that was perfectly matched.
the bottom line…
There’s a reason why I don’t enjoy these type reality shows and it was wonderfully illustrated here. It typically brings out the worst of human nature and it did just that on Ever After Island. However, there were some profiles in courage that kept this from being a total mess. The story took a turn at just the right moment, shifting everything while steeping it in a bit of irony. I’m still pondering the implications of that ending, sure I’ll continue to reflect on it for some time to come. This was much more than your traditional reality TV…thank goodness!
Book Info
- Release Date: May 21, 2024
- Narrator: Imogen Church
- Audio Length: 14 hours, 9 minutes
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
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(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Blue Mood Café 
I’m tempted, but I wish she’d go back to the gothic thrillers she was so good at.
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This is definitely not that! It’s very much character driven and they were all enigmas. Ware certainly crafted some unique and memorable characters here.
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I’ve read a couple of hers and only liked one… This doesn’t really attract me because of the reality tv angle, as you said
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Most of her fans like her early gothic thrillers. I like her style because she has an extraordinary ability to create complex characters. The reality TV aspect was definitely not my favorite but the characterizations kept me in the story.
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Wow you certainly have grabbed my attention! I’ll add this to my TBR list.
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Yay💜 This was a tough one at times.
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Excellent review! We are review twins today. I enjoyed this; it was intense.
Anne
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Thank you, Anne💜 I noticed! Extremely intense.
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Not sure I will delve into this one although it’s ready for me at the library.
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I went into it reluctantly but am pleased with the direction it took.
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Interesting! As someone who watches Survivor (with a great deal of frustration), this could be right up my alley… although I haven’t always had the best luck with this author! I think I’ll go get on my library’s hold list for this one. Great review!
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Thank you, Lisa💜 I understand that uncertainty.
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Now I’m wondering about that ending! I’m very happy I was accepted for this one and I hope to read my copy soon. Thanks for the review lovely!
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Thanks, Inge💜 It’s a provocative ending and I can’t wait to see what you think.
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Fab review! I’m not a fan of this type of reality TV either, but somehow they are SO entertaining to read about?! I’m looking forward to see what I will think of this one. xx
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Thank you, Yvo💜 It could definitely go either way!
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I really enjoyed this one, even though I’m not a reality TV fan either. It was a nail-biter, for sure!
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Nail biter is the perfect description. I wasn’t sure how it would end!
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