Thank you to NetGalley and Mariner Books for the digital review copy and the opportunity to be an early reader. Happy publication day to this riveting debut!

In this dystopian future, population is out of control, resources are slim, and a private company has found a solution. Combine has created a process where two compatible people can be merged. One serves as the Host and one as the Transfer. Consciousness, memories, everything is united in one body. The UK government has embraced the process, incentivizing it with tax breaks, housing, etc. The story centers on Laurie, in her mid-60s, living with Alzheimer’s and her daughter, Amelia, an activist who surprises everyone around them by signing them up to be merged. The Merge has never been tried on someone with Alzheimer’s before; will this be a cure?

Candace Chen is a survivor at the end of the world. The Shen Fever has ravaged the United States, leaving much of the population dead or dead-like, stuck in the repetitive movements of everyday life, patterns and habits. Those struck with the fever will set the table, sit down to “eat,” and then clear it, only to do so again 30 minutes later. Candace stayed in New York City until it felt like she was the only person remaining. Now she’s headed west with a small, cultlike group intent on starting a new society of survivors at the Facility near Chicago.

Annie is 37-weeks pregnant, belatedly buying a crib at IKEA on her first day of maternity leave when the hypothesized Cascadia earthquake hits. She does the only thing she can do, and tries to make her way across the decimated city of Portland, Oregon in search of her husband, Dom.