What if happiness were a virus? What if contentment itself could spread like a disease? In All Better Now, bestselling author Neal Shusterman (Scythe, Unwind) crafts a thrilling and unsettling narrative about a world where a mysterious virus erases stress, depression, and negativity—but not everyone wants that kind of peace.
For me, this book was deeply personal. Coming from a family with mental illness, I couldn’t stop thinking about how this would be a cure for so many of my loved ones. I know family members who would risk death for the chance to be happy, at peace, and content. This premise was so fascinating and unsettling that I could not put it down.
Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, All Better Now is a young adult sci-fi novel that will leave readers questioning the very nature of human motivation. With its February 4, 2025 release, this book is poised to be one of the most thought-provoking YA reads of the year.
Title: All Better Now
Author: Neal Shusterman
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction
Formats: Audio, eBook, Hardcover, Paperback
Synopsis:
From New York Times bestselling author Neal Shusterman comes a young adult thriller about a world where happiness is contagious but the risks of catching it may be just as dangerous as the cure.
A deadly and unprecedented virus is spreading. But those who survive it experience long-term effects no one has ever seen before: utter contentment. Soon after infection, people find the stress, depression, greed, and other negative feelings that used to weigh them down are gone.
More and more people begin to revel in the mass unburdening. But not everyone. People in power—who depend on malcontents and prey on the insecure to sell their products, and convince others they need more, new, faster, better everything—know this new state of being is bad for business. Surely, without anger or jealousy as motivators, productivity will grind to a halt and the world will be thrown into chaos. Campaigns start up to convince people that being eternally happy is dangerous. The race to find a vaccine begins. Meanwhile, a growing movement of Recoverees plan ways to spread the virus as fast as they can, in the name of saving the world.
It’s nearly impossible to determine the truth when everyone with a platform is pushing their agenda. Three teens from very different backgrounds who’ve had their lives upended in very different ways find themselves at the center of a power play that could change humanity forever.
My Review
A strange new virus is sweeping across the world. Those who survive it don’t just recover—they become blissfully, permanently happy. Stress, anxiety, greed, and ambition seem to vanish, leaving behind a society that is, for the first time in history, content.
At first, this sounds like a dream come true. But not everyone sees it that way. Those in power—the ones who rely on humanity’s dissatisfaction to fuel consumerism and control—begin to panic. Without anger, fear, and desire, will people still work? Will they still buy things? Will the economy collapse?
A race to develop a vaccine begins, led by powerful figures determined to restore the world to its “normal” state. Meanwhile, a rebel faction of "Recoverees" fights back, determined to spread the virus to save humanity from itself. Caught in the crossfire are three teenagers from vastly different backgrounds—Mariel, Rón (a.k.a. Tibaron Tigre), and Morgan—each forced to question what it means to be truly better.
What Makes All Better Now So Compelling?
🧩 The Concept: A Dystopia Unlike Any Other
Neal Shusterman has a talent for taking seemingly impossible premises and making them terrifyingly real. In Scythe, he explored a world without natural death. In Unwind, he imagined a society that legalizes retroactive abortion. Here, he flips the dystopian genre on its head by making the supposed “threat” something undeniably good: happiness itself.
The novel forces readers to grapple with unsettling questions:
Would a world without pain, greed, or sadness truly be a utopia?
If no one desires more, will society grind to a halt?
Who benefits from keeping people unhappy?
The tension between these ideas makes for a gripping read, as each faction in the book fights for their version of the “right” future.
🏆 The Characters: Quirky, Flawed, and Unforgettable
Shusterman’s signature character work shines here. The three main protagonists each bring something unique to the table:
Mariel – A sharp-witted teen dealing with her eccentric mother, who brings both comic relief and unexpected wisdom. Their dynamic adds warmth to the novel.
Rón (Tibaron Tigre) – His name is just as fascinating as his backstory. Named after an apex predator by his wildly eccentric third richest person in the world father, Rón’s struggle with privilege and expectations adds depth to the narrative.
Morgan – Facing the enigmatic Dame Glynis Hovilliand, who claims she will leave her entire fortune to her to help eradicate the Crown Royal virus, Morgan’s storyline adds an element of mystery and high-stakes decision-making.
Each character represents a different perspective on the virus, making their interactions fascinating and unpredictable.
🎭 Social Commentary: A Reflection of Our Own World
Much like The Hunger Games critiqued media sensationalism and Scythe tackled the ethics of mortality, All Better Now is a sharp critique of capitalism, power structures, and the way fear is weaponized. The idea that a cure for sadness would be considered a problem by those in control is disturbingly believable. The book doesn’t provide easy answers, leaving readers to decide for themselves whether the world is better off with or without the virus.
As someone who has seen firsthand how devastating mental illness can be, this book made me wonder: if a cure existed—if we could remove suffering with a simple infection—should we? And what would be the cost?
🎢 The Pacing: A Perfect Blend of Action and Philosophy
The novel seamlessly blends fast-paced action with deep, thought-provoking moments. There are high-stakes chases, intense debates, and shocking twists that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Yet, Shusterman also takes time to explore the emotional weight of his premise, making for a read that is both thrilling and intellectually satisfying.
Final Verdict: A Must-Read YA Thriller
⭐ Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shusterman has done it again—All Better Now is a brilliantly crafted novel that will make readers think long after the final page. With a unique premise, unforgettable characters, and razor-sharp social commentary, this book is a must-read for fans of speculative fiction and dystopian thrillers.
Who Should Read This?
✅ Fans of Neal Shusterman’s previous works (Scythe, Unwind)
✅ Readers who love thought-provoking YA dystopias
✅ Anyone interested in philosophical sci-fi with a thrilling edge
✅ Those who enjoy books that challenge societal norms
If you love books that blur the line between utopia and dystopia, All Better Now is not to be missed. Mark your calendars for February 4, 2025—this one’s going to be a game-changer.
📖 Pre-order now and get ready to question everything you thought you knew about happiness!
What do you think? Will you be picking up All Better Now? Drop a comment below! ⬇️📚
About the author:
NEAL SHUSTERMAN is the New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty award-winning books for children, teens, and adults, including the Unwind dystology, the Skinjacker trilogy, Downsiders, and Challenger Deep, which won the National Book Award. Scythe, the first book in his series Arc of a Scythe (which has sold nearly 3 million copies to date), is a Michael L. Printz Honor Book. His books have also been a
Boston Globe–Horn Book Fiction Award winner, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults pick, an ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers (top ten) pick, and on the YALSA’S Popular Paperbacks list (What If category). He also writes screenplays for
motion pictures and television shows. Neal is the father of four, all of whom are talented writers and artists themselves. Scythe is being produced as a feature film by Universal; Unwind is being developed as a feature film by Constantin; and Everlost has also been optioned. Visit Neal at StoryMan.com.
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