I wasn't really sure what I was getting when starting this book but it was a fun tale that leaves plenty to think about for the main series. I did feel a little lost at times which may be down to me not paying attention or connecting with some characters. Each of the characters are distinct in their own way and coping with their own issues and challenges. Some interesting dynamics between them all and the conclusion leaves me interested to check out the main series now. Thank you netgalley for the ARC.

In this prequel, we follow several people as they navigate a world that is about to change in a way they have never seen. The disease that shouldn't exist is back. Each of the characters we follow have different obstacles. Mora's mother works for the DDC and her best friend is Institute bound. Anika and Zayd are trying to start a family while she works in a clinic and he works in a warehouse. Park has washed out of the intern program at the Institute but has found her way onto a higher ups radar. While Simons is a dissenter who is part of a network trying to take down the DDC's power.

This is my first trip into this world the author has created even though I have had her first book in the series downloaded on my phone for a few months now. I'm glad that I had waited until I read this though. I feel like this has given me the insight I will need to really understand the world and the characters. The author has created a world that I see as cold and stand offish. It feels sad and scary. It is what helped me to connect with the characters along with their stories. I can't wait to see what happens next. Oh and I also really enjoyed the way the science is shared. I didn't know that the author was a chemist but it makes so much sense now.

I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

3.5⭐️, rounded up.

I’ll start off by saying that I have not read the other books in this series, and maybe that would help in understanding some of the things going on in the story. I almost DNFed, but decided to stick this one out, because the writing itself is not bad. Having said, my main issue was that it took almost 250 pages for the zombies to even be described, in a book about zombies. Once I got about 65% into the story, the action started picking up and I was able to breeze through the rest.

To me, some of the POVs weren’t exactly necessary in the beginning, but they turned out to be setting up relationships between characters at the end.

I think I would have rated this higher and been more apt to finish the story sooner if we could have seen what the patients/zombies looked like in Park’s POV more towards the beginning.

I’d be interested in giving at least the first book a try just to see if that would help my viewpoint on this prequel.

Jill has written yet another compelling book full of heartbreaking twists and heartwarming emotions. It strikes an emotional cord that resonates strongly with today's upheavals, and is a world you can find yourself fully immersed in. Each character comes alive and pulls you in to their story. Can love grow and survive in a world where love is not a priority? Yes! Despite a mysterious governing power, and a dystopian world filled with a zombie-like virus, love can truly conquer all.

There’s so much going on in this book—and I loved every minute of it. With multiple points of view, intense pregnancy-related themes, a dystopian setting, zombies, action, and romance, it felt like The Handmaid’s Tale, Call the Midwife, Warm Bodies, and Divergent had a baby. The world is rich, the pace is relentless, and the characters are unforgettable. That said, a character index at the front or back would’ve been helpful—I had to keep track like it was a survival guide. Still, a totally unique and gripping read.