Author: Sarah Brouillard
Publisher: Indie
Released: June 3, 2025
Received: Reedsy
Find it on Goodreads | More Dystopian
Book Summary:
The world was slowly falling apart for years, until one day humanity hit the point of no return. Everyone was sent to the underground colonies. While the cities were supposedly pumping in fresh air, the outskirts relied on more desperate means of obtaining their oxygen rations.
Enter The Girl, The Boy, and The Child. Three young characters are left alone to find their way to survive in this dark and horrifying world. They’re on a grand quest to get to Nova Heofon, one of the last cities offering any semblance of hope.
My Review:
The Suffocation is a heavy-hitting read that probably should not be picked up right before bed (thankfully, I’m not speaking from experience, for once). It follows three children in a desperate dystopian world, and it doesn’t pull back from the brutality they face. Even access to the air they breathe is no longer a given, and it’s a terrifying thought.
Brouillard terrifyingly captures how these underground cities look and feel, but truthfully, it’s the areas outside the cities that I found to be haunting. The neglected and overlooked areas come to life as the children are forced to maneuver through the outskirts.
Speaking of, I appreciated that The Suffocation opted not to name the children, for the most part. It reminded me of The Road, in a way. I’d say it’s a version written for a younger audience (since Brouillard perfectly portrays a child’s thought process), but it really isn’t. The tale is complex, the story itself haunting, and the moral cuts to the quick.
The Suffocation is a tense and fast-paced read. There are several shocking twists that I did not see coming, and thus was not emotionally prepared. I won’t spoil anything, but I will say that this book will get you to experience a litany of emotions, whether you want to or not.
Long story short, The Suffocation is worth the read, but maybe turn on a couple of lights and prepare of box of tissues. Or grab your comfort snack.
Highlights:
- Dystopian
- Multiple POVs
- Underground Cities
Trigger Warnings:
- Suffocation
- Food & Resource Scarcity
- Abandonment
- Sexual Violence (Off Page, hinted)
Thanks to Sarah Brouillard and #Reedsy for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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