Before talking about how good of a book this is (I’m still digesting, but I really enjoyed it) - I feel I have to mention that this genre bending book involves content that will be triggering subject(s) to many people. It addresses so much in terms of ethical medical practices (torture and/or experimentation for the “greater good”), global pandemics, terminal illnesses, loss of life/death (I.e. typhoid fever, cancer, war, drowning, etc..) and violations of basic human rights, that at times it can be hard to read. While not being the primary focus, COVID-19 is also mentioned in this book; so for those who have sensitivities to the subjects I mentioned above, take that into consideration. No matter what way you dissect it, this book and it’s contents, is heavy. Additionally, it is an incredible story of the human capacity to survive. While this work of fiction is part fantastical and part historical fiction/mystery, many of the viruses, events and people surrounding the story were real.

I had no idea what I was signing myself up for when I requested an arc of this book, but I am pleasantly shocked at how incredibly well done this story was. You will feel for these characters in a way that can be so rare in fiction. It’s as if the story is real, and you’re experiencing it through the eyes of a survivor. There were times throughout The Vines that I felt so deeply saddened by the events occurring (especially as it pertains to the torture of our main character, Cora) that I had to step away for awhile.

This historical fiction/sci-fi serves as a heart-wrenching reminder that in our quest to save lives, we must be careful not to lose our own humanity. Please, please, take the time to read the author’s note at the end, you’ll understand so much more of how personal and raw the subjects breached in this novel are to the author. Thank you to NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an unbiased review, and many thanks to Shelley Nolden for creating this fascinating book.

I cannot wait for book 2!