Bookreview: Conform by Ariel Sullivan

Title: Conform Author: Ariel Sullivan Series: Reform, Book 1 Publisher: Tor Bramble Release Date: October 16, 2025 ISBN/ASIN: 9781035072255 Format: Hardcover 

Pages: 416s

3.5⭐/5

In the far future, one young woman finds herself torn between two loves—and two sides of a rebellion boiling under the surface—in the first novel of a sweeping dystopian romance trilogy.

Centuries after a catastrophic world war nearly decimated the human population, a city arose from the ashes, ruled by an elusive and technologically advanced group called the Illum.

At twenty-seven, Emeline lives in limbo, wasting away her days in a job sorting ancient human art for destruction and waiting to be selected as a Mate for a procreation contract. Where others look forward to being chosen, Emeline has never felt like she fit into a society where a person’s worth is determined by constantly monitored genes, health, and the ability to procreate. She’s struggled to keep her discomfort secret, but when she is finally chosen, her Mate is revealed to be a member of the Illum named Collin, a man who seems to be harboring secrets of his own.

It is the first time an Illum has taken a Mate in decades, leaving Emeline—and others—baffled as to why she was chosen. Soon, she is swept into the dangerous game of Courting, filled with ballgowns, lavish dinners, and watchful eyes, where one wrong move can mean elimination. While parts of this elite lifestyle are unexpectedly appealing, the more embroiled she becomes, the more she sees its dark underbelly—and a rebellion rising in secret. Collin is confusing, both cold and protective, and worse, she finds herself drawn to the very last person she should be falling for: Hal, one of the resistance leaders.

As she draws closer to both Collin and Hal, the Illum exercise their power in increasingly brutal ways, forcing Emeline to question everything—most of all whether she’ll have to give up her heart and even her life to stop them.

My Review:

I flew through the first half of this book, I just couldn't stop reading! Unfortunately that feeling didn't continue the rest of the book. The second half wasn't as good, still good. 

I really liked the introduction of the main characters in this book, I liked the way the author described them and the overall buildup of them. When we first were introduced to Emeline I was intrigued, the way she lived, the way she was thinking of the world and everything she wanted out of life. 

I also liked the first time we got to meet Collin. At first he was sweet and charming and I was really hoping for a romance above all else. I was so surprised of all the secrets and lies, the ugly games that was played. I think the author really did a good job of keeping the reader in a confused state of mind. I really thought the book would go one way but it did go the totally opposite way. I liked that! 

I liked the worldbuilding and the description of the system, also the different levels people were divided into and all the reasons behind it. I think it's rather unique. How everyone was treated and how important they were depending on what level they belonged to. What use the society could have of their abilities or their lack thereof. I am fascinated by what people are willing to do to get to where they want, how little they can think of others and how selfish they really are. The way emotions are played with in this book is really heartbreaking!

This was my first book by Ariel Sullivan and I am intrigued to continue reading from her and I will read Core when it comes out which is the second book in the reform series. I will also read Beneath which is the prequel series.