Best of All Worlds

Publication Date: June 2025 | Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: An incredibly thought-provoking concept with unique characters who bring with them individual personalities in a difficult situation.

4/5 Stars

Book Summary: Xavier reluctantly goes away with his Dad and pregnant stepmother to their cabin for the week.  Upon waking after their first night there, Xavier quickly realizes that their cabin is now surrounded by a farm, and not in its proper location.  As Xavier, his Dad and Nia explore the area, it becomes clear that they are trapped in a dome with no one else around.  Three years later, another family arrives with the hope of escaping their circumstances.  As the families adjust to living in the dome together and consider how they could get out, tensions rise.  

My Analysis: This is one of the most unique books I have ever read.  The concept of these characters all stuck together for some unknown reason in a dome was very well thought out.  It brings to light a lot of ideas on how circumstances, environment and family all intertwine to create an individual’s personality and beliefs.  It was interesting to see how characters with such different outlooks could interact with one another.  I think it was the author’s intention to be purposeful when pitting characters opposing beliefs against one another, and I thought it was well written.  I could see how some may think it was a bit mundane, as a lot of it is the day-to-day living of these families,  but I was still invested throughout.  Oppel does a nice job of depicting Xavier as a teenage boy and how one would react to being found in such circumstances.  This novel would make a great book club choice as it would have some great discussion points.  Overall, if you like Sci-Fi, want something that is going to make you think, and don’t mind a story that is more character development than plot, you should give this one a read.