The title of this book is not a spoiler in the least. Conversely, knowing this outcome drove the reading experience, forcing me to ask ‘Who will?’ This fast-paced, intricately plotted YA thriller ticks many boxes.

Eight teens are brought together to participate in a survival-based TV reality show set in an off-grid desert location. Damien Dare, a psychologically unbalanced billionaire tech-magnate, is funding the venture, offering large monetary rewards for the winner. As the story unfolds, we learn that each contestant has experienced a trauma that feeds into the challenges that they must face and overcome.

Mercy Gray is the first person narrator, and we quickly meet the full cast of diverse, well-drawn characters, get a sense of their internal conflicts, and witness survival plans go awry.

The dialogue is great, clearly defining each personality and pushing the action forward. A healthy dose of wit and humour is used well to counterbalance the heavy, mental health themes that form part of each characters’ backstory. Survivor guilt, coercive control, resilience, self-belief and trust impact them all; and seeing friendships develop, in spite of these emotionally intense issues, provides a hopeful future.

Though often prone to doubting her instincts, Mercy is a strong female lead, who had me hoping she would survive. Cliffhanger chapter endings drove me to turn the pages of this book, and I was genuinely surprised at the paths it took me.

Fans of Holly Jackson and Karen McManus will be biting their nails from beginning to end.

Reviewed by Alida Galati
Age Guide 14+

Released 22 July 2025

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kate Alice Marshall is the bestselling author of thrillers and horror for kids and adults. Her middle grade books include the Secrets of Eden Eld trilogy and Extra Normal. In YA, she’s written the survival thriller I Am Still Alive, as well as supernatural suspense including Rules for Vanishing and The Narrow. She made her adult thriller debut with What Lies in the Woods, followed by the USA Today bestseller No One Can Know. We Won’t All Survive was released in July 20025

She lives outside Seattle with her family, two very friendly (but not very smart) golden retrievers, and a growing collection of fancy pens.

Visit Kate Alice Marshall’s website