Have you ever felt like your life is unraveling?

You’ll relate to Shaye Devereaux. After a tragedy leaves her failing high school and withdrawing from her friends, she’s offered a chance to attend Pathos Academy. She’s told empathy is the main subject of study in this high-tech school in the mountains, and that’s why she’s been chosen.

Though uncertain about going at first, the academy promises treatment for her autistic brother and a way to catch up on the year she’s lost, so she takes the leap—through a travel portal, no less. But even with the cool tech, the vibe of this book is “this seems like it could really happen.”

At first, Pathos feels like a summer camp-in-the-Northwoods. But much nicer than any camp I’ve ever been to! (A room decorated to exactly my taste? Yes. Please.)

And the classes are anything but ordinary. Almost daily, students enter virtual reality “rooms” and experience other people’s memories and emotions as if they were their own.

But what’s with all the secretive staff behavior? 

My favorite thing about this book was Shaye’s voice. She felt awkward, genuine, and thoroughly a teen. Add in a sweet-but-charged romance with Ephraim, the boy assigned to mentor her (who is entirely too flirty, and handsome), and you have an un-put-downable novel.

The story gave me strong Divergent vibes with its mysterious institution, emotional stakes, and a compelling romance thread that ends on a very satisfying note.