Gabrielle Korn’s debut novel Yours For The Taking is a story of survival , humanity and climate change. It is a beautiful story that kept me engaged until the very end. The writing was seamless. The main characters are well fleshed out. I enjoyed reached the third person narrative of characters who are unlike me. There is a character named Shelby who is trans, Olympia who is non binary, Ava and Orchid are lesbians. One of the ew cis characters is Jaqueline but she grew up with a silver spoon in her mouth. She’s a wealthy heiress and a businesswoman but so out of touch with regular everyday  people. Two other characters who are  not defined by any gender roles or norms which is also pretty cool. 

The concept of having a chance of survival by living within the confines of a climate controlled energy efficient building is intriguing at first. Once the truth is revealed that utopia becomes frightening and unnerving. Jaqueline’s true plan for this community along with the other communities constructed in different parts of the world is sinister. Yet, I cannot be surprised that a woman like her would want to play God in some shape or form. Ava’s story shifts in a woman that becomes organic and relatable despite the circumstance. 

My only issue with the story is the concept of a woman not wanting to have a child only to have one and she suddenly changes. She becomes a mom which plays into the notion of women not knowing what they want. However, I think the inclusion of that concept was needed as well. Along with the idea of a community that is not structured around patriarchy. A generation of people born free of that concept as actually pretty cool to read about. 

I am rating the book five out of five. The idea of the story starting at the beginning of the end of the world is something I’ve never experienced before. I’m looking forward to reading the next story that author Gabrielle Korn creates in the near future.