The Review

“Yours for the Taking” was one of my favourite reads of 2023. The storyline is still lodged in my brain with its biting social commentary and deeply flawed, compelling characters. So I was over the moon when St. Martin’s Press reached out stating that I was preapproved to read The Shutouts. I couldn’t wait to see what dystopian universe Korn would come up with this time. I was so excited in fact, that I didn’t even read the summary. So, you can imagine my shock when I realized while reading that it is a sequel.

While this sequel didn’t match the same level as its predecessor for me, it was still a strong continuation of the “Yours for the Taking” universe. Whereas the first novel focused primarily on the lives inside one of the “Inside Projects”, The Shutouts shifts the focus outward and shows how those that weren’t as lucky to be selected live. Told through letters and third person perspectives of multiple characters, Korn weaves together a story about endurance, regret, and connection in a climate-induced apocalypse. Although “The Shutouts” can be read as a stand-alone, I do suggest reading “Yours for the Taking” first as it does provide context for the motives of the characters.

One of the strongest elements of The Shutouts is that it remains unapologetically queer. Korn continues to center LGBTQ+ characters allowing identity to exist naturally within the narrative, instead of a means for conflict. I appreciated seeing the reconnection of Ava and Orchid and watching their relationship rekindled, same with Max and Camilla’s dynamic. Seeing that there is still love in the world is a glimmer of hope in a society that is seriously lacking it. Then ultimately, there is Kelly and Vero’s relationship which acts as the catalyst for all the events we witness. Kelly’s letters provide a hauntingly intimate look at motherhood, activism, and regret. Korn’s world-building is bleak yet believable and the depiction of environmental collapse feels disturbingly close to home.

I was disappointed though as I found myself wishing Shelby’s perspective had been included. Not only because of the name, but because I wanted a glimpse into what happened after the events of Yours for the Taking. Brook and Ava are on a search for July, so having Shelby’s perspective of how July is handling her new life would have elevated the story. Especially given her significance in Yours for the Taking, her absence was noticeable.

Overall, The Shutouts is a well-written sequel that expands Korn’s dystopian world in meaningful ways. The novel is a compelling exploration of survival, queerness, and what happens with safety becomes a privilege. I am just hoping that Korn write’s another follow up based on some cliffhangers; but I won’t give spoilers.

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Short Review (AKA TLDR)

“Yours for the Taking” was one of my favourite reads of 2023. While this sequel didn’t match the same level as its predecessor for me, it was still a strong continuation of the “Yours for the Taking” universe. Whereas the first novel focused primarily on the lives inside one of the “Inside Projects”, The Shutouts shifts the focus outward and shows how those that weren’t as lucky to be selected live. While, “The Shutouts” can be read as a stand-alone, however, I do suggest reading “Yours for the Taking” first as it does provide context for the motives of the characters.

The strongest element of The Shutouts is that it remains unapologetically queer. Korn continues to center LGBTQ+ characters allowing identity to exist naturally within the narrative, instead of a means for conflict. I was disappointed though as I found myself wishing Shelby’s perspective had been included. Not only because of the name, but because I wanted a glimpse into what happened after the events of Yours for the Taking.