Covid-19 is over but now there is a new virus called Crown Royale. It kills 1 person out of 25 or 4% of those infected, which isn’t too bad. Those who recover feel completely happy and have empathy for everyone. They have no negative feelings – jealousy, hatred, selfishness, racism – all are gone. The people in power feel this threatens “economic and political stability” and want to eradicate it.
Mariel (about 15) and her mother are living in their car at the book’s beginning. Mariel’s mom dies from the virus, but later Mariel learns she, herself, is naturally immune. Tiberón (16 or so), who goes by Rón, is the youngest son of the third richest man in the world. Rón turns out to be a super spreader of the virus.
Soon there are plots for spreading the virus to save the world; and plots to eradicate the virus to save the world. Mariel and Rón are at the center of everything. Misinformation is being spread, and countered by others. Some people lock themselves up in their homes to avoid the virus and its effects. Many people aren’t sure what to believe.
Kirkus (12/1/24) says, “In his trademark, darkly witty, wonderfully over-the-top style, the author meanders through interesting ethical questions as the action plays out globally with a cast of diverse background characters, eventually leading to a conclusion that leaves things wide open for a sequel.”
Shusterman, Neal. All Better Now. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2025.
