Wool

by Hugh Howey
Wool cover
Good Books rating 3.81
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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Format • £9.49
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Technical
  • ID: 5021
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780099580485
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2013-01-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

Wool is a thrilling e-book blockbuster that captivated readers and became a New York Times bestseller. The story is set in a world where the air outside is toxic, and humanity's survival depends on living in an isolated silo. Jules's journey unfolds as she uncovers the mysteries and dangers lurking within the silo, revealing a complex society with its own set of rules and secrets. /n/n The novel explores themes of survival, trust, and the lengths people will go to protect their way of life. With its gripping narrative and intricate world-building, Wool draws readers into a dystopian future where the line between safety and peril is razor-thin.

Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-22
excellent 4.50

Wool is a gripping and thought-provoking series that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The world-building is intricate, and the characters are compelling, making it a standout in the dystopian genre.

Wool is a series that masterfully blends suspense and intrigue, creating a world that is both fascinating and terrifying. The story unfolds in a way that keeps readers guessing, with each revelation adding layers to the narrative. The characters are well-developed, and their struggles and triumphs make the story deeply engaging. The world-building is particularly noteworthy, as it is both detailed and imaginative, drawing readers into a dystopian future that feels both familiar and alien. The series is a testament to the power of storytelling, as it seamlessly weaves together elements of science fiction, mystery, and drama to create a truly unforgettable reading experience. They found the pacing to be excellent, with each chapter building on the last to create a sense of urgency and tension that is hard to put down. The themes explored in the series are also thought-provoking, touching on issues of survival, community, and the human condition. Overall, Wool is a series that is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers, and one that they would highly recommend to fans of dystopian fiction.

Quick quotes

    The world-building is intricate and imaginative, drawing readers into a dystopian future that feels both familiar and alien.

    The characters are well-developed, and their struggles and triumphs make the story deeply engaging.

    The pacing is excellent, with each chapter building on the last to create a sense of urgency and tension that is hard to put down.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-22
mixed 2.00

The reviewer found the story intriguing but had too many unanswered questions and felt detached from the characters. They appreciated the writing style but didn't feel emotionally invested in the story or its characters.

The reviewer had mixed feelings about 'Wool'. They found the premise intriguing and the writing engaging, but they felt that the story left too many questions unanswered. The reviewer also struggled to connect with the characters, particularly the main couple, and didn't feel emotionally invested in their story. They appreciated the suspense and the post-apocalyptic world-building but ultimately felt that the story didn't quite live up to its potential. They also noted that the story is part of a series and that the omnibus version is available for a reasonable price, which might be worth checking out for fans of the genre.

Quick quotes

    I had too many questions by the end and I didn't feel attached to any of the characters.

    There's this level of despair that I'm supposed to be feeling for these two people, their relationship, and their potential offspring, but I honestly couldn't care less if the whole silo went up in flames and everybody died.

    I didn't think the 'big reveal' was all that exciting or as terrifying as I'm sure it was meant to be either.

Luke Harkness · 2023-05-12
gripping 4.00

Wool satisfies dystopian science-fiction fans with its deep world and gripping narrative. It ticks all the right boxes for lovers of the genre.

The reviewer highly recommends Wool to fans of dystopian science fiction, praising its ability to create a deep and immersive world. They note that the book ticks all the right boxes for the genre, making it a satisfying read. The reviewer appreciates the way the story unfolds, keeping readers engaged with its suspenseful and thought-provoking narrative. The book's strengths lie in its ability to build a compelling world and maintain a high level of tension throughout.

Quick quotes

    Wool will satisfy any and all dystopian science-fiction fans – it ticks all the right boxes for lovers of these genres and opens up a deep world.

    The book's strengths lie in its ability to build a compelling world and maintain a high level of tension throughout.

    The reviewer highly recommends Wool to fans of dystopian science fiction.

Fantasy Book Review · 2023-05-12
profound 4.75

Howey cranks up the suspense and tension, making this one of the most gripping and profound sci-fi novels. The reviewer urges readers to get a copy and read it.

The reviewer found Wool to be one of the most gripping and profound sci-fi novels they have read. They praise Howey's ability to build suspense and tension, making the book a compelling read. The reviewer notes that the story is thought-provoking and engaging, with a deep and immersive world that keeps readers hooked. They urge readers to get a copy and experience the book for themselves, highlighting its strengths in building a compelling narrative and maintaining a high level of tension throughout.

Quick quotes

    Howey cranks up the suspense and tension, making this one of the most gripping and profound sci-fi novels I have read.

    All I can say is get a copy and read it ...

    The story is thought-provoking and engaging, with a deep and immersive world that keeps readers hooked.

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