We Won't All Survive

By: Kate Alice Marshall

Narrated by: Jess Nahikian

From the bestselling author of I Am Still Alive comes a new nail-biter that's part survival story, part murder mystery, and all thriller—perfect for fans of Karen McManus and Holly Jackson!

Two years ago, Mercy Gray was hailed as a hero for saving lives during a mall shooting. She still carries souvenirs from that day: the fragment of a bullet lodged in her back, a mountain of medical debt, and guilt for ignoring her sister’s warnings that the sweet boy next door was anything but.

So when billionaire turned TV host Damien Dare recruits Mercy to compete on his new survivalist reality show, she can’t turn down a chance at the whopping cash prize that could send her sister to college. But when she and the other contestants arrive at the off-grid location, something isn’t right. The set is empty. The gates close without warning, trapping them inside. And then one of them turns up dead. What appeared at first to be a tragic accident quickly transforms as more contestants start dropping like flies. With time and resources running low, surviving this show takes on a whole new meaning. Mercy must figure out who to trust. Before she’s next.

©2025 Kate Alice Marshall (P)2025 Listening Library

Critic reviews

“The Hunger Games meets One of Us is Lying in this twisty thriller. If you like books with a dwindling band of survivors, you’ll love We Won’t All Survive. I stayed up way too late so I could read it in a single day. No one is quite who they seem to be—not even the main character."—April Henry, author of Two Truths and a Lie and When We Go Missing

“A complex look at trauma, survival, and the bonds that form under pressure, with the flair of twists you won't see coming.”—Mindy McGinnis, award-winning author of Heroine

Unexpected

I did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. Engaging characters, fast paced storyline, and a few very satisfying smackdowns, mingled with a surprisingly upbeat message. Yea, there was the whole farfetched premise to overcome, but overall a really fun book.

Forgettable

Billionare Damien Dare organizes a reality survival show with eight survivors of real life catastrophes. Narrator Mercedes Gray, who lived though a mall shooting now suffers from chronic pain. She hopes winning the contest will pay for her sister’s college tuition. Immediately upon arrival, Mercedes senses things may not be what they appear.

Through no fault of Mary Alice Marshall, given the length of the publishing journey, I’ve read a several stories about people brought together for a reality show orchestrated by a sinister wealthy person with ill intention. I’ve enjoyed each of Marshall’s previous books, so I was excited to read her latest book despite the premise.

I had difficulty embracing the characters, even Mercedes, though I understood her motivations, being in the competition with the very dangerous exercises felt foolish. Still, Marshall’s crisp writing and ability to keep me interested on the outcome.

YA readers will enjoy WE WON’T ALL SURVIVE.