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The Parlor #1
The Parlor
The Parlor is a futuristic novel that explores a world in which males and females live completely separated in order to achieve permanent peace and prosperity. Readers dive into this progressive society through the eyes of Andrea, an eighteen-year-old girl who is about to come face to face with a man for the first time in a mandatory meeting. Once Andrea meets a male, she discovers that this civilization isn't as perfect as it seems from his point of view. In a struggle to find the truth, Andrea must choose if she wants to forget all that she has learned or act on the humanity that she feels inside.
- GenresDystopiaScience Fiction
194 pages, Paperback
Published June 13, 2019
13 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 10, 2020
Rating: 4.3/5
“I remember the first time I saw a man. I mean, of course I had seen little boys before, but not a man.” Kind of made me curious.
The story follows a society where males and females live at a distance. Following Andrea through the world, we see the struggles and the complexity of the world they live in.
Can you imagine meeting a different species (men) of humans for the first time when you’re eighteen years old? Talk about problems.
The world building and the characters are very realistic and interesting. They definitely make the plot more lively. I didn’t find it boring at any point in the story. Couldn’t put down the book.
It mingles in some intimate places but never moves away from the main plot. I admire this. I’ve read a lot of books that divert from the whole point of the book, making it super boring. I like how side plots stay where they are supposed to—at a side.
I’m going to be heading to the next instalment now!
Thanks Audrey for my copy!
“I remember the first time I saw a man. I mean, of course I had seen little boys before, but not a man.” Kind of made me curious.
The story follows a society where males and females live at a distance. Following Andrea through the world, we see the struggles and the complexity of the world they live in.
Can you imagine meeting a different species (men) of humans for the first time when you’re eighteen years old? Talk about problems.
The world building and the characters are very realistic and interesting. They definitely make the plot more lively. I didn’t find it boring at any point in the story. Couldn’t put down the book.
It mingles in some intimate places but never moves away from the main plot. I admire this. I’ve read a lot of books that divert from the whole point of the book, making it super boring. I like how side plots stay where they are supposed to—at a side.
I’m going to be heading to the next instalment now!
Thanks Audrey for my copy!
January 5, 2021
This was such a captivating and interesting way of looking at the future. In this society, women are the ones in charge. There are mothers and daughters and sisters... but no men. How, then, do they keep going forward in creating new generations? Through a unique setup, called The Parlor. I was very intrigued by the concept and the book lived up to it. Every word was carefully chosen and the world the author built is not only believable, it’s spine-tingling. Thank you, Audrey, for my copy - I will definitely recommend it!
March 31, 2022
If you’re into dystopian novels, this might be for you. Women are in charge and they keep men and women separated. I didn’t want to put this book down. Not long at all, about 185 pages I think. Quick read and I’m so ready for the next book!
March 19, 2021
In this futuristic world, men and women live separately in order to achieve peace and prosperity. We discover this new world through the eyes of an eighteen year-old girl, Andrea. Andrea is about to meet a man for the first time in her life in a mandatory meeting at the Parlor. The Parlor is the only place where the 2 genders are allowed to meet. Interesting plot, isn't it?
Stevens does a good job outlining the new world along with its good and bad. The cracks in the system show that even though it feels like this new world is the solution, it truly isn't. Andrea's meeting with Deed even though an organized encounter has all the teenager feelings to it. I enjoyed reading this fresh take on dystopia. It's a short read but the story covers various topics. Looking forward to reading the next 2 books in the series.
Thank you Audrey Stevens for the giveaway copy.
Stevens does a good job outlining the new world along with its good and bad. The cracks in the system show that even though it feels like this new world is the solution, it truly isn't. Andrea's meeting with Deed even though an organized encounter has all the teenager feelings to it. I enjoyed reading this fresh take on dystopia. It's a short read but the story covers various topics. Looking forward to reading the next 2 books in the series.
Thank you Audrey Stevens for the giveaway copy.
December 9, 2020
Thoughts with side commentary:
🌺 Firstly, I'd like to send a huge thank you to the author for sending me a copy for review ☺️ (This does not affect my review and all opinions are my own)
🌺 I absolutely loved the concept of men and women being separated because men are stupid and don't know what's best for society but then discovering that maybe the women don't know either
🌺 The Parlor, from what I gathered, is basically a brothel and the only place men and women can meet so there is a lot of talk about sex which was too innocent for my dirty mind😂
🌺 We meet a boy named Deed who is a snarky boi so you know I love him immediately
🌺 I haven't read it but I think if you've read "XY" by Virginia Bergin, you'd really enjoy this one!
🌺 Firstly, I'd like to send a huge thank you to the author for sending me a copy for review ☺️ (This does not affect my review and all opinions are my own)
🌺 I absolutely loved the concept of men and women being separated because men are stupid and don't know what's best for society but then discovering that maybe the women don't know either
🌺 The Parlor, from what I gathered, is basically a brothel and the only place men and women can meet so there is a lot of talk about sex which was too innocent for my dirty mind😂
🌺 We meet a boy named Deed who is a snarky boi so you know I love him immediately
🌺 I haven't read it but I think if you've read "XY" by Virginia Bergin, you'd really enjoy this one!
July 16, 2020
The steamiest dystopian story I’ve ever read
This is without a doubt the steamiest dystopian story I’ve ever read. It wasn’t crude or explicit by any means, just a deeply romantic and surprisingly different take on the dystopian genre. I probably should have assumed what would happen in this new dystopian world where men and women were separated for the good of humanity, but whereas most books would dance around the subject, the author jumps right into the underbelly of the new world-exposing all the horrific issues that make the dystopian genre so fascinating. I really enjoyed this book, can’t wait to read the next one!
This is without a doubt the steamiest dystopian story I’ve ever read. It wasn’t crude or explicit by any means, just a deeply romantic and surprisingly different take on the dystopian genre. I probably should have assumed what would happen in this new dystopian world where men and women were separated for the good of humanity, but whereas most books would dance around the subject, the author jumps right into the underbelly of the new world-exposing all the horrific issues that make the dystopian genre so fascinating. I really enjoyed this book, can’t wait to read the next one!
October 5, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
This series explores a dystopian world where men and women are kept separate. Men were found to be the cause of all the problems leading to society’s collapse, so they are kept away from society, basically as slaves. The only interactions between the two genders is in a place called The Parlor. The main character, Andrea, is an 18 year old girl who is forced to go to mandatory meeting at The Parlor through school. Everyone is assigned a “parlor mate”, and once she meets hers, she quickly realizes that maybe the separation of males from females isn’t actually in everyone’s best interest.
Y’all, this was AMAZING!! This most definitely was not my typical genre, I’ve been trying to branch out and be a more well rounded reader and I’m so so glad. These books completely blew me away! The description sounds so intriguing I knew I had to read them, but I didn’t know I’d love it so much!
I immediately became invested in all the characters, relating to a lot in different ways. They were so well written which is why, as someone who prefers character driven books, I loved these books. I find that sometimes in dystopian novels that the characters can fall a little flat, which is why it’s not one of my go to genres, but this was not the case here at all. I can’t wait to read the next book to see how the ending of The Ferrals influences the characters because let me tell you, I was shocked by it.
Honestly cannot recommend these enough! If you’re a fan of a dystopian setting, this is a fresh take and a very unique plot. I hope these leave you wanting more like they did with me!
Thank you Audrey so much for a free copy of these two books in exchange for my honest review. I can’t tell you how much I loved them!
This series explores a dystopian world where men and women are kept separate. Men were found to be the cause of all the problems leading to society’s collapse, so they are kept away from society, basically as slaves. The only interactions between the two genders is in a place called The Parlor. The main character, Andrea, is an 18 year old girl who is forced to go to mandatory meeting at The Parlor through school. Everyone is assigned a “parlor mate”, and once she meets hers, she quickly realizes that maybe the separation of males from females isn’t actually in everyone’s best interest.
Y’all, this was AMAZING!! This most definitely was not my typical genre, I’ve been trying to branch out and be a more well rounded reader and I’m so so glad. These books completely blew me away! The description sounds so intriguing I knew I had to read them, but I didn’t know I’d love it so much!
I immediately became invested in all the characters, relating to a lot in different ways. They were so well written which is why, as someone who prefers character driven books, I loved these books. I find that sometimes in dystopian novels that the characters can fall a little flat, which is why it’s not one of my go to genres, but this was not the case here at all. I can’t wait to read the next book to see how the ending of The Ferrals influences the characters because let me tell you, I was shocked by it.
Honestly cannot recommend these enough! If you’re a fan of a dystopian setting, this is a fresh take and a very unique plot. I hope these leave you wanting more like they did with me!
Thank you Audrey so much for a free copy of these two books in exchange for my honest review. I can’t tell you how much I loved them!
March 22, 2021
The Parlor by Audrey M Steven was a dystopia that was extremely messed up, wild, and addictive.
4/5 stars
We are introduced to Andrea who has 2 moms and 2 sisters and is entering her final year of school before starting permanently at her work station, she very anxious as all final years must visit the parlor and interact with men for the first time.
Andrea was a very interesting main character, in a good way. She self-described herself as frumpy and awkward, which in a dystopia novel is a new kind of character. She isn’t perfect, she doesn’t have an insane skill set she shouldn’t have. She has only a handful of friends. I loved her. She was very relatable and I enjoyed that.
The plot was very intriguing. A society that men and women are separated, and once someone is no longer able to help the community out they are pardoned. Sarah is another plot line in herself that is heart wrenching and kept me flying through the pages looking for a relief. The parlor was interesting, and at 18 I don’t know how I would feel about it as well.
The writing style is very easy to read, and I know my dystopian fans would love it!
4/5 stars
We are introduced to Andrea who has 2 moms and 2 sisters and is entering her final year of school before starting permanently at her work station, she very anxious as all final years must visit the parlor and interact with men for the first time.
Andrea was a very interesting main character, in a good way. She self-described herself as frumpy and awkward, which in a dystopia novel is a new kind of character. She isn’t perfect, she doesn’t have an insane skill set she shouldn’t have. She has only a handful of friends. I loved her. She was very relatable and I enjoyed that.
The plot was very intriguing. A society that men and women are separated, and once someone is no longer able to help the community out they are pardoned. Sarah is another plot line in herself that is heart wrenching and kept me flying through the pages looking for a relief. The parlor was interesting, and at 18 I don’t know how I would feel about it as well.
The writing style is very easy to read, and I know my dystopian fans would love it!
May 17, 2020
I knew that I was going to enjoy this book when I began to read it and got female “(The) Giver” vibes. The novel follows a post-dystopian, in which men where found to have caused all of the problems leading to society’s collapse. In this future, a society has been created in which women are separated from men. Women are in charge of all government, labor stations (jobs) and live together as family units. There are strict rules and the fraternization between men and women is the biggest no-no. At eighteen years old, Andrea is ready to become a full-fledged adult member of her female society. This means a new job, birth control and the chance to meet a man for pleasure. Beginning with Andrea meeting Deed, she is quickly introduced to the idea that her perfect society might not be so perfect after all. All in all, I loved part one of the story because it had a very fresh and new take on dystopian fiction. I would love to see this world expanded into a full novel series.
September 16, 2020
The story is placed around a futuristic and progressive society, where women didn't meet men until they were 18 years old. Keeping females and males separated was their way of achieving "peace and prosperity". Which was shocking for me but not so much when it comes to a dystopia. When I started reading, it gave me a The Giver vibe. I kept reading and then I got some The Handmaid Tale's vibe. I even mention it to my friends from the book club! But honestly, this book is unique on its own. The plot was intriguing. I have to admit, at the beginning, the plot's rhythm was a little bit slow for my taste. But it was part of getting into the story and learning about the setting. I think the author did a pretty good job explaining the details about this whole thing of living separated. You can read my full review on wereadblog.com!
July 21, 2020
quickly fell into this story, invested in the characters and frustrated or elated by the decisions they made. The world is well built, and you find the cracks in the government’s well-painted facade right along with your main character. You see the writing on the wall as she discovers that women have found a way to excuse the enslavement of men. I am hooked! Believable characters, moral dilemmas, and impossible situations leave you on the edge of your seat. These are short quick reads that pack a punch! I cannot wait for the third and final book of this series to come out!
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I love the message in the pages, the underlying call to action for the hard moments. The way you’re forced to examine what is right and wrong, and how we sometimes live in ignorant bliss, but once you know, you can’t go back there.
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If you enjoy a good dystopian, I highly recommend you check them out!
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I love the message in the pages, the underlying call to action for the hard moments. The way you’re forced to examine what is right and wrong, and how we sometimes live in ignorant bliss, but once you know, you can’t go back there.
.
If you enjoy a good dystopian, I highly recommend you check them out!
June 2, 2021
The back two thirds of this book is fast paced and thrilling! I couldn’t put it down after I got past the initial world building (which was admittedly a bit slow).
Andrea is a well fleshed out main character with realistic worries about how her life will play out and how gender fits into the world. She’s interesting and dynamic.
The plot twists along the way are fun, and although there could be predictable, they still kept me engaged throughout.
The idea for the Parlor (location) is an interesting mix of the promised neverland meets hotel scandal and I loved every moment of it!
I look forward to reading book two!
Andrea is a well fleshed out main character with realistic worries about how her life will play out and how gender fits into the world. She’s interesting and dynamic.
The plot twists along the way are fun, and although there could be predictable, they still kept me engaged throughout.
The idea for the Parlor (location) is an interesting mix of the promised neverland meets hotel scandal and I loved every moment of it!
I look forward to reading book two!
May 13, 2022
Wow! This was SO good! I absolutely love this debut. After finishing The Parlor, I immediately ordered books two and three! (Thank you Amazon prime!)
I thought that Steven’s world was so unique and engaging. Her writing is captivating, I was instantly hooked! I loved the main character Andrea, I felt she was so multifaceted and intriguing! This concept of separating genders is so fascinating, but Steven’s really does so much more than just a world where women and men live separately. There’s so many layers to this society and story and I can’t wait to uncover them all in books two and three! Such an exciting and enjoyable read!
I highly recommend this book!
I thought that Steven’s world was so unique and engaging. Her writing is captivating, I was instantly hooked! I loved the main character Andrea, I felt she was so multifaceted and intriguing! This concept of separating genders is so fascinating, but Steven’s really does so much more than just a world where women and men live separately. There’s so many layers to this society and story and I can’t wait to uncover them all in books two and three! Such an exciting and enjoyable read!
I highly recommend this book!
May 12, 2022
Fun quick read! The beginning did have some editing issues (odd spaces/repeated line) but easy to overlook when considering it’s a first novel. If you are a dystopian fan like myself this one fits the bill!! This time around society has decided that men have messed up enough and need out. Society is ran by women and the men do the heavy lifting. Wish we got more culture/community knowledge and history but there are two more books out already. Can’t wait to find out what will happen next!! We got left in a promising position but I don’t trust it.
December 11, 2021
I finished the last book only moments ago. I inhaled the entire story and I'm only left wanting more.
The dialogue is easy, the characters are relatable, the premise is compelling, my only complaint is that to my knowledge, there won't be a fourth book.
I definitely recommend to anybody who enjoys dystopian fiction!
The dialogue is easy, the characters are relatable, the premise is compelling, my only complaint is that to my knowledge, there won't be a fourth book.
I definitely recommend to anybody who enjoys dystopian fiction!
February 23, 2021
A very interesting look at what a distopian world may look like. It was very quick. I dont normally ready super short books. But I REALLY wanted to give this a try. I'm gonna pick up the next books to see where the story goes.
July 11, 2021
An interesting twist on a dystopian world where men and women are kept separate. There is underlying romance without it being crude or disrespectful. I throughly enjoyed this book! Looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
May 21, 2025
Unexpected premise that was really good! The FMC is relatable. The book surprised me with some relationship twists. There’s unrequited love, found family, closure with family and more. Give it a read!
May 4, 2020
Absolutely amazing. I loved the premise and flow of the story. The characters were well written, realistic, and personable. I am a huge fan. The second book is also a must read!
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November 18, 2020DNF.... I tried but this book just couldn’t hold my attention. It’s written like a screenplay or something. Overly detailed in things that are common sense or just don’t matter. It just didn’t flow
June 17, 2021
An interesting futuristic dystopian young adult novel that brings intriguing ethical and moral questions to mind about the best way to run a society.
October 10, 2021
loved it. Reviewed on amazon
April 5, 2024
- this book was an interesting read for me. it was an interesting view on society and how things were but something i probably would’ve read to read.
March 14, 2025
Couldn't put it down!
I read this in one sitting. The concept is something new and is very intriguing. I can not wait to read the next book in the series.
I read this in one sitting. The concept is something new and is very intriguing. I can not wait to read the next book in the series.
October 11, 2021
This book needs some serious editing done. Multiple times the same paragraph was repeated. But other than that, the story line was good. Predictable for me but still enjoyable. I will read the next book in the series and hopefully the editing gets better.
June 24, 2021
I really enjoyed the book. more of a young adult story, but I am still excited to read the rest of the series.
Dystopian world without cheesiness.
Dystopian world without cheesiness.
October 2, 2019
This book is a little slow moving at first (but so are the Harry Potter novels), but once you get your first real introduction to the Parlor, the story latches onto you. Audrey has a great way of telling the story, without boring you with too many details, just enough to peak your interest. With a slight dystopian feel, it really brings a blend of some of my favorite books into a whole new setting. Even after reading the description of the book, and halfway through it, I did not expect this novel to twist the way it did in the end. The only problem? Waiting for the second book! I have so many unanswered questions! But definitely worth a read.
January 28, 2021
This was a bit like a sex-swapped Handmaids Tale. It's different than other such dystopians in that it is about misandry instead of misogyny. It's a light read stylistically, despite the dark subject matter. I wonder if there will be a sequel.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews