Maggie Graham's Reviews > Headspace

What happens when a giant orb appears over the planet and announces a competition? With an apparent prize of worldwide fame.

Astra doesn’t want to know about this competition, but is entered by her best friend. There is no option to withdraw. She and her fellow contenders don’t learn the rules–or the stakes–until the end of the first round. From there, it’s a whirlwind journey through the games, each round more demanding than the last, and every time you think, ‘I see where this is going,’ there’s a sharp turn in another direction.

I’ve avoided spoilers, but I’ll give you one: Astra survives to win the competition, thus saving the world.

I found it a gripping read.