The Compound

The Compound by Aisling Rawle

The Compound is a gripping, darkly satirical debut novel that blends the addictive thrill of reality TV with sharp social commentary. Hailed as "every bit as addictive as your favorite guilty pleasure binge-watch" (Oprah Daily), this high-stakes psychological drama is one of the most talked-about books of the summer—named a must-read by The New York Times, Vulture, Time, Harper's Bazaar, Good Housekeeping, Forbes, and more.

Lily, a beautiful, disillusioned twenty-something, wakes up in a remote desert reality show compound, surrounded by 19 strangers. The challenge? Outlast everyone else. To win, contestants must navigate grueling competitions for luxury rewards—champagne, makeup, even the right to a front door—all while being filmed 24/7. But Lily isn't eager to leave. With the outside world crumbling, the Compound feels like the only place that still matters.

As alliances shift and secrets build, the competition turns dangerous—and deeply personal. Desire, desperation, and manipulation collide, and Lily begins to question not just the rules of the game, but her own grip on reality. How far will she go to win, and what will she lose along the way?

Perfect for fans of The Other Black Girl, Black Mirror, and Battle Royale, The Compound is a taut, immersive survival story and a bold examination of media, power, and performance.

"I dare you not to tear through The Compound at lightning speed." —Zakiya Dalila Harris, New York Times bestselling author

Addictive, smart, and razor-sharp, The Compound is an unforgettable debut that will stay with you long after the final episode ends.