When a brilliant high-school student is invited to join an international secret society, she leaves everything behind in pursuit of the high-stakes rewards it offers. When Miri discovers her boyfriend is also in the society, they must pretend they don’t know each other, as the students are pitted against each other to push the boundaries of medicine using illegal self-experimentation.
The Fifth Room is set at a prestigious school where a brilliant student, Miri, is invited into an international secret society. Four students compete and experiment on themselves to push medical boundaries, illegally. Miri must hide that her ex-boyfriend is involved too, until rumours of a mysterious fifth participant raise the stakes.
Rushby’s novel is a twisty, addictive thriller with a chilling science hook and tight, claustrophobic stakes. If you like One of Us Is Lying or The Naturals, this has the same secret-society tension and betrayals. This book is perfect for YA readers who love fast pacing, smart protagonists, dark school vibes, and emotional dilemma drama.
