Ariel Sullivan’s Conform blends elements from two popular speculative fiction subgenres: dystopian science fiction and romantasy. Dystopian fiction, exemplified by classics like George Orwell’s 1984 and Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, explores oppressive societies where authoritarian regimes use surveillance and social engineering to maintain control. In Conform, Sullivan explores the dystopian narrative tradition by creating a post-apocalyptic society characterized by pervasive surveillance, technological dominance, and loss of individual freedom. People are perpetually monitored, while women operate as tools for procreation. Political machinations and corruption dominate as powerful groups like the Elite and the Illum fight to preserve their power and privileges. As in other dystopian stories, the novel features a protagonist who experiences an awakening. Initially, Emeline is compliant and submissive to the Illum’s narrative, but she gradually recognizes the pervasive oppression and is willing to rebel against it.

Simultaneously, the novel incorporates characteristics of romantasy, a subgenre that intertwines a central romance set in a fantasy world, popularized by authors like Sarah J. Maas (A Court of Thorns and Roses, Throne of Glass) and Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing, Iron Flame). Sullivan develops the story’s political narrative around Emeline’s relationships with two ideologically opposed men: Collin, a powerful member of the Illum, and Hal, a mysterious Major Defect involved with the rebellion. This romantasy trope of romantic and emotional conflict becomes inseparable from the central sociopolitical struggle, positioning a high-stakes love triangle as the catalyst for both personal and societal change. By weaving the grand-scale societal critique of dystopian sci-fi with the character-focused, relationship-driven plot of romantasy, Sullivan creates a narrative where political dissent and personal desire are inextricably linked.