Scan barcode
krisis86's review against another edition
4.0
This one earns a good 3.75 stars. I'm not quite sure it was good enough to warrant the 4 stars, but it was really well done.
The characters are frustratingly real, with the exception of Gabriel. His personality just doesn't ring true to me, and since he's a main character that drove me more than a little nuts. I was really annoyed with Mia for falling into insta-love with him, even though it was an exasperated sort of insta-love it was still too predictable and sudden for me. There are twists on this throughout the story, though, and that kind of redeemed it. Kinda.
The ending was really surprising. I did not expect things to go down the way they did. So that impressed me, because usually I see surprises coming from 5 miles away.
All in all, I really enjoyed the book. It continued at a good clip throughout, and it was just a solidly good read. And, as a debut novel, it was fantastic! So way to go, Elisa Nader!
The characters are frustratingly real, with the exception of Gabriel. His personality just doesn't ring true to me, and since he's a main character that drove me more than a little nuts. I was really annoyed with Mia for falling into insta-love with him, even though it was an exasperated sort of insta-love it was still too predictable and sudden for me. There are twists on this throughout the story, though, and that kind of redeemed it. Kinda.
The ending was really surprising. I did not expect things to go down the way they did. So that impressed me, because usually I see surprises coming from 5 miles away.
All in all, I really enjoyed the book. It continued at a good clip throughout, and it was just a solidly good read. And, as a debut novel, it was fantastic! So way to go, Elisa Nader!
library_hungry's review against another edition
4.0
Savvy teen escapes from cult is something that's been done a million times, and it's almost always fun. It's a story with a lot of cliches and commonalities. This book totally did them in; it's full of twists and turns, and although I have to give it two stars for plausibility (which it lacks ENTIRELY), it makes up for this in surprises and a great heroine. And kudos to the author for getting the romance just right--it smolders but doesn't bore or overshadow the real story. My only complaint is that Gabriel is a little too perfect, in his roguish, world-weary way. Good stuff!
briwitt's review against another edition
5.0
I really wish that I got to read Escape from Eden sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, my classes got in the way this past semester. Eventually... winter break came and rescued me from my exams and semester long projects, which means I finally got to devour this little beauty. After finally reading Escape from Eden, I can honestly say it was nothing short of sensational.
I've always had a slight interest in cults and how the brainwashing typically comes into play. Why are these people so gullible? How can they really believe everything this cult leader is saying, no matter how bizarre it may be? Living in the world that Nadar created was mind-boggling in the best possible way. Sure, this novel is a work of fiction but after doing some research about cults this past semester, I've come to learn some of the events that occurred in Escape from Eden aren't that far off from some real life events that have happened in the past. After learning that, well, I'm officially creeped out.
The first half-ish of Escape from Eden wasn't totally eventful but it was still completely compelling. You get to learn about the community, Edenton, that Mia and her family resides in. I found Mia to be relatable and authentic in her actions and was happy to root for her throughout the story. The romance in the story isn't the main focus and I enjoyed that, because much bigger and more important things were happening. For how much romance there is, it's done well and adds a little something to keep readers interested.
The second half-ish of Escape from Eden is shocking and sickening and I loved every minute of it. I kept catching myself trying to read ahead to see what happens, and then covering the rest of the page up to contain myself. I really respect the author and publisher for keeping Escape from Eden a standalone novel because I'm sure it could have easily been turned into another trilogy in the YA world. BUT, they kept it a standalone and it worked out perfectly.
If you couldn't already tell, I completely recommend this book to anyone interested in cults or even wanting an exciting read. If you decide to check it out, I'd love to know what you think! Leave a comment down below and let me know your thoughts.
I've always had a slight interest in cults and how the brainwashing typically comes into play. Why are these people so gullible? How can they really believe everything this cult leader is saying, no matter how bizarre it may be? Living in the world that Nadar created was mind-boggling in the best possible way. Sure, this novel is a work of fiction but after doing some research about cults this past semester, I've come to learn some of the events that occurred in Escape from Eden aren't that far off from some real life events that have happened in the past. After learning that, well, I'm officially creeped out.
The first half-ish of Escape from Eden wasn't totally eventful but it was still completely compelling. You get to learn about the community, Edenton, that Mia and her family resides in. I found Mia to be relatable and authentic in her actions and was happy to root for her throughout the story. The romance in the story isn't the main focus and I enjoyed that, because much bigger and more important things were happening. For how much romance there is, it's done well and adds a little something to keep readers interested.
The second half-ish of Escape from Eden is shocking and sickening and I loved every minute of it. I kept catching myself trying to read ahead to see what happens, and then covering the rest of the page up to contain myself. I really respect the author and publisher for keeping Escape from Eden a standalone novel because I'm sure it could have easily been turned into another trilogy in the YA world. BUT, they kept it a standalone and it worked out perfectly.
If you couldn't already tell, I completely recommend this book to anyone interested in cults or even wanting an exciting read. If you decide to check it out, I'd love to know what you think! Leave a comment down below and let me know your thoughts.
booknrrd's review against another edition
3.0
So, on the one hand, when I started reading this I was thankful that it wasn't another dystopia, but of course technically I guess it is in a way. But it's not the future. Mia lives on a religious commune in a South or Central American jungle, where things are not quite how they seem.
A 2015-2016 Gateway Readers Award nominee.
A 2015-2016 Gateway Readers Award nominee.
elephant's review against another edition
2.0
I received this book free to review from Netgalley. I found it to be very unpleasant subject matter. There is a teen romance, but there is also lots of darkness, ugliness and violence. The kind of ugly things that happen in this book are very close to the kind of awful things that really do happen in the world and I just find it too horrid to lighten it up with a teen romance and try to make it a nice story.
rachel_menard's review against another edition
5.0
Mia lives in a religious commune called Edenton, controlled by the Reverend Eden. She's already beginning to question the supposed Utopian society. More so when the rebellious Gabriel arrives. Together they discover Edenton has many wicked secrets hidden underneath the facade of righteousness, and to escape them, they might die.
Wow. I went into this based on the recommendation of a friend and a Kindle daily deal. I had no idea what to expect from Eden, but from the moment I started reading, I couldn't put it down. This was a fast-paced thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. I was right with Mia and Gabriel as they uncovered the mystery of Eden, rooting for them as they fought against the ruling powers and cursing them when they did something dumb. I half-expected by the end I would be disappointed with the reveal. I WAS NOT. Although I think some of the scenarios and themes discussed in Eden might be a little much for young readers. I'm not sure what the age suggestion is here, but I would go 14+. (because I am old and stodgy)
Wow. I went into this based on the recommendation of a friend and a Kindle daily deal. I had no idea what to expect from Eden, but from the moment I started reading, I couldn't put it down. This was a fast-paced thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. I was right with Mia and Gabriel as they uncovered the mystery of Eden, rooting for them as they fought against the ruling powers and cursing them when they did something dumb. I half-expected by the end I would be disappointed with the reveal. I WAS NOT. Although I think some of the scenarios and themes discussed in Eden might be a little much for young readers. I'm not sure what the age suggestion is here, but I would go 14+. (because I am old and stodgy)
authorheatherw's review against another edition
5.0
This was a really good read! I’ve never read a young adult book about a girl escaping a cult and I thought Escape from Eden was incredibly well done. The Edenton cult was scary! I was biting my nails at the end and hoping everything turned out okay for Mia and her love interest Gabriel.
Mia was easy to sympathize with. Against her will as a young girl, Mia is taken by her mother to a South American commune where their reverend has recreated a Garden of Eden. Mia begins to expect more nefarious things are going on once she connects with a new member by the name of Gabriel.
I really liked Gabriel. He was the resident troublemaker, but I loved how much depth he had. His back story was interesting and heartbreaking and made him an appealing YA love interest. The secondary characters were also great, the villains were especially terrifying.
The plot was suspenseful and there were some twists thrown in that were completely shocking. At times, I had to take a breather because I was so overcome with disgust by the reverend and his actions. The book was written in such a way that I honestly couldn’t tell if Mia would be getting out of Edenton alive.
The romance was sweet and earnest and I enjoyed the back and forth between Mia and Gabriel. Mia was strong when she needed to be and it was great to see a female lead with a backbone.
Definitely a must-read for fans of YA thrillers or anyone interested in books about cults. I’m not sure if there’s going to be a sequel, but I hope so.
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book for review!
Mia was easy to sympathize with. Against her will as a young girl, Mia is taken by her mother to a South American commune where their reverend has recreated a Garden of Eden. Mia begins to expect more nefarious things are going on once she connects with a new member by the name of Gabriel.
I really liked Gabriel. He was the resident troublemaker, but I loved how much depth he had. His back story was interesting and heartbreaking and made him an appealing YA love interest. The secondary characters were also great, the villains were especially terrifying.
The plot was suspenseful and there were some twists thrown in that were completely shocking. At times, I had to take a breather because I was so overcome with disgust by the reverend and his actions. The book was written in such a way that I honestly couldn’t tell if Mia would be getting out of Edenton alive.
The romance was sweet and earnest and I enjoyed the back and forth between Mia and Gabriel. Mia was strong when she needed to be and it was great to see a female lead with a backbone.
Definitely a must-read for fans of YA thrillers or anyone interested in books about cults. I’m not sure if there’s going to be a sequel, but I hope so.
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book for review!
smonmaney's review
4.0
Chilling, brutal, horrific tale of a fundamentalist cult and two teenagers who dare to escape.
carmensutra's review
4.0
This is probably one of the most original premises for a young adult novel that I've ever read (to this point). It's an insider's view of cult life: isolated, severe, trapped. Our heroine, Mia, is a passive member for Reverend Eden's Flock at the beginning of this story, but things change for her when Gabriel and his parents join the Flock. Almost immediately, Gabriel upsets the norm for Mia and is the major catalyst for her to change. What I liked most about this story is that Mia, who had for years already had her doubts about her circumstances, doesn't change over night. Instead, we get to see her half-formed doubts transported to full-on doubt. The catalyst isn't necessarily Gabriel, although, of course, he's involved.
Overall, this was a quick and excellent summer read that I'm recommending to all my girlfriends.
ltg584's review
5.0
4.5 stars
Full review to come.
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Full review to come.
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.