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bookish_owl's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Physical abuse, and Blood
Moderate: Murder, Grief, Confinement, and Car accident
Minor: Death of parent
isabelgalupo's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Took me a second to get into this one, but I ended up really enjoying it! A dark story about family, trauma, belonging, and faith. A lot of the plot hinges upon people being dishonest and avoidant, which felt unrealistic/played out at times but worked in some instances.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, and Toxic relationship
thereadingrambler's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
This was a super intense read, especially if you, like me, come from a religious background. Some elements of the plot were definitely not as well set up as other parts, but Lev's character and how he slowly took ahold of everyone's lives were so well depicted and believable. If you are a fan of cult-based thrillers, I would definitely read this one.
Although it is classed as YA, I don't think it is really a YA book. The main character is an adult (she's 19) and there are definitely more adult themes addressed in this book than I find in most YA.
Although it is classed as YA, I don't think it is really a YA book. The main character is an adult (she's 19) and there are definitely more adult themes addressed in this book than I find in most YA.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Torture, and Murder
mydearwatsonbooks's review
4.0
TW: suicide, abuse, cults
Lo Denham works for a fledgling newspaper. When she sees a man commit suicide after quoting a Bible verse, her decision to reach out to the cult he was a part of—the same one her sister is in—changes her life.
This book is what you might call “slow burning”, which is normally not my style, but it works here. Summers alternates between two voices, Lo and her sister, Bea. Each voice is in a different timeline: Bea’s is in the past, and Lo’s is more or less in the present (the novel ends in 2018).
After Lo is in a car accident that kills her parents, Bea ends up at The Unity Project, a cult run by Lev Warren. Lo sets out to discover if the rumors she has heard about The Unity Project are true or not. I do wish that some of the characters involved in the cult had been a little more skeptical before joining, but the need for something to believe in is certainly relatable. I also appreciate that the author recognizes how hard it is to condemn something when that thing has also gone so much good in the world.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s, and Wednesday Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lo Denham works for a fledgling newspaper. When she sees a man commit suicide after quoting a Bible verse, her decision to reach out to the cult he was a part of—the same one her sister is in—changes her life.
This book is what you might call “slow burning”, which is normally not my style, but it works here. Summers alternates between two voices, Lo and her sister, Bea. Each voice is in a different timeline: Bea’s is in the past, and Lo’s is more or less in the present (the novel ends in 2018).
After Lo is in a car accident that kills her parents, Bea ends up at The Unity Project, a cult run by Lev Warren. Lo sets out to discover if the rumors she has heard about The Unity Project are true or not. I do wish that some of the characters involved in the cult had been a little more skeptical before joining, but the need for something to believe in is certainly relatable. I also appreciate that the author recognizes how hard it is to condemn something when that thing has also gone so much good in the world.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s, and Wednesday Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Religious bigotry, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Suicide
lauraorourke's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A mystery thriller surrounding a cult: this sounded totally up my alley, even though I had already seen some mixed reviews. I was quick to pick it up when I saw it on the shelf in my library.
I admit I don't read a lot of YA fiction but to me I couldn't see what made this different from Adult fiction. Maybe it was slightly less tense than other thrillers I've read? Or is it because the story revolves around literal young adults, mostly 19 - mid-twenty-ish? Regardless, nothing about this felt young or immature to me as I read it and by the end I found myself in the full grips of the thriller tempo as the story picked up pace and rushed towards the conclusion.
This is the story of sisters who are trying to save each other, but it is also the story of trauma and loss. The main character, Lo (which, can I pause for a second and just gush over this name for a minute? Lo is short for "Gloria" but it was also the nickname I had in high school, and so I was particularly fond of the choice), takes pride in how she takes care of herself (perhaps even how she saves herself) but she is also looking to discover who she is. It is no surprise that even with a name and a history, being found relatively alone in the world has her questioning her identity, and desiring to centre herself in a story.
The central antagonist to the story is a cult and cult leader, and it was fascinating to read about, especially as someone who could pick out all the appropriated biblical passages. (I also noticed some interesting points of commonality with what I've heard about NXIVM.) As the characters look for a way to save each other, they gravitate towards someone who claims to save. When a character tries to assert her own story, she finds a place for herself in a broader narrative. As the characters try to escape from one trauma, they run to the open arms of more. But what about us, the reader? Will we be caught up in the same traps?
And who is really going to save them in the end?
Very early on in the story, it feels like there are two stories of two sisters. As the book progresses, the sisters' stories begin to converge. And the real tension is found in how they will eventually overlap. Will they be saved in time?
I thought I figured this one out a few had this one figured out a few times, but it wasn't until I was meant to see that it really came into focus for me. By the time I got to part 4 of 5 of the book, I didn't want to put the book down. I needed the resolution, whatever it would be. I really do think I loved this book. Another GREAT read, especially for people who want to ease into the thriller genre.
I admit I don't read a lot of YA fiction but to me I couldn't see what made this different from Adult fiction. Maybe it was slightly less tense than other thrillers I've read? Or is it because the story revolves around literal young adults, mostly 19 - mid-twenty-ish? Regardless, nothing about this felt young or immature to me as I read it and by the end I found myself in the full grips of the thriller tempo as the story picked up pace and rushed towards the conclusion.
This is the story of sisters who are trying to save each other, but it is also the story of trauma and loss. The main character, Lo (which, can I pause for a second and just gush over this name for a minute? Lo is short for "Gloria" but it was also the nickname I had in high school, and so I was particularly fond of the choice), takes pride in how she takes care of herself (perhaps even how she saves herself) but she is also looking to discover who she is. It is no surprise that even with a name and a history, being found relatively alone in the world has her questioning her identity, and desiring to centre herself in a story.
The central antagonist to the story is a cult and cult leader, and it was fascinating to read about, especially as someone who could pick out all the appropriated biblical passages. (I also noticed some interesting points of commonality with what I've heard about NXIVM.) As the characters look for a way to save each other, they gravitate towards someone who claims to save. When a character tries to assert her own story, she finds a place for herself in a broader narrative. As the characters try to escape from one trauma, they run to the open arms of more. But what about us, the reader? Will we be caught up in the same traps?
And who is really going to save them in the end?
Very early on in the story, it feels like there are two stories of two sisters. As the book progresses, the sisters' stories begin to converge. And the real tension is found in how they will eventually overlap. Will they be saved in time?
I thought I figured this one out a few had this one figured out a few times, but it wasn't until I was meant to see that it really came into focus for me. By the time I got to part 4 of 5 of the book, I didn't want to put the book down. I needed the resolution, whatever it would be. I really do think I loved this book. Another GREAT read, especially for people who want to ease into the thriller genre.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse
stranger_sights's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
You can read my full review at: https://strangersights.com/the-project-by-courtney-summers/
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse and Suicide
gabrielareads's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Grief, Miscarriage, Murder, Physical abuse, Suicide, Torture, Toxic relationship, and Violence
emileereadsbooks's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thanks for the gifted book Macmillan Audio!
Alternating perspectives between two estranged sisters, this book follows Bea, a member of The Unity Project, and Lo, an abandoned sister who resents The Unity Project and the walls it puts up to protect itself. Lo is an aspiring journalist and when an incident occurs that brings The Unity Project back into the forefront of her life, she decides to expose them for what they are, a cult.
I am fascinated with cult stories and this one is full of emotion and has you changing your perception of each of the characters constantly. Each character is complex and you really get to dive deep into some of their stories.
The narration of this one is excellent and only added to the suspense and emotion.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse and Torture
Moderate: Sexual content, Car accident, and Death
libraryluna's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
vlntnmz's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Blood, Body horror, Car accident, Cursing, Death of parent, Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Infidelity, Medical content, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Suicide, Torture, and Violence