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dramagirl2003's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
I was sucked in by this book right from the very first page! Moonbeam's experience in The Base was horrifying to read! I am so proud of her character development, she is one of the strongest and bravest characters I've ever read about! I was so angry to read all the lies Father John was forcing the members to believe!!
I was a bit apprehensive about reading this book to begin with, as I was a little worried that the narrative would insinuate that all Christianity is bad. I had nothing to fear, this was strictly an imaginative retelling of the real-life Waco Seige. In fact, the author made a point of saying at the end that the belief structure in The Base was nothing like true Christianity at all. As a Christian myself, I am especially grateful to him for purposefully making that distinction so people aren't confused or misled
I was a bit apprehensive about reading this book to begin with, as I was a little worried that the narrative would insinuate that all Christianity is bad. I had nothing to fear, this was strictly an imaginative retelling of the real-life Waco Seige. In fact, the author made a point of saying at the end that the belief structure in The Base was nothing like true Christianity at all. As a Christian myself, I am especially grateful to him for purposefully making that distinction so people aren't confused or misled
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Suicide, Confinement, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Grief, Violence, Physical abuse, Death of parent, Child death, and Torture
Minor: Blood, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault, Adult/minor relationship, Terminal illness, Pedophilia, Cancer, and Murder
I almost cried when a character commited suicide. It was very graphicbandysbooks's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Moonbeam has recently escaped what was a bloody massacre on the compound of the cult she grew up in. She’s haunted not only by the deaths, but some deeply buried secrets as well. This book explores her experiences within the cult and her trauma after the cult has been broken up.
I liked how this book utilized flashbacks as the character narrating her story to her doctor. It flowed pretty well and was easy to keep track of.
I also like how we see the progression of thoughts in Moonbeams mind as different things occur. She doesn’t wake up one morning and simply feel a certain way. She develops thoughts and feelings over periods of time. It made her come across as thoughtful instead of impulsive.
Also, this cult was so creepy! I know it was based off of the Branch Davidians and Waco Texas, but i thought the author did a good job of distinguishing the cult in his writing from its inspiration.
All in all, an interesting and moving read. A bit predictable at points, but still good.
I liked how this book utilized flashbacks as the character narrating her story to her doctor. It flowed pretty well and was easy to keep track of.
I also like how we see the progression of thoughts in Moonbeams mind as different things occur. She doesn’t wake up one morning and simply feel a certain way. She develops thoughts and feelings over periods of time. It made her come across as thoughtful instead of impulsive.
Also, this cult was so creepy! I know it was based off of the Branch Davidians and Waco Texas, but i thought the author did a good job of distinguishing the cult in his writing from its inspiration.
All in all, an interesting and moving read. A bit predictable at points, but still good.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Adult/minor relationship, Blood, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Grief, Gun violence, Religious bigotry, Violence, Bullying, Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Murder, Physical abuse, Torture, and Toxic relationship
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