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readingoncloudss's review against another edition
4.0
I've never read a more intriguing character study. To be honest, I was immediately fascinated by the concept; most people see 'cults' as something both otherworldly yet grounded. This book does away with that by demonstrating how it is so easy to fall into these people's grasp and how broken it leaves its victims. Reading the author's background and history only makes the story better. One of the best books I've read in my twenty years of life. Highly recommend. (I ended up binging it in a day).
kyra_meyer43's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this read and I feel like I really felt like Emily did while she was experiencing all the events in the book. I wish it had a little more closure on some things, but I also feel like it was left a little vague on purpose. However there were some things I wished were explaining more or given more closure on. I also felt like the ending was a little rushed compared to the rest of the book.
auohcanruon's review against another edition
2.0
i’m too annoyed to write a review right now, but this book is the reason i’m probably never picking up YA novels again
saeta's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
prernas's review against another edition
the beginning captivated my interest! but i didn't feel like reading it so i skipped to the end
bookishly_bi's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
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? Yes
4.0
issianne's review
2.0
2.5. This was alright. Emily joins a campus ministry reliant on sin confessionals and being completely honest with one's disciple mentor. This all screams NXIVM if they had used the Bible. This book was compelling at times, emphasizing those moments that those who join cults never realize they're joining one. But then, Emily and some other members journey out to Italy to mission--and the storyline gets messy. And while I think that was part of the author's intent, I just thought the ominous cult-like-actions-that-don't-make-you-realize-you're-in-a-cult just went away. And the last 60 pages...unnecessary. Emily has motives for joining the Kingdom, but they never felt fleshed out enough. The motive that probably convinced me the most is the fact that she's eighteen and alone. Moffett could've really played to that more.