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naomi_hyde's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Surprisingly really enjoyed this book! I only bought it because it was buy two get one free in the charity shop and I'm really glad I did!
This was such a page turner, I loved how the author drip-fed information throughout the book to keep you wanting to know more. The story unfolded beautifully as the reader learns more about Moonbeam's experience and her life in the Legion, and all of the jigsaw pieces of information come together. I did find that towards the end the plot became a bit more predictable however, I still found the book engaging and thrilling right up to the end.
I liked the structure of the book - the story is told in alternating chapters of before and after as Moonbeam slowly opens up to Dr Hernandez and Agent Carlyle and begins to tell them more about her life in the Legion. I thought this was very effective at showing how Moonbeam develops throughout her time in the Secure Unit and starts to open up more, and was also effective at creating an engaging pace to the narrative. The non-chronological order of events was sometimes confusing, for example, I thought Moonbeam's mother was banished from the Legion just before the fire, but later on, Moonbeam says she was banished two years before the fire! Having said that, it did add more interest to the book and gave the reader sneak peaks of what was to come for Moonbeam and what we'd find out later in the book.
The story itself was unique and an interesting exploration of power and corruption, and how Father John ruled over everyone through fear and paranoia. I felt the story was handled sensitively and put the survivors at the heart of the narrative, especially given that the story was based on real events. Moonbeam's character was well-developed and I loved the insights into her thoughts and inner turmoil as she reconciles her own beliefs with Father John's lies and influence. I thought this was really well explored, especially the way Father John's voice invades her own thoughts and her own beliefs start as a small voice at the back of her head and slowing grow as she begins to trust 'Outsiders' and listen to her gut instinct.
I would have liked more character exploration of Moonbeam and the other survivors. The book is very focused on Moonbeam's past and what happened, and whilst we got to see Moonbeam's development as she unpacks her trauma, I would have liked a bit more focus on Moonbeam and how her experience in the Legion affected her. Furthermore, I wish we'd have got to know more about the other survivors, their experiences, and development outside of the Legion, but understand this would have made the book far too long. I also found the book ended quite suddenly - all of the survivors leave the Secure Unit in quick succession (bearing in mind that they aren't actually in there for that long, and given the trauma they've experienced, I'd expect them to have been in therapy for YEARS), and then Moonbeam's mother suddenly shows up and takes her home. The ending just wraps up quite quickly and I think it could have been paced better.
Overall, a thrilling and engaging novel that explores the effects of living in a cult but also the strength and resilience to start a life outside of it.
This was such a page turner, I loved how the author drip-fed information throughout the book to keep you wanting to know more. The story unfolded beautifully as the reader learns more about Moonbeam's experience and her life in the Legion, and all of the jigsaw pieces of information come together. I did find that towards the end the plot became a bit more predictable however, I still found the book engaging and thrilling right up to the end.
I liked the structure of the book - the story is told in alternating chapters of before and after as Moonbeam slowly opens up to Dr Hernandez and Agent Carlyle and begins to tell them more about her life in the Legion. I thought this was very effective at showing how Moonbeam develops throughout her time in the Secure Unit and starts to open up more, and was also effective at creating an engaging pace to the narrative. The non-chronological order of events was sometimes confusing, for example, I thought Moonbeam's mother was banished from the Legion just before the fire, but later on, Moonbeam says she was banished two years before the fire! Having said that, it did add more interest to the book and gave the reader sneak peaks of what was to come for Moonbeam and what we'd find out later in the book.
The story itself was unique and an interesting exploration of power and corruption, and how Father John ruled over everyone through fear and paranoia. I felt the story was handled sensitively and put the survivors at the heart of the narrative, especially given that the story was based on real events. Moonbeam's character was well-developed and I loved the insights into her thoughts and inner turmoil as she reconciles her own beliefs with Father John's lies and influence. I thought this was really well explored, especially the way Father John's voice invades her own thoughts and her own beliefs start as a small voice at the back of her head and slowing grow as she begins to trust 'Outsiders' and listen to her gut instinct.
I would have liked more character exploration of Moonbeam and the other survivors. The book is very focused on Moonbeam's past and what happened, and whilst we got to see Moonbeam's development as she unpacks her trauma, I would have liked a bit more focus on Moonbeam and how her experience in the Legion affected her. Furthermore, I wish we'd have got to know more about the other survivors, their experiences, and development outside of the Legion, but understand this would have made the book far too long. I also found the book ended quite suddenly -
Overall, a thrilling and engaging novel that explores the effects of living in a cult but also the strength and resilience to start a life outside of it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault and Child abuse
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 graphicits_van_vulpen's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Misogyny, Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Fire/Fire injury, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Confinement, Death, Grief, Gun violence, Mental illness, Violence, Child abuse, Abandonment, Blood, and Forced institutionalization
Minor: Cancer and Addiction
ljc35's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Child abuse, Sexual assault, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Gun violence, Sexual violence, and Abandonment
quinn24's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Suicide, Religious bigotry, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Pedophilia, Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Death, Gun violence, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Death of parent, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, and Physical abuse
philosophy_enthustiast's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
After The Fire is amazing! It was skilfully and realistically written; the writing wasn’t groundbreaking but it was very well done. It challenged your perspectives on people, their minds and their morals. It also portrayed human relationships in an interesting and engaging way, great for any reader.
I would say that it could become a bit unrealistic at times, especially with the main character’s development in certain ways. This did not impede on the rest of the novel, however.
I would recommend this to anyone interested in psychology, sociology and cults, but also children and teenagers looking for a darkly amazing book.
I would say that it could become a bit unrealistic at times, especially with the main character’s development in certain ways. This did not impede on the rest of the novel, however.
I would recommend this to anyone interested in psychology, sociology and cults, but also children and teenagers looking for a darkly amazing book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Violence
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual harassment and Sexual assault
pauladrs's review
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Suicide and Sexual assault
Minor: Death of parent
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