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tw: pedophilia (light but it's present), intentions of mass suicide, mentions of bombings (the 9/11 terrorist attacks are talked about), kidnapping, child marriage intended

One particular book genre that I have been meaning to read more is cult books. I do enjoy learning about cults and how they came to be. I’m especially interested in reading about what made someone/a group of people join a cult. It’s interesting to me to see how seemingly rational people can get swept up in whatever their leader tells me. That part just floors me. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book although it was slightly predictable. I knew what was most likely going to happen due to the way it was set up. But I found I didn’t mind the predictability. In a weird way, it was almost refreshing. The author clearly took a lot of inspiration from Jim Jones and Jonestown but I found that I didn’t mind that. Jonestown was a fascinating cult that I would like to learn more about. 

Layla was a likeable main character. Although her indecisiveness bothered me at times, I understood why. People in cults; their minds are brainwashed. Reasoning isn’t always there. Layla demonstrated that perfectly. It helped that the book was written in first person. We really go to be in her mind and truly experience everything. 

I must put out a warning for some borderline pedophilia. The leader, Pioneer, takes a rather gross shine to Layla. He has a special nickname for her and watches her a lot. He also forces, not child marriages per see but he pairs the children up with an Intended, which is someone they are to marry one day. It’s gross and it was uncomfortable to read at times. 

Overall, while the book had its fault with being predictable, which I honestly do not count as a fault, it was still an excellent book. Layla is a great MC and you’ll enjoy being in her mind. The book is fast paced and I guarantee you’ll read it in one sitting. I highly recommend this book.