Review: After The Fire by Will Hill

“Love changes how you see everything. It blinds you, but in a good way.” 

Father John controls everything inside The Fence. And Father John likes rules. Especially about never talking to Outsiders. Because Father John knows the truth. He knows what is right, and what is wrong. He knows what is coming.

Moonbeam is starting to doubt, though. She's starting to see the lies behind Father John's words. She wants him to be found out.

What if the only way out of the darkness is to light a fire?

After The Fire by Will Hill is a fantastic novel with a brilliant narrative and a disturbing yet gripping plot. This book is unique in that I've never read anything like it and yet it's a novel that should be shared because it shines a light on religious cults and how easy it is for someone to take power and manipulate something peaceful for their own personal gain. I cannot recommend this book enough, having been partly inspired by true events it's certainly an important story to tell and I think Will Hill has done a fantastic job of doing so.

Moonbeam's story is told out of chronological order, jumping between the past and the traumatic events she suffered, and the future as a psychiatrist and government agent attempt to help her heal and piece together the truth. This creates a really interesting narrative that made the book gripping and full of suspense.  

What Will Hill gets right is despite outlining all the horrific events inside The Lord's Legion, a Christian cult, he does not attack Christianity or make it seem a violent religion followed only by the gullible. He also does not disrespect any members of religious cults, instead exploring the complex reasons why people are attracted to them, portraying each character as genuine human beings, who are both compassionate and flawed.

I would recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a unique YA read that's grounded in real life. Also, it's great for anyone with an interest in religion as it explores how a peaceful, genuine faith can be twisted to oppress and take advantage of others. Definitely worth the read!

9/10