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Over The Wall Trilogy #1
Over The Wall
Keziah escaped from a cult, but will she ever be free?
This gripping exploration of escape and freedom is the first in the Over The Wall trilogy. Can she really bring this cult to its knees?
Surrounded by an extended family of playful children and nurturing women, Keziah never imagined life would change so drastically. By the age of 16, she is expected to live her life as an adult member of The Genus.
Adulthood means marrying leader Sy, prompting her to plot escape over the wall. When she reaches the outside world, however, what awaits her is not what she thought.
Assisted by those who went before her, this brave young woman reaches the outside world. Although modern life has challenges, Keziah tries her best to adjust.
Despite warnings, she tracks down Abe, a childhood friend and fellow escapee. Why did he go his own way on the side of the wall? No one wants to talk about it. She is determined to find out the truth.
Keziah’s hair-raising journey into a new World is far from the change of life she once dreamed of, but when she finally starts fighting back, she’s ready to fight to the death.
This gripping exploration of escape and freedom is the first in the Over The Wall trilogy. Can she really bring this cult to its knees?
Over The Wall was written in the Republic of Ireland, and edited in UK English. Some spellings and word usage may be different to US, Australian or Canadian English.
Over The Wall contains some explicit content.
This gripping exploration of escape and freedom is the first in the Over The Wall trilogy. Can she really bring this cult to its knees?
Surrounded by an extended family of playful children and nurturing women, Keziah never imagined life would change so drastically. By the age of 16, she is expected to live her life as an adult member of The Genus.
Adulthood means marrying leader Sy, prompting her to plot escape over the wall. When she reaches the outside world, however, what awaits her is not what she thought.
Assisted by those who went before her, this brave young woman reaches the outside world. Although modern life has challenges, Keziah tries her best to adjust.
Despite warnings, she tracks down Abe, a childhood friend and fellow escapee. Why did he go his own way on the side of the wall? No one wants to talk about it. She is determined to find out the truth.
Keziah’s hair-raising journey into a new World is far from the change of life she once dreamed of, but when she finally starts fighting back, she’s ready to fight to the death.
This gripping exploration of escape and freedom is the first in the Over The Wall trilogy. Can she really bring this cult to its knees?
Over The Wall was written in the Republic of Ireland, and edited in UK English. Some spellings and word usage may be different to US, Australian or Canadian English.
Over The Wall contains some explicit content.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2023
2 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
February 23, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! I was worried at first that I wouldn’t like it because it deals with a young girl escaping from a religious cult. I was raised in a rather strict “cult-like” religion but decided to read the book anyway and I am so glad I did! What an amazing story!
It was suspenseful, emotional, and well written. I can’t wait to see what happens to the characters in the next book!
It was suspenseful, emotional, and well written. I can’t wait to see what happens to the characters in the next book!
December 14, 2023
This was a brilliant read right from the first page where we are thrown straight into the action as Keziah escapes The Genus, the cult-like community that she was born into.
Starting in this way really had me intrigued and I was craving more information on the environment of The Genus and what had made Keziah want to escape....but also rooting for her to get away safely and to find theblife she wanted on the outside.
As we learn more about the life inside the wall, it actually doesn't sound that bad - however, I feel just the very nature of things being done different to the norm and the previous references that cukts have such bad press, I was really wary of whether the good points would outweigh the bad?
This plot was exciting and being such a short book, I raced through this so fast and had finished before I realised what wa s going on!
The writing style really grabbed hold of you and kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish!
I'm really excited that I have the second book in this trilogy already there to read over the break - am really looking forward to seeing what happens next and sharing my review in 2024!
Starting in this way really had me intrigued and I was craving more information on the environment of The Genus and what had made Keziah want to escape....but also rooting for her to get away safely and to find theblife she wanted on the outside.
As we learn more about the life inside the wall, it actually doesn't sound that bad - however, I feel just the very nature of things being done different to the norm and the previous references that cukts have such bad press, I was really wary of whether the good points would outweigh the bad?
This plot was exciting and being such a short book, I raced through this so fast and had finished before I realised what wa s going on!
The writing style really grabbed hold of you and kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish!
I'm really excited that I have the second book in this trilogy already there to read over the break - am really looking forward to seeing what happens next and sharing my review in 2024!
December 8, 2023
This is a fast paced psychological thriller that starts out with all the action as Keziah is escaping a cult that she grew up in and being thrust into a new world she’s never known. At first I was a bit confused with how the book began but the story brings you up to date really quickly and it’s hard to put down. This read goes beyond the focus of the cult itself, but showcases the true difficulty for those coming from cults to shake the brainwashing even when presented with freedom for the first time in their lives. It is such a quick read that I literally read it in two sittings. The characters are engaging and keep you interested. Also I am a sucker for a good cult thriller. This is just the first book in a trilogy and I am excited to read the next book to see what happens when Keziah decides to fight back and help others that she left behind.
December 6, 2023
3.5 Stars.
I was really excited and hopeful when I decided up read Over the Wall. It was a change of genre from my typical fantasy and I've loved psychologocal thrillers in the past. I did receive a free e-book as part of a review tour. Thank you to Love Book Tours and the author, Claire O'Connor!
We first meet the Keziah fleeing the confines of the Genus, a closed off community. Throughout Keziah reveals some of the inner workings of the comunity and how she grew up with a new friend and therapist Yvonne. Yvonne works with a small group of others who left the community as well so they adjust well back in the real world. Yvonne's character is really intersting as she takes the place of almost a mentor and support for Keziah, but I feel never really establishes a strong bond. Keziah answers the questions and tries to maintain an open mind, but we don't really ever learn anything deeper about Yvonne. I'd love to have built that trust as the reader with Yvonne as well.
Keziah is scared and rightfully so, but she wants to have a better life outside The Genus. I think her character develop is rather interesting because she is still very naive to the ways of the world. She has a few ah-ha moments but nothing that is overly shocking. I felt some of her actions and thoughts were predictable and I didn't get a whole lot of suspense until the last few chapters.
I did enjoy that at the end we see the bigger villian to Keziah's story and I'm interested to see how see handles moving forward with her group again. I get a sense there are a lot of secrets being kept from not just Keziah.
Some last thoughts, I found the sentence structure to be not quite as compelling as I feel the author intended. Short, choppy sentences can evoke a sence of panic or urgency, but at times I felt so disconnected from what the characters were feeling and experiencing. I wanted to feel like I was in Keziah's shoes as things were happening and I never got that while reading.
I was really excited and hopeful when I decided up read Over the Wall. It was a change of genre from my typical fantasy and I've loved psychologocal thrillers in the past. I did receive a free e-book as part of a review tour. Thank you to Love Book Tours and the author, Claire O'Connor!
We first meet the Keziah fleeing the confines of the Genus, a closed off community. Throughout Keziah reveals some of the inner workings of the comunity and how she grew up with a new friend and therapist Yvonne. Yvonne works with a small group of others who left the community as well so they adjust well back in the real world. Yvonne's character is really intersting as she takes the place of almost a mentor and support for Keziah, but I feel never really establishes a strong bond. Keziah answers the questions and tries to maintain an open mind, but we don't really ever learn anything deeper about Yvonne. I'd love to have built that trust as the reader with Yvonne as well.
Keziah is scared and rightfully so, but she wants to have a better life outside The Genus. I think her character develop is rather interesting because she is still very naive to the ways of the world. She has a few ah-ha moments but nothing that is overly shocking. I felt some of her actions and thoughts were predictable and I didn't get a whole lot of suspense until the last few chapters.
I did enjoy that at the end we see the bigger villian to Keziah's story and I'm interested to see how see handles moving forward with her group again. I get a sense there are a lot of secrets being kept from not just Keziah.
Some last thoughts, I found the sentence structure to be not quite as compelling as I feel the author intended. Short, choppy sentences can evoke a sence of panic or urgency, but at times I felt so disconnected from what the characters were feeling and experiencing. I wanted to feel like I was in Keziah's shoes as things were happening and I never got that while reading.
December 4, 2023
This book was a good read.
The plot is really interesting and I think the author did a great job at capturing what it must be like to adjust to the world after growing up in something like a cult and all the emotions that must bring.
The characters were well written. I especially liked Keziah as the main character. I hope to see more of Zadie in the rest of the series.
The pacing is good, it’s accessible and I read it in one sitting.
I didn’t realise it was a YA until I’d finished and would definitely say it’s suitable for adults too.
I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series.
The plot is really interesting and I think the author did a great job at capturing what it must be like to adjust to the world after growing up in something like a cult and all the emotions that must bring.
The characters were well written. I especially liked Keziah as the main character. I hope to see more of Zadie in the rest of the series.
The pacing is good, it’s accessible and I read it in one sitting.
I didn’t realise it was a YA until I’d finished and would definitely say it’s suitable for adults too.
I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series.
December 15, 2023
‘Over the Wall’ is a fascinating look into a young woman's life after she escapes from a cult and I was totally engrossed by her story! I have always been fascinated by cults and the psychology around them and this book certainly delves into this and their controlling nature. But what we read less about is life afterwards and this book explores this.
Keziah has been brought up in the Genus and now she is 16 she is deemed an adult and for her this means marrying the cult leader Sy. Keziah flees this situation and finds that the world is a lot stranger than she thought. Helped by other members of the cult for who fled before her she begins to settle into outside life. Despite warnings from the group she tracks down a fellow escapee Abe who has distanced himself from them. Why did he leave and why won't the rest of them discuss it? She is determined to find out the truth.
I found this book to be a compelling look into Keziah’s life and I couldn't put it down! It was utterly fascinating and the characters are very nuanced. As much as Abe is a troubled young man I was empathetic to his situation. Imagine your whole life being ripped from you and having to adapt to a complex society. Keziah was the star of this story though and I as a reader was rooting for her from the very start! She shows such strength and she is a thoroughly grounded young woman.
I flew through this in one sitting and I am desperately wanting to read more about Keziah’s life and can't wait for the next book to be released!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
Keziah has been brought up in the Genus and now she is 16 she is deemed an adult and for her this means marrying the cult leader Sy. Keziah flees this situation and finds that the world is a lot stranger than she thought. Helped by other members of the cult for who fled before her she begins to settle into outside life. Despite warnings from the group she tracks down a fellow escapee Abe who has distanced himself from them. Why did he leave and why won't the rest of them discuss it? She is determined to find out the truth.
I found this book to be a compelling look into Keziah’s life and I couldn't put it down! It was utterly fascinating and the characters are very nuanced. As much as Abe is a troubled young man I was empathetic to his situation. Imagine your whole life being ripped from you and having to adapt to a complex society. Keziah was the star of this story though and I as a reader was rooting for her from the very start! She shows such strength and she is a thoroughly grounded young woman.
I flew through this in one sitting and I am desperately wanting to read more about Keziah’s life and can't wait for the next book to be released!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
June 6, 2024
Thank you Indie Visible Book Tours (@hayley_a_writes) and the author for a copy of this book!
Over The Wall is a gripping book about a young woman escaping a cult. It's very fast paced, the action beginning immediately. This one is easy to devour as the writing style allows you to follow the story without any complex detail. I found myself reading quite a chunk of it in one go.
There was a range of characters, some likeable, some not! To be expected in this situation.
Claire has written this so well that when things really pick up and get intense, you find yourself in the book alongside the characters, despite almost rushing reading to get the answers! (Yes, I did have to go back a few times and reread so I could fully take it all in haha!)
It would make a good movie.
You'll like this if you like thrillers / books about cults.
Over The Wall is a gripping book about a young woman escaping a cult. It's very fast paced, the action beginning immediately. This one is easy to devour as the writing style allows you to follow the story without any complex detail. I found myself reading quite a chunk of it in one go.
There was a range of characters, some likeable, some not! To be expected in this situation.
Claire has written this so well that when things really pick up and get intense, you find yourself in the book alongside the characters, despite almost rushing reading to get the answers! (Yes, I did have to go back a few times and reread so I could fully take it all in haha!)
It would make a good movie.
You'll like this if you like thrillers / books about cults.
December 15, 2023
This book definitely ends on a cliffhanger, so be on the lookout for book 2!
Keziah was definitely very naive, but after being in a cult her whole life I understood; and I appreciated her character development.
There is mention of domestic abuse & assault, but nothing is actually specified (if you’re a sensitive reader). It is also a very quick read , so you can finish this within a day or 2.
I definitely do recommend this if you’re into cult books or a series, as this is part of a trilogy so I can’t wait for the next 2 books to see how Keziah’s story wraps up.
Keziah was definitely very naive, but after being in a cult her whole life I understood; and I appreciated her character development.
There is mention of domestic abuse & assault, but nothing is actually specified (if you’re a sensitive reader). It is also a very quick read , so you can finish this within a day or 2.
I definitely do recommend this if you’re into cult books or a series, as this is part of a trilogy so I can’t wait for the next 2 books to see how Keziah’s story wraps up.
December 8, 2023
I will always, always pick up a book about a cult. And one about a group of survivors? Including an escape? I’m all in. This was like watching a glass falling off the table and know you aren’t going to be able to get there in time to catch it. The crash is coming, you see it coming, and there’s nothing you can do about it. The strength this main character had, and still managed to keep her empathy? Oh man. It does end on a lead in to the next book, but it is more a vow of vengeance, which I am 1000% here for! Over all a good start to the trilogy.
Keziah has been planning to slip out undetected in the middle of the night and get over the wall, and never look back. Until she is betrayed and she has to run and hide from the men and dogs searching for her. But she can’t go back. Ish meets her and helps her scale the literal wall surrounding the compound, and brings her to the group that has escaped. Working with a social worker and through a program, she starts integrating into society. But one that escaped isn’t there, and nobody wants to talk about him. So she will find him herself.
Thank you to Love Book Tours for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
Keziah has been planning to slip out undetected in the middle of the night and get over the wall, and never look back. Until she is betrayed and she has to run and hide from the men and dogs searching for her. But she can’t go back. Ish meets her and helps her scale the literal wall surrounding the compound, and brings her to the group that has escaped. Working with a social worker and through a program, she starts integrating into society. But one that escaped isn’t there, and nobody wants to talk about him. So she will find him herself.
Thank you to Love Book Tours for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
December 12, 2023
My honest thoughts..
I was totally gripped from the very start of this book, and was in a very tight grip all the way through.. what with all the excitement, twists and turns that it had me thinking about this book, even when I was not reading it!
I enjoyed the cult part of the thriller it was a different twist.. different to the thrillers I've been ready throughout this year. It's beautifully written by Claire to the point we're it's hard to put down.
I feel every thriller lover will definitely enjoy this and I can think of a few people who will enjoy this as this year's Christmas presents!
I was totally gripped from the very start of this book, and was in a very tight grip all the way through.. what with all the excitement, twists and turns that it had me thinking about this book, even when I was not reading it!
I enjoyed the cult part of the thriller it was a different twist.. different to the thrillers I've been ready throughout this year. It's beautifully written by Claire to the point we're it's hard to put down.
I feel every thriller lover will definitely enjoy this and I can think of a few people who will enjoy this as this year's Christmas presents!
December 11, 2023
I chose this book as it sounded a little different from what I would normally choose.
Even from the very beginning, I was hooked, action straight away, and had me wanted to know more. This just got better and better the more I read.
I was very suspicious of Abe from the start, and wow, how right i was, but i was not expecting any of what happened.
As i was reading, I noticed I was 80% of the way through the book and was thinking No! There is far too much left that needs to happened and there is not enough book left.
I can't wait to read the next book!!
Highly recommend.
Even from the very beginning, I was hooked, action straight away, and had me wanted to know more. This just got better and better the more I read.
I was very suspicious of Abe from the start, and wow, how right i was, but i was not expecting any of what happened.
As i was reading, I noticed I was 80% of the way through the book and was thinking No! There is far too much left that needs to happened and there is not enough book left.
I can't wait to read the next book!!
Highly recommend.
December 11, 2023
Wow! What an opening book to this series - I cannot wait until I can start the next one! I really enjoyed living through the different “adventures” of Keziah and felt constantly concerned for her. The book was so fast paced and before I knew it I was half way through. The ending was interesting - no spoilers here - and I didn’t see it coming! I would recommend this to everyone! A must read this year!
December 3, 2023
This book really intrigued me. It gave me Handmaid's Tale vibes, women being brought in to marry and reproduce. Living with rules, in a confined space where they have to do certain things and do things certain ways. The community called the Genus. It holds sordid secrets that may come to light when Keziah does some digging. Full of suspense and twists.
Getting over the wall is a big part for Keziah but was it the right choice? Freedom of sorts, education etc but was it worth it? I really liked the story of this, Abe was suspicious from the start but I was interested in his story. I like Ish and Yvonne but need more of a back story. This book sets itself up for the next one which I can't wait to get stuck into!
I am really intrigued by people's back stories, how they got in there in the first place, their roles inside the community and if it was their choice to stay or others. This opens up a real can of worms, questions that need answers etc. I am interested to see where everyone's stories go and the possible consequences.
Enjoyable read and look forward to the next installment!
Getting over the wall is a big part for Keziah but was it the right choice? Freedom of sorts, education etc but was it worth it? I really liked the story of this, Abe was suspicious from the start but I was interested in his story. I like Ish and Yvonne but need more of a back story. This book sets itself up for the next one which I can't wait to get stuck into!
I am really intrigued by people's back stories, how they got in there in the first place, their roles inside the community and if it was their choice to stay or others. This opens up a real can of worms, questions that need answers etc. I am interested to see where everyone's stories go and the possible consequences.
Enjoyable read and look forward to the next installment!
December 10, 2023
This was absolutely incredible! The storyline was so unique but also felt real. The characters were each so different and I never knew who to trust. Keziah’s story was true to so many people across the world and I think it’s an important one to tell. I thought that the parallels between inside and outside the wall were very well written too. I cannot wait for book two.
Thank you to Love Books Tours for giving me a copy of this book to read.
Thank you to Love Books Tours for giving me a copy of this book to read.
December 5, 2023
This book is exciting from the outset, I was instantly gripped. Ive never been in a cult, but it seems to tally with things I've read or seen about being in one.
Aspects of life in The Genus don't seem that bad. Women supporting women. Everyone helping out. But of course (like all cults it seems) it's rooted in misogyny, and I'm not sure the pros would outweigh the cons. I was rooting for Keziah, and it really really seemed as if life on the outside would work out. But it's never that simple is it!
This book got me thinking. If I was Keziah, would I be brave enough to escape, or would I, rule follower that I am, just stay and do as I'm told?
How would it feel to suddenly be 'on the outside?' I can't imagine suddenly being part of the modern world. Having to learn to use a mobile phone, computer. Being allowed to eat and wear what I want.
I'm so excited to read part 2.
Aspects of life in The Genus don't seem that bad. Women supporting women. Everyone helping out. But of course (like all cults it seems) it's rooted in misogyny, and I'm not sure the pros would outweigh the cons. I was rooting for Keziah, and it really really seemed as if life on the outside would work out. But it's never that simple is it!
This book got me thinking. If I was Keziah, would I be brave enough to escape, or would I, rule follower that I am, just stay and do as I'm told?
How would it feel to suddenly be 'on the outside?' I can't imagine suddenly being part of the modern world. Having to learn to use a mobile phone, computer. Being allowed to eat and wear what I want.
I'm so excited to read part 2.
December 7, 2023
This was such an intriguing read! I love cult stories and psychological thrillers so I knew straight away that this one would be right up my street. I was hooked and invested right from the get go and couldn’t stop reading. Such a bunch of interesting characters - some were very likeable and others not so much, in fact some were very unlikeable! I had so many questions buzzing around in my head that I just needed to keep reading! The story was very gripping right the way through and the ending has left me excited to see what comes next!
December 4, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, it kept me guessing where it was going. I was asking a lot of questions as we were going along; Was it really as simple as it seemed? Was Keziah walking from one cult into another? Who can she actually trust?
I really like our main character Keziah and thought it was quite heartbreaking when she was getting to grips with living in the outside world and learning how to make toast using a toaster and catch the bus etc by herself. I thought it was really lovely watching her grow.
I wasn't quite expecting what happened to happen but as you may have guessed from my questions, I wasn't really sure what was going to happen! I think I enjoyed the ending even more as I know that there is going to be a book two and I'm looking forward to finding out more!
I really like our main character Keziah and thought it was quite heartbreaking when she was getting to grips with living in the outside world and learning how to make toast using a toaster and catch the bus etc by herself. I thought it was really lovely watching her grow.
I wasn't quite expecting what happened to happen but as you may have guessed from my questions, I wasn't really sure what was going to happen! I think I enjoyed the ending even more as I know that there is going to be a book two and I'm looking forward to finding out more!
July 5, 2024
There's a lot of potential with the plot, but for me, maybe as it's a short book, there isn't enough world or character building.
But I think a young adult audience might really enjoy it.
It gives the handmaid's tale vibes for sure.
Thanks to the author and indie visible tours for the arc ebook.
But I think a young adult audience might really enjoy it.
It gives the handmaid's tale vibes for sure.
Thanks to the author and indie visible tours for the arc ebook.
June 27, 2023
The details in this draws you in right from page one! A lot of action at once, a little bit of Divergent faction vibes (?) but enjoyed the weaving of current with what Keziah faced at the compound. I enjoyed getting to know each character slowly throughout the story which really helped me build an opinion on them. I did not really know what to expect with this story but it turned out to be a great read and I enjoyed each twist that kept me on the edge! Ready for the next one already(:
December 1, 2023
So this was my first Claire O'Connor book - and I really enjoyed the plot! I did think that there could have been more detail in some of the major parts of the story, but all in all, I really enjoyed the book. I will preface this by saying that there is a disclaimer that because it is written in another country that there could be formatting errors, but I almost couldn't continue the book because of them. Certain words had punctuation instead of letters (not like can't or don't, like the word tell would be "te!1" or something like that). I'd recommend this book, but certainly with the preface of formatting could hinder your reading if that's not something you can look past!
June 1, 2024
⋆｡°✩ Spoiler Free Reviews ⋆｡°✩
Such an interesting concept and the execution was AMAZING!
The plot - I wouldn’t even know how to describe this book! Mystery/suspense, adjusting to a new world, escaping a cult, and almost like a ‘coming of age’ parallel. There is no smut, it’s closed door but there isn’t place in the plot for it. It’s kind of a romance, as in there are romantic elements but the plotline is SO good you aren’t worried about the romance too much. It’s a cliffhanger for the trilogy and I cannot wait to read book 2! Also heavy trigger warnings so; CHECK YA FUCKIN TRIGGERS PEOPLE.
This book was such a new concept for me, but it hit every single amazing thing I wanted in a book!
The characters - Keziah is our FMC and she escapes The Genus cult. She’s never experienced real life but her integratipn and the author’s scarily accurate portrayal of a character unfamiliar with ‘typical normal human behaviour’ was both fascinating and concerning! Keziah was lovable for the most part, and frustrating in others where she was supposed to be (we are acclimatised to the world, she is not!) so she was definitely a fave character of mine so far this year!
There are lots of side characters that all have their own personalities and quirks, and watching them all interact and their consistent personalities shining through all different situations was genuinely impressive; even I’d have gotten confused lmao.
Such an interesting concept and the execution was AMAZING!
The plot - I wouldn’t even know how to describe this book! Mystery/suspense, adjusting to a new world, escaping a cult, and almost like a ‘coming of age’ parallel. There is no smut, it’s closed door but there isn’t place in the plot for it. It’s kind of a romance, as in there are romantic elements but the plotline is SO good you aren’t worried about the romance too much. It’s a cliffhanger for the trilogy and I cannot wait to read book 2! Also heavy trigger warnings so; CHECK YA FUCKIN TRIGGERS PEOPLE.
This book was such a new concept for me, but it hit every single amazing thing I wanted in a book!
The characters - Keziah is our FMC and she escapes The Genus cult. She’s never experienced real life but her integratipn and the author’s scarily accurate portrayal of a character unfamiliar with ‘typical normal human behaviour’ was both fascinating and concerning! Keziah was lovable for the most part, and frustrating in others where she was supposed to be (we are acclimatised to the world, she is not!) so she was definitely a fave character of mine so far this year!
There are lots of side characters that all have their own personalities and quirks, and watching them all interact and their consistent personalities shining through all different situations was genuinely impressive; even I’d have gotten confused lmao.
June 5, 2024
Cult thrillers aren't usually my thing. I'll admit it took me a while to warm to the story and I'm still not keen on thrillers about cults. That being said, I did end up enjoying this book more than I thought I would.
It was a slow burn and it took me a while to get into it. I wish the tension and drama would have started earlier in the book because once it started I couldn't put it down.
Keziah wasn't always a likeable character and so many times I was frustrated with her choices but I liked the ending. And it leaves it nicely open for a series.
It was a slow burn and it took me a while to get into it. I wish the tension and drama would have started earlier in the book because once it started I couldn't put it down.
Keziah wasn't always a likeable character and so many times I was frustrated with her choices but I liked the ending. And it leaves it nicely open for a series.
February 18, 2024
This is one of those books that had me saying swear words to myself near the end! This book is the first in a trilogy following Keziah, a girl who was born and raised into a cult. The book opens with her running to escape. The cult's gigantic compound is surrounded by a big wall she has to scale, hence the title. She is aided in her escape by a group of survivors who managed to escape before her. This group live together and support each other as they learn to navigate life outside of the Genus. Notably absent is a young man named Abe, who Keziah had been hoping to see once she got out. Nobody wants to talk about Abe and why he abruptly left this group of found family to live life on his own.
Keziah's character has survived a lot, but she's still very naive about the world and the intentions of people, and this ends up getting her into a lot of trouble. When Keziah's past comes back to haunt her, her fight for freedom becomes a fight for her life.
This book is definitely a psychological thriller and deals with heavy subjects including abuse, violence, kidnapping, arranged marriages, some of which happens on-page. The book ends with a bang! I am very much looking forward to book two coming out, which will be called Into the Old.
Keziah's character has survived a lot, but she's still very naive about the world and the intentions of people, and this ends up getting her into a lot of trouble. When Keziah's past comes back to haunt her, her fight for freedom becomes a fight for her life.
This book is definitely a psychological thriller and deals with heavy subjects including abuse, violence, kidnapping, arranged marriages, some of which happens on-page. The book ends with a bang! I am very much looking forward to book two coming out, which will be called Into the Old.
January 29, 2024
I've read a few books that dive into cults and the people who are victims of this horrible world, but none has shown a view like Claire did. Such a great job of actually showing the real life struggles that people go through to adjust into our "world". Some are able to power through these struggles, and some not so much, and the author has done a fabulous job of portraying that with the life of Kez, Ish, Abe and the rest. Definitely a book that you can't put away. A very great read for anyone wanting to get out of a reading slump in full force!
March 22, 2024
Hooked from the beginning, I quickly became immersed in Keziah's "World". Over The Wall is a well-written psychological thriller and a quick read. I greatly enjoyed the book and am looking forward to reading the second book in the trilogy.
July 7, 2023
really enjoyed this book, looking forward to book two
October 3, 2024
Genre: New Adult thriller (although it starts off as more of a general drama, with the thriller aspects being introduced later)
Rating: 4/5
Content warnings: Religious cults as a main theme, violence (including domestic), kidnapping, mild sexual content/references, infrequent swearing. While this book is definitely aimed at adults, there's nothing overly graphic in it, so I'd say it's suitable for most readers 15+
"Over The Wall" was a different kind of read for me - while I am a fan of thrillers, I usually opt for school-based YA ones - and although I was a little unsure at first, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up enjoying it.
The plot focuses on a nineteen-year-old woman called Keziah (although one minor criticism I have is that I was very unsure of her age for the first half of the book - I'm not sure if it was stated towards the beginning and I somehow missed it or it isn't said at all until much later on), who escapes a religious cult called The Genus. She moves in with a group of fellow escapees in the outside world, and the first half of the book focuses on her adjusting to this different lifestyle. The second half is where the thriller aspects kick in...but I won't spoil any details of that.
I'll start with what I liked about the book. The pacing is the first thing. As stated above, it starts off fairly slow, focusing on Keziah's attempts to build a new life for herself outside of the cult. While this first half may be a little dull to any readers who've gone into this book expecting it to be a super fast-paced thriller, I personally enjoyed it, as it allowed for the author to slowly develop the characters and build up the tension, which only made the second half of the novel more exciting.
Speaking of characters, I found them to be another fairly strong point here. While I do think some of them could've used a little more development (Dorcus, Ish), for the most part I felt they were well-written and had distinct personalities: there's quite a few of them, yet I never got one character confused with another. Keziah, the protagonist, is easy to like, although I would say she isn't particularly memorable, and is probably what most people would expect of a protagonist in a story like this: sweet, but rather naive. Having said that, she does get some further development towards the end of the novel (during and after escaping her situation - if you know you know), and I am predicting that development will continue in the sequel.
The writing style is something else that is mostly strong here; it is easy to understand (and thus easy to binge), and feels well-suited to realistic fiction. It would also suit reluctant or teen readers. My one complaint is that there is painfully little description in some places: I knew only the most basic things about Keziah and Abe's physical appearances, and don't remember any description of the other characters' looks.
One last thing I would've liked to see in Over The Wall but didn't was more in-depth information about The Genus, and backstories of the other escapees. While I think that's again something that will probably be delved into in more detail in book two, the descriptions in this book felt a little too vague to satisfy me, as I went into it expecting the cult to be more of a focus than it was.
Overall, this was an entertaining quick read which served as a great set up for what I predict will be a unique and well-written thriller series. I am looking forward to reading book two, and suspect I'll like it even more than this one. I would recommend "Over The Wall" to people who want a realistic, slower paced adult thriller without too much violence or gore.
Rating: 4/5
Content warnings: Religious cults as a main theme, violence (including domestic), kidnapping, mild sexual content/references, infrequent swearing. While this book is definitely aimed at adults, there's nothing overly graphic in it, so I'd say it's suitable for most readers 15+
"Over The Wall" was a different kind of read for me - while I am a fan of thrillers, I usually opt for school-based YA ones - and although I was a little unsure at first, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up enjoying it.
The plot focuses on a nineteen-year-old woman called Keziah (although one minor criticism I have is that I was very unsure of her age for the first half of the book - I'm not sure if it was stated towards the beginning and I somehow missed it or it isn't said at all until much later on), who escapes a religious cult called The Genus. She moves in with a group of fellow escapees in the outside world, and the first half of the book focuses on her adjusting to this different lifestyle. The second half is where the thriller aspects kick in...but I won't spoil any details of that.
I'll start with what I liked about the book. The pacing is the first thing. As stated above, it starts off fairly slow, focusing on Keziah's attempts to build a new life for herself outside of the cult. While this first half may be a little dull to any readers who've gone into this book expecting it to be a super fast-paced thriller, I personally enjoyed it, as it allowed for the author to slowly develop the characters and build up the tension, which only made the second half of the novel more exciting.
Speaking of characters, I found them to be another fairly strong point here. While I do think some of them could've used a little more development (Dorcus, Ish), for the most part I felt they were well-written and had distinct personalities: there's quite a few of them, yet I never got one character confused with another. Keziah, the protagonist, is easy to like, although I would say she isn't particularly memorable, and is probably what most people would expect of a protagonist in a story like this: sweet, but rather naive. Having said that, she does get some further development towards the end of the novel (during and after escaping her situation - if you know you know), and I am predicting that development will continue in the sequel.
The writing style is something else that is mostly strong here; it is easy to understand (and thus easy to binge), and feels well-suited to realistic fiction. It would also suit reluctant or teen readers. My one complaint is that there is painfully little description in some places: I knew only the most basic things about Keziah and Abe's physical appearances, and don't remember any description of the other characters' looks.
One last thing I would've liked to see in Over The Wall but didn't was more in-depth information about The Genus, and backstories of the other escapees. While I think that's again something that will probably be delved into in more detail in book two, the descriptions in this book felt a little too vague to satisfy me, as I went into it expecting the cult to be more of a focus than it was.
Overall, this was an entertaining quick read which served as a great set up for what I predict will be a unique and well-written thriller series. I am looking forward to reading book two, and suspect I'll like it even more than this one. I would recommend "Over The Wall" to people who want a realistic, slower paced adult thriller without too much violence or gore.
December 19, 2023
Here is my review for Over The Wall by Claire O’Connor
This was a book that I really enjoyed reading as it was very intriguing and full of twists and turns. I got into the book straight away and really liked the main character Keziah. She is living in a cult environment and wants to come over the wall to the real world and be free of the rules. It’s all arranged, so then she has to learn to live in a shared house with others who had escaped and the help of another lady. She had a lot to learn and achieve like using appliances and getting a job. Plus she wanted to know what had happened to a childhood friend, Abe, as he had come over the wall too but she wasn’t getting satisfactory answers from the others so she took matters into her own hands. Keziah is a fighter, an achiever, she has empathy, shy, and is very bright as she studied computers at the local library and was taking exams. This book is extremely well written and looks into the life of a cult so lots of research must have been done to be able to do that, plus the getting out phrase and settling into a new life. The book had me hooked so I read it in a day as I wanted to know what happened. I am looking forward to the next book as I want to read the next part of the story. Well done to Claire O’Connor on such a brilliant book.
Blurb :
From the clutches of the cult she was born into, Keziah emerges seeking true freedom, but will she ever succeed?
Surrounded by an extended family of playful children and nurturing women, Keziah never imagined life would change so drastically. By the age of 16, she is expected to live her life as an adult member of The Genus. By the age of 19, she is expected to marry cult leader Sy, prompting her to plot escape over the wall. When she reaches the outside world, however, what awaits her is not what she thought. Although modern life has challenges, Keziah tries her best to adjust.
Despite warnings, she tracks down Abe, a childhood friend and fellow escapee. Why did he go his own way on the side of the wall? No one wants to talk about it. She is determined to find out the truth. Keziah's journey unravels complexities, fuelling determination with each trial.
The initial instalment of the Over The Wall trilogy weaves escapism and liberation into a battle against The Genus.
This was a book that I really enjoyed reading as it was very intriguing and full of twists and turns. I got into the book straight away and really liked the main character Keziah. She is living in a cult environment and wants to come over the wall to the real world and be free of the rules. It’s all arranged, so then she has to learn to live in a shared house with others who had escaped and the help of another lady. She had a lot to learn and achieve like using appliances and getting a job. Plus she wanted to know what had happened to a childhood friend, Abe, as he had come over the wall too but she wasn’t getting satisfactory answers from the others so she took matters into her own hands. Keziah is a fighter, an achiever, she has empathy, shy, and is very bright as she studied computers at the local library and was taking exams. This book is extremely well written and looks into the life of a cult so lots of research must have been done to be able to do that, plus the getting out phrase and settling into a new life. The book had me hooked so I read it in a day as I wanted to know what happened. I am looking forward to the next book as I want to read the next part of the story. Well done to Claire O’Connor on such a brilliant book.
Blurb :
From the clutches of the cult she was born into, Keziah emerges seeking true freedom, but will she ever succeed?
Surrounded by an extended family of playful children and nurturing women, Keziah never imagined life would change so drastically. By the age of 16, she is expected to live her life as an adult member of The Genus. By the age of 19, she is expected to marry cult leader Sy, prompting her to plot escape over the wall. When she reaches the outside world, however, what awaits her is not what she thought. Although modern life has challenges, Keziah tries her best to adjust.
Despite warnings, she tracks down Abe, a childhood friend and fellow escapee. Why did he go his own way on the side of the wall? No one wants to talk about it. She is determined to find out the truth. Keziah's journey unravels complexities, fuelling determination with each trial.
The initial instalment of the Over The Wall trilogy weaves escapism and liberation into a battle against The Genus.
December 9, 2023
This book dropped us immediately into the action! I was hooked from the get-go and needed to know what was going on.
This action-packed cult thriller was an exciting, compelling read! As others have said, I got so mad at the main character for some of her decisions, but I also grew up pretty naive and sheltered (not in a cult but still) and if you haven’t had that experience it’s easy to discount it! My daughter isn’t as sheltered as I was, we’re very open with her, but she is homeschooled. And yet, the other day, she heard something about someone’s parents getting divorced and she literally could not fathom or understand the concept. You don’t know what you don’t know.
This story took a deep look into the motivations behind why people stay in all types of toxic relationships, and that while it might seem easy for those of us outside to judge that, it’s harder from the inside. I appreciate the nuance the author used while dealing with these sensitive subjects. People can be quick to judge those who join cults, and quick to judge religions they don’t understand as cults. But religion and spirituality is a complex part of the human experience.
What isn’t complicated is that vulnerable people often continue to be taken advantage of by others throughout their lives until they realize it. Even those who mean well will still sometimes take advantage “for their own good.” Again the author did a great job of illustrating this.
The characters were so realistic and human. The writing was engaging kept me turning pages. I felt so much empathy for the women in this society. Someone else mentioned Handmaid’s Tale as a comp, and I could see that. But even darker.
Who’s It For?
Anyone who loves cult thrillers, especially The Handmaid’s Tale will love this one!
Content Warning: Kidnapping, Holding Prisoner, Religious ideologies, Patriarchal Society, Violence, Torture, Sexual Assault, Implied Incest, Trauma, Cults, Counseling, and Probably More. This list is not meant to be a complete list of all subjects that an individual may find offensive or triggering.
This action-packed cult thriller was an exciting, compelling read! As others have said, I got so mad at the main character for some of her decisions, but I also grew up pretty naive and sheltered (not in a cult but still) and if you haven’t had that experience it’s easy to discount it! My daughter isn’t as sheltered as I was, we’re very open with her, but she is homeschooled. And yet, the other day, she heard something about someone’s parents getting divorced and she literally could not fathom or understand the concept. You don’t know what you don’t know.
This story took a deep look into the motivations behind why people stay in all types of toxic relationships, and that while it might seem easy for those of us outside to judge that, it’s harder from the inside. I appreciate the nuance the author used while dealing with these sensitive subjects. People can be quick to judge those who join cults, and quick to judge religions they don’t understand as cults. But religion and spirituality is a complex part of the human experience.
What isn’t complicated is that vulnerable people often continue to be taken advantage of by others throughout their lives until they realize it. Even those who mean well will still sometimes take advantage “for their own good.” Again the author did a great job of illustrating this.
The characters were so realistic and human. The writing was engaging kept me turning pages. I felt so much empathy for the women in this society. Someone else mentioned Handmaid’s Tale as a comp, and I could see that. But even darker.
Who’s It For?
Anyone who loves cult thrillers, especially The Handmaid’s Tale will love this one!
Content Warning: Kidnapping, Holding Prisoner, Religious ideologies, Patriarchal Society, Violence, Torture, Sexual Assault, Implied Incest, Trauma, Cults, Counseling, and Probably More. This list is not meant to be a complete list of all subjects that an individual may find offensive or triggering.
December 4, 2023
With a captivating and unique concept, "Over the Wall" immediately grips readers from the very first page. Claire O'Connor's writing style, while simplistic, effortlessly draws readers into the compelling narrative. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing us to savour each moment while maintaining a sense of anticipation. This book is a perfect blend of escapism, liberation and adjusting to the world on the outside.
Keziah, our resilient protagonist, takes center stage as she navigates a world far different from what she imagined outside The Genus. Her journey of self-discovery and yearning for answers is compelling. As we witness her determination to understand the truth about Abe's decision to separate from the group, we are taken on an emotional rollercoaster that unravels complex layers of the story.
Sy was the exact character I thought he would be, and the other supporting characters, such as Yvonne, and the other the nurturing figures within the cult, add depth and nuance to the narrative. Each character brings their own unique perspective, uncovering hidden motives and fueling our curiosity with every twist and turn. Abe however, I have no words!
Over the Wall deserves resounding praise with a solid 5 star rating. It evokes feelings of sympathy, empathy, pity and hope.
I wholeheartedly recommend Over the Wall to book enthusiasts seeking an enthralling read. Claire O'Connor's compelling storytelling and well-rounded characters will keep you turning the pages long into the night. Don't miss the opportunity to join Keziah on her journey of escape, self-discovery, and confronting the enigmatic world of The Genus. Grab your copy of "Over the Wall" today and prepare for an unforgettable reading experience (and be prepared for the book to just end...it makes you SUPER keen for the next book)!
Keziah, our resilient protagonist, takes center stage as she navigates a world far different from what she imagined outside The Genus. Her journey of self-discovery and yearning for answers is compelling. As we witness her determination to understand the truth about Abe's decision to separate from the group, we are taken on an emotional rollercoaster that unravels complex layers of the story.
Sy was the exact character I thought he would be, and the other supporting characters, such as Yvonne, and the other the nurturing figures within the cult, add depth and nuance to the narrative. Each character brings their own unique perspective, uncovering hidden motives and fueling our curiosity with every twist and turn. Abe however, I have no words!
Over the Wall deserves resounding praise with a solid 5 star rating. It evokes feelings of sympathy, empathy, pity and hope.
I wholeheartedly recommend Over the Wall to book enthusiasts seeking an enthralling read. Claire O'Connor's compelling storytelling and well-rounded characters will keep you turning the pages long into the night. Don't miss the opportunity to join Keziah on her journey of escape, self-discovery, and confronting the enigmatic world of The Genus. Grab your copy of "Over the Wall" today and prepare for an unforgettable reading experience (and be prepared for the book to just end...it makes you SUPER keen for the next book)!
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