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Outside
15-year-old Alaina Roberts can count on one hand the number of times she’s left Shiloh, a cult compound in the North Georgia mountains. After being found beaten in a shed during an FBI raid, she’s forced to leave the only home she’s ever known and live among the sinners she’s been raised to fear. At first, she does her best to resist the influences of her Aunt Beth and Cousin Holly, worried that their kindness is a deception meant to lead her astray. But when she learns the truth about Shiloh and its leaders during court supervised visits with her mother, things get far more complicated.
The rules that she’s always lived by don’t make any sense outside of Shiloh. And the people she’s been told are evil are anything but. Particularly Adam, the blue-eyed boy that Alaina can’t seem to stay away from.
As her relationship with Adam develops, Alaina learns some hard truths about her mother. Now believing herself to be a prophetess, her mother is hell-bent on saving Alaina’s soul and will go to any extreme to turn her from her “sinful” ways, even if it means someone has to die.
The rules that she’s always lived by don’t make any sense outside of Shiloh. And the people she’s been told are evil are anything but. Particularly Adam, the blue-eyed boy that Alaina can’t seem to stay away from.
As her relationship with Adam develops, Alaina learns some hard truths about her mother. Now believing herself to be a prophetess, her mother is hell-bent on saving Alaina’s soul and will go to any extreme to turn her from her “sinful” ways, even if it means someone has to die.
- GenresCult Classics
ebook
Published January 28, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 23, 2015
Let's put it this way: I read this ARC in one sitting.
OUTSIDE was such a cool read. I don't normally pick up things that have religious situations in the plot simply because I came from a really uptight and judgmental religious background myself and am still recovering from it (but that's another story). But Shiloh, the religious extremist compound in OUTSIDE, was at a completely different level. These guys were severe and scary, and I loved reading about their lifestyle.
From the beginning, Alaina was so much fun to read in the perspective of. I loved her in every phase of her metamorphosis. From her ignorance and fear of the world outside as she quoted Bible verses like it was nobody's business, from her guarded and very shocked reactions when she moved in with her Aunt Beth and cousin Holly, and even her discovery of the aspects of the world outside of Shiloh that she loved (candy, pizza, kissing, and unicorns yes yes yes), I loved Alaina!
Adam, as well, had me surprised. At first inspection, I expected him to be one of those "bad boy" male characters that isn't good for the MC like SO many books out these days. But he isn't one of THOSE male characters, my friends. Adam is a great guy who is respectful of Alaina and her beliefs and never pushes her or makes her uncomfortable. He never does anything questionable that we, as the readers, are supposed to accept as "romantic." The only stalking done in this book, I can assure you, is of the BAD kind (and not even by Adam!). Adam (and his lip ring) was great!
OUTSIDE is every bit creepy as much as the humor is strong! The threat of Alaina's mother as she grew more and more radical had me WAITING on her to finally snap and take action. Her mother was such an interesting character, and I wished I could have seen more into her abusive and extremist mind.
My only complaint, which in itself, is not a negative remark at all, is that I wish the story had stretched on longer only so that I could stay with these characters and watch them grow even more! I was so shocked when I glanced at my progress to realize I was almost finished reading! I basically gobbled the book up like it was some really good chocolate cake.
I'd recommend this book to anyone! A great read and a definite home run for debut author Nicole Sewell. I can't wait to see what she has coming next! Thank you so much Loomis Park Press for the ARC! I loved reading this awesome book!
OUTSIDE was such a cool read. I don't normally pick up things that have religious situations in the plot simply because I came from a really uptight and judgmental religious background myself and am still recovering from it (but that's another story). But Shiloh, the religious extremist compound in OUTSIDE, was at a completely different level. These guys were severe and scary, and I loved reading about their lifestyle.
From the beginning, Alaina was so much fun to read in the perspective of. I loved her in every phase of her metamorphosis. From her ignorance and fear of the world outside as she quoted Bible verses like it was nobody's business, from her guarded and very shocked reactions when she moved in with her Aunt Beth and cousin Holly, and even her discovery of the aspects of the world outside of Shiloh that she loved (candy, pizza, kissing, and unicorns yes yes yes), I loved Alaina!
Adam, as well, had me surprised. At first inspection, I expected him to be one of those "bad boy" male characters that isn't good for the MC like SO many books out these days. But he isn't one of THOSE male characters, my friends. Adam is a great guy who is respectful of Alaina and her beliefs and never pushes her or makes her uncomfortable. He never does anything questionable that we, as the readers, are supposed to accept as "romantic." The only stalking done in this book, I can assure you, is of the BAD kind (and not even by Adam!). Adam (and his lip ring) was great!
OUTSIDE is every bit creepy as much as the humor is strong! The threat of Alaina's mother as she grew more and more radical had me WAITING on her to finally snap and take action. Her mother was such an interesting character, and I wished I could have seen more into her abusive and extremist mind.
My only complaint, which in itself, is not a negative remark at all, is that I wish the story had stretched on longer only so that I could stay with these characters and watch them grow even more! I was so shocked when I glanced at my progress to realize I was almost finished reading! I basically gobbled the book up like it was some really good chocolate cake.
I'd recommend this book to anyone! A great read and a definite home run for debut author Nicole Sewell. I can't wait to see what she has coming next! Thank you so much Loomis Park Press for the ARC! I loved reading this awesome book!
January 3, 2016
I received the ARC of this book from the publisher via LibraryThing Early Reviewers in exchange for an honest review.
I started reading “Outside" during the New Year's fuss and despite all that should have been done, I couldn't put it down. The main character — Alaina, 15 years old — lives in a small religious compound Shiloh with her Mother. Shiloh, in Alaina’s own words, is “heaven on Earth for the Lord’s chosen people”. Alaina has almost never left Shiloh, except for a few short supervised visits to the outside world, which is full of sinners and fornicators, of course.
And then, one day, she is found by police beaten and starved in a shed. This day changes her life. She has no choice afterwards, but to live with the sinners she has been told about all her life. Suddenly she has an aunt and a cousin, who dresses scandalously and behaves like no “desirable woman of the Lord" should. And then there is a boy, Adam...
The story is told by two narrators: Alaina and Adam. I feel like the story would benefit if it was written only from Alaina’s point of view. I was much more interested in what she had to say, since she was the protagonist and the one who lived all her life in a cult village. She was the one discovering the benefits of pop corn, books and movies, and experiencing all those emotions she has never felt. Not Adam.
The ending came somehow abrupt, I was sure there was more to read when I finished the last page. I wouldn’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll keep this part short. The ending felt like there could be a second part coming, exploring Alaina’s future adventures in the outside world.
Everything else I loved. I wouldn’t dare say it is a book to be read and re-read for years to come, but this is a solid, nicely written thriller with a tense plot. It does have a romantic line in it, so this may come as a disadvantage for some readers, and sometimes I felt like the book would be better without Adam, but in the end it all came together. I’d say if you’re on a lookout for a new thriller, and you’re interested to read what it’s like to explore our world for someone who hasn’t watched TV or been online — this is a book for you.
I started reading “Outside" during the New Year's fuss and despite all that should have been done, I couldn't put it down. The main character — Alaina, 15 years old — lives in a small religious compound Shiloh with her Mother. Shiloh, in Alaina’s own words, is “heaven on Earth for the Lord’s chosen people”. Alaina has almost never left Shiloh, except for a few short supervised visits to the outside world, which is full of sinners and fornicators, of course.
And then, one day, she is found by police beaten and starved in a shed. This day changes her life. She has no choice afterwards, but to live with the sinners she has been told about all her life. Suddenly she has an aunt and a cousin, who dresses scandalously and behaves like no “desirable woman of the Lord" should. And then there is a boy, Adam...
The story is told by two narrators: Alaina and Adam. I feel like the story would benefit if it was written only from Alaina’s point of view. I was much more interested in what she had to say, since she was the protagonist and the one who lived all her life in a cult village. She was the one discovering the benefits of pop corn, books and movies, and experiencing all those emotions she has never felt. Not Adam.
The ending came somehow abrupt, I was sure there was more to read when I finished the last page. I wouldn’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll keep this part short. The ending felt like there could be a second part coming, exploring Alaina’s future adventures in the outside world.
Everything else I loved. I wouldn’t dare say it is a book to be read and re-read for years to come, but this is a solid, nicely written thriller with a tense plot. It does have a romantic line in it, so this may come as a disadvantage for some readers, and sometimes I felt like the book would be better without Adam, but in the end it all came together. I’d say if you’re on a lookout for a new thriller, and you’re interested to read what it’s like to explore our world for someone who hasn’t watched TV or been online — this is a book for you.
July 1, 2016
Of course I love this book. I wrote it!
February 9, 2021
Alaina Roberts is part of a cult, Shiloh in North Georgia. Alaina has dark hair and freckles. Everyone at the compound tells her that her hair is dark because she's born in sin and each of her freckles in a sin spot. The book picks up her story when she's 15 years old and is about to go on a trip to see the 'sinners' of the outside world. She and many other 'coming of age' teenagers/children are taken to the library where books full of sinful information are freely given. Curiosity and chance lands squarely on Alaina's field and she steals a copy of a teen fantasy book, taking it with her back to Shiloh.
After reading it multiple times at night, she is caught by her mother who turns her in to 'the council' which is basically a bunch of controlling men who decide punishments for every transgression that takes place on the compound. It is decided that Alaina shall be whipped then denied food and water for three days. But during that time the FBI rai the compound and find Alaina, sick, beaten, whipped, starving, thirsty, with festering wounds.
Fast forward a bit and Alaina is being sent to live with her Aunt Beth and her daughter Holly. At first she's very reluctant and tries to keep to the teachings of her religion. But she rapidly caves to the 'evils' of the modern world. She even gets a boyfriend, Adam, who is the world's nicest teenaged boy that most parents would hope their daughter would date. Alaina's mother, however, is supposed to stay away from her. Only she starts stalking her daughter and violates court orders, threatening her if she doesn't quit her evil ways. Things rapidly escalate from there.
So what did I think? Adam, other all, is the nicest teenaged boy I have read about in years. He's respectful. He asks for consent for just about everything he does. He always leaves Alaina an out. Should she need it. Loved Adam.
Alaina. I'm conflicted because as a person, I think she's great. But as a girl who grew up in a cult for 15 years and then is thrusted into the world she's been taught is pure evil, she takes it way too well. Waaayyy to well. She adjusts to her new life almost textbook perfectly. It just felt a bit easy. So I guess that's where it lost a star for me. In under 2 months the girl, who for 15 years was told this and that and the other thing is evil, lets her cousins trim her hair, flat iron her hair, use product in her hair, get her into 'men's clothing' (aka pants), starts wearing more form fitting clothes, starts where t-shirts and showing her arms, starts wearing cloth, eats candy, watches movies and tv, has a cellphone, etc.
But while this turnabout for Alaina was extremely idealistic, I did enjoy the story and to me, that's what counts most.
After reading it multiple times at night, she is caught by her mother who turns her in to 'the council' which is basically a bunch of controlling men who decide punishments for every transgression that takes place on the compound. It is decided that Alaina shall be whipped then denied food and water for three days. But during that time the FBI rai the compound and find Alaina, sick, beaten, whipped, starving, thirsty, with festering wounds.
Fast forward a bit and Alaina is being sent to live with her Aunt Beth and her daughter Holly. At first she's very reluctant and tries to keep to the teachings of her religion. But she rapidly caves to the 'evils' of the modern world. She even gets a boyfriend, Adam, who is the world's nicest teenaged boy that most parents would hope their daughter would date. Alaina's mother, however, is supposed to stay away from her. Only she starts stalking her daughter and violates court orders, threatening her if she doesn't quit her evil ways. Things rapidly escalate from there.
So what did I think? Adam, other all, is the nicest teenaged boy I have read about in years. He's respectful. He asks for consent for just about everything he does. He always leaves Alaina an out. Should she need it. Loved Adam.
Alaina. I'm conflicted because as a person, I think she's great. But as a girl who grew up in a cult for 15 years and then is thrusted into the world she's been taught is pure evil, she takes it way too well. Waaayyy to well. She adjusts to her new life almost textbook perfectly. It just felt a bit easy. So I guess that's where it lost a star for me. In under 2 months the girl, who for 15 years was told this and that and the other thing is evil, lets her cousins trim her hair, flat iron her hair, use product in her hair, get her into 'men's clothing' (aka pants), starts wearing more form fitting clothes, starts where t-shirts and showing her arms, starts wearing cloth, eats candy, watches movies and tv, has a cellphone, etc.
But while this turnabout for Alaina was extremely idealistic, I did enjoy the story and to me, that's what counts most.
January 21, 2016
I received this ARC from librarything for an honest review.
This book was very well written and kept me interested the entire novel. I enjoyed this book for many reasons. One was the differing points of view, I have read similar books to this one and it is all about the individual trying to adjust but not much is heard from the others trying surrounding this person adjusting to a “normal” life. Having differing points of view allowed you to see the story unfold and the struggles that both parties in the story faced. I also liked the character of Alaina, she was both an innocent who tried to fit in with and stay true to the community she has been born too but also struggling with a spirit of intrigue about the world around her. Which also brings me to the character of Adam, I absolutely loved having her pair up with an imperfect person because the contrast in their personalities worked well to add to the story as well as their connection with having parents that were not the best. The settings were well depicted in the writing as well as I felt every person Alaina encountered had a hand in helping her acclimate herself into society outside the community in a different way. I think the only complaint I would have was that there was not more to the story, although there is something poetic about having an ending where you as a reader have to draw your own conclusions about what happens to the characters after the last page. Great read and I would definitely recommend it.
This book was very well written and kept me interested the entire novel. I enjoyed this book for many reasons. One was the differing points of view, I have read similar books to this one and it is all about the individual trying to adjust but not much is heard from the others trying surrounding this person adjusting to a “normal” life. Having differing points of view allowed you to see the story unfold and the struggles that both parties in the story faced. I also liked the character of Alaina, she was both an innocent who tried to fit in with and stay true to the community she has been born too but also struggling with a spirit of intrigue about the world around her. Which also brings me to the character of Adam, I absolutely loved having her pair up with an imperfect person because the contrast in their personalities worked well to add to the story as well as their connection with having parents that were not the best. The settings were well depicted in the writing as well as I felt every person Alaina encountered had a hand in helping her acclimate herself into society outside the community in a different way. I think the only complaint I would have was that there was not more to the story, although there is something poetic about having an ending where you as a reader have to draw your own conclusions about what happens to the characters after the last page. Great read and I would definitely recommend it.
January 7, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the format of the book - the story told by two narrators, Alaina and Adam. Alaina is a girl who grew up in a closed religious community. She got punished for taking an innocent book from the library and reading it. When her mom finds out, she reports her to the "Elders". She is punished by flogging. The story then moves outside the community, after the police got involved and she is taken to live with her aunt and cousin. Her cousin Holly, and her friends, including a gorgeous Adam that Alaina immediately falls for, help her adjust to the real world.
I trully enjoyed reading the book, the way the story evolved, the interactions between characters and descriptions of harsh reality in Alaina's world. There might have been some points where the story didn't seem real, in particular the attitude of other teenagers towards Alaina. I don't think she would have been accepted that nicely by ordinary teenagers. However, this is a very nice book and it might make anyone reading it think twice about how to behave to people sticking out in the society.
I liked the format of the book - the story told by two narrators, Alaina and Adam. Alaina is a girl who grew up in a closed religious community. She got punished for taking an innocent book from the library and reading it. When her mom finds out, she reports her to the "Elders". She is punished by flogging. The story then moves outside the community, after the police got involved and she is taken to live with her aunt and cousin. Her cousin Holly, and her friends, including a gorgeous Adam that Alaina immediately falls for, help her adjust to the real world.
I trully enjoyed reading the book, the way the story evolved, the interactions between characters and descriptions of harsh reality in Alaina's world. There might have been some points where the story didn't seem real, in particular the attitude of other teenagers towards Alaina. I don't think she would have been accepted that nicely by ordinary teenagers. However, this is a very nice book and it might make anyone reading it think twice about how to behave to people sticking out in the society.
January 8, 2016
I received this e-book for free as part of the Library Thing Early Reviewers program. And am glad I did! I couldn't put it down! I was really surprised by this, actually, and even as I continued to read, wouldn't have been able to say what made it so captivating...but it was! The two main characters alternate perspectives in telling the story, which kept it interesting, and they are both likable. The general premise of the book was interesting -- what happens when someone leaves a cult and has to adapt on the outside. As an expat, it made me think of experiences I've been through as well ("what, you're not familiar with any of these candy bars??!!").
The book could have gone on longer...the story was well developed as it went, and then everything wrapped up fairly quickly, in a rather predictable way, but that didn't make it less interesting to read.
I can definitely recommend this book - both for YA readers, but also for any adult.
The book could have gone on longer...the story was well developed as it went, and then everything wrapped up fairly quickly, in a rather predictable way, but that didn't make it less interesting to read.
I can definitely recommend this book - both for YA readers, but also for any adult.
January 3, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my review. This book was well-written and the story entertaining. I could totally see this as a Lifetime movie, which is a compliment. I felt like it started out slow, however. It didn’t really pick up until Adam showed up. I also felt like there should have been more Adam chapters to balance it out vs. Alaina. I enjoyed seeing how Alaina reacted to everything. But based on her reactions to clothing, etc. it seemed like she should have had a reaction when she heard a girl (Holly) swear for the first time. Ultimately, I wanted the novel to be longer.
January 15, 2016
This book was written well and engrossing enough to be read in one sitting.
After a young girl is 'rescued' from the cult compound she grew up in, she is sent to live with her aunt and cousin. There she has to learn who she is and who she wants to be while deciding which beliefs to keep from her old life.
Both content and reading difficulty make this appropriate for younger YAs.
The perspective is mainly from the young girl Alaina but occasionally it switches to the neighbor boy Adam's perspective. This does help the plot along but it isnt as interesting.
This has excitment, romance, action and drama.
After a young girl is 'rescued' from the cult compound she grew up in, she is sent to live with her aunt and cousin. There she has to learn who she is and who she wants to be while deciding which beliefs to keep from her old life.
Both content and reading difficulty make this appropriate for younger YAs.
The perspective is mainly from the young girl Alaina but occasionally it switches to the neighbor boy Adam's perspective. This does help the plot along but it isnt as interesting.
This has excitment, romance, action and drama.
January 27, 2016
I received a copy of this book from Loomis Park Press in exchange for an honest review. This was a one sitting ARC for sure, so many brilliant characters throughout and I wasn't bored on a single page. Alaina is an incredibly complex and well written protagonist and I really enjoyed her journey through 'Outside'. I would have liked the end to have a little more meat to it rather than leaving me to draw my own conclusions although i do think that style has it's own benefits. I would happily read more from Nicole Sewell and would definitely recommend this book to others.
March 15, 2016
Sweet story
I liked this story because the main character Alaina is so awkwardly sweet. It's a good book for young people. Straight storyline, but with enough character and interest to keep you wondering what's next.
I liked this story because the main character Alaina is so awkwardly sweet. It's a good book for young people. Straight storyline, but with enough character and interest to keep you wondering what's next.
April 5, 2017
I loved this book! it was an easy read but full of drama and suspense I read it all in one sitting. I'm surprised there's so few ratings, come on people give this book a read!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews