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After The Fire
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?
A Zoella Bookclub 2017 novel.
466 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2017
About the author
Will Hill
53 books577 followersBefore quitting his job in publishing to write full time, Will Hill worked as a bartender, a bookseller and a door-to-door charity worker. He grew up in the north-east of England, is scared of spiders, and lives in east London with his girlfriend. He is a big fan of cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,649 reviews
March 25, 2019
🏚 An intensely powerful story of survival after life in a cult. 🔥
The story is woven into Before and After the events of the fire that ultimately lead to the death and rescue of various Holy Church of the Lord's Legion cult members. Events are slowly revealed by Moonbeam. She shares what she is able to speak aloud daily in therapy sessions so her story comes out a bit disjointed but the process is authentic and works well within the story.
Moonbeam is a survivor. During her years in the Lord's Legion her father dies, her mother is banished and she is promised to the cult leader as one of his many wives. The stories she shares about her life within the compound are horrific and involve neglect and abuse - sexual, physical and mental. Life within the cult was meant to cut each member down. Members were broken and brainwashed into blindly believing and following the teaching of the cult leader, Father John. It was especially heartbreaking to read about how the women and children were treated.
You can't help but feel intense admiration for Moonbeam. It's difficult to imagine a 17 year old girl having the strength and capacity to question her life and beliefs when she has been programmed to accept them without question since she was a toddler. Will Hill did an amazing job of sharing her inner struggles. Her inner dialogue was crucial to helping us understand how conflicted she was about her life and how much she grows with the help of therapy. Her therapy sessions afford us insight into the life of the cult, its members and of course its leader.
This story was inspired by the real events of David Koresh, the Branch Davidian and the Waco siege in 1993 which is what initially drew me to it. I have always been fascinated by cults. How people so fervently believe in its teaching that they give up their lives, families and worldly possessions. How these horrific men can be seen as Messianic leaders when they are really manipulators, taking advantage of people to satisfy their own desires and achieve their personal agendas. Hill does an amazing job weaving his fictional story with honesty and sensitivity. Moonbeam and her fellow survivors are vulnerable, honest and complicated. I was grateful for the ending. After reading about so much pain and loss, it felt right to close the book with a full and hopeful heart.
Thank you to Will Hill, Sourcebooks Fire and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book.
The story is woven into Before and After the events of the fire that ultimately lead to the death and rescue of various Holy Church of the Lord's Legion cult members. Events are slowly revealed by Moonbeam. She shares what she is able to speak aloud daily in therapy sessions so her story comes out a bit disjointed but the process is authentic and works well within the story.
Moonbeam is a survivor. During her years in the Lord's Legion her father dies, her mother is banished and she is promised to the cult leader as one of his many wives. The stories she shares about her life within the compound are horrific and involve neglect and abuse - sexual, physical and mental. Life within the cult was meant to cut each member down. Members were broken and brainwashed into blindly believing and following the teaching of the cult leader, Father John. It was especially heartbreaking to read about how the women and children were treated.
You can't help but feel intense admiration for Moonbeam. It's difficult to imagine a 17 year old girl having the strength and capacity to question her life and beliefs when she has been programmed to accept them without question since she was a toddler. Will Hill did an amazing job of sharing her inner struggles. Her inner dialogue was crucial to helping us understand how conflicted she was about her life and how much she grows with the help of therapy. Her therapy sessions afford us insight into the life of the cult, its members and of course its leader.
This story was inspired by the real events of David Koresh, the Branch Davidian and the Waco siege in 1993 which is what initially drew me to it. I have always been fascinated by cults. How people so fervently believe in its teaching that they give up their lives, families and worldly possessions. How these horrific men can be seen as Messianic leaders when they are really manipulators, taking advantage of people to satisfy their own desires and achieve their personal agendas. Hill does an amazing job weaving his fictional story with honesty and sensitivity. Moonbeam and her fellow survivors are vulnerable, honest and complicated. I was grateful for the ending. After reading about so much pain and loss, it felt right to close the book with a full and hopeful heart.
Thank you to Will Hill, Sourcebooks Fire and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book.
October 5, 2018
After The fire is told in alternating timelines from "before the fire" and " after the fire". Moonbeam was a member of the Lord's Legion, which can best be described as a cult. Her parents joined when she was young and living inside the "fence" is all she has ever known. Before the fire, she was taught not trust outsiders and to only trust Father John who receives the word of God and is preparing the "cult" members for the final battle. After the fire, Moonbeam is in a facility where she is meeting with Dr. Hernandez and Agent Carlyle to discuss the events that led up to her being in the hospital. During those meetings, she slowly begins to trust and tells them what life was like in the compound and what happened the day of the fire.
I think it is best to go into this book a little blind. The book gets better and better with each small revelation that Moonbeam makes. If you are not too sure what is going on in the beginning of the book, keep reading. The Author does a wonderful job of showing what life is like inside of a cult. How brainwashing and fear are used to control and manipulate group members. In the Authors note he shares how the Waco seize of the Branch Davidians who were led by David Koresh was the source of inspiration for this book. He is not talking about or criticizing any Christian faith but trying to show how he imagines that cults work - again using the Branch Davidians as his inspiration.
The more I read, the more I enjoyed this book. The before and after timelines were a wonderful touch. The story unfolds seamlessly. Moonbeam is learning to trust, she has been taught to fear, to be guarded, and to think the worst of those who are not members of the Lord's Legion. She has a great inner dialogue and I appreciated hearing her thoughts and enjoyed her courage in taking a chance with sharing her experiences but also for her being nurturing and supportive to the children who were also at the hospital/care facility with her.
I found this book to be well written and captivating. This book is both thought provoking and tugs on the readers emotions. Many feelings may come up for the reader: shock, disgust, fear, sadness, hope, etc. I felt for Moonbeam, the children, and the other cult members on the compound. This is a well thought out book which shows the evil in some and the resiliency in others. This Author handles the heavy situations with grace and care. This is not a happy go lucky book, it does address the negative impact of cults but it also addresses hope, courage, inner strength and the desire to start over.
This book may have some triggers for some.
Thank you to Sourcebooks and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
I think it is best to go into this book a little blind. The book gets better and better with each small revelation that Moonbeam makes. If you are not too sure what is going on in the beginning of the book, keep reading. The Author does a wonderful job of showing what life is like inside of a cult. How brainwashing and fear are used to control and manipulate group members. In the Authors note he shares how the Waco seize of the Branch Davidians who were led by David Koresh was the source of inspiration for this book. He is not talking about or criticizing any Christian faith but trying to show how he imagines that cults work - again using the Branch Davidians as his inspiration.
The more I read, the more I enjoyed this book. The before and after timelines were a wonderful touch. The story unfolds seamlessly. Moonbeam is learning to trust, she has been taught to fear, to be guarded, and to think the worst of those who are not members of the Lord's Legion. She has a great inner dialogue and I appreciated hearing her thoughts and enjoyed her courage in taking a chance with sharing her experiences but also for her being nurturing and supportive to the children who were also at the hospital/care facility with her.
I found this book to be well written and captivating. This book is both thought provoking and tugs on the readers emotions. Many feelings may come up for the reader: shock, disgust, fear, sadness, hope, etc. I felt for Moonbeam, the children, and the other cult members on the compound. This is a well thought out book which shows the evil in some and the resiliency in others. This Author handles the heavy situations with grace and care. This is not a happy go lucky book, it does address the negative impact of cults but it also addresses hope, courage, inner strength and the desire to start over.
This book may have some triggers for some.
Thank you to Sourcebooks and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
November 5, 2018
The Only Way Out Of Darkness Is To Destroy It.
First & foremost, If you have not read After the Fire yet, I advise you jump straight to it, without reading a single spoiler or review (incl this one) or even the synopsis, because this is one unmissable & unique experience. Having read many domestic thrillers, murder mysteries and detective stories, After the Fire truly stands out thanks to it’s unique story, some incredible characters and above all some brilliant writing.
Without giving away too much of the plot, After The Fire is a story of Moonbeam; a member of the Lord's Legion (a religious cult). Moonbeam survives a deadly fire at the camp and the story is narrated by Moonbeam in alternating timelines from "before the fire" (past) and "after the fire" (present)
The story unfolds like a as a jigsaw puzzle. In the beginning, the picture looks confusing. But each chapter reveals another piece of the puzzle and the story keeps getting better and better with each small revelation that Moonbeam makes. Every small detail makes sense in the end, when the picture is finally complete.
The author has done a remarkable job of crafting a story about power, corruption, manipulation and survival. It’s a powerful story of a young girl’s lone struggle against all odds. His depiction of the life inside a cult, the brainwashing, the atmosphere of constant fear and surveillance is astounding. Based on the true story of Waco siege (near Texas, in 1993), the author has treated this story with honesty and sensitivity, without sensationalizing it or without diminishing it’s true horrors.
Will Hill has also done an amazing job in creating the characters, even the minor ones, especially Moonbeam. Strong yet vulnerable and struggling with her inner demons. As a girl, who has seen the truth but who pretends not to see it and as a girl who is surrounded by fanatics but whose is losing her own faith, bit by bit.
The story is extremely fast moving and the alternating timelines help the story unfold seamlessly.The book while an exciting thriller, also works as at it’s core it is an emotional story which many would relate to. The only drawback, I can think of is that the ending felt a bit predictable and required a major twist. Still, the more you read, the more you want to know what happens next. In the end, this book will make you introspect on how faiths and beliefs can be twisted to manipulate others.
Overall After the Fire is one of the most unique and exciting thrillers i have read in recent times. Most Recommended. (4.5/5)
Many Thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Fire and Will Hill for the ARC.
September 3, 2019
This was a book I’d lost on my Net Galley collection. So I thought I would take the opportunity to read this between books I planned this month.
I don’t know how I came to overlook ok this book because it’s intense.
It refers in sequence to “before” the fire and “after” the fire and when Moonbeam was fenced in.
This is all about a cult. Moonbeam was programmed to act accordingly.
I had to remind myself she was only 17 years old. What she’s been through no one should have to experience.
My best bit was when she was in counselling and how in bits and pieces and although broken up in the revelation of it all it was compulsive reading no matter how horrendous.
A very complex, well written story with lots of background.
I don’t know how I came to overlook ok this book because it’s intense.
It refers in sequence to “before” the fire and “after” the fire and when Moonbeam was fenced in.
This is all about a cult. Moonbeam was programmed to act accordingly.
I had to remind myself she was only 17 years old. What she’s been through no one should have to experience.
My best bit was when she was in counselling and how in bits and pieces and although broken up in the revelation of it all it was compulsive reading no matter how horrendous.
A very complex, well written story with lots of background.
October 29, 2018
Just fantastic!! I was hooked on this thriller from the very beginning!
This is a realistic and modern story of a US cult. The children and adults there have been brainwashed into fearing anyone outside their compound. Some of the children had never even seen Outsiders. It's fast paced with the timeline switching from "Before" to "After" frequently, but always in the same voice: our main character Moonbeam. She's had to endure way more than any teenager (or person) should ever have to. Her power struggle is as much internal as external throughout the story as she processes the horrible events.
I was truly captivated by this story and highly recommend it!
Many thanks to NetGalley for the book in exchange for my honest review.
This is a realistic and modern story of a US cult. The children and adults there have been brainwashed into fearing anyone outside their compound. Some of the children had never even seen Outsiders. It's fast paced with the timeline switching from "Before" to "After" frequently, but always in the same voice: our main character Moonbeam. She's had to endure way more than any teenager (or person) should ever have to. Her power struggle is as much internal as external throughout the story as she processes the horrible events.
I was truly captivated by this story and highly recommend it!
Many thanks to NetGalley for the book in exchange for my honest review.
August 22, 2017
5 Words: Family, belief, control, isolation, survival.
I went into this pretty much blind - as usual I hadn't read the blurb. What I knew of it came courtesy of #SundayYA and from the little I did know, I was eager to get reading. Because everyone who had read After The Fire had only good things to say about it.
I loved the way the story weaved between Before and After, how it was slowly revealed. It wasn't in order, there was a lot of switching back and forth, but it was at no point confusing. Rather, it kept me almost addicted to the story and made for some shocking revelations.
This is an intensely brutal story, honest and hard-hitting. It is a chilling page turner and I struggled to put it down. Believe the hype and read this book.
I went into this pretty much blind - as usual I hadn't read the blurb. What I knew of it came courtesy of #SundayYA and from the little I did know, I was eager to get reading. Because everyone who had read After The Fire had only good things to say about it.
I loved the way the story weaved between Before and After, how it was slowly revealed. It wasn't in order, there was a lot of switching back and forth, but it was at no point confusing. Rather, it kept me almost addicted to the story and made for some shocking revelations.
This is an intensely brutal story, honest and hard-hitting. It is a chilling page turner and I struggled to put it down. Believe the hype and read this book.
November 18, 2020
Update with CW:
Well that made for a challenging but gripping read.
When reading about cults the two elements that strike me as the most interesting are the levels of control that leaders have over their communities, and the blind faith and devotion practiced by their followers. This book was a window into how control is exerted and devotion obtained. The threats, lies and deception used to control members in this book was sinister in nature and was aimed at supporting Father John's own narcissistic agenda. Even though, due to the dual timeline, I knew the outcome of the showdown between the police and the Holy Church of the Lord's Legion, I was still filled with a sense of dread whilst reading. The way that the girls were treated made me angry and uncomfortable and I was concerned for their safety throughout the entire novel.
We all search for meaning and purpose. So when the people in the story felt that they had found their 'place in life' under the leadership of this 'messiah-like' being I was overwhelmed with sadness. It must have been quite soul destroying for those whose elation and joy turned to confusion, disillusionment and disappointment as the truth was laid bare. I can't imagine the terror they must have felt at the thought of their loved ones being hurt for their own disobedience or dissenting opinion.
This story unfolded quite slowly but I don't think it would have been quite as impactful had it moved more quickly. We as Readers needed to follow Moonbeam's journey as she slowly began to awaken to the truth of her community and the lies it was built on. We also needed to see the path she followed to get to the point where she could finally reveal what happened during the raid.
An interesting and well written novel.
Well that made for a challenging but gripping read.
When reading about cults the two elements that strike me as the most interesting are the levels of control that leaders have over their communities, and the blind faith and devotion practiced by their followers. This book was a window into how control is exerted and devotion obtained. The threats, lies and deception used to control members in this book was sinister in nature and was aimed at supporting Father John's own narcissistic agenda. Even though, due to the dual timeline, I knew the outcome of the showdown between the police and the Holy Church of the Lord's Legion, I was still filled with a sense of dread whilst reading. The way that the girls were treated made me angry and uncomfortable and I was concerned for their safety throughout the entire novel.
We all search for meaning and purpose. So when the people in the story felt that they had found their 'place in life' under the leadership of this 'messiah-like' being I was overwhelmed with sadness. It must have been quite soul destroying for those whose elation and joy turned to confusion, disillusionment and disappointment as the truth was laid bare. I can't imagine the terror they must have felt at the thought of their loved ones being hurt for their own disobedience or dissenting opinion.
This story unfolded quite slowly but I don't think it would have been quite as impactful had it moved more quickly. We as Readers needed to follow Moonbeam's journey as she slowly began to awaken to the truth of her community and the lies it was built on. We also needed to see the path she followed to get to the point where she could finally reveal what happened during the raid.
An interesting and well written novel.
October 4, 2018
I received a free coy of After The Fire by Will Hill from NetGalley for my honest review.
I don't normally read YA books but I had read so many good reviews that I decided I wanted to request it. I am very glad I read it. A fantastic read!
This is a story that goes from past to present in regards to Moonbeam and how she deals with the aftermath of a fire that uprooted her entire life. She wakes up in a secured facility but is scared and doesn't know if she is safe.
Moonbeam is forced to be a part of therapy sessions with a Dr. Hernandez and Agent Carlyle. Together, they are trying to help her put the pieces of her life back together. She is learning to cope with her fear and trying to confront each day with the realization that she survived and accept help from those around her.
Moonbeam grew up on the Lord's Legion, which is what I would call a cult. This cult is led by Father John. Moonbeam starts to reveal more information as time goes on about his brainwashing and tyrannical ways. She starts to realize that her beliefs and how she has been raised is wrong and wants to escape but who would help her?
This is a story of abuse and there times that it is very hard to continue reading it due to the very visual reading. You will learn as Moonbeam puts her life back together and remembers what happened that the guilt she holds with her will affect her and those who are trying to help her.
I don't normally read YA books but I had read so many good reviews that I decided I wanted to request it. I am very glad I read it. A fantastic read!
This is a story that goes from past to present in regards to Moonbeam and how she deals with the aftermath of a fire that uprooted her entire life. She wakes up in a secured facility but is scared and doesn't know if she is safe.
Moonbeam is forced to be a part of therapy sessions with a Dr. Hernandez and Agent Carlyle. Together, they are trying to help her put the pieces of her life back together. She is learning to cope with her fear and trying to confront each day with the realization that she survived and accept help from those around her.
Moonbeam grew up on the Lord's Legion, which is what I would call a cult. This cult is led by Father John. Moonbeam starts to reveal more information as time goes on about his brainwashing and tyrannical ways. She starts to realize that her beliefs and how she has been raised is wrong and wants to escape but who would help her?
This is a story of abuse and there times that it is very hard to continue reading it due to the very visual reading. You will learn as Moonbeam puts her life back together and remembers what happened that the guilt she holds with her will affect her and those who are trying to help her.
December 10, 2019
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
3.5 Stars
“So many lives destroyed, and for what? So one man could be king of a patch of desert full of men and women who desperately wanted to believe in something.”
I’m running out of days of the year so let’s knock another review out real quick. Basically, After the Fire is a fictionalization of what is an absolutely unforgettable moment in history to people my age . . . . .
The story takes place literally “after the fire” when the compound burned down and focuses on a 17-year old survivor named Moonbeam. The setting is the hospital where she and other survivors are being cared for and in intense therapy to try and help them not only get through the immediate trauma they just experienced, but that they have incurred their entire life while living in a religious cult. I thought this was a very well done Young Adult book which tackled a moment in time that should not be forgotten. It handled more risqué subject matter (like the plural marriage of the leader) with kid gloves where no details were given and the wives all had to be 18, but it didn’t shy away from addressing questions my generation will always have about the actual event . . . . .
“You have to understand how an investigation of this scale works. The priority was gathering the necessary evidence for federal firearms and conspiracy indictments. They were building cases of illegal imprisonment and assault and pursuing about a dozen other charges at the same time, but it was the automatic weapons and blasting caps that were going to put John Parson away for the rest of his life.”
“So in the meantime, they just watched people get hurt? They just let it happen?”
I’d recommend this one to high schoolers looking for a more “true crime” type of experience while still reading a fictional story.
3.5 Stars
“So many lives destroyed, and for what? So one man could be king of a patch of desert full of men and women who desperately wanted to believe in something.”
I’m running out of days of the year so let’s knock another review out real quick. Basically, After the Fire is a fictionalization of what is an absolutely unforgettable moment in history to people my age . . . . .
The story takes place literally “after the fire” when the compound burned down and focuses on a 17-year old survivor named Moonbeam. The setting is the hospital where she and other survivors are being cared for and in intense therapy to try and help them not only get through the immediate trauma they just experienced, but that they have incurred their entire life while living in a religious cult. I thought this was a very well done Young Adult book which tackled a moment in time that should not be forgotten. It handled more risqué subject matter (like the plural marriage of the leader) with kid gloves where no details were given and the wives all had to be 18, but it didn’t shy away from addressing questions my generation will always have about the actual event . . . . .
“You have to understand how an investigation of this scale works. The priority was gathering the necessary evidence for federal firearms and conspiracy indictments. They were building cases of illegal imprisonment and assault and pursuing about a dozen other charges at the same time, but it was the automatic weapons and blasting caps that were going to put John Parson away for the rest of his life.”
“So in the meantime, they just watched people get hurt? They just let it happen?”
I’d recommend this one to high schoolers looking for a more “true crime” type of experience while still reading a fictional story.
July 27, 2017
This book is an absolute triumph. It's tough, moving, brace, honest. Moonbeam is an incredible main character and she is surrounded by repulsive characters and incredibly grave characters. I loved every second of this book. It's tense and intense. Totally worth reading. What a journey.
May 30, 2019
Wow, this was great!!!
Review to come!
Review to come!
September 27, 2018
It’s hard to imagine one person being able to completely control the thoughts and actions of a crowd, but it happens, the hive mentality can provide a safe haven for some. Is that a failing of society? Of parenting? Of mentoring? How does an immoral vulture choose his victims?
Will Hill’s AFTER THE FIRE is a raw and telling look into the power of manipulation, brainwashing of the innocents and the aftermath of “freedom.” Although fictitious, this saga mimics the true story of the Branch Dividians and their charismatic puppet master.
The compound has been breached, the few survivors rounded up and the children taken into protective custody and therapy. This is the story of one teen and her journey from terror and mistrust of who she sees as her enemy to re-learning to trust, opening up to share the events of her life both before and AFTER THE FIRE.
Through her words told in sessions with a therapist and FBI agent, this grueling horror story unfolds as she unloads her guilt and the suffering she saw among God’s “Chosen.”
Moving, horrifying and heartbreaking, this tale is a must read for all readers, but written to resonate with teens. Told in a simple, straight forward manner, we feel as we are sitting with Moonbeam, witnessing her re-learning to trust in others without fear of reprisal. It is the story of her survival, re-birth and redemption, the story of her becoming a free-thinking individual.
Powerful and captivating reading!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Sourcebooks Fire!
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire (October 2, 2018)
Publication Date: October 2, 2018
Genre: YA Fiction | Abuse
Print Length: 464 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Will Hill’s AFTER THE FIRE is a raw and telling look into the power of manipulation, brainwashing of the innocents and the aftermath of “freedom.” Although fictitious, this saga mimics the true story of the Branch Dividians and their charismatic puppet master.
The compound has been breached, the few survivors rounded up and the children taken into protective custody and therapy. This is the story of one teen and her journey from terror and mistrust of who she sees as her enemy to re-learning to trust, opening up to share the events of her life both before and AFTER THE FIRE.
Through her words told in sessions with a therapist and FBI agent, this grueling horror story unfolds as she unloads her guilt and the suffering she saw among God’s “Chosen.”
Moving, horrifying and heartbreaking, this tale is a must read for all readers, but written to resonate with teens. Told in a simple, straight forward manner, we feel as we are sitting with Moonbeam, witnessing her re-learning to trust in others without fear of reprisal. It is the story of her survival, re-birth and redemption, the story of her becoming a free-thinking individual.
Powerful and captivating reading!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Sourcebooks Fire!
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire (October 2, 2018)
Publication Date: October 2, 2018
Genre: YA Fiction | Abuse
Print Length: 464 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
May 7, 2018
I don't think it was dealt with enough depth or research. I don't think it was even revised enough times - the last chapter where we find out what the main character actually did is kind of obvious but is not integrated into the story. The only up sides to the story were the voice of the main character, which was plausible and the overall idea, which was fascinating even if the execution kind of ruined it.
April 19, 2019
What an emotional read!! Told thru the eyes of a 17 year old girl surviving a cult.. Highly recommend!!! I throughly enjoyed every page turned.
August 3, 2020
Ein großartiges Buch! Mehr dazu in meinem Lesemonat. ❤️
June 20, 2018
4.5 stars
August 7, 2017
I was immediately sold on reading this book the second I found out that it was about a cult. There is something so mysterious about a cult that really draws me in. A fascination to discover how people live in them and what it is that draws their faith. I had heard brilliant things about After the Fire and so I dived straight in after receiving the book as a birthday gift.
Will Hill certainly does not mess around with his writing and this is such a well crafted story of faith and the way in which our faith can sometimes waiver. Father John is an awful person and I felt nothing but pure hatred towards him. Something I think that Will Hill did incredibly well was to allow us as readers to see both sides of the story. As easily as I could hate Father John, I could also easily understand and see how many of the people in the cult believed him and had faith in him. This was something that really interested me as it isn’t something I had really considered before reading this book. Why is it that people put so much faith in such obviously abusive leaders?
The structure of this book was another thing that I really quite liked. Flicking back and forth between ‘Before’ and ‘After’ really helped to build the intrigue and mystery around Moonbeam’s secret. What exactly had happened in the compound? How did Moonbeam end up in the ‘After’? It was a really great way to explore Moonbeam’s character and get to know her through a series of events she had been through in her earlier life. I think it’s definitely one of the reasons I felt such a strong pull towards Moonbeam as a character. I really felt like I was living through each conversation with her and there was plenty in there to shock and enrage me.
I loved reading Moonbeam as a main character and had such huge sympathy towards her. It was clear from the beginning that there was more to Moonbeam’s story than first meets the eye and the intrigue intensifies as the story moves on and we see Moonbeam coming to terms with her life inside the cult and learn to trust those who have rescued her. With that trust comes a series of revelations from her life within the compound. Without a doubt Moonbeam has been through a traumatic experience but her ability to trust her own instincts and be able to question everything she thought she trusted is such a huge value in her character.
Two other characters whom I unexpectedly really enjoyed reading where Dr Hernandez and Agent Carlyle. There was something about their dynamic that just really caught me and I loved the idea of caring, cautious Dr Hernandez and fiery, enraged Agent Carlyle having some seriously heated conversations out of Moonbeam’s earshot. Dr Hernandez having dealt with numerous cases like Moonbeam’s before is much more able to cope with Moonbeam’s situation but we see Agent Carlyle have a really tough time with it, especially being father to a daughter of his own. His anger and distress was really relatable and I thought it was that added dimension that made this book feel so real. I loved their dynamic and especially the journey we see Agent Carlyle in particular go on by the end of the book.
After the Fire is a harrowing but real look at the effects of life within a cult and the after effects on those who escape. It is sure to send you on a rollercoaster of emotions from anger and sadness all the way back to hope.
Will Hill certainly does not mess around with his writing and this is such a well crafted story of faith and the way in which our faith can sometimes waiver. Father John is an awful person and I felt nothing but pure hatred towards him. Something I think that Will Hill did incredibly well was to allow us as readers to see both sides of the story. As easily as I could hate Father John, I could also easily understand and see how many of the people in the cult believed him and had faith in him. This was something that really interested me as it isn’t something I had really considered before reading this book. Why is it that people put so much faith in such obviously abusive leaders?
The structure of this book was another thing that I really quite liked. Flicking back and forth between ‘Before’ and ‘After’ really helped to build the intrigue and mystery around Moonbeam’s secret. What exactly had happened in the compound? How did Moonbeam end up in the ‘After’? It was a really great way to explore Moonbeam’s character and get to know her through a series of events she had been through in her earlier life. I think it’s definitely one of the reasons I felt such a strong pull towards Moonbeam as a character. I really felt like I was living through each conversation with her and there was plenty in there to shock and enrage me.
I loved reading Moonbeam as a main character and had such huge sympathy towards her. It was clear from the beginning that there was more to Moonbeam’s story than first meets the eye and the intrigue intensifies as the story moves on and we see Moonbeam coming to terms with her life inside the cult and learn to trust those who have rescued her. With that trust comes a series of revelations from her life within the compound. Without a doubt Moonbeam has been through a traumatic experience but her ability to trust her own instincts and be able to question everything she thought she trusted is such a huge value in her character.
Two other characters whom I unexpectedly really enjoyed reading where Dr Hernandez and Agent Carlyle. There was something about their dynamic that just really caught me and I loved the idea of caring, cautious Dr Hernandez and fiery, enraged Agent Carlyle having some seriously heated conversations out of Moonbeam’s earshot. Dr Hernandez having dealt with numerous cases like Moonbeam’s before is much more able to cope with Moonbeam’s situation but we see Agent Carlyle have a really tough time with it, especially being father to a daughter of his own. His anger and distress was really relatable and I thought it was that added dimension that made this book feel so real. I loved their dynamic and especially the journey we see Agent Carlyle in particular go on by the end of the book.
After the Fire is a harrowing but real look at the effects of life within a cult and the after effects on those who escape. It is sure to send you on a rollercoaster of emotions from anger and sadness all the way back to hope.
March 5, 2022
THE PLOT
Moonbeam lived on a compound ruled by Father John, until one day the Government came and she was rescued (although she may not see it that way). Now on the Outside, Moonbeam has to figure how who she can trust while grappling with the guilt of a dark secret.
MY OPINION
OOOooohhhhh lawd. I LOVED this one. I'm a sicko and love a good religious cult story. Not a hot take, but TO ME, cults are so fascinating. I loved the inside look at how the Legion went from a "normal" cult playing baseball to a full out Super Cult forced to live like it was 1820.
It did drag on in some parts, and the "big reveal" wasn't that big, but I was drawn into the "insider info" of Moonbeam's life on the compound (even though she hates that word).
This is a good read for anyone who anyone who is fascinated by cults and wonder what makes people stay. Potential trigger warning if you've had bad experiences with religion.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: Juicy, insightful, realistic.
Cons: A little slow in some parts... Found myself jumping ahead, but I went back and read the entire thing. No big reveal tbh. More like a look at cult life and the power of a narcissist wielding the Bible.
TL;DR
Moonbeam grew up on a cult. One day the government raids the cult and she, along with a handful of other children, are saved. Flash forward, Moonbeam is in therapy with a cop (kinda unprofesh?) and recounting her traumatizing tale, but is she telling them everything she knows? Dun dun DUNNNNN
Moonbeam lived on a compound ruled by Father John, until one day the Government came and she was rescued (although she may not see it that way). Now on the Outside, Moonbeam has to figure how who she can trust while grappling with the guilt of a dark secret.
MY OPINION
OOOooohhhhh lawd. I LOVED this one. I'm a sicko and love a good religious cult story. Not a hot take, but TO ME, cults are so fascinating. I loved the inside look at how the Legion went from a "normal" cult playing baseball to a full out Super Cult forced to live like it was 1820.
It did drag on in some parts, and the "big reveal" wasn't that big, but I was drawn into the "insider info" of Moonbeam's life on the compound (even though she hates that word).
This is a good read for anyone who anyone who is fascinated by cults and wonder what makes people stay. Potential trigger warning if you've had bad experiences with religion.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: Juicy, insightful, realistic.
Cons: A little slow in some parts... Found myself jumping ahead, but I went back and read the entire thing. No big reveal tbh. More like a look at cult life and the power of a narcissist wielding the Bible.
TL;DR
Moonbeam grew up on a cult. One day the government raids the cult and she, along with a handful of other children, are saved. Flash forward, Moonbeam is in therapy with a cop (kinda unprofesh?) and recounting her traumatizing tale, but is she telling them everything she knows? Dun dun DUNNNNN
October 28, 2018
Oh my goodness, I couldn’t put this down - what a story!
This book is just amazing, I haven’t got this excited about a book for ages.
I’m new to Will Hill’s work but I am now a confirmed huge fan - such is the brilliance of this story.
I love the main character and the alternating style of writing In past and present tense works so well.
My heart is still aching and I’m gutted the book has ended :(
An easy peasy and very worthy 5 stars 🌟
This book is just amazing, I haven’t got this excited about a book for ages.
I’m new to Will Hill’s work but I am now a confirmed huge fan - such is the brilliance of this story.
I love the main character and the alternating style of writing In past and present tense works so well.
My heart is still aching and I’m gutted the book has ended :(
An easy peasy and very worthy 5 stars 🌟
November 20, 2019
Me ha sorprendido mucho. Está basado en un hecho real, en el asedio de Waco, en el que un perturbado lleva el control de una secta religiosa. Alterna entre pasado y presente y nos mostrará toda la historia mediante preguntas.
Me ha encantado
Me ha encantado
January 20, 2020
No es un libro alegre, porque trata sobre el impacto negativo de las creencias, religiones y cultos, y sobre el abuso de poder de los hombres, siempre hombres, que se coronan líderes y pastores de gente engañada, que quiere y necesita creer en algo. Lo positivo es que también habla de coraje, de lucha interior y de salir adelante, pese a lo roto estes.
Me ha gustado mucho.
Me ha gustado mucho.
November 21, 2019
I thought this was an excellent story about a girl that grew up in a cult. It tells her story in two timelines: before and after the fire. The fire separates her time living in the cult and her time spent in a hospital speaking with Dr. Hernandez and Agent Carlyle.
The author did a fabulous job of showing the internal struggle of our our young MC, Moonbeam. Throughout the book you are hearing her thoughts as well as what she actually says to the doctor and agent. They do not always coincide, which makes the story feel more realistic. The character was well-developed and I enjoyed getting to know this resilient young woman.
There are a few parts to the story that don't ring completely true to me due to working in the field, but it was easy to overlook these minor issues due to the engaging writing and interesting storyline. Even knowing that certain things would not be acceptable or happen the way they did within the field, I could easily suspend my disbelief because other parts sounded so accurate.
This is the first story I have read by Will Hill and I am very interested in reading more of his writing. I really enjoyed his style.
4.5★
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for providing me with a free electronic copy in exchange for an honest review.
The author did a fabulous job of showing the internal struggle of our our young MC, Moonbeam. Throughout the book you are hearing her thoughts as well as what she actually says to the doctor and agent. They do not always coincide, which makes the story feel more realistic. The character was well-developed and I enjoyed getting to know this resilient young woman.
There are a few parts to the story that don't ring completely true to me due to working in the field, but it was easy to overlook these minor issues due to the engaging writing and interesting storyline. Even knowing that certain things would not be acceptable or happen the way they did within the field, I could easily suspend my disbelief because other parts sounded so accurate.
This is the first story I have read by Will Hill and I am very interested in reading more of his writing. I really enjoyed his style.
4.5★
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for providing me with a free electronic copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2017
Super intense and really chilling YA. I was hooked from the first page and didn't want to put it down until I was done.
I've come to expect a lot from Will Hill's writing after loving his Department 19 series despite not particularly being a fan of vampire stories or gore he had had me hooked. This book is completely different content wise but hooked me in much the same way with the intense writing style and an intriguing storyline.
Moonbeam's story is a fascinating one. We meet her as the police raid the cult she has been brought up on after a fire rips through the complex. I found myself utterly fascinated as Moonbeam's story starts to come out as she is interviewed by FBI and psychologists trying to understand more about life inside the cult so they can pin charges on the leaders of the cult. What particularly fascinated me was that the idea from the book was inspired by real events.
All in all an awesome and utterly fascinating read which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I've come to expect a lot from Will Hill's writing after loving his Department 19 series despite not particularly being a fan of vampire stories or gore he had had me hooked. This book is completely different content wise but hooked me in much the same way with the intense writing style and an intriguing storyline.
Moonbeam's story is a fascinating one. We meet her as the police raid the cult she has been brought up on after a fire rips through the complex. I found myself utterly fascinated as Moonbeam's story starts to come out as she is interviewed by FBI and psychologists trying to understand more about life inside the cult so they can pin charges on the leaders of the cult. What particularly fascinated me was that the idea from the book was inspired by real events.
All in all an awesome and utterly fascinating read which I thoroughly enjoyed.
November 29, 2019
4/5
“-¿Y cómo era?
-Un hombre. Tal vez un poco más listo que la mayoría, y bendecido con esa facilidad de palabra. Pero no es mismísimo Señor, y ni siquiera su mensajero. Simplemente un hombre, tan vano y codicioso y colérico como cualquier otro.”
Tras las llamas me ha parecido un notable thriller/drama, basado en hechos reales. Muy duro e impactante, pero necesario. Me ha gustado muchísimo y ya me he visto varios documentales del Asedio de Waco, ya que te quedas con ganas de saber más de lo que pasó.
-Reseña completa: https://addicionaloslibros.blogspot.c...
“-¿Y cómo era?
-Un hombre. Tal vez un poco más listo que la mayoría, y bendecido con esa facilidad de palabra. Pero no es mismísimo Señor, y ni siquiera su mensajero. Simplemente un hombre, tan vano y codicioso y colérico como cualquier otro.”
Tras las llamas me ha parecido un notable thriller/drama, basado en hechos reales. Muy duro e impactante, pero necesario. Me ha gustado muchísimo y ya me he visto varios documentales del Asedio de Waco, ya que te quedas con ganas de saber más de lo que pasó.
-Reseña completa: https://addicionaloslibros.blogspot.c...
March 6, 2019
Fantastic!! I was hooked from the beginning! If you like books about cults,I highly recommend this one!
April 3, 2023
Ein wirklich fesselnder Thriller, den man kaum aus der Hand legen möchte. Die Geschichte fand ich sehr spannend, sprachlich ist die Übersetzung teilweise etwas holprig und für meinen Geschmack sind am Ende zu viele Fragen offen geblieben. Insgesamt kann ich diesen Roman aber durchaus empfehlen.
April 21, 2025
[Eng]
After the Fire is a moving, dark, and painfully authentic story about life within a cult. Will Hill captures the daily reality of a closed community, governed by manipulation, fear, and blind faith, with great sensitivity.
The realistic portrayal of the cult's inner workings adds depth and power to the narrative.
[PL]
Gdy ogień gaśnie to poruszająca, mroczna i boleśnie autentyczna opowieść o życiu w sekcie. Will Hill z dużą wrażliwością ukazuje codzienność zamkniętej społeczności, rządzonej manipulacją, strachem i ślepą wiarą.
Realistyczne przedstawienie mechanizmów funkcjonowania sekty dodaje historii głębi i siły.
After the Fire is a moving, dark, and painfully authentic story about life within a cult. Will Hill captures the daily reality of a closed community, governed by manipulation, fear, and blind faith, with great sensitivity.
The realistic portrayal of the cult's inner workings adds depth and power to the narrative.
[PL]
Gdy ogień gaśnie to poruszająca, mroczna i boleśnie autentyczna opowieść o życiu w sekcie. Will Hill z dużą wrażliwością ukazuje codzienność zamkniętej społeczności, rządzonej manipulacją, strachem i ślepą wiarą.
Realistyczne przedstawienie mechanizmów funkcjonowania sekty dodaje historii głębi i siły.
January 18, 2024
“После Пожара” стала первым безоговорочным фаворитом года. И из всех книг на земле это оказалась именно книга про секту. Дожили.
Эту книгу было тяжело читать. Не в том плане, что творящийся беспредел написан в самых мерзких подробностях и от этого тебе хочется пойти и принять горячий душ. Совсем нет. Уилл Хилл очень медленно и плавно знакомит нас с жизнью этой общины, попутно расставляя на первый взгляд довольно незначительные детали. Например, в самом начале был показан довольно мелкий эпизод того, как студенты влезли в общину через забор, а потом их выпроводили оттуда. А потом ты понимаешь, что ранее упомянутый забор обтянут колючей проволокой, а местные жители - не просто сектанты, а сектанты с оружием.
Главной героиней “После Пожара” является семнадцатилетняя девушка по имени Мунбим, которая жила на территории церкви Легиона Господня с годовалого возраста. Она точно знает, что разговаривать с Чужаками нельзя, ибо те хотят сбить ее с верного пути, потому что так сказал Отец Джон. Она точно знает, что грядет священная война против Змея, которая ознаменует собой конец света и все ее Братья и Сестры вознесутся, потому что так сказал Отец Джон. Она точно знает, что ей гореть в геенне огненной, ибо вера ее недостаточно крепка, потому что так сказал Отец Джон. А еще где-то на подкорке сознания Мунбим точно знает, что Отец Джон врет.
Г-ин Хилл абсолютно не церемонится с читателем и сразу же кидает его в момент, когда священная война с прислужниками Змея в самом разгаре. Над головами слышен свист пуль. Всю территорию охватило пламя. Ужас, паника… А потом все заканчивается. От Легиона Господня осталось лишь пепелище и дюжина выживших детей, которых очень удачно всех заперли в одном месте.
Собственно, главы делятся на “до” , где нам рассказывают о повседневной жизни общины и событиях, которые привели к трагедии, и “после” , где Мунбим общается с психологом и агентом ФБР.
Мунбим великолепна. Без шуток. Видно с какой любовью Уилл Хилл прописывал ее и насколько он гордиться своей героиней. Перед автором стояла по сути не самая легкая задача, ибо, один шаг в сторону, и образ стал бы не совсем правдоподобным. Пусть она и понимает, что Отец Джон вешает людям и ей лапшу на уши, Мунбим все-таки выросла в Легионе Господня. Да, у нее есть какие-то знания о внешнем мире, но они довольно ограничены, да и еще дополнительно искажены Отцом Джоном. Правда такова, что даже если мы осознаем, что данные нам в детстве установки неправильны, все-равно они накладывают на нас определенный отпечаток. Мунбим уверена, что Отец Джон не божий посланник, но тем не менее в ее подсознании именно голос Отца Джона называет ее еретичкой и преступницей. И в минуты слабости она ему верит.
Дело тут, кстати, не только в Отце Джоне. Мунбим довольно беспристрастно рассказывает об устройстве секты, о том какая там была система наказаний и сексуальном насилии над женщинами. О том, что ее саму и несколько девочек помладше не трогали только потому что Отец Джон сделал их своими невестами, а невесты до свадьбы должны быть девственны. Мунбим не видит в этом всем ничего настолько уж ужасного и несправедливого, потому что она привыкла к такому порядку, и так живут все люди, которых она знает. Посему, признаем честно, слегка гипертрофированная реакция Доктора Эрнандеса и Агента Карлайла вводит ее в замешательство. Ведь это так страшно: признаться самой себе, что все было настолько плохо, ведь были и хорошие моменты. Значит ли это, что светлые воспоминания были ложью?
Мунбим, конечно, прекрасна, но тянуть книгу лишь на ее переживаниях было бы не слишком дальновидно. Мунбим нужен был контраст и этим контрастом стал Люк - ее ровесник, который также вырос в Легионе Господня. Люк крайне радикализованный учениями Легиона юноша. Он эмоциональный и вспыльчивый, в то время как Мунбим большую часть времени споко��на и рассудительна. Когда Люку больно - про это должны знать все, когда больно Мунбим - про это не должен знать никто. Люку довольно тяжело симпатизировать, потому что временами он ведет себя как полнейший отморозок. Однако, невольно возникает вопрос: почему у Мунбим и у еще одной девочки Хани получилось “прозреть”, а у Люка, выросшего в том же месте и в тех же условиях, - нет?
И Люка, несмотря на то, что он фанатик и отморозок, действительно жалко. Банально потому, что изначально против него были все карты.
Продолжая тему с Люком, стоит отметить с какой эмпатией к остальным сектантам относится и Мунбим, и автор. В книге никогда не звучит мысль “Каким идиотом надо быть, чтобы поверить в эти бредни? Думать головой надо было!” . И мне кажется, что это правильно. Их нельзя винить в том, что они поверили не тому человеку, будучи, скорее всего, в бедственном положении. Но, и это важное “но”, Уилл Хилл не оправдывает сектантов, которые совершали откровенно плохие поступки. Ты можешь быть и жертвой, можешь быть в целом хорошим человеком, но при этом делать плохие вещи, которые ты даже не считаешь плохими. И от этого дуализма никуда не деться. Особенно это видно в линии героя Хорайзена. Сектантов можно (и даже нужно) жалеть за то, что ими манипулировали, но оправдывать их всех Уилл Хилл от читателя не требует.
Я бы много еще могла написать про эту книгу, но эта рецензия становиться уже слишком длинной. Если мы и дальше будем двигаться в том же духе, то я начну скатываться в откровенные спойлеры (как будто до этого ты спойлеров не писала). Но мне кажется, что с некоторыми аспектами “После Пожара” читатель должен познакомиться сам. Единственное, что я отмечу, конец может показаться чересчур по-голливудски счастливым, и я могу понять подобную претензию. Но мне лично все равно, так как, по-моему мнению, Мунбим после всего пережитого заслуживает пускай даже самый нереалистичный сиропный финал из всех возможных. И она его получила.
И это прекрасно, я считаю.
Телеграм-канал "Яблоневый Сад Эвридики"
Эту книгу было тяжело читать. Не в том плане, что творящийся беспредел написан в самых мерзких подробностях и от этого тебе хочется пойти и принять горячий душ. Совсем нет. Уилл Хилл очень медленно и плавно знакомит нас с жизнью этой общины, попутно расставляя на первый взгляд довольно незначительные детали. Например, в самом начале был показан довольно мелкий эпизод того, как студенты влезли в общину через забор, а потом их выпроводили оттуда. А потом ты понимаешь, что ранее упомянутый забор обтянут колючей проволокой, а местные жители - не просто сектанты, а сектанты с оружием.
Главной героиней “После Пожара” является семнадцатилетняя девушка по имени Мунбим, которая жила на территории церкви Легиона Господня с годовалого возраста. Она точно знает, что разговаривать с Чужаками нельзя, ибо те хотят сбить ее с верного пути, потому что так сказал Отец Джон. Она точно знает, что грядет священная война против Змея, которая ознаменует собой конец света и все ее Братья и Сестры вознесутся, потому что так сказал Отец Джон. Она точно знает, что ей гореть в геенне огненной, ибо вера ее недостаточно крепка, потому что так сказал Отец Джон. А еще где-то на подкорке сознания Мунбим точно знает, что Отец Джон врет.
Хорайзен как-то сказал мне, что, если бить пса с рождения, он будет скулить, прятаться, выглядеть запуганным и покорным, но однажды – и ты не угадаешь, когда придет этот день, – этот пес тебя покусает. Потому что ты сам дал ему повод.
Г-ин Хилл абсолютно не церемонится с читателем и сразу же кидает его в момент, когда священная война с прислужниками Змея в самом разгаре. Над головами слышен свист пуль. Всю территорию охватило пламя. Ужас, паника… А потом все заканчивается. От Легиона Господня осталось лишь пепелище и дюжина выживших детей, которых очень удачно всех заперли в одном месте.
Собственно, главы делятся на “до” , где нам рассказывают о повседневной жизни общины и событиях, которые привели к трагедии, и “после” , где Мунбим общается с психологом и агентом ФБР.
Мунбим великолепна. Без шуток. Видно с какой любовью Уилл Хилл прописывал ее и насколько он гордиться своей героиней. Перед автором стояла по сути не самая легкая задача, ибо, один шаг в сторону, и образ стал бы не совсем правдоподобным. Пусть она и понимает, что Отец Джон вешает людям и ей лапшу на уши, Мунбим все-таки выросла в Легионе Господня. Да, у нее есть какие-то знания о внешнем мире, но они довольно ограничены, да и еще дополнительно искажены Отцом Джоном. Правда такова, что даже если мы осознаем, что данные нам в детстве установки неправильны, все-равно они накладывают на нас определенный отпечаток. Мунбим уверена, что Отец Джон не божий посланник, но тем не менее в ее подсознании именно голос Отца Джона называет ее еретичкой и преступницей. И в минуты слабости она ему верит.
Дело тут, кстати, не только в Отце Джоне. Мунбим довольно беспристрастно рассказывает об устройстве секты, о том какая там была система наказаний и сексуальном насилии над женщинами. О том, что ее саму и несколько девочек помладше не трогали только потому что Отец Джон сделал их своими невестами, а невесты до свадьбы должны быть девственны. Мунбим не видит в этом всем ничего настолько уж ужасного и несправедливого, потому что она привыкла к такому порядку, и так живут все люди, которых она знает. Посему, признаем честно, слегка гипертрофированная реакция Доктора Эрнандеса и Агента Карлайла вводит ее в замешательство. Ведь это так страшно: признаться самой себе, что все было настолько плохо, ведь были и хорошие моменты. Значит ли это, что светлые воспоминания были ложью?
Мунбим, конечно, прекрасна, но тянуть книгу лишь на ее переживаниях было бы не слишком дальновидно. Мунбим нужен был контраст и этим контрастом стал Люк - ее ровесник, который также вырос в Легионе Господня. Люк крайне радикализованный учениями Легиона юноша. Он эмоциональный и вспыльчивый, в то время как Мунбим большую часть времени споко��на и рассудительна. Когда Люку больно - про это должны знать все, когда больно Мунбим - про это не должен знать никто. Люку довольно тяжело симпатизировать, потому что временами он ведет себя как полнейший отморозок. Однако, невольно возникает вопрос: почему у Мунбим и у еще одной девочки Хани получилось “прозреть”, а у Люка, выросшего в том же месте и в тех же условиях, - нет?
И Люка, несмотря на то, что он фанатик и отморозок, действительно жалко. Банально потому, что изначально против него были все карты.
Продолжая тему с Люком, стоит отметить с какой эмпатией к остальным сектантам относится и Мунбим, и автор. В книге никогда не звучит мысль “Каким идиотом надо быть, чтобы поверить в эти бредни? Думать головой надо было!” . И мне кажется, что это правильно. Их нельзя винить в том, что они поверили не тому человеку, будучи, скорее всего, в бедственном положении. Но, и это важное “но”, Уилл Хилл не оправдывает сектантов, которые совершали откровенно плохие поступки. Ты можешь быть и жертвой, можешь быть в целом хорошим человеком, но при этом делать плохие вещи, которые ты даже не считаешь плохими. И от этого дуализма никуда не деться. Особенно это видно в линии героя Хорайзена. Сектантов можно (и даже нужно) жалеть за то, что ими манипулировали, но оправдывать их всех Уилл Хилл от читателя не требует.
Я бы много еще могла написать про эту книгу, но эта рецензия становиться уже слишком длинной. Если мы и дальше будем двигаться в том же духе, то я начну скатываться в откровенные спойлеры (как будто до этого ты спойлеров не писала). Но мне кажется, что с некоторыми аспектами “После Пожара” читатель должен познакомиться сам. Единственное, что я отмечу, конец может показаться чересчур по-голливудски счастливым, и я могу понять подобную претензию. Но мне лично все равно, так как, по-моему мнению, Мунбим после всего пережитого заслуживает пускай даже самый нереалистичный сиропный финал из всех возможных. И она его получила.
И это прекрасно, я считаю.
Телеграм-канал "Яблоневый Сад Эвридики"
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November 25, 2022Ayoye. C’était toute une lecture!
Le format entrevue est un élément facilitant pour la fluidité de la lecture. Tout comme l’alternance entre le présent et le passé. Ça permet de souffler un peu entre les scènes psychologiquement violentes que l’on peut lire.
Le travail de l’auteur a vraiment été bien fait. On ressent le côté oppressif de la secte et on comprend bien de quelle manière la peur et le contrôle étaient insérés. Au travers des yeux de cette jeune fille, on l’a voit se battre avec les enseignements reçus et d’un autre côté avec la peur de ce qu’elle ne connaît pas.
C’est un ouvrage poignant, sensible, sur la reconstruction de soi suite à des traumatismes importants subis dans une secte.
Un ouvrage que je recommande fortement à ceux qui veulent comprendre le pouvoir des gourous et de l’instauration d’une secte.
Le format entrevue est un élément facilitant pour la fluidité de la lecture. Tout comme l’alternance entre le présent et le passé. Ça permet de souffler un peu entre les scènes psychologiquement violentes que l’on peut lire.
Le travail de l’auteur a vraiment été bien fait. On ressent le côté oppressif de la secte et on comprend bien de quelle manière la peur et le contrôle étaient insérés. Au travers des yeux de cette jeune fille, on l’a voit se battre avec les enseignements reçus et d’un autre côté avec la peur de ce qu’elle ne connaît pas.
C’est un ouvrage poignant, sensible, sur la reconstruction de soi suite à des traumatismes importants subis dans une secte.
Un ouvrage que je recommande fortement à ceux qui veulent comprendre le pouvoir des gourous et de l’instauration d’une secte.
October 5, 2018
Tl;dr: Well written and sensitive account of a teenage girl who is a survivor of a government raid on the cult where she was raised. Will especially resonate with those who remember what happened in Waco, Texas (which is adult readers)
Although After the Fire is classified as a young adult novel and I do think the mc, Moonbeam, and what she goes through will be interesting to teen readers, I think that adults who renember what happened at the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas, will actually find this more interesting. I know that my recollections of the time prompted my interest in the book, and I thought that Mr Hill did am amazing job with Moonbeam, whose story is heartbreaking and so, so well done.
Things I especially loved, and the one thing that kept this from being a five star read: (SPOILERS AHEAD)
SPOILERS
SPOILERS
SPOILERS
-- I loved that we never find out what Moonbeam's real name was. I like to think that in a few years, she'll either pick one for herself or stay Moonbeam in honor of what she did to save those she could, and for herself for her strength in doing what she thought was right versus what she was taught
--Nate. I loved that he never ever became a love interest, but instead was someone doing the best he could under an extremely difficult situation, and that, in the end, he didn't survive. I thought that touch of realism--as Mr. Hill does an outstanding job of portraying Father John's fanaticism-- was a sobering and painful but necessary reminder of what cult leaders will do to make sure they keep power. And Mr Hill did a fantastic job of portraying Moonbeam's realization that, with Nate (and her grandparents and presumably mother's) death, there is no one left for her to reach out to.
-- Moonbeam and Honey. What happened to Honey was horrific and I thought Mr Hill did a great job of fleshing Honey out. I loved how strong Honey was, how she and Moonbeam realized how difficult everything would be for the other, younger survivors, and everything they did to help. I was also really glad that Honey got a happy, but realistic end in After the Fire
--Luke. Kudos to Mr Hill for making me feel a tiny bit of compassion for a throughly deplorable character. I loathed him, but understood, as Moonbeam did, that even though he was horrible, he was also broken.
Now for what I didn't like:
-- The ending. I figured Moonbeam's mother would show up, but by the time I was mostly done with After the Fire, I started to think she wouldn't and I was *so* imoressed by Mr. Hill writing such a realistic (and for a ya novel, bold) ending. Moonbeam had survived, had told her story and started to heal, but was going to face becoming part of the world largely alone. It was gritty and real and I was wondering if there would be a sequel and then...
Well, of course, with about three or fewer chapters left, wouldn't you know it, but Moonbeam's mother is alive. Not in great shape (that was the one realistic touch) but still, suddenly Moonbeam is okay because family! Real, true family! I was so disappointed because the miraculous return of a family member for a happy ending is such a cliche and Mr Hill had done a pretty good job of avoiding them. But the ending, making it so wrapped up with a bow and 834566543 cherries on top? It felt like a copout and was a copout and my disappointment is compounded by the fact that until then, After the Fire was so good. Then it just felt like another teen survives something awful and heals with family novel and those are everywhere.
Having said all that I do think After the Fire will appeal to teen readers who like angst with a happy ending, although I think the book's largest audience is actually people like me who remember Waco and wondered about the children Koresh realeased during the events of 1993. And for those adult readers, this book is going to be very compelling, although the too neat ending may annoy.
Although After the Fire is classified as a young adult novel and I do think the mc, Moonbeam, and what she goes through will be interesting to teen readers, I think that adults who renember what happened at the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas, will actually find this more interesting. I know that my recollections of the time prompted my interest in the book, and I thought that Mr Hill did am amazing job with Moonbeam, whose story is heartbreaking and so, so well done.
Things I especially loved, and the one thing that kept this from being a five star read: (SPOILERS AHEAD)
SPOILERS
SPOILERS
SPOILERS
-- I loved that we never find out what Moonbeam's real name was. I like to think that in a few years, she'll either pick one for herself or stay Moonbeam in honor of what she did to save those she could, and for herself for her strength in doing what she thought was right versus what she was taught
--Nate. I loved that he never ever became a love interest, but instead was someone doing the best he could under an extremely difficult situation, and that, in the end, he didn't survive. I thought that touch of realism--as Mr. Hill does an outstanding job of portraying Father John's fanaticism-- was a sobering and painful but necessary reminder of what cult leaders will do to make sure they keep power. And Mr Hill did a fantastic job of portraying Moonbeam's realization that, with Nate (and her grandparents and presumably mother's) death, there is no one left for her to reach out to.
-- Moonbeam and Honey. What happened to Honey was horrific and I thought Mr Hill did a great job of fleshing Honey out. I loved how strong Honey was, how she and Moonbeam realized how difficult everything would be for the other, younger survivors, and everything they did to help. I was also really glad that Honey got a happy, but realistic end in After the Fire
--Luke. Kudos to Mr Hill for making me feel a tiny bit of compassion for a throughly deplorable character. I loathed him, but understood, as Moonbeam did, that even though he was horrible, he was also broken.
Now for what I didn't like:
-- The ending. I figured Moonbeam's mother would show up, but by the time I was mostly done with After the Fire, I started to think she wouldn't and I was *so* imoressed by Mr. Hill writing such a realistic (and for a ya novel, bold) ending. Moonbeam had survived, had told her story and started to heal, but was going to face becoming part of the world largely alone. It was gritty and real and I was wondering if there would be a sequel and then...
Well, of course, with about three or fewer chapters left, wouldn't you know it, but Moonbeam's mother is alive. Not in great shape (that was the one realistic touch) but still, suddenly Moonbeam is okay because family! Real, true family! I was so disappointed because the miraculous return of a family member for a happy ending is such a cliche and Mr Hill had done a pretty good job of avoiding them. But the ending, making it so wrapped up with a bow and 834566543 cherries on top? It felt like a copout and was a copout and my disappointment is compounded by the fact that until then, After the Fire was so good. Then it just felt like another teen survives something awful and heals with family novel and those are everywhere.
Having said all that I do think After the Fire will appeal to teen readers who like angst with a happy ending, although I think the book's largest audience is actually people like me who remember Waco and wondered about the children Koresh realeased during the events of 1993. And for those adult readers, this book is going to be very compelling, although the too neat ending may annoy.
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