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Behind the Wall #1
Luna Caged: Behind the Wall
I often stare at the walls and wonder what’s beyond them.
The Elders tell me that nothing but sin, sadness, and disease lie beyond the wall.
Sometimes I hear things, noises that are strange to me. They’re often faint, and when I ask the Elders what those sounds are, they tell me they are the tortured souls of thousands of people behind the gates of hell. I don’t know what they mean.
I dream of leaving these walls, but the Elders insist this is the only place we’re safe. They talk about danger, hatred, and the devil himself waiting just beyond. They tell us the walls were built to keep us safe.
Although I believe the Elders, I want to see the outside world for myself.
But there’s no way out.
Or so I thought...
The Elders tell me that nothing but sin, sadness, and disease lie beyond the wall.
Sometimes I hear things, noises that are strange to me. They’re often faint, and when I ask the Elders what those sounds are, they tell me they are the tortured souls of thousands of people behind the gates of hell. I don’t know what they mean.
I dream of leaving these walls, but the Elders insist this is the only place we’re safe. They talk about danger, hatred, and the devil himself waiting just beyond. They tell us the walls were built to keep us safe.
Although I believe the Elders, I want to see the outside world for myself.
But there’s no way out.
Or so I thought...
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2019
About the author
Margaret McHeyzer
51 books1,182 followersNEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING AUTHOR OF UGLY AND MISTRUST
I’m a two-time New York Times bestselling author for my stand-alone books Ugly and Mistrust. To date I’ve published over 30 books!
I’m first generation Australian born and live in Sydney with my husband, two daughters and my rescue-dog, Kingston!
I love to write stories to connect my readers to my strong, courageous characters…with some spice sprinkled between the pages.
The characters I write about can pop into my mind anytime and anywhere. From the shower, to washing dishes, playing with my puppy or even in my dreams. My characters can sometimes be intrusive, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Thank you for taking this journey with me and I truly hope you love reading my stories as much as I love writing them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
April 26, 2019
Luna Caged. Part 1.
By: Margaret McHeyzer
3.5 Stars
Super stoked to read this one. Margaret McHeyzer is one of my favorite authors. When I saw the cover and then the blurb was published, I was sold!
Luna is a child who was born into this cult or was taken and brought into this cult at a very young age? Learning that girls/women are there to serve their Elders. Cooking, cleaning, obeying, satisfying them and having babies are their sole purpose.
Men/boys in Gods Haven are there to become educated, use the female population and become elders. Their beliefs are quite unusual and far-fetched for this day and age yet the females have no clue because they are so sheltered.
Luna is a target because she has questions. So many questions.
Asking the questions and being so feisty has made her wanted by all the elders. They want to break her. They all are dreaming of her becoming their wife.
This is book one of a duet, that ends abruptly. I feel like this story could have been so so so much more. At times it felt so repetitive and I couldn’t tell if I turned the page back or forth. I will of course read Luna Freed, Part 2 of this duet to find out what happens.
By: Margaret McHeyzer
3.5 Stars
Super stoked to read this one. Margaret McHeyzer is one of my favorite authors. When I saw the cover and then the blurb was published, I was sold!
Luna is a child who was born into this cult or was taken and brought into this cult at a very young age? Learning that girls/women are there to serve their Elders. Cooking, cleaning, obeying, satisfying them and having babies are their sole purpose.
Men/boys in Gods Haven are there to become educated, use the female population and become elders. Their beliefs are quite unusual and far-fetched for this day and age yet the females have no clue because they are so sheltered.
Luna is a target because she has questions. So many questions.
Asking the questions and being so feisty has made her wanted by all the elders. They want to break her. They all are dreaming of her becoming their wife.
This is book one of a duet, that ends abruptly. I feel like this story could have been so so so much more. At times it felt so repetitive and I couldn’t tell if I turned the page back or forth. I will of course read Luna Freed, Part 2 of this duet to find out what happens.
June 10, 2019
Brilliant!
Go Luna! Go Luna! Go Luna!
Can not wait for part 2!
Stuck in a "safe haven" Luna has realised that something isn't quite right, girls are not allowed to learn how to read or write, they clean ,cook, serve then men ..
Earghh I want to ruin it for you but I don't so you will just have to read it your selves :P
Honestly though I couldn't put it down Luna is so strong willed put through hell and back and is still saying strong
Go Luna! Go Luna! Go Luna!
Can not wait for part 2!
Stuck in a "safe haven" Luna has realised that something isn't quite right, girls are not allowed to learn how to read or write, they clean ,cook, serve then men ..
Earghh I want to ruin it for you but I don't so you will just have to read it your selves :P
Honestly though I couldn't put it down Luna is so strong willed put through hell and back and is still saying strong
June 1, 2019
Imagine Handmaids Tale, but packed into a 3 acre farm and turned up to eleven. This was a deeply unsettling and upsetting book that ended really abruptly but probably in the right place, which, as a human being i was AGH NO WHY but as a reader and person who likes story structure i was like UGH fair enough. If you were moved by Handmaids Tale and can handle reading about sexual violence in a big ol way, this book will shake your core and make you think about a LOT OF STUFF. VEry captivating, I read it in less than a day.
September 28, 2023
2.5/5.
The premise of this book was a really intriguing one. It begins with Luna being told that 'girls' (as no 'women' live here) exist only to serve 'men' (as no 'boys' live here) and they are regularly told they are dumb and stupid and don't have the capacity to learn like the men do.
Most of the girls accept the notion, but there's always one who questions, and that person is Luna. Beyond the wall is evil and diseased with people dying - so they've been told. And despite Luna initially believing this, she wants to see it for herself rather than just taking the world of the Elders - the leader of the group.
There was a lot of potential with this book, but I felt it missed its mark. The story was there, but I thought the development of the plot needed some additional work to pan it out some more. I was interested enough in the story to keep reading, and I definitely want to read the second book to find out how it ends, but it was definitely rushed in places. I couldn't even tell you what any of the characters look like. The only thing I know about the way they dressed was that the girls could only wear skirts and dresses and the men were allowed to wear pants. And the fact that there's a wall that they can't get past.
This was a very fast read - I read it in two days, which is incredibly quick for me - but I would have been happy to have seen the book made longer with better developed character and plot. I think things happened way too fast, that relationships between characters were brushed over and not built up to a point where I cared enough about them.
Another part I found a little difficult to read was the repetitive nature of the book. The first half especially had Luna thinking about something (usually the same few thoughts) and then thinking how 'this isn't right' all. The. Time. And she never really did anything about it, took action, for the majority of the book - just kept thinking how the way the girls were treated wasn't right. This occurred throughout most of the book and I think the repetitive phrases could have been discarded and put to more plot development.
In saying all that, the idea of the story was definitely there and it was incredibly interesting to read, which I liked. I'm keen to read book two to find out how it continues!
The premise of this book was a really intriguing one. It begins with Luna being told that 'girls' (as no 'women' live here) exist only to serve 'men' (as no 'boys' live here) and they are regularly told they are dumb and stupid and don't have the capacity to learn like the men do.
Most of the girls accept the notion, but there's always one who questions, and that person is Luna. Beyond the wall is evil and diseased with people dying - so they've been told. And despite Luna initially believing this, she wants to see it for herself rather than just taking the world of the Elders - the leader of the group.
There was a lot of potential with this book, but I felt it missed its mark. The story was there, but I thought the development of the plot needed some additional work to pan it out some more. I was interested enough in the story to keep reading, and I definitely want to read the second book to find out how it ends, but it was definitely rushed in places. I couldn't even tell you what any of the characters look like. The only thing I know about the way they dressed was that the girls could only wear skirts and dresses and the men were allowed to wear pants. And the fact that there's a wall that they can't get past.
This was a very fast read - I read it in two days, which is incredibly quick for me - but I would have been happy to have seen the book made longer with better developed character and plot. I think things happened way too fast, that relationships between characters were brushed over and not built up to a point where I cared enough about them.
Another part I found a little difficult to read was the repetitive nature of the book. The first half especially had Luna thinking about something (usually the same few thoughts) and then thinking how 'this isn't right' all. The. Time. And she never really did anything about it, took action, for the majority of the book - just kept thinking how the way the girls were treated wasn't right. This occurred throughout most of the book and I think the repetitive phrases could have been discarded and put to more plot development.
In saying all that, the idea of the story was definitely there and it was incredibly interesting to read, which I liked. I'm keen to read book two to find out how it continues!
June 25, 2019
Wasn't sure what to make of this at first, but I found it an intriguing and easy read. Luna is a girl, in a place behind the wall and she knows something is wrong, so she hopes to find out what life is really about. Have already downloaded the second one.
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July 10, 2019
This is a tale about a cult - not a religious cult, an abusive polygamy cult. But most religious cults are abusive of women anyway, because women are less physically strong than the average man, and the dim, insecure men want to feel superior to someone. They also want free access to women, who are not allowed to refuse them, without responsibility for an equal relationship. So this tale of a young woman under 16 has many disturbing scenes of female abuse and violence.
The people are brainwashed by a few Elders into thinking that outside the high wall enclosure of their basic subsistence farm, everything has become diseased and dead. If they go out there they will become ill. Otherwise, it's very much like a situation in 'The Gate to Women's Country' (SF) and 'The 19th Wife' (crime and historical crime about Mormons). Come on, did the women not have any poisons available to use on the brutal men?
I am pleased that this tale includes a young woman determined to best the control freaks and escape. Also that one young man is shown to have decency. I would like some more originality and a resolution, but the tale ends at a break point. Vocabulary is reduced as women are not taught and the modern world is unknown. The author may be making a point about isolated communities or religious cults, or may hope to make young people think about how women are treated in other countries where they are considered second class citizens. I recommend this book only for mature teens or adults.
This is an unbiased review.
The people are brainwashed by a few Elders into thinking that outside the high wall enclosure of their basic subsistence farm, everything has become diseased and dead. If they go out there they will become ill. Otherwise, it's very much like a situation in 'The Gate to Women's Country' (SF) and 'The 19th Wife' (crime and historical crime about Mormons). Come on, did the women not have any poisons available to use on the brutal men?
I am pleased that this tale includes a young woman determined to best the control freaks and escape. Also that one young man is shown to have decency. I would like some more originality and a resolution, but the tale ends at a break point. Vocabulary is reduced as women are not taught and the modern world is unknown. The author may be making a point about isolated communities or religious cults, or may hope to make young people think about how women are treated in other countries where they are considered second class citizens. I recommend this book only for mature teens or adults.
This is an unbiased review.
May 30, 2019
Such a great book! It is reminiscent of a handmaids tale with its own twists and definitely does not give the sense of stealing the idea. I loved that Luna remained strong and despite the torture she endured she still had compassion for others. Can’t wait to read “Luna Freed”!!
September 15, 2019
This is listed as teen fiction. Gang rape, torturing and waterboarding a girl, much innuendo about what horrible thing happens when you're married, blatantly explaining that sex is when a man puts his penis inside your vagina... does she like it? No.
Well of course she doesn't, it's basically rape. But would a young teen understand this? SHOULD a teen be reading this???
The plot is she's trapped in this community behind a wall and horrible things happen inside it. The men have all the power, the women have none, are not allowed to learn to read or write. She needs to escape before she's forced to marry.
I would never want my teenage daughters to read this!
Well of course she doesn't, it's basically rape. But would a young teen understand this? SHOULD a teen be reading this???
The plot is she's trapped in this community behind a wall and horrible things happen inside it. The men have all the power, the women have none, are not allowed to learn to read or write. She needs to escape before she's forced to marry.
I would never want my teenage daughters to read this!
April 1, 2020
Crap sandwich
This book was just bad. First, it's a total rip-off of The Village. Second, for a YA book, it's really graphic and so non-chalant when talking about rape and abuse. And finally, the writing is horrible. The redeeming factor (which earned the 1 star) is that somehow, the author made me want to know what happens to Luna, which is the only reason I finished it. But then, what was my reward for sticking it out? A huge cliffhanger and ending with a question. Who ends a book with a question? My advice - don't even start the story.
This book was just bad. First, it's a total rip-off of The Village. Second, for a YA book, it's really graphic and so non-chalant when talking about rape and abuse. And finally, the writing is horrible. The redeeming factor (which earned the 1 star) is that somehow, the author made me want to know what happens to Luna, which is the only reason I finished it. But then, what was my reward for sticking it out? A huge cliffhanger and ending with a question. Who ends a book with a question? My advice - don't even start the story.
July 24, 2019
McHeyzer's writing style is decent, maybe even good (not great), so that's not the reason for my rating. The content is the reason.
If you enjoy a story full of rape and torture, this book's for you.
If you enjoy a story full of rape and torture, this book's for you.
June 2, 2019
Not worth reading
Yuck sums up this poor excuse for a novel. Author must be suck in the head as is anyone who enjoys this kind of drival.
Yuck sums up this poor excuse for a novel. Author must be suck in the head as is anyone who enjoys this kind of drival.
July 9, 2019
I really hate doing this but definitely not one of Margarets great reads ... storyline was ok but it just didn’t have that excitement of wanting to read more like her other books... so do I want to read book 2??? Not really ... but I bought it and might as well finish this story ... sorry Margaret .. hope book 2 is an improvement
July 9, 2019
This book was really interesting. It told from the point of view of a girl who was trapped in a cult. She knew something was wrong but didn’t know what normal life was like because they were sequestered from the rest of the world. This was good, but not great because you have to read the next book for any type of conclusion.
June 24, 2019
This was so well written. You feel Luna's bewilderment at not getting answers to her questions. I thought this was set in early man times so when I discovered it was set in modern times, it sent a shiver down my spine.
June 23, 2019
Very Intriguing
Very intriguing such a different story than that I read before characters are strong and strong willed the story was so intriguing and have me wrapped up in it before I can put the book down
Very intriguing such a different story than that I read before characters are strong and strong willed the story was so intriguing and have me wrapped up in it before I can put the book down
June 12, 2019
It had a good plot, with a good ending, and no continuation. The writing had many new words making it difficult to understand and follow along.
October 31, 2020
This book was awful. I hated everything about it, from the subject to the writing and finally to the ending. The book had no hope, no brightness, no goodness in it, except for the protagonist. The writing was pedantic and repetitive (when I say repetitive, I mean I skipped entire sections because the repetition was so offensive.) And then, after all of that, the author tries to force you to buy the next book by not giving a satisfactory ending. I don’t care about Luna enough to slog through another one of this author’s books. My only hope is that this is the first book she ever wrote and that she has gotten better at her craft.
June 2, 2019
I felt for Luna
Initially I understood the confusion and frustration of the main character, Luna. Then I became angry right along with her, cheering her on but worried about her too. Really enjoyed the book.
Initially I understood the confusion and frustration of the main character, Luna. Then I became angry right along with her, cheering her on but worried about her too. Really enjoyed the book.
May 26, 2019
4.5 Stars!
I’ll be honest and say I got the opportunity to sign up for an arc. However, I ended up not signing up for it because after reading the synopsis I wasn’t too sure about it. But...I should have known better. I don’t know why I hesitated. Because anything that is written by Margaret McHeyzer is well worth the read. Luna Caged is the perfect example. After reading this, I couldn’t believe I turned it down. Luna Caged was so different for me, and that’s why I really liked it. I also felt that it was different from what Margaret usually writes. I can’t say why I gave it 4.5 stars vs 5, because that would be a spoiler. So for now, I’ll just patiently be waiting for the next opportunity to sign up for book 2! I know for sure I will NOT be passing that up!
I’ll be honest and say I got the opportunity to sign up for an arc. However, I ended up not signing up for it because after reading the synopsis I wasn’t too sure about it. But...I should have known better. I don’t know why I hesitated. Because anything that is written by Margaret McHeyzer is well worth the read. Luna Caged is the perfect example. After reading this, I couldn’t believe I turned it down. Luna Caged was so different for me, and that’s why I really liked it. I also felt that it was different from what Margaret usually writes. I can’t say why I gave it 4.5 stars vs 5, because that would be a spoiler. So for now, I’ll just patiently be waiting for the next opportunity to sign up for book 2! I know for sure I will NOT be passing that up!
May 28, 2019
Part one of two.
I had preordered this book, as I do all of Ms. McHeyzer's book is but I waited until they were both released to read them. I loved Luna so much. Her questioning of everything and her thirst to learn had me cheering for her. The life in a cult that we see in tv and that is portrayed in this book is terrifying and sadistic. Extremely well written!
I had preordered this book, as I do all of Ms. McHeyzer's book is but I waited until they were both released to read them. I loved Luna so much. Her questioning of everything and her thirst to learn had me cheering for her. The life in a cult that we see in tv and that is portrayed in this book is terrifying and sadistic. Extremely well written!
May 28, 2019
Wow
I love this story . Luna ... she makes me proud of what we as women can do for ourselves and others . I hope , for anyone else in this kind of situation , there's more questions for those in power . Do not believe everything you are told . I will be reading this again very soon .
I love this story . Luna ... she makes me proud of what we as women can do for ourselves and others . I hope , for anyone else in this kind of situation , there's more questions for those in power . Do not believe everything you are told . I will be reading this again very soon .
April 26, 2019
Not my favorite book
I have loved your books but this one seems rushed and then it ends. Please take your time because your a great writer but I wasn’t intrigued by this book.
I have loved your books but this one seems rushed and then it ends. Please take your time because your a great writer but I wasn’t intrigued by this book.
May 20, 2019
Wow this book kept me reading, can’t wait to find out what happens next
April 15, 2019
Wow! I was so enthralled with the story that I read this in one sitting, and I can't remember the last time I have done that! Luna is such a brilliant character, I truly felt her frustration and pain.....and anger! Boy, did this bring out my rage!! I highly recommend this book if you are looking for something different, something to challenge your emotions. I want more. I NEED more. I have no idea where the next installment will take me but I am so ready for that ride! Margaret, you are an evil genius!
April 30, 2019
I have to say this is different from anything I have read from this author before.
But I really enjoyed it I went in blind, I didn't know what it was about, I didn't need to I really enjoy this author writing and her storytelling. I really liked the story, I read it one sitting, well written and I can't wait for the next part.
But I really enjoyed it I went in blind, I didn't know what it was about, I didn't need to I really enjoy this author writing and her storytelling. I really liked the story, I read it one sitting, well written and I can't wait for the next part.
March 13, 2020
The plot and setting of this novel is compelling, but the execution is unsatisfactory. Our narrator, Luna, details her life in a manner that is verbose, unsophsticated, and reptitive. The novel was predictable, yet at the same time it ended abruptly with a cliff-hanger like quality - which was disappointing instead of enthralling.
June 3, 2019
I just couldnt get into it
I read until half way through then just could not. The way people are controlled, disrespected and treated really was not for me
I read until half way through then just could not. The way people are controlled, disrespected and treated really was not for me
February 3, 2021
I believe in the idea that your story doesn't have to be original as long as you put your spin on it, but there was nothing really here that was different enough to make it stand out, and the characters were flat and uninteresting.
Honestly, I do love a good "brainwashed community, but now someone is exposed to new ideas" type of story. But here we have a character, Luna, who we never really get to know, and all her ideas of questioning her life there is not explained as she literally has no encounter with the outside world. If you grow up in a community where everyone is indoctrinated to certain thoughts and you have no outside exposure, how likely is it that you just turn up incredibly defiant and questioning everything? Not impossible, I guess, but highly unlikely. This is never really explained, which was the first point where I started feeling that the writing was trying to state facts without convincing me of these facts.
All the characters are pretty much superficial or cartoonish even in terms of the Elders, and the writing trying to enhance the life in the village just feels too on the nose. The main character's "journey" to go from just another girl in the village to defiant rebel is not convincing and doesn't feel like a journey at all.
All in all, not enjoyable.
Honestly, I do love a good "brainwashed community, but now someone is exposed to new ideas" type of story. But here we have a character, Luna, who we never really get to know, and all her ideas of questioning her life there is not explained as she literally has no encounter with the outside world. If you grow up in a community where everyone is indoctrinated to certain thoughts and you have no outside exposure, how likely is it that you just turn up incredibly defiant and questioning everything? Not impossible, I guess, but highly unlikely. This is never really explained, which was the first point where I started feeling that the writing was trying to state facts without convincing me of these facts.
All the characters are pretty much superficial or cartoonish even in terms of the Elders, and the writing trying to enhance the life in the village just feels too on the nose. The main character's "journey" to go from just another girl in the village to defiant rebel is not convincing and doesn't feel like a journey at all.
All in all, not enjoyable.
July 17, 2019
As much as I think this could have been written slightly better I really enjoyed it!
This story is like the handmaids tale but on steroids! Luna in is in ‘Gods Haven’ where women are controlled and are not allowed education or any rights but boys can do as they please. Luna loves asking questions and challenges things which lands her in trouble a lot he’s an amazing fiery character I just wished she had been flushed out a little more. They world that has been created is both intriguing and terrifying at the same time.
I think that setting could have been described more because I found it difficult to imagine it really. Though I have some reservations about the writing the story was interesting and totally hooked me so I would recommend it.
Can’t wait to read part two
This story is like the handmaids tale but on steroids! Luna in is in ‘Gods Haven’ where women are controlled and are not allowed education or any rights but boys can do as they please. Luna loves asking questions and challenges things which lands her in trouble a lot he’s an amazing fiery character I just wished she had been flushed out a little more. They world that has been created is both intriguing and terrifying at the same time.
I think that setting could have been described more because I found it difficult to imagine it really. Though I have some reservations about the writing the story was interesting and totally hooked me so I would recommend it.
Can’t wait to read part two
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews