What do you think?
Rate this book
The Teaching
Based on the author's true-life experience living in a cult . . .
Raine Harkins believes everything the Teaching tells her-forgiveness is freedom, there are no dead, and there is no dying. She has lived her entire life in the Haven, a small religious community buried in the hills of northern Nevada, and it's been a good life.
But when she discovers a frightened teenage girl hiding in the forest, everything changes. Raine offers to help the girl, but gunshots ring out, and the girl runs away, never to be seen again. A week later, Raine finds a letter pinned to her cabin door-God doesn't want you here. Leave the Haven now, before he runs you down.
Raine can't bear the thought of leaving the only life she's ever known, but the threatening letters keep coming, and her search for the missing girl leads her down a twisted path, unraveling the truth behind the Teaching. It's not a good life-there are dead, and people do die.
Raine Harkins believes everything the Teaching tells her-forgiveness is freedom, there are no dead, and there is no dying. She has lived her entire life in the Haven, a small religious community buried in the hills of northern Nevada, and it's been a good life.
But when she discovers a frightened teenage girl hiding in the forest, everything changes. Raine offers to help the girl, but gunshots ring out, and the girl runs away, never to be seen again. A week later, Raine finds a letter pinned to her cabin door-God doesn't want you here. Leave the Haven now, before he runs you down.
Raine can't bear the thought of leaving the only life she's ever known, but the threatening letters keep coming, and her search for the missing girl leads her down a twisted path, unraveling the truth behind the Teaching. It's not a good life-there are dead, and people do die.
418 pages, Paperback
Published May 27, 2022
54 people are currently reading
4396 people want to read
About the author
T.O. Paine
8 books168 followersT.O. Paine is an award-winning author of fast-paced thriller suspense novels. He is a member of International Thriller Writers and holds a master’s degree in computer information systems. When he is not writing, you can find him running and cycling through the mountains of Colorado, USA. T.O. has run fifty marathons in fifty states, ridden his road bike over 10,000 miles up 10,000-foot mountains, and completed an IRONMAN.
He resides with his wife, two children, and two Boston terriers: Fiona the Ogre and Rudy the Trickster.
T.O loves to hear from thriller readers. Visit his website for information on upcoming releases, free stories, giveaways, and other thrilling content.
➜ GIVEAWAYS: topaine.com/giveaway
➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/topaineauthor
➜ INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/t.o.paine
➜ TWITTER: twitter.com/topaine
➜ EMAIL: topaine@topaine.com
➜ WEBSITE: topaine.com/
He resides with his wife, two children, and two Boston terriers: Fiona the Ogre and Rudy the Trickster.
T.O loves to hear from thriller readers. Visit his website for information on upcoming releases, free stories, giveaways, and other thrilling content.
➜ GIVEAWAYS: topaine.com/giveaway
➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/topaineauthor
➜ INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/t.o.paine
➜ TWITTER: twitter.com/topaine
➜ EMAIL: topaine@topaine.com
➜ WEBSITE: topaine.com/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 20, 2022
4.25 stars rounded down.
Once I got more than third in I was totally hooked! I could not stop reading, it really gripped me.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, but I do have a slight gripe with the ending. I felt shortchanged, not that the author owes me anything.
I do not want to spoil anything, but the plot twist or the result seemed too much like the other story going around what happened years ago, regarding the cult. That is as vague as I can be. It seems like it was too similar and therefore, I was expecting something more than that story sort of repeating itself as a resolution for this missing girl.
The references to God seemed very frequent, which I totally understand as this is a book about cults (which I am fascinated with). I myself am not religious, so it did confuse me at the end; how the characters relationships with God will continue, the existence of it and it did not seem confirmed whether they still believed the cult leader was a fraud or not (even with all the evidence presented).
Just a tad confusing, as I thought the ending to bring clarity to them about the unhealthy state of this cult. My personal opinion completely.
It claims to be a thrilling suspense novel, but it seem to almost fall flat on its belly at the end, regarding the ending, and leave me wanting a bit more 'spunk' in the resolution.
Overall, a good book, but falls short of a great one.
Once I got more than third in I was totally hooked! I could not stop reading, it really gripped me.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, but I do have a slight gripe with the ending. I felt shortchanged, not that the author owes me anything.
I do not want to spoil anything, but the plot twist or the result seemed too much like the other story going around what happened years ago, regarding the cult. That is as vague as I can be. It seems like it was too similar and therefore, I was expecting something more than that story sort of repeating itself as a resolution for this missing girl.
The references to God seemed very frequent, which I totally understand as this is a book about cults (which I am fascinated with). I myself am not religious, so it did confuse me at the end; how the characters relationships with God will continue, the existence of it and it did not seem confirmed whether they still believed the cult leader was a fraud or not (even with all the evidence presented).
Just a tad confusing, as I thought the ending to bring clarity to them about the unhealthy state of this cult. My personal opinion completely.
It claims to be a thrilling suspense novel, but it seem to almost fall flat on its belly at the end, regarding the ending, and leave me wanting a bit more 'spunk' in the resolution.
Overall, a good book, but falls short of a great one.
October 6, 2021
Debut author T.O. Paine did exactly what authors are supposed to do: he wrote about what he knows. Since he has lived in a cult, he was able to create a community that is believable and is populated by inhabitants that are so realistic that I had to wonder if they were based on people he had known in his past.
If readers are approaching this story hoping to discover that all the people in Haven are evil, they will be disappointed. However, this is exactly what makes this book all the more believable; it's acknowledgement that not everything in life is easily classified into simple categories.
The mystery that is the main plot will keep readers guessing and has multiple twists and turns. There are also several other sub-plots that the author seamlessly weaves together which will intrigue readers just as much as the main plot does.
There are five novels planned, of which THE TEACHING is only the first. I have added myself to the Author's mailing list and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
I rate THE TEACHING as 4 OUT OF 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book can be pre-ordered now and the official release date is set for March 3rd of 2022.
To read my full review and to learn more about this author visit my blog at:
https://bit.ly/The_Teaching
Link is case sensitive
If readers are approaching this story hoping to discover that all the people in Haven are evil, they will be disappointed. However, this is exactly what makes this book all the more believable; it's acknowledgement that not everything in life is easily classified into simple categories.
The mystery that is the main plot will keep readers guessing and has multiple twists and turns. There are also several other sub-plots that the author seamlessly weaves together which will intrigue readers just as much as the main plot does.
There are five novels planned, of which THE TEACHING is only the first. I have added myself to the Author's mailing list and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
I rate THE TEACHING as 4 OUT OF 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book can be pre-ordered now and the official release date is set for March 3rd of 2022.
To read my full review and to learn more about this author visit my blog at:
https://bit.ly/The_Teaching
Link is case sensitive
April 23, 2022
I was given an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a review, however all opinions are my own.
I could not help but want to read this book, because I love stories about cults. The fact that this book is based on the author's true-life experience living in a cult only made me want to read it more. And a cult with a missing person involved? Yes, please!
Unfortunately, it all just kind of fell flat for me. The cult felt more like a bunch of random people living in a trailer park. I couldn't figure out why anyone wanted to follow the leaders of the cult because it all seemed to ridiculously made up. When the cult comes together to speak to their "God" I was bored. I just wanted one of the adults to call out the ridiculousness of the situation.
I've read other books about cults and they were just stronger. And again, this was based on the author's own experiences in a cult, but it just didn't come together the way I think the author wanted to.
Although there were some entertaining points, and I did want to find out what happened to the missing girl, I also found myself not wanting to read this book. It took me a really long time to get through it and I found myself making excuses for not wanting to read this book. While I was able to finish it, it isn't a book I'd recommend to friends and family.
I could not help but want to read this book, because I love stories about cults. The fact that this book is based on the author's true-life experience living in a cult only made me want to read it more. And a cult with a missing person involved? Yes, please!
Unfortunately, it all just kind of fell flat for me. The cult felt more like a bunch of random people living in a trailer park. I couldn't figure out why anyone wanted to follow the leaders of the cult because it all seemed to ridiculously made up. When the cult comes together to speak to their "God" I was bored. I just wanted one of the adults to call out the ridiculousness of the situation.
I've read other books about cults and they were just stronger. And again, this was based on the author's own experiences in a cult, but it just didn't come together the way I think the author wanted to.
Although there were some entertaining points, and I did want to find out what happened to the missing girl, I also found myself not wanting to read this book. It took me a really long time to get through it and I found myself making excuses for not wanting to read this book. While I was able to finish it, it isn't a book I'd recommend to friends and family.
December 24, 2021
*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in return for a honest review.*
3.5⭐
This book was wild and really engrossing. It was an interesting read because you get to see inside cult living, along with the religious aspect that keeps people believing in the community's beliefs.
I also enjoyed the different perspectives we got to read from in this book. Raine and Daniel are both characters that grew up in The Teaching and believed in its views and beliefs even if they knew it was weird. I was also enthralled with the mystery behind what happened to Samantha.
Raine and Java's relationship was sweet and made me smile. But, there were definitely slow parts of the story that were dragged out, especially those parts with Sebastian. I skimmed most of those. But, I understand why this parts were in the book. I also couldn't stand Monica, but I know that her character was intended to be soul sucking.
Over all, this book was an interesting read that teaches readers about cult living, and about finding yourself. The author definitely did that right. It is evident he has an experience with that type of living.
3.5⭐
This book was wild and really engrossing. It was an interesting read because you get to see inside cult living, along with the religious aspect that keeps people believing in the community's beliefs.
I also enjoyed the different perspectives we got to read from in this book. Raine and Daniel are both characters that grew up in The Teaching and believed in its views and beliefs even if they knew it was weird. I was also enthralled with the mystery behind what happened to Samantha.
Raine and Java's relationship was sweet and made me smile. But, there were definitely slow parts of the story that were dragged out, especially those parts with Sebastian. I skimmed most of those. But, I understand why this parts were in the book. I also couldn't stand Monica, but I know that her character was intended to be soul sucking.
Over all, this book was an interesting read that teaches readers about cult living, and about finding yourself. The author definitely did that right. It is evident he has an experience with that type of living.
August 31, 2022
Ehhhh. There was an attempt.
First, the main mystery of this story had f-all to do with the majority of the story.
The story was loosely based on the author’s life in a cult and still seems to be a cult enthusiast. The main character meets the man of her dreams who happens to be investigating the cult. Of course. But as it turns out the author really fell for a woman. Okay? Why not tell that story? A lesbian in a cult adds another layer to the characters. The mystery portion seemed very last minute and off to the side.
I get the feeling author T.O. Paine was told by an editor to “jazz the story up” “it doesn’t have to be 100% real”
The parts where we follow side characters was just a waste.
Then there was the Spirt that they all learned from was a pirate who knew everything…somehow…but this thing wasn’t God?? Huh??
Annoying to say the least.
Narrator Carrie Coello did what she could with this in front of her. For that, one more star.
First, the main mystery of this story had f-all to do with the majority of the story.
The story was loosely based on the author’s life in a cult and still seems to be a cult enthusiast. The main character meets the man of her dreams who happens to be investigating the cult. Of course. But as it turns out the author really fell for a woman. Okay? Why not tell that story? A lesbian in a cult adds another layer to the characters. The mystery portion seemed very last minute and off to the side.
I get the feeling author T.O. Paine was told by an editor to “jazz the story up” “it doesn’t have to be 100% real”
The parts where we follow side characters was just a waste.
Then there was the Spirt that they all learned from was a pirate who knew everything…somehow…but this thing wasn’t God?? Huh??
Annoying to say the least.
Narrator Carrie Coello did what she could with this in front of her. For that, one more star.
October 30, 2022
This wasn't the cult book I hoped it would be. I thought it would be creepy in some way and dark but it was just kind of meh.
I did like the last 1/4 more than the rest of the book. It was a bit faster and held my interest.
This book just wasn't for me. If I didn't listen to the audiobook to help me get through it (which didn't help the book in any way) I would've DNF'D it early on.
I really appreciate Netgalley giving me the opportunity to read this book. I really wish I had enjoyed it more.
I did like the last 1/4 more than the rest of the book. It was a bit faster and held my interest.
This book just wasn't for me. If I didn't listen to the audiobook to help me get through it (which didn't help the book in any way) I would've DNF'D it early on.
I really appreciate Netgalley giving me the opportunity to read this book. I really wish I had enjoyed it more.
December 15, 2021
Thank you Netgalley, Dark Swallow Books, and Author T.O. Paine for this ARC.
I was immediately hooked. I love thrillers involving a cults; they're utterly fascinating. This story had a cult and a missing person which made it all the more intriguing. The writing was superb and the cast was well-rounded and believable. Well, except for Sebastian.
The novel did slow quiet a bit between 40% and 80%, so much so that I found myself pulling out of the story, daydreaming, and feeling bored. Otherwise, this was a pretty good read and I will definitely be looking for more from this author.
I was immediately hooked. I love thrillers involving a cults; they're utterly fascinating. This story had a cult and a missing person which made it all the more intriguing. The writing was superb and the cast was well-rounded and believable. Well, except for Sebastian.
The novel did slow quiet a bit between 40% and 80%, so much so that I found myself pulling out of the story, daydreaming, and feeling bored. Otherwise, this was a pretty good read and I will definitely be looking for more from this author.
August 11, 2022
This is my first official DNF. It’s just SO boring. It sounded cool (cult, mystery, etc.), but I’m 60% finished and still am not even slightly invested in the story. Save yourself the time and money.
June 18, 2022
I found myself so engrossed in this book that when it was over I was sad that it ended. If there was ever a follow up or even a prequel it would definitely top my reading list. Fantastic read!
January 9, 2023
My first Cult type read and I was having a hard time putting it down after about 1/3 of the way through. I would recommend anyone that is into this sort of read to give it a go.
May 9, 2022
An interesting look inside an "alternative religion" community and an engrossing mystery besides. I liked Raine, the female protagonist, and seeing the community through her eyes made it easier to understand how people can get involved in situations like this. If you're looking for a big cult expose or bashing then this is not the book for you. The characters seemed like generally regular people who for different reasons find a way of life that makes sense to them. When something bad happens they have to figure out if what they've come to believe is still true or if they've been used and lied to.
The descriptions were believable and compelling except for one thing that stood out at me: The young man working in a tractor supply store was described as something of a hick and dressing like Tom Sawyer yet his jeans were sagging below his underwear. Maybe in Nevada you see this but where I'm from the boys like that don't bust slack. :)
The descriptions were believable and compelling except for one thing that stood out at me: The young man working in a tractor supply store was described as something of a hick and dressing like Tom Sawyer yet his jeans were sagging below his underwear. Maybe in Nevada you see this but where I'm from the boys like that don't bust slack. :)
July 28, 2022
3.5 stars
I gotta say, I've never read anything like this before. Not only did the cover draw me in, I was also intrigued by the cult aspect of the book. The author did an amazing job at setting this stage for us.
The story provides dual POVs from characters Raine and David. We get to watch them grow as individuals while maneuvering their way through the Haven (cult). The secondary characters were a nice addition to further the chaos of cult living. I'm not sure if the author meant for it to be funny, but Sebastian (the spirit) sounded like a drunken pirate with the vocabulary of a toddler!
While the author did a great job keeping up the suspense about what happened to the runaway girl Samantha, I felt it took too long to get there. Once the book finally started getting juicy, everything happened so fast it felt like whiplash.
Overall, I wouldn't mind reading another book by this author. If the cult life interests you then definitely check this book out!
I gotta say, I've never read anything like this before. Not only did the cover draw me in, I was also intrigued by the cult aspect of the book. The author did an amazing job at setting this stage for us.
The story provides dual POVs from characters Raine and David. We get to watch them grow as individuals while maneuvering their way through the Haven (cult). The secondary characters were a nice addition to further the chaos of cult living. I'm not sure if the author meant for it to be funny, but Sebastian (the spirit) sounded like a drunken pirate with the vocabulary of a toddler!
While the author did a great job keeping up the suspense about what happened to the runaway girl Samantha, I felt it took too long to get there. Once the book finally started getting juicy, everything happened so fast it felt like whiplash.
Overall, I wouldn't mind reading another book by this author. If the cult life interests you then definitely check this book out!
January 3, 2023
The Teaching by T. O. Paine was an interesting foray into a cult-like community and a missing adopted member of the "Teaching." While I found the book to be somewhat of a mystery, I was able to "write" the ending shortly before I was a third of the way into this novel. I am still unsure as to the theoretical meaning behind "The Teaching". Paine added mystery, friendship, romance, mysticism, and murder to the novel. Not one of my favorites, but I would definitely say it was a good effort.
#thankyouGOODSREADSforthisKindlewinner!
#thankyouGOODSREADSforthisKindlewinner!
April 25, 2022
I loved this story it goes to show that anything can be twisted from what it was originally meant to be. There's a lot of action, drama and romance in this story but you keep wondering what's going to happen next. The story also held my interest from beginning to end. I look forward to more from this author.
November 21, 2021
This book was so interesting and really cool to learn that it’s based on the authors real life experiences. I was so anxious to get to the end and find out what happened. Looking forward to reading more by him!
December 18, 2022
A really good story!
I really loved these characters, as flawed and unusual as they were. I especially loved Raine’s love for her dog Java. The mystery of who did what to whom carries us through to the end. I will read more by this author.
I really loved these characters, as flawed and unusual as they were. I especially loved Raine’s love for her dog Java. The mystery of who did what to whom carries us through to the end. I will read more by this author.
January 27, 2023
I enjoyed this book. I really got into the story line, and couldn't wait to find out what happened next. As much as I liked this, I felt the author could have gone a little more in depth in the characters and the ending was kind of abrupt.
August 27, 2023
I liked the beginning and I liked the end, but the middle was sooooooooo boring.
I couldn't stand how obsessed with Raine everyone was and how she seemed to do no wrong, it kind of ruined the book.
I couldn't stand how obsessed with Raine everyone was and how she seemed to do no wrong, it kind of ruined the book.
April 25, 2022
Not my cup of tea but interesting. I always find it strange what people choose to believe. Some want any excuse to be able to live the way they want. Things came to light here I didn't expect.
October 25, 2022
How could anyone believe what this group of people claim to believe? It was so far beyond credibility it was ridiculous. I was annoyed at these people throughout the entire book.
December 5, 2022
2.5 and rounded up. The plot was interesting and the twists were good. However, I didn't like the ending and the reaction to some truths seemed unrealistic.
May 30, 2023
I thought that this book was interesting. There were some parts that seemed to slow down the story and the mystery part felt out of place with all the cult drama going on. In my opinion, they didn't work well together. I also found some mistakes that distracted from the story. Overall, I enjoyed the writing style and look forward to reading from T. O. Paine.
May 31, 2023
An Odd Cult
Enjoyable read, great characters. I really like the way the story came together, was well thought out and the excitement really builds after the halfway mark.
Enjoyable read, great characters. I really like the way the story came together, was well thought out and the excitement really builds after the halfway mark.
September 24, 2023
Mediocre Murder Mystery
October 3, 2023
Another good listen. I like books that make you consider things you don't usually think about.
dnf
March 12, 2025DMF’ed at 17%
January 20, 2022
3.5 Stars rounded up to 4 on here!
Thank you to Netgalley, Dark Swallow Books, and T.O Paine for the advanced copy in return for an honest review!
Wow! I just have to say that while reading this book, you definitely get the cult-like experience that the author went through. The author does a great job about teaching the readers about cult living and the thought processes that go into being a member of a cult.
The start of the book was a bit slow and it took a bit to get into the story, but once it gets going it gets good! I really enjoyed his writing at times, but I couldn’t stand Sebastian’s character and it was difficult to get through some of those parts. It understandable why the author put these parts in the book, as it helps lends itself to the cult like mental aspect.
Overall, this was a great debut novel and would definitely recommend it to people who enjoy reading about cults!
Thank you to Netgalley, Dark Swallow Books, and T.O Paine for the advanced copy in return for an honest review!
Wow! I just have to say that while reading this book, you definitely get the cult-like experience that the author went through. The author does a great job about teaching the readers about cult living and the thought processes that go into being a member of a cult.
The start of the book was a bit slow and it took a bit to get into the story, but once it gets going it gets good! I really enjoyed his writing at times, but I couldn’t stand Sebastian’s character and it was difficult to get through some of those parts. It understandable why the author put these parts in the book, as it helps lends itself to the cult like mental aspect.
Overall, this was a great debut novel and would definitely recommend it to people who enjoy reading about cults!
May 15, 2022
One of the reasons I requested for this is because it is somewhat based on the author’s real-life experience of living in a cult. Add a mystery in it and I am sold but sadly, this one fell short for me.
This story follows Raine who has lived her entire life in the Haven, a cult community in Nevada. Although she believes in some parts of the Teaching, she has her doubts about why she is really there. While walking her dog, she discovered a teenage girl, Samantha who ran away into the woods and Raine never saw her again. The community is worried about Samantha and wants to find her as soon as they can but why? What exactly do they want with Samantha? Raine soon finds out what the Teaching really stood for.
The plot started off strong but the characters didn’t work for me. The leaders and teachings of the cult is really far-fetched and just doesn’t seem very smart in his choices which made it hard to believe why anyone would want to stay with him. I’ve read stronger and more compelling stories about cults from other books which is why the plot for this is kind of weak for me.
There were some interesting parts about how the cult sustain themselves and where they get their funding from.
Paine wanted to show that not everyone who joined cults are bad. A lot of the time, some of the things they learnt in the cult do resonate with their beliefs. I also kept guessing who the culprit really was which kept me engaged but I was disappointed with the plot twist at the end.
Thank you Netgalley and Dark Swallow Books for the arc.
This story follows Raine who has lived her entire life in the Haven, a cult community in Nevada. Although she believes in some parts of the Teaching, she has her doubts about why she is really there. While walking her dog, she discovered a teenage girl, Samantha who ran away into the woods and Raine never saw her again. The community is worried about Samantha and wants to find her as soon as they can but why? What exactly do they want with Samantha? Raine soon finds out what the Teaching really stood for.
The plot started off strong but the characters didn’t work for me. The leaders and teachings of the cult is really far-fetched and just doesn’t seem very smart in his choices which made it hard to believe why anyone would want to stay with him. I’ve read stronger and more compelling stories about cults from other books which is why the plot for this is kind of weak for me.
There were some interesting parts about how the cult sustain themselves and where they get their funding from.
Paine wanted to show that not everyone who joined cults are bad. A lot of the time, some of the things they learnt in the cult do resonate with their beliefs. I also kept guessing who the culprit really was which kept me engaged but I was disappointed with the plot twist at the end.
Thank you Netgalley and Dark Swallow Books for the arc.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews