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Lost in The Ark
Surviving the sins and secrets of a Bible cult.
Kate Bennett has spent most of her life shielding her sisters from their angry mother. A loner, she’s an easy recruit for a zealous youth group at her high school. On her first visit to The Ark—the group’s headquarters—Kate hears a sermon she can’t ignore.
Full of passion, Kate announces to her family that she’s joining The Ark. Her mother’s rage erupts, and she tells Kate that she’s been brainwashed and forbids her from ever mentioning “that cult” again.
Despite her mother’s warning, Kate can’t deny her calling and flees her dysfunctional family. The Ark’s charismatic leader welcomes her with kindness and open arms. As she becomes close to those in The Ark’s inner circle, Kate believes she’s found everything she needs. But doubts arise when Kate learns the sins and secrets of those she’s trusted the most. Is this a godly refuge or was her mother right?
Kate Bennett has spent most of her life shielding her sisters from their angry mother. A loner, she’s an easy recruit for a zealous youth group at her high school. On her first visit to The Ark—the group’s headquarters—Kate hears a sermon she can’t ignore.
Full of passion, Kate announces to her family that she’s joining The Ark. Her mother’s rage erupts, and she tells Kate that she’s been brainwashed and forbids her from ever mentioning “that cult” again.
Despite her mother’s warning, Kate can’t deny her calling and flees her dysfunctional family. The Ark’s charismatic leader welcomes her with kindness and open arms. As she becomes close to those in The Ark’s inner circle, Kate believes she’s found everything she needs. But doubts arise when Kate learns the sins and secrets of those she’s trusted the most. Is this a godly refuge or was her mother right?
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2023
3 people are currently reading
5543 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 14, 2023
Won this in a goodreads giveaway! Thank you!
I enjoyed this. I had some problems with it but, despite my dislikes, I found myself wanting to sit down and read more. This book reminded me of The Memory Index
Overall, it's a kids-glove approach to how hurting people can fall into questionable communities so willingly. In this case, it's a girl with terrible parents/home life who finds love and acceptance in a church with cult tendencies. Our main character leads us through this story and we see what it's like from the inside.
Some problems I had with it was character development. Or perhaps there were too many. Kate, our main character, had 5 roommates. Two of them are mentioned a handful of times as being in the room and then one of them was mention, maybe twice. I kept waiting for the reasoning behind them even being mention but it never came. Story would be exactly the same if this characters never existed. Also, the ending was really weak in my opinion. It felt like the author had focused all her time on the story and didn't think about the ending. Just basically wrote "The End" whenever she left like it. Not my cup of tea.
Lastly, I have a personal pet peeve when authors say the same phrase over and over again or when they have characters doing the same thing over and over again. In this case, EVERYBODY was patting the seat next to them to invite people to sit down. If one or two characters did this, fine. But literally EVERY character was going this.
I enjoyed this. I had some problems with it but, despite my dislikes, I found myself wanting to sit down and read more. This book reminded me of The Memory Index
Overall, it's a kids-glove approach to how hurting people can fall into questionable communities so willingly. In this case, it's a girl with terrible parents/home life who finds love and acceptance in a church with cult tendencies. Our main character leads us through this story and we see what it's like from the inside.
Some problems I had with it was character development. Or perhaps there were too many. Kate, our main character, had 5 roommates. Two of them are mentioned a handful of times as being in the room and then one of them was mention, maybe twice. I kept waiting for the reasoning behind them even being mention but it never came. Story would be exactly the same if this characters never existed. Also, the ending was really weak in my opinion. It felt like the author had focused all her time on the story and didn't think about the ending. Just basically wrote "The End" whenever she left like it. Not my cup of tea.
Lastly, I have a personal pet peeve when authors say the same phrase over and over again or when they have characters doing the same thing over and over again. In this case, EVERYBODY was patting the seat next to them to invite people to sit down. If one or two characters did this, fine. But literally EVERY character was going this.
November 23, 2025
Lost in The Ark is a tense, emotionally resonant exploration of faith, manipulation, and the fragile search for belonging. Val Agnew brings readers deep inside the psychological dynamics of a charismatic Bible-based cult through the eyes of Kate Bennett a girl desperate for safety, purpose, and love after years of surviving a volatile home.
The novel shines in its intimate portrayal of Kate’s vulnerability and resilience. Her quiet determination makes her both sympathetic and achingly real as she’s drawn into The Ark’s world of certainty, warmth, and hidden corruption. Agnew balances the gripping suspense of unraveling secrets with moments of tenderness, friendship, and self-discovery, creating a story that feels both urgent and deeply human.
With sharp writing and an unflinching look at spiritual control, Lost in The Ark stands out as a compelling tale for fans of contemporary YA fiction, cult narratives, and psychological coming-of-age stories.
The novel shines in its intimate portrayal of Kate’s vulnerability and resilience. Her quiet determination makes her both sympathetic and achingly real as she’s drawn into The Ark’s world of certainty, warmth, and hidden corruption. Agnew balances the gripping suspense of unraveling secrets with moments of tenderness, friendship, and self-discovery, creating a story that feels both urgent and deeply human.
With sharp writing and an unflinching look at spiritual control, Lost in The Ark stands out as a compelling tale for fans of contemporary YA fiction, cult narratives, and psychological coming-of-age stories.
March 22, 2022
I don’t usually get much time to read for pleasure while at school, but I sped through this book in a few days! It was so engaging and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. A wonderful coming of age story blended with a really interesting look at religion—what it can provide, the role it can play in people’s lives, and how it can be used in very problematic ways. The book had a lovely arc (no pun intended) that showed a lot of change while still leaving space for further growth. I think this book would be very interesting and enjoyable for anyone, but as someone in college I particularly found that way of showing change compelling. In general, the book is exciting, fun, and poignant and I definitely recommend it!
July 4, 2022
This book is a fast-paced mystery and a coming-of-age story all wrapped into one. There are more than a few high stakes moments that harken back to Nancy Drew as our heroine unravels the many secrets of this cult.
Yet, for all the time we spend with various other characters, the emotional core of the story is the relationship between a deceased mother and a daughter who is trying to come to terms with their complicated relationship. The heart of the story is earnest, forgiving, and at times heartbreaking. This relationship pulls the reader through the entire story in the same way that those we love never really leave us. A touching debut novel.
Yet, for all the time we spend with various other characters, the emotional core of the story is the relationship between a deceased mother and a daughter who is trying to come to terms with their complicated relationship. The heart of the story is earnest, forgiving, and at times heartbreaking. This relationship pulls the reader through the entire story in the same way that those we love never really leave us. A touching debut novel.
August 25, 2022
A realistic page-turner with a gripping plot, unexpected turns and charismatic characters, serious with a good sense of humor.
It’s the story of Kate, a young girl with family issues who is getting deeper and deeper sucked into ‘The Ark’, a religious cult.
I never understood why someone would join a religious sect, but this book gave me a good idea of why people would make these choices. I kept turning page after page to find out what was next for Kate, praying for her to wake up, and for the story to have a happy ending.
A very enjoyable read, providing a thought-provoking insight into the manipulative power of charismatic leaders.
I'd love to read more from the author!
It’s the story of Kate, a young girl with family issues who is getting deeper and deeper sucked into ‘The Ark’, a religious cult.
I never understood why someone would join a religious sect, but this book gave me a good idea of why people would make these choices. I kept turning page after page to find out what was next for Kate, praying for her to wake up, and for the story to have a happy ending.
A very enjoyable read, providing a thought-provoking insight into the manipulative power of charismatic leaders.
I'd love to read more from the author!
January 29, 2025
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway and finished it in a weekend.
The story jumps right into the action and is captivating as it describes how a teenage girl quickly gets pulled into a religious cult. You feel for Kate and the trauma she has endured in her life, so it is understandable how she falls for the promises of community at The Ark.
The characters are extremely relatable and the storyline moves at a good pace to keep you engaged and interested. I can't wait to recommend this to some of my students.
The story jumps right into the action and is captivating as it describes how a teenage girl quickly gets pulled into a religious cult. You feel for Kate and the trauma she has endured in her life, so it is understandable how she falls for the promises of community at The Ark.
The characters are extremely relatable and the storyline moves at a good pace to keep you engaged and interested. I can't wait to recommend this to some of my students.
March 8, 2025
Thank you to the author, publisher and GoodReads for a copy of this book!
I have always been fascinated with why someone would choose to join a cult. This book gives some insight to that process. Kate's journey thru her issues and family, and then with her new chosen family help understand the process. There are too many characters, some of whom are mentioned and never heard from again. I kept waiting to the story to circle back. This story did demystify some aspects of evangelicalism, but also gave me more to wonder about.
I have always been fascinated with why someone would choose to join a cult. This book gives some insight to that process. Kate's journey thru her issues and family, and then with her new chosen family help understand the process. There are too many characters, some of whom are mentioned and never heard from again. I kept waiting to the story to circle back. This story did demystify some aspects of evangelicalism, but also gave me more to wonder about.
March 23, 2022
Fabulous novel! As one who spent some of my formative years in a similar situation as the main character in this book, it brought me back in time allowing me to view that era with mature eyes and a healthy soul. Although coincidental, I recognized many of the characters and events depicted from my own experience in an evangelical cult like organization. I found the ending to be quite redemptive as Kate found true forgiveness and love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2022
An interesting view from the inside
This isn’t my typical choice for books but I did find it interesting. I liked the way it shows how people can be brought into a religious cult or any cult type group and how easily some can be wrapped up. Viewing it from the outside it’s easy to see the problems but for someone who needs something to believe in I could see how they get sucked in.
* I received a copy of this book from Goodreads for free for my unbiased review of same.
This isn’t my typical choice for books but I did find it interesting. I liked the way it shows how people can be brought into a religious cult or any cult type group and how easily some can be wrapped up. Viewing it from the outside it’s easy to see the problems but for someone who needs something to believe in I could see how they get sucked in.
* I received a copy of this book from Goodreads for free for my unbiased review of same.
October 29, 2022
I was always eager to get back to reading this book. The story is great and the characters are well developed. They are REAL. The situation, although one that most people won't experience, was also real, i.e. not exaggerated for dramatic effect. In fact, everything about this book is measured and almost understated, but at the same time compelling. The protagonist was not foolish, but fooled as anyone could be. Good message without being preachy. Fast read and thoroughly enjoyable.
March 2, 2022
Lost in the Ark is a compelling story of finding one's footing in the world as a young adult, fresh out of high school. Kate navigates her newfound freedom in the realms of religion, tragedy, family, love, and friendship. Reading this novel was a bittersweet reminder of the impressionability that comes with youth.
April 11, 2022
just finished, fascinating story and well done writing. highly recommends reading. I think every woman will identify with the maternal character in the book. Val writes in a sophisticated way and weaves two stories side by side in a fascinating way that makes it difficult to put down the book. I wanted the book to continue. this story should be as a movie.
January 18, 2023
To be transparent, I felt uncomfortable during this read because a lot of the church aspects hit too close to home and I have my own issues with that. While it was fast-paced and an easy read, the characters were pretty shallow and did not dive down deep into the why or how cult-like religion gets to people. I wanted to like this more!
March 22, 2022
Great read
Good from beginning to end, providing insight into people and their willingness to 'follow a leader' blindly. Enjoyed the characters and their interactions. Excellent wrap-up.
Good from beginning to end, providing insight into people and their willingness to 'follow a leader' blindly. Enjoyed the characters and their interactions. Excellent wrap-up.
October 9, 2024
This author is local to my area and I got this book from her at a book fair. She is incredibly kind. This book I would recommend to any woman that has struggled with what is “her place” in religion. The end made me cry.
December 10, 2022
This was such a great read. As someone who grew up very religious, I related deeply with Kate's journey and character development. I look forward to the author's next book!
March 29, 2022
This is a quick read that is easy to get through. I wish it explored the repercussions of some of the cult's decisions more, but I can understand why the author stopped when they did. It's definitely interesting to see how easy it could be to step into an unhealthy situation and isolate yourself from loved ones.
January 1, 2023
A sad start to this story and then it turns into a coming of age tale. You are rooting for Kate as she learns more about herself and values. Your heart breaks as she is alienated from her family and struggles with fitting into her new life. I really enjoyed Kate’s story and watching her go from a naive girl to an independent woman. I would definitely recommend this book.
This is an honest review in exchange for a Goodreads win.
This is an honest review in exchange for a Goodreads win.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews