After the Fire by Will Hill

I have a fascination with books about cults and After the Fire by Will Hill fit in perfectly.  It was a really intense read, but one that kept me turning the pages.  It is a story that portrays many of the terrifying aspects of life inside a cult, but really is about the survivors and the hope that resides in their future.  While there are many disturbing details throughout the story, this is a beautiful tale about one girl's life after the fire that destroyed the only reality she has ever known.

Moonbeam was born into the Lord's Legion and has never lived outside it's fences.  But as she grows, she starts to see their leader, Father John, for what he really is.  When outside authorities finally converge on the compound, the grounds go up in flames and gunfire erupts.  Only a handful of children survive, thanks in large part to Moonbeam.  With the help of Doctor Hernandez and FBI Agent Carlyle, Moonbeam is able to come to grips with her truth and finally giver herself a chance at a normal life.  

From Amazon:

An Edgar Award Finalist!
 
An Amazon Best Book of 2018!!

The things I've seen are burned into me, like scars that refuse to fade.

Before, she lived inside the fence. Before, she was never allowed to leave the property, never allowed to talk to Outsiders, never allowed to speak her mind. Because Father John controlled everything―and Father John liked rules. Disobeying Father John came with terrible consequences.
But there are lies behind Father John's words. Outside, there are different truths.

Then came the fire.

"Genuinely different...thrilling and spellbinding!"―Patrick Ness, #1 New York Times bestelling author

"The gripping story of survival and escape...It will keep you up late until you get to the very end."―Maureen Johnson, New York Times bestselling author of Truly Devious