I had a hard time getting into this book at first, but I really enjoyed the set up and way it was written. I love books and movies about cults so that part was really fun for me to read. I did find the story a little predictable at parts, all and all an enjoyable read.

When I started this book I wasn't sure if I was going to like with the back and forth timeline aspect. But I stuck with it and wow! What a powerful book.

This book if from the perspective of Moonbeam, a member of a religious cult, as she recount what happened before and after the fire that has killed many, but freed her and her "brothers and sisters" from the compound.

A good look into the mind of a survivor.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

“I don’t need to write down the things that happened to me, the things I’ve seen. They’re burned into me, like scars that refuse to fade.”


After The Fire was a captivating novel about survival and loss. Moonbeam was one of the few survivors of a fire that destroyed the cult she grew up in. Now that she was away from everything she had know, she faces a life in a world that she has been taught to mistrust. Moonbeam was a character that I wanted to know more about. I wanted to know more about the guilt she felt and the secrets she was keeping about what happened on the day of the fire. From the very beginning the author delved into the action and chaos of that fateful day. I was drawn into the story. We the reader learn are told about the painful events of the fire in alternating chapters of before and after.

“...Some things are so deeply rooted in the fabric of who I am that I can’t remember a time they weren’t there, and it’s hard to reason my way around them, even after everything that happened.”


Set in the fictional Texas town of Layfield. We’re introduced to Moonbeam, one of the few survivors of the the fire. For years she was taught that Outsiders and The Government were the enemy and that Father John and his word were the ultimate rule. She was always a true believer and never questioned her faith, until she began to see the truly ugly side to their way of life and how it ripped her family apart. Moonbeam was a strong character. She was hesitant about who to trust in regards to the doctors, nurses, and even the FBI, but she was also knew that she had to tell her story of what happened that night.

For me it was easy to become intrigued with Moonbeam and her story. She was strong character and I wanted to hear more of what she had to say. There were many layers to this story and the author did a fantastic job drawing the reader in and holding their attention. I highly recommended this book. It was emotional, well written, and intriguing. I would definitely read more from this author.

“I know you have doubts,” he whispers. “You hide them well, but I know they’re there. Listen to them, Moonbeam. Put your Faith in yourself, in your own eyes and your own mind. Don’t trust anyone.”

My students have LOVED this book so far! They find it exciting and intriguing! I've had several read it for projects, and they always submit high quality work!

I can't even imagine living through something like this, and coming out on the other side where life as you knew it is gone, and everything is different. Such a thought-provoking novel that made me contemplate the things that make my life "my life"

The story of Moonbeam and the cult from which she escaped was incredibly intense from start to finish. The author made me want to learn more about its teenage protagonist and the circumstances that led to the titular fire. We were slowly given hints and snippets of the pre-fire events at the compound interspersed with Moonbeam in recovery. Life at the compound was described just enough to keep me going without getting frustrated. This one was enjoyable and worth the low price for the eBook.

I tried to read this ARC MANY times but unfortunately I couldn't connect with the story. I may be the duel timeline.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for my copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! I had no idea of what I was getting into with this book. Yes, I've read other fiction and non-fiction books about Cults but this one seemed different. Taken from the perspective of a teenager who was brought to the "Legion" when she was 3 years old, this was normal for her. We meet Moonbeam when she is in the hospital after the Legion is invaded by the Government. It is emotional, frustrating and horrifying and oh so well done. Kudos to Mr Hill as this piece is excellent. It is considered a YA but it will be appreciated by adults for sure. I definitely recommend this story for any Fiction fan, as well as those who enjoy psychological thrillers.

This story is about control, A great YA for all teens wanting fast intense book that moved at a great pace, Horror is really making a comback in both Adult and YA fiction.

When I first read the summary of this book, I didn’t think I would like it. I am not big on religion. After my sisters pushed me to read it, I finally did and I am so glad that forced me to read it. This book is amazing. It’s more about cult life than it is religious, and cults are something that have always intrigued me. The characters are amazing, and the story is well written. I really enjoyed the author’s style of writing, and will definitely read more of his books.

This book goes between before and after the fire. I can’t even imagine what it would be like growing up in a cult. Not being able to think and show your own feelings. Moonbeam shares her emotional story. I was instantly hooked!

Thanks #NetGalley for this opportunity.

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.

I couldn’t get into this one at all . I found myself drifting about half way in unfortunately. I found it a little far fetched in my humble opinion .

This was a solid read. I appreciated the balance of action and detail with feelings and how these children were affected by their situation. I did like the before and after format in terms of building tension, as it helped to understand how the past built up to the main twist and how the present was affected by said twist.

This was upsetting and moving. I loved Moonbeam's progress and recovery and how details of her life in the cult emerged slowly. I think there is definitely a readership for this title in my library.

This book was SO engrossing! I couldn't put it down. The before and after scheme really worked for the story, although occasionally it was difficult to tell where in time the "before" scenes were. Thoroughly enjoyed every page of this!

I was unable to finish this book because of a personal emergency. However, from what I have read, I highly recommend it. There was a lot of promise in the first few pages and I plan to purchase this book so I can finish reading it and hopefully update this review.

This is an incredible survivor story of a young woman who lived inside the Fence that separated Father John's world from the outside world; a world that was destroyed by a fire leaving Moonbeam to make sense of her life (and her mother's life) before and after the fire. This book drew me in immediately - Moonbeam's character is a pretty gripping one and a true survivalist capable of empathy and forgiveness yet with a grittiness that kept me reading. While it's easy for the reader to have a preconceived notion of what constitutes a 'cult', seeing it from Moonbeam's point of view made me realize how easy it is to judge a life that's not your own. She's a strong, complex character that you can't help but root for and wish her the very best life After the Fire.

After the Fire by Will Hill somehow missed my radar when I first downloaded it in my Netgalley queue. I'm working on getting caught up on my reviews, and I started this one Wednesday night and was immediately wrapped up in the story. I went into this one not knowing anything about this one, and I think it's the best way to read After the Fire.

Moonbeam has grown up on a command in the desert, and when it is overturned by the government she finds herself in therapy working through the trauma she has suffered at the hands of those who lead her Brothers and Sisters. Moonbeam is a super strong character from the beginning, but even throughout the story she grows more and more as a person. The internal growth in her was so incredible and I just loved seeing her grow stronger and stronger.

I've always been intrigued by stories about cults and religious sects like those portrayed in After the Fire. Because of this, I've read quite a few books on this topic, and After the Fire is probably one of the best books that I have read in this specific genre. I can guarantee it will be on the top of my reads for 2019 and I can't wait to share it with my friends as I push them to read it!!

After The Fire, by Will Hill

Before, and After. Each chapter alternates between the two. At the center is Moonbeam, a 17 year old girl, a survivor. Her life is divided into two lives... one before the fire, and what she faces now after the fire.

Before, she lives her life on a compound, in a cult, under the leadership of Father John. Having lived on the compound since early childhood, she’s seen a lot that has led her to question her faith... and then the fire happens.

After, Moonbeam finds herself in a hospital and under the care of a psychiatrist Dr. Hernandez. She starts the process of recovery, but finds it hard to get Father John’s proclamations out of her head.

As a reader, you know she’s hiding something. Something that happened either right before or during the fire. Something that has major consequences. It is an amazing journey and glimpse into what life inside a cult could be like. I found myself completely sucked in from the first chapter and rooting for Moonbeam. I loved the supporting characters. I thought the story was very well written and unfolded beautifully.

5 out of 5 🌟 to this all consuming story!!

Thank you NetGalley for this complimentary book in exchange for an honest review.