The Children of The Children by Robin McMillion is a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of life inside a cult and the generational struggle for freedom. Vividly written and emotionally powerful, it captures both the allure and the devastation of blind devotion. I enjoyed this book and rated it five stars.

3.5 stars

The horrible Father Joseph leads a large, multi-national cult which is clearly based on the very real Children of God movement (you know, the “flirty fishing” ones and yes, it DID make me feel all slimy to type that, thanks.) The cult is portrayed as such a terrible place you can’t help but wonder how one finds any hope there and why adults would allow their children to be brought up within it, but I guess there’s just no arguing with true believers and the Cold War. Ah, the 70s.

The book follows Danny and his family, including his own young son as they both come to their own terms with life within the strictures of the cult. There are far too many characters, and several times I just had to push on, despite not quite knowing whom was being spoken about. It’s just all so bleak, even for the chosen ones. I do love a good cult book, though, so I liked it.

The intricacies of growing up in a cult from blind faith, to questioning, to horror at decisions made by those you follow to finally breaking free were so well presented you felt an incredible range of emotions throughout the reading of this novel.. A good book makes you cheer, not only for the hero but for the villian finally getting their due consequences. This book had that.