Piper was raised in a cult.
She just doesn't know it.
Seventeen-year-old Piper knows that Father is a Prophet. Infallible. The chosen one.
She would do anything for Father. That's why she takes care of all her little sisters. That's why she runs end-of-the world drills. That's why she never asks questions. Because Father knows best.
Until the day he doesn't. Until the day the government raids the compound and separates Piper from her siblings, from Mother, from the Aunts, from all of Father's followers--even from Caspian, the boy she loves.
Now Piper is living Outside. Among Them.
With a woman They claim is her real mother--a woman They say Father stole her from.
But Piper knows better. And Piper is going to escape.
An American Library Association Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Readers
"Peterson . . . weaves a lush novel full of cryptic scenes divided into 'before' chapters showing Piper's life in the cult and 'after,' when she is set free, which readers fit together for a thrilling ending. The novel presents an accessible look at what makes cults (especially religious ones) attractive to some, and it will appeal to those interested in subjects such as Charles Manson and the Branch Davidians. . . . An intriguing look at a young woman adjusting to life outside a cult."—Kirkus Reviews
"Readers follow Piper through the difficult maze of her own mind in trying to sort out what's real from what she is imagining. Her struggle with her mental health rings true. . . . a sound addition to any collection where reality and suspense are in demand."—School Library Journal
"Entirely gripping and absorbing, with an absolutely convincing voice. I had to keep reading until the very last page."—Lucy Christopher, Printz Honor-winning author of Stolen and Storm-Wake
"Peterson uses her own experience as a teenager in a cult to bring Piper's story to life through alternating before-and-after perspectives. These come together to create a rich, layered, and unflinching narrative of love, loss, and the struggle to become whole once again."—Booklist
"Full of twists, turns, and emotional gut punches that will leave readers racing to the end to find out how all the puzzle pieces fit together. If you like psychological thrillers, Peterson's book needs to be on your list."—Eileen Cook, author of You Owe Me a Murder and With Malice
