-Kelly McWilliams
Agnes loves her home of Red Creek--its quiet, sunny mornings, its dusty roads, and its God. There, she cares tirelessly for her younger siblings and follows the town's strict laws. What she doesn't know is that Red Creek is a cult, controlled by a madman who calls himself a prophet.
Then Agnes meets Danny, an Outsider boy, and begins to question what is and isn't a sin. Her younger brother, Ezekiel, will die without the insulin she barters for once a month, even though medicine is considered outlawed. Is she a sinner for saving him? Is her sister, Beth, a sinner for dreaming of the world beyond Red Creek?
As the Prophet grows more dangerous, Agnes realizes she must escape with Ezekiel and leave everyone else, including Beth, behind. But it isn't safe Outside, either: A viral pandemic is burning through the population at a terrifying rate. As Agnes ventures forth, a mysterious connection grows between her and the Virus. But in a world where faith, miracles, and cruelty have long been indistinguishable, will Agnes be able to choose between saving her family and saving the world?
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I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. A virus overwhelms the world and one person with a divine connection is the key to restoring order in a promised land. Very little is focused on the apocalypse as there is more inward introspection on faith as it pertains to religion and fanatic fundamental doctrine. I like how this was presented in both lights; righteous and holy for the benefit of all and also when that power is misused to benefit a few or only one. The story is told through two points-of-view, the main character and her sister. Each viewpoint gives the reader more insight into the other characters from their perspective. Overall, I agree with what others have said: “This novel is full of hope; at times beautiful and at other times, dark.” Love can conquer all.
Heidi Y.