Lo Denham is used to being on her own. After her parents died, Lo’s sister, Bea, joined The Unity Project, leaving Lo in the care of their great aunt. Thanks to its extensive charitable work and community outreach, The Unity Project has won the hearts and minds of most in the Upstate New York region, but Lo knows there’s more to the group than meets the eye. She’s spent the last six years of her life trying—and failing—to prove it.
When a man shows up at the magazine Lo works for claiming The Unity Project killed his son, Lo sees the perfect opportunity to expose the group and reunite with Bea once and for all. When her investigation puts her in the direct path of its leader, Lev Warren and as Lo delves deeper into The Project, the lives of its members it upends everything she thought she knew about her sister, herself, cults, and the world around her—to the point she can no longer tell what’s real or true. Lo never thought she could afford to believe in Lev Warren . . . but now she doesn’t know if she can afford not to.
The last book I read about cults featured the Manson Family, so it’s been a while. The way Charles Manson convinced people to follow him was disturbing and horrific, but also eerily intriguing. The cult in this book isn’t that extreme (thankfully), but there are still some similarities.
I like the way this story is contructed. Alternating between Bea’s and Lo’s perspective along with chapters from the past and present, the pieces of the puzzle gradually form a complete picture by the end – and it may not be what you expect. The Project has a different effect on both sisters, and their bond is demonstrated early and plays an important part of the plot.
The Unity Project initially sounds like a legitimate organization that does charitable work and community outreach. No one has been able to prove otherwise so far, and most of their members are unaware of the truth. It’s easy to see how they’ve won over so many folks. Lev Warren, their leader, is charismatic, empathetic, and knows exactly what to say to get into a person’s head. He preys upon those who are lost, vulnerable, and searching for something to cling to, a purpose. It’s hard to disagree with a lot of what he says – and that’s kind of unnerving. It’s nearly terrifying how quickly he is able to influence others.
As Lo investigates The Project and pushes for a reunion with her sister, she finds herself unsure of what or who to believe. Although determined to discover the truth behind the organization, she wasn’t exactly on sure footing before meeting Lev Warren, and he seems to understand her like no one else she’s ever met. And he takes advantage of this.
After a bit of a slow start, this book grabbed me, and putting it down wasn’t an option. I had to see what happened next. Parts of it are very emotional and ripped my heart out, so be prepared. It’s a compelling, addictive read you’ll still be thinking about days after finishing.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
Thank you for sharing your review, Teri. Excellent! I’m now captivated. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It took a couple chapters, but then I just fell into this story, Gwen. So compelling.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That has to be one of the most unique covers I’ve come across.
Books about cults kind of freak me out, but I like the concept of past / present timelines. One of my favorite type of reads. And don’t most cults always start out seeming innocent and charitable with a charismatic leader? shudder
Great review, Teri, and very insightful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Mae! The author undoubtedly did a ton of research into cults – she really nailed it with the leader and how he preys upon certain people. I hadn’t noticed all the details of the cover until I saw a closeup – very well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The whole idea of cults and lack of thought freedom and brainwashing frightens me. Great review!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Priscilla! I remember reading about Manson when I was in college – freaked me out about how people just fell in behind him. Lack of thought freedom and brainwashing are perfect descriptions.
LikeLike
I can’t wait to read this one. I think I have it scheduled very soon. You have me eagerly anticipating it even more. It sounds like it takes you on one wild ride.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a twisty one, Tessa. Once I got into it I didn’t want to stop reading – and we were with family for the weekend, so I didn’t have the option of keeping my nose in the book, lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great review Teri! It’s a book that I really want to read but so far Amazon does not allow me to.order the physical copy (out of stock) 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ack! Hope you’re able to order soon, Sophie. This is a good one.
LikeLike
This sounds like a well researched book, Teri. Like Priscilla, the concept is frightening to me. Great review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll bet the research was enough to cause some nightmares, too, Jill. Thanks for visiting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know it would for me! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an intriguing cover this book has! I had to make it bigger to see the details. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this book, Teri.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Right? I hadn’t really paid much attention to it until I enlarged it on Goodreads. So much detail that goes along with the story.
LikeLike
Great review! I really want to read this one out since I loved Sadie!
(www.evelynreads.com)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d never read this author before, but I knew Sadie had gotten really good reviews. I’d definitely read her other books. Thanks, Evelyn!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Eek. This sounds scary because it’s so timely and close to home. I’m a little blown away by how easily people are influenced and led, how easily they comply with groupthink. Great review, Teri. Thanks for the recommendation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly, Diana – those are the questions I asked myself when reading Manson. This book isn’t to that extent, but people just fall into line behind these leaders and it’s so disturbing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cults really interest me. Sounds fascinating. Thanks for sharing, Teri.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Then this sounds like one for you, Stacy. The MC is nineteen, I think – but this doesn’t read like a YA novel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know I have read about this book before, Teri, maybe here on your blog as one of your Wednesday posts. It intrigued me then and it still does.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Once you start this one, it’s very difficult to put it down, Robbie. Very well-researched.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I swear Courtney Summers just appeals to my true crime loving heart. I finally got to Sadie last year and wow. This book sounds even better!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t read Sadie – although I know it got some rave reviews – but this one sure is a page turner.
LikeLike
I’ve had this for a few weeks now and I’ve been kind of waffling about reading it but.. I feel more determined to do so now. Thanks for the great review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I vote you give it a try. It was so well-researched, and Lev’s influence over people is mesmerizing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll put it at the top of the pile. I really need a good suspense.. my luck with that genre has been a little disappointing lately. Thank you! 🤭
LikeLiked by 1 person