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Agnes at the End of the World
The Handmaid's Tale meets Wilder Girls in this unique, voice-driven novel from 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?
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?
417 pages, Hardcover
First published June 9, 2020
About the author
Kelly McWilliams
5 books295 followersKelly is the mixed-race author of AGNES AT THE END OF THE WORLD (2020), MIRROR GIRLS (2022), and YOUR PLANTATION PROM IS NOT OKAY (2023). AGNES was a finalist for the Golden Kite Award. She's also written for Time, Publisher's Weekly, and Bustle, among other outlets. She lives in Seattle with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 766 reviews
August 21, 2020
This book is mostly about faith and religion. I did find the premise interesting but I was hoping for more of an apocalypse type book and this was not. It's an exploration of Agnes' faith in the face of the lies that have been fed to her and their community from their flawed and sinister religious leader, Prophet. Red Creek is considered a cult by the outside world. With the Rapture approaching Agnes needs to face the truth and try to save her family. I did find it interesting but the faith based content took up maybe 90% of the book. This meant there was a lot of thinking and musing and not a lot else happening. You know what would have jazzed it up for me? The virus should have been a zombie virus. Nothing like someone trying to nibble on you to add a bit of urgency and action. Just OK for me.
May 27, 2021
I feel like it was Rinse/Repeat and a lot of ya is getting on my nerves
All the stars for the diabetes rep
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
All the stars for the diabetes rep
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
October 18, 2019
Official comments: Unforgettable and full of hope, Agnes at the End of the World is at times beautiful, at others dark. The love that transcends these pages is a triumph.
Unofficial comments: This book has really solid Type I diabetes rep, so please read it, share it, boost it, etc.! It deserves all the love!
Unofficial comments: This book has really solid Type I diabetes rep, so please read it, share it, boost it, etc.! It deserves all the love!
June 20, 2020
I’m honestly at a loss for how to even put my thoughts in to words right now because WHAT IN THE HELL DID I JUST READ?!
When you compare a book to Wilder Girls then lure a deadly pandemic in my face, I’m expecting lots of gore as well as diversity. I mean, that’s literally what Wilder Girlswas.
Oh but wait, instead, what I got was a Christian dystopian novel where all the characters are cis, white, and able bodied. And the kicker? The main character is a prophet of God and this whole story is the modern day retelling of the rapture.
The only redeeming quality that this book has is that this book is narrated by Brittany Pressley.
When you compare a book to Wilder Girls then lure a deadly pandemic in my face, I’m expecting lots of gore as well as diversity. I mean, that’s literally what Wilder Girlswas.
Oh but wait, instead, what I got was a Christian dystopian novel where all the characters are cis, white, and able bodied. And the kicker? The main character is a prophet of God and this whole story is the modern day retelling of the rapture.
The only redeeming quality that this book has is that this book is narrated by Brittany Pressley.
June 23, 2020
Disappoint.
I feel like this book tried to go in too many directions at once and it just didn't work for me. The cult and plague was plenty. But we also had two not-so-great love stories, including one insta-love, and a whole paranormal, otherworldly aspect that I wasn't a huge fan of.
What was the plague, exactly? I could never really picture what was going on with the rock hard, sharp, red skin and the nests?? Just a regular virus would have helped keep things a little more simple. For being a plague that wiped out half the world, it never felt like much of a threat to our main characters. I know we needed it so Agnes could cure it, but other than that it seemed totally superfluous. I know the country was falling apart because of it, but anything else could have just as easily caused the same situation.
I would have appreciated Agnes exploring and finding her own faith in her own way. I REALLY didn't like her becoming a "prophet" and going right back to her hometown. I know it was supposed to be different with her than the other guys, but it never felt different enough. And I never found the paranormal aspects of her journey believable. I honestly wondered if she would be found to be schizophrenic in the end. My biggest hang up about Agnes's faith and purpose and the prayer space was that it had nothing to do with God, really, and everything to do with the power it gave Agnes. Everything was about Agnes and what she could do and that made me very uncomfortable, especially as we see everyone at the end, happily setting up the site of basically another cult right on top of the original one. Sure they can wear regular clothes and use technology. But they're still living on a commune following the teachings of a self proclaimed prophet.
This wasn't a terrible book. I was riveted from the beginning until about 75% of the way through. I felt like there were too many things going on, and the ending was a letdown. I'm still not sure what the author was going for. Cults are bad? Cults are good? Cults are only good if they're run by women? I'm really not sure what the takeaway here is.
I feel like this book tried to go in too many directions at once and it just didn't work for me. The cult and plague was plenty. But we also had two not-so-great love stories, including one insta-love, and a whole paranormal, otherworldly aspect that I wasn't a huge fan of.
What was the plague, exactly? I could never really picture what was going on with the rock hard, sharp, red skin and the nests?? Just a regular virus would have helped keep things a little more simple. For being a plague that wiped out half the world, it never felt like much of a threat to our main characters. I know we needed it so Agnes could cure it, but other than that it seemed totally superfluous. I know the country was falling apart because of it, but anything else could have just as easily caused the same situation.
I would have appreciated Agnes exploring and finding her own faith in her own way. I REALLY didn't like her becoming a "prophet" and going right back to her hometown. I know it was supposed to be different with her than the other guys, but it never felt different enough. And I never found the paranormal aspects of her journey believable. I honestly wondered if she would be found to be schizophrenic in the end. My biggest hang up about Agnes's faith and purpose and the prayer space was that it had nothing to do with God, really, and everything to do with the power it gave Agnes. Everything was about Agnes and what she could do and that made me very uncomfortable, especially as we see everyone at the end, happily setting up the site of basically another cult right on top of the original one. Sure they can wear regular clothes and use technology. But they're still living on a commune following the teachings of a self proclaimed prophet.
This wasn't a terrible book. I was riveted from the beginning until about 75% of the way through. I felt like there were too many things going on, and the ending was a letdown. I'm still not sure what the author was going for. Cults are bad? Cults are good? Cults are only good if they're run by women? I'm really not sure what the takeaway here is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2020
What an interesting read.
This is a book that puts a lot of focus on faith and religion, but don’t let that stop you if you’re not about that. I myself am not religious, but it was fascinating to see the characters grapple with and hold onto their faith despite the lies they’ve been told.
The characters were interesting to read about because of what I said above. They’ve lived their whole lives believing one thing but when faced with truth, their whole lives are thrown into question. The sibling bonds present were really nice to read about. The romances could use some work but they weren’t terrible- I just felt indifferent about them.
The Virus was a really strange addition (in a good way, strange is kind of my vibe). However, I wish it had been explained just a bit more. Maybe not even explained, just EXPLORED more. I feel as though we hardly got to see it do anything at all and it was just kind of there.
If you’re looking for a good character focused ~strange~ kind of book, this might be what you’re looking for!
This is a book that puts a lot of focus on faith and religion, but don’t let that stop you if you’re not about that. I myself am not religious, but it was fascinating to see the characters grapple with and hold onto their faith despite the lies they’ve been told.
The characters were interesting to read about because of what I said above. They’ve lived their whole lives believing one thing but when faced with truth, their whole lives are thrown into question. The sibling bonds present were really nice to read about. The romances could use some work but they weren’t terrible- I just felt indifferent about them.
The Virus was a really strange addition (in a good way, strange is kind of my vibe). However, I wish it had been explained just a bit more. Maybe not even explained, just EXPLORED more. I feel as though we hardly got to see it do anything at all and it was just kind of there.
If you’re looking for a good character focused ~strange~ kind of book, this might be what you’re looking for!
March 28, 2020
[ARC] This isn't a cult story or a dystopian story. It's a religious story and if you don't care about religion/faith, give this one a hard pass.
March 14, 2020
Agnes at the End of the World introduces readers to two very different sisters living in a cult community.
Agnes is very devout and has always found peace in her community - except when she has to deal with outsiders to get the medicine her younger brother needs to survive.
Beth, is more of the wild child rule breaker who likes to “rebel” and sneak off to be with the boy she likes.
Shut off from the outside world Red Creek believes in extreme things - polygamy, doomsday prophecies, and that women are subservient to men in all things... picture Sister Wives, The Handmaid’s Tale, and The Village combined with The Hallowed Ones and an apocalyptic virus spreading in the outside world.
As Agnes begins to question the practices she’s always followed and Beth is bullied and shamed by their community into oppression and marriage to a much older man she doesn’t love (who already has 5 wives and is the father of the boy she loves) the dynamic begins to shift between the sisters and Agnes realizes she needs to get her siblings out of Red Creek before it’s too late.
I really enjoyed this book. I was drawn to it with the cult premise because I love the transformation from a character being so brainwashed by their elders becoming the one to smash that cult to pieces and gain independence. (I should note: I am not at all religious and am very against all forms of organized religion so when I read books about cults I feel a trill of vindication that I’m right in my opinions on the matter) I also loved the element of the sickness/outbreak spreading in the outside world, it had enough of a creepy factor to give readers the chills. And the way that Agnes could sense it was unique and inventive.
More than that, I though the author’s depiction of Ezekiel’s type 1 diabetes was spot on. I’m a caregiver for my grandmother who has type 2 diabetes so I’m familiar with monitoring blood sugar and giving injections and the like so I was glad it was accurately portrayed on the page.
Overall this book will grab you from the start, not only taking on the dynamic between siblings and learning to value your own beliefs and opinions even if they break from what everyone around you believes but also weaving an eerie tale where a mysterious illness spreads uncontrollably seemingly with no end (sort of like now).
Agnes is very devout and has always found peace in her community - except when she has to deal with outsiders to get the medicine her younger brother needs to survive.
Beth, is more of the wild child rule breaker who likes to “rebel” and sneak off to be with the boy she likes.
Shut off from the outside world Red Creek believes in extreme things - polygamy, doomsday prophecies, and that women are subservient to men in all things... picture Sister Wives, The Handmaid’s Tale, and The Village combined with The Hallowed Ones and an apocalyptic virus spreading in the outside world.
As Agnes begins to question the practices she’s always followed and Beth is bullied and shamed by their community into oppression and marriage to a much older man she doesn’t love (who already has 5 wives and is the father of the boy she loves) the dynamic begins to shift between the sisters and Agnes realizes she needs to get her siblings out of Red Creek before it’s too late.
I really enjoyed this book. I was drawn to it with the cult premise because I love the transformation from a character being so brainwashed by their elders becoming the one to smash that cult to pieces and gain independence. (I should note: I am not at all religious and am very against all forms of organized religion so when I read books about cults I feel a trill of vindication that I’m right in my opinions on the matter) I also loved the element of the sickness/outbreak spreading in the outside world, it had enough of a creepy factor to give readers the chills. And the way that Agnes could sense it was unique and inventive.
More than that, I though the author’s depiction of Ezekiel’s type 1 diabetes was spot on. I’m a caregiver for my grandmother who has type 2 diabetes so I’m familiar with monitoring blood sugar and giving injections and the like so I was glad it was accurately portrayed on the page.
Overall this book will grab you from the start, not only taking on the dynamic between siblings and learning to value your own beliefs and opinions even if they break from what everyone around you believes but also weaving an eerie tale where a mysterious illness spreads uncontrollably seemingly with no end (sort of like now).
November 8, 2020
Strange but compelling.
June 5, 2020
I received an early copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Don’t you just love it when you discover a new favorite author? I think it’s one of the best things ever. Not only do you have a new favorite book in your hands but you also have discovered a new author who you will look forward to read more stories from💛
Agnes At The End Of The World was a quick read for me. When I started reading the books I *just* couldn’t stop reading... what can I say?! I really wanted to know what was going to happen next. I was so immersed into the story and intrigued that once I reach the ending I had to stop reading because I didn’t want to finish it🥺 But I read the ending and I loved it and YES, you want to read this book😌
Kelly’s writing style is absolutely beautiful and I definitely look forward to read more of her books✨
Agnes is a new favorite heroine of mine. One who I was cheering for from the very beginning. Her brothers and sisters —as well as the rest of the people who lived at Red Creek, went through a lot of things, but because they’ve lived there for a long time they didn’t know.
The Prophet, the leader at Red Creek, was taking advantage of those who lived there, he created the rules and everyone was supposed to follow them. No one was allowed to use technology, no one could have access to any kind of medicine and above all, no one was allowed to talk to the outsiders.
Everything changes when Agnes risks everything for her little brother when he gets sick. During the night she sneaks out of Red Creek to get some medicine from a nurse who helps Agnes to keep her brother alive. Agnes keeps this secret from her family but everything complicates when one night the son of the nurse meets Agnes....
Agnes At The End of The World is a one of a kind story, I can’t wait for you all to meet the amazing cast of characters! I loved the relationship Agnes had with her brothers and sisters.
Don’t you just love it when you discover a new favorite author? I think it’s one of the best things ever. Not only do you have a new favorite book in your hands but you also have discovered a new author who you will look forward to read more stories from💛
Agnes At The End Of The World was a quick read for me. When I started reading the books I *just* couldn’t stop reading... what can I say?! I really wanted to know what was going to happen next. I was so immersed into the story and intrigued that once I reach the ending I had to stop reading because I didn’t want to finish it🥺 But I read the ending and I loved it and YES, you want to read this book😌
Kelly’s writing style is absolutely beautiful and I definitely look forward to read more of her books✨
Agnes is a new favorite heroine of mine. One who I was cheering for from the very beginning. Her brothers and sisters —as well as the rest of the people who lived at Red Creek, went through a lot of things, but because they’ve lived there for a long time they didn’t know.
The Prophet, the leader at Red Creek, was taking advantage of those who lived there, he created the rules and everyone was supposed to follow them. No one was allowed to use technology, no one could have access to any kind of medicine and above all, no one was allowed to talk to the outsiders.
Everything changes when Agnes risks everything for her little brother when he gets sick. During the night she sneaks out of Red Creek to get some medicine from a nurse who helps Agnes to keep her brother alive. Agnes keeps this secret from her family but everything complicates when one night the son of the nurse meets Agnes....
Agnes At The End of The World is a one of a kind story, I can’t wait for you all to meet the amazing cast of characters! I loved the relationship Agnes had with her brothers and sisters.
Read
February 3, 2020My official comments:
A truly unique gem of a book. Set during the apocalypse and featuring a disturbing virus and terrifying cult, McWilliams’s tale is ultimately one of hope. Agnes is a fascinating heroine—determined, selfless, and brave. I was rooting for her from the very first page.
My unofficial comments:
This is a special novel, and one that's hard to sum up in a way that does the story justice. For me, it was two stories in one: an action-packed virus/outbreak/apocalypse story and a coming-of-age character-driven tale of survival, family, and faith. I've been thinking about it since I finished reading it last week. It comes out in June and it should 100% be on your TBR list.
A truly unique gem of a book. Set during the apocalypse and featuring a disturbing virus and terrifying cult, McWilliams’s tale is ultimately one of hope. Agnes is a fascinating heroine—determined, selfless, and brave. I was rooting for her from the very first page.
My unofficial comments:
This is a special novel, and one that's hard to sum up in a way that does the story justice. For me, it was two stories in one: an action-packed virus/outbreak/apocalypse story and a coming-of-age character-driven tale of survival, family, and faith. I've been thinking about it since I finished reading it last week. It comes out in June and it should 100% be on your TBR list.
June 26, 2020
At first it might seem like you’ve heard this story before. A girl grows up in a cult but, of course, she doesn’t know it’s a cult. Some external influence begins to make her question everything she was taught to believe. It’s a familiar tale and for some, it isn’t even fiction.
What sets Agnes at the End of the World apart is the viral pandemic sweeping through the nation, an eerily timely twist on a well-worn trope.
I thought this book started off well. It’s split into four parts and part one is 155 pages. I enjoyed the first segment immensely and had I simply pretended the book was over before turning the page into part two, I could have easily given this a four star rating. My greatest criticism initially was that some things felt underdeveloped, including Agnes’s willingness to abandon what she’d been taught all of her life without any previous questioning of it. The raw power of escaping a cult in the midst of a deadly pandemic held so much potential. As I went further into part two of the story, it looked more like a missed opportunity.
I did like the idea of Agnes rejecting the Prophet’s teachings while discovering and embracing true faith. I wasn’t sure how it would intertwine with the virus but, in the end, the virus was a plot device created to bring Agnes into acceptance of her own prophetic gifts. This was a strange and unenjoyable turn of events for me. The pandemic was basically a background player. The real story was that Agnes was a healer and I didn’t care for it at all.
Agnes was stuck in an environment that oppressed women. I do love that the author wanted to pull her out of that and give her purpose and power. The intention was admirable. The execution was flawed.
I did see this through, thinking it would get better and that part one contained enough redeeming qualities for me to consider this a middle of the road read. I wasn’t certain that it was not for me until there were roughly 100 pages left in this 417 page novel. I really couldn’t rationalize quitting at that point.
I’m not sure who the right readers are for this book. It’s definitely fluffier than I’d expected and I think that’s important to know before you pick it up. I do hope that you’ll love it if you decide to read it, despite my own perspective on it.
What sets Agnes at the End of the World apart is the viral pandemic sweeping through the nation, an eerily timely twist on a well-worn trope.
I thought this book started off well. It’s split into four parts and part one is 155 pages. I enjoyed the first segment immensely and had I simply pretended the book was over before turning the page into part two, I could have easily given this a four star rating. My greatest criticism initially was that some things felt underdeveloped, including Agnes’s willingness to abandon what she’d been taught all of her life without any previous questioning of it. The raw power of escaping a cult in the midst of a deadly pandemic held so much potential. As I went further into part two of the story, it looked more like a missed opportunity.
I did like the idea of Agnes rejecting the Prophet’s teachings while discovering and embracing true faith. I wasn’t sure how it would intertwine with the virus but, in the end, the virus was a plot device created to bring Agnes into acceptance of her own prophetic gifts. This was a strange and unenjoyable turn of events for me. The pandemic was basically a background player. The real story was that Agnes was a healer and I didn’t care for it at all.
Agnes was stuck in an environment that oppressed women. I do love that the author wanted to pull her out of that and give her purpose and power. The intention was admirable. The execution was flawed.
I did see this through, thinking it would get better and that part one contained enough redeeming qualities for me to consider this a middle of the road read. I wasn’t certain that it was not for me until there were roughly 100 pages left in this 417 page novel. I really couldn’t rationalize quitting at that point.
I’m not sure who the right readers are for this book. It’s definitely fluffier than I’d expected and I think that’s important to know before you pick it up. I do hope that you’ll love it if you decide to read it, despite my own perspective on it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2020
Agnes at the End of the World is a dystopian novel about an oppressed girl who flees a fundamentalist cult to save the Outsiders from a mysterious pandemic. Dual POVs between Agnes and her sister, Beth amplify this emotional and powerful story, which eerily relates to what is going on in the world right now. The book includes mundane elements of contemporary life alongside some creepy paranormal and biblical elements that give it a fresh take on end-of the-world stories. Perfect for fans of the Handmaid’s Tale and YA novel, Wilder girls.
January 18, 2020
Agnes at the End of the World rips the heart from a well-trod genre, resurrecting it as something glittering and serene. What emerges is a complex tapestry of dystopian nightmares, rank idolatry, glowing spirituality, love, hope, and feminist power.
In honesty, end-of-world stories are absolutely where my heart leans, but I've been burned by so many tired testosterone brigades in the genre that I've stepped away from it. But when I saw this book, I knew that I had to take a chance, and I'm really glad I did.
This is exactly the kind of book that I always hope to read. Strong driving plot, compelling, passionate characters, a dark pulse of danger, and something beautiful and magical sparkling in the darkness.
On the surface, it is two stories woven together: the story of a fundamentalist cult and the oppressed girls raised under its thrall, and the strange magic of a pandemic that contorts physical connections into ruby chrysalis. The book manages to hold mundane elements of contemporary humanity alongside new weird paranormal and a timeless biblical undercurrent; in its way it feels absolutely now, and absolutely eternal.
I don't often read books with a strong spiritual center; as a queer reader, I often end up feeling angry and alienated. However, my thesis examined imagery of the Virgin Mary, through research on the bible and apocryphal texts – and on rare occasions, I can really connect with stories that focus not on godliness, but on humanity within the mythos of the scriptures.
I could write a whole thesis on the spiritual elements of this story. For now, I'll just say that I see Agnes as a delicate, powerful Jeanne D'Arc.
As always, I do read for diversity, and I'll say that these elements struck an unusual balance in this book. Because of Agnes' fundamentalist origins, she's raised in a very sexist, racist community. Her entire world is white until the story begins, which feels true to the world, but limits the representation on the page.
When Agnes connects with Outsiders, she connects with several people of color, and there's no moment when she must confront her own prejudices; she never personally held them. The story sidesteps explorations of race-based cultural differences; because all Outsiders are strange to Agnes, the outside world gives the impression of a post-racial society. I liked this element, but the tradeoff is that the racial diversity is more external than cultural.
There's also strong illness rep, as Type 1 Diabetes is a central thread in the story. It's handled with urgency and compassion (and I really appreciated that the author's note acknowledges that this element comes from outside her own experience).
As a queer reader, I found so many elements of the story resonating with my own experience and those in our communities; Agnes' story is about breaking from expectations, discovering her true self, and living a life of integrity and love. My sense is that, though there were no queer characters on the page, if Agnes were to have encountered any queer communities in her journey, she would have embraced them.
All told, get ready for a beautiful, dark story that is rich enough to merit rereads for years to come.
In honesty, end-of-world stories are absolutely where my heart leans, but I've been burned by so many tired testosterone brigades in the genre that I've stepped away from it. But when I saw this book, I knew that I had to take a chance, and I'm really glad I did.
This is exactly the kind of book that I always hope to read. Strong driving plot, compelling, passionate characters, a dark pulse of danger, and something beautiful and magical sparkling in the darkness.
On the surface, it is two stories woven together: the story of a fundamentalist cult and the oppressed girls raised under its thrall, and the strange magic of a pandemic that contorts physical connections into ruby chrysalis. The book manages to hold mundane elements of contemporary humanity alongside new weird paranormal and a timeless biblical undercurrent; in its way it feels absolutely now, and absolutely eternal.
I don't often read books with a strong spiritual center; as a queer reader, I often end up feeling angry and alienated. However, my thesis examined imagery of the Virgin Mary, through research on the bible and apocryphal texts – and on rare occasions, I can really connect with stories that focus not on godliness, but on humanity within the mythos of the scriptures.
I could write a whole thesis on the spiritual elements of this story. For now, I'll just say that I see Agnes as a delicate, powerful Jeanne D'Arc.
As always, I do read for diversity, and I'll say that these elements struck an unusual balance in this book. Because of Agnes' fundamentalist origins, she's raised in a very sexist, racist community. Her entire world is white until the story begins, which feels true to the world, but limits the representation on the page.
When Agnes connects with Outsiders, she connects with several people of color, and there's no moment when she must confront her own prejudices; she never personally held them. The story sidesteps explorations of race-based cultural differences; because all Outsiders are strange to Agnes, the outside world gives the impression of a post-racial society. I liked this element, but the tradeoff is that the racial diversity is more external than cultural.
There's also strong illness rep, as Type 1 Diabetes is a central thread in the story. It's handled with urgency and compassion (and I really appreciated that the author's note acknowledges that this element comes from outside her own experience).
As a queer reader, I found so many elements of the story resonating with my own experience and those in our communities; Agnes' story is about breaking from expectations, discovering her true self, and living a life of integrity and love. My sense is that, though there were no queer characters on the page, if Agnes were to have encountered any queer communities in her journey, she would have embraced them.
All told, get ready for a beautiful, dark story that is rich enough to merit rereads for years to come.
July 10, 2021
➸ Trigger warnings for .
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December 26, 2020
This book was excellent. I stayed up way too late to finish it, so I’ll need to write a real review in the future, but for now I’ll just say it was SO GOOD!
Update: It would be impossible to put into a brief review all of what made this book so special. It's got breadth, depth, and overflows with love. Yes, there's romance, but the love that really comes through is family love, between Agnes and her siblings. While the story was so original and different from anything else I've ever read, it never felt stilted or false. Agnes was wholly original, yet she was utterly believable. This book explores faith and spirituality and contrasts that with "religion" and how it can be manipulated to harm the faithful. I didn't want it to end, but when it did, I was satisfied with how the story resolved. If you're looking for a story like nothing you've ever read before, look no further. Agnes at the End of the World is that book. Read it!
Update: It would be impossible to put into a brief review all of what made this book so special. It's got breadth, depth, and overflows with love. Yes, there's romance, but the love that really comes through is family love, between Agnes and her siblings. While the story was so original and different from anything else I've ever read, it never felt stilted or false. Agnes was wholly original, yet she was utterly believable. This book explores faith and spirituality and contrasts that with "religion" and how it can be manipulated to harm the faithful. I didn't want it to end, but when it did, I was satisfied with how the story resolved. If you're looking for a story like nothing you've ever read before, look no further. Agnes at the End of the World is that book. Read it!
April 2, 2021
[And once again, another review that I need to seriously edit but cannot find the energy to do so. Darn it]
WOW, I am speechless. Read it, just do it. Full review (with spoilers) at https://www.booktasticallymazing.com/...
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! ABORT IF YOU HAVEN'T READ IT YET!
This was beautiful. It was awesome. It just, ugh, I can’t explain it. It made me question everything and at the same time want to kill someone preferably the Prophet. Wow. I’m speechless and believe me everyone can testify that THAT never happens. The characters were, ugh, I can’t. Five days later... One week later... Okay, I’m ready. Y’all, this book broke my stress level and reconstructed my frustration meter so many times I thought I was having mental spasms in every chapter. Seriously, this was written so amazingly and the descriptions so vivid it literally left an imprint on my licorice soul. Let’s start with the beginning chapters, they built such a solid foundation. I was a bit hesitant to read a book about cults because I hadn’t had an experience reading things like this, but the moment I read how Agnes heard music in everything’s and for speaking out of turn she got one of her knuckles broken, whew! That hooked me, I just NEEDED to find out what was going to happen We get introduced to the main character who is portrayed as someone overly obedient and that seriously grated on my frayed nerves. Then we get introduced to Beth and I thought “Finally! Someone with a spine, and a brain!!” Boy was I wrong. And I don’t know why but I always start books at like, 1 am. WHO DOES THAT? Seriously. I knew Ames at one point had to woman up and get her act together but waiting for that to happen? I was literals writhing with frustration. I had the half mind to just skip the first 100 pages and get on with it. Because that thing, you know, the mindless sycophant followers, just piss me off. Then when I met Beth I saw the silver lining in this cloud of just grayness. That didn’t last long. We found about Zeke’s diabetes and how Agnes is supposedly “sinning” cause people are stupid, obviously.
WOW, I am speechless. Read it, just do it. Full review (with spoilers) at https://www.booktasticallymazing.com/...
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! ABORT IF YOU HAVEN'T READ IT YET!
This was beautiful. It was awesome. It just, ugh, I can’t explain it. It made me question everything and at the same time want to kill someone preferably the Prophet. Wow. I’m speechless and believe me everyone can testify that THAT never happens. The characters were, ugh, I can’t. Five days later... One week later... Okay, I’m ready. Y’all, this book broke my stress level and reconstructed my frustration meter so many times I thought I was having mental spasms in every chapter. Seriously, this was written so amazingly and the descriptions so vivid it literally left an imprint on my licorice soul. Let’s start with the beginning chapters, they built such a solid foundation. I was a bit hesitant to read a book about cults because I hadn’t had an experience reading things like this, but the moment I read how Agnes heard music in everything’s and for speaking out of turn she got one of her knuckles broken, whew! That hooked me, I just NEEDED to find out what was going to happen We get introduced to the main character who is portrayed as someone overly obedient and that seriously grated on my frayed nerves. Then we get introduced to Beth and I thought “Finally! Someone with a spine, and a brain!!” Boy was I wrong. And I don’t know why but I always start books at like, 1 am. WHO DOES THAT? Seriously. I knew Ames at one point had to woman up and get her act together but waiting for that to happen? I was literals writhing with frustration. I had the half mind to just skip the first 100 pages and get on with it. Because that thing, you know, the mindless sycophant followers, just piss me off. Then when I met Beth I saw the silver lining in this cloud of just grayness. That didn’t last long. We found about Zeke’s diabetes and how Agnes is supposedly “sinning” cause people are stupid, obviously.
December 15, 2020
I love the premise of this book, and, start to finish, it does not disappoint! Beth and Agnes are great foils for one another, and I loved seeing the story play out. You will stay up all night reading it.
Read
June 10, 2020DNF'ed @ pg 117
It's not a bad book, it has some gripping points, about religion/sects shaping the people, about women abuse and about family relationships. Also the medicine vs religion fight, for lack of better words.
But then there's also this "magic" element in which Agnes hears a humming that she interprets as the voice of God, singling her out and protecting her from Petra. And I just couldn't make that leap of faith. Because for me it wasn't really included into the narrative, not like the insuline part, for instance; and the fact that Agnes accepts it so fast and knows how to make it work, and suddenly she goes from more or less obedient/submissive to spitfire felt like faster than it should have... i mean, i would have liked a bit more of evolution and progression here.
It's not a bad book, it has some gripping points, about religion/sects shaping the people, about women abuse and about family relationships. Also the medicine vs religion fight, for lack of better words.
But then there's also this "magic" element in which Agnes hears a humming that she interprets as the voice of God, singling her out and protecting her from Petra. And I just couldn't make that leap of faith. Because for me it wasn't really included into the narrative, not like the insuline part, for instance; and the fact that Agnes accepts it so fast and knows how to make it work, and suddenly she goes from more or less obedient/submissive to spitfire felt like faster than it should have... i mean, i would have liked a bit more of evolution and progression here.
October 18, 2020
I really don’t know how to begin this review. It's weird that I have a lot to say about a book that didn’t have much to offer.
The premise was good, intriguing, and original yet the execution was boring and killed whatever potential Agnes at the End of the World had. The comparisons to Wilder Girls and The Handmaid's Tale will definitely raise expectations but to be honest, this book in my opinion doesn’t fit that at all. The characters go through a lot within this book and yet they still feel flat and underdeveloped.
Also, I don’t know how you take two intriguing and fascinating elements like cults and survival in a post-apocalyptic world and you end up with an anticlimactic, underwhelming, and boring story.
The story revolves around Agnes, a girl taking care of her family, living in peace in her quiet home of Red Creek, far from the outside world with all its danger and wrongness.
What Agnes doesn’t know is that she’s trapped in a cult and has been controlled since forever by a madman who believes himself a prophet. As things get more dangerous for her inside, Agnes starts to think of going outside.
Meeting Danny, an outsider will make it even more obvious for her that she’s been living a lie. But Agnes will soon trade one danger with another in a world dying of a viral pandemic.
The problem with this book is that it took a direction that sucked all of the intrigue and tension from the story and the plot was left dry and pointless at times. I was drawn in at first but slowly lost interest in everything that was happening.
The stakes didn’t feel high enough, the tension wasn’t there at all and the characters felt like complete strangers to me even though they were easy to read like an open book. Honestly, I think this book tried to do a lot of things at the same time but couldn’t find the balance to do it smoothly.
I still enjoyed the dynamic between Agnes and her sister and how fascinating it was to see their journeys flip in unexpected ways. There were some moments that kept me on my toes and I hoped we could focus on those more seeing as how they gave a sense of urgency to the story.
All in all, this was just underwhelming and lacking. It had some great moments that showed how great this book could’ve been but they went away quickly. What a disappointment!
June 14, 2020
Here is a list of two things that go together:
1. Macaroni and Cheese
2. Peanut Butter and Jelly
3. Bacon and Eggs
4. Pros and Cons
5. Coffee and Me
6. Cults and pandemics
wait, what?
Welcome to my review of AGNES AT THE END OF THE WORLD. In other words, a review of one of the best books I've read in 2020 or, like, ever.
Agnes and her siblings live in Red Creek, a fundamentalist cult ruled by their Prophet and the Patriarchs. In order to keep her diabetic brother alive, Agnes sneaks out to get insulin from the "outsiders", or people who live out in the real world of sin. It's there that she first learns of a pandemic going on outside her community. Privy to this, Red Creek's Prophet prepares to order his people into an underground bunker to escape the apocalypse (aka, drinking the Kool-aid). Agnes, seeing this as certain for her sick brother, plans to escape, taking her chances on a world-wide pandemic than let her brother die a slow death without his medicine.
AGNES is told in a split POV narrative. Sisters Agnes and Beth are on their own paths of accepting the truths about Red Creek's past and it's inevitable end. Both have their own core beliefs and their own strengths that guide them through breaking free of what they were raised to become. It was hard reading about the situations the women in Red Creek endured. There were a lot of Handmaid's Tale, The Grace Year, etc themes in this book. My blood was boiling and I was screaming in FEMINIST. But I digress...
I didn't know exactly what I was getting into (I hardly read reviews at all until I've read the book in its entirety) and this book took some turns I did not expect. The virus described in the book mirrored what we're going through right now, without the nesting thing and a few other things...ok it's not the same, but I felt for the Outsiders. It was startlingly real and terrifying, what a pandemic can do.
This novel was part Branch Davidians, part all the pandemic books you can imagine but throw in some Clive Barker and Margaret Atwood, a great diabetic rep, strong females, kind boys (I'm looking at you Danny and Cory. Let's talk about Cory for a split second. That character arc though) and you have a recipe for perfection.
I loved this book from start to satisfying finish.
Read if: you love cults and dystopian societies.
Don't read: if you don't like Christian themes.
Check me out in BOOKSTA: https://www.instagram.com/celiamcmaho...
1. Macaroni and Cheese
2. Peanut Butter and Jelly
3. Bacon and Eggs
4. Pros and Cons
5. Coffee and Me
6. Cults and pandemics
wait, what?
Welcome to my review of AGNES AT THE END OF THE WORLD. In other words, a review of one of the best books I've read in 2020 or, like, ever.
Agnes and her siblings live in Red Creek, a fundamentalist cult ruled by their Prophet and the Patriarchs. In order to keep her diabetic brother alive, Agnes sneaks out to get insulin from the "outsiders", or people who live out in the real world of sin. It's there that she first learns of a pandemic going on outside her community. Privy to this, Red Creek's Prophet prepares to order his people into an underground bunker to escape the apocalypse (aka, drinking the Kool-aid). Agnes, seeing this as certain for her sick brother, plans to escape, taking her chances on a world-wide pandemic than let her brother die a slow death without his medicine.
AGNES is told in a split POV narrative. Sisters Agnes and Beth are on their own paths of accepting the truths about Red Creek's past and it's inevitable end. Both have their own core beliefs and their own strengths that guide them through breaking free of what they were raised to become. It was hard reading about the situations the women in Red Creek endured. There were a lot of Handmaid's Tale, The Grace Year, etc themes in this book. My blood was boiling and I was screaming in FEMINIST. But I digress...
I didn't know exactly what I was getting into (I hardly read reviews at all until I've read the book in its entirety) and this book took some turns I did not expect. The virus described in the book mirrored what we're going through right now, without the nesting thing and a few other things...ok it's not the same, but I felt for the Outsiders. It was startlingly real and terrifying, what a pandemic can do.
This novel was part Branch Davidians, part all the pandemic books you can imagine but throw in some Clive Barker and Margaret Atwood, a great diabetic rep, strong females, kind boys (I'm looking at you Danny and Cory. Let's talk about Cory for a split second. That character arc though) and you have a recipe for perfection.
I loved this book from start to satisfying finish.
Read if: you love cults and dystopian societies.
Don't read: if you don't like Christian themes.
Check me out in BOOKSTA: https://www.instagram.com/celiamcmaho...
July 14, 2022
In scoping out the reviews for this book, the major complaint seems to be about the religious nature of the story. It was strange because that really did not bother me that much. I'm not sure what people who read the blurb were expecting. It was set in a breakaway Mormon unnamed cult in Arizona, who's leader was called "The Prophet" and who major tenant was arranged plural marriages. I would expect a young woman raised in this sort of environment would evaluate and judge her world and the happenings in it in terms of her religious up brining.
The super natural aspects of the book are again discussed again in religious terms, but I ask you, would the story have been any different if the words Precognition, Postcognition, and Telekinesis have changed the story?
As far as the story itself, this feels like a well written YA book with all the trappings that entails. There is a spunky young woman who has skills that put her at odds with the norms of her community. She has a chase, and confusing instalove relationship with an outsider. It takes a crisis for the people who she loves to realize that what made her weird is the thing that will save them all.
All in all, I would read more from this author.
The super natural aspects of the book are again discussed again in religious terms, but I ask you, would the story have been any different if the words Precognition, Postcognition, and Telekinesis have changed the story?
As far as the story itself, this feels like a well written YA book with all the trappings that entails. There is a spunky young woman who has skills that put her at odds with the norms of her community. She has a chase, and confusing instalove relationship with an outsider. It takes a crisis for the people who she loves to realize that what made her weird is the thing that will save them all.
All in all, I would read more from this author.
August 12, 2020
I think this should be classified more clearly as YA religious fiction, I really wasn't expecting the religious elements after it being compared to wilder girls.
I defo think this book will have some people who will love it but it is quite a niche book and not really what I was expecting.
I defo think this book will have some people who will love it but it is quite a niche book and not really what I was expecting.
May 13, 2020
It's been a bit since I had the incredible opportunity to read Agnes at the End of the World this past winter, but despite the time (and the current times) Kelly McWilliams's debut novel has stuck with me in the best way possible. It is simply exquisite.
Told from the alternating perspectives of two sisters born into a fanatically religious cult, McWilliams weaves together a complex narrative surrounding the deprogramming of the dangerously oppressive, life-long religious indoctrination of Agnes and Beth, all set during a viral-pandemic. And if that isn't enough to convince you that "Agnes" is a unique, compelling tale, let me tell you this:
I've seldom read a novel that cares so much for its characters. The level of attention to detail surrounding the creation of Agnes and Beth renders them real and believable. Their voices are so distinct--it feels like you really know who they are. And that's not even mentioning the ingenious parallels between the two sisters and the paths they take; they are perfect foils of one another. An absolute masterclass in characterization.
But that’s only one of the many facets that make McWilliams's novel so impressive.
The tension she builds. The compelling, magnificently crafted plot. A handful of some of the most well-rounded side characters I’ve ever seen—I think people will particularly appreciate Beth's...boyfriend. And don’t even get me started on the prose. The writing itself is absolutely beautiful and pointed, with quotes I’ll never be able to get out of my head. One of my favorites?
“A chill worked through her as she realized, more strongly than ever before, that the divine didn’t only dwell in beauty, but also in pestilence and horror.”
Which brings me to the fact that this book does have a religious core (after all, it's largely about a cult, as well as the end of the world). Agnes in particular is devout in her faith. However, never does it ring false or overbearing. Her faith is simply a part of who she is and though we see through her eyes and are really with her in her strong belief, it feels open to interpretation. Agnes has a sort of ability that ties into this, too, and I got to discuss with McWilliams herself how welcoming it was to read a novel with a religious main character and never be stifled by it. This, and the fact that Beth’s perspective is nearly the opposite of Agnes, makes for an open, honest novel.
I could go on for days about Agnes, probably months or years. However, I want to close this review by saying:
Agnes works. It just does. It’s beautifully crafted, unafraid of examining the good, bad, and the ugly of faith, but, above all, Agnes leaves you with a sense of hope.
So though we’re going through something of a viral pandemic in real life, I highly encourage everyone to read Agnes at the End of the World anyway, if only to find that hope in these dark times.
(Also. That cover. Amirite?)
Check out places to pre order here!
Told from the alternating perspectives of two sisters born into a fanatically religious cult, McWilliams weaves together a complex narrative surrounding the deprogramming of the dangerously oppressive, life-long religious indoctrination of Agnes and Beth, all set during a viral-pandemic. And if that isn't enough to convince you that "Agnes" is a unique, compelling tale, let me tell you this:
I've seldom read a novel that cares so much for its characters. The level of attention to detail surrounding the creation of Agnes and Beth renders them real and believable. Their voices are so distinct--it feels like you really know who they are. And that's not even mentioning the ingenious parallels between the two sisters and the paths they take; they are perfect foils of one another. An absolute masterclass in characterization.
But that’s only one of the many facets that make McWilliams's novel so impressive.
The tension she builds. The compelling, magnificently crafted plot. A handful of some of the most well-rounded side characters I’ve ever seen—I think people will particularly appreciate Beth's...boyfriend. And don’t even get me started on the prose. The writing itself is absolutely beautiful and pointed, with quotes I’ll never be able to get out of my head. One of my favorites?
“A chill worked through her as she realized, more strongly than ever before, that the divine didn’t only dwell in beauty, but also in pestilence and horror.”
Which brings me to the fact that this book does have a religious core (after all, it's largely about a cult, as well as the end of the world). Agnes in particular is devout in her faith. However, never does it ring false or overbearing. Her faith is simply a part of who she is and though we see through her eyes and are really with her in her strong belief, it feels open to interpretation. Agnes has a sort of ability that ties into this, too, and I got to discuss with McWilliams herself how welcoming it was to read a novel with a religious main character and never be stifled by it. This, and the fact that Beth’s perspective is nearly the opposite of Agnes, makes for an open, honest novel.
I could go on for days about Agnes, probably months or years. However, I want to close this review by saying:
Agnes works. It just does. It’s beautifully crafted, unafraid of examining the good, bad, and the ugly of faith, but, above all, Agnes leaves you with a sense of hope.
So though we’re going through something of a viral pandemic in real life, I highly encourage everyone to read Agnes at the End of the World anyway, if only to find that hope in these dark times.
(Also. That cover. Amirite?)
Check out places to pre order here!
June 8, 2020
This book was so cool! A cult of individuals cut off from the outside world where a pandemic is taking place! This book felt so realistic. I grew up in a small town where polygamists lived. I saw them on a regular basis at the local grocery store and when I got into the first part of this book it felt so real to me. These were the same people I'd learned about growing up so when we read the author's note and found out it is based off of the FLDS I knew I had it right..
Kelly did a great job of making the world feel so real. The pandemic was intense and unexplained which is very similar to how I've felt through our recent pandemic. How can something spread so fast? Although we don't become animalistic due to the virus we've become extremely isolated and many stocked up on necessities to last months. It's exactly what the prophet had his followers do to prepare for the pandemic reaching them.
The cult is religious based and I liked that bible versus were incorporated into the story. I felt that it really connected the reader to Agnes and how faithful she is. She's the most faithful yet still questions God. I liked her character and how caring she was. She had such unwavering faith in her God and knew he would show her the way to saving the people of Red Creek.
Beth was such a great character! She sacrifices herself to help Agnes. She definitely faces the most trials in my opinion as she's stuck in Red Creek taking care of the injured boy she used to have feelings for. She has to sneak around Red Creek trying to find food and supplies. At one point she almost gets caught. When she finally has an opportunity to get out she finds it a lot more difficult than she thought. She may not be as faithful as Agnes but her drive to explore the outside world, and to find Agnes, is what keeps her alive.
If you love a good dystopian that I would definitely recommend this one. Survival, love, family, and faith are major themes that you'll find in this one and if you enjoy any of those than you'll enjoy this book.
Kelly did a great job of making the world feel so real. The pandemic was intense and unexplained which is very similar to how I've felt through our recent pandemic. How can something spread so fast? Although we don't become animalistic due to the virus we've become extremely isolated and many stocked up on necessities to last months. It's exactly what the prophet had his followers do to prepare for the pandemic reaching them.
The cult is religious based and I liked that bible versus were incorporated into the story. I felt that it really connected the reader to Agnes and how faithful she is. She's the most faithful yet still questions God. I liked her character and how caring she was. She had such unwavering faith in her God and knew he would show her the way to saving the people of Red Creek.
Beth was such a great character! She sacrifices herself to help Agnes. She definitely faces the most trials in my opinion as she's stuck in Red Creek taking care of the injured boy she used to have feelings for. She has to sneak around Red Creek trying to find food and supplies. At one point she almost gets caught. When she finally has an opportunity to get out she finds it a lot more difficult than she thought. She may not be as faithful as Agnes but her drive to explore the outside world, and to find Agnes, is what keeps her alive.
If you love a good dystopian that I would definitely recommend this one. Survival, love, family, and faith are major themes that you'll find in this one and if you enjoy any of those than you'll enjoy this book.
September 14, 2020
This book is really well written. What a shame then that I feel so colossally duped having read it.
What I expected: a girl's slow realisation that the fundamentalist community she lives in is toxic and deeply misogynistic and the story of her warring with herself over what the right path to take is, how to break free, yadda yadda . . .
What I got: 400 pages of religious instruction, which made me horribly uncomfortable.
Sometimes, books take a turn you don't expect and that's down to the reader and their perception. On this occasion though, this book was advertised as a YA dystopian fiction. Of course there are themes of that, but faith is the core theme here and the book absolutely has not been marketed as such.
The first 200 pages were extremely readable, but Agnes' lack of conflict despite initially being brainwashed was irritating when it had potential to be really interesting, and the instalove will turn me off every time.
I could rant even further how even the seemingly competent and compassionate adults are prepared to let a child with a Messianic complex take the reins and govern a community, but I've had enough of my time wasted by this book.
If you are religious or enjoy reading books that centre it, you'll likely enjoy this a lot more than me.
If you are irreligious, take heed of reviews that tell you it's very faith-based. I took from those statements that it was just because she was raised in a strict Church, but from page 200, God is the main character.
What I expected: a girl's slow realisation that the fundamentalist community she lives in is toxic and deeply misogynistic and the story of her warring with herself over what the right path to take is, how to break free, yadda yadda . . .
What I got: 400 pages of religious instruction, which made me horribly uncomfortable.
Sometimes, books take a turn you don't expect and that's down to the reader and their perception. On this occasion though, this book was advertised as a YA dystopian fiction. Of course there are themes of that, but faith is the core theme here and the book absolutely has not been marketed as such.
The first 200 pages were extremely readable, but Agnes' lack of conflict despite initially being brainwashed was irritating when it had potential to be really interesting, and the instalove will turn me off every time.
I could rant even further how even the seemingly competent and compassionate adults are prepared to let a child with a Messianic complex take the reins and govern a community, but I've had enough of my time wasted by this book.
If you are religious or enjoy reading books that centre it, you'll likely enjoy this a lot more than me.
If you are irreligious, take heed of reviews that tell you it's very faith-based. I took from those statements that it was just because she was raised in a strict Church, but from page 200, God is the main character.
September 17, 2020
Agnes at the End of the World had an amazing premise and was described as The Handmaid's Tale meets Wilder Girls- two amazing, powerful books that I love deeply but have nothing to do with the main theme of this book.
I don't have anything to say against the writing (which is actually great), the world-building, the characters or even the story itself since it's not actually a bad story. This is an original book and Agnes' faith being confronted to the cult isn't without interest, but it was basically the whole book instead of one of its themes. The story is more about religion than anything else, which wasn't what I was expecting when I started reading it. I truly think this book had the potential to be more than just about religion, that it could have explored others interesting themes and deserved to be sold as "The Handmaid's Tale meets Wilder Girls", but this is a lie here.
The marketing of a book is incredibly important, and Agnes at the End of the World didn't get the appropriate marketing: its premise is more attractive to people who won't be into it than to people who will love it. I actually think some people may have passed on that book for the same reasons it disappointed me.
2 stars because it wasn't bad either and not all of it was without interest for me.
I don't have anything to say against the writing (which is actually great), the world-building, the characters or even the story itself since it's not actually a bad story. This is an original book and Agnes' faith being confronted to the cult isn't without interest, but it was basically the whole book instead of one of its themes. The story is more about religion than anything else, which wasn't what I was expecting when I started reading it. I truly think this book had the potential to be more than just about religion, that it could have explored others interesting themes and deserved to be sold as "The Handmaid's Tale meets Wilder Girls", but this is a lie here.
The marketing of a book is incredibly important, and Agnes at the End of the World didn't get the appropriate marketing: its premise is more attractive to people who won't be into it than to people who will love it. I actually think some people may have passed on that book for the same reasons it disappointed me.
2 stars because it wasn't bad either and not all of it was without interest for me.
April 5, 2020
I loved my time inside the pages of this book and always had a difficult time putting it down. I enjoyed the characters that leapt from the pages and were so real to me. The family, friendships, and faith dramas, as well as learning to love yourself and respect diversity made this a well-rounded novel and one of my favorite books of the year. If you enjoy character-driven stories, stories that keep you guessing with surprises and twists, friendship, family (including found family too), and slow-burn, respectful romance, then this is a book for you.
September 29, 2020
Books I like: apocalyptic fiction
Books that aren't for me: religious fiction
Books that really piss me off: religious fiction masquerading as literally anything else.
This is religious fiction. That would be fine... if it were honest about it. Yes, the summary mentioned the characters' faith, but when God solves the problem in the end, this isn't fiction about religious characters--it's religious fiction.
DON'T TRICK PEOPLE INTO READING YOUR JESUS FANFIC.
There's also the matter of "genuine faith" being the only thing that seems to matter. It was all set up for Danny to have an important character moment but Danny is all about STUDYING and SCIENCE so he gets sidelined. Meanwhile, Corey does ONE good thing, but is otherwise a total fuckboy! He's manipulative and critical of Beth, and he, and overall the narrative, gives precious little respect to the abuse and trauma she's been subjected to--but Corey is a person of faith, so him and Beth are treated as a happily-ever-after couple.
Books that aren't for me: religious fiction
Books that really piss me off: religious fiction masquerading as literally anything else.
This is religious fiction. That would be fine... if it were honest about it. Yes, the summary mentioned the characters' faith, but when God solves the problem in the end, this isn't fiction about religious characters--it's religious fiction.
DON'T TRICK PEOPLE INTO READING YOUR JESUS FANFIC.
There's also the matter of "genuine faith" being the only thing that seems to matter. It was all set up for Danny to have an important character moment but Danny is all about STUDYING and SCIENCE so he gets sidelined. Meanwhile, Corey does ONE good thing, but is otherwise a total fuckboy! He's manipulative and critical of Beth, and he, and overall the narrative, gives precious little respect to the abuse and trauma she's been subjected to--but Corey is a person of faith, so him and Beth are treated as a happily-ever-after couple.
April 9, 2020
Agnes at the end of the world is a whole new genre of fantasy that I've had the pleasure of reading. This book overwhelmed me with elements of sci-fi, fantasy, dystopia but most of all it is one such book that is so RELEVANT and IMPORTANT.
Agnes is about taking a stand, of shedding the notion that treats a misogynistic institution as superior and a classic tale of prevalence of good above evil.
I absolutely enjoyed everything about this book be it the author's slant writing, the two sisters duo who even after living under the same roof were guided by different values and were shaped into such contrasting characters.
I at times felt disgusted and to even think that such atrocities still prevail in the world makes my blood boil.
also, before I forget to mention this book has such a brilliantly done DIABETES TYPE 1 representation ahhhhh!!!!
PLEASE READ IT.
Agnes is about taking a stand, of shedding the notion that treats a misogynistic institution as superior and a classic tale of prevalence of good above evil.
I absolutely enjoyed everything about this book be it the author's slant writing, the two sisters duo who even after living under the same roof were guided by different values and were shaped into such contrasting characters.
I at times felt disgusted and to even think that such atrocities still prevail in the world makes my blood boil.
also, before I forget to mention this book has such a brilliantly done DIABETES TYPE 1 representation ahhhhh!!!!
PLEASE READ IT.
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