Escape from Eden

It's true that I'm generally drawn to books that deal with cults. There's something haunting to me about the “hive mind” mentality. Something sinister about the fact that a single person can possess the minds of so many others. It might be a macabre fascination, but I won't turn down a book like this. That's why I was so intrigued by Escape From Eden. What would I discover in the world of Edenton?

Mia is our main character and she's a brilliant one at that. Feisty, smart, and the one person in her compound who remembers life on the outside. Following this story from Mia's point of view made it all the more intriguing. Imagine growing up in a world that you hate, but can't escape. From the moment I arrived in Edenton with Mia, I knew there was something dark under the peaceful facade. As the cracks began to widen, and I discovered what was there, I couldn't look away.

The synopsis focuses on the romance between Mia and Gabriel, but that isn't what drives the book. I'll admit that their relationship did add another layer. Gabriel is the perfect companion for Mia, especially as they struggle to flee from the madness. What really pushes the book forward though is the slow decline of the “Eden” that these characters are trying to escape from. If you're looking for a book with a sweet romance, or a boy-meets-girl story, you might want to look elsewhere. This one is much deeper than that.

Truth be told, the ending was the only thing that wasn't spot on for me. The rest of Escape From Eden flies by, and I happily devoured it. Much love goes out to Elisa Nader for crafting such an intelligent, and fierce book! I don't see any mention of a sequel, but I'd welcome one. Keep Elisa Nader on your watch-list. Her writing is well worth your attention.