Escape from Eden by Elisa Nader

*I was given this book free by the author/publishing company in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.*

Escape from Eden is a gripping tale of the corrupting force of absolute power, even under the guise of care, compassion, and Christianity. Our protagonist Mia is a teenage girl who lives in a Christian commune in the jungles of South America. Her mother brought Mia and her baby brother Max to Edenton when their father left the family. Mia's mother hoped that the Reverend would help to keep her family safe and raise her children in a Christian community far from the sin and degradation of the real world. But when slick New York teenager Gabriel is brought to Edenton by his parents, Mia's whole world gets turned upside down. All too soon the secrets and horrors of the commune are brought to Mia and Gabriel's attention, and the questions becomes not whether Edenton is worth living in, but will they be able to escape it.

Elisa Nader writes a fluent, well-paced story that will have readers engrossed and turning the pages. The characters are well-wrought and relatable. While the ending is a bit abrupt (I know I was hoping for more insight as to where Mia's future would take her), it isn't an overt disappointment.

I would recommend Escape from Eden to all avid readers and especially to fans of YA and thrillers. I give the book 4 out of 5 stars.

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