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A review by nicholemwillden
Agnes at the End of the World by Kelly McWilliams
3.0
Faith and Weakness
I first of all have to state that as this book is YA, I am likely not is intended audience. Second, three stars is not a critical review, no matter where certain sellers place it. Third, I would give this book 3.5 stars if partial stars were allowed. But I did not think it earned 4 stars.
I kept reading at times when I wanted to stop. And I’m glad I did. It was a good story and it deserved the dignity of finishing. But it did feel like it dragged on unnecessarily.
This is my favorite version of an apocalypse story so far. I think the disease was fascinating and terrifying. It was well-mirrored by the fascinating and terrifying cult in Red Creek. There were monsters with hard red skins Outside, and monsters with hard red hearts inside.
I feel Agnes’ deconstruction was rushed. But I was fascinated by her abiding faith afterwards. I felt like Beth’s deconstruction was more realistic, but she did not get the character development she needed and deserved. She didn’t even make it into the title, though the story was as much hers as Agnes’. After her own little miracle, I was a little disappointed when Beth didn’t turn out to be a “prophet” like her sister. I feel like she was an undervalued character.
The plot moved slowly but then the ending was rushed. I don’t feel like I understood. If that was intentional—a “mysterious ways” sort of situation—then kudos to the author. If not, then we needed more explanations and descriptions of what happened down in that bunker.
As someone raised in a cult, I found this to be a very believable story insomuch as it dealt with religion, brain washing, rites and rituals. The author has a truly lovely way with words. I would read more from her. I have faith that the weaknesses of this book could be overcome in other stories.
I first of all have to state that as this book is YA, I am likely not is intended audience. Second, three stars is not a critical review, no matter where certain sellers place it. Third, I would give this book 3.5 stars if partial stars were allowed. But I did not think it earned 4 stars.
I kept reading at times when I wanted to stop. And I’m glad I did. It was a good story and it deserved the dignity of finishing. But it did feel like it dragged on unnecessarily.
This is my favorite version of an apocalypse story so far. I think the disease was fascinating and terrifying. It was well-mirrored by the fascinating and terrifying cult in Red Creek. There were monsters with hard red skins Outside, and monsters with hard red hearts inside.
I feel Agnes’ deconstruction was rushed. But I was fascinated by her abiding faith afterwards. I felt like Beth’s deconstruction was more realistic, but she did not get the character development she needed and deserved. She didn’t even make it into the title, though the story was as much hers as Agnes’. After her own little miracle, I was a little disappointed when Beth didn’t turn out to be a “prophet” like her sister. I feel like she was an undervalued character.
The plot moved slowly but then the ending was rushed. I don’t feel like I understood. If that was intentional—a “mysterious ways” sort of situation—then kudos to the author. If not, then we needed more explanations and descriptions of what happened down in that bunker.
As someone raised in a cult, I found this to be a very believable story insomuch as it dealt with religion, brain washing, rites and rituals. The author has a truly lovely way with words. I would read more from her. I have faith that the weaknesses of this book could be overcome in other stories.