Josh is trapped. Born and raised in the Fundamental Faith in God- a cult started by his mother- all Josh knows is abuse, neglect, and life in a house bursting with angry adults and lonely children. His only friend is his oldest brother, Malachi. He and Malachi have spent countless hours in the woods, building a rough cabin and planning to escape together.
But when Malachi finally snaps and gets away, he leaves Josh behind. Betrayed, more isolated than ever, and finding solace only in his books, Josh starts planning his own escape. Then tragedy strikes and Josh spirals - with nothing to catch him - and a grim, abused future all he has left.
That all changes when Josh finally talks to one of the other cult kids, Mary, and a friendship blooms from their shared love of books. As his relationship with Mary deepens into something that might save both of them, Josh's eyes are opened to the plight of the other children and he feels something new: fury. These children need his protection - even though Josh still yearns for freedom.
But is escape an act of betrayal? And when the time comes for Josh to face his abuser, will the battle destroy any hope for peace and freedom?
