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The Ascent
What would you do if the past showed up on your doorstep? A woman who grew up in a cult must decide if she can trust the stranger claiming to have answers to the dark mysteries of her childhood.
Twenty years ago, the members of a reclusive commune outside Philadelphia vanished without a trace. The mystery of their disappearance has never been solved. No sightings of the members were ever verified, and no bodies ever found. But the group did leave one thing a twelve-year-old girl wandering alone on the side of the road in search of her lost family.
In the years since that morning, Lee Burton has tried to put the pain of her past behind her. She has built a new identity for herself, with a doting husband and seven-month-old daughter, Lucy. No one in her life now knows about her connection to “the cult that went missing,” not even her husband. But new motherhood is proving a bigger challenge than she anticipated. She doesn't want to let Lucy out of her sight even for a moment. She can't return to work. She's not sleeping, and she's starting to have paranoid thoughts of Lucy being harmed.
Then a stranger shows up on her doorstep, offering to finally answer all of Lee’s questions about her past—if she could only trust that the woman is who she says she is. As she digs deeper into the woman's history, the safe, stable life that Lee has constructed for herself threatens to shatter. In The Ascent, Allison Buccola has crafted a nerve-rattling thriller about motherhood, identity, and the truths we think we know about our families.
Twenty years ago, the members of a reclusive commune outside Philadelphia vanished without a trace. The mystery of their disappearance has never been solved. No sightings of the members were ever verified, and no bodies ever found. But the group did leave one thing a twelve-year-old girl wandering alone on the side of the road in search of her lost family.
In the years since that morning, Lee Burton has tried to put the pain of her past behind her. She has built a new identity for herself, with a doting husband and seven-month-old daughter, Lucy. No one in her life now knows about her connection to “the cult that went missing,” not even her husband. But new motherhood is proving a bigger challenge than she anticipated. She doesn't want to let Lucy out of her sight even for a moment. She can't return to work. She's not sleeping, and she's starting to have paranoid thoughts of Lucy being harmed.
Then a stranger shows up on her doorstep, offering to finally answer all of Lee’s questions about her past—if she could only trust that the woman is who she says she is. As she digs deeper into the woman's history, the safe, stable life that Lee has constructed for herself threatens to shatter. In The Ascent, Allison Buccola has crafted a nerve-rattling thriller about motherhood, identity, and the truths we think we know about our families.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published May 20, 2025
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May 13, 2025
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This was a very gripping thriller. It's about a woman named Lee who was in a cult called Jacob's Hill as a kid. One day, the cult members simply disappear without a trace. Twelve-year-old Lee is left behind. Years later, and a mother herself, Lee has to finally face her traumatic upbringing when a stranger arrives and says they know why the cult disappeared. Can Lee trust this woman, or herself?
The writing was very suspenseful and I was sucked into Lee's world in both the past and present. It was very tense at times and had me furiously flipping pages. The characters are well thought out, the plot twists were surprising, and the ending was very satisfying indeed. But this is more than just another thriller, it's about a survivor and the mind games that were played on her. I like how the author shows how Lee's past shaped her present. I found the dynamics of the cult and the aftermath on Lee's life both fascinating and chilling. Highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys character-driven stories that are very suspenseful.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The Book Review Crew Blog
This was a very gripping thriller. It's about a woman named Lee who was in a cult called Jacob's Hill as a kid. One day, the cult members simply disappear without a trace. Twelve-year-old Lee is left behind. Years later, and a mother herself, Lee has to finally face her traumatic upbringing when a stranger arrives and says they know why the cult disappeared. Can Lee trust this woman, or herself?
The writing was very suspenseful and I was sucked into Lee's world in both the past and present. It was very tense at times and had me furiously flipping pages. The characters are well thought out, the plot twists were surprising, and the ending was very satisfying indeed. But this is more than just another thriller, it's about a survivor and the mind games that were played on her. I like how the author shows how Lee's past shaped her present. I found the dynamics of the cult and the aftermath on Lee's life both fascinating and chilling. Highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys character-driven stories that are very suspenseful.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
June 13, 2025
After reading—and loving—Catch Her When She Falls, I was beyond excited to dive into Allison Buccola’s second novel, The Ascent. Exploring themes such as identity, marriage, motherhood, and trauma, the underlying topic of cults had me running to request an advanced readers copy. And let me tell you, I wasn’t let down by this sizzling tale in the slightest. You see, thanks to a slow burn plot that caught fire towards the end, I was quickly drawn into this unreliable narrator’s fracturing world. Suspenseful and twisty, I swore I knew where it was headed until a “WTF?!” twist took it in a whole other brilliant direction that I never saw coming.
Despite a plot that oozed with foreboding and a gasp-inducing twist that had my jaw on the floor, the characters were the special sauce in this psychological thriller. Well-developed and fully fleshed out, Lee’s past and present came together to outline a woman who felt utterly real. Was she a survivor or a victim? And how much had her past traumas damaged her mind? Both of these questions combined to make me question her every thought and emotion. Added to the other main characters who were equally suspicious in my eyes, this book took mind-f***ery to a whole other level—not only for Lee, but for the reader as well.
The only piece to this utter slam dunk that missed the mark for me just the littlest bit was the abrupt shift from slow burn to mildly unhinged. You see, when the climax arrived on the scene, things took a dark, twisted turn that somewhat lowered the power of the book. Just the same, I was game for it all as Lee took charge and made her character arc into a full circle smash hit.
All said and done, Buccola crafted a tale that felt decidedly different from her debut, but was just as much of a surefire win. With two intricately interwoven timelines and a cast that had me giving side-eye glances to one and all, I ripped through the pages in just over twenty-four hours. After all, I couldn’t get enough of the paranoia and fear that flowed from the pages. It was the last stunning chapter, though, that made this book sing. Wrapping up the original plot, the nice, pretty little bow left me with a Cheshire-like smile on my face. So if you like a cult premise that comes complete with plenty of head games, look no further because you’ve found it right here. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
For decades, the whereabouts of The Fifteen has been an unsolved mystery. All the members of this reclusive commune outside Philadelphia vanished twenty years ago, except for one: a twelve-year-old girl found wandering alone on the side of the road.
In the years since that morning, Lee Burton has tried to put the pain of her past behind her, building a new identity for herself with a doting husband and seven-month-old daughter, Lucy. But motherhood is proving a bigger challenge than she anticipated. She doesn’t want to let Lucy out of her sight even for a moment. She can’t return to work. She’s not sleeping, and she has started spiraling into paranoia.
Then a stranger shows up on her doorstep, offering answers to all of Lee’s questions about her past—if Lee could only trust that this woman is who she says she is. Can Lee keep her safe, stable life? Or will new revelations about “the cult that went missing” shatter everything?
Thank you to Allison Buccola and Random House for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: May 20, 2025
Content warning: cult, anxiety, abandonment, cancer, gaslighting, mention of: infidelity
Despite a plot that oozed with foreboding and a gasp-inducing twist that had my jaw on the floor, the characters were the special sauce in this psychological thriller. Well-developed and fully fleshed out, Lee’s past and present came together to outline a woman who felt utterly real. Was she a survivor or a victim? And how much had her past traumas damaged her mind? Both of these questions combined to make me question her every thought and emotion. Added to the other main characters who were equally suspicious in my eyes, this book took mind-f***ery to a whole other level—not only for Lee, but for the reader as well.
The only piece to this utter slam dunk that missed the mark for me just the littlest bit was the abrupt shift from slow burn to mildly unhinged. You see, when the climax arrived on the scene, things took a dark, twisted turn that somewhat lowered the power of the book. Just the same, I was game for it all as Lee took charge and made her character arc into a full circle smash hit.
All said and done, Buccola crafted a tale that felt decidedly different from her debut, but was just as much of a surefire win. With two intricately interwoven timelines and a cast that had me giving side-eye glances to one and all, I ripped through the pages in just over twenty-four hours. After all, I couldn’t get enough of the paranoia and fear that flowed from the pages. It was the last stunning chapter, though, that made this book sing. Wrapping up the original plot, the nice, pretty little bow left me with a Cheshire-like smile on my face. So if you like a cult premise that comes complete with plenty of head games, look no further because you’ve found it right here. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
For decades, the whereabouts of The Fifteen has been an unsolved mystery. All the members of this reclusive commune outside Philadelphia vanished twenty years ago, except for one: a twelve-year-old girl found wandering alone on the side of the road.
In the years since that morning, Lee Burton has tried to put the pain of her past behind her, building a new identity for herself with a doting husband and seven-month-old daughter, Lucy. But motherhood is proving a bigger challenge than she anticipated. She doesn’t want to let Lucy out of her sight even for a moment. She can’t return to work. She’s not sleeping, and she has started spiraling into paranoia.
Then a stranger shows up on her doorstep, offering answers to all of Lee’s questions about her past—if Lee could only trust that this woman is who she says she is. Can Lee keep her safe, stable life? Or will new revelations about “the cult that went missing” shatter everything?
Thank you to Allison Buccola and Random House for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: May 20, 2025
Content warning: cult, anxiety, abandonment, cancer, gaslighting, mention of: infidelity
March 2, 2025
4.5. I love books about cults, communes, and religious zealots and this book opens with a now-grown woman who is from the Jacob Hill group that completely disappeared 20 years ago. The group was led by Christopher who dictated the every move
of the lives of its members. Ophelia was 12 at the time when she awoke and all 15 members were gone. Disappeared. She was left all alone. To this day they’ve never been found.
The book alternates between present day and 20 years ago and I jumped in right away so excited to dig deep into this mysterious group and why and how they disappeared, leaving one girl behind.
This book was a crazy fast paced novel that completely sucked me in from the start. The ending was a bit far fetched for me but that did not diminish the ride getting there.
Thank you to NetGalley, Allison Buccola and Random House Publishing Group for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.
of the lives of its members. Ophelia was 12 at the time when she awoke and all 15 members were gone. Disappeared. She was left all alone. To this day they’ve never been found.
The book alternates between present day and 20 years ago and I jumped in right away so excited to dig deep into this mysterious group and why and how they disappeared, leaving one girl behind.
This book was a crazy fast paced novel that completely sucked me in from the start. The ending was a bit far fetched for me but that did not diminish the ride getting there.
Thank you to NetGalley, Allison Buccola and Random House Publishing Group for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.
November 15, 2024
Gaslighting is no joke fellas, this book had me tripping balls questioning my own sanity… she started off reallyyy slow but I was hooked 27% in & binged the rest in 4 hours 🤭
4.5/5
This book really threw me for a loop. Cult behavior and psychology is so interesting to read about, and part of me really feels like Buccola did a really great job of immersing me into the mindset of this woman, Lee (short for Ophelia), and fleshing her out into a really really uninteresting unreliable narrator, who aside from her backstory would just be another woman.
We see Lee as a new mother who is going through some severe postpartum anxiety and depression, no family aside from her husband and mother in law, definitely no friends to speak of. All this context only to say that she has been hiding her past life as an abandoned black sheep… from everyone including her husband. Her trauma as a 12 year old where everyone packed up and left in the dead of night, leaving her young, confused and horribly, horrifically, alone.
This book started off really slow, but by the 25-30% marks you could really start to understand the story and the weight and implications behind every situation, and you start to doubt yourself too… “did this really happen? I know Ophelia is an unreliable narrator but this just doesn’t make sense”. The twists and turns that this book took didn’t have me prepared for any of it, partly why it was sooo easy to binge. I believe that while Lee definitely struggled with her mental health, but it ended up not being all the problems everyone chalked out to be.
I found the ending of this story to be satisfying, especially considering the trials and tribulations that Lee had gone through, it felt like I was watching a true crime doc and reached the final stretch where they go over “where they are today”. Do I have the answers to everything? …no. Does it really affect the outcome of the story? No, and I liked that this book recognizes that there are not always clearly defined answers to all of life’s questions, but the answers that we do have can still be just as gratifying.
I enjoyed this book and hope that it does well, thank you Netgalley for letting me read this!🤱🏻
4.5/5
This book really threw me for a loop. Cult behavior and psychology is so interesting to read about, and part of me really feels like Buccola did a really great job of immersing me into the mindset of this woman, Lee (short for Ophelia), and fleshing her out into a really really uninteresting unreliable narrator, who aside from her backstory would just be another woman.
We see Lee as a new mother who is going through some severe postpartum anxiety and depression, no family aside from her husband and mother in law, definitely no friends to speak of. All this context only to say that she has been hiding her past life as an abandoned black sheep… from everyone including her husband. Her trauma as a 12 year old where everyone packed up and left in the dead of night, leaving her young, confused and horribly, horrifically, alone.
This book started off really slow, but by the 25-30% marks you could really start to understand the story and the weight and implications behind every situation, and you start to doubt yourself too… “did this really happen? I know Ophelia is an unreliable narrator but this just doesn’t make sense”. The twists and turns that this book took didn’t have me prepared for any of it, partly why it was sooo easy to binge. I believe that while Lee definitely struggled with her mental health, but it ended up not being all the problems everyone chalked out to be.
I found the ending of this story to be satisfying, especially considering the trials and tribulations that Lee had gone through, it felt like I was watching a true crime doc and reached the final stretch where they go over “where they are today”. Do I have the answers to everything? …no. Does it really affect the outcome of the story? No, and I liked that this book recognizes that there are not always clearly defined answers to all of life’s questions, but the answers that we do have can still be just as gratifying.
I enjoyed this book and hope that it does well, thank you Netgalley for letting me read this!🤱🏻
May 24, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I was absolutely blown away by this book. To be fair, I’m a sucker for anything cult-related, but The Ascent had me STRESSING OUT. The tension, the deceit, the shifting truths... it was all so well done that I could barely put it down.
This is a slow burn psychological thriller with an atmosphere thick enough to choke on, and I mean that as a compliment. The story follows Lee Burton, a woman who survived a cult and is now a new mother, quietly trying to outrun her past. When someone from that buried life shows up on her doorstep, everything she's built begins to unravel. Allison Buccola creates an incredible sense of unease as Lee becomes entangled in a mystery that had me questioning everything, especially Lee herself.
And let’s talk about that unreliable narrator magic. Buccola nails it. I was fully convinced Ophelia was on to something, then just as convinced she was spiraling, and then somehow back again. It’s the kind of mental whiplash I crave in thrillers.
The only reason this wasn’t a full 5-star read for me is the ending. While satisfying and not confusing to me (maybe thank my true crime obsession), it did require a little suspension of disbelief. Given some of the choices Ophelia made, It wrapped up almost too neatly, which felt slightly at odds with the rest of the book's tight, unsettling tension.
Still, this is a stellar read and one I’d recommend to fans of cult aftermath stories, unreliable narrators, slow-burning psychological tension, and twisty dramas that don’t rely on constant action but still leave your jaw on the floor.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
I was absolutely blown away by this book. To be fair, I’m a sucker for anything cult-related, but The Ascent had me STRESSING OUT. The tension, the deceit, the shifting truths... it was all so well done that I could barely put it down.
This is a slow burn psychological thriller with an atmosphere thick enough to choke on, and I mean that as a compliment. The story follows Lee Burton, a woman who survived a cult and is now a new mother, quietly trying to outrun her past. When someone from that buried life shows up on her doorstep, everything she's built begins to unravel. Allison Buccola creates an incredible sense of unease as Lee becomes entangled in a mystery that had me questioning everything, especially Lee herself.
And let’s talk about that unreliable narrator magic. Buccola nails it. I was fully convinced Ophelia was on to something, then just as convinced she was spiraling, and then somehow back again. It’s the kind of mental whiplash I crave in thrillers.
The only reason this wasn’t a full 5-star read for me is the ending. While satisfying and not confusing to me (maybe thank my true crime obsession), it did require a little suspension of disbelief. Given some of the choices Ophelia made, It wrapped up almost too neatly, which felt slightly at odds with the rest of the book's tight, unsettling tension.
Still, this is a stellar read and one I’d recommend to fans of cult aftermath stories, unreliable narrators, slow-burning psychological tension, and twisty dramas that don’t rely on constant action but still leave your jaw on the floor.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
February 13, 2025
THE ASCENT has a good premise and I was hooked from the get go. Twenty years ago, members of a commune went missing. No bodies were found, they just vanished. At the time m, a 12 year old girl was seen wandering on a road. She was unable to provide answers to authorities other than her family members were among the missing. Years later, the girl is now married with a baby and goes by the name Lee Burton. A woman shows up on Lee’s doorstep claiming to be linked to the cult. While Lee has worked hard to put the past behind her this woman might finally provide some answers for Lee.
Let’s face it, cults are creepy and when you add to it a new mother struggling to adapt to life with a kid and then throw in a mysterious stranger, well you got a lot of layers of tension which works well in a thriller. It was a page turner as I was heavily invested in wanting answers to Lee’s background. I won’t lie and say everything was shocking in the end but there were enough surprises along the way. An above average thriller and one worth reading if you like the genre.
Thank you to Random House for sending me a free advance copy! I won the book in a Goodreads giveaway. All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
Let’s face it, cults are creepy and when you add to it a new mother struggling to adapt to life with a kid and then throw in a mysterious stranger, well you got a lot of layers of tension which works well in a thriller. It was a page turner as I was heavily invested in wanting answers to Lee’s background. I won’t lie and say everything was shocking in the end but there were enough surprises along the way. An above average thriller and one worth reading if you like the genre.
Thank you to Random House for sending me a free advance copy! I won the book in a Goodreads giveaway. All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
April 30, 2025
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"The Ascent" by Allison Buccola is a psychologically rich thriller that explores the lingering trauma of cult survival, the slippery nature of truth, and the quiet terror of motherhood.
Twenty years after walking away from a vanished cult as a child, Lee Burton has built a seemingly perfect life: loving husband, new baby, new identity. But the illusion of safety fractures when a stranger arrives, claiming to hold the key to Lee’s buried past. As paranoia builds and motherhood isolates her further, Lee must confront whether her instincts are a sign of unraveling or a sign she can't ignore.
This story echoes real-life cults such as Jonestown and Waco, but instead of focusing solely on the cult itself, Buccola centers on the after. The weight survivors and their families carry. The way Lee is "othered" immediately upon transitioning from cult-life to pedestrian life highlights the way society often portrays uniqueness and differing life experiences as negative. We're told "different is bad," refusing to face how similar we actually all are. Buccola hits this nail on the head, authentically portraying the tactics used against the "othered" individual. Additionally, Buccola’s novel smartly examines how society often gaslights new mothers, brushing off their intuition as hormonal fog. Lee’s fears are amplified by a culture that tells women to question themselves. Ignore your gut. I see this ringing true for the women in my life.
While I found myself craving more exploration of the cult's inner workings, the narrative’s focus on how trauma ripples outward felt both intentional and resonant. Buccola deftly weaves together multiple storylines—past and present, real and remembered—into a layered, believable world of trauma and survival. And through it all, she delivers moments of quiet grace: the small, unexpected lifelines that often save us before we even recognize them as such. The novel also pokes at how privilege can both shield and blind—opening doors for some while leaving others out in the cold, disbelieved and dismissed.
A mysterious and fracturing thriller, "The Ascent" reminds us that sometimes what we’re searching for was within us all along.
Thank you to Allison Buccola, Random House, & NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my authentic review.
"The Ascent" by Allison Buccola is a psychologically rich thriller that explores the lingering trauma of cult survival, the slippery nature of truth, and the quiet terror of motherhood.
Twenty years after walking away from a vanished cult as a child, Lee Burton has built a seemingly perfect life: loving husband, new baby, new identity. But the illusion of safety fractures when a stranger arrives, claiming to hold the key to Lee’s buried past. As paranoia builds and motherhood isolates her further, Lee must confront whether her instincts are a sign of unraveling or a sign she can't ignore.
This story echoes real-life cults such as Jonestown and Waco, but instead of focusing solely on the cult itself, Buccola centers on the after. The weight survivors and their families carry. The way Lee is "othered" immediately upon transitioning from cult-life to pedestrian life highlights the way society often portrays uniqueness and differing life experiences as negative. We're told "different is bad," refusing to face how similar we actually all are. Buccola hits this nail on the head, authentically portraying the tactics used against the "othered" individual. Additionally, Buccola’s novel smartly examines how society often gaslights new mothers, brushing off their intuition as hormonal fog. Lee’s fears are amplified by a culture that tells women to question themselves. Ignore your gut. I see this ringing true for the women in my life.
While I found myself craving more exploration of the cult's inner workings, the narrative’s focus on how trauma ripples outward felt both intentional and resonant. Buccola deftly weaves together multiple storylines—past and present, real and remembered—into a layered, believable world of trauma and survival. And through it all, she delivers moments of quiet grace: the small, unexpected lifelines that often save us before we even recognize them as such. The novel also pokes at how privilege can both shield and blind—opening doors for some while leaving others out in the cold, disbelieved and dismissed.
A mysterious and fracturing thriller, "The Ascent" reminds us that sometimes what we’re searching for was within us all along.
Thank you to Allison Buccola, Random House, & NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my authentic review.
December 26, 2024
I absolutely loved this one. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Lee Burton, the sole survivor of a mysterious commune disappearance outside Philadelphia, has spent years trying to leave her painful past behind. Now married with a young daughter, Lee’s life is unraveling as she struggles with overwhelming paranoia and a desperate need to protect her family. When a stranger arrives with answers about her past, Lee must confront the chilling truth behind the cult's disappearance and decide whether she can hold on to her fragile new life or face the terrifying revelations that threaten to shatter everything.
I really thought I knew which way the plot was going several times, only to be taken elsewhere. What a great, twisty ride this was. I think some people might be bothered by the slow-burn nature of the plot, which I would usually take issue with. But The Ascent had me glued to the pages. Highly recommended for those interested in cults or domestic mysteries/thrillers.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
Lee Burton, the sole survivor of a mysterious commune disappearance outside Philadelphia, has spent years trying to leave her painful past behind. Now married with a young daughter, Lee’s life is unraveling as she struggles with overwhelming paranoia and a desperate need to protect her family. When a stranger arrives with answers about her past, Lee must confront the chilling truth behind the cult's disappearance and decide whether she can hold on to her fragile new life or face the terrifying revelations that threaten to shatter everything.
I really thought I knew which way the plot was going several times, only to be taken elsewhere. What a great, twisty ride this was. I think some people might be bothered by the slow-burn nature of the plot, which I would usually take issue with. But The Ascent had me glued to the pages. Highly recommended for those interested in cults or domestic mysteries/thrillers.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
September 30, 2024
This book had so many things that I love. Pennsylvania! Cults! Philadelphia--Go Birds! Lawyers! (Do I love lawyers? No, but I am a lawyer so I will offer some token enthusiasm.)
It started a little slow (the narrator's whole I-can't-let-my-baby-out-of-my-sight-oh-my-god schtick went on for a little too long in my opinion), but once it got rolling it did not relent. I was hooked. I was very surprised by the twist and satisfied with the ending (though the ending did feel a little rushed).
However, there were a few aspects of the plot that left me wanting more. I wanted to know more about her relationship with her cousins and I wanted them to be humanized and less black and white (e.g., I think it would have been great for her to reconcile/grow closer with Rachel at some point). I wanted to know more about what happened in Pittsburgh, because I feel like that was barely explained. I wanted to know what, exactly, the narrator could have been diagnosed with during those episodes. I will note that I am glad the book wasn't bogged down by too many flashbacks to the cult. I hate constant switching between flashbacks/present day, and I enjoyed Buccola's light touch with those.
I have such a special place in my heart for lawyers-turned-authors (like Allison Buccola). Mainly because I would love to be a lawyer-turned-author. But alas. I'm glad Buccola made that career shift because this is a great book. I will read her previous novel at some point.
*THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND RANDOM HOUSE FOR THE ADVANCED READER COPY**
It started a little slow (the narrator's whole I-can't-let-my-baby-out-of-my-sight-oh-my-god schtick went on for a little too long in my opinion), but once it got rolling it did not relent. I was hooked. I was very surprised by the twist and satisfied with the ending (though the ending did feel a little rushed).
However, there were a few aspects of the plot that left me wanting more. I wanted to know more about her relationship with her cousins and I wanted them to be humanized and less black and white (e.g., I think it would have been great for her to reconcile/grow closer with Rachel at some point). I wanted to know more about what happened in Pittsburgh, because I feel like that was barely explained. I wanted to know what, exactly, the narrator could have been diagnosed with during those episodes. I will note that I am glad the book wasn't bogged down by too many flashbacks to the cult. I hate constant switching between flashbacks/present day, and I enjoyed Buccola's light touch with those.
I have such a special place in my heart for lawyers-turned-authors (like Allison Buccola). Mainly because I would love to be a lawyer-turned-author. But alas. I'm glad Buccola made that career shift because this is a great book. I will read her previous novel at some point.
*THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND RANDOM HOUSE FOR THE ADVANCED READER COPY**
May 7, 2025
This book is an enthralling thriller that combines suspense with heartfelt moments. The plot takes a thrilling twist when a stranger arrives, promising answers to Lee's long-held questions. The tension between maintaining her safe, stable life and uncovering the truth about the commune adds an exciting layer to the story. The author keeps you on the edge of your seat, seamlessly blending nerve-rattling suspense with the emotional depth of a mother's love and paranoia. I loved how this book navigates themes of identity and family truths. The blend of mystery and personal growth makes for a compelling read that leaves you pondering long after the last page.
If you're looking for a thriller that will keep you guessing while tugging at your heartstrings, this one is the perfect choice.
Thank you to @randomhouse @allisonbuccola and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own.
May 18, 2025
Welp. Let’s just say I was left wanting more.
The lead up in this book is so good, but there’s just one problem: it doesn’t seem to lead to anything. There were a couple twists that definitely caught my attention but there are so many unanswered questions that it took away from the strengths of this book.
The parallel of Lee’s, our main character’s, trauma as a prior cult member with the trauma she’s experiencing as a new mother was an intriguing story line that had me hooked from the get go. The inclusion of a present day timeline and years prior was a good way to illustrate the struggle of Lee’s mental state. She struggles with control and the emotional turmoil she feels of losing her cult family as well as the postpartum fear of something happening to her new baby, Lucy.
Gaslighting is a strong theme in this book, whether it came from Lee’s husband or the media regarding the cult. This theme reverberates throughout the timelines and causes the demise of Lee’s mental and emotional state.
There was so much potential with this book because it was well-written, however, the ending left me with more questions than answers and it just left me wanting more.
⭐️⭐️.75
The lead up in this book is so good, but there’s just one problem: it doesn’t seem to lead to anything. There were a couple twists that definitely caught my attention but there are so many unanswered questions that it took away from the strengths of this book.
The parallel of Lee’s, our main character’s, trauma as a prior cult member with the trauma she’s experiencing as a new mother was an intriguing story line that had me hooked from the get go. The inclusion of a present day timeline and years prior was a good way to illustrate the struggle of Lee’s mental state. She struggles with control and the emotional turmoil she feels of losing her cult family as well as the postpartum fear of something happening to her new baby, Lucy.
Gaslighting is a strong theme in this book, whether it came from Lee’s husband or the media regarding the cult. This theme reverberates throughout the timelines and causes the demise of Lee’s mental and emotional state.
There was so much potential with this book because it was well-written, however, the ending left me with more questions than answers and it just left me wanting more.
⭐️⭐️.75
May 13, 2025
The Ascent by Allison Buccola. Thanks to @randomhouse for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Twenty years ago members of a reclusive community disappear; all but one twelve year old girl. Now twenty years later, that girl is a grown adult with a family and life of her own that is tried when a stranger arrives and says she is her sister.
Cult books can be hit or miss for me but this one was a definite HIT! It focuses more on the aftermath, as it takes place decades later. The events during the actual cult are not detailed, which I would have thought I’d miss, but I didn’t. The beginning half is a slow burn but it picks up in the latter half and your emotions are toyed with as events flip back and forth in very unexpected ways.
We don’t get to fully understand what motivates the people around us; we don’t get to have the whole story. Life is uncertain, and our perspective is so limited, so small.”
The Ascent comes out 5/20.
Twenty years ago members of a reclusive community disappear; all but one twelve year old girl. Now twenty years later, that girl is a grown adult with a family and life of her own that is tried when a stranger arrives and says she is her sister.
Cult books can be hit or miss for me but this one was a definite HIT! It focuses more on the aftermath, as it takes place decades later. The events during the actual cult are not detailed, which I would have thought I’d miss, but I didn’t. The beginning half is a slow burn but it picks up in the latter half and your emotions are toyed with as events flip back and forth in very unexpected ways.
We don’t get to fully understand what motivates the people around us; we don’t get to have the whole story. Life is uncertain, and our perspective is so limited, so small.”
The Ascent comes out 5/20.
November 13, 2024
This had a slow burn. I enjoy books about cults, so it was still thrilling enough that I enjoyed reading this book. Allison Buccola took a unique approach to creating Ophelia and the plot of this book, which is refreshing. The twist at the ending was good, but I felt disappointed about her family history because it was something you easily figured out early on, and it left me with so many unanswered questions. Although if you read this, it is exciting and bingeworthy in the story Allison created. I think I wanted more information when it came to all that happened in Ophelia's life.
Thanks to the publisher, author, and Netgelly for this ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Thanks to the publisher, author, and Netgelly for this ARC in exchange for a honest review.
June 13, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up. In the past: Ophelia lived with her mother and younger sister in a commune/cult deep in the Pennsylvania countryside, and one morning when she was 12, she woke up and everyone had disappeared, leaving her behind. In the present: Lee is a new mother who is still haunted by the mysteries of her past. Struggling with unhealed trauma and lack of sleep, Lee has intense fears of losing her daughter, Lucy, rendering her incapable of leaving the baby in anyone else’s care. When a stranger appears in Lee’s life claiming to be someone from her past, Lee finds her need to protect her family at war with her desire for answers about her history.
The Ascent is a deeply psychological story that focuses on the long-lasting effects of childhood trauma and dysfunction, as well as on the mental and physical toll of early motherhood. I thought Allison Buccola captured those aspects well through the character of Lee, which made her easy to sympathize with. It also provided justification for some of Lee’s more volatile choices, which otherwise would have seemed downright reckless without that context. Her anxiety and paranoia, as well as the naivete born out of a desire to resolve the mysteries of her past, all made sense.
The narrative alternates between Lee’s childhood as a member of the Jacob Hill cult, when she was known as Ophelia, and the present. I am fascinated by cults, both imaginary and in the real world, so I couldn’t get enough of the sections in the past. I wanted more focus on Jacob Hill – their origins, belief system, rituals, etc. – which I think would have added so much texture to the story. I do understand that Lee’s memories, experiences, and impressions were incomplete due to her age, but I definitely wanted Buccola to lean in to the culty aspects of the story a bit more.
I was also somewhat disappointed with the direction the book ended up taking. For me, the domestic suspense/drama of it all felt expected and cheapened all of the really interesting psychological stuff that Buccola had developed in the narrative. I know it will appeal to most readers of psychological thrillers; I was just looking for something more nuanced and not so over the top. Still, The Ascent is a well-plotted book that manages to be both propulsive in its pacing and meditative in its themes, exploring the reverberating effects of trauma, the suffocation of new motherhood, and all the ways memory and reality can converge and diverge. Thank you to Random House for the complimentary reading opportunity.
The Ascent is a deeply psychological story that focuses on the long-lasting effects of childhood trauma and dysfunction, as well as on the mental and physical toll of early motherhood. I thought Allison Buccola captured those aspects well through the character of Lee, which made her easy to sympathize with. It also provided justification for some of Lee’s more volatile choices, which otherwise would have seemed downright reckless without that context. Her anxiety and paranoia, as well as the naivete born out of a desire to resolve the mysteries of her past, all made sense.
The narrative alternates between Lee’s childhood as a member of the Jacob Hill cult, when she was known as Ophelia, and the present. I am fascinated by cults, both imaginary and in the real world, so I couldn’t get enough of the sections in the past. I wanted more focus on Jacob Hill – their origins, belief system, rituals, etc. – which I think would have added so much texture to the story. I do understand that Lee’s memories, experiences, and impressions were incomplete due to her age, but I definitely wanted Buccola to lean in to the culty aspects of the story a bit more.
I was also somewhat disappointed with the direction the book ended up taking. For me, the domestic suspense/drama of it all felt expected and cheapened all of the really interesting psychological stuff that Buccola had developed in the narrative. I know it will appeal to most readers of psychological thrillers; I was just looking for something more nuanced and not so over the top. Still, The Ascent is a well-plotted book that manages to be both propulsive in its pacing and meditative in its themes, exploring the reverberating effects of trauma, the suffocation of new motherhood, and all the ways memory and reality can converge and diverge. Thank you to Random House for the complimentary reading opportunity.
February 26, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ This was a fast paced and ever evolving story dealing with cults, mental health, trauma, and love.
The main character, Ophelia “ Lee” is a a young mother struggling with mental health issues. She grew up in a cult and struggles with reality. What seems to be Lee’s journey to get well for her husband and daughter takes a turn and becomes a mystery thriller with a twist I did not see coming.
Great writing and plot, strong characters, satisfying surprise ending.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House publishers for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The main character, Ophelia “ Lee” is a a young mother struggling with mental health issues. She grew up in a cult and struggles with reality. What seems to be Lee’s journey to get well for her husband and daughter takes a turn and becomes a mystery thriller with a twist I did not see coming.
Great writing and plot, strong characters, satisfying surprise ending.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House publishers for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 19, 2025
This book sucked me in and had me hanging on every word. I had no clue where it was going, I was stressed, excited, and was coming up with all sorts of theories (none of which were true). This was more than a fast paced thriller, it was an emotional journey that I’ll think about for a long time. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
July 7, 2025
This book is like an uber driver telling you he’s going to take you to the beach, and then somehow you end up in the mountains, and then he makes a u turn and drives off a cliff
June 29, 2025
I could not put this one down! The “brainwashing” of minds, as it happens in cults is fascinating in a peculiar way. It requires only one narcissist with worshiping followers who will believe the unbelievable. Allison Buccola has captured this mindset brilliantly in a twelve year old girl who grows to adulthood with it. The book is golden for book club discussions, and I’m looking forward to ours in July.
August 14, 2025
3 1/2 ⭐️
This book had a great plot. I was so interested in the members of Jacob's Hill and the dissapearence of the community. But our FMC Lee....was not a favorite character of mine. I felt like we barely get anything from her. The entire book is her giving one word answers and being paranoid. I can understand why, but I have no connection to her at all. The last half of the book really picked up and had some great twists that I never saw coming.
This book had a great plot. I was so interested in the members of Jacob's Hill and the dissapearence of the community. But our FMC Lee....was not a favorite character of mine. I felt like we barely get anything from her. The entire book is her giving one word answers and being paranoid. I can understand why, but I have no connection to her at all. The last half of the book really picked up and had some great twists that I never saw coming.
June 29, 2025
Most likely to accidentally join a cult: 🙋🏻♀️
August 3, 2025
I LOVED THIS BOOK. 5 glowing stars! SO gripping and suspenseful, I could not put it down - highly recommend!
Two decades ago, the mysterious Jacob Hill cult and their leader Christopher disappeared without a trace, leaving behind all of their belongings… and a single member – a 12-year-old girl found wandering in the woods looking for her family. Ophelia (known as Lee) is now an adult, married to a wonderful husband (who does not know about her past) with a 7-month-old daughter Lucy, whom she feels incredibly protective of because of her own dark childhood. Lee does not remember much of what happened or why her cult family chose to leave her behind. When a stranger shows up on her doorstep claiming to hold answers to the dark mysteries of her past, she must decide who to trust and how much to risk. The book alternates between flashbacks of childhood and present day, exploring themes of family, marriage, motherhood, identity, brainwashing, and childhood trauma, to slowly unfold the mystery of what happened.
I LOVE stories about cults and communes, I find them fascinating, so this read was right up my alley. It felt so realistic, almost like I was reading nonfiction of an actual cult and the true story of its lone survivor. This book is an intense fast-paced psychological thriller, attempting to solve mysteries of the past and mysteries of the present simultaneously. I was absolutely hooked from the very beginning and flew through this one just so I could find out what was actually happening. Lee is a relatable character, but also an unreliable narrator. This leaves you rooting for her to find answers but also leaves you continuously wondering if she is being completely honest about how much she actually remembers. There were so many insane twists and the story just kept getting crazier. The twist at the end is absolutely jaw-dropping and the outcome is perfectly poetic in my opinion. I truly could not recommend this book more highly and I will definitely be seeking out other works from this author in the future! Thank you to NetGalley, Allison Buccola, and Random House Publishing Group for the gifted ARC. This is a voluntary and honest review.
Two decades ago, the mysterious Jacob Hill cult and their leader Christopher disappeared without a trace, leaving behind all of their belongings… and a single member – a 12-year-old girl found wandering in the woods looking for her family. Ophelia (known as Lee) is now an adult, married to a wonderful husband (who does not know about her past) with a 7-month-old daughter Lucy, whom she feels incredibly protective of because of her own dark childhood. Lee does not remember much of what happened or why her cult family chose to leave her behind. When a stranger shows up on her doorstep claiming to hold answers to the dark mysteries of her past, she must decide who to trust and how much to risk. The book alternates between flashbacks of childhood and present day, exploring themes of family, marriage, motherhood, identity, brainwashing, and childhood trauma, to slowly unfold the mystery of what happened.
I LOVE stories about cults and communes, I find them fascinating, so this read was right up my alley. It felt so realistic, almost like I was reading nonfiction of an actual cult and the true story of its lone survivor. This book is an intense fast-paced psychological thriller, attempting to solve mysteries of the past and mysteries of the present simultaneously. I was absolutely hooked from the very beginning and flew through this one just so I could find out what was actually happening. Lee is a relatable character, but also an unreliable narrator. This leaves you rooting for her to find answers but also leaves you continuously wondering if she is being completely honest about how much she actually remembers. There were so many insane twists and the story just kept getting crazier. The twist at the end is absolutely jaw-dropping and the outcome is perfectly poetic in my opinion. I truly could not recommend this book more highly and I will definitely be seeking out other works from this author in the future! Thank you to NetGalley, Allison Buccola, and Random House Publishing Group for the gifted ARC. This is a voluntary and honest review.
September 23, 2024
I had never heard of this author before, but based on the description of the book, I was excited to read this one. I was intrigued from the very first page.
This book follows Ophelia (Lee, Fee-uh) and her life after escaping the cult she grew up in. The main story is 20 years after she left and has a few time jumps.
Present day, Lee is married to Theo and has a 7 month old daughter named Lucy. After having her daughter, Lee has a difficult time separating herself from Lucy, which has negative effects on her marriage.
Although I liked this book overall, it left me wanting more.
1. I wish there was more to the storyline of her upbringing. I personally think it would have added more to the story and gave the reader a better understanding of why Lee is how she is.
2. The “twist” of Maria and Theo seemed a little unnecessary to me.
3. This could be just me, but I didn’t fully understand what actually happened to The Fifteen.
Again, I did enjoy this book. I thought the writing style and storytelling was pretty good.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the early ARC.
Pub Date: May 20, 2025
This book follows Ophelia (Lee, Fee-uh) and her life after escaping the cult she grew up in. The main story is 20 years after she left and has a few time jumps.
Present day, Lee is married to Theo and has a 7 month old daughter named Lucy. After having her daughter, Lee has a difficult time separating herself from Lucy, which has negative effects on her marriage.
Although I liked this book overall, it left me wanting more.
1. I wish there was more to the storyline of her upbringing. I personally think it would have added more to the story and gave the reader a better understanding of why Lee is how she is.
2. The “twist” of Maria and Theo seemed a little unnecessary to me.
3. This could be just me, but I didn’t fully understand what actually happened to The Fifteen.
Again, I did enjoy this book. I thought the writing style and storytelling was pretty good.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the early ARC.
Pub Date: May 20, 2025
December 16, 2024
At first glance, this book unfolds at a somewhat leisurely pace; however, it soon ensnares the reader's attention in a way that makes it nearly impossible to put down. It masterfully weaves together a rich tapestry of themes, including the enigmatic world of a cult, the complexities of mental health issues arising from trauma, intricate family dynamics, and an underlying suspense that compels you to turn the pages in anticipation of what lies ahead. By the time I reached the final chapters, I found myself deeply resonating with the central character, Ophelia, feeling as though I were inhabiting her very being as she grappled with her quest for sanity. The prose is exceptionally crafted, making this book a standout read that I highly recommend to anyone seeking a compelling narrative.
January 8, 2025
Wow!!! I was hooked from the beginning. I loved the alternating perspectives from past and present that kept me going. Despite Lee not being the most likeable character, it added to the intrigue. I'm fascinated by the cult mentality. Her past seriously impacted her mental health and this led to her to cling to her daughter in order to keep her safe. Throughout the novel, there was more than one mystery to solve and I wasn't expecting the turns that it took.
Thank you netgalley for the copy of this book.
Thank you netgalley for the copy of this book.
March 21, 2025
This is a fascinating book about a cult and the survivors who are traumatized without even knowing it. Protagonist Ophelia (Lee) is a small child when her mother--and everyone--including leader, Christopher--leave Jacob Hill cult. Now as an adult, she is married to Theo and they have a young daughter, Lucy. But strange things begin happening and Lee isn't sure what is the truth and what is fiction as the story of the cult breaks and a former member finds them. It's a wild ride that had me gripped in its clutches the entire way through!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
August 10, 2025
Wow… SO good!!!! 🤯
August 18, 2025
4.5/5! I really enjoyed this. It was creepy and exciting, kept me interested even through some slower moments.
June 13, 2025
I'd like to thank Goodreads for hosting the giveaway and Allison Buccola and her publisher for providing a copy of this book!
I really enjoyed this thriller! I thought there was a perfect balance of past and present storylines that kept the story engaging. I was invested in the entire book and didn't want to put it down. This is a good book for thriller lovers and new readers alike. A perfect quick read!
I really enjoyed this thriller! I thought there was a perfect balance of past and present storylines that kept the story engaging. I was invested in the entire book and didn't want to put it down. This is a good book for thriller lovers and new readers alike. A perfect quick read!
May 21, 2025
This book hooked me from the start and happily kept my attention throughout. Ophelia spent her childhood in a cult...and of course all went wrong, and now she is attempting a normal life as a wife and mother. But her past's secrets refuse to leave her alone and she can't escape them no matter how hard she tries. I was invested in trying to figure out what bombshells might be dropped, but I definitely didn't see them coming! And that ending?? I'm still trying to sort it out in my mind.
This is a perfect read for those who want to try a little something different...but of course if you're already into domestic and psychological thrillers. So glad I picked this one up!
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for this ARC. All opinions are mine.
This is a perfect read for those who want to try a little something different...but of course if you're already into domestic and psychological thrillers. So glad I picked this one up!
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for this ARC. All opinions are mine.
May 20, 2025
Although this book started as a slow-burn, the pace quickly picked up and I was mesmerized by the story of the lone survivor of a cult near Philadelphia. Lee Burton walked away on the day that all of her fellow cult members disappeared and started a new life for herself, but she is haunted by her past. She also has a real problem with relationships and a new infant to care for. Her entire new life is centered around her new infant, to the point that she is obsessed with her and ignores her own feelings. This book is a fast read after about the first 20% and then I couldn’t put it down. I enjoyed the dual timeline, with focuses on Lee’s past and her current situation. The characters were well-developed and engaging in that I just wanted to keep reading to find out what secrets they were keeping. I really wanted to know what happened to all of the cult members and how Lee got left behind. This is a mystery entangled in suspense and wrapped around thrills, so it is a great read with an extremely powerful story, escalating tension and sharp writing. Fans of thrillers with complex layers will enjoy this book and get lost within the pages of the book as they dive into Lee’s psyche.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
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