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The Virtue of Sin
A novel about speaking out, standing up, and breaking free.
Miriam lives in New Jerusalem, a haven in the desert far away from the sins and depravity of the outside world. Within the gates of New Jerusalem, and under the eye of its founder and leader, Daniel, Miriam knows she is safe. Cared for. Even if she’s forced, as a girl, to quiet her tongue when she has thoughts she wants to share, Miriam knows that New Jerusalem is a far better life than any alternative. So when God calls for a Matrimony, she’s thrilled; she knows that Caleb, the boy she loves, will choose her to be his wife and they can finally start their life together.
But when the ceremony goes wrong and Miriam winds up with someone else, she can no longer keep quiet. For the first time, Miriam begins to question not only the rules that Daniel has set in place, but also what it is she believes in, and where she truly belongs.
Alongside unexpected allies, Miriam fights to learn–and challenge–the truth behind the only way of life she’s ever known, even if it means straying from the path of Righteousness.
Miriam lives in New Jerusalem, a haven in the desert far away from the sins and depravity of the outside world. Within the gates of New Jerusalem, and under the eye of its founder and leader, Daniel, Miriam knows she is safe. Cared for. Even if she’s forced, as a girl, to quiet her tongue when she has thoughts she wants to share, Miriam knows that New Jerusalem is a far better life than any alternative. So when God calls for a Matrimony, she’s thrilled; she knows that Caleb, the boy she loves, will choose her to be his wife and they can finally start their life together.
But when the ceremony goes wrong and Miriam winds up with someone else, she can no longer keep quiet. For the first time, Miriam begins to question not only the rules that Daniel has set in place, but also what it is she believes in, and where she truly belongs.
Alongside unexpected allies, Miriam fights to learn–and challenge–the truth behind the only way of life she’s ever known, even if it means straying from the path of Righteousness.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2019
About the author
Shannon Schuren
10 books42 followersShannon Schuren works as a children’s librarian at a public library and writes from a cozy she-shed in her backyard. Her short stories have appeared in various journals such as Toasted Cheese Literary Journal, Big Pulp, and Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine. Shannon has never joined a cult, but might be tempted if they serve gluten-free cookies. Shannon lives in Sheboygan Falls, WI, with her husband and three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
October 8, 2019
3 Stars— Ok, so to start, I’ll admit that my own life experiences and education completely colored my reading and other people will totally have a different opinion. This really seemed to stick out while I was reading and I wish I could say that I loved this book, but I can’t. The story itself, the mystery, the twists, I did enjoy. This book had the potential to be such a great book with a fascinating cult, and amazing plot . . . But the thing that ruined it for me was the author’s own ignorance about the subject matter. Schuren obviously never grew up going to church or learning the Bible. It felt like she took all the propaganda that’s out there about Christians and white men and Christianity, and created a story that she thinks is close to reality. Some people may have just read it and accepted it as the way Christians are with a nod to the fact that it’s a cult so it’s probably not everybody. I am not one of those people. I grew up with Bible lessons included in every subject everyday, Bible classes from preschool to college, church multiple times on Sunday, chapel almost everyday . . . And I noticed all the small things that didn’t work. No self respecting Christian, cult or not, would name a girl Delilah . . . She was the whore that brought Samson to sin. That’s like naming a girl Jezebel and ignoring that she was the most hated woman in the entire Bible. Bible verses were taken out of context or misinterpreted all together. The idea that women should be seen and not heard; dude my parents encouraged free thinking like you would not believe and they are legit the most sincere Christians I know! As for the “feminist” side of things, every time one of the girls tried to point out how oppressed they are and how few choices they have, it was then pointed out that the boys were pretty much in the same position. But then, the story started wrapping up and I was enjoying most of the plot, boom, it was like a switch was flipped in Caleb’s head and he became a misogynist. Suddenly, this girl he loved and respected and valued became a stupid trouble maker, out of thin air. It was like Schuren realized that the oppression angle wasn’t working so we had to fix it and on one page, his character did a complete 180. Everything just felt disjointed and unrealistic and preachy. As i said, the story itself wasn’t bad and I would have loved to get all involved in the twists, but all those little things just kept distracting me. I can’t really say that I recommend this book to anybody.
March 7, 2019
Oh, yeah. Give me a book about a cult and I will devour it in no time, which is pretty much the way I read Shuren's fabulous YA story about love, growing up, independent thinking, and breaking free of dogma. Reminds me of a wonderful quote from Richard Dawkins: "There is no such thing as a Christian child; only a child of Christian parents."
This is an important story for so many reasons, but Dawkins sums it up best. Oh, the things we do to our children.
Thank you to Shannon and Penguin Random House (Philomel Books) for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this beauty!
This is an important story for so many reasons, but Dawkins sums it up best. Oh, the things we do to our children.
Thank you to Shannon and Penguin Random House (Philomel Books) for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this beauty!
July 6, 2019
Originally posted on: The Quirky Book Nerd
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
There are so many aspects of this story that appealed to both the book nerd and psychology nerd in me and I was completely absorbed from the start. This is the story of two teenagers who have spent their entire lives in a cult and how they deal with their newfound clarity about their situation as they are thrown into adulthood in the community. It is a novel that portrays the importance of not always taking what people in power say at face value, fighting for equality, and learning to accept others—and oneself—for who they are.
I absolutely love anything to do with psychology—I am actually currently a forensic psychology major—and the psychology of cults is particularly interesting to study. Seeing the mindsets of both the members and the leaders is both fascinating and chilling. This novel primarily demonstrates how the beliefs and laws a leader comes up with are drilled into members. We see how this warps a person’s thoughts and view of the world and how incredibly challenging it is to break free of these beliefs. Schuren’s depictions of these elements of a cult are very accurate, enraging, and heartbreaking.
The primary subject dealt with in this novel is the unequal and extremely poor treatment of women within the cult. We see how the men silence them and do not allow them to make their own decisions. There are also other elements of the unfair treatment of minorities in the plot. The importance of standing up for these types of injustices, whether you are part of that minority or not, and of treating others with respect are shown through this story.
I was surprised at how many twists there were in this novel that I did not see coming. And I liked every single one. Schuren takes the narrative in a number of unexpected directions. There are so many secrets spilled and revelations that propelled me through every chapter. This is a true page-turner.
One of the only issues I feel the story has is that it does become a bit repetitive. I somewhat conflicted about this because it does make sense in context to some extent. The process of changing ones’ mindset and beliefs about something or someone—particularly in such a severe situation—takes a lot of time. Miriam actually does come around and see the lies of the cult’s leader fairly quickly in terms of the number of days over which the story takes place. However, I did feel that facts potentially did not need to be repeated to the reader after the first few times hearing them. Overall, this is just a very minor problem I came across.
Miriam is an incredibly strong female lead right from the very beginning of the novel. She does not want to put up with the suppression and ill-treatment of women that the men of the cult have turned into an accepted way of life. She gradually finds her voice and stands up for not just herself and the other women, but for everyone who is under the control of the Prophet. Headstrong and intelligent, Miriam makes a wonderful protagonist.
This story is not just told from Miriam’s perspective but also from Caleb’s, the boy she’s sure she is meant to marry. Alternating between these characters and seeing every situation through two different sets of eyes made this an even more intriguing plot. Schuren writes these narrators well, making their voices distinct from the other, which can be a challenge when working with more than one point of view.
Both main characters and side characters alike are multi-dimensional in this story. They are clearly carefully crafted and they evolve and respond realistically to their environment and the events of the novel. They don’t feel flat—they are the driving force of the plot. I felt that I got to know many of the characters well, no matter what size part they play in the grand scheme of things. Just like the worldbuilding, the characters are equally as vivid, detailed, and fully fleshed out. Aaron’s storyline is probably my favorite out of all of them.
My only issue with the characters is that a couple characters are rather unclear or inconsistent, mainly early on. I felt they became clearer pretty quickly, but I had a little trouble connecting with them at first. For instance, in Aaron’s case, I would think I was getting a handle on his personality and then he would do something that seemed out of character, causing me to become confused. There were times when I did not quite understand the motives for a character’s actions and those events were not always cleared up. Again, this is just a very minor issue I had.
Tying in with what I said about the characters being multi-dimensional, Schuren does a good job of clearly indicating how they develop over the course of the story. They learn and grow and evolve. The events that take place and the upheaval they experience consistently affect each character, their actions, and their views of life and the world around them.
Schuren’s writing style is definitely one of the strongest aspects of this novel. I found it very easy to get into and it had a very captivating quality to it. It was not just the story but the way she told it and worded it that held me in the narrative. The writing and the message it sends are both beautiful.
I found Schuren’s worldbuilding to be absolutely fantastic. She creates this extremely detailed and frighteningly realistic picture of what living in a cult is like. She forms both the physical world and the psychological world of these characters through her words. It feels like you are there in the desert—in the supposed safety of the community. You experience the raw emotions and the sinister atmosphere. She really brings this story to life.
This was one of my most anticipated books of the year and it absolutely did not disappoint. It was so easy to become engrossed in this novel and I found it extremely hard to put down. I read through it so fast, just intending to read a couple chapters and realizing a while later I read over one-hundred or more pages. Schuren brings so many interesting elements together to create a story that will quickly draw in readers and open their eyes to topics that are very important and timely. I highly recommend picking this up and giving it a read.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
There are so many aspects of this story that appealed to both the book nerd and psychology nerd in me and I was completely absorbed from the start. This is the story of two teenagers who have spent their entire lives in a cult and how they deal with their newfound clarity about their situation as they are thrown into adulthood in the community. It is a novel that portrays the importance of not always taking what people in power say at face value, fighting for equality, and learning to accept others—and oneself—for who they are.
I absolutely love anything to do with psychology—I am actually currently a forensic psychology major—and the psychology of cults is particularly interesting to study. Seeing the mindsets of both the members and the leaders is both fascinating and chilling. This novel primarily demonstrates how the beliefs and laws a leader comes up with are drilled into members. We see how this warps a person’s thoughts and view of the world and how incredibly challenging it is to break free of these beliefs. Schuren’s depictions of these elements of a cult are very accurate, enraging, and heartbreaking.
The primary subject dealt with in this novel is the unequal and extremely poor treatment of women within the cult. We see how the men silence them and do not allow them to make their own decisions. There are also other elements of the unfair treatment of minorities in the plot. The importance of standing up for these types of injustices, whether you are part of that minority or not, and of treating others with respect are shown through this story.
I was surprised at how many twists there were in this novel that I did not see coming. And I liked every single one. Schuren takes the narrative in a number of unexpected directions. There are so many secrets spilled and revelations that propelled me through every chapter. This is a true page-turner.
One of the only issues I feel the story has is that it does become a bit repetitive. I somewhat conflicted about this because it does make sense in context to some extent. The process of changing ones’ mindset and beliefs about something or someone—particularly in such a severe situation—takes a lot of time. Miriam actually does come around and see the lies of the cult’s leader fairly quickly in terms of the number of days over which the story takes place. However, I did feel that facts potentially did not need to be repeated to the reader after the first few times hearing them. Overall, this is just a very minor problem I came across.
Miriam is an incredibly strong female lead right from the very beginning of the novel. She does not want to put up with the suppression and ill-treatment of women that the men of the cult have turned into an accepted way of life. She gradually finds her voice and stands up for not just herself and the other women, but for everyone who is under the control of the Prophet. Headstrong and intelligent, Miriam makes a wonderful protagonist.
This story is not just told from Miriam’s perspective but also from Caleb’s, the boy she’s sure she is meant to marry. Alternating between these characters and seeing every situation through two different sets of eyes made this an even more intriguing plot. Schuren writes these narrators well, making their voices distinct from the other, which can be a challenge when working with more than one point of view.
Both main characters and side characters alike are multi-dimensional in this story. They are clearly carefully crafted and they evolve and respond realistically to their environment and the events of the novel. They don’t feel flat—they are the driving force of the plot. I felt that I got to know many of the characters well, no matter what size part they play in the grand scheme of things. Just like the worldbuilding, the characters are equally as vivid, detailed, and fully fleshed out. Aaron’s storyline is probably my favorite out of all of them.
My only issue with the characters is that a couple characters are rather unclear or inconsistent, mainly early on. I felt they became clearer pretty quickly, but I had a little trouble connecting with them at first. For instance, in Aaron’s case, I would think I was getting a handle on his personality and then he would do something that seemed out of character, causing me to become confused. There were times when I did not quite understand the motives for a character’s actions and those events were not always cleared up. Again, this is just a very minor issue I had.
Tying in with what I said about the characters being multi-dimensional, Schuren does a good job of clearly indicating how they develop over the course of the story. They learn and grow and evolve. The events that take place and the upheaval they experience consistently affect each character, their actions, and their views of life and the world around them.
Schuren’s writing style is definitely one of the strongest aspects of this novel. I found it very easy to get into and it had a very captivating quality to it. It was not just the story but the way she told it and worded it that held me in the narrative. The writing and the message it sends are both beautiful.
I found Schuren’s worldbuilding to be absolutely fantastic. She creates this extremely detailed and frighteningly realistic picture of what living in a cult is like. She forms both the physical world and the psychological world of these characters through her words. It feels like you are there in the desert—in the supposed safety of the community. You experience the raw emotions and the sinister atmosphere. She really brings this story to life.
This was one of my most anticipated books of the year and it absolutely did not disappoint. It was so easy to become engrossed in this novel and I found it extremely hard to put down. I read through it so fast, just intending to read a couple chapters and realizing a while later I read over one-hundred or more pages. Schuren brings so many interesting elements together to create a story that will quickly draw in readers and open their eyes to topics that are very important and timely. I highly recommend picking this up and giving it a read.
June 25, 2019
4 stars to this young adult novel about love, cults, and finding a voice.
It is the day of matrimony in New Jerusalem and Miriam is ready to be Caleb's husband. Despite boys and girls being separated since children, Miriam is sure that Caleb will select her to be his wife. However, when Aaron, an outsider who wasn't born in New Jerusalem, selects Miriam, she is certain there has been a mistake. According to the leader of New Jerusalem, Daniel, dreams are a message from God and signify who should marry who. Miriam has had dreams of Caleb and Caleb has had dreams of Miriam, yet Daniel is insistent that the matrimony went to plan.
New Jerusalem is located in the desert in Nevada and for Miriam and the other teenagers, they know only of what happens inside the walls of their community. No one is allowed to venture out, unless they are banished which is the ultimate punishment. For the people living in New Jerusalem, Daniel promises salvation for when the end of days come in exchange for being faithful. Being faithful means listening to Daniel (who claims he is a prophet of God), constant praying, and women submitting to their husbands.
The book is told between the alternating perspectives of Miriam and Caleb as they live with the after effects of not being married to each other. While trying to discover what went wrong, both begin to realize there are secrets in their community and Daniel might not be the prophet they think he is.
It was very interesting to see how a cult would get established and how the people in the community would actually believe in someone like Daniel. The book had a good message about finding your voice, even when others try to silence it. It was young adult in that it followed two teenagers who are in young love and are forced apart, but the ideas in this book could resonate with adults as well.
*I won a copy of this novel through BookishFirst in exchange for an honest opinion.*
It is the day of matrimony in New Jerusalem and Miriam is ready to be Caleb's husband. Despite boys and girls being separated since children, Miriam is sure that Caleb will select her to be his wife. However, when Aaron, an outsider who wasn't born in New Jerusalem, selects Miriam, she is certain there has been a mistake. According to the leader of New Jerusalem, Daniel, dreams are a message from God and signify who should marry who. Miriam has had dreams of Caleb and Caleb has had dreams of Miriam, yet Daniel is insistent that the matrimony went to plan.
New Jerusalem is located in the desert in Nevada and for Miriam and the other teenagers, they know only of what happens inside the walls of their community. No one is allowed to venture out, unless they are banished which is the ultimate punishment. For the people living in New Jerusalem, Daniel promises salvation for when the end of days come in exchange for being faithful. Being faithful means listening to Daniel (who claims he is a prophet of God), constant praying, and women submitting to their husbands.
The book is told between the alternating perspectives of Miriam and Caleb as they live with the after effects of not being married to each other. While trying to discover what went wrong, both begin to realize there are secrets in their community and Daniel might not be the prophet they think he is.
It was very interesting to see how a cult would get established and how the people in the community would actually believe in someone like Daniel. The book had a good message about finding your voice, even when others try to silence it. It was young adult in that it followed two teenagers who are in young love and are forced apart, but the ideas in this book could resonate with adults as well.
*I won a copy of this novel through BookishFirst in exchange for an honest opinion.*
December 3, 2019
True Rating: 3.5/5
Miriam lives in a cult. But she doesn't know it is a cult. She was born into it. She, her mother and all the others in their community, follow the words of Daniel, a self-proclaimed prophet of God.
Miriam and her friends are set to take part in a special marriage ceremony. The girls and boys have been separated from childhood and therefore not allowed to talk to each other. But with a little help from Daniel, the boys will pick their future wife. Caleb knows Miriam is destined to be his wife. But when the ceremony goes awry, Miriam ends up wed to newcomer Aaron, and Caleb is wifeless.
What ensues is Miriam discovering the truth of her living situation. That Daniel is not as all-powerful as he proclaims to be. That she has better options out in the real world.
The story is interesting. I liked how Miriam questions everything and begins to see the truth. But the rest is okay. The storyline goes just as you'd expect. No big twists or turns. Pretty straightforward read.
* Thank you BookishFirst for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for a review. All opinions expressed are my own and based solely on the galley provided *
Miriam lives in a cult. But she doesn't know it is a cult. She was born into it. She, her mother and all the others in their community, follow the words of Daniel, a self-proclaimed prophet of God.
Miriam and her friends are set to take part in a special marriage ceremony. The girls and boys have been separated from childhood and therefore not allowed to talk to each other. But with a little help from Daniel, the boys will pick their future wife. Caleb knows Miriam is destined to be his wife. But when the ceremony goes awry, Miriam ends up wed to newcomer Aaron, and Caleb is wifeless.
What ensues is Miriam discovering the truth of her living situation. That Daniel is not as all-powerful as he proclaims to be. That she has better options out in the real world.
The story is interesting. I liked how Miriam questions everything and begins to see the truth. But the rest is okay. The storyline goes just as you'd expect. No big twists or turns. Pretty straightforward read.
* Thank you BookishFirst for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for a review. All opinions expressed are my own and based solely on the galley provided *
June 28, 2019
I loved this book from the very start and really can't find anything I didn't like. Here's what made this a highly rated book for me:
1) The writing--the metaphors alone are genius and signs of a talented artist
2) The characters--these people popped off the pages, especially Miriam and Aaron, my favorites
3) The cult society felt spot on
4) The family and friendship
5) Learning what it means to speak for yourself and finding your own voice
6) The suspense and pacing
7) The twists I NEVER saw coming and LOVED
8) All the emotions this book brought out in me
Bravo to this author! I will read her next book and can't wait to see what she does next.
1) The writing--the metaphors alone are genius and signs of a talented artist
2) The characters--these people popped off the pages, especially Miriam and Aaron, my favorites
3) The cult society felt spot on
4) The family and friendship
5) Learning what it means to speak for yourself and finding your own voice
6) The suspense and pacing
7) The twists I NEVER saw coming and LOVED
8) All the emotions this book brought out in me
Bravo to this author! I will read her next book and can't wait to see what she does next.
January 7, 2022
It was HORRIBLE. Very confusing, and they are 16! Also, if this takes place in the present time, why has nobody investigated and found out that this is a scam?
Another thing is that the book drags on. It had the potential to be a great dystopian read about finding your voice in the midst of oppression, but was kind of lackluster. Also, every time it pointed out how oppressed women were, it flipped it right around to show how men didn’t have any rights either. It was boring and confusing.
Another thing is that the book drags on. It had the potential to be a great dystopian read about finding your voice in the midst of oppression, but was kind of lackluster. Also, every time it pointed out how oppressed women were, it flipped it right around to show how men didn’t have any rights either. It was boring and confusing.
Shelved as 'to-buy'
July 27, 2019As a Palestinian, I was attracted to the book because it has the word "Jerusalem".
March 11, 2021
This review was originally posted on The Moonlight Library
I wasn't quite sure what I was getting into with this book.
I think I was expecting a bit of a dystopian - and it still kind of is, since it takes place inside a secluded community, which is why I have indicated that I think the genre can also be considered dystopian.
But it's really about faith, and trust, and blind faith and blind trust, and people who abuse power. And the power of thinking for yourself, and fighting back when things just aren't fair, and finding your voice.
So our main character is Miriam, and she's part of this cut-off community run by the 'prophet' Daniel. She's part of the second generation, so everything she knows has been filtered through Daniel and the other adults in the community.
But Miriam has a problem. She's a talker in a community that wants women to be silent. Boys and girls aren't allowed to mix, let alone speak to each other, until after their Matrimony, and oh boy... she's chosen by the Outsider boy, Aaron. Even though she's in love with Caleb.
So this book isn't exactly heavy on plot or character development, and I wouldn't exactly call it a romance, but it was very good at developing character relationships. Being set in a small, secluded community, Miriam had very strong relationships with her parents, friends, other adults, and especially Daniel.
I really liked seeing Miriam's incredible character growth. She went from accepting her lot, though slightly chafing, to questioning just about everything. It was a really nicely done development, and I cheered every time she took a new step forward.
I kept thinking, these children, these underage minors, they're all play-acting, pretending to be so grown up just because someone told them they're married. I kept thinking, this could have been an adult novel, dealing with husbands and wives, infidelity, abuse, all kinds of very grown-up situations... but I think that it was more interesting because it was about people on the very cusp of adulthood.
I enjoyed this book. I think it was well-plotted, carefully developed, and had interesting characters I could really get behind. The audiobook narrators really made the work shine and delivered very emotional, gripping performances.
I think if you're into dystopians, even though this is much more of a contemporary, then you might really enjoy this, as I did. It has all the same values of learning to stand up and fight back, and was a very pleasant experience.
I wasn't quite sure what I was getting into with this book.
I think I was expecting a bit of a dystopian - and it still kind of is, since it takes place inside a secluded community, which is why I have indicated that I think the genre can also be considered dystopian.
But it's really about faith, and trust, and blind faith and blind trust, and people who abuse power. And the power of thinking for yourself, and fighting back when things just aren't fair, and finding your voice.
So our main character is Miriam, and she's part of this cut-off community run by the 'prophet' Daniel. She's part of the second generation, so everything she knows has been filtered through Daniel and the other adults in the community.
But Miriam has a problem. She's a talker in a community that wants women to be silent. Boys and girls aren't allowed to mix, let alone speak to each other, until after their Matrimony, and oh boy... she's chosen by the Outsider boy, Aaron. Even though she's in love with Caleb.
So this book isn't exactly heavy on plot or character development, and I wouldn't exactly call it a romance, but it was very good at developing character relationships. Being set in a small, secluded community, Miriam had very strong relationships with her parents, friends, other adults, and especially Daniel.
I really liked seeing Miriam's incredible character growth. She went from accepting her lot, though slightly chafing, to questioning just about everything. It was a really nicely done development, and I cheered every time she took a new step forward.
I kept thinking, these children, these underage minors, they're all play-acting, pretending to be so grown up just because someone told them they're married. I kept thinking, this could have been an adult novel, dealing with husbands and wives, infidelity, abuse, all kinds of very grown-up situations... but I think that it was more interesting because it was about people on the very cusp of adulthood.
I enjoyed this book. I think it was well-plotted, carefully developed, and had interesting characters I could really get behind. The audiobook narrators really made the work shine and delivered very emotional, gripping performances.
I think if you're into dystopians, even though this is much more of a contemporary, then you might really enjoy this, as I did. It has all the same values of learning to stand up and fight back, and was a very pleasant experience.
February 23, 2020
For some reason books about cults always seem to fascinate me. I love reading about the people and their day to day lives. The Virtue of Sin did not disappoint. I was so intrigued by the inner workings of this cult that I did not want to put it down.
I loved reading about Miriam and watching as she slowly started to see the truth about the world she grew up in. My main complaint about this book was that it felt a little drawn out and slow. All the excitement happens towards the end. I wish that there had been more sprinkled throughout the book.
The mystery is what kept me reading. I wanted to understand what was really going on in this community. Just how corrupt did it get? What's really going on behind the scenes? Who's in on what part of it? I have to admit that it wasn't hard to guess a lot of the twists, but I enjoyed reading it nonetheless.
Would I recommend this book? Yes! Especially to those who enjoy reading about cults.
I loved reading about Miriam and watching as she slowly started to see the truth about the world she grew up in. My main complaint about this book was that it felt a little drawn out and slow. All the excitement happens towards the end. I wish that there had been more sprinkled throughout the book.
The mystery is what kept me reading. I wanted to understand what was really going on in this community. Just how corrupt did it get? What's really going on behind the scenes? Who's in on what part of it? I have to admit that it wasn't hard to guess a lot of the twists, but I enjoyed reading it nonetheless.
Would I recommend this book? Yes! Especially to those who enjoy reading about cults.
July 26, 2019
A feminist examination of religion and cults, in particular. I loved the dismantling of the use of bible verses in defense of patriarchal behavior. I also loved the discovering of the belief of oneself and coming into your own. Very few YA books about cults and this one is highly recommended.
Full review can be found on TOMES AND TEXTILES INSTAGRAM.
Full review can be found on TOMES AND TEXTILES INSTAGRAM.
July 19, 2019
This book. I am 100% here for books that involve women in oppressive, cult-like situations. I find that every time I read a book in which religion is used as a means of suppressing women and their natural strength, I grow a deeper insight into why women stay in these situations, as well as a larger desire to find a way to help.
Although "The Virtue of Sin" is not expressly tied to one particular religion, it has the echoes and traits of a few different ones in our nation's history. The FLDS, in particular, seemed to have influenced the cult in this book. Although this book does not address polygamy, it does deal with ceremony, ritual, modesty, false prophets, narcissism--all things that are associated with these cults. In addition to the way that these cults practice their religion, there is a physical element to this book that also feels informed by real life cults--they live, isolated, in a desert community.
Schuren handles this delicate story with an admirable sense of compassion. It's not simply a manifesto raging against the practices of cults and how they affect women--although it certainly doesn't shy away from having a strong opinion about them. Instead, it's a story that explores the complexities of the issue--how for some, rigid societies can be a refuge from a world that never protected them, while for others it's a prison and nothing more. While the book never forgives the people who lie and deceive through a desire to genuinely help, it does handle their stories with a gentle touch, reminding us that they often make choices that we don't agree with, but that they are people with purposes that we can at least find empathy in. Those who purposefully deceive as a means of control, however, do not receive the same compassionate treatment.
This book was well-written, lovely, and tragic in so many ways. I enjoyed reading about how girls must find their voices, despite overwhelming pressure to do the opposite. I loved seeing how people from different marginalized groups are often the backbones for each other. This book took a very real life experience for some women and turned it into something that we can all relate to, no matter our circumstances.
Although "The Virtue of Sin" is not expressly tied to one particular religion, it has the echoes and traits of a few different ones in our nation's history. The FLDS, in particular, seemed to have influenced the cult in this book. Although this book does not address polygamy, it does deal with ceremony, ritual, modesty, false prophets, narcissism--all things that are associated with these cults. In addition to the way that these cults practice their religion, there is a physical element to this book that also feels informed by real life cults--they live, isolated, in a desert community.
Schuren handles this delicate story with an admirable sense of compassion. It's not simply a manifesto raging against the practices of cults and how they affect women--although it certainly doesn't shy away from having a strong opinion about them. Instead, it's a story that explores the complexities of the issue--how for some, rigid societies can be a refuge from a world that never protected them, while for others it's a prison and nothing more. While the book never forgives the people who lie and deceive through a desire to genuinely help, it does handle their stories with a gentle touch, reminding us that they often make choices that we don't agree with, but that they are people with purposes that we can at least find empathy in. Those who purposefully deceive as a means of control, however, do not receive the same compassionate treatment.
This book was well-written, lovely, and tragic in so many ways. I enjoyed reading about how girls must find their voices, despite overwhelming pressure to do the opposite. I loved seeing how people from different marginalized groups are often the backbones for each other. This book took a very real life experience for some women and turned it into something that we can all relate to, no matter our circumstances.
May 1, 2019
Three-word description : voice, religion, freedom
My rating : 4.5 / 5 stars
Ah this book! This one is a book I've picked up solely because of the intriguing synopsis that speaks out to me so much. I have been meaning to read a book that deals with similar topics like this, and I must say this book is amazing!
The plot starts off with Miriam, who had these dreams of the man she'd marry. She grew up living under the dictation of Daniel, the supposedly guidance on their path to Righteousness. Miriam, who has never visited the Outside (basically out of New Jerusalem) is brought up to believe that everything Daniel said was true, until she was married to another man, but not of her dreams. (Literally, she dreamt about Caleb.)
This is told in dual-perspectives, Miriam and Caleb, the man of her dreams as they try to navigate and plough through the lines between what is ture and what is not. What if everything you've been told to believe is not true? Even if you know it is false, what does it take to stand up and speak out?
This book is kind of like Divergent? But at the same time, it is so different from it. I'd say this is also a little dystopian-ish? It tackles so many different topics, freedom and speaking out. This is truly such an extraordinary book to read! I also learnt so much about the Bible and the religion itself, this is truly a pwerful and eye-opening read to anyone who is interested. And also, it has a great pacing too!
Miriam and Caleb are such strong characters, they truly are fearless and have changed from a tiny, timid mouse to a full-grown lion. This is truly an empowering read in so many different ways and I would not have it another way.
Overall, all of you nee this book in your life! This will definitely be on top of your favorites this year! I hope all of you can pick this up when it is released in all good bookstores!
Thank you so much to Times Reads for sending me an ARC of this book for reviewing purposes, however all opinion is my own. Keep your eyes and cash out to snatch this book when it is released in June 2019!
My rating : 4.5 / 5 stars
Ah this book! This one is a book I've picked up solely because of the intriguing synopsis that speaks out to me so much. I have been meaning to read a book that deals with similar topics like this, and I must say this book is amazing!
The plot starts off with Miriam, who had these dreams of the man she'd marry. She grew up living under the dictation of Daniel, the supposedly guidance on their path to Righteousness. Miriam, who has never visited the Outside (basically out of New Jerusalem) is brought up to believe that everything Daniel said was true, until she was married to another man, but not of her dreams. (Literally, she dreamt about Caleb.)
This is told in dual-perspectives, Miriam and Caleb, the man of her dreams as they try to navigate and plough through the lines between what is ture and what is not. What if everything you've been told to believe is not true? Even if you know it is false, what does it take to stand up and speak out?
This book is kind of like Divergent? But at the same time, it is so different from it. I'd say this is also a little dystopian-ish? It tackles so many different topics, freedom and speaking out. This is truly such an extraordinary book to read! I also learnt so much about the Bible and the religion itself, this is truly a pwerful and eye-opening read to anyone who is interested. And also, it has a great pacing too!
Miriam and Caleb are such strong characters, they truly are fearless and have changed from a tiny, timid mouse to a full-grown lion. This is truly an empowering read in so many different ways and I would not have it another way.
Overall, all of you nee this book in your life! This will definitely be on top of your favorites this year! I hope all of you can pick this up when it is released in all good bookstores!
Thank you so much to Times Reads for sending me an ARC of this book for reviewing purposes, however all opinion is my own. Keep your eyes and cash out to snatch this book when it is released in June 2019!
April 26, 2021
3.5 Stars
See more on my Bookstagram: Shelf.Inspiration Instagram
“I had a dream and it made me fearful.” - The Virtue of Sin.
Miriam lives in New Jerusalem, a haven in the desert far away from the sins and depravity of the outside world. Within the gates of New Jerusalem, and under the eye of its founder and leader, Daniel, Miriam knows she is safe. Cared for. Even if she’s forced, as a girl, to quiet her tongue when she has thoughts she wants to share, Miriam knows that New Jerusalem is a far better life than any alternative. So when God calls for a matrimony, she is thrilled; she knows that Caleb, the boy she loves, will choose her to be his wife. But when the ceremony goes wrong and Miriam winds up with someone else she can no longer keep quiet. For the first time, Miriam begins to question the rules that Daniel had set in place, but also what she believes in and where she truly belongs.
This is a young adult book about a cult, where we follow both Miriam and Caleb during their adolescence. The teens live a sheltered, religious life under the leader Daniel. When a marriage ceremony goes wrong, certain truths begin to arise and Miriam starts to question everything she knows. I definitely picked up this book because of my love for books involving cults, and this one was great! It was a little less dark than others I have read, but it had the cult vibes that I was hoping for. While I did enjoy the story and plot, I found it to be slightly lacking in terms of the characters. Although, this could be because it is a YA novel and the characters were fairly naive. I also thought that the end of the book was super rushed and wished that there was a bit more substance to it. This is a long book, so with the beginning being so detailed the ending just needed more in my opinion. However, I still recommend this book if it interests you, or if you like books about cults! It was an interesting read.
See more on my Bookstagram: Shelf.Inspiration Instagram
“I had a dream and it made me fearful.” - The Virtue of Sin.
Miriam lives in New Jerusalem, a haven in the desert far away from the sins and depravity of the outside world. Within the gates of New Jerusalem, and under the eye of its founder and leader, Daniel, Miriam knows she is safe. Cared for. Even if she’s forced, as a girl, to quiet her tongue when she has thoughts she wants to share, Miriam knows that New Jerusalem is a far better life than any alternative. So when God calls for a matrimony, she is thrilled; she knows that Caleb, the boy she loves, will choose her to be his wife. But when the ceremony goes wrong and Miriam winds up with someone else she can no longer keep quiet. For the first time, Miriam begins to question the rules that Daniel had set in place, but also what she believes in and where she truly belongs.
This is a young adult book about a cult, where we follow both Miriam and Caleb during their adolescence. The teens live a sheltered, religious life under the leader Daniel. When a marriage ceremony goes wrong, certain truths begin to arise and Miriam starts to question everything she knows. I definitely picked up this book because of my love for books involving cults, and this one was great! It was a little less dark than others I have read, but it had the cult vibes that I was hoping for. While I did enjoy the story and plot, I found it to be slightly lacking in terms of the characters. Although, this could be because it is a YA novel and the characters were fairly naive. I also thought that the end of the book was super rushed and wished that there was a bit more substance to it. This is a long book, so with the beginning being so detailed the ending just needed more in my opinion. However, I still recommend this book if it interests you, or if you like books about cults! It was an interesting read.
May 17, 2019
This young adult novel, written in the voice of several of the characters, is a fascinating look at the life of the individuals living in "New Jerusalem." A walled off community in the desert, led by Daniel, the founder of New Jerusalem. Miriam has lived in New Jerusalem all her life, she has been taught of the sin and dangers in the world outside the walls of her walled in home. She is safe in New Jerusalem, as long as she knows her place, believes in Daniel and all he teaches, and does what she is told. She is told be be quiet, that singing is wrong outside of worship, that she cannot always know the secrets of what lays before her, but she must step into the next moment with faith. When we meet her, she is just about to be married. She believes she knows to whom, and she definitely knows who she loves, but things do not always work out as we plan. Can the unexpected change Miriam's life for the better?
Shannon Schuren is a talented writer whose novel is easy to read and keeps the reader engrossed and connected to the story. Her characters are believable, well defined, and easy to either love or hate, depending on whom we are talking about, and where you may be in the story. I raced through the book, always wanting to know what happened on the next page.
This tale of love, faith, betrayal, and standing up for what you believe, is worth every minute you spend on it and every penny you spend to get it!
Shannon Schuren is a talented writer whose novel is easy to read and keeps the reader engrossed and connected to the story. Her characters are believable, well defined, and easy to either love or hate, depending on whom we are talking about, and where you may be in the story. I raced through the book, always wanting to know what happened on the next page.
This tale of love, faith, betrayal, and standing up for what you believe, is worth every minute you spend on it and every penny you spend to get it!
June 19, 2019
Within the gates of New Jerusalem, Miriam, 16, lives under the eye of the community’s founder, Daniel. Miriam knows that she is cared for, even though she is forced to quiet her tongue, and is never given the ability to think for herself. When God calls for a marriage ceremony called a Matrimony, Miriam is certain that the boy she loves, Caleb, will select her to be his wife. When the ceremony goes wrong and Miriam ends up with someone else, Miriam begins to question the authenticity of New Jerusalem and Daniel’s motives.
For Handmaid’s Tale fans, you are guaranteed to enjoy THE VIRTUE OF SIN. I surprisingly enjoyed the religious aspects of the novel, despite not being a member of the Christian community. Schuren incorporates religious text into her novel to establish a cult-like atmosphere that is clearly present in New Jerusalem. If anything, through her characters, Schuren hints at the fact that religion is totally bogus and that humans should always feel the need to question everything around them. I was instantly hooked within the first few pages of THE VIRTUE OF SIN, but ultimately, at 419 pages, this one took me a while to get through. The story arc gets a little repetitive about halfway through the book but ends with a twisted resolution. Schuren’s novel comes out next Tuesday, and it’s one I definitely recommend adding to your TBR list!
Story concept: 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Execution: 🌟🌟🌟/5
Thank you so much BookishHq and Penguin Teen for the advanced reader copy!
For Handmaid’s Tale fans, you are guaranteed to enjoy THE VIRTUE OF SIN. I surprisingly enjoyed the religious aspects of the novel, despite not being a member of the Christian community. Schuren incorporates religious text into her novel to establish a cult-like atmosphere that is clearly present in New Jerusalem. If anything, through her characters, Schuren hints at the fact that religion is totally bogus and that humans should always feel the need to question everything around them. I was instantly hooked within the first few pages of THE VIRTUE OF SIN, but ultimately, at 419 pages, this one took me a while to get through. The story arc gets a little repetitive about halfway through the book but ends with a twisted resolution. Schuren’s novel comes out next Tuesday, and it’s one I definitely recommend adding to your TBR list!
Story concept: 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Execution: 🌟🌟🌟/5
Thank you so much BookishHq and Penguin Teen for the advanced reader copy!
June 21, 2019
I was so excited about this book. I loved the First Impression and needed to know what happens to the characters. Miriam has been raised in New Jerusalem, a community started by the prophet Daniel and the elders, including her parents. The second generation has been called to matrimony and each male will call the name of the woman God chose for him. Miriam is not nervous as she know Caleb will say her name. Her best friend Rachel is excited but 14 year old Delilah is scared. But then everything goes wrong and another man says her name. Suddenly Miriam starts to question everything she knows.
The book is told is alternating view points of Miriam and Caleb. Through them you only get part of the story and are left to guess at the rest. I could not put this down.
October 13, 2019
It took me a little while to get into this book, but once I did it flew. Enjoyed the main character and although it was alternating chapters with two characters, hers was the stronger voice.
August 20, 2019
I think I like cult books now? This was so interesting and infuriatingly fun to read. I love sweet baby Aaron, he is a wonderful lil cinnamon bun. Kinda didn’t like the ending because it felt rushed but Miriam is badass and she makes up for that. This is such a great example of young adults questioning what they grew up learning and recommend to anyone who likes a good cult story.
May 14, 2019
I thought this was going to have dystopian aspects, but it's just about a cult. This was an okay, if rather bland, story about the abuse of religion. I say bland because it was just so...normal. I suppose that's why it feels so insidious, because once you start peeling back layer after layer you may find that the problems are more severe than they first appear. What's sad is, this has happened and still happens to so many people in the real.
This story begins with Miriam, a sixteen-year-old girl, on her wedding day. To be more specific, she as well as a handful of other girls ages 14-17 are being married off to random boys in New Jerusalem, a fenced off and guarded compound in the California desert. Tonight a boy they have never even so much as spoken to will call their name, and then they will be married and taken to their marriage bed, as is 'God's will'. Women are not allowed to speak or question. Women are not allowed to show their hair or their skin. Women are not allowed choice, for anything. Women are property belonging to men.
Their 'prophet' Daniel has brainwashed his flock and has bent the word of God to such a degree that he has essentially built a haven for himself where all revere him; he's a psychopath playing God. The first generation are a bunch of crazies, and the second generation knows nothing else having been indoctrinated since birth. Daniel has crafted his world in a way where the people of New Jerusalem are plain and uneducated, perfect for manipulating. They're expected to spend all their time in worship, and while they believe they're worshiping the word of God, they're actually worshipping Daniel and his 'interpretations'.
Miriam seems to be the only person in the compound who can think for herself. She slowly notices the unfairness, the abuse, and questions why 'God' would allow such things to happen. If He loved them, why would He silence them? Why would He put someone else's happiness above anyone else's? I don't want to give too much of the plot away, but the turn of events focus on revelations of all sorts from changes of the heart to the importance of exacting free will, and the power of women, the lengths some men will go to control women to keep them from becoming powerful individuals.
The story was okay, but not my particular cup of tea. Admittedly I did start skimming through about 2/3 of the way through the book because I had become so bored with their drama, and the inconsistency portrayed by the second generation. It was a little irritating that the second generation had this sort of...modern way about them. Slang, phrasings, the 'mean girl' thing that went on, the 'rebel' - it probably shouldn't have been there, and felt less authentic.
The ending was pretty good, and I loved how the author chose not to tack on some kind of "but even though this bad shit happened, God has a purpose bla bla bla" bullshit that I've seen which is always infuriating. Sometimes bad shit just happens, and religion isn't always kind to everyone, especially women or 'sinners'. Folks who enjoy cult-centered plots would love this book.
ARC received via raffle on BookishFirst! ♡
Content Warnings for cults, religion, brainwashing, sexism, forced marriage, violence, guns, abandonment, intrusion of privacy, mentions of rape, sexual harassment, adultery, gayphobic content, church shootings, teenage runaways, statutory rape, kidnapping. ♡
This story begins with Miriam, a sixteen-year-old girl, on her wedding day. To be more specific, she as well as a handful of other girls ages 14-17 are being married off to random boys in New Jerusalem, a fenced off and guarded compound in the California desert. Tonight a boy they have never even so much as spoken to will call their name, and then they will be married and taken to their marriage bed, as is 'God's will'. Women are not allowed to speak or question. Women are not allowed to show their hair or their skin. Women are not allowed choice, for anything. Women are property belonging to men.
Their 'prophet' Daniel has brainwashed his flock and has bent the word of God to such a degree that he has essentially built a haven for himself where all revere him; he's a psychopath playing God. The first generation are a bunch of crazies, and the second generation knows nothing else having been indoctrinated since birth. Daniel has crafted his world in a way where the people of New Jerusalem are plain and uneducated, perfect for manipulating. They're expected to spend all their time in worship, and while they believe they're worshiping the word of God, they're actually worshipping Daniel and his 'interpretations'.
Miriam seems to be the only person in the compound who can think for herself. She slowly notices the unfairness, the abuse, and questions why 'God' would allow such things to happen. If He loved them, why would He silence them? Why would He put someone else's happiness above anyone else's? I don't want to give too much of the plot away, but the turn of events focus on revelations of all sorts from changes of the heart to the importance of exacting free will, and the power of women, the lengths some men will go to control women to keep them from becoming powerful individuals.
The story was okay, but not my particular cup of tea. Admittedly I did start skimming through about 2/3 of the way through the book because I had become so bored with their drama, and the inconsistency portrayed by the second generation. It was a little irritating that the second generation had this sort of...modern way about them. Slang, phrasings, the 'mean girl' thing that went on, the 'rebel' - it probably shouldn't have been there, and felt less authentic.
The ending was pretty good, and I loved how the author chose not to tack on some kind of "but even though this bad shit happened, God has a purpose bla bla bla" bullshit that I've seen which is always infuriating. Sometimes bad shit just happens, and religion isn't always kind to everyone, especially women or 'sinners'. Folks who enjoy cult-centered plots would love this book.
ARC received via raffle on BookishFirst! ♡
Content Warnings for cults, religion, brainwashing, sexism, forced marriage, violence, guns, abandonment, intrusion of privacy, mentions of rape, sexual harassment, adultery, gayphobic content, church shootings, teenage runaways, statutory rape, kidnapping. ♡
May 13, 2019
I thought at first from the blurb that this would be Dystopian, but it's about a cult, the lengths a person in power will go to keep their followers in line and the sheer delusion of those trapped on the inside.
New Jerusalem sits out in the desert in California, set apart from the rest of the world, the inhabitants live a very secluded lifestyle. No reading, no tv, no music, no singing, women are kept repressed, encouraged not to speak, the focus of learning is on scripture and Daniel's interpretation of scripture, how he applies it to his followers and their lives.
Miriam is a second generation member, her mother was with Daniel when New Jerusalem was formed. She sometimes questions why certain things are the way they are, but she isn't supposed to. Her mother is very tight-lipped when it comes to revealing her past, her life on what they call "the outside", something she's not supposed to talk about. But Miriam is a bit headstrong, and sometimes she's able to get her mother to open up about certain things. But this is her way of life, and she's a devout follower, most of the time. Until her day of Matrimony when she weds the foreigner and not the man she thought she would, Caleb. Her new husband, Aaron, isn't all about the rules, and his ideas might just chip away at Miriam's beliefs.
There were times in reading that I cheered Miriam on, for doubting what she's been told, for wanting more, for questioning things she thought she knew. Then other times I just wanted to hit her for her blind regurgitation of Daniel's words. It's easy from the outside to judge and say Miriam should have known, she should have just believed Aaron because he knew the world "outside." But the level of brainwashing that happened here (and in cults such as this) is unimaginable. The new generation was born into this cult and being cut off from the outside world, they don't know any better, they have no way to know any better.
I enjoyed both Miriam and Aaron's characters, much more so than Caleb. But I think that was because Miriam already had her doubts, so it made it easier for her to trust in Aaron, whereas Caleb scared me towards the end with how strong his faith was after everything he had seen. The Virtue of Sin is well-written, it's an engaging story with wonderful characters, a good read.
New Jerusalem sits out in the desert in California, set apart from the rest of the world, the inhabitants live a very secluded lifestyle. No reading, no tv, no music, no singing, women are kept repressed, encouraged not to speak, the focus of learning is on scripture and Daniel's interpretation of scripture, how he applies it to his followers and their lives.
Miriam is a second generation member, her mother was with Daniel when New Jerusalem was formed. She sometimes questions why certain things are the way they are, but she isn't supposed to. Her mother is very tight-lipped when it comes to revealing her past, her life on what they call "the outside", something she's not supposed to talk about. But Miriam is a bit headstrong, and sometimes she's able to get her mother to open up about certain things. But this is her way of life, and she's a devout follower, most of the time. Until her day of Matrimony when she weds the foreigner and not the man she thought she would, Caleb. Her new husband, Aaron, isn't all about the rules, and his ideas might just chip away at Miriam's beliefs.
There were times in reading that I cheered Miriam on, for doubting what she's been told, for wanting more, for questioning things she thought she knew. Then other times I just wanted to hit her for her blind regurgitation of Daniel's words. It's easy from the outside to judge and say Miriam should have known, she should have just believed Aaron because he knew the world "outside." But the level of brainwashing that happened here (and in cults such as this) is unimaginable. The new generation was born into this cult and being cut off from the outside world, they don't know any better, they have no way to know any better.
I enjoyed both Miriam and Aaron's characters, much more so than Caleb. But I think that was because Miriam already had her doubts, so it made it easier for her to trust in Aaron, whereas Caleb scared me towards the end with how strong his faith was after everything he had seen. The Virtue of Sin is well-written, it's an engaging story with wonderful characters, a good read.
May 1, 2022
** spoiler alert ** *Disclaimer* I received an early copy from Bookish First and PhilomelBooks in exchange for an honest review
I want to start off by saying I absolutely adored this book it was incredible and had a profound message. It is a mixture of M. Night Shyamalan’s The Village and a remote desert community ruled by patriarchal views.
The novel centers around Miriam a young woman who lives in New Jerusalem an isolated community run by a charismatic leader named Daniel. A man who claims to be a direct prophet of God.
When the novel begins Miriam and her best friends Rachel and Delilah are excited about going to the communities annual marriage ceremony. She already knows who will choose her as his wife her friend who she has grown to love Caleb. Miriam can’t wait to begin her life with him and as the story begins she sneaks out the night of the ceremony spying on the guys.
Early on you learn that in this society women are not allowed to speak to the men only after they are married are they allowed to talk to their husbands. Even then though it is not encouraged because they are now under their husband’s authority. So as the story begins Miriam does sneak out trying to see if she can spot Caleb among the other men unaware that her friend Delilah has followed her. Delilah is one of the “youngest” of the older girls in the community and Miriam is concerned she is not old enough for marriage but as the novel puts it “because she has bled” She had been deemed old enough.
The two girls were discussing the ceremony and concerns about getting caught when Miriam suddenly trips over a guy an “outsider” who has been bitten by a rattlesnake. Startled and unsure of what to do she reluctantly helps the stranger by sucking out the venom where he had been bitten on the ankle. Unfortunately for Miriam and Delilah they are caught by who I can only describe as the community’s snarkiest dogooder Susanna. She is a by the rule-book follower who delights in others mistakes. This causes both girls to be late to the ceremony causing great disappointment Miriam’s mother and her father Boaz.
When they arrive a number of the men have already chosen their wives after having heard God’s command including Rachel who was chosen by Jacob. Susanna was also chosen by Caleb’s brother Marcus. Miriam’s are quickly dashed however when upon arriving late the outsider whom she had helped earlier unexpectedly calls out her name. Shocked Miriam has little choice but to accept her new reality she is now married a stranger not to Caleb. Caleb so stunned by this refuses to pick a bride to the great disappointment of his father.
She spends time in a state of shock perplexed at her new reality this was not how things were supposed to go. She was not supposed to end up with the “outsider” a man she did not know. Her husband Aaron she could not figure out and immediately resents. She and Caleb decide they can take their case to the community’s leader Daniel after all Caleb had dreamed of Miriam God wanted the two of them together not her and some stranger she doesn’t even know. As her and Caleb struggle she has to get used to the idea of living with her new husband Aaron.
She hates him and can’t even bare the thought that she will have to preform her “duties” as a married woman. Aaron and her could not be more different. She a dutiful religious woman who puts faith in her prophet Daniel who promised her and the other members of the community that he would lead them according to God’s word. Aaron on the other hand did not grow up in New Jerusalem is foul mouthed and does not appear to be all that devout. He is constantly questioning her about her beliefs and “this place” and constantly confuses her with how he acts.
He likes to cook for example and that is traditionally a woman’s role. One night over a meal of chicken that he had prepared and while she asks him why he hasn’t pressured her to preform her “wifely” duties he drops a bombshell he will not ask her for that and never would because is gay and has boyfriend. She is stunned and does not know how to process this on top of the stress her husband’s revelation has caused her she has another thing to worry about. Her friend Delilah who was not chosen by any man during the marriage ceremony has been made to leave the community on the prophets orders to get an education. Miriam is at a loss desperate and unsure stuck in a loveless marriage.
Her only comfort in life is Caleb. She secretly meets him one night to talk about what they should do. Caleb is a strong willed devout man who has every confidence in their prophet. When she makes mention that she too had dreamed of him he scoffs at that. Saving only men are sent dreams by God not women and that it is not their place to dream. This really throws Miriam he is trying to put her in her place and their relationship is never the same after that moment.
Susanna though is always trying to make Miriam’s life miserable more so when she and Aaron get assigned to work with her parents making wool. The story alters in a big way after Aaron tries to reason with Miriam and explain that she is not part of a loving community run by a man with a direct line to God but a cult. He tells her that Daniel is not a prophet but a snake oil salesmen a con man and that he is manipulative. She then learns that it is Daniel who arranges the marriages. He has been living a lie sleeping not only with Susanna behind Marcus’s back , phoebe the only unmarried woman in the community and even Miriam’s own mother.
She learns that she is in fact Daniel’s daughter and her friend Rachel’s sister. The novel ends in a shock after realizing that she has been taught and is living a lie. Miriam confronts Daniel and the community. He remains defiant and so so many in the community. Caleb who is heartbroken after Miriam’s revelations and rejection. Remains loyal to Daniel’s message ends his life with a self inflicted gun shot wound. Miriam, Delilah, a reluctant Rachel along with Aaron escapes New Jerusalem. In an ironic twist Miriam’s decides to remain.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2019
The most interesting thing I took from this book was how much it read and seemed like a dystopian. The world-building and aspects of New Jerusalem, like the Matrimony and the dream interpretations, was very YA dystopian-esque. If you liked Divergent way back in the day, this seems quite similar at first. The brain-washing seemed very indicative of major religions, which I also thought was an interesting commentary. I really liked the alternative history of Zzyzx. However, the pacing was really slow. Some of the characters who I think were supposed to be likable - Caleb, for instance - I really couldn't stand. Overall, this was a good book but not something I would recommend to people who want action and a fast-paced story.
May 5, 2021
This book only gets two stars because of Aaron, he's the only good character in the whole book and honestly, while I understand why he wasn't a POV character I really wish he had been. Miriam was annoying and whiny and there really wasn't that much of a different between her POV and Caleb's POV. Because it's kind of late while I'm typing this and I'm tired, I'm going to try to not go super in depth and as a result I'm going to try not to spoil it. This is a warning now though just in case I do end up some of the big twists.
So, because I just said I'm not going to spoil the big twists, I'm going to just talk about them vaguely. There was only really one at the very end that was surprising to me, but in retrospect it makes sense. Otherwise, none of these twists were that shocking or surprising and I also didn't really care. Whenever a twist was discovered by Caleb I was so incredibly uninterested that I didn't care. I know during my last review I said the main male character was the dumbest character ever, but I think Caleb actually takes the cake for that one. I don't know if everything just seems so obvious because you're basically being spoon fed everything when you're reading Miriam's POV, but honestly Caleb is actually just stupid. So it's not really a spoiler to say that this book is about the religious cult and there's literally a point early on in the book when the cult leader's whole plan is told to Caleb by the cult leader himself and then Caleb's brother and then when it's confirmed at the end of the book he still doesn't understand. And I understand the idea that having your whole world come crashing down around you is a really traumatizing event, but he's also dumb.
Also, I'm hesitant to say this because I do feel a little bad about it, but this book is not about female empowerment. You know what would've been a good way to actually make it about female empowerment? Have some of the women in this cult actually maybe have an idea that there's some sketchy stuff going on. How about make Susanna's character not actually terrible. You know what would've made Susanna better? If she was naïve just like all the other girls, that way when the book ends and she makes the decision that she ends up making, it makes more sense because she really thinks that the cult leader is the best thing since sliced bread. Like why is there even terrible awful people like Susanna and her mother in this cult in the first place? Like Susanna can still be the cult leader's spy without being a terrible person. Miriam can still dislike her for just an arbitrary reason, like maybe Susanna is just an overachiever, she's always being praised by Daniel (the cult leader), she's given jobs that she has no qualifications for, she's always in everyone's business. But no Susanna is the most gorgeous girl ever so not only is she just terrible and mean, but she also has to use her body/looks to get what she wants. Like she could still be pretty and a nice person. I don't know, Susanna fit a specific role and it's not new or interesting or even good. You know what also would've given this more female empowerment?? If some of the women actually figured this stuff out on their own instead of Aaron feeding all of the information to Miriam and than having Miriam just drop all of it on everyone in the last ten pages of this book.
So, because I just said I'm not going to spoil the big twists, I'm going to just talk about them vaguely. There was only really one at the very end that was surprising to me, but in retrospect it makes sense. Otherwise, none of these twists were that shocking or surprising and I also didn't really care. Whenever a twist was discovered by Caleb I was so incredibly uninterested that I didn't care. I know during my last review I said the main male character was the dumbest character ever, but I think Caleb actually takes the cake for that one. I don't know if everything just seems so obvious because you're basically being spoon fed everything when you're reading Miriam's POV, but honestly Caleb is actually just stupid. So it's not really a spoiler to say that this book is about the religious cult and there's literally a point early on in the book when the cult leader's whole plan is told to Caleb by the cult leader himself and then Caleb's brother and then when it's confirmed at the end of the book he still doesn't understand. And I understand the idea that having your whole world come crashing down around you is a really traumatizing event, but he's also dumb.
Also, I'm hesitant to say this because I do feel a little bad about it, but this book is not about female empowerment. You know what would've been a good way to actually make it about female empowerment? Have some of the women in this cult actually maybe have an idea that there's some sketchy stuff going on. How about make Susanna's character not actually terrible. You know what would've made Susanna better? If she was naïve just like all the other girls, that way when the book ends and she makes the decision that she ends up making, it makes more sense because she really thinks that the cult leader is the best thing since sliced bread. Like why is there even terrible awful people like Susanna and her mother in this cult in the first place? Like Susanna can still be the cult leader's spy without being a terrible person. Miriam can still dislike her for just an arbitrary reason, like maybe Susanna is just an overachiever, she's always being praised by Daniel (the cult leader), she's given jobs that she has no qualifications for, she's always in everyone's business. But no Susanna is the most gorgeous girl ever so not only is she just terrible and mean, but she also has to use her body/looks to get what she wants. Like she could still be pretty and a nice person. I don't know, Susanna fit a specific role and it's not new or interesting or even good. You know what also would've given this more female empowerment?? If some of the women actually figured this stuff out on their own instead of Aaron feeding all of the information to Miriam and than having Miriam just drop all of it on everyone in the last ten pages of this book.
May 27, 2019
Thank you to Bookishfirst for giving me a copy of this ARC.
Novel is set in present time somewhere in the desert between California and Nevada, in a secluded settlement called New Jerusalem. Daniel, a self-proclaimed leader and a prophet, declared that God communicates directly through him and his visions. Through the decades of preaching, he was able to gather around a set of very devoted followers who never question anything he says or does. Eventually, Daniel brought his followers to New Jerusalem, to live by God's word and by the Bible, and to completely shut out the "Outside" with all it's sins, violence, greed, etc.
This is the world in which our main character, Miriam, was born and grew up. She's never been outside of the New Jerusalem, she doesn't know what's outside of it's walls, all she knows is that "Outside" is be feared and that she should never ever do anything that will get her banished to said "Outside". Right now she is a happy 16-year old, who is awaiting her Marriage Ceremony. All her life she was told that God will tell her who her husband will be, she will see him in her dreams. And Miriam saw Caleb, a boy who "talked" to her (communication between different sexes is strictly prohibited in this community, unless it's your own family members. However, Caleb found a way to send her sweet messages and Miriam is positive he is meant for her and she is meant for him). During a Marriage Ceremony a man (actually, a boy) calls a girl's name and that's who will become his wife (girls do not have a choice). Miriam is sure Caleb will call her name and they will be married in no time. However, something goes wrong, and another boy, Aaron, calls her name. Aaron and his family are still considered to be outsiders, since they joined their community only recently. Miriam is shocked and confused. Is it possible that God made a mistake by showing Caleb in her dreams? Will Daniel realize this is a mistake and stop the ceremony? Will Caleb now pick a different girl to be her wife? Why did Aaron call her name? Who Aaron really is?
The plot thickens as Miriam slowly start finding answers to those questions. Not everything is nice and peachy in their utopian community. It is possible that Miriam was lied to all her life?
This was a very interesting read. It is told from two perspectives: Caleb and Miriam. New Jerusalem is a very patriarchal community with clearly defined gender roles. So, it was a great choice, in my opinion, to give us both, a male and a female narratives. You can see how different their roles and responsibilities within community are, and at the same time you can see how similar their lives are. Despite the fact that women have absolutely no voice in Daniel's cult, men do not have that much freedom either.
Novel is set in present time somewhere in the desert between California and Nevada, in a secluded settlement called New Jerusalem. Daniel, a self-proclaimed leader and a prophet, declared that God communicates directly through him and his visions. Through the decades of preaching, he was able to gather around a set of very devoted followers who never question anything he says or does. Eventually, Daniel brought his followers to New Jerusalem, to live by God's word and by the Bible, and to completely shut out the "Outside" with all it's sins, violence, greed, etc.
This is the world in which our main character, Miriam, was born and grew up. She's never been outside of the New Jerusalem, she doesn't know what's outside of it's walls, all she knows is that "Outside" is be feared and that she should never ever do anything that will get her banished to said "Outside". Right now she is a happy 16-year old, who is awaiting her Marriage Ceremony. All her life she was told that God will tell her who her husband will be, she will see him in her dreams. And Miriam saw Caleb, a boy who "talked" to her (communication between different sexes is strictly prohibited in this community, unless it's your own family members. However, Caleb found a way to send her sweet messages and Miriam is positive he is meant for her and she is meant for him). During a Marriage Ceremony a man (actually, a boy) calls a girl's name and that's who will become his wife (girls do not have a choice). Miriam is sure Caleb will call her name and they will be married in no time. However, something goes wrong, and another boy, Aaron, calls her name. Aaron and his family are still considered to be outsiders, since they joined their community only recently. Miriam is shocked and confused. Is it possible that God made a mistake by showing Caleb in her dreams? Will Daniel realize this is a mistake and stop the ceremony? Will Caleb now pick a different girl to be her wife? Why did Aaron call her name? Who Aaron really is?
The plot thickens as Miriam slowly start finding answers to those questions. Not everything is nice and peachy in their utopian community. It is possible that Miriam was lied to all her life?
This was a very interesting read. It is told from two perspectives: Caleb and Miriam. New Jerusalem is a very patriarchal community with clearly defined gender roles. So, it was a great choice, in my opinion, to give us both, a male and a female narratives. You can see how different their roles and responsibilities within community are, and at the same time you can see how similar their lives are. Despite the fact that women have absolutely no voice in Daniel's cult, men do not have that much freedom either.
March 10, 2021
Miriam lives in New Jerusalem, a haven in the desert far away from the sins and cruel world. Under the eagle eye of New Jerusalem's found and leader, Daniel, Miriam feels safe and cared for. Even though, as a girl, she isn't allowed to speak her mind and must quiet her tongue, especially around men. When God calls for a Matrimony, Miriam is excited to finally be with Caleb, the boy she loves and knows will call her name to be his wife. But when the ceremony goes wrong and Miriam winds up with Aaron, a once outsider, she can no longer be silent and begins questioning her way of life.
The Virtue of Sin starts out as being told in Miriam's perspective but then begins to alternate between hers and Caleb's, the boy she should have married, as they live with the after effects of the ruined Matrimony Ceremony. Throughout the novel, the two begin to discover secrets within their community, especially ones centered around Daniel and how he might not be the prophet they think he truly is.
I've read a few cult books and I'm always very interested in seeing how the author goes about establishing the community. Shannon Schuren does an excellent job at explaining both Mariam and Caleb's outlook on it. Even Miriam's mom's explanation as to how they (their parents) became the first generation was interesting and informative as to exactly how this community was formed. The psychology aspect of it is particularly interesting to me.
Miriam is an incredibly strong female lead at the very start of the novel. Growing up she had a hard time keeping tight lipped and was told constantly by the elders and Daniel himself about it, but that doesn't really stop her much. She gradually finds her voice throughout the novel and once she starts finding out about the lies, she stands up for not only herself, but for everyone under the control of the so-called-Prophet. She's a great female lead character.
"...I didn't think that was the kind of thing any man would concern himself with. A woman's happiness?..."
Now Caleb I struggled with throughout the book, and I know that was partially the point since he is also under the influence of the teachings of New Jerusalem. He definitely bounced back and forth and sometimes said things, usually about women, that I wanted to scream at him for. But, it was great to see things from a male perspective of what was happening as well. Near the end, my heart ached for him to be able to find his peace.
This book was super easy to get sucked up in, special thanks to Schuren's excellent world building. I found it rather hard to put down at times. Wonderful, strong, female lead, and a look into a world of growing up and living in a cult. I highly suggest this book to anyone who wants to open a door to a world not many see.
The Virtue of Sin starts out as being told in Miriam's perspective but then begins to alternate between hers and Caleb's, the boy she should have married, as they live with the after effects of the ruined Matrimony Ceremony. Throughout the novel, the two begin to discover secrets within their community, especially ones centered around Daniel and how he might not be the prophet they think he truly is.
I've read a few cult books and I'm always very interested in seeing how the author goes about establishing the community. Shannon Schuren does an excellent job at explaining both Mariam and Caleb's outlook on it. Even Miriam's mom's explanation as to how they (their parents) became the first generation was interesting and informative as to exactly how this community was formed. The psychology aspect of it is particularly interesting to me.
Miriam is an incredibly strong female lead at the very start of the novel. Growing up she had a hard time keeping tight lipped and was told constantly by the elders and Daniel himself about it, but that doesn't really stop her much. She gradually finds her voice throughout the novel and once she starts finding out about the lies, she stands up for not only herself, but for everyone under the control of the so-called-Prophet. She's a great female lead character.
"...I didn't think that was the kind of thing any man would concern himself with. A woman's happiness?..."
Now Caleb I struggled with throughout the book, and I know that was partially the point since he is also under the influence of the teachings of New Jerusalem. He definitely bounced back and forth and sometimes said things, usually about women, that I wanted to scream at him for. But, it was great to see things from a male perspective of what was happening as well. Near the end, my heart ached for him to be able to find his peace.
This book was super easy to get sucked up in, special thanks to Schuren's excellent world building. I found it rather hard to put down at times. Wonderful, strong, female lead, and a look into a world of growing up and living in a cult. I highly suggest this book to anyone who wants to open a door to a world not many see.
May 16, 2019
FIRST OFF THANK YOU BOOKISHFIRST.COM for sending me an ARC to read and review this amazing book before it was released!
My mind is blown and my heart is broken!!! So many people don't realize the effects of cults or the influence the "leader" has on these people. I'm hoping this book was based on fiction but the reality of it is that this actually occurs in our society and people who finally see the truth struggle to adjust. Everyone needs to read this book just to get a glimpse of the life of someone born and raised in this type of life.
Spoilers ahead!!!
Miriam is a 16 yr old who was born into this life and believes full on that Daniel is a "prophet" of God. She believes its normal to get married at a young age and that the husband gets to make the decision without her say. Of course this isn't how she feels internally as she questions why only men get a say and women don't however if she voices these feelings aloud she is punished due to "daniel's law". Shes chosen by a guy who isn't her "love interest" and ensues a ton of mishaps and eye opening realizations. She begins to question EVERYTHING!!!! EVERYTHING!! From Daniel to his "dreams" to her friends and even her mother!! I won't go into it too much because I'm telling you its WORTH THE READ!! But my heart was broken for these teens.....these kids because essentially that's what they are KIDS having to make their way in this closed off community as married couples and doing menial chores to barter with for food. They believe in Daniel so much so that they hang onto every. single. word.
I got about 3/4 of the way through the book and so many secrets were revealed without answers and I'm thinking the entire time "how is she going to get all of this into one book! I'm almost finished and I don't want it to be a rush job just to get it all out" I was blown away when I finished. There was no rush job and the way she finished things up was very tasteful.
I really hope you pick up this book. Its not dystopian based as most of the YA books seem to be right now but I honestly felt like this was a great read.
It wasn't as graphic as the Handmaid's Tale but it did sort of send off that type of vibe. Not in the great scale of conquering the entire United States but I'm sure he could have pulled it off farther than just in a dessert.
My mind is blown and my heart is broken!!! So many people don't realize the effects of cults or the influence the "leader" has on these people. I'm hoping this book was based on fiction but the reality of it is that this actually occurs in our society and people who finally see the truth struggle to adjust. Everyone needs to read this book just to get a glimpse of the life of someone born and raised in this type of life.
Spoilers ahead!!!
Miriam is a 16 yr old who was born into this life and believes full on that Daniel is a "prophet" of God. She believes its normal to get married at a young age and that the husband gets to make the decision without her say. Of course this isn't how she feels internally as she questions why only men get a say and women don't however if she voices these feelings aloud she is punished due to "daniel's law". Shes chosen by a guy who isn't her "love interest" and ensues a ton of mishaps and eye opening realizations. She begins to question EVERYTHING!!!! EVERYTHING!! From Daniel to his "dreams" to her friends and even her mother!! I won't go into it too much because I'm telling you its WORTH THE READ!! But my heart was broken for these teens.....these kids because essentially that's what they are KIDS having to make their way in this closed off community as married couples and doing menial chores to barter with for food. They believe in Daniel so much so that they hang onto every. single. word.
I got about 3/4 of the way through the book and so many secrets were revealed without answers and I'm thinking the entire time "how is she going to get all of this into one book! I'm almost finished and I don't want it to be a rush job just to get it all out" I was blown away when I finished. There was no rush job and the way she finished things up was very tasteful.
I really hope you pick up this book. Its not dystopian based as most of the YA books seem to be right now but I honestly felt like this was a great read.
It wasn't as graphic as the Handmaid's Tale but it did sort of send off that type of vibe. Not in the great scale of conquering the entire United States but I'm sure he could have pulled it off farther than just in a dessert.
May 30, 2019
*Disclaimer* I received an early copy from Bookish First and PhilomelBooks in exchange for an honest review
I want to start off by saying I absolutely adored this book it was incredible and had a profound message. It is a mixture of M. Night Shyamalan’s The Village and a remote desert community ruled by patriarchal views.
The novel centers around Miriam a young woman who lives in New Jerusalem an isolated community run by a charismatic leader named Daniel. A man who claims to be a direct prophet of God.
When the novel begins Miriam and her best friends Rachel and Delilah are excited about going to the communities annual marriage ceremony. She already knows who will choose her as his wife her friend who she has grown to love Caleb. Miriam can’t wait to begin her life with him and as the story begins she sneaks out the night of the ceremony spying on the guys.
Early on you learn that in this society women are not allowed to speak to the men only after they are married are they allowed to talk to their husbands. Even then though it is not encouraged because they are now under their husband’s authority. So as the story begins Miriam does sneak out trying to see if she can spot Caleb among the other men unaware that her friend Delilah has followed her. Delilah is one of the “youngest” of the older girls in the community and Miriam is concerned she is not old enough for marriage but as the novel puts it “because she has bled” She had been deemed old enough.
The two girls were discussing the ceremony and concerns about getting caught when Miriam suddenly trips over a guy an “outsider” who has been bitten by a rattlesnake. Startled and unsure of what to do she reluctantly helps the stranger by sucking out the venom where he had been bitten on the ankle. Unfortunately for Miriam and Delilah they are caught by who I can only describe as the community’s snarkiest dogooder Susanna. She is a by the rule-book follower who delights in others mistakes. This causes both girls to be late to the ceremony causing great disappointment Miriam’s mother and her father Boaz.
When they arrive a number of the men have already chosen their wives after having heard God’s command including Rachel who was chosen by Jacob. Susanna was also chosen by Caleb’s brother Marcus. Miriam’s are quickly dashed however when upon arriving late the outsider whom she had helped earlier unexpectedly calls out her name. Shocked Miriam has little choice but to accept her new reality she is now married a stranger not to Caleb. Caleb so stunned by this refuses to pick a bride to the great disappointment of his father.
She spends time in a state of shock perplexed at her new reality this was not how things were supposed to go. She was not supposed to end up with the “outsider” a man she did not know. Her husband Aaron she could not figure out and immediately resents. She and Caleb decide they can take their case to the community’s leader Daniel after all Caleb had dreamed of Miriam God wanted the two of them together not her and some stranger she doesn’t even know. As her and Caleb struggle she has to get used to the idea of living with her new husband Aaron.
She hates him and can’t even bare the thought that she will have to preform her “duties” as a married woman. Aaron and her could not be more different. She a dutiful religious woman who puts faith in her prophet Daniel who promised her and the other members of the community that he would lead them according to God’s word. Aaron on the other hand did not grow up in New Jerusalem is foul mouthed and does not appear to be all that devout. He is constantly questioning her about her beliefs and “this place” and constantly confuses her with how he acts.
He likes to cook for example and that is traditionally a woman’s role. One night over a meal of chicken that he had prepared and while she asks him why he hasn’t pressured her to preform her “wifely” duties he drops a bombshell he will not ask her for that and never would because is gay and has boyfriend. She is stunned and does not know how to process this on top of the stress her husband’s revelation has caused her she has another thing to worry about. Her friend Delilah who was not chosen by any man during the marriage ceremony has been made to leave the community on the prophets orders to get an education. Miriam is at a loss desperate and unsure stuck in a loveless marriage.
Her only comfort in life is Caleb. She secretly meets him one night to talk about what they should do. Caleb is a strong willed devout man who has every confidence in their prophet. When she makes mention that she too had dreamed of him he scoffs at that. Saving only men are sent dreams by God not women and that it is not their place to dream. This really throws Miriam he is trying to put her in her place and their relationship is never the same after that moment.
Susanna though is always trying to make Miriam’s life miserable more so when she and Aaron get assigned to work with her parents making wool. The story alters in a big way after Aaron tries to reason with Miriam and explain that she is not part of a loving community run by a man with a direct line to God but a cult. He tells her that Daniel is not a prophet but a snake oil salesmen a con man and that he is manipulative. She then learns that it is Daniel who arranges the marriages. He has been living a lie sleeping not only with Susanna behind Marcus’s back , phoebe the only unmarried woman in the community and even Miriam’s own mother.
She learns that she is in fact Daniel’s daughter and her friend Rachel’s sister. The novel ends in a shock after realizing that she has been taught and is living a lie. Miriam confronts Daniel and the community. He remains defiant and so so many in the community. Caleb who is heartbroken after Miriam’s revelations and rejection. Remains loyal to Daniel’s message ends his life with a self inflicted gun shot wound. Miriam, Delilah, a reluctant Rachel along with Aaron escapes New Jerusalem. In an ironic twist Miriam’s decides to remain.
I want to start off by saying I absolutely adored this book it was incredible and had a profound message. It is a mixture of M. Night Shyamalan’s The Village and a remote desert community ruled by patriarchal views.
The novel centers around Miriam a young woman who lives in New Jerusalem an isolated community run by a charismatic leader named Daniel. A man who claims to be a direct prophet of God.
When the novel begins Miriam and her best friends Rachel and Delilah are excited about going to the communities annual marriage ceremony. She already knows who will choose her as his wife her friend who she has grown to love Caleb. Miriam can’t wait to begin her life with him and as the story begins she sneaks out the night of the ceremony spying on the guys.
Early on you learn that in this society women are not allowed to speak to the men only after they are married are they allowed to talk to their husbands. Even then though it is not encouraged because they are now under their husband’s authority. So as the story begins Miriam does sneak out trying to see if she can spot Caleb among the other men unaware that her friend Delilah has followed her. Delilah is one of the “youngest” of the older girls in the community and Miriam is concerned she is not old enough for marriage but as the novel puts it “because she has bled” She had been deemed old enough.
The two girls were discussing the ceremony and concerns about getting caught when Miriam suddenly trips over a guy an “outsider” who has been bitten by a rattlesnake. Startled and unsure of what to do she reluctantly helps the stranger by sucking out the venom where he had been bitten on the ankle. Unfortunately for Miriam and Delilah they are caught by who I can only describe as the community’s snarkiest dogooder Susanna. She is a by the rule-book follower who delights in others mistakes. This causes both girls to be late to the ceremony causing great disappointment Miriam’s mother and her father Boaz.
When they arrive a number of the men have already chosen their wives after having heard God’s command including Rachel who was chosen by Jacob. Susanna was also chosen by Caleb’s brother Marcus. Miriam’s are quickly dashed however when upon arriving late the outsider whom she had helped earlier unexpectedly calls out her name. Shocked Miriam has little choice but to accept her new reality she is now married a stranger not to Caleb. Caleb so stunned by this refuses to pick a bride to the great disappointment of his father.
She spends time in a state of shock perplexed at her new reality this was not how things were supposed to go. She was not supposed to end up with the “outsider” a man she did not know. Her husband Aaron she could not figure out and immediately resents. She and Caleb decide they can take their case to the community’s leader Daniel after all Caleb had dreamed of Miriam God wanted the two of them together not her and some stranger she doesn’t even know. As her and Caleb struggle she has to get used to the idea of living with her new husband Aaron.
She hates him and can’t even bare the thought that she will have to preform her “duties” as a married woman. Aaron and her could not be more different. She a dutiful religious woman who puts faith in her prophet Daniel who promised her and the other members of the community that he would lead them according to God’s word. Aaron on the other hand did not grow up in New Jerusalem is foul mouthed and does not appear to be all that devout. He is constantly questioning her about her beliefs and “this place” and constantly confuses her with how he acts.
He likes to cook for example and that is traditionally a woman’s role. One night over a meal of chicken that he had prepared and while she asks him why he hasn’t pressured her to preform her “wifely” duties he drops a bombshell he will not ask her for that and never would because is gay and has boyfriend. She is stunned and does not know how to process this on top of the stress her husband’s revelation has caused her she has another thing to worry about. Her friend Delilah who was not chosen by any man during the marriage ceremony has been made to leave the community on the prophets orders to get an education. Miriam is at a loss desperate and unsure stuck in a loveless marriage.
Her only comfort in life is Caleb. She secretly meets him one night to talk about what they should do. Caleb is a strong willed devout man who has every confidence in their prophet. When she makes mention that she too had dreamed of him he scoffs at that. Saving only men are sent dreams by God not women and that it is not their place to dream. This really throws Miriam he is trying to put her in her place and their relationship is never the same after that moment.
Susanna though is always trying to make Miriam’s life miserable more so when she and Aaron get assigned to work with her parents making wool. The story alters in a big way after Aaron tries to reason with Miriam and explain that she is not part of a loving community run by a man with a direct line to God but a cult. He tells her that Daniel is not a prophet but a snake oil salesmen a con man and that he is manipulative. She then learns that it is Daniel who arranges the marriages. He has been living a lie sleeping not only with Susanna behind Marcus’s back , phoebe the only unmarried woman in the community and even Miriam’s own mother.
She learns that she is in fact Daniel’s daughter and her friend Rachel’s sister. The novel ends in a shock after realizing that she has been taught and is living a lie. Miriam confronts Daniel and the community. He remains defiant and so so many in the community. Caleb who is heartbroken after Miriam’s revelations and rejection. Remains loyal to Daniel’s message ends his life with a self inflicted gun shot wound. Miriam, Delilah, a reluctant Rachel along with Aaron escapes New Jerusalem. In an ironic twist Miriam’s decides to remain.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2019
I think that as a culture we have an obsession with the things that are strange, abnormal...the things that are almost unbelievable. And I think that cults fall easily into this category. So when I was randomly selected to receive a free copy of Shannon Schuren's The Virtue of Sin, I was super excited to get my hands on it! This novel really explores the ideas of indoctrination, truth, belief, faith, and the importance of having a voice.
Miriam was born in New Jerusalem, founded by their prophet Daniel in the Californian desert. Miriam has never known anything besides the safe walls of their city. She knows that if she follows what God's will as given to Daniel, she will be happy and received salvation--even if that means keeping her thoughts and ideas to herself.
When the second generation of The Children of Daniel have reached the age of 16, it is time for a Matrimony. Miriam loves Caleb despite the fact that boys and girls are separated and not allowed to speak to one another and she knows that he will choose her to be his wife. However, the night of the ceremony, everything goes wrong and Miriam ends up married to someone else.
Miriam begins to question Daniel, what the will of God really is, and the beliefs that keep them all in New Jerusalem. When Miriam really starts to use her voice and trust in her own ideas, she realizes just how dangerous words can be.
Even though the book is told from the perspective of both Miriam and Caleb, this really is Miriam's story. She is such a strong, smart girl and because of her tendency to speak her mind, she is able to affect great change. I think she is very well written as the protagonist of this book.
I thought this book would focus more on the romance between Caleb and Miriam but it really isn't the focus of the book though it is the cause of the main conflict in the novel. I liked that Miriam explored the feelings that she had for him and how they did or didn't fit into the Path of Righteousness that she is supposed to follow.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. I think that it was fascinating read and I think that many others will enjoy this realistic fiction look into a cult mindset. But generally any lover of strong female protagonists and YA fiction will enjoy this book. As a disclaimer, there is some language if that is something that you don't like in a book.
Miriam was born in New Jerusalem, founded by their prophet Daniel in the Californian desert. Miriam has never known anything besides the safe walls of their city. She knows that if she follows what God's will as given to Daniel, she will be happy and received salvation--even if that means keeping her thoughts and ideas to herself.
When the second generation of The Children of Daniel have reached the age of 16, it is time for a Matrimony. Miriam loves Caleb despite the fact that boys and girls are separated and not allowed to speak to one another and she knows that he will choose her to be his wife. However, the night of the ceremony, everything goes wrong and Miriam ends up married to someone else.
Miriam begins to question Daniel, what the will of God really is, and the beliefs that keep them all in New Jerusalem. When Miriam really starts to use her voice and trust in her own ideas, she realizes just how dangerous words can be.
Even though the book is told from the perspective of both Miriam and Caleb, this really is Miriam's story. She is such a strong, smart girl and because of her tendency to speak her mind, she is able to affect great change. I think she is very well written as the protagonist of this book.
I thought this book would focus more on the romance between Caleb and Miriam but it really isn't the focus of the book though it is the cause of the main conflict in the novel. I liked that Miriam explored the feelings that she had for him and how they did or didn't fit into the Path of Righteousness that she is supposed to follow.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. I think that it was fascinating read and I think that many others will enjoy this realistic fiction look into a cult mindset. But generally any lover of strong female protagonists and YA fiction will enjoy this book. As a disclaimer, there is some language if that is something that you don't like in a book.
June 7, 2019
I received this book from a Bookish First giveaway. Once I read the first few chapters, I couldn't wait to see if I would actually win it for I wanted so much more! When it arrived in my mailbox, I did an internal dance of excitement and started it straight away.
This world is extremely frustrating for a woman and it reminded me a little of the Handmaid's Tale. Women are meant to do chores and literally not speak. Daniel is the leader of their group and he created a sanctuary to protect his citizen's from the outside world where it is full of crime, lust & hate. The story starts off with the group having their second matrimony ceremony and getting ready for the festivities.
This is where we meet our cast of characters. The story is mainly told in dual POV by Miriam and Caleb. I adored both of these characters. They both were born in the sanctuary, so this is the only life they have ever known. The concept is that the men get a sign from God in their dreams which they journal daily. Daniel helps them to interpret their dreams and helps them choose whom their wife should be at the time of the ceremony. The men get to choose while the women are just to obey and not question. As children, they would all play together but once they reached a certain age, the girls & boys are separated until the day of their marriage ceremony. They are not to speak or touch each other until then. Miriam & Caleb both know that they should be together but somehow there is a snafu and the story takes an interesting twist.
At first, this world seemed amazing. They lived such a simple life filled with their undying faith. But, somewhere while reading, I started to get this icky feeling deep in my gut and I knew things just weren't as they seemed.
The ending left me full of sorrow. I am thankful to the author that she gave us a very nicely wrapped up last chapter. I believe this book is a stand alone but would love to see how Miriam fairs after the fact with all that has happened to her.
This is Ms. Schuren's debut novel and honestly, I loved it. There was never a dull moment and I felt the book's pacing was perfection. I am looking forward to seeing what else she has in store for us.
This world is extremely frustrating for a woman and it reminded me a little of the Handmaid's Tale. Women are meant to do chores and literally not speak. Daniel is the leader of their group and he created a sanctuary to protect his citizen's from the outside world where it is full of crime, lust & hate. The story starts off with the group having their second matrimony ceremony and getting ready for the festivities.
This is where we meet our cast of characters. The story is mainly told in dual POV by Miriam and Caleb. I adored both of these characters. They both were born in the sanctuary, so this is the only life they have ever known. The concept is that the men get a sign from God in their dreams which they journal daily. Daniel helps them to interpret their dreams and helps them choose whom their wife should be at the time of the ceremony. The men get to choose while the women are just to obey and not question. As children, they would all play together but once they reached a certain age, the girls & boys are separated until the day of their marriage ceremony. They are not to speak or touch each other until then. Miriam & Caleb both know that they should be together but somehow there is a snafu and the story takes an interesting twist.
At first, this world seemed amazing. They lived such a simple life filled with their undying faith. But, somewhere while reading, I started to get this icky feeling deep in my gut and I knew things just weren't as they seemed.
The ending left me full of sorrow. I am thankful to the author that she gave us a very nicely wrapped up last chapter. I believe this book is a stand alone but would love to see how Miriam fairs after the fact with all that has happened to her.
This is Ms. Schuren's debut novel and honestly, I loved it. There was never a dull moment and I felt the book's pacing was perfection. I am looking forward to seeing what else she has in store for us.
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