This book was not for me.
In the beginning I was very excited to learn more about Laura’s story, since I kind of needed a change from being in Andy’s pov (she was whiny but the circumstances she found herself in justified it.

And then the whole changing the world cult thing started being revealed and then the story started to plateau from there. I think the interactions we got from the first few times we see the cult already explained the dynamics of the group. We didn’t really need the 274728 missions and plans and chapters focused on that group. From the second you learn about the character’s backgrounds, and then you see ‘charming’ Nick you understand what’s going on. A power obsessed fiend who pick and mixed a group of vulnerable people to abuse and manipulate into going along with a plan to change the world and rid it of injustices. And it’s very clear that his motivation for doing so is power and fame.

I understand the focus of the book being about Jane and her journey escaping from an abusive father into the arms of an abusive lover, and having to move on quick enough before he can catch up to her, not for her own sake, but for the sake of other people she loves (her brother and her daughter).
But I think other stories have conveyed this better and more succinct way.
There was a lot of telling us what Nick was and what exactly the dynamic between him and Jane was rather than showing, especially in the epilogue.
I find Jane to be an interesting character, her interactions and dynamic with Andrew were the sweetest and layered. Her dynamic with her older brother Jasper was equally layered.

As for the plot, it was personally very clear to see who was behind the shenanigans, who had given Jane the bruises in those photos. We are kind misdirected to believe it was her father, but the reveal of it being Nick doesn’t have any impact. Paula was a bit of a wild card, I thought perhaps she had changed a bit but when Andy met up with her and she spewing her internalized misogyny, faux feminist bs, the reveal of her being the one who sent hoodie was not impactful and her motive (to be with Nick) had been as clear as day since that was her entire personality in the flashback chapters.

Overall, I could have enjoyed this book if it was half the length it was. I think this is a series so maybe we will get to explore the dynamic between Andy and Laura more. But so far the exploration of their bond was weak for me, the book spent too long being the Nick and co show, the romance Andy had with Mike was blegh, I was very bored very depleted reading this book.
I think the author is a good writer, this story just did not resonate with me.
I am glad I am free of it now.