This book is so well written. The prose is lyrical in nature, and sucks you in right away. The imagery alone in this book is impeccable, never failing to form an image in your mind of all the good and bad that happens. I especially loved how the author handled the topics of grief and abuse, writing beautifully about how these things have effected the characters. I also loved the ending and how Elwood is able to move past the abuse and horror of his upbringing and transform into something else. I do wish the inner workings and goals of the cult were delved into more. Other than the abuse and the death rituals they have it would have been interesting to know what other backwards and harmful practices the perpetrated. Overall this story was really good and definitely worth the read for the amazing writing alone. There are just so many hard hitting sentences that make you stop and fully absorb what is happening.