After the Fire

Winner of the YA Book Prize 2018.

Winner of the German Youth Literature Award 2021.

Shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal.

Edgar Award nominee - Best Young Adult book.

Selected for the 2017 Zoella & Friends Book Club.

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The things I’ve seen are burned into me, like scars that refuse to fade.

Father John controls everything inside The Fence. And Father John likes rules. Especially about never talking to Outsiders. Because Father John knows the truth. He knows what is right, and what is wrong. He knows what is coming.

Moonbeam is starting to doubt, though. She’s starting to see the lies behind Father John’s words. She wants him to be found out.

What if the only way out of the darkness is to light a fire?

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‘An astonishing saga of suffering and joy, guilt, evil, redemption and truth.’
Kirkus - starred review

‘A powerful and atmospheric tale of love, loss and courage, it’s a world away from the monster-fuelled action of his Department 19 series but shares the same addictive, page-turning storytelling.’ The Bookseller

‘This offers a fascinating look at emotional manipulation, calculated lies, and physical intimidation and punishment ... Hill treats his story, based on the true events of the Branch Davidian religious sect near Waco, Texas, with respect and dignity.’ Booklist

‘A heartrending portrait of a young girl's struggle to survive a domineering religious sect and the resilience of the human spirit; this belongs on every YA shelf.’ School Library Journal

‘Masterfully written and gripping fiction based in fact.’ Sunday Post

‘Genuinely different... thrilling and spellbinding.’ Patrick Ness, author of A Monster Calls

‘Absorbing, gripping and darkly fascinating... it's a must-read novel.’ Sarah Pinborough, No.1 bestselling author of Behind Her Eyes

‘A gripping story of survival with a big heart. Scary, exciting and uplifting all at the same time.’ Juno Dawson

‘It will keep you up late until you get to the very end.’ Maureen Johnson

‘One of the most brilliantly realized characters in contemporary YA.’ James Smythe

‘A masterclass in suspense.’ Amy Alward

‘Powerful and beautiful.’ Maggie Harcourt

‘An engrossing, brilliantly realised story which is almost impossible to put down.’ Louise O’Neill