The Project

by Courtney Summers
The Project cover
Good Books rating 3.33
Thriller/Suspense
Technical:
  • ID: 1358
  • Added: 2025-10-05
  • Updated: 2025-10-05
  • ISBN: 9781250105745
  • Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
  • Published: 2021-02-02
  • Reviews: 3

The Project by Courtney Summers is a powerful and suspenseful novel that delves into the complex relationship between two sisters, Bea and Lo. After a devastating car accident claims their parents' lives, the sisters are taken in by Lev Warren, the enigmatic leader of The Unity Project. Bea, determined to protect her sister, becomes deeply involved in the cult, while Lo is left to grapple with the aftermath of their parents' death and Bea's abandonment. Years later, Lo is invited to reconnect with her sister and the cult, but she soon realizes that the path to reunification is fraught with danger and deception. The novel explores themes of betrayal, redemption, and the lengths one will go to for family. /n/n Summers' gripping narrative is a testament to her skill as a storyteller, blending elements of psychological thriller and family drama to create a compelling and unforgettable tale. The Project is a #1 Indie Next Pick and winner of the International Thriller Writers Award, highlighting its impactful storytelling and intricate character development.

Reviews
What Is Quinn Reading · Quinn · 2025-03-24
intense 4.00

The book is a dark thriller exploring cults and missing sisters, with a focus on the ethics of journalism. It's a gripping read that delves into the darker aspects of human behavior.

Quinn found 'The Project' to be a gripping and intense read, with a strong focus on the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists. The exploration of cults and the bond between sisters is both chilling and compelling. They appreciated the suspenseful pacing and the raw emotion portrayed in the story. However, the reviewer also noted that some of the plot points felt a bit predictable, which slightly detracted from the overall impact.

Quick quotes

    Cults! Missing sisters! Terrible journalistic ethics! It's all in Courtney Summers' 'The Project'.

    A dark thriller that anyone who binged docs will love.

    The intrigue was built perfectly, keeping me on the edge of my seat.

Forever Lost in Literature · 2021-01-28
disappointing 2.50

The story is compelling in parts but also lacks luster in others, leaving the reviewer less impressed than expected.

The reviewer found 'The Project' to be a mixed bag. While they appreciated the compelling aspects of the story, particularly the exploration of cults and the sisterly bond, they felt that certain elements were lackluster. The pacing and character development were noted as areas where the book could have improved. Overall, the reviewer had high expectations that were not fully met, leading to a somewhat disappointing experience.

Quick quotes

    In some ways, it's a really solid and compelling story.

    In others I found it rather lackluster and I just wasn't as impressed as I expected.

    The pacing and character development could have been stronger.

Kara Reviews · Kara Babcock · 2020-12-08
memorable 3.50

The book is a miasmic and cloying journey through the heart of a cult, with an ending that is bittersweet.

Kara Babcock described 'The Project' as a miasmic and cloying journey that effectively captures the essence of a cult's grip on its members. The ending, while not entirely happy, was seen as a realistic and moving conclusion to the story. They praised the book's ability to delve deep into the psychological and emotional aspects of the characters, making it a memorable read. However, the reviewer also noted that the book's tone could be overwhelming at times.

Quick quotes

    The Project is a miasmic and cloying journey through the heart of a cult and out the other side.

    The ending, while not quite happy, demonstrates a realistic and moving conclusion.

    The book's tone could be overwhelming at times.

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