*received for free from netgalley for honest review* This was such a creepy book lol it was super hard to put down too, would reread and recommend

Abbott Kahler’s Where You End is a masterfully twisted tale that delves deep into the tangled lives of twin sisters and the dark allure of a cult. This psychological thriller grips you from the very first page and refuses to let go, weaving a haunting narrative that expertly balances tension, emotional depth, and shocking twists.

The story centers on twins Lila and Iris, whose close bond begins to unravel after Lila is drawn into the enigmatic teachings of a charismatic cult leader. Kahler’s portrayal of their relationship is both tender and unsettling, capturing the intense connection that only twins can share while exploring how manipulation and secrets can erode even the strongest ties. The sisters' perspectives are vividly brought to life, immersing readers in their individual struggles and making the stakes feel personal and heart-wrenching.

The cult itself is a fascinating and terrifying creation—equal parts seductive philosophy and chilling control. Kahler delves into the psychology of belonging, the need for identity, and the danger of losing oneself in a collective ideology. The cult leader’s charisma is palpable, and his methods of influence are disturbingly realistic, which adds an extra layer of unease to the story.

Kahler’s prose is sharp and evocative, effortlessly building an atmosphere of suspense. The narrative unfolds with a dual timeline, offering glimpses of the twins’ past while propelling the reader toward an unpredictable climax. Each revelation feels earned, and the pacing keeps you turning pages late into the night.

For readers who love stories about sibling dynamics, psychological manipulation, and the dark corners of human nature, Where You End is an absolute must-read. It’s a tale that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page, leaving you questioning the boundaries of loyalty, identity, and trust. Abbott Kahler has delivered a chilling, thought-provoking thriller that cements her as a master of the genre.

Abbott Kahler's Where You End is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complex bond between identical twins, Kat and Jude Bird. After a car accident leaves Kat with amnesia, she relies on Jude to reconstruct her past. However, as Kat begins to question the idyllic life Jude describes, she uncovers unsettling secrets about their upbringing in a New Age cult. Kahler masterfully weaves suspense and family drama, making this novel a compelling read for fans of twisty narratives.

Deep, dark and mysterious- I had no idea what was coming next but I couldn’t wait to get back to the book each time I had to take a break because I was dying to know what came next! If you’re looking for a psych thriller grab this one

I had a really hard time getting into this book. The pacing was really slow in my opinion. I just don’t think I was the right audience for this audiobook/book.

2.5 Stars (rounded to 3)

This one was tough for me to get into. I didn't love any of the characters and it took, what felt like forever, to piece together what was going on. I stuck it out to the end and, for me, it was just okay. It's not one that I loved or that I couldn't stop listening to because it was a slow-mover. The audio narration however, was solid and it was easy to listen to.

Just because I didn't love it, doesn't mean you won't. If you're looking for a book about twins and/or twisted pasts - then this might be a home run. Don't count it out, just don't expect a nail-biter.

Where you End has a lot of elements that appealed to me. It features twin sisters, with one of them suffering from amnesia. She starts to realize that her twin is keeping secrets from her and she is determined to figure out the truth. The sisters did not have an idyllic childhood and it seems the past is creeping on them. I don’t want to give too much away but this book strongly reminded me of the tv show The Clearing, which is based on a true story.

"Where You End" by Abbott Kahler is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant novel that explores themes of love, loss, and the search for identity. The story follows a protagonist navigating the complexities of relationships while grappling with the ghosts of her past. Kahler’s lyrical prose draws readers in, creating an immersive experience that balances poignant moments with thoughtful introspection.

The characters are richly developed, each carrying their own burdens and desires that make them relatable and authentic. Kahler expertly weaves their stories together, revealing how their lives intersect in unexpected ways. The emotional depth of the narrative is heightened by the exploration of family dynamics and the impact of choices on personal growth.

The pacing is steady, allowing for both tension and reflection, as the protagonist embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Kahler’s vivid descriptions and evocative imagery enhance the storytelling, making the settings come alive in the reader’s mind.

Overall, "Where You End" is a moving and thought-provoking read that will resonate with anyone who has grappled with their own path in life. Abbott Kahler has created a compelling narrative that invites readers to reflect on their relationships and the enduring nature of love. This novel is a must-read for those who appreciate emotionally charged stories that linger long after the final page.

This book had such great potential, but ultimately nothing really came of it. The characters, plot and writing all fell flat for me. I found myself zoning out a lot, and wasn't compelled to backtrack to re-read what I'd missed.

Spooky Season 🧛🏻‍♀️ 🕷️ 🔪 ☠️ 👻 ⚰️

This was definitely a little more domestic thriller than horror, but I enjoyed it more than I didn't. Kat and Jude are mirror twins. When Kat wakes from a coma, Jude fills in the missing pieces of their lives. Or does she?

I wanted a New Age cult to be more culty. The things that were scary ended up being things that are scary for women irl. While I have personally never experienced any of these things, they hit a little too close to home for me to remove myself from the story.

🎧 Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio

This is a twisty thriller that will have you questioning the character's sanity right along with her. I don't think I've ever read anything quite like this. It was very creepy and atmospheric.

A creepy and entertaining listen for sure. This was my first title by this author and I look forward to more of their books.

Go in blind, and enjoy the ride.

The World Building

'Where You End' is a captivating time capsule, transporting readers to the vibrant 1970s and the resurgence of mindset psychology and radical wellness. Abbott Kahler's portrayal of this era, from the opulence of Verona's lifestyle to the modesty of Kat and Jude's apartment, provided a rich backdrop for this story.

As someone who grew up in the church, I was familiar with The Plan's all-encompassing mentality—the us vs. them, with the girls going to hunt (evangelize) new members. King Bash was sovereign in his teachings and felt something akin to a prophet, especially at the initial party at Verona's house, where he shared his new way of thinking. Everything felt deliberate and well thought out, even the foreshadowing, "Verona—my mother—said Judith is the only woman in the Bible who asked God to make her a good liar. But you can call me Jude."

Characters

Kat

Is our nature a culmination of our lived experiences, or does what we think we are manifest by altering our choices? Kat's self-discovery after the accident took me along with her- second-guessing what she was being told about herself and slowly learning more about her past. There was an interesting cycle of dependence, rebellious independence, hyper independence, culminating in, "Jude is me, and I am Jude, and the one-eyed monster is us, melded so seamlessly I can't tell where she ends and I begin."

Jude

Jude had me fooled. I, too, found myself second-guessing her nature and driving motivations and seeing The Plan through her eyes when she is King Bash's darling to the events that led to her deconstruction. Her misguided attempts to keep Kat safe from her past inadvertently drove her into the hands of her past manipulators. By the end of the book, I found myself rooting for her as she sought misguided justice.

Plot

I refuse to give anything away, but the plot was so immersive that I could not put it down. 'Where You End' was unlike anything I have ever read, and I loved the ride.

3.75
Two things that will always draw me into a story are dual timelines and an unreliable narrator

So when I saw Where You End by Abbott Kahler had dual timelines with a set of twins that could be unreliable I was ready to dive in.

In this story one of the twins, Kat, gets in an accident and suffers from amnesia, and can basically only remember her twin, June.

Admittedly this is not a favorite trope but I pushed on.

Once Kat is allowed to leave the hospital she starts to try and piece her life together. Unfortunately she starts to suspect that Jude has taking this as opportunity to totally reinvent their past.

Kat keeps picking at threads that are perhaps better left alone in an effort to find out who she is, and the dark secrets of their past.

This one kept me engaged throughout the story, there are some attempts at twist that I think weren’t that surprising but I think that’s because this really reads more like a TV Drama than a psychological thriller which isn’t a bad thing.

Like I said I enjoy trying to connect dual timelines together and the complex relationship of the twins really worked for this story.

The pacing is a little inconsistent but nothing to crazy.

All and all I think it’s worth reading. Let me know how you felt about it!

Also the cover is great.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book early. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review

Amazing quality of a read considering this is a debut. slow start, but worth it as we try to figure out what actually happened to the MC when she wakes up from a coma.

It was an interesting story but it wasn’t very exciting. I was interested enough to get through it pretty quickly but it was a meh for me dog. I think it had some real potential it just didn’t grip me like I would’ve liked.

A compelling mystery/thriller story. The characters were both confusing and so bright with life that it truly had me guessing the entire time. The narration was top notch with deep emotional gravity filling every word.

WHERE YOU END follows identical twin sisters Kat and Jude, as Kat wakes from a coma, with amnesia. She can only remember her twin sister Jude. I love a twisty cult story, and was most fascinated by this part of the plot.

I enjoyed the audiobook narrator, performed by Megan Tusing and Samantha Desz.

WHAT TO EXPECT
-dark and twisty
-unreliable narrator
-cult/cult leader

*many thanks to Macmillan audio and Netgalley for the gifted copy for review.

Regrettably, I did not finish this book, stopping about 100 pages in. I attempted both the print and audiobook versions. Despite the excellent narration of the audiobook, I just couldn't engage with the story. I failed to connect with the characters, and despite multiple attempts to return to it, I made no progress.

This one is tough. I like books about cults and this give cult vibes. And I like unreliable characters but none of them were likeable and it was too slow for me.