I struggled with this book, not using the name of David Koresh, a name we all know well, seemed confusing. The two leads were shallow and thin for me. I caught the Romeo and Juliet asides and wish the author had leaned in harder to those allusions. Ultimately, I learned little about this history of this very real tragedy.

A doomsday cult set in Texas? Hmm... sounds a bit familiar, but I can promise you that whatever you think this book might be about, it will surprise you, it will keep you guessing, and it will be a book that you can't stop thinking about, talking about, or reading once you start.

It is based on the true events that surrounded the tragedies that took place in Waco, Texas. Bret Anthony Johnston though brings a real life story to the forefront of this tragedy though and writes characters that the reader can sympathize with and become connected to right from the start.

I was very excited to start this novel. I remember the attack on the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, TX in 1993, David Karesh, its supposedly charismatic leader, held sway over his cult. When the government decided to attack the Branch Davidians, tragedy ensued and the feds never provided a truly convincing story of what had occurred nor their true motives for killing so many.

I liked the epilog of the book, a quote from William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The two main characters who alternated their points of view throughout the book were named Roy and Jaye, both 14 years old. They were surrogates for the original Romeo and Juliet. What t didn't come across however, is the essence of their romance, and depth of characterization was lacking. I felt like I was only given the skeletons of their selves without feeling a true connection. Their descriptions were surface and I felt no purchase as I tried to get to know either of them.

This is true too of Jaye's mother, a California house cleaner who meets Perry, also known as the Lamb, and is the 'charismatic' leader of the cult in Waco. I saw no charisma in him, nor any reason to be drawn in his direction. However, Jaye's mother picks up, leaves California and her husband, taking Jaye with her as she follows Perry. Jaye is not into the religiosity of the compound and feels like an outsider. She wears a gas mask to hide her true self from others.

The story is told in alternating points of view - Jaye's and Roy's. The narrative is chronological except for the podcasts as the end of each chapter. These take place in 2023 or 2024 and are interviews with people involved in the federal attack on the compound as well as people who were part of the compound.

I found the book to meander a lot in the middle. I liked the concept but I don't think the editing was thorough enough. A lot seemed repetitive and this irked me. The writing could be beautiful and poetic at times, but it could decline into a journalistic style easily. I wished that the characters had been more fleshed out. There were many characters popping in and out of the narrative who really didn't have much at all to do with the. main story.

I loved the author's last book and will keep him on my radar, but this book, overall was a modest disappointment.

Roy & Jaye, just kids at the time, come to the situation in Waco from very different perspectives. Jaye, a relatively poor girl from a struggling family, heads to Texas when her mom decides to become a follower of Perry, known to his followers as 'The Lamb'. Roy, on the other hand, has grown up in Waco as the son of the town Sherrif. As we see the story evolving from their points of view, we also get snippets from a present-day podcast that includes interviews with third parties that round out the story.

This one took me a minute to get into because I was kind of confused by the Waco setting and the Waco story.... that was not Waco? This story is about a Branch Davidian situation, and it's set in Waco in the early 1990s..... but it's not supposed to be Waco? I was very distracted by the choice. Had this book been set in literally any other place OR time, or had it been about David Koresh and the Branch Davidians but with fictionalized followers, it wouldn't have been an issue but I just didn't understand-- is it supposed to be set in a world where Waco didn't happen? Am I supposed to believe two Wacos happened at once in the same place? Is it supposed to be Waco but we're just calling David Koresh Perry for some reason? Unless I missed something it was just a very odd choice.

That being said, once I got past the Waco-not-Waco thing, I ended up really enjoying the book. I have a criminal justice background, so I have read a ton about Waco, but the perspective of the children is not one I've come across. It was really a very interesting idea to work with. I loved that Roy & Jaye come from two totally worlds that collide together in such a crazy place. I also really enjoyed the podcast bits, they really rounded out the story by adding some outside perspective. I also really loved the epilogue. I won't give anything away but it was realistic and provided good closure for the story.

I will say this one is definitely a slow burn, and I went back and forth as to whether the podcast being spliced in made it faster by providing clarification and perspective, or if it slowed it down by interrupting. Ultimately, I think I lean in a positive direction on that. The characters were good and the storytelling was good, I would definitely read more from this author.

This brilliantly written, reimagined and fictionalized story of the Waco TX Branch Davidian standoff, offers an inside perspective of some of the disciples of Perry Cullen and the lawmen who are keeping a close eye on what may be going on there.
After a random encounter in town, two teens, Jaye, whose mother is star struck by the sweet talking Perry and has come all the way from California to join the cult and Roy, the son of the town's sheriff, meet and have an instant crush on each other. Roy is an awkward young man but is drawn to Jaye's confidence and quick wit and the two find ways to meet each other. Because Perry's followers are known to sell firearms and other similar equipment at the local gun shows, the law keeps a close eye thinking they might be stockpiling illegal means to protect themselves while Perry shares his interpretation of the Bible and the lessons there, especially in Revelations and Doomsday for Man.
There is a slow build up leading to the siege on the compound by law enforcement. The characters lives are well described and the reader can really relate to what they are dealing with. In Roy's case, his older brother is deployed to the Middle East and this keeps his family on edge waiting for phone calls from him. Roy's mother is a hospice nurse and is often called out for days at a time sitting with the dying patient leaving them to fend for themselves. It is clear that Roy is a good kid and well loved by family and friends, especially Coop and his family. While Jaye's mom is smitten with the attention she receives from Perry, Jaye isn't and she doesn't fall for all of his slick words and compliments, in fact she is rather snarky and sarcastic which are laugh out loud moments.
The scenery, emotions and thoughts of the characters are beautifully written and really provide a deep sense of what is happening. Along with the cult's interpretation of what is going to come, the law and government finds their own justifications to descend and shut this down. The reader learns about lock picking as this is one of Roy's hobbies and it will play an important factor to the story when things are getting dire for the occupants of the compound and Roy feels he needs to try to rescue Jaye from what is sure to be a disaster for those living behind the walls. His effort is truly one of those breath-holding moments!
This story is told in 3 voices: Roy and Jaye share what they are remembering and an unknown podcaster is interviewing the principle actors 30 years after the siege on the compound. The podcaster was a pleasant surprise.
I was truly engrossed in this book. I loved the writing, the descriptions, the characters are so believable and relatable in their story and what they endure. If I was to do anything different, it would be to reduce some of the Epilogue. For me, it got too wordy and I felt like some of the intensity of the end of the book was watered down and diminished.

t be took me a little while to actually open this book (I seem to be behind schedule this year) but once I did, I tried to steal every moment possible to read it. It’s a book that you can’t stop reading and feel sad when you’ve finished.
From the beginning, the author had me invested in the story and the characters, some good, some bad, always interesting. The sweet innocence of the first real love of our two main characters with the backdrop of a doomed religious cult, was wonderfully told. Even the minor characters were fleshed out so well that I felt I knew them, from Perry to Coop and everyone in between. I enjoyed the writing style of Mr. Johnston very much. So much so, that I have already purchased another novel he wrote. I recommend this book highly! Once it is published (July 30, 2024) go right out and buy it.
Thank you NetGalley for the privilege of allowing me an advanced copy.

A modern take on Romeo and Juliet set in the Branch Davidian cult in Waco, TX. This is a fictionalized account of the Branch Davidians, a story we all know from the 1993, 50-day standoff with law enforcement in Waco, TX. I feel so old that 1993 is now considered 'historical fiction'. Oh well. Roy is the son of the local sheriff, and Jaye is the daughter of one of the newest cult members, whose mother is enamored with the cult's leader. I can't imagine giving up all your possessions to follow the whims of a delusional cult leader but that is what everyone does. As the time gets closer and closer to the showdown with the government, Roy will do anything to save Jaye, including going against his fathers' wishes. This is a beautifully written story of young love against all odds, and moral conflict. The descriptions of life within the cult are intriguing, as well as the psychology of why so many people agreed that this is the best way to live their lives. There are multiple points of view here that might take some time getting used to. Once the siege starts, you are on the edge of your seat, hoping that these young people get out of harms' way. The story alternates between the 1990s and 30 years later as survivors are being interviewed by a podcaster.Beautifully written, moving, and a message about the dangers of not thinking for yourself.

Wow! I felt so weird reading a historical fiction book based in 1993, but here we are!

What a great novel. The last 20% was a trip and I was buckled in. I knew nothing about the David Koresh cult and now I need to do a deep dive to see the similarities! There’s something so special about historical fiction that is well done and this book is one of them. Jaye and Roy are like modern day Romeo and Juliet and my heart broke for them every few chapters.

Pick this one up- it’s so worth it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for an advanced copy of this fantastic Noel! I knew nothing about this book other than the cover art was gorgeous. I looked at premise and “historical family drama” and “cult” were the words that drew me in. So so happy! This is slow burn. This is poetry (well not actual poetry) about Roy and Jaye, and how one’s beliefs whether they be completely misguided or not can completely alter everyone around you. The horrific incident in WACO in the 1990s obviously influences this novel. But again like poetry this books narrative makes you feel the Texas setting.
I would state that it took me a minute to get into the book. For the first 10% I was slightly confused on POV, but this book lives in the land between historical and literary. Really recommend!

We Burn Daylight is based on the events of the 1993 Waco standoff and massacre but it is fictional and names and some events have been changed. Still, the basis of the plot is that there is a Doomsday cult in Waco. We know things have ended badly for the cult and like the Branch Davidians, the US government laid siege to this cult as well.
Jaye and Roy are both young teenagers. Jaye is the daughter of a cult member but never got sucked into the belief system. Roy is the son of the local sheriff. They’re in love, in a sort of Romeo and Juliet separated by circumstances way. The story alternates between their two perspectives, along with interviews done by a podcaster 30 years later which allow for a broader picture to be developed.
The character development is rich and one can’t help but feel for the two teenagers. This reader wanted to think how it could have ended differently. Yet, how could it when delusional beliefs faced off against “The United States government does not retreat.” In addition, at every turn, Roy and Jaye are forced to make decisions that their youth has not adequately prepared them to make. The pacing of the story really picks up once the siege begins. I was reading as quickly as I could; I wanted to see what would happen to the two young lovers.
The writing is forceful, yet often philosophical. The scenes inside the compound are graphic and well drawn, from the grip of the cult leader on his followers to the violence of the attack by the government forces.
My thanks to Netgalley and Random House for an advance copy of this book.

A dooms day cult story told from the perspective of two young souls that meet by chance. This was such an excellent story of two people trying to get to know one another while standing opposite sides of this cult. I really enjoyed the fact that this also had a podcast theme to it. With shorter chapters it felt like a faster paced book, although there was some scene setting. This story is told from two different POVs Jaye and Roy whom are the star crossed lovers. I would highly recommend this read if you are into historical fiction books about cults.

The book was good. It definitely has the connection to Waco, regardless of the intent. I was excited to read it, but then had a bit of a time getting into it. I definitely like the idea of the alternating points-of-view, the narration, and the podcast, but was a bit dismayed when everything was revealed. Worth the time and because of the writing style I will definitely read more from the author.

It took me a minute to get into this book, but that was mostly because of how emotional I knew it would be to really sink into this book. It’s the story of Roy and Jaye, who are caught up in a cult and the government’s action against it. Beautifully written, yet hard to read, it is definitely worth your time.

This was a powerful story that centered around two young teens coming of age during in Waco, Texas in the early 1990s. It was powerfully written, and full of heartbreak and managed to make people who get caught up in cults seem relatable and sympathetic. I was moved.

I was expecting Romeo and Juliet via a cult, however instead I felt like I got a fictionalized re-telling of the Branch Davidians. Not that its a bad thing! I loved the dual perspectives and slowly figuring out who everyone was in the story, and that the main characters were lovely. If you are familiar with the Branch Davidians story you will know what's coming most of the time, which isn't bad necessarily. If however you are not familiar with the story I think this will be a page turner!

Remembering the Waco debacle in the 1990s of the standoff between the Branch Davidians and the US Government makes the last 30 years seem like yesterday. The author successfully bases this historical novel as a retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet with all of the intrigue and tension of that 30 year old siege. The characters’ emotional lives are well written and plot moves along at a good pace. The inserts of podcast recordings of participants’ memories didn’t add much to the story however.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Random House Publishing Group for the ARC to read and review.

We Burn Daylight by Bret Anthony Johnston is intense. Although the story is not about the Waco tragedy and David Koresh, it is the story of a cult and its leader and followers. Treated sympathetically, the characters are not people to scorn, but people to sympathize with, who got caught up by a charismatic figure. These characters don’t follow blindly to death, but they’re caught up in a situation they can’t free themselves from. The novel focuses on a young couple, Jaye and Roy - see the allusion to Romeo and Juliet? - with almost insurmountable odds against them. The novel pulls the reader into their story with a realistic setting, intense, tight plot, and endearing characters. It’s a great story.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 round up!

This book drew me right in being a love story set against the backdrop of Waco, Texas. We get two perspectives as well as podcast chapters which gives you a very well rounded feel of the whole story!

Overall, I enjoyed reading the events of Waco through the eyes of characters that were living in the midst of it all. Certain story lines fell short for me, especially the ending.

I’m having some issues rating this book and knowing what to say about it. To quote the author…”this book is not about David Koresh”. But it is a similar story. It’s about a cult in Waco, Texas. I have always wondered how someone could allow someone else to control their mind - their life. After reading this book, I understand a little more. It is a well told story, the characters are well written. I got a little lost close to the end of the book and may go back and read it again - but then again, I may not. That’s the kind of book it is. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for an advanced reader copy of this ebook.
I heard about this book from Elizabeth Barnhill on the Currently Reading podcast’s Patreon episode of All Things Murderful.
This book is influenced by the Branch Davidian tragedy in Waco from the early 90’s. I’m an elder millennial so I can remember some parts of this event. The book’s two protagonists are from both sides of the standoff and gives a human side to the story from each side.
There were a few Texas-specific references to things I had to look up, but not many.
I thought the epilogue was a little far fetched/too neat of an ending but wasn’t terrible.
4⭐️