The Refuge, Carly Hillman (Review by Lara Ferguson)
Rating: 3.0/5 Stars
Refuge, by Carly Hillman, is the kind of fast-moving novel that pulls you in quickly and keeps you curious. From the opening pages, Hillman creates a steady sense of unease that makes the story easy to sink into. The pacing is brisk, and the central mystery unfolds with enough tension to keep the pages turning.
What makes that mystery work best is the relationship between Maeve and her daughter Ava. Their bond is the heart of the novel, and Hillman is especially good at showing Ava’s frustration as she tries to understand why her mother will not just leave the park. Since we see so much through Ava’s eyes, Maeve’s choices do not fully make sense until Ava starts uncovering the truth. That makes the tension between them feel real: Maeve is trying to keep them safe, while Ava just wants a way out. The secluded park setting adds to that unease and gives the story a strong sense of isolation.
The novel does not always sustain that same strength, though. Some elements of the plot stretch believability, and a few twists arrive abruptly or rely on coincidences that feel slightly too convenient. Those moments can pull the reader out of an otherwise immersive story. The climax is dramatic and satisfying, but the wrap-up comes quickly; after such a tense build, the ending could have used more breathing room and a deeper look at the aftermath.
I also wanted more from Maeve’s life inside the park community. The premise has so much room to explore how she adapts, builds relationships, and slowly learns to trust again. The novel touches on those ideas, but they stay fairly surface-level, so I was left wanting a fuller picture of how Maeve fits into this world and how it changes her.
Refuge is still a fun, quick read with an engaging premise and a protagonist worth rooting for. Hillman’s writing is accessible and appealing, so the book is easy to enjoy even when some plot points feel rushed or unlikely. If you are looking for a suspenseful, emotionally driven story you can finish in a couple of sittings, Refuge delivers.