Helen Vivienne Fletcher

It's not a cult. It's a safe haven. So then why is no one allowed to leave? Instead of dealing with grief like a normal person, Finn's father has moved them to The Retreat. Ruled over by Mother, The Retreat's goal is to keep everyone protected. From high-heeled shoes to non-pureed foods, danger is everywhere, and Mother plans to eliminate all of it. Finn meets Aria, a girl desperate to know what lies beyond The Retreat's fences.
But Mother's safety has left her wildly unprepared for the real world. Aria's lack of basic knowledge is endangering her life, and Finn's along with it. As Mother's grasp on the pair of them tightens, Finn must risk everything to find a way home. But one thing is becoming clear. Not everyone gets out alive. If you like tense action, heartbreaking backstories, and just a touch of brewing romance, you'll love Helen Vivienne Fletcher's latest young adult mystery. --- Content Note: Mentions of animal cruelty and death.
These are events which have happened prior to the start of the story. There is no on-page animal cruelty or death.