Agnes at the End of the World

A Bank Street Best Book of 2021

The Handmaid’s Tale meets Wilder Girls in this genre-defying novel about a girl who escapes a terrifying cult only to discover that the world Outside has succumbed to a viral apocalypse.

Agnes loves her home of Red Creek—its quiet, sunny mornings, its dusty roads, and its God. There, she cares tirelessly for her younger siblings and follows the town’s strict laws. What she doesn’t know is that Red Creek is a cult, controlled by a madman who calls himself a prophet.

Then Agnes meets Danny, an Outsider boy, and begins to question what is and isn’t a sin. Her younger brother, Ezekiel, will die without the insulin she barters for once a month, even though medicine is considered outlawed. Is she a sinner for saving him? Is her sister, Beth, a sinner for dreaming of the world beyond Red Creek?

As the Prophet grows more dangerous, Agnes realizes she must escape with Ezekiel and leave everyone else, including Beth, behind. But it isn’t safe Outside, either: A viral pandemic is burning through the population at a terrifying rate. As Agnes ventures forth, a mysterious connection grows between her and the Virus. But in a world where faith, miracles, and cruelty have long been indistinguishable, will Agnes be able to choose between saving her family and saving the world?

Hardcover

Hardcover / ISBN-13: 9780316487337

Regular Price $17.99

Regular Price $22.99 CAD

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About the Author

Kelly McWilliams is a mixed-race writer who has always gravitated towards stories about crossing boundaries and forging new identities. For this and so many other reasons, young adult literature will always be close to her heart. Her novel, Agnes at the End of the World, benefitted from a We Need Diverse Books Mentorship.

She has loved crafting stories all her life, and her very first novel, Doormat, was published when she was just fifteen-years-old. Kelly has also worked as a staff writer for Romper, covering issues important to women and families. She lives in Colorado with her partner and young daughter. Visit her website at KellyMcWilliamsAuthor.com.

From NOVL Nation

“If you enjoy a character-driven story that will keep you guessing with surprises, unexpected twists and turns, and a slow-burn romance, then Agnes at the End of the World is a book for you.”

– Patti, Lovely Loveday

“Kelly McWilliams brings fresh take on feminism while keeping to its core values. It’s a great read about learning to think for yourself, and to use your own experiences and research to make your own path when society tells you ‘NO’.”

– Erin, after.thefinal.page

“I loved this book from start to satisfying finish.”

– Celia, @celiamcmahonreads

“Agnes at the End of the World by Kelly McWilliams is a book that I will forever recommend to anyone because the story and the characters are just that good!… This book is a gem and a great addition to YA literature! I’m looking, forward to reading more works by Kelly McWilliams in the future!”

– Kimberley, whimsicalnarratives

“Agnes is one of those stories that brings together multiple plots in a seamless way that makes you wonder how any one author can be so magical.”

– Christy, diamondxgirl