The Project

The Project by Courtney Summers is a gripping and haunting tale of love, betrayal, and the unrelenting quest for truth. This emotionally intense novel follows the lives of two sisters torn apart by tragedy and deception, set against the insidious backdrop of a dangerous cult known as The Unity Project.

The story begins in 1998 when six-year-old Bea is initially resistant to having a little sister. However, her attitude changes when Lo is born prematurely and frail. Bea's mother tells her that having a sister is a promise, and Bea is determined to keep it. Fast forward to 2011, a devastating car accident claims the lives of their parents and leaves Lo on the brink of death. She is saved by Lev Warren, the enigmatic and charismatic leader of The Unity Project, who convinces Bea to join his cause. Lev assures Bea that within the project, she and her sister will find safety and purpose, but only if Bea proves her loyalty first.

By 2017, Lo is consumed by the mystery of why her sister abandoned her to follow Lev and join The Unity Project. Motivated by a promise Bea made that they would see each other again, Lo embarks on a journey to infiltrate the cult. She hopes to uncover the truth about her sister's disappearance and to finally reconnect. As Lo delves deeper into the sinister workings of The Unity Project, she realises that Bea is no longer the sister she remembers, and Lev appears to be the only one who understands her sense of betrayal. He offers Lo a chance to belong, but only if she too proves her worth to him.

The Project is a suspenseful and heart-wrenching story that explores the powerful bonds between siblings, the lure of charismatic leaders, and the desperate fight for love and redemption. Courtney Summers masterfully weaves a tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, delivering an unflinching look at the lengths one will go to save a loved one. With its raw and compelling narrative, this book is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and literary fiction.

Recognised as the #1 Indie Next Pick and winner of the International Thriller Writers Award, The Project is now available in paperback featuring an exclusive bonus chapter. Experience Courtney Summers' evocative storytelling and join the journey of two sisters battling against the forces that seek to tear them apart.

For those who can't get enough of Summers' darkly captivating storytelling, check out her latest novel, I'm the Girl, a "brutally captivating" (Publishers Weekly, starred review) queer thriller inspired by the Epstein case, described as "not for the faint of heart" (The New York Times).