Silencia

Solita #2

by Vivien Rainn

Sadie’s once grief-ridden nightmares have twisted into dreams darker than she’s ever known now that her life is forever entwined with the demon named Silas who bears the weight of countless sin.

Sin she longs to upturn.

Sin he longs to bury.

For every secret of his past he refuses to surrender, Sadie is driven deeper into these sinister dreams. Deeper and deeper she delves until she finds the greatest temptation of them all; the open arms of the only soul who knows the truth.

A phantom. A woman. A murdered lover.

She offers Sadie everything her heart desires to see, and names only one

Let me in.

The temptation is too great, and Sadie enters into this garden of earthly delights, tasting, drinking, feasting upon all of Silas’ sin until she is blinded by fragrant blooms—but she must beware the serpents coiled beneath.

For a snake cleaved in two can still sink its fangs deep into the veins; and once the venom of desire has spread through the blood, a deadly dance follows suit.

And there is no cure, there is no balm, there is no escape from death’s desire.

Genres: Gothic, Fantasy, Horror, Romance

616 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2023

About the author

Writing the stories about those who were never represented in the gothic literature she consumed as a child is Vivien’s life’s goal—for to pick up a book and see someone like yourself be the hero of their own story is all it takes for others to know that they can be the masters of their own fate, too.

When Vivien isn't writing, she's sewing historical costumes, daydreaming, or tending to her jungle of indoor plants.

Reviews

[Stephanie Escobar · Rating 5 out of 5]

“…for her soul is so cold, so worn, so tired, that she risks the inferno for even a sliver of its wanting, wicked warmth—just like a sinner to confession, a penitent to the pyre, a lamb that goes gladly to its own slaughter.”

Vivien Rainn knows what she’s doing. She has mastered the Gothic genre; mastered pain, love, death, and time travel, and invites us all back to the shadows of the Hacienda where Solita began, so we can suffer – and love, all over again.

With this highly anticipated sequel, we return to true love and to Vivien Rainn’s gorgeous Gothic prose which ensnares our every sense; with words so masterfully chosen, each beautiful line is a decadent meal one can slice away from the rest of the story and read over and over again on its own.

From the first pages, the reader is immersed into a dim purgatory of graves and curses, bloody fabric and eerie hallways, haunting dreams with endless symbolism – all such an artistic contrast against the blue-skied ferny tropics of the Philippines in which the story is set. Each page drenched with Gothic imagery merged with fantastic historical details unlike anything else on the market today. In this colorful albeit gloomy tale, Rainn transports us seamlessly to the 1600s and back with her intricate research for the period, and all the while the mood does not cease. With every bated breath, I feel the lips of Silas brushing Sadie’s; I feel the wounds of the abusers and victims rotting within the boards of the Hacienda, waiting to be uncovered, understood. I am haunted by all that has been left in the dark that remains to come to light.

“His eyes become two pinpricks of crimson in the dim, and she knows it’s already too late for her—he’s already found some dark emotion inside her to feed from. Yet it’s not her fear he’s savoring, nor her apprehension. This time, it’s her shame. Shame born from desire, from everything she’s locked away deep inside her, from every pleasure she’s ever denied from seeing the light of day.”

[Stephanie Kemler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lush. Melancholic. Profane. Alluring. Haunting. I am possessed by the lash of Silencia upon my heart. That wounded, torn asunder heart that bleeds for a book like this. That craves the temptation and torment of a story of this caliber. A heart that is run through with grief at its ending and awe in its work. My heart once belonged to Solita, light of my life and fire of my soul, but all allegiance is now pledged to Silencia. Harrowing, mournful, soul-devouring Silencia.

Dual timelines can often fail with shaky execution, but the gaping maw of Rainn’s version of history unfurls with sacramental grace. Sadie abides in the Philippines of today where demons call and whisper in jasmine groves, beckoning hapless mortals to the very edge of their fragile sanity. Silas dwells in the Spain of yore, one that aches and tremors with inquisition, fire, flagellation, duty, and sword. In the collision between timelines, Sadie meets the demons that haunt Silas and all the terrors that await in the crevices of crenelated time. When terror abates passion blooms and what passion there is to behold! You will be left breathless and wanting.

There is demon fire in the prose of Vivien Rainn, obsession in the choosing of its words, meticulous in rich allusion and the liturgical profanity of love and lust and history and fate. Like a censor of incense burning as a sacrifice, Rainn’s tale, the tale of Sadie and her corruption and redemption, apparates and consumes.

Silencia is a tour de force, a victory lap, an answer to all the promise of a debut novel. Rainn builds, plank upon plank, a new architecture of the gothic, a new language of descent. I will say again that this author is worthy of your time, attention, and regard. With Silencia, she is also worthy of any accolades a heart would see fit to bestow. Readers will find a book to devour that devours in return, and an author whose exacting vision and dedication to her art bleeds through on every page. Rainn is not simply “one to watch.” She is one to remember.

[Hailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am obsessed with this story and with Vivien Rainn’s writing. Her words are so eloquent and full of descriptors that make each paragraph and each phrase so beautiful - she is truly a writer after my own heart. And what a torturous note she decided to leave this book off on! I will be eagerly awaiting the third installment to this series. This second book was a WILD ride that made me feel possibly every emotion known to man. If I didn’t have worldly responsibilities outside of reading for enjoyment I would have finished this in one sitting. What a telling of the complex emotions, of the self-doubt and sacrifice and shame caused by faith and the tricks we play on ourselves in the pursuit of love and of reconciling our pasts. I just can’t recommend her books enough!

[Hayley Heinemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I begin? Vivien is hands down my favorite gothic writer. I absolutely loved her first book Solita. Silencia was hauntingly brilliant, lush and captivating. This book pulled deep at my emotions and made me want to sink into this story and stay forever. It’s refreshing to read a story that is so creatively different and truly sets itself apart from the rest.

Vivien’s writing is so breathtakingly beautiful and left me in awe multiple times. I found myself going back and rereading certain parts and admiring how well written this book is.

I can’t wait for the third installment and let’s not forget the alluring white snake on the cover. Perfection.

[Sabrina Voerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Silencia a while ago now, unsure how to properly review it. I'll start by saying that the prose in Silencia is the kind of writing that makes you stop reading and ruminate on just how beautiful it is. There is a haunting element to Rainn's writing style that will leave you wondering if you should even bother writing anymore, because she's nailed it so well, it can't be topped.

Silencia follows Solita, both are slow-burn novels that really take their time to get underneath your skin. While Solita felt isolated in that the story was narrowly focused on the Hacienda (this is not a critique, to be clear), Silencia expands through the world, and through time. We are getting full insight to the past, to unlocking the mystery behind Silas, his existence, the woman from his past.

It's harrowing, gut-wrenching, thought-provoking, and downright perfection. I don't think I could point out a single flaw in this novel, it truly was a perfect experience.

[Amanda Sloothaak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivien has once again done an amazing job weaving an intricately story in this unique and interesting world. The rich imaginary. The emotions bleeding through the words. And not to forget the mystery she adds with the new character that appears on stage. This whole book had me on the edge of my seat as I was reading and craved to learn more.
I admire how the past and present are written alongside each other in this novel, it's not an easy feat to achieve but Vivien did greatly so.

If I had to choose few words to describe both Solita and Silencia it would be; hauntingly beautiful!

[marilynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

i don't know what to say other than this book was delicious and lush. the writing is the best ive read all year, it was so intense, so all consuming, i had to devour it.

fantastic, amazing, all around one of the best books ive ever read im obsessed

[Solita · Rating 5 out of 5]

hands down the best book i've read in a long time!! vivien rainn's writing is just so beautiful, i cannot get enough of it!! the world of sadie & silas is a world i want to stay in forever. 🫀🩸🐍🖤🥀

it's been a while since a book has made me cry and feel so many different emotions. the characters, the story, the imagery, & the spicy scenes are all so tastefully written.

i can't wait for part 3!!! until then, i'll be rereading 1&2 🫶🏻

p.s. i almost never write reviews unless i have serious feelings about something 🤭

[Scarlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

so so so good, somehow better than the first. it's over 600 pages and I still wish it was longer. we need the third installment asap.

also, very spicy 😻

[Necryia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.

What an adventure this was! Solita was amazing, but this installment was mind-blowing.

Silencia really fleshed out and explored the characters desires/fears much more deeply and was SO incredibly rich in detail. I loved learning more about Silas and Sadie's relationship and the tension between them is AMAZING.

The prose is lusciously written and even the spicy scenes are ornately written! I'm not usually a fan of smut, but I really enjoyed the "spicer" scenes - they felt mature-like and showed the vulnerable sides of both of the main characters. I loved the dramatic, detail-rich prose- it was just so rich in detail and dripped with religious erotic imagery 🤌

Just everything about this book was perfection! I had to take my time to savor this book and I'm glad I did.

It is a lusciously dark and detail-rich story that is perfect for anyone who loves gothic and haunted romance stories 🥀

I will forever swoon at Vivien Rainn's words. SO GOOD.

[C R I S · Rating 5 out of 5]

No amount of words can truly justify the beauty that is Silencia. Vivien Rainn deserves all the accolades for executing such a masterpiece. If you enjoyed Solita, then this book will surely surpass any expectations and MORE.

In Silencia, we continue Sadie and Silas' tumultuous journey after the events in Solita and are introduced to Silas' inescapable past while Sadie continues to mourn her hardships. This includes a tortured phantom woman who haunts Sadie as she becomes destined to be tethered to Silas' darkness.

Vivien Rainn's ability to keep us grounded as we navigate the story's past and present parallels is undoubtedly delicious. While the romance is at the forefront of the story, we are absorbed in realistic matters such as self-discovery, confronting your past, lost love, grief and healing. The subplots and supporting characters were well thought-out and moved to further the story's astounding plot twist and electrifying cliffhanger. I'm still shooketh and I fear I may never recover :') Rainn's poetic prose creates a hauntingly beautiful voyage that is absolutely commendable. I adored the detailed imagery regarding the alluring surroundings of the Philippines and worldly sculptures/landmarks, as if I was physically immersed in the environments. Also, I was intrigued by the use of religious imagery and how it embraced sexuality. To create the divinity of worshiping one's body by using juxtaposed elements was expertly delivered throughout the story.

OH MY GOODNESS! I'm still swooning hard over the romance and spice! I was so excited to see more of the romance unfold and definitely was not expecting the tension. Wheeew... the way I was pacing and giggling. I love how Silas speaks to Sadie and coaxes her to become confident in her words and emotions. Just as Sadie begins to break down her walls, so does Silas in return. Also, I loved that we get to see the many aspects of love and heartache through other characters in the book. Oh, and the spice... SHEESH. After reading Solita, I was anticipating the spice in this book and wow... Vivien certainly gave us SPICE. The spice definitely was not overdone and we got a satisfactory amount throughout the book. When Silas started speaking Spanish... I LOST IT! I'd like to personally thank Vivien for my new obsession with book boyfriends speaking Spanish during spicy scenes! Something I never knew I needed! <333

This book is undoubtedly a five-star read and I know I will forever remember this story. The third installment can't come quick enough! I recommend this book to everyone! Specifically, if you are looking for an angsty, tension-filled demon romance with a fierce journey of grief, redemption, and healing in a haunting gothic setting... this book is most definitely for you!

𝖋𝖆𝖛𝖔𝖗𝖎𝖙𝖊 𝖖𝖚𝖔𝖙𝖊𝖘
Silas stands like a painting in chiaroscuro, dashed in strokes of shadow and streaks of lamplight, mottled by the raindrops against the kitchen window in endless, lashing waves.

“Glass breaks once, and that is the end—but flesh grows thick against the lash of a whip. Flesh forgets the pain after the sting has passed.”

But still, the softest of smiles pulls up at her lips as she soaks up the embers of warmth he’s left upon her skin. She revels in it, for her soul is so cold, so worn, so tired, that she risks the inferno for even a sliver of its wanting, wicked warmth—just like a sinner to confession, a penitent to the pyre, a lamb that goes gladly to its own slaughter.

“You said anything but control was devastation…” “It is,” he affirms before leaning down ever closer to capture her lips again in a kiss that’s as torturous as the spread of too-soft rain against parched earth, “But devastation never did taste like you.”

“Thanks to our parents, the ones that stayed, and the ones that left. The ones that have passed, and the ones we wished did… Amen.”

“I don’t want to be sweet,” she repudiates his patronization. “I want to be bitter. I want to be sour. I want to taste like salt-water brine and poison and wine and everything that could ever fall on your tongue.” Her voice lowers to a tempered whisper against his lips as she cranes her neck to face him. “I want to be your everything… I want to be your ecstasy.”

“You were never just a curse of mine, Solita,” “Then what am I, if not a curse?” “Penance,” he admits, his gaze melting upon her pliant lips. “You are my penance.”

For to have him inside her is the greatest martyrdom, the sweetest sin, the most delicious resurrection.

Once, Silas believed that she tasted of devastation. But now he knows she is nothing less than fatality.

“To be this… to be us… it is the most monstrous act of them all—to be wholly yourself. A woman who wants. A woman who needs.”

“Te quiero tu angustia.” “Dame tu corazón.” “Dame tu éxtasis.”

[Gillian Dowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Wherever you go in these nightmares of yours, Solita, you are stirring up my past. And it seems my past is stirring me, in turn.”

I’m consistently inspired by Vivien Rainn’s ability to make a whirlwind of a story feel like a whisper. Something gentle, something unrushed, something so obviously devoted to by the heart that can spend the right amount of time painting a scene, setting the stage, capturing every detail and creating every emotion. In a story this grand with all its ties and turns, there’s no moment that’s lacking—all due to Vivien’s undeniable talent and skill as a writer.

There’s truly no beginning, end, nor middle—there’s a past, present, and alluded-to-future all beautifully passed around in turns, seen through the eyes of many and all who are inextricably chained to one another by longing, guilt, desire, or the most well-painted blend of all.

So irresistibly rich, this writing, this story is of the most indulgent I’ve ever read. No emotion is glossed over, no tear is rushed when cried, no need of another is shown to be anything less than all-consuming. Just like its characters, here you’ll bleed. Just like the heart of Silencia, here you’ll find meaning in every line—every whisper, pleading, and unspoken thought.

Here, you’ll live the life of grief through no rose-colored lenses, but through the eyes of those who see life, love, and loss for what it is, and still beg for it regardless of its tortures.

Here, you’ll read the ultimate tale of desire.

“And desire makes demons of us all.”

[Nikita · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Everywhere you go is a grave, Sadie. Everywhere you step someone - something - has passed from this life and into the next. Into dirt and dust and whatever blooms spout up from the decay…”

With romantically eloquent prose and rich imagery, this is a book that claws its way into your chest and curls around your heart. Vivien writes in a way that invokes such vivid emotion. She is a master of symbolism, and of a depiction of a search away from loneliness so realistic it aches.

A story of violence, gore, and the horrors that entwine with intimacy. An exploration of the divinity found through sin and suffering.

The complexity of the characters and their relationships is carefully cultivated and written in depth. It’s impossible not to connect with the beauty of Sadie’s character.

The story is told through both the past and present - and connects them in such a unique way. There’s no simply “telling you what happened” in this book - everything is connected and shown in a way that keeps you entranced with the characters and their stories.

Silencia (and Solita) are a great example of what I love most from the gothic genre: horror, romance, sorrow, and of course themes in the vein of a critical reflection of religion. Vivien’s juxtaposition of sexuality and religious imagery is masterfully done.

I have an aching longing to be back in Sadie & Silas’ world. I read this book in two sittings, which I simultaneously do and do not regret. Do, because if I had stretched it out I would’ve had more time to savour, but also I also don’t regret it at all because I’m a sucker for punishment and was enraptured. FIVE STARS 🖤

“And what do they look like, these ghosts of mine?” “They look like everything you remember… they look like everything you’re trying to forget.”

*Disclaimer: I was generously provided with an advance copy from the author. However, all viewpoints expressed above are my own! (And passionately so!)

[Kole · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Not splintered bone, but strong, sure hands; not desiccated flesh, but a warm steady pulse; not a mortal man, but damned demon named Silas.”

The writing is as beautiful as the first, if not more so! Dreamy, gothic romance vibes with amazing religious influence intricately woven through the words of Silencia. ❤️🖤

I was frothing at the mouth, waiting for this sequel to come out, and it was worth every second! Vivien has created such a dynamic and unique world, and the characters introduced in this book are so life-like, and their stories are heartbreaking.
Each piece of the Silas we got and that Sadie experienced was interwoven through the plot with Sadie x Silas x Ghostly Character, and I was amazed. This new character was such a mystery to untangle at first, and each new reveal left me wide-eyed.

“You may wish to be my poison and wine all you like, but first, Solita, you are my bread and milk.”

The ending left me stunned and sitting back in my chair for a few minutes, both in heartache for some characters and hope for others. This was a hauntingly beautiful read about grief, healing, acceptance, and loving oneself.
I cannot recommend this book–and series–enough if you’re looking for one to lose yourself in from the second you open the book.

*I was given this as an ARC, but all opinions expressed are mine! Truly, I was a kid in a candy store when I was gifted the ARC- I'd been waiting in anticipation with my copy already preordered!

[Kacey Rayburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been sitting on this review for a week, and I'm still lost for words. No matter what I say, I can't seem to capture the beauty of the Solita series. Vivien is a diamond in the rough author, truly talented, and I'm so glad I found her books.

Silencia is one of the most beautifully written books I've ever read, each line more exquisite than the one before. With prose that flows and quenches like a river, Vivien somehow leaves me thirsting for more, and I mean that in the best possible way.

Atmospheric, haunting, and lyrical, Silencia is a love letter to nature and a celebration of tortured lovers. I'm not usually a fan of demon romance, but this story was so beautiful I couldn't resist it. It's well paced and peppered with the kind of spice I love, with plenty of sinfully delicious impulses and lust-laced yearnings, but there's also a genuine love and affection between the characters.

Though it's a small niche, religious eroticism is one of my favorites, and Vivien is one of the finest authors in this genre I've ever read. She had me burning and screaming as I was reading. This story swept me away to a haunted house in The Philippines, a house I never wanted to leave.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

In short: loved this sequel and I can’t wait for the third book!

Silencia is another slow burn, with an amble-to-sprint pace that gradually accelerates until a whirlwind, gripping, extremely satisfying conclusion (I could not tear myself away from the last couple of chapters!!!). A spectacular and thrilling ride through Catholic trauma (iykyk), and woven throughout with beautiful depictions of both Spain and the Philippines. And of course, once again, the spice was excellent 🔥

It actually took me quite a long time to read this book as its depictions of grief, trauma, and the journey through both back to one’s self were so raw and authentic that I had to occasionally take breaks to be with my own thoughts. I feel like I went through my own self reflections and growth as I read Silencia, and it helped me through a difficult year as a quiet gothic companion. I would heartily recommend this to all lovers of Solita, and to anyone who feels ready to swim through the darker parts of themselves.

NB: the darker sides of this book are always gracefully and delicately handled, and I have to commend Rainn for her gentle, never gratuitous hand in exploring these difficult topics and emotions.

I am anxiously awaiting book three 👀🖤

[scootypuffrider · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the highly-anticipated sequel to Solita and it absolutely delivers. All I've got to say is this book goes HARD with the religious eroticism. Lots of worshipping with one's body, but also mortification. Rainn also doesn't skimp with the gore, but it's never gratuitous gore for the sake of shock. My girl Sadie has been through so much already, but this definitely put her through the wringer. Silas has much to atone for and the past comes back to haunt him, quite literally. After all, this is a gothic novel. I love this rise of tropical, post-colonial gothic, where a small beachside town can be just as claustrophobic and oppressive as a haunted house. People will talk, and people are talking about the mysterious guest staying at the Hacienda Espinosa, not realizing that he has merely returned home.

[Sophie Karlsson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Solita, the first book in the series. I read it är exactly the right time in my life, and I loved the depth of feelings the novel portrayed. Silencia is a whole different matter. To start with, this book should be cut in half. There were SO many ramlings, and I found myself skipping whole pages because the narrative didn't move forward. There was more violence than I expected, so some scenes were hard to read for me. We left the first book in a cliffhanger, and somehow the action doesn't pick up here before about 75 % in. I kept waiting and waiting for a specific scene, only to realise that isn't even in this book, but in the next. In Solita, I also loved that the mysticism and world building is based on the Catholic Church, something which isn't seen often, but then in Silencia we're slapped with Greek mythology. So from my perspective, this book was a huge letdown.

[Michalina Kinga · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am struggling. I wanted to love this but I'm not feeling it and couldn't care less what happens....debating to stop or to power through. I like my books a bit more darker en mysterious...the rythm in the book feels off and some parts quite random. Difficult to put it in words. There's nothing haunting and the storyline in the present goes too slow...what is Silas doing when he's not around? And there will be part three?! I'm out.

[Lux · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously cannot wait for the next book! 😭 I need it soon! The themes are so wickedly decadent and dark. The horror! The romance! La pasión!🔥🌹 *chefs kiss*
Sigh* I guess purgatory is the torture of waiting. Wish I could go into the future just to read what comes next. This is a must read series. Thou shalt not be disappointed.

[☘ · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved it so much ahhh“Innocent girl… does his violence make you ache with want?” !!?

[BookishBane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silencia was a beautiful sequel to Solita. The absolute turmoil that Sadie experiences through years of religious repression and guilt is so hard to read. This book took me a little longer because the heaviness really got to me in some parts and I needed a breather. Her relationship with Silas has an interesting arc from the first book. Here the reader really gets insight into him and his family, as well as his draw to Sadie. The beautiful descriptions really took you to there and Vivian does an amazing job at showcasing a gothic story. Can’t wait for the next!