What do you think?
Rate this book
The Wives of Halcyon
‘A brilliant and completely addictive read’ Ruth Hogan‘A gripping page-turner which celebrates the strength and resilience of women’ Carole Hailey
Three women controlled by one man – their charismatic husband Elijah, leader of their cult who dictates every aspect of life in the remote Scottish settlement of Halcyon. But cracks have begun to form in the community’s idyllic facade, and Elijah’s increasingly erratic behaviour begins to test the loyalty of the women who love him, especially when he reveals his intention to take a fourth wife, sixteen-year-old Mim. Deceived and isolated by the husband they share, Aoife, Ruth, and Deborah must set years of animosity aside and come together as danger mounts within their isolated community.
A powerful story of coercive control, motherhood and extraordinary women, The Wives of Halcyon asks questions about how we perceive faith and family.
‘An astonishing and extraordinary debut’ Charlie Carroll‘A fascinating story’ Ilona Bannister‘An extraordinary debut novel’ Anne Cater‘A stunningly written, powerful tale of power and control, and what happens when people lose themselves in the face of cohersion’ Jessica Ryn‘I loved this fierce and perceptive book’ Janet Ellis‘Masterfully crafted narrative about strength, solidarity and faith’ Ruby Sloane, @xrubyreadsx‘An enthralling tale of female strength. One of the best books I’ve read this year’ Matina Tzoumerka, @breathing_pages‘Uniquely compelling and profound’ Poppy Smith, @poppysreads
Three women controlled by one man – their charismatic husband Elijah, leader of their cult who dictates every aspect of life in the remote Scottish settlement of Halcyon. But cracks have begun to form in the community’s idyllic facade, and Elijah’s increasingly erratic behaviour begins to test the loyalty of the women who love him, especially when he reveals his intention to take a fourth wife, sixteen-year-old Mim. Deceived and isolated by the husband they share, Aoife, Ruth, and Deborah must set years of animosity aside and come together as danger mounts within their isolated community.
A powerful story of coercive control, motherhood and extraordinary women, The Wives of Halcyon asks questions about how we perceive faith and family.
‘An astonishing and extraordinary debut’ Charlie Carroll‘A fascinating story’ Ilona Bannister‘An extraordinary debut novel’ Anne Cater‘A stunningly written, powerful tale of power and control, and what happens when people lose themselves in the face of cohersion’ Jessica Ryn‘I loved this fierce and perceptive book’ Janet Ellis‘Masterfully crafted narrative about strength, solidarity and faith’ Ruby Sloane, @xrubyreadsx‘An enthralling tale of female strength. One of the best books I’ve read this year’ Matina Tzoumerka, @breathing_pages‘Uniquely compelling and profound’ Poppy Smith, @poppysreads
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2024
17 people are currently reading
604 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
May 13, 2024
What a book! Cannot recommend this book enough.
I've always been fascinated by cults, particularly women in cults. So this book was absolutely perfect for me. The plot follows three women who are all married to the same man - the enigmatic leader and prophet of their religious 'end of days' cult. However, when Elijah declares that he will take a fourth wife, sixteen year old Mim, things begin to change. The story is told from each of their perspectives, as they each start to come to the realisation that this may not be the life that they want anymore.
First and foremost, this book is about the power of women. Women are the centre of the book, and that is what I love the most about it. Although Elijah is the leader, the book isn't about him; he's not the most important character of the book. I really appreciated that; I really didn't want his character to overpower the book. The women are all so different, but can come together for the greater good, especially when information comes to light which dramatically changes their view of each other. As with typical cults, the women are pushed into the background of the organisation - they're not given a voice or tasks to do that aren't "motherly". However, all three of the wives are smarter than everything believes, and find ways to rebel against their static lives and roles.
All three of the women were brilliant characters, and brilliantly written; Aoife is the oldest and Elijah's first wife. She was initially a vital part of bringing the cult to fruition but is swiftly pushed to the side. Ruth is the second wife, and perhaps the most interesting; she's a black nurse from America, who escapes her strict upbringing to life with her Aunt in London and trains to become a nurse. She's the most interesting because her skin colour isn't mentioned until the cult begins to unravel, and she worries for her and her children's welfare outside of the cult due to their skin colour. It's interesting because she feels safer within the cult (therefore, not explicitly mentioned until things take a turn for the worse) rather than in the outside world, despite not being a believer. It's just a really interesting contrast. And last but not least, my favourite, Deborah who is the third wife. She, for me, is the best character because there are so many layers to her character; she is not who she seems. It's difficult to talk about her without ruining it, but she is a brilliant mastermind.
This book is absolutely brilliant and I would highly recommend it! Such a fantastic debut and I cannot wait to see what Eirinie writes next!
I've always been fascinated by cults, particularly women in cults. So this book was absolutely perfect for me. The plot follows three women who are all married to the same man - the enigmatic leader and prophet of their religious 'end of days' cult. However, when Elijah declares that he will take a fourth wife, sixteen year old Mim, things begin to change. The story is told from each of their perspectives, as they each start to come to the realisation that this may not be the life that they want anymore.
First and foremost, this book is about the power of women. Women are the centre of the book, and that is what I love the most about it. Although Elijah is the leader, the book isn't about him; he's not the most important character of the book. I really appreciated that; I really didn't want his character to overpower the book. The women are all so different, but can come together for the greater good, especially when information comes to light which dramatically changes their view of each other. As with typical cults, the women are pushed into the background of the organisation - they're not given a voice or tasks to do that aren't "motherly". However, all three of the wives are smarter than everything believes, and find ways to rebel against their static lives and roles.
All three of the women were brilliant characters, and brilliantly written; Aoife is the oldest and Elijah's first wife. She was initially a vital part of bringing the cult to fruition but is swiftly pushed to the side. Ruth is the second wife, and perhaps the most interesting; she's a black nurse from America, who escapes her strict upbringing to life with her Aunt in London and trains to become a nurse. She's the most interesting because her skin colour isn't mentioned until the cult begins to unravel, and she worries for her and her children's welfare outside of the cult due to their skin colour. It's interesting because she feels safer within the cult (therefore, not explicitly mentioned until things take a turn for the worse) rather than in the outside world, despite not being a believer. It's just a really interesting contrast. And last but not least, my favourite, Deborah who is the third wife. She, for me, is the best character because there are so many layers to her character; she is not who she seems. It's difficult to talk about her without ruining it, but she is a brilliant mastermind.
This book is absolutely brilliant and I would highly recommend it! Such a fantastic debut and I cannot wait to see what Eirinie writes next!
January 11, 2025
I love novels about cults, but I end up being disappointed most of the time. I always end up asking myself, so why exactly are the characters so devoted to the cult? What’s keeping them there? I think for most authors who have no firsthand experience of being in a sect (or aren’t even religious for that matter), it’s too difficult to really portray it right because let’s be real, we all ask ourselves why you would do that to yourself as a person living in the 21st century, getting caught up in something so obviously stupid? It’s too baffling to get your head around it.
Lapidaki’s book got the closest to actually putting you in the shoes of those people. It’s still frustrating because well these people are brainwashed, but you understand, kinda, how they ended up there and how the cult leader drew them in.
We follow three “sister wives” who are married to a cult’s self-described prophet. It soon becomes pretty clear that their cult is actually much more batshit than I originally thought - think small scale FLDS (although only Dear Leader gets to have multiple wives and live with them), cut off from society, children being separated and estranged from their parents, doomsday prep and so on.
At the start, all of the wives are still fully devoted, so be prepared for religious talk. They also all hate each other, so no cozy sisterhood to be found here. Doubts start to creep in though and they individually start questioning their abuse.
I really liked this book and the things I didn’t don’t count so heavily for me, especially because it’s a debut.
One thing I would’ve dropped is the prologue - it spoilers the ending, which was a bad choice I think. Obviously it’s clear it’s going to end badly, but I would’ve liked to come to that conclusion over the course of the story instead of knowing about it from the get-go. The prologue also has the narrator, speaking with hindsight, denying that she was brainwashed. Honey… more therapy is clearly needed lol.
The other thing is that it needed a few more chapters in the middle to bring the characters from fully devoted to “let’s get the fuck out of here”. The change is very sudden, especially with “first wife” Aoife; she’s clearly the most conflicted up to the end, but I didn’t really understand why she went from being hateful and jealous of the other wives and completely in thrall to the husband to agreeing to run away with one of her hated sister wives. Complexity and grey characters are good, but this needed a bit more groundwork.
Like I said though, I didn’t mind all that much. It’s a gripping read without being gory and well written for a debut. I’ll be looking forward to Lapidaki’s sophomore effort!
Lapidaki’s book got the closest to actually putting you in the shoes of those people. It’s still frustrating because well these people are brainwashed, but you understand, kinda, how they ended up there and how the cult leader drew them in.
We follow three “sister wives” who are married to a cult’s self-described prophet. It soon becomes pretty clear that their cult is actually much more batshit than I originally thought - think small scale FLDS (although only Dear Leader gets to have multiple wives and live with them), cut off from society, children being separated and estranged from their parents, doomsday prep and so on.
At the start, all of the wives are still fully devoted, so be prepared for religious talk. They also all hate each other, so no cozy sisterhood to be found here. Doubts start to creep in though and they individually start questioning their abuse.
I really liked this book and the things I didn’t don’t count so heavily for me, especially because it’s a debut.
One thing I would’ve dropped is the prologue - it spoilers the ending, which was a bad choice I think. Obviously it’s clear it’s going to end badly, but I would’ve liked to come to that conclusion over the course of the story instead of knowing about it from the get-go. The prologue also has the narrator, speaking with hindsight, denying that she was brainwashed. Honey… more therapy is clearly needed lol.
The other thing is that it needed a few more chapters in the middle to bring the characters from fully devoted to “let’s get the fuck out of here”. The change is very sudden, especially with “first wife” Aoife; she’s clearly the most conflicted up to the end, but I didn’t really understand why she went from being hateful and jealous of the other wives and completely in thrall to the husband to agreeing to run away with one of her hated sister wives. Complexity and grey characters are good, but this needed a bit more groundwork.
Like I said though, I didn’t mind all that much. It’s a gripping read without being gory and well written for a debut. I’ll be looking forward to Lapidaki’s sophomore effort!
July 31, 2024
I had a great time with this book! Ever since I read Spoilt Creatures by Amy Twigg I had been craving another cult based plot in a book and this really delivered that.
The writing was super easy to follow and get through quickly and I adored our 3 (4?) main characters and narrators of the story. Ruth in particular really warmed my heart, she felt like a very vulnerable but kind person you just wanted to wrap up and take care of.
I will say my expectations of this book were different in a few ways and the story, though good, felt quite a lot more predictable than I was expecting from it. This isn't necessarily a bad thing but I think I expected a lot more feminine rage and angst which I don't think we really got much of.
I really enjoyed the looming 'end of days' throughout the book, I bloody love a sense of dread in a book like this
The writing was super easy to follow and get through quickly and I adored our 3 (4?) main characters and narrators of the story. Ruth in particular really warmed my heart, she felt like a very vulnerable but kind person you just wanted to wrap up and take care of.
I will say my expectations of this book were different in a few ways and the story, though good, felt quite a lot more predictable than I was expecting from it. This isn't necessarily a bad thing but I think I expected a lot more feminine rage and angst which I don't think we really got much of.
I really enjoyed the looming 'end of days' throughout the book, I bloody love a sense of dread in a book like this
May 26, 2025
4/5
In the religious commune of Halcyon the word of the prophet and leader Elijah is law and must be obeyed. However, after certain decisions made by him and his increasingly volatile behaviour, his wives begin to wonder if perhaps their lives aren't as good and godly as they believed. Aoife, the first wife, is frustrated with her diminished role in the community and the lack of attention from her husband. Ruth, the second wife, is upset by her forced separation from her children (which is part of the cult's beliefs) and reacts by self isolating and dissociating. Finally, there's heavily pregnant Deborah, whose seemingly sweet demeanor hides hatred and disdain for the prophet and his tenets. The three sister wives live in an uneasy truce until their husband announces that he's taking another wife: sixteen year old Mim.
Fascinating look not into a cult but into the people who join one. Instead of learning about the prophet and his dogma, we delve deeper into the women around him and how they found their way into such a different and abusive way of living. Through the wives you can get a glimpse of the manipulation and triangulation needed to keep up this type of systems, by sowing the seeds of discord Elijah barely has to do anything to control them.
I quite enjoyed it, but it was a bit slow at first, however once all the points of view were revealed it was engrossing. The wives have distinct voices and personalities, they're fully fleshed out and human. I do recommend the audio book for this, it was incredibly well produced with a different actress for each POV and all of them excellent at their job. The ending was a bit rushed, but overall an impressive debut, I will be sure to keep an eye out for more from this author.
It worried me that they could sit through such an incoherent speech and still place their faith so unwaveringly in the person who had given it. But if I was so confused and infuriated by their reaction, why did I feel so sad not to be cheering with them?
In the religious commune of Halcyon the word of the prophet and leader Elijah is law and must be obeyed. However, after certain decisions made by him and his increasingly volatile behaviour, his wives begin to wonder if perhaps their lives aren't as good and godly as they believed. Aoife, the first wife, is frustrated with her diminished role in the community and the lack of attention from her husband. Ruth, the second wife, is upset by her forced separation from her children (which is part of the cult's beliefs) and reacts by self isolating and dissociating. Finally, there's heavily pregnant Deborah, whose seemingly sweet demeanor hides hatred and disdain for the prophet and his tenets. The three sister wives live in an uneasy truce until their husband announces that he's taking another wife: sixteen year old Mim.
Fascinating look not into a cult but into the people who join one. Instead of learning about the prophet and his dogma, we delve deeper into the women around him and how they found their way into such a different and abusive way of living. Through the wives you can get a glimpse of the manipulation and triangulation needed to keep up this type of systems, by sowing the seeds of discord Elijah barely has to do anything to control them.
I quite enjoyed it, but it was a bit slow at first, however once all the points of view were revealed it was engrossing. The wives have distinct voices and personalities, they're fully fleshed out and human. I do recommend the audio book for this, it was incredibly well produced with a different actress for each POV and all of them excellent at their job. The ending was a bit rushed, but overall an impressive debut, I will be sure to keep an eye out for more from this author.
November 26, 2025
Book club book. Was a fast-paced read which I enjoyed. It was hard to differentiate the narrative voice between the 3 wives, but I enjoyed that it was a cult book set in Scotland (rather than the US). Made for a fun & interesting book club discussion too!
August 25, 2024
Very gripping and intoxicating novel! Loved it!
February 23, 2025
This one took me a little while to get into but once it clicked it moved at a pace for me. Think FLDS but in Scotland, all too believable!
July 5, 2024
The first book in some time that I have devoured and couldn’t wait to find a chance to get back to reading. Super debut novel from Eirinie Lapidaki, a real talent.
June 26, 2025
Liked the plot and the cult storyline but just kinda expected more from this. Wasn’t quite enough excitement for me and it happened a bit late so fell flat in my opinion
December 13, 2024
4.5 stars
In an isolated Scottish commune, the three sister-wives of a cult leader begin to question their increasingly volatile husband’s judgement and his motives. As they do, they begin to notice the faults in their seemingly paradisal home, and the truth behind their husband’s lies.
While The Wives of Halcyon is a book about cults, it is also a book about women. It depicts the strength, resilience, and courage needed to break free from a lifetime of coercion, lies, and manipulation. It is a story about women, motherhood, and about sisterhood.
I was hooked within the first 5 chapters. I found that the writing flowed seamlessly and that I was completely immersed in the story. It also reminded me a lot of A Dowry of Blood in terms of its themes and its focus: not the abuser, but rather the victims and their small acts of rebellion, which eventually lead to their revolt. While the each of the women idolised their husband and the rest of the cult worshipped him, the focus of the book was always on them—the women.
Each of the main characters—Aoife, Ruth, and Deborah each possessed such unique personality traits and backgrounds, and I loved that their relationships progressed from animosity to eventual companionship despite being pitted against each other by their husband. Each of them contributed in such different ways to their little community and lived such different lives while occupying the same spaces. I also loved that the book was written from the perspectives of all three women, so we got to see things from multiple different perspectives, and each wife had vastly different understandings of their circumstances. It definitely highlighted just how easy it is to manipulate a narrative through division and with each party’s trust.
I’d highly highly highly recommend giving this one a read if you have an interest in true crime, cults, or anything of the sort. This was an incredible debut novel, and I’m so excited to read more of Eirinie Lapidaki’s future works.
In an isolated Scottish commune, the three sister-wives of a cult leader begin to question their increasingly volatile husband’s judgement and his motives. As they do, they begin to notice the faults in their seemingly paradisal home, and the truth behind their husband’s lies.
While The Wives of Halcyon is a book about cults, it is also a book about women. It depicts the strength, resilience, and courage needed to break free from a lifetime of coercion, lies, and manipulation. It is a story about women, motherhood, and about sisterhood.
I was hooked within the first 5 chapters. I found that the writing flowed seamlessly and that I was completely immersed in the story. It also reminded me a lot of A Dowry of Blood in terms of its themes and its focus: not the abuser, but rather the victims and their small acts of rebellion, which eventually lead to their revolt. While the each of the women idolised their husband and the rest of the cult worshipped him, the focus of the book was always on them—the women.
Each of the main characters—Aoife, Ruth, and Deborah each possessed such unique personality traits and backgrounds, and I loved that their relationships progressed from animosity to eventual companionship despite being pitted against each other by their husband. Each of them contributed in such different ways to their little community and lived such different lives while occupying the same spaces. I also loved that the book was written from the perspectives of all three women, so we got to see things from multiple different perspectives, and each wife had vastly different understandings of their circumstances. It definitely highlighted just how easy it is to manipulate a narrative through division and with each party’s trust.
I’d highly highly highly recommend giving this one a read if you have an interest in true crime, cults, or anything of the sort. This was an incredible debut novel, and I’m so excited to read more of Eirinie Lapidaki’s future works.
September 17, 2024
2024 has been a year of extraordinary debut novels, and @eirinie.writes book #thewivesofhalcyon is certainly keeping that bar high.
The Wives of Halcyon is set in Abercraig, Scottish Highlands in a remote and isolated ramshackle farmhouse and outbuildings. Home to the Heaven and Earth Church, led under the dictatorship of Elijah, the leader and his side kick John and all their followers' families.
Polygamist Elijah has three wives, Aoife, Ruth, and Deborah, and each wife strives to be the cult leaders' favourite. Everything except the Wives' relationships with each other appears to be idyllic in the stark and basic settlement as they all plan for the end of days and next life. Bunkers are built, and provisions are stock piled as the men, women, and children rehearse for Armageddon.
Each wife mistrusts the other as Elijah uses manipulation, punishment, and coercion to set the wives against each other. Apart they are controlled, weak, and under his power. It is only when Elijah informs the Wives that he plans to take a new 16 year old wife Mim that the Wives start to see the light and the power of working together against one enemy.
Gosh, this book had me gripped. It turned me from scoffing as to how people could ever fall for such rubbish to then understand the power of coercion and manipulation in using people's past history and weaknesses to dominate, control, and abuse. I have always had an interest in cults and how and why they occur, and this novel really gets you thinking. Outstandingly different female characters with fascinating back stories. This novel had me holding my breath right until the end. It is very cleverly executed, and the end makes you return to the beginning.
This is a book I will be thinking about for some time. The reality and execution of the back stories is wonderfully crafted, and it is frightening how quickly a seemingly idyllic setting becomes a living hell. I would highly recommend reading this fascinating debut.
The Wives of Halcyon is set in Abercraig, Scottish Highlands in a remote and isolated ramshackle farmhouse and outbuildings. Home to the Heaven and Earth Church, led under the dictatorship of Elijah, the leader and his side kick John and all their followers' families.
Polygamist Elijah has three wives, Aoife, Ruth, and Deborah, and each wife strives to be the cult leaders' favourite. Everything except the Wives' relationships with each other appears to be idyllic in the stark and basic settlement as they all plan for the end of days and next life. Bunkers are built, and provisions are stock piled as the men, women, and children rehearse for Armageddon.
Each wife mistrusts the other as Elijah uses manipulation, punishment, and coercion to set the wives against each other. Apart they are controlled, weak, and under his power. It is only when Elijah informs the Wives that he plans to take a new 16 year old wife Mim that the Wives start to see the light and the power of working together against one enemy.
Gosh, this book had me gripped. It turned me from scoffing as to how people could ever fall for such rubbish to then understand the power of coercion and manipulation in using people's past history and weaknesses to dominate, control, and abuse. I have always had an interest in cults and how and why they occur, and this novel really gets you thinking. Outstandingly different female characters with fascinating back stories. This novel had me holding my breath right until the end. It is very cleverly executed, and the end makes you return to the beginning.
This is a book I will be thinking about for some time. The reality and execution of the back stories is wonderfully crafted, and it is frightening how quickly a seemingly idyllic setting becomes a living hell. I would highly recommend reading this fascinating debut.
February 20, 2024
This is an extraordinary debut novel from an author who seems so at ease in her writing.
The reader meets three very different women; divided by age, heritage and background but with one strong connection. All three of them; Aoife, Ruth and Deborah are the wives of Elijah, the founder and leader of Heaven on Earth.
Elijah is a charismatic man whose followers obey his every word. Their home is the settlement of Halcyon in the Scottish Highlands. Isolated and distant from the nearest town, encircled by a high fence, the followers have given up their previous lives to prepare for ‘The End’. Families do not live together, the children of Halcyon are separated from their birth parents, and mothers and fathers are punished if they try to establish any bond with their own offspring.
The three ‘sister wives’ do not always like each other, and the story is told in their voices. When Elijah announces that he is to take another wife; sixteen-year-old Mim, the cracks begin to show. Elijah’s behaviour has changed and his wives are increasingly unhappy, but reluctant to anger him, or his second-in-charge, John.
However, these strong women do come together and their plans will change their lives forever. The dangers they face are terrifying, yet their solidarity is stronger.
This is an astute and gripping tale of coercive control, about power and about misplaced trust. The isolated Scottish setting adds such depth to the narrative and the bonds of motherhood are beautifully portrayed.
A novel that raises questions about power that can be gained by one man’s charisma and words. Female characters who are precisely drawn, exposing their flaws and vulnerability, but most especially, their strength.
The reader meets three very different women; divided by age, heritage and background but with one strong connection. All three of them; Aoife, Ruth and Deborah are the wives of Elijah, the founder and leader of Heaven on Earth.
Elijah is a charismatic man whose followers obey his every word. Their home is the settlement of Halcyon in the Scottish Highlands. Isolated and distant from the nearest town, encircled by a high fence, the followers have given up their previous lives to prepare for ‘The End’. Families do not live together, the children of Halcyon are separated from their birth parents, and mothers and fathers are punished if they try to establish any bond with their own offspring.
The three ‘sister wives’ do not always like each other, and the story is told in their voices. When Elijah announces that he is to take another wife; sixteen-year-old Mim, the cracks begin to show. Elijah’s behaviour has changed and his wives are increasingly unhappy, but reluctant to anger him, or his second-in-charge, John.
However, these strong women do come together and their plans will change their lives forever. The dangers they face are terrifying, yet their solidarity is stronger.
This is an astute and gripping tale of coercive control, about power and about misplaced trust. The isolated Scottish setting adds such depth to the narrative and the bonds of motherhood are beautifully portrayed.
A novel that raises questions about power that can be gained by one man’s charisma and words. Female characters who are precisely drawn, exposing their flaws and vulnerability, but most especially, their strength.
June 25, 2024
A remarkable read, impossible to put down from start to finish.
Lapidaki writes with ease, creating characters who are as complex as they are believable. Her story is told from multiple perspectives, and with each telling comes a unique account of life on Halcyon. The voices of each wife are woven together skilfully, beginning to overlap as the story develops so that the overall effect is of a sisterhood growing stronger with each chapter. The evolving relationships between the wives are one of the most rewarding aspects the book, and Lapidaki shows great insight in her handling of character. Each wife is complex, flawed and dazzlingly real, subtly developing from start to finish under the watchful eye of the reader.
Equally compelling is the book's setting, a wild corner of Scotland cut off from the bustle of the modern word. Lapidaki's description breathes life into the setting, her portrayal both one of intense beauty and terrible loneliness. Picture the deep purple of heather, soft hills like the folds in a duvet and an enormous grey sky stretching out into nothing. The profound melancholy of the Scottish wild serves well to complement the story, adding to the feeling of growing unease that develops throughout.
In short, a confident and perceptive debut worthy of all the praise it has received. Give it a read!
Lapidaki writes with ease, creating characters who are as complex as they are believable. Her story is told from multiple perspectives, and with each telling comes a unique account of life on Halcyon. The voices of each wife are woven together skilfully, beginning to overlap as the story develops so that the overall effect is of a sisterhood growing stronger with each chapter. The evolving relationships between the wives are one of the most rewarding aspects the book, and Lapidaki shows great insight in her handling of character. Each wife is complex, flawed and dazzlingly real, subtly developing from start to finish under the watchful eye of the reader.
Equally compelling is the book's setting, a wild corner of Scotland cut off from the bustle of the modern word. Lapidaki's description breathes life into the setting, her portrayal both one of intense beauty and terrible loneliness. Picture the deep purple of heather, soft hills like the folds in a duvet and an enormous grey sky stretching out into nothing. The profound melancholy of the Scottish wild serves well to complement the story, adding to the feeling of growing unease that develops throughout.
In short, a confident and perceptive debut worthy of all the praise it has received. Give it a read!
April 26, 2024
This book is so so good. I had to check afterwards to see if this was based on a true story because the story felt so real and it shows how well written it was that this was such a believable work of fiction.
This story left me with chills. The story of the absolute devotion that the male main character managed to inspire in these women was scary - I know it wasn't real but it was so reflective of other stories of cults that I had read and watched.
This book is incredibly well written - the characters are absolutely fascinating and I loved seeing the different perspectives from each of the wives. You get this sense throughout the first half of this book that you know something isn't right and a growing unease about what is to come. The climax of this book does not disappoint - I finished this book a week ago and I still keep thinking about it.
This was a clever and unique book - I cannot believe this is a debut novel from this author. I can't wait to see more from her in the future
This story left me with chills. The story of the absolute devotion that the male main character managed to inspire in these women was scary - I know it wasn't real but it was so reflective of other stories of cults that I had read and watched.
This book is incredibly well written - the characters are absolutely fascinating and I loved seeing the different perspectives from each of the wives. You get this sense throughout the first half of this book that you know something isn't right and a growing unease about what is to come. The climax of this book does not disappoint - I finished this book a week ago and I still keep thinking about it.
This was a clever and unique book - I cannot believe this is a debut novel from this author. I can't wait to see more from her in the future
December 18, 2024
There aren’t many books I’ve read this year that have had such an effect on me quite like this one! I had such a hard time putting this book down and was devastated when I reached the end. This isn’t just another fiction book, this book will affect you psychologically and leave you feeling so empty. The Multi-POV allows you to grow closer to Aoife, Ruth and Deborah, you begin to feel like you are living with them and experiencing the horrors of the settlement, Halcyon. I am still thinking about this book and I mourn the person I was before I read it. The disturbing truth is that this story might not be a true one, but it sure would depict the cruel reality some people are facing in religious communities! This isn’t a story about a God-following community, this is the story of a cult run by a deceitful and truly evil man. I highly recommend this book, even if you aren’t religious!
February 2, 2025
This brilliant debut follows the lives of three sister-wives in an end-of-days cult. The three women are all devoted to their cause, but when their prophet and husband shows romantic interest in a sixteen year old girl, the cracks in the community start to show.
The novel swaps between the points of view of the three wives, giving us insight into their characters and how they feel about each other, as well as their lives in Halcyon. They individually begin to realise that the life they have may not be as perfect as they thought it was, but they have to find the courage to trust each other if they’re going to get out.
I did feel that a perspective that’s thrown in towards the end felt an unbelievable (their voice just didn’t match up with what we knew about the character up until this point), but otherwise the perspectives are woven together really well.
This is definitely one to pick up if you have an interest/fascination in cults and how they function.
Thanks so much to Newsouth Books for sending me this cool hardback to review!
The novel swaps between the points of view of the three wives, giving us insight into their characters and how they feel about each other, as well as their lives in Halcyon. They individually begin to realise that the life they have may not be as perfect as they thought it was, but they have to find the courage to trust each other if they’re going to get out.
I did feel that a perspective that’s thrown in towards the end felt an unbelievable (their voice just didn’t match up with what we knew about the character up until this point), but otherwise the perspectives are woven together really well.
This is definitely one to pick up if you have an interest/fascination in cults and how they function.
Thanks so much to Newsouth Books for sending me this cool hardback to review!
October 23, 2025
This is not my usual go-to read, but a friend of mine knows the author and recommended it. I’m so glad I read it. Books about religion and cults can often miss the mark and create an even worse understanding of how they draw people in. However, this book seems really well researched and really shows some of the psychology behind the draw to individuals within groups like this. The dynamics between the characters and little subplots woven throughout meant that at points, I simply couldn’t put it down, I just had to find out how things turned out. The last few chapters are gripping and have you really invested in the characters, it’s raw, engaging and doesn’t end quite how you’d expect. I’d definitely read more from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2024
I finished the book yesterday, and I am still thinking about some of the characters. What an excellent read! The pacing is great. You are bound to feel a mix of emotions with moments of empathy, excitement, anger and just a proud sense of unity. This combination and the journey of these characters ultimately makes the book so enjoyable to read.
I also loved that the setting of this book is in rural Scotland. Eirinie Lapidaki has created such an interesting platform for these brilliant characters with their own stories to interact in. The Halycon community dynamics is just so intriguing. Give this book a go, you will not regret it.
I also loved that the setting of this book is in rural Scotland. Eirinie Lapidaki has created such an interesting platform for these brilliant characters with their own stories to interact in. The Halycon community dynamics is just so intriguing. Give this book a go, you will not regret it.
June 30, 2024
I liked this book so much that I finished it in two days! It is a story about three women and how they realise the "church" they belong to and its leader are not what they thought. I enjoyed reading the different POVs to undersand how they view Elijah (their husband and leader), how they perceived each other and themselves. I think it is also a story about searching for one's identity and purpose and the dangers of trying to find it in others rather than in ourselves.
If you are interested in cults (as I am), you will surely enjoy it.
If you are interested in cults (as I am), you will surely enjoy it.
March 8, 2025
This was such an intriguing story! I absolutely flew through this one because I was desperate to find out everything that happened. I liked that the story focused around the women, their backgrounds and their motives for being part of the community. I don't want to say too much more about this as I think it's one of those books which is better to go in without too much information beforehand. If you have any interest in cults I would definitely recommend this book. This is definitely a story I can see sticking in my head for a long time.
Read
August 9, 2025⭐️⭐️⭐️ An interesting book about a religious cult in Scotland. The story is mainly about the wives of the cult leader and how they begin to question the beliefs of the followers. The leader is exposed for what he is, a charlatan who enjoys punishing his wives and followers for any misdemeanours. He’s a hypocrite who starves his people and hides chocolate and crisps in his office as well as embezzling their money.
May 21, 2024
A powerful and moving exploration of womanhood, coercive control and family that expertly and thoughtfully discusses religion in extremities, cult behaviours and abuse of power while reading like one of the best and most anxiety inducing, addictive and engrossing thrillers I’ve ever read. The Wives of Halcyon is an absolute triumph - I had to keep pausing to check I wasn’t reading a true story, and that it was indeed the authors debut. An extraordinary feat!
Lapidaki writes characters as beautifully as she builds a fantastically paced and intricately woven plot in a world that is so vividly imagined and bone chillingly believable. With echoes of Kuresh’s Branch of Dividians and Berg’s Children of God - this Scottish highlands cult story makes for fantastic reading as well as hugely thought provoking and affecting literature that questions faith, dedication and family in a way that feels sensitive but unflinchingly important.
This novel is one I know will stay with me and that I’ll be recommending widely - The Wives of Halcyon is released today in all good bookshops so please do rush out to grab a copy and support this author and her fantastic writing. Thanks so much to Legend Press and Eirinie for gifting me this stunning proof copy.
Lapidaki writes characters as beautifully as she builds a fantastically paced and intricately woven plot in a world that is so vividly imagined and bone chillingly believable. With echoes of Kuresh’s Branch of Dividians and Berg’s Children of God - this Scottish highlands cult story makes for fantastic reading as well as hugely thought provoking and affecting literature that questions faith, dedication and family in a way that feels sensitive but unflinchingly important.
This novel is one I know will stay with me and that I’ll be recommending widely - The Wives of Halcyon is released today in all good bookshops so please do rush out to grab a copy and support this author and her fantastic writing. Thanks so much to Legend Press and Eirinie for gifting me this stunning proof copy.
June 11, 2025
3.5!
pretty good for a debut novel, and took me out of my reading slump! i enjoyed how snappy each chapter was and the build up of each main character, i love all 3 of the wives.
i do wish there was just that extra edge and shock to it all, just something else to add to the intensity of the breakdown happening within the cult, but other than that i think it’s a solid story
pretty good for a debut novel, and took me out of my reading slump! i enjoyed how snappy each chapter was and the build up of each main character, i love all 3 of the wives.
i do wish there was just that extra edge and shock to it all, just something else to add to the intensity of the breakdown happening within the cult, but other than that i think it’s a solid story
November 20, 2025
Really enjoyed this book. I found an intriguing page turner from start to finish. It gave me lots of food for thought here and some plausible insights into why some people get inveigled into organisations or behaviours they wouldn’t otherwise entertain. Shocking in places, but again, consistent with what we know human beings are capable of doing. Thank you Gillian for the recommendation!
August 11, 2024
This was an enjoyable read, that I raced through in the day. Looking at how a cult is formed through the eyes of multiple narrators and then the aftermath thereof, it feels like it could be based on real events. I felt initially unsatisfied with the ending, but then realised that it’s probably more realistic to leave it with a variety of perspectives on how they feel in relation to the breakdown of the cult.
I look forward to Eirinie’s next novel!
I look forward to Eirinie’s next novel!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2024
A really enjoyable read and a phenomenal debut novel. This is a story that really shows the power of womanhood - despite the odds and being pitted against each other, they come together to do what’s right.
An excellent book club read, so much to discuss!
An excellent book club read, so much to discuss!
August 25, 2024
Guys I’ve never been so pleasantly surprised about a book in so long.
I had no opinions going into this book and it worked out perfectly! I loved the setting, the plot, the characters, the ending!!
An amazing debut novel
I had no opinions going into this book and it worked out perfectly! I loved the setting, the plot, the characters, the ending!!
An amazing debut novel
March 7, 2025
Amazing book! Absolutely couldn't put it down, 100% recommend for anyone looking for total escapism.
The writer is extremely talented, it takes skill to make a mother of a toddler (who doesn't sleep through the night) avoid sleep to keep reading!!!
The writer is extremely talented, it takes skill to make a mother of a toddler (who doesn't sleep through the night) avoid sleep to keep reading!!!
June 26, 2025
4. 5⭐
Debut.
Really enjoyed this book about cooersive control and the power of women.
Life in the Scottish settlement of Halcyon and the wives who are controlled by one man (their husband).
Different POVs of the Wives kept my interest piqued.
Brilliant resilient characters.
Would recommend 💕
Debut.
Really enjoyed this book about cooersive control and the power of women.
Life in the Scottish settlement of Halcyon and the wives who are controlled by one man (their husband).
Different POVs of the Wives kept my interest piqued.
Brilliant resilient characters.
Would recommend 💕
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews