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Pennyroyal Tea
Rebekah, a pro-life activist, and Laban, a lapsed Christian on a drunken path to promiscuity, wake to find themselves held captive in separate rooms. They have no idea who their anonymous abductor is. Nor can they discern what that person’s motives and intentions might be. Guided by strict routines and effective conditioning techniques, the separate prisoners go about their tortured days of confinement. But once they are released, they encounter a hell worse than the rooms in which they were kept against their will. CONTENT This book contains scenes of non-consensual sex, as well as depictions of conditioning and psychological torture.
- GenresHorror
101 pages, Paperback
Published November 21, 2023
1 person is currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Aaron Lebold
24 books42 followersAaron Lebold is an author of psychological horror, sometimes dabbling in extreme elements. His love of the genre began at an early age with all the best slasher films. Writing has always been something of interest but he didn’t make any serious attempts at it until 2017. Since that time he has completed several novels and novellas. His short stories can be found in various anthologies by various publishers. Some of his short stories have been narrated for the Cryo-Pod Podcast. His novel “Born Sick” took second place at the Godless 666 awards for best novel of 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 12, 2025
”If it’s transgressive, addressing social or political ills, not pulling punches, and pushing the boundaries, then it’s Splatterpunk.”
-Brian Keene
This little novella is what splatterpunk is all about.
Aaron Lebold’s Pennyroyal Tea is the quick, wicked story of a dual kidnapping with a heavy sociopolitical message.
Rebekah is a pro-life extremist. She spends her days in her basement creating anti-abortion paraphernalia and protesting ‘baby killers’ out on the streets in violent, demeaning ways. Constantly assuming she’s doing the Lord’s work and spreading His message— nothing in her life can possibly go wrong.
Laban is an ex-Christian who has strayed from faith after tragedy struck his life four years prior. Now an alcoholic and womanizer, he’s fallen from grace.
Both of these individuals are then kidnapped and held hostage. Placed in separate, sterile, small white rooms with only a bare mattress and a singular, mysterious cabinet— Rebekah and Laban groggily awaken to imprisonment.
Yet, torture and captivity look much different in this story. And there are reasons why. Clocking in at just under one hundred pages, Pennyroyal Tea is a story with a lot of dark undertones and important commentary. Hence my synopsis of the book stops here.
While this novella includes uncomfortable imagery and triggers that are painful to read through— this book makes you confront the discussion surrounding pro-life versus pro-choice in a raw, unfiltered way.
What happens when a woman who is incredibly pro-life is forced into a situation that must make her question and reevaluate her stance?
This is a short story that sheds a saddening and gut-churning light on why women are thrust into making difficult decisions, and ultimately, why every woman should have the right to decide what is best for their body and overall wellbeing without judgment or repercussion.
I found the premise of Pennyroyal Tea to be solid. The story itself was uncomfortable to read, but what is the genre of splatterpunk if it isn’t confrontational and unwaveringly dark? This was horror with a real world message.
The book is not gore-filled or bloody, but is violent in other ways. The trigger of non-consexual sex is the biggest. In this case, I felt as though that particular aspect was necessary to the narrative and not done for the sake of shock factor, which I could appreciate. There are other triggers such as religious conditioning and forced drug/alcohol abuse that should be factored in as well.
Overall, Pennyroyal Tea is a commentary on very real social and political issues wrapped up in a tragic story. For those interested in diving into splatterpunk that doesn’t harbor much gore and violence for shock factor, I think reading this novella is a considerable first step. I’m a big fan of Lebold’s writing and his unique take on the horror genre.
With this particular piece of writing, my only gripe was an abrupt ending and a fairly repetitive thirty pages or so. Otherwise, it had a couple of gobsmacking plot twists and a foundation that held my attention— read it in about an hour. A deserved and solid ★ ★ ★ ★ star read from me.
-Brian Keene
This little novella is what splatterpunk is all about.
Aaron Lebold’s Pennyroyal Tea is the quick, wicked story of a dual kidnapping with a heavy sociopolitical message.
Rebekah is a pro-life extremist. She spends her days in her basement creating anti-abortion paraphernalia and protesting ‘baby killers’ out on the streets in violent, demeaning ways. Constantly assuming she’s doing the Lord’s work and spreading His message— nothing in her life can possibly go wrong.
Laban is an ex-Christian who has strayed from faith after tragedy struck his life four years prior. Now an alcoholic and womanizer, he’s fallen from grace.
Both of these individuals are then kidnapped and held hostage. Placed in separate, sterile, small white rooms with only a bare mattress and a singular, mysterious cabinet— Rebekah and Laban groggily awaken to imprisonment.
Yet, torture and captivity look much different in this story. And there are reasons why. Clocking in at just under one hundred pages, Pennyroyal Tea is a story with a lot of dark undertones and important commentary. Hence my synopsis of the book stops here.
While this novella includes uncomfortable imagery and triggers that are painful to read through— this book makes you confront the discussion surrounding pro-life versus pro-choice in a raw, unfiltered way.
What happens when a woman who is incredibly pro-life is forced into a situation that must make her question and reevaluate her stance?
This is a short story that sheds a saddening and gut-churning light on why women are thrust into making difficult decisions, and ultimately, why every woman should have the right to decide what is best for their body and overall wellbeing without judgment or repercussion.
I found the premise of Pennyroyal Tea to be solid. The story itself was uncomfortable to read, but what is the genre of splatterpunk if it isn’t confrontational and unwaveringly dark? This was horror with a real world message.
The book is not gore-filled or bloody, but is violent in other ways. The trigger of non-consexual sex is the biggest. In this case, I felt as though that particular aspect was necessary to the narrative and not done for the sake of shock factor, which I could appreciate. There are other triggers such as religious conditioning and forced drug/alcohol abuse that should be factored in as well.
Overall, Pennyroyal Tea is a commentary on very real social and political issues wrapped up in a tragic story. For those interested in diving into splatterpunk that doesn’t harbor much gore and violence for shock factor, I think reading this novella is a considerable first step. I’m a big fan of Lebold’s writing and his unique take on the horror genre.
With this particular piece of writing, my only gripe was an abrupt ending and a fairly repetitive thirty pages or so. Otherwise, it had a couple of gobsmacking plot twists and a foundation that held my attention— read it in about an hour. A deserved and solid ★ ★ ★ ★ star read from me.
November 18, 2023
Aaron Lebold's 'Pennyroyal Tea' is not a meditation on tea and its benefits (if any). Arguably, it's not about tea at all. 'Pennyroyal Tea' is an exceptionally clever piece of work, crafted with great cunning and intelligence, though emotionally heavy and distressing. It's not for the faint-hearted, but I'd recommend it to all: it has no gore; lots of vodka, sure, and some vomit, and a short scene with a cup of tea, but no rivers of blood or psychopaths hunting down poor women. It's much, much worse than this.
It's about unwanted pregnancies, and the polarized opinion over this issue. It asks: what would it take for a woman to change her mind and refuse to carry a pregnancy to term? in less than a hundred pages, we enter a world of mental confusion and non-consensual physical contact, as a religious pro-life activist is abducted from her home, leaving behind her family. She finds herself in some very disturbing situations, isolated unwillingly in a small room. I'm not going to say more than that, since I think that even the synopsis says too much! The writing is excellent, the pacing superb, and the ending... well, the ending is simply brilliant. Highly, very highly recommended!
It's about unwanted pregnancies, and the polarized opinion over this issue. It asks: what would it take for a woman to change her mind and refuse to carry a pregnancy to term? in less than a hundred pages, we enter a world of mental confusion and non-consensual physical contact, as a religious pro-life activist is abducted from her home, leaving behind her family. She finds herself in some very disturbing situations, isolated unwillingly in a small room. I'm not going to say more than that, since I think that even the synopsis says too much! The writing is excellent, the pacing superb, and the ending... well, the ending is simply brilliant. Highly, very highly recommended!
December 29, 2023
Lebold never disappoints when it comes to writing dark, twisted stories. Pennyroyal Tea is top of the list when it comes to putting characters through trying times. I was glued to the pages and was very surprised at the wicked twist in this one. Like wow! Was this going to be enough to make Rebekah think about her life and how she had treated others?
The author created a dreadfully claustrophobic atmosphere with this book. I couldn’t even imagine being in this situation, that’s how bleak it is. Putting way too much trust in someone you don’t know but are fully aware, if you don’t fall in line, things will be even more unpleasant. There is no gore if that matters to anyone, but Lebold provides plenty of disturbing content with this one. It packs a punch! Consume and return!
The author created a dreadfully claustrophobic atmosphere with this book. I couldn’t even imagine being in this situation, that’s how bleak it is. Putting way too much trust in someone you don’t know but are fully aware, if you don’t fall in line, things will be even more unpleasant. There is no gore if that matters to anyone, but Lebold provides plenty of disturbing content with this one. It packs a punch! Consume and return!
September 3, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
This story started out with an amazing plot and kept me engaged the entire time. The only reason I’m not giving it four ⭐️is it ended very abruptly with too many questions left to be answered.
This story started out with an amazing plot and kept me engaged the entire time. The only reason I’m not giving it four ⭐️is it ended very abruptly with too many questions left to be answered.
January 12, 2024
A Bibliophilia Templum review
https://bibliophiliatemplum.wordpress.com/2024/01/12/pennyroyal-tea/
Pennyroyal Tea is a compelling novella of torture and choices by the talented Aaron Lebold. The subject matter is intense on all fronts, not just the torture scenes but the plot as a whole. It is psychological horror for the reader as well as the characters.
Lebold’s characterization is exceptional, especially for a novella. You come to know them, develop opinions about them, feel with them and for them. The torture and conditioning scenes are well thought-out and brilliantly executed, with delicate foreshadowing skillfully inserted to create a slow reveal of the intent behind the madness.
Nevertheless, you are not prepared for the hard twists to come and the horrors that follow. But this is not simply another horror story about torture. With a depth alternately subtle and obvious, the story speaks to choices and consequences and the realities of inflicting ourselves on others. It evocatively speaks to inner turmoils we don’t discuss and the dangers of societal absolutes, peer pressure, and presumption.
The title of this book is wonderfully symbolic and apropos, as is the chilling cover. And whether one accepts or disregards the impactful element of the story, the discerning reader will still be thinking about Pennyroyal Tea for days to come.
https://bibliophiliatemplum.wordpress.com/2024/01/12/pennyroyal-tea/
Pennyroyal Tea is a compelling novella of torture and choices by the talented Aaron Lebold. The subject matter is intense on all fronts, not just the torture scenes but the plot as a whole. It is psychological horror for the reader as well as the characters.
Lebold’s characterization is exceptional, especially for a novella. You come to know them, develop opinions about them, feel with them and for them. The torture and conditioning scenes are well thought-out and brilliantly executed, with delicate foreshadowing skillfully inserted to create a slow reveal of the intent behind the madness.
Nevertheless, you are not prepared for the hard twists to come and the horrors that follow. But this is not simply another horror story about torture. With a depth alternately subtle and obvious, the story speaks to choices and consequences and the realities of inflicting ourselves on others. It evocatively speaks to inner turmoils we don’t discuss and the dangers of societal absolutes, peer pressure, and presumption.
The title of this book is wonderfully symbolic and apropos, as is the chilling cover. And whether one accepts or disregards the impactful element of the story, the discerning reader will still be thinking about Pennyroyal Tea for days to come.
December 1, 2023
"Pennyroyal Tea" by Aaron Lebold. I was sent my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Rebekah is a pro-life activist, dedicating her whole life to the cause of protecting the unborn.
Laban is a Christian who has deviated from his faith to dive head first into the life of promiscuity.
Both of these characters will wake to find themselves kidnapped and held against their will in the tiniest of rooms, suffering the most inhumane treatment.
Will they be released? Will they ever discover the real reason behind their terrible captivity? Could anything ever be worse than what they're currently enduring? These are just a few questions that Rebekah and Laban will ask themselves during their twisted days of confinement.
This story was a really intriguing read. While the title suggests this story is about tea, I assure you that it is anything but. Lebold has taken an extremely emotional and polarized topic and crafted a story that will speak to the masses in regards to unwanted pregnancies and the lengths that some women will go to, to ensure that they never have to experience one themselves. This story will push your boundaries, trigger your emotional reflexes, and ask you what it would take for you to change your own mind about carrying a baby to term.
Rebekah is a pro-life activist, dedicating her whole life to the cause of protecting the unborn.
Laban is a Christian who has deviated from his faith to dive head first into the life of promiscuity.
Both of these characters will wake to find themselves kidnapped and held against their will in the tiniest of rooms, suffering the most inhumane treatment.
Will they be released? Will they ever discover the real reason behind their terrible captivity? Could anything ever be worse than what they're currently enduring? These are just a few questions that Rebekah and Laban will ask themselves during their twisted days of confinement.
This story was a really intriguing read. While the title suggests this story is about tea, I assure you that it is anything but. Lebold has taken an extremely emotional and polarized topic and crafted a story that will speak to the masses in regards to unwanted pregnancies and the lengths that some women will go to, to ensure that they never have to experience one themselves. This story will push your boundaries, trigger your emotional reflexes, and ask you what it would take for you to change your own mind about carrying a baby to term.
November 22, 2024
PENNYROYAL TEA
AARON LEBOLD
Soooooooo… this book entertained me and frustrated me in equal measures.
The premise was excellent. I totally loved the 2 main characters, and I thought the predicament they found themselves in was unique to be sure.
No spoilers in this review…
The set up was both elaborate and simplistic in its nature. Human conditioning has always fascinated me and I love anything to do with Stockholm syndrome, or Munchausen (and by proxy). It’s a quirk of mine. This was done so well… it had me gripped on the edge of my seat. I totally needed to know who, where, and most of all WHY…
The frustrating part for me was that it ended FAR TOO SOON. This is a short novella but it really should, and could have been so much more.
This is only my opinion obviously… and it’s totally a testimony to the writing and the way I was lulled and pulled into the story, but I thought the ending felt rushed. I wanted, I was gagging for more.
Anyways… 3.5 rounded up to 4 for great writing and premise.
AARON LEBOLD
Soooooooo… this book entertained me and frustrated me in equal measures.
The premise was excellent. I totally loved the 2 main characters, and I thought the predicament they found themselves in was unique to be sure.
No spoilers in this review…
The set up was both elaborate and simplistic in its nature. Human conditioning has always fascinated me and I love anything to do with Stockholm syndrome, or Munchausen (and by proxy). It’s a quirk of mine. This was done so well… it had me gripped on the edge of my seat. I totally needed to know who, where, and most of all WHY…
The frustrating part for me was that it ended FAR TOO SOON. This is a short novella but it really should, and could have been so much more.
This is only my opinion obviously… and it’s totally a testimony to the writing and the way I was lulled and pulled into the story, but I thought the ending felt rushed. I wanted, I was gagging for more.
Anyways… 3.5 rounded up to 4 for great writing and premise.
November 17, 2023
So if you’re an extreme horror fan, I highly recommend this book. The trigger warnings are pretty heavy and the subject matter is quite heavy as well, HOWEVER, I did not find this book to be overtly graphic in the details and language. This made for a nice read and almost made the subject matter and potential triggers wayyy easier to read than some extreme horror / gore books. The twist at the end was absolutely magnificent. I loved that I was able to binge this novella in an hour or so. I do wish it had been longer because the premise is absolutely fantastic but it totally works as a shorter story as well.
Everyone has different triggers so definitely keep that in mind however I think this is a great starter for someone who is figuring out what may trigger them in horror books etc.
I will definitely be looking more into this author && their other books and adding to my TBR asap!!
Everyone has different triggers so definitely keep that in mind however I think this is a great starter for someone who is figuring out what may trigger them in horror books etc.
I will definitely be looking more into this author && their other books and adding to my TBR asap!!
December 3, 2023
Wow what a sick and twisted book and I absolutely loved it. It’s about a lady named Rebekah and her husband who are protestors for people having abortions. Well Rebekah ends up getting kidnapped for months, where she is confined to this room and she has to drink liquor everyday and she gets raped daily also. She hates liquor and that’s against her beliefs. Well this goes on for months and finally one day she is released. Well she ends up pregnant and has to face a series of consequences due to what her beliefs were. That’s all I can say without spoiling this too much. This book was definitely crazy as hell. I just wish the ending didn’t leave me sitting here wondering what happened next. Hopefully there will be a second part to this.
November 22, 2023
I could not put this down. I know it’s only short but I was annoyed when I had to stop reading and deal with real life.
The description of the rooms and everything that went on in there was intensely claustrophobic and felt like we were trapped in there too.
I think this is a very relevant story given the change in laws recently and that makes it so much more terrifying. As if suddenly waking up and not knowing where you are or why isn’t scary enough.
Certainly an original story and even if you guess one part of it correctly the rest will blow your mind. Hopefully there will be a sequel.
I feel like I need a drink and a cuddle after this story.
The description of the rooms and everything that went on in there was intensely claustrophobic and felt like we were trapped in there too.
I think this is a very relevant story given the change in laws recently and that makes it so much more terrifying. As if suddenly waking up and not knowing where you are or why isn’t scary enough.
Certainly an original story and even if you guess one part of it correctly the rest will blow your mind. Hopefully there will be a sequel.
I feel like I need a drink and a cuddle after this story.
November 25, 2023
This book had a very strong plot, and the beginning of the book really grabbed my interest. As the book continued, I started liking it less and less. There is so much going on with no answers. About 60 to 70 pages of just random stuff happening with no explanation of why. Then, the last few pages, suddenly, everything is forcefully explained, and all comes at you so fast that you have to stop and process it all. It ends with quite a few things being unanswered and overall a feeling of dissatisfaction. The writer obviously has talent, and the plot is top-notch. The execution sadly was lacking, and this is a book I will never revisit or recommend to others.
December 2, 2023
Pennyroyal Tea is an absolute nightmare for the main characters. I have thoughts, but they would likely end up being spoilers. So, I'll say this, this novella is a well-written story of someone forced to re-evaluate their life choices in one of the most horrific ways imaginable. I did not expect the twist near the end, but it was executed extremely well. My only wish is that there's a sequel or prequel planned to go into further depth of why the actions in this story were taken. But even without explanation, it's an effective wtf scenario that leaves the reader guessing. For that, I must say, "Well done, Aaron!"
December 5, 2023
Consume and return are words that will sound in your mind after you read this novella. The author writes in a way to attract reader, I was wondering what will happen so I could not put it down.
Rebecca, an activist against the abortion and Laban, a playboy who lost his fiance a long time ago, stuck in a trap of unknown kidnapper. The story develops in Jigsaw manner, hostages are forced to do things like rape, digesting food and pills, and a flash of light and alarm torment them. A psychological torture continues until someone set Laban free.
This story had an unexpected twist which I will not reveal. Take a popcorn and enjoy.
Rebecca, an activist against the abortion and Laban, a playboy who lost his fiance a long time ago, stuck in a trap of unknown kidnapper. The story develops in Jigsaw manner, hostages are forced to do things like rape, digesting food and pills, and a flash of light and alarm torment them. A psychological torture continues until someone set Laban free.
This story had an unexpected twist which I will not reveal. Take a popcorn and enjoy.
May 11, 2024
Pennyroyal Tea is an enthralling horror story about a woman who is completely against abortion. She organizes rallies and protests often with the support of her husband and their beliefs.
But what if the shoe is on the other foot? Lebold does a fantastic job flipping this story on its head. The decisions and contemplation that goes into the characters is outstanding. I could not put this one down as I read it in one sitting.
I don’t want to give too much away, but prepare to be mind blown! Lebold is well on his way to becoming a master storyteller.
But what if the shoe is on the other foot? Lebold does a fantastic job flipping this story on its head. The decisions and contemplation that goes into the characters is outstanding. I could not put this one down as I read it in one sitting.
I don’t want to give too much away, but prepare to be mind blown! Lebold is well on his way to becoming a master storyteller.
December 5, 2023
another great read from a master story teller.
Once again Aaron Lebold has created a dark sinister tale that has you glued to the pages. From the moment i picked this book up i found it almost impossible to put down. very dark, deeply disturbing, highly engrossing.
i have been a fan of Aaron's for a while now and once again he has delivered. a must read for lovers of dark fiction.
Once again Aaron Lebold has created a dark sinister tale that has you glued to the pages. From the moment i picked this book up i found it almost impossible to put down. very dark, deeply disturbing, highly engrossing.
i have been a fan of Aaron's for a while now and once again he has delivered. a must read for lovers of dark fiction.
November 21, 2023
Definitely a unique story. Provides an interesting perspective on a current political issue. Both creepy and scary it will entice you to read to the end! A mix of psychological thrills and definite chills. With a fantastic twist at the end.
November 22, 2023
This book is full of shocking twists and an interesting plot regarding Rebekah who is a religious pro life family woman who is abducted and conditioned to do as she is told that leaves her in a situation with some tough decisions and it is interesting how it unfolds.
June 29, 2024
This was crazy. There are a lot of triggers and the subject matter is tricky. I really enjoyed this one it was super dark but it is not going to be for everyone. It's not going to be for a lot of readers so please if you read this check into the warnings and content before you delve in.
December 12, 2024
Pennyroyal Tea by Aaron Lebold is a short and dark novella and boy this one packs a punch. I won’t give spoilers for this one but this had me gripped and there were plenty of twists that had me like whoa! I’d definitely recommend if you like to take a walk on the dark side.
November 23, 2023
the plot twist got me i won’t even lie. my jaw DROPPED.
November 26, 2023
For being the novella it was, it had a good psychological twist that made my stomach turn for finishing it in 45 mins
July 19, 2024
Definitely a dark and twisted path, nonetheless, I started this book and didn’t set it down till I was finished it. Each chapter left me on a cliff hanger. Can’t wait to read more by Aaron!
February 1, 2025
Lebold’s short story was one that I could not out down. It was intriguing and kept the reader engaged and asking so many questions throughout. This book is not for the faint of heart.
April 20, 2025
Really good book! Will be reading more by Aaron for sure!
January 11, 2026
This story could actually happen and it probably has. The plot was something different and I loved it. Aborshun is a taboo conversation but man this story went to the right places.
February 19, 2024
Two people are held captive, each in their own room. They have no idea how they got there or who is responsible. Day in and day out, they are forced to follow the rules of their captors, whether they want to or not. Conditioned to follow the rules. Eventually, they are released, and they are not prepared for what comes next.
While there were some good twists, the story ultimately fell a bit flat for me. Started strong but started to falter a bit at the end. I think it would have benefited a bit more if it were longer. It's available on Godless, check it out!
3 severed fingers out of 5
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews