The Cult Of Silence: A Sapphic Horror Poetry Collection

by Catherine Sloan

The Cult of Silence by Catherine Sloan is a haunting journey of love, fear, and repression.

In a strict, silent cult, a young girl learns to bury her voice and desires, until she meets a mysterious girl who changes everything. As their forbidden love grows, so do the dangers that threaten to consume them both. In this chilling collection, Sloan writes a story of self-discovery, secrets, and the cost of breaking free from a world built on silence.

Genres: Lesbian, Poetry, Horror, Dark, LGBT

42 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2025

Reviews

[Lez_be_readin_ya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This poetry book was excellent; the story was wonderfully written, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The narrative follows a girl who is forced to suppress her voice and desires until she encounters a mysterious girl who helps her embrace her true self. However, the consequences are less than desirable.

While I don't typically read poetry, I found this book to be short, beautifully written, and highly enjoyable. I absolutely recommend it.

This is Catherine Sloan's debut book, and from what I've read, I anticipate she will achieve great things in the future.

Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Svenja · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got send an ARC :)
The poems are short, spanning over the story of a girl, living under the oppressive rule of a cult.
The atmosphere is spooky, haunted, surreal. I felt like this is something you should read in the middle of the night, hiding under the covers with a flashlight, looking over your shoulder, afraid of discovery. Something forbidden you cannot stay away from.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

GIVE HER THE WORLD

“The Cult Of Silence,” is a self-published sapphic horror poetry collection & it comes out TODAY (3/1/25)

Cut up into five parts, this poetry collection tells the story of a young girl who is taught to bury her voice & her desires.

Sloan’s prose is laced with sapphic pining & yearning. There are sooooo many great lines & poems to celebrate in this. “The Temple We Built In The Dark,” is a huge standout. The second slide of this post features an excerpt from the poem, “The Spell We Cast Without Meaning To.”

Read this for themes of…
- sapphic yearning (my favorite)
- religious trauma
- forbidden love
- haunted atmosphere
- psychological horror
- self discovery
- breaking free
- short poems!

Support this book by adding it to your TBR or reading it on Kindle Unlimited. You can also purchase a copy for $5 on kindle.

After this collection, I am eager to read her next piece of work.

Catherine, thank you for reaching out & sending me an early copy in exchange for an honest review. I am elated to have read this.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of dark poetry reads like short stories aswell as poetry. It's very unique and different to alot of poetry out there which was great. However, it had everything you'd expect from poetry too, even in the ones that read like a short story: thoughtful, meaningful and in some cases: relatable.

Ghosts of the past, the echoes of buried memories, love, loss and the ache of silence when you want to speak. Loneliness and feeling a outcast among others. Forbidden love. Sapphic love. Religious elements. This book dives into so many things and holds a haunting beauty.

I recommend to those who enjoy poetry or anyone who just enjoys short and thoughtful books which linger on the darker side of life.

[Bethanys_bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

The emotion in this poetry is so raw and so real . I could feel every hello and the hardest goodbye . You can feel the authors trauma and the poetry flowed so effortlessly. I loved this. I don’t read a lot of poetry but this authors poetry gave me pause and I had to read her story .

[OceaneZw · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐ 5 Stars ⭐

This poetry book shares a touching story about love, loss, and discovering who you are in a world that can be unkind. The writing is honest and easy to understand, so it’s perfect even if you don’t usually read poetry.

The themes are especially meaningful for LGBTQ+ readers, but anyone who has ever felt forced to hide their true self will relate to it. The emotions feel real, and the poet describes them in a way that stays with you long after reading.

It’s a short book, but it leaves a strong impression. If you’re looking for something emotional and thoughtful, this is a great choice !

Thank you so much to the author for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Queer Mum Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC for free in exchange for an honest review, I do follow the author on social media however this was the first piece I had read by them. With that in mind, I will do my best to be as honest as possible. The book is set to be released on March 1st 2025.

I haven't read poetry in a long time, but I think this may be the start of me dipping my toes back into it thanks to this book! Haunting is a great description of this work, because even those this is an easy short quick read of only around 40 something pages, passages do continue to echo and ruminate in your mind after reading it.

I really enjoyed the reading experience with this, it reads well as a cohesive story only giving so much away leaving you wanting more. It captured sapphic yearning and all that can go along with it so well, if you're a sapphic like me it's so easy to then be able to really relate to the book.

I think there is so much potential for the author to continue on with this, whether it's as the MC carrying on from the ending or as a new character in the cult, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who would be keen to delve into this more. It has really left me wanting more and wishing this book was longer!

And of course, the dedication and acknowledgement at the end for the reader needs a mention. It helped me to feel seen, and for this book I think that was really important for the author to make it clear this is one for us.

In terms of rating, I don't think it's fair to say the only fault is how short it is since I would have loved more. It certainly didn't feel rushed at any point for me, I think I'm just hungry for more! Otherwise, I have no faults for this.

I look forward to seeing what else this author works on!

[queenofgotham · Rating 4 out of 5]

"We were doomed from the moment we met.

But some curses
are worth dying for."

This is a collection of sapphic poetry that, among many themes, largely explores religious trauma, freedom, and finding identity. In poem form, we follow the story of a young woman trapped in a cult. For being such a short length, this collection packs a huge emotional punch.

I do wish there had been more. Perhaps because of the way each poem added to this ongoing journey, it felt almost too succinct to form a full in-verse narrative. The prose itself is beautiful and dark, with some lines really sinking their teeth into me, making me pause in my reading and just reflect for a moment.

[Katie BC · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cult of Silence tells the haunting and heart-wrenching tale of a girl stuck in a cult who harbors feelings of indescribable love for another girl, a story that’s unfortunately relatable to many.

I would gasp, get teary-eyed, feel horrified, and all the feelings in between that you’d expect from reading a sapphic horror poetry book, but it really took me by surprise how many entries touched my heart, in great and terrible ways. The evocative metaphors for religious trauma and how it sticks with you and affects your life and relationships truly shined a light on my own religious background, which is something I haven’t thought about in a long time.

Some of my favorite entries were: “The Exorcism,” “The Temple We Built in the Dark,” “The Spell We Cast Without Meaning To,” & “A Prayer for the Lost.”

Any sapphic with a love of poetry and a strong heart should pick this one up for a quick but emotional experience.

I received an advanced copy by the author and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

[LX · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, thank you to Catherine Sloan for sending me an e-copy of this!

okay, this was fantastic. the collection of poetry sort of built up a story almost.

imagine being told to be who you aren't suppress it, ignore it, it's not you. But then you meet someone who helps you understand and bloom into who you are rather than forces you to fit into a certain way and ignore your true self. That is what this collection gave me and it was a fantastic experience!

[Sierra Nathans Lightner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This was a short poetry collection but it truly packed a punch. What a beautiful and tragic story of a girl who had to hide her true self from her cult and who eventually escaped. Truly beautiful.

“If they find us—“ … “Then let them burn us”

Please note: if you have experienced religious trauma, especially with your sexuality, please read this with caution.

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really fortunate to receive an advance copy of this poetry book and in return I’m leaving my honest opinion about it.

This is a debut poetry novel and although it’s quite short I was pleasantly surprised about it. The story follow a girl that is forced to suppress her voice and opinions until she meets an anonymous girl that will help me discover herself throughout her journey.

I don’t usually read poetry, but I can tell this is beautifully written and a really interesting story.

[My Sapphic Shelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hauntingly beautiful is the only way I can think to describe this. I’ve never read poetry like this before, the pain and yearning and sadness came across so vividly it felt like it was my own. I couldn’t recommend this poetry book enough. Just wow! Thank you so much to the author for the ARC! You’ve got a fan in me!

[Elliot Walla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as good as Here, the Air is Heavy with God! A sapphic horror poetry collection diving into the story of self discovery, sapphic love, and escaping a hateful church.

This collection was only 33 pages, and I think it was the perfect length. The writing was great, and the pacing was perfect! I highly recommend The Cult of Silence!

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, happy pride month! Second of all, wow.

I don’t think I have words for this other than “wow.” I’ve always been a bit of a poetry hater, I remember many English classes where I had to drag myself kicking and screaming through the boring blocks of text that meant nothing to me.

This poetry collection was the opposite of that. Slogan’s words were effective, emotion inducing and raw. The story itself is not an easy read, especially if you too were raised in your own Cult of Silence; but Sloan’s writing flows well enough that the poems themselves aren’t the difficult part of this read.

If you’re looking for a short but powerful story, consider reading this collection!

Thank you to the author for providing me a copy of this collection in exchange for an honest review 🫶

[em ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5🌟 thank you so much to the author for an eARC ♡
this short poetry collection explores the struggles of navigating your sexual identity as a young woman, told through the lens of the protagonist growing up in a strict, religious cult, where having these feelings are punished.
the poems are beautifully written yet haunting and devastating.
i would 100% recommend this to anyone who loves themes of sapphic stories, gothic horror + cult/religious trauma

[Kayla ✧♥︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐

Okay, this was great! I need to read more poetry it seems because I loved this. It's a beautiful story, written in an equally beautiful way.

Highly recommend!

[Rue · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a sapphic myself who grew up in a very religious family and studied six years in a Catholic school, this poetry collection hits too close to home.

It's been a long while since I last read a poetry collection. So, I was glad the author reached out and sent me a review copy of two of her works.

I decided to read and finish this first because one thing you need to know about me is i will always be seated for anything "sapphic" and "horror". And in a poetry collection? That was enough to pique my curiosity.

Thankfully, I was not disappointed. I personally think religious imageries in the horror genre is no longer unique, as it's already been done quite a lot of times before. However, I don't think Sloan was trying to be unique here. Instead, she wrote this to express emotions that I know most of sapphics can relate to.

And she did it well. She was able to convey lyrically and beautifully the journey of finding love that people tell you is forbidden, discovering your true self amidst all self-doubt and hatred and tasting freedom for the very first time.

Despite the gothic vibe, this poetry collection felt like a warm hug for us sapphics who, to this day, still deal with religious trauma. Although the poems in this collection unearth the darkest memories we may have tried to suppressed, they also felt like a warm hug for those who are still seeking their own place "where the darkness cannot follow."

[Mollie · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review ✨

The Cult of Silence by Catherine Sloan ♟️

The Cult of Silence is an absolutely stunning self-published debut Sapphic horror poetry collection by Catherine Sloan.

I am a huge poetry lover, so to have the privilege of receiving an ARC for this was a wonderful experience! Thank you to Catherine Sloan for this opportunity.

This collection of poems reads like a short story, taking us on a journey that covers topics of religious oppression, self discovery, love and heartbreak.

Sloan does a hauntingly beautiful job of highlighting the struggles of queer individuals born into religious extremism.

This hit all the right spots with gorgeous use of metaphorical language and devastating imagery.

Some of y favourites in the collection are "the Holy Book of Silence", "The Exorcism", "The Temple We Built in the Dark" and "The Road Away from the Cult".

If you're a lover of poetry, horror and Sapphic literature - get this on your TBR!

[Madeline W · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, I would like to thank the author for sending me an ARC of this poetry collection. We followed each other on Instagram, and I instantly took to her work before even seeing that she offered me the text via DM. With that being said, this collection is very short but offers a lot of hard-hitting lines. The atmospheric nature of the content also lends itself to some fantastic imagery and a pretty fluid narrative structure. I felt for the speaker as they found themselves but also lost the woman who helped them to do so; it reminded me of Fahrenheit 451 in this way, even though Bradbury's defiant character is a child as opposed to anything romantic.

I do wish there had been some more subtlety and more poems generally in the collection. Each section only consisted of a few pieces, so it felt like I was flying through the story. The author has no obligation to explore every emotion associated with religious trauma, but if we were to truly get the full picture of a story arc, I needed more depictions of moments and ideas immerse me further. Alternately, I suppose she could have removed the section pages; they just felt like an interruption when the content therein had been so short. Back to the topic of subtlety, poetry has no obligation to exist outside of the context of a collection, just as musical albums often are best enjoyed within the context of the show and story. But there was a lot of repetition in the wording, especially in the word "cult" itself. One does not need to be so overt to get their point across the entire time.

Still, this was a meaningful, interesting, and unique collection that has many impressive qualities for a debut. I would definitely suggest checking it out on Kindle Unlimited when it is released if you have any inclination toward poetry. Otherwise, I would recommend this to people who have undergone religious trauma or are interested in learning about cultlike behavior, but please research the subject matter first and proceed with caution if you have suffered similar abuses. It may hit too close to home and be triggering otherwise.

[Windsor Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book at the request of the author. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about a horror book of poems, but I’m so glad I read it because it’s amazing. These poems are a sapphic love story juxtaposed against the background of escaping a high control religion. Having grown up in a high control religion myself, I related a lot. Some of these poems gave me chills, they reflected my experience so completely. Catherine Sloan was able to encapsulate the feeling of being trapped and controlled by a religion you don’t agree with, and being forced to act in ways that go against every fiber of your being. Incredible isn’t a strong enough word for how this book touched me.

This is a collection of 19 poems across five different parts. They tell a story of a girl/young woman struggling to find her place in the cult, while coming to terms with the fact that she doesn’t belong or agree. While this is happening, she’s also falling in love with another young woman. They try to hide their relationship, but are unsuccessful, and the cult comes in to force the main character to comply.

The underlying plot is a simple one of growing up and becoming her own person, but the beautiful language and poetic story telling are beyond moving. As I said above, I completely relate with being trapped in a controlling and, for her, abusive situation where others are telling you what to think, how to react, how to be. It’s soul destroying and Catherine Sloan captures this in a way I haven’t read before. I felt like she reached into my soul and laid it bare on the page.

The book is short, only 33 pages. I hope you take the time to read the author’s beautiful words. The book is extraordinarily moving, especially if you’re a woman, and especially if you were raised in a high control religion.

[Aliraluna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cult of Silence is a sapphic horror poetry collection. The story unfolds with each poem-which also reads as a short story. It tells the story of a young girl that belongs to a cult in which she is taught to be silent. But being silent goes beyond the act of talking-it's also meant to silence your thoughts, your reasoning, your feelings-yourself. The unnamed main voice has a fierce soul, that in order to protect, hides it away-until an unique young girl that has no shadow changes her life forever.

This beautifully crafted poetry collection navigates the difficulties of being one's true self (in all senses). There are others like her, other girls that feel just as trapped, and even some that have realize they are attracted to girls. This cult [the elders, the unwritten book and the role of parents, especially that of the mother] makes me reflect of what I and/or others have lived if they had a similar upbringing as a catholic. In this story, the ever-watchful "someone" knows everything, and they will purge it out of you.

It is quite chilling the silence in this book. The atmosphere makes it so that it feels we are reading the secret story of this girl. You go through this life journey with her. Endurance meets freedom, two sides to the same coin, but true freedom of thoughts, being, and love is shown by The Girl with the Honey Voice. The price they pay for their love and unchaining themselves from this invisible prison is one too high and painful...but at least they know. They know themselves and true freedom.

Many thanks to the lovely author for reaching out to me and offering me a free copy of her book for an honest review.

[R_Diksha · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW-:

This is a short yet deeply impactful sapphic horror poetry collection centered around a girl who is forced to hide her true self from everyone around her. The narrative is entangled with a cult, where terrifying and unsettling things happen to those who dare to defy its strict rules. The poetry is raw, emotional, and filled with profound meaning, offering a haunting yet relatable experience.

What stood out the most was how the author structured the events, breaking them into sections that made the collection feel like an interconnected story rather than just standalone poems. This unique approach added depth to the reading experience, making it even more immersive. Initially, I found myself slightly confused while keeping track of the timeline and events, but as I progressed, everything started falling into place. Once that hurdle was overcome, the emotions felt incredibly raw and real, making the experience all the more powerful.

This book is dedicated to everyone who struggles with themes of self-discovery, fear, and societal pressure—issues that resonate universally. Anyone who has ever felt the need to conceal their true identity will find something deeply relatable within these pages. As the author’s debut, this book was truly captivating. Their ability to weave horror, emotion, and self-reflection into poetry is remarkable, and I can’t wait to see what they create next.

If you enjoy raw, thought-provoking poetry that explores themes of identity and self-discovery, this is definitely a book worth reading.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection is a haunting journey into the complexities of forbidden desires and the overwhelming need to break free from societal constraints. Dark and lyrical, it weaves together sapphic longing and religious trauma, exploring the suffocating pull of faith against the yearning for a love that defies tradition. Each story is a visceral plunge into the tension between repression and liberation, where desires once whispered in the shadows are brought into the light with both beauty and terror.


The sapphic relationships are tender and intense, their love both a rebellion and a sanctuary. As these characters navigate their desires, they also confront the weight of religious indoctrination that seeks to suppress them. The stories are raw with the anguish of breaking free from a system that tells them their love is sinful, yet exhilarating as they find the strength to defy it. This collection pulses with the energy of forbidden passion, revealing the profound intersection of intimacy and spiritual conflict. it delves into the darker, more complex layers of human experience and offers a gripping exploration of the terrifying beauty of breaking free from the constraints of both religious dogma and societal expectations. It lingers long after the last page, leaving behind a bittersweet sense of liberation.

This was a hauntingly beautiful read and highly recommended for those who love poetic horror.

[Dan Lasco · Rating 4 out of 5]

hauntingly beautiful. that’s the best way to describe the cult of silence, and honestly, i don't think i'll ever stop thinking about it. catherine sloan’s poetry is lyrical in the most breathtaking way—every word carefully chosen, every line brimming with emotion. it’s the kind of writing that seeps into your bones, making you feel the weight of longing, fear, and the quiet, aching desire to be free.

the collection follows a young girl raised in a strict, silent cult where repression is the rule and authenticity is a sin. she’s taught to bury her voice, her desires—until she meets a girl who makes her question everything. what unfolds is a story of forbidden love, religious horror, and the terrifying cost of breaking free. the poems don’t just tell this story; they immerse you in it, making you feel every stolen glance, every whispered rebellion, every ounce of yearning.

i don’t usually read poetry books, but this one? it absolutely hooked me. the way sloan weaves narrative and verse together is masterful—each piece standing strong on its own while also building toward something greater. it’s chilling, it’s heartbreaking, and it’s full of raw, aching beauty. if this is catherine sloan’s debut, i cannot wait to see what she writes next.

thank you, catherine, for sending me an e-arc of the cult of silence! this won’t be my last book from you.

[abby (xoxobookishgirl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rep : Sapphic MC

What I Loved
1) As a non poetry reader, this was a great poetry collection to read as the writing was lyrical like in some of my favourite books but without being too flowery to the point where I get annoyed which I find to be an issue in poetry for me personally. I would compare this author's writing and fever-dream like novella to the style of Mona Awad. Even if you do not like poetry, if you like religious horror I would suggest reading this.

2) This author captured sapphic yearning perfectly.

3) I love anything themed around cults, especially religious cults. I don't want to say too much in my review as I think it is best to go into this book with just a vague idea of the themes since it's so short.

What I Disliked
1) Personally in my cult books I love when things are explored in depth (the cult may be a metaphor as well depending on how you interpret it). Obviously, with this being a short poetry collection that's not really possible but I would love if the author wrote a whole novel in verse. I will continue to read their work in future this was such an impactful debut.

Thank you to Catherine Sloan for this eARC in exchange for an honest review

[SullenSapphic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This format really interested me. It is not one I am used to. Other readers out there might be familiar with this type of concept but it is new to me. This book is a series of poems that build a story around a woman. She isn’t given a name. She is given no choice but to be in a cult. She is not allowed to speak because any woman who speaks will vanish. A woman comes along and encourages her to escape the horrors of the cult. I’ll leave it at that as I’m not giving any spoilers.

The poems are short, so this is a quick read, but it is so emotional. When the poem describes the heaviness the woman is feeling or the longing for her love, you can feel it with the author’s words. I know whomever reads this book will have their own interpretation of the poems and only the author knows the true interpretations of the poems but for me, the cult represents the church/government who want to silence all who are queer and the woman is strugging and fighting to break free of that. Trying to find herself, her true self, the person who she is, not the person she is “expected” to be. I’m sure I’ll be thinking about these poems for some time. Absolutely gorgeous.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this.

This is a beautiful and chilling collection of poems centring love, repression and self-discovery. We follow a girl raised in a cult as she meets a mysterious girl who pushes her to embrace her feelings, to love, and to truly discover herself.

Each poem fits together to form a beautifully crafted journey towards self-discovery. This makes for a heartwarming and touching yet haunting narrative as we watch the girl realise the dangers she is facing whilst trapped within a cult and gain the courage to put herself and her feelings first.

The exploration of sapphic love and loss was touching. Several entries left me teary-eyed and I particularly love the entry titled "The Exorcism". The language, metaphors and imagery used throughout the collection are beautiful, crafting a seamless narrative where sapphic yearning is at the forefront and is painfully vivid.

Perfect for any sapphic reader who loves poetry, horror and the themes of cults and religious trauma.

Thank you so much to Catherine Sloan for sending me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a gorgeous, sexy, honest, and raw poetry collection.

The collection brings together a bigger story of love and loneliness. The vivid imagery sets the eerie and sinister mood, creating an ambience for the reader to swoon in. Part I had an undertone of survival and fear that progresses to desire and love in Part II. Part III feels threatening and heavy while Part IV is sapped in grief and heartbreak. We end with Part V that emits hope and understanding. It all comes together wonderfully.

Ultimately, The Cult of Silence flows really well and tells a complete story from beginning to end. The writing was alluring and the gloomy horror vibes enticing! Delicious read. I will recommend this to anyone that enjoys sapphic literature and/or poetry.

Thank you Catherine for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[fhmltn · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a beautiful, powerful story writing using poetry about loneliness, feminine rage, queerness, and liberation in a fantastically unique way. it’s a stunning narrative of finding real love and hope within darkness and clawing your way towards the light.

“the spell we cast without meaning to” absolutely blew me away, and might actually be my new favourite poem. i have never experienced the religious trauma that this book explored but the depth of sapphic love and struggles that come with being who we are is still something i think we can all relate and connect to.

“she lifted her hand,
traced her fingers along the edge of my collarbone,
slow and deliberate,
as if carving me back into existence.

i did not stop her.
i did not move.

i only closed my eyes
and let her name me.”


5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️