The Oblivion Bride

by Caitlin Starling

In the glittering city state of Volun, Lorelei Steddart never thought she’d be anything but an office drone—until her family all die under mysterious and likely magical circumstances, leaving her to inherit everything. To figure out what’s happened, her uncle marries her off to the city state’s top War Alchemist, Nephele Corisande, an intimidating older woman who might just be able to save her. But what starts as a marriage of pure convenience becomes something deeper. Soon Lorelei and Nephele must untangle a terrible magic that has metastasized into something new and unstable, born in Lorelei’s blood.

Genres: Fantasy, Lesbian, LGBT, Novella, Horror, Adult, Audiobook

192 pages, ebook

First published January 21, 2025

About the author

Caitlin Starling is the nationally bestselling author of The Death of Jane Lawrence, the Bram Stoker-nominated The Luminous Dead, and Last To Leave The Room. Her upcoming novels The Starving Saints and The Graceview Patient epitomize her love of genre-hopping horror; her bibliography spans besieged castles, alien caves, and haunted hospitals. Her short fiction has been published by GrimDark Magazine and Neon Hemlock, and her nonfiction has appeared in Nightmare, Uncanny, and Nightfire. Caitlin also works in narrative design, and has been paid to invent body parts. She’s always on the lookout for new ways to inflict insomnia.

Reviews

[lauraღ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“If we are chained, it is to each other. And I’d have it no other way.”

REREAD 2025. 4.5 stars. I read this for the first time just in January of this year, but when I saw the audiobook came out, I really wanted to reread it immediately. I loved it just as much! Age-gap f/f arranged marriage romance in a techy fantasy world. I loved the strength of their connection, the way the possessiveness played out and strengthened into something more lasting, the way they were both so determined to do right by each other. Nephele is absolutely mesmerising; I was obsessed. And the world is such a fascinating one; I picked up a few more details this time, and it just has me hungry for more.

Listened to the audiobook as read by Xe Sands and Mollie Stark, and it was wonderful. Sands has JUST the kind of voice I pictured for Nephele, and I just devoured this. Such a treat. I wouldn't be surprised if I revisit this often in the future.

--

“You’re—immovable. A pillar that I’m chained to. But then the storm comes, and I wouldn’t have it any other way, because without you, I’d be lost.”

4.5 stars. I'm a little feral with how much I loved this, and I'm a little upset because I just KNOW I would have been even more obsessed if this had been a full length novel and more of a romance. I mean, it does fulfil all the requirements of a romance, but I wanted more emphasis on certain things. Still, this was sublime. I recently finished Last to Leave the Room by this author and the way I fell in love with certain characters and situations, I just KNEW I would be into a romance as written by Starling. So the fact that this novella came out only a few days later? I feel #blessed.

This is a sapphic sci-fantasy romance, with a magical curse and an arranged marriage. Almost the entirety of Lorelei's rich, extended family has been killed by a mysterious curse, and her half-uncle plucks her from obscurity to be the new heir to the family. He arranges for her to be married to Nephele, the city's War Alchemist and right hand of the Prince, and also, the woman who will be working to find a cure for her. I was enthralled by this from the very beginning. It rings all my bells: age gap with an older butch, arranged marriage, ice queen who melts relatively easily for her love interest, obsession and possessiveness. It's not all exactly healthy, but who cares; I was swooning and I'm not sorry. There were also a few elements I didn't love and I was glad to be prepared for, which was mostly the fertility stuff and the fact that Lorelei was expected to get pregnant ASAP to continue to family line. I ended up not actually minding it too much. I liked the way that Nephele became involved, and how it all played out in the end. High praise from me, because I usually hate reading about pregnancy in any form or fashion.

But yeah, the romance, and what we got of it, was soooooo much of what I loved. Lorelei is scared and wary and distrustful of Nephele at first, but undeniably drawn to her, and I adored how that attraction was described. And on the other side as well. Nephele expects her little wife to be a puzzle to solve; she expects to put her professional pride on the line, not her heart. But she gets (relatively) soft for Lorelei pretty quickly, and it was sooo good. Though, of course, I wouldn't have minded if it was slower. God I really wish that this were longer, and that we'd gotten to linger more on some of those romantic scenes. But as it was, it hit just the right chord of intense connection that I love. Every time they each referred to the other as "my wife" I was kicking my feet like a cliché. This never gets explicit (sadly, lol) but it was so SEXY. And it was all wrapped up in some really interesting worldbuilding and fantasy elements. It has an almost scifi/steampunk-esque feel, with the phones and the trains and the airships, but it's also magical in a way that I can't not describe as fantasy. I definitely think I wanted more explanations; I was following along well enough with the nature of the curse and the things Nephele was doing to try to figure things out. But then everything got a lot more abstract, and the ending was a little confusing? And too abrupt; another reason I wish it were longer. I definitely want to reread this; hopefully I will once it gets an audiobook.

(And it was so interesting to learn from the author's note at the end that this kinda-sorta grew out of a Dishonored fic that she wrote! I ADORE the world of Dishonored, and I keep wanting to read something that gives me those vibes. This book didn't, not quite; the magic system and the environment are pretty different. But IDK, now that I know, I can kinda see the connection. And it makes me want to replay the games.)

This just further cements Starling as a favourite author. Cannot wait to read more from her. 

Content warnings: forced impregnation (sorta? she just isn't really given a choice)

From an obligation to a mystery to an obsession—Nephele can think of no finer path to adoration.

[emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well that… was great.

What an Interesting premise! What fun worldbuilding! What an awful situation. Caitlin Starling is becoming a must read author for me. I’ve already preordered two more of her books. Damn.

[DH · Rating 3 out of 5]

Where is MY stone cold genius bitch wife 😭😭😭

[iam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore Caitlin Starling's books, so when I saw she wrote a sapphic arranged-marriage SFF novella, I was THRILLED.

The Oblivion Bride absolutely delivers on the arranged marriage front - young woman torn from her usual, ordinary life and thrust into high society into the hands of a stern, powerful military person. Make that person an older woman and you have perfection.

There isn't as much political intrigue as I would have liked, and it leans more into SciFi than fantasy, despite the magic. There also is the curse surrounding Lorelei's family, the reason she is in the position she's in.
Nephele, the top war alchemist, is tasked both with figureing out the curse, as well as marrying Lorelei.

As usual with the author's books, the worldbuilding is very subtle, and details are easy to miss - a but too subtle for me, at times, I had to listen to the last hour of the audiobook twice to really grasp what was going on.

Still, a super cool and atmospheric read! As it is a novella, it does not go super deep into either the mystery or the romance, and I do wish it had been longer, but either way, I highly recommend it.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sci-fi/Fantasy mystery with a sapphic romance. Loved it!

[X · Rating 3 out of 5]

Palatable futuristic fantasy writing. A pleasantly eerie, echo-y, suspenseful first half, and then an ending that comes out of nowhere in terms of both plot and characterization.

I’m really teetering on the edge between 3 and 4 stars because Starling’s writing is smooth and readable, and I enjoyed the concept, and setting, and characters - but I don’t think the first half and the second half quite match up.

The Neon Hemlock paperback is gorgeous as usual.

[ri · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was such a good and well written story. it was short enough that i devoured it in one day, but long enough that i didn't feel like it suffered from what ive come to call "novella syndrome", where a story feels underdeveloped/rushed because of its short length.

i loved the setting - it felt like such a unique blend of sci-fi and fantasy. and i loved the two main characters! they reminded me immensely of gyre and em from the luminous dead. i think i'm a sucker for that kind of relationship and i really enjoyed seeing their romance evolve over the course of the book. i was really invested in the plotline, too, and thought that the atmosphere was written so wonderfully. this was just overall such a good, engaging, refreshing read.

[S.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lyrical, with a numinous magic system that deftly balances "too much" info and "not enough." I also adored Lorelai and Nephele's relationship.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ending probably would have hit more if I had any idea what the hell was going on.
But I thought the worldbuilding was really interesting.

[Misha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun little story about an arranged marriage, a mysterious curse/disease that is killing members and families of a certain family, and a grieving young woman. Fast-paced and engaging, as expected from Caitlin Starling.

[ThatBookish_deviant · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a short novella and I still dnf, I was so bored. Made it to page 80 of 180 before calling it quits. Starling’s writing is often very hit or miss for me.

[™ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved some of the author’s other books so was excited for this one… but it was disappointing tbh. Neither the magic system nor the main characters’ personalities were fleshed out enough for the story to feel compelling or for me to be invested in their romance. I was very curious about the world and how it worked, but didn’t feel like I got enough of it. Lorelei felt like a blank slate, as did the inheritance laws and why it was so important that the family was kept together.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Something is answering you"

Are you a sapphic romantasy fan? Pick this Sci-Fi/Fantasy novella up. I was completely entranced by The Oblivion Bride. What a unique premise for a book. The arranged marriage trope has always been my favorite. That aside, Caitlin Starling was able to efficiently build an exquisite, interesting and mysterious magical world in less than 200 pages. Nothing is lacking. What an unexpected gem of a story.

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: mild
World Building: efficient but not lacking
Prose: eloquent
Pacing: Didn't feel rushed
Character Development:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"If she's death walking, then the only person who could choose to face her is the woman whose catastrophic power is already burning her away from the inside out. They're the perfect pair."

[Leo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I need to stop reading Starling's works. I just do not think she's really capable of writing interesting, 3D characters with their own rich inner worlds.

As usual the prose is borderline juvenile. Fuck fuck fuckity fuck. We have a magic baby now whatever.

Everything is vague but not in the mysterious way, instead it gives you the idea that she just didn't really think things through. A lot of the worldbuilding mechanics feel like they're purely there for plot convenience rather than because it makes any sort of sense for the world.

Maybe it's because it's a novella, but it's just too little of anything to care for.

Sorry, but two women existing and falling into instalove (despite all denial otherwise) isn't enough for me to care.

[Nathaniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a lot of thoughts on this book. Currently sitting in an airplane. Excuse my rambling (watch this review be super short)

I think fans of The River Has Roots will love this book. I’m a HUGE fan of Roots. These have similar…magic vibes. That said, Roots is more fairytale and this is more dystopian.

This also has some slight Annihilation vibes but they are SO SLIGHT.

Overall I really enjoyed it. I loved the characters and enjoyed learning about the world. The story did feel a bit distant, but I also think that has to do with me reading it while stressed about delayed flights and getting home late.

I will always recommend Caitlin Starling. Her books are always worth the read.

[John Rennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick read - it took me only an hour and a half - and it's a love story so that's nice. It's just that the book fails to convince.

You know in the first few pages that Lorelei and Nephele are going to fall in love, and you that together they are going to save the world because that's how stories like this always go. And indeed you are not disappointed. It's just that it all seems a bit too easy and it never gels into a coherent story. We never find out why Lorelei's family had to die or what exactly the two of them did to save the world, though maybe that is implied and I have missed it.

Anyhow, this is worth a read despite my reservations. Go for it and see if you can spot what I have maybe missed.

[Emmaline Savidge · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some really interesting concepts going on here I just think it would need to be built out into a full novel to really work. I was intrigued by the romance being developed but we just didn’t have enough time with these two. I’ve read two of Caitlin’s novellas and one of her novels and I think she’s at her best when she has time to build. This is a very nice speedy palate cleanser if you need a book to try and break a reading funk.

CW: miscarriage on page

[Jave Laine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid sci-fi horror. Sapphic but not a romance. Well written with an intriguing premise. Not an everyday read and not a feel-good one, but the kind of book you have to finish. It leaves you wanting to know what happens next, while knowing a sequel would undermine its purpose.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so sad it's not longer because this romance was amazing!

[Bash · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you ever wanted Murderbot but with lesbians? Check this out.

[Koisaleni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good story, I loved the characters and the writing. I would like it to have a little bit more world building and just a bit more written emotions, than it would be perfect.

[Chloe Hanson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The most interesting part of this book was the magic system — unfortunately, it’s also what the author was least interested in.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written and very enjoyable, with a nice little mystery and a believable romance. The age gap (I would guess 15-2o years?) between the characters made it a little hard for me to feel comfortable with the romance, but at least they were both adults. It's a very quick read—and although the world would be fun to revisit, this particular tale was exactly the size it needed to be.

[Elias Eells · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark science fantasy novella of deadly curses, wild magic, & winsome women, this drew me in & held me close. Our drink, Volun, is a novella-sized accompaniment for a perfect reading evening.
Hear my full review of THE OBLIVION BRIDE and see how the drink is made at Bar Cart Bookshelf on YouTube.

youtu.be/o6orDzerrFM

[Siavahda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obviously I will pounce on anything Caitlin Starling writes, so when I heard she had a queer science fantasy out with Neon Hemlock? I couldn’t hit the buy button fast enough!

Nephele Corisande is an unstoppable force, a world-ending weapon, a calamity in the shape of a fiancée.

And I regret nothing. This is a gorgeous little novella, brimming over with aching emotion: Lorelei, last scion of a noble house she doesn’t want, exhausted and just wanting to be allowed to dye her hair pink again; and Nephele, the prince’s War Alchemist, severe and isolated and duty-bound to unravel the curse killing off Lorelei’s family. It’s amazing to me that Starling conveys the intensity of the incredible awkwardness between them at the beginning – the first scene with the fertility doctor is dehumanising and awful, and you can feel poor Lorelei’s humiliation at going through it with this terrifying stranger present – and so deftly transforms it, alchemist-like, into a growing love that’s so easy to believe in. In so few pages! Off the top of my head, I can’t think of another novella whose romance was so convincing and real to me.

She shifts, then, caging Lorelei in with her arms, gazing down at this girl who has been handed to her, who needs her, who is so fierce it makes the stars dull in shame beside her. From an obligation to a mystery to an obsession–Nephele can think of no finer path to adoration.

Starling has created an interesting setting, where mobile phones exist but magic has turned the world outside the cities into unstable chaos. There are remnants of ancient, powerful, long-lost civilisations, and railcars that run on magic; Lorelei undergoes fertility treatments while Nephele battles magical machines. The setting, and society, are familiar in so many ways, and then wildly not in others, in a way that delighted me.

But the characters are the best part. I loved seeing Lorelei grow in confidence, find her spine and her teeth; and I loved seeing the badass, cold Nephele soften and trip into Catching Feels. They’re both so incredibly human; Lorelei in particular makes some very stupid calls…but they’re so understandable in context, because she’s grieving and scared and tired. Nephele throwing herself into finding and removing the curse, first because it’s her job, then because she’s offended it’s eluding her, and finally because she’s frantic to save Lorelei… It’s wonderful, and convincing: you feel all of it with her. There’s little whispers of a Beauty and the Beast situation, kinda, in that Nephele is magically powerful and intimidating and scary-looking and Lorelei is just sort of given to her…and of course, that Lorelei is maybe the first person ever to really see Nephele as a person, not a useful weapon??? *chef’s kiss* Delicious. We love to see it!

I would happily read an entire novel of these characters and this setting, but Oblivion Bride is exactly the right length as it is: Starling knew exactly what story she wanted to tell and exactly how many words it needed, and gave it that, no more and no less. There’s always something so satisfying about a short story or novella that is exactly the right length, where the story has not been squashed down or stretched further than it should be, and Oblivion Bride hits the sweet spot.

The actual explanation for the curse felt very abrupt to me, and I didn’t like what I understood of the ending (and a fair bit of it left me confused), but this was a wonderful read that I need more people to know about!

Trigger Warnings: gynaecology examination, dubiously-consenting medical impregnation, one sip of alcohol while pregnant, and what looks like a miscarriage but isn’t.

[Corrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Oblivion Bride by Caitlin Starling

In the glittering, magic-steeped city-state of Volun, Lorelei Steddart has always thought of herself as little more than an office drone—part of a wealthy family’s sprawling business empire but far from the real power. That all changes when almost every member of her extended family dies under mysterious, likely magical circumstances, thrusting her into both inheritance and suspicion.

To protect the Steddart estate and uncover the truth behind the deaths, Lorelei’s uncle arranges a marriage of convenience: she is wed to Nephele Corisande, Volun’s top war alchemist. Nephele is powerful, intimidating, and enigmatic—someone who might have the capability to investigate the weird magic poisoning Lorelei’s bloodline… or someone who might be hiding even darker secrets herself.

As Lorelei steps into this new role, what begins as purely strategic shifts into something more unexpected. She and Nephele slowly build a connection through shared danger, secrecy, and the weight of inherited responsibilities. Meanwhile, the magic afflicting Lorelei’s family mutates into something new—something deadly and unstable—and it’s rooted in her own blood. Lorelei must learn to trust Nephele’s knowledge, challenge her own fears, and decide how much of herself she’s willing to sacrifice in the quest for justice and freedom.

Underneath the intrigue and merging of power lies a story of identity, agency, and love blossoming in unsought places. Lorelei’s journey is one of stepping into her own strength, forging alliances in unexpected places, and discovering that sometimes the person you’re betrothed to might be the ally you need most when everything is on the line.

Loved this novella! My fourth Caitlin Starling, and she has become one of my favorite authors this year.

5 Stars

[Vervada · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I've know about this project since it was just an awesome short story that left me wanting more. And I was so glad when I found out that there would be more. Now, I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed this expanded version, but that I wouldn't have minded if it had been even longer. Lorelei's awful situation and her determination to keep living in spite of it and Nephele's grounded attitude and slowly building protectiveness made them easy to root for and their romance was very nice if, as I've said, a little short. The worldbuilding was quite intriguing and the plot kept me interested. The ending might have been a touch abrupt, but it was satisfying.

I really need to check out Caitlin Starling's other books because she's a very good writer, even if I'm not really a fan of horror.

[Chris Fraser · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure how to feel.

I think this may just be a big ME issue. This is the second science fiction/fantasy novella/short story I've read this year that I just couldn't get into! I think there's just not enough time or space in these types of story structures to let me get invested in the world and that's not the authors problem, it's mine.

I did enjoy the romance. Nephele and Lorelei actually falling for each other was expected, but done in such a sweet way I couldn't help but smile at it during some scenes.

Overall I'd say I wasn't overwhelmed or underwhelmed...I'm assuredly just whelmed.

[Rudrashree Makwana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Volun. Lorelei’s family died under mysterious circumstances and she inherited everything. Perhaps a deadly magic that killed them is most likely to kill her too so her uncle marries her off to Nephele, city’s top War Alchemist. The two of them not only unveils the deadly magic and curse behind mysterious deaths but they form an unbreakable bond. So a lot of things happens in this book and expect a lots of twists leading to a dark and dangerous world of magic. Alongside magic, unexpected happens and the ending was emotional and this was such a rollercoaster ride.

4.5/5

[Angel Becc · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, I couldn’t summarize what happened in this book. I was so confused and kept waiting for it all to unravel and make sense, but instead it just got more confusing. The ending was so abrupt I thought pages were missing. I never grasped the world or its magic.

That said, I liked the premise, but I didn’t really understand why the prince even cared enough to task his alchemist with finding out why our fmc’s family was cursed. The romance was sweet and believable, and both our fmcs were likeable.

Overall, an okay but confusing read.