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It's Not a Cult
Callum, Melusine and Al play in a band with no name, baffling audiences in terrible pubs across the north-east of England with their 'sound.' Their songs tell the stories of the fictional northern gods of small things, of mishap and mayhem. Absolutely no one knows what they're on about. But they believe in their music, and in each other. And they're happy.
That is, until an act of violence at a pub gig goes viral, they catch the eye of a disillusioned influencer and suddenly go from having a cult following to having a cult, following.
All the Solkats want, Callum insists, is to have effect on the world. But as fans from LA to Australia flock to Northumberland, and each gig becomes larger and more lawless than the last, this effect starts to feel scarily… real. Which poses the if the Solkats really do exist, which is it more dangerous to a wayward group of elder gods, or your biggest fans?
Because gods and cults both demand sacrifices. And one way or another they're going to get one…
That is, until an act of violence at a pub gig goes viral, they catch the eye of a disillusioned influencer and suddenly go from having a cult following to having a cult, following.
All the Solkats want, Callum insists, is to have effect on the world. But as fans from LA to Australia flock to Northumberland, and each gig becomes larger and more lawless than the last, this effect starts to feel scarily… real. Which poses the if the Solkats really do exist, which is it more dangerous to a wayward group of elder gods, or your biggest fans?
Because gods and cults both demand sacrifices. And one way or another they're going to get one…
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First published October 23, 2025
185 people are currently reading
3277 people want to read
About the author
Joey Batey
1 book124 followersJoey Batey was raised in the North East of England. He read Modern and Medieval Languages at the University of Cambridge where he was shortlisted (2012) and winner (2013) of the Cambridge Footlights Harry Porter Prize for New Writing. Since graduating, he has worked as an actor, director, musician and playwright, and is best known for his role in flagship Netflix show The Witcher. Joey writes and directs music videos, live sessions and short films for his alt-folk group The Amazing Devil, who released their third studio album in 2022, as well occasionally performing stand-up in his spare time.
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November 29, 2025joey batey posesses this unique ability to use words i wouldn't think of putting together in a million years to create descriptions so hauntingly beautiful you couldn't mistake his style for anyone else's- a sentence or two can suddenly make you see an entirely differrent dimension, one you had no idea existed
the strongest aspect of ''it's not a cult'' is its atmosphere. the language the author uses suits the premise of the story perfectly- and it's quite funny, especially at the beginning, how it contrasts with the dialogues, who are not poetic at all. somehow the juxtaposition works, at least for the most time.
this book had one of the most intriguing and fascinating first chapters (or rather prologues) i've ever read. i'm usually not a huge fan of introducing the reader to the story by revealing its end, but here it absolutely works. the characters immediately appear to be ones you'd want to read a book, and boy what characters they are. the dynamics and unconditional love mel and callum share at times is the driving force behind the story, especially with them being so different. al's role as the narrator of the book is well reflected in her presence throughout the book and it's frankly a joy to read about how the three interact with each other and the other characters.
what i didn't enjoy, however, was the turn the book took at some point. i've read a fair share of stories trying to show the power of the internet, to make a point how dangerous it can be, and it rarely works for me- unfortunately, ''it's not a cult'' was no different in this regard. it wasn't bad, don't get me wrong, but i felt it kind of made the book lose its rhythm at times.
despite some slight issues, this book is definitely worth reading. though maybe when you get to it, try making notes about the solkats, i sometimes forgot who was who and had to go back a few pages to make sure i didn't miss anything lmao. an absolute delight of a book!!
p.s. mel's initials? i see what you did here joey.
original review: okay, fine, so i'll read anything written by the guy responsible for ''farewell wanderlust'', sue me
the strongest aspect of ''it's not a cult'' is its atmosphere. the language the author uses suits the premise of the story perfectly- and it's quite funny, especially at the beginning, how it contrasts with the dialogues, who are not poetic at all. somehow the juxtaposition works, at least for the most time.
this book had one of the most intriguing and fascinating first chapters (or rather prologues) i've ever read. i'm usually not a huge fan of introducing the reader to the story by revealing its end, but here it absolutely works. the characters immediately appear to be ones you'd want to read a book, and boy what characters they are. the dynamics and unconditional love mel and callum share at times is the driving force behind the story, especially with them being so different. al's role as the narrator of the book is well reflected in her presence throughout the book and it's frankly a joy to read about how the three interact with each other and the other characters.
what i didn't enjoy, however, was the turn the book took at some point. i've read a fair share of stories trying to show the power of the internet, to make a point how dangerous it can be, and it rarely works for me- unfortunately, ''it's not a cult'' was no different in this regard. it wasn't bad, don't get me wrong, but i felt it kind of made the book lose its rhythm at times.
despite some slight issues, this book is definitely worth reading. though maybe when you get to it, try making notes about the solkats, i sometimes forgot who was who and had to go back a few pages to make sure i didn't miss anything lmao. an absolute delight of a book!!
p.s. mel's initials? i see what you did here joey.
original review: okay, fine, so i'll read anything written by the guy responsible for ''farewell wanderlust'', sue me
Want to read
March 26, 2025If I do not read this as soon as it comes out assume I'm dead.
Want to read
May 9, 2025i’m seated. the publishers are scared and asking me to leave because it ‘doesn't even have a cover yet has only just had the cover announcement’ but i’m simply too seated.
Want to read
April 11, 2025joey batey joey batey joey batey joey batey joey batey is writing a horror book about musicians and ancient gods omg (sorry i might be a little bit obsessed with the amazing devil)
November 5, 2025
everything has music within it. every sadness and every hope.
i accept this as joey's apology for not releasing any new music in the last four years. but also joey please i beg you release new music. this whole book read like amazing devil lyrics and i loved every second of it. if you love their music, you will love this book (reading it while listening to the amazing devil is in fact a peak experience). that's all i have to say tbh. read this book! listen to their music! embrace whimsy and joy!
i accept this as joey's apology for not releasing any new music in the last four years. but also joey please i beg you release new music. this whole book read like amazing devil lyrics and i loved every second of it. if you love their music, you will love this book (reading it while listening to the amazing devil is in fact a peak experience). that's all i have to say tbh. read this book! listen to their music! embrace whimsy and joy!
September 5, 2025
4.5 stars! This is one of those books where you need to take a step back and think about what you just read. The story follows a band. They have no name and would like to have their music recognised but are equally happy with the process of crafting their art. They create music based around their own folklore of Gods who live amongst us, the Solkats.
The story is told from Al's point of view. Al is not really sure what all the folklore means but can often feel and sense what is going on through the music and connection to band mates, Mel and Callum. Al is the drummer and, due to social anxiety, views everything through the lens of a camera, being careful to never be on screen. Al posts the recordings to the Internet, and when a violent and unexpected event happens, the band goes viral but not in the way they imagined.
The story explores social media, fads/fandom, fame, rage, the power of music, and self-expression.
The pacing is slow, measured, and builds gradually, and before you know what is going on, the world has become chaotic. The writing is sharp, disturbingly beautiful, yet there is an undercurrent of frantic disorder within. I liked Al being the storyteller as this adds a further distortion to the events that happen.
This was a great debut, and I look forward to seeing what comes next!
Huge thanks to the author, publisher, Bloody Scotland, and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
The story is told from Al's point of view. Al is not really sure what all the folklore means but can often feel and sense what is going on through the music and connection to band mates, Mel and Callum. Al is the drummer and, due to social anxiety, views everything through the lens of a camera, being careful to never be on screen. Al posts the recordings to the Internet, and when a violent and unexpected event happens, the band goes viral but not in the way they imagined.
The story explores social media, fads/fandom, fame, rage, the power of music, and self-expression.
The pacing is slow, measured, and builds gradually, and before you know what is going on, the world has become chaotic. The writing is sharp, disturbingly beautiful, yet there is an undercurrent of frantic disorder within. I liked Al being the storyteller as this adds a further distortion to the events that happen.
This was a great debut, and I look forward to seeing what comes next!
Huge thanks to the author, publisher, Bloody Scotland, and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.
Read
September 18, 2025Batey’s prose is absolutely stunning, lyrical and melancholic with fusions of dark humour. This is a tale of Northern gods, of possessive fandoms and social media at its worst. Al was my favourite character, a young man who views the world through a camera lens, often distorted, often with greater clarity.
However, the theme of music and playing gigs became too prominent throughout and caused the pacing of the plot to get lost under its weight. So at times I struggled to focus.
If delving deeply into the making of bands and the wins and pitfalls of success is your thing, I’d highly recommend.
ARC provided by Bloomsbury in exchange for an honest review.
However, the theme of music and playing gigs became too prominent throughout and caused the pacing of the plot to get lost under its weight. So at times I struggled to focus.
If delving deeply into the making of bands and the wins and pitfalls of success is your thing, I’d highly recommend.
ARC provided by Bloomsbury in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2025
See this is what I love about Joey Batey, he's such a yearner. Even when talking about beard scum, he's going to be poetic about it.
This is a chaotic, folky love letter to Northern England following a small underground band as they inadvertently achieve a cult following, and it rapidly descends into horrific violence. The use of Al's cameras to tell the story, and being reminded that the main character may be dead, really added to the tension.
I'm obviously a huge fan of The Amazing Devil, and this book reminded me of the song King. There's something uncanny in potentially reading too much into a song, in a book about fans who read too much into songs. I really loved that the illustrations were Madeleine's though!
This is a chaotic, folky love letter to Northern England following a small underground band as they inadvertently achieve a cult following, and it rapidly descends into horrific violence. The use of Al's cameras to tell the story, and being reminded that the main character may be dead, really added to the tension.
I'm obviously a huge fan of The Amazing Devil, and this book reminded me of the song King. There's something uncanny in potentially reading too much into a song, in a book about fans who read too much into songs. I really loved that the illustrations were Madeleine's though!
Want to read
April 1, 2025Already obsessed with his music and now I get a book to obsess over?! Can't wait to read it!
December 12, 2025
Trigger warning: dementia, murder, suicide, blood, addiction (substance abuse), schizophrenia, mass panic … and so much more.
« I thought that my books were inherently not meant for wide release. That I was too weird. That I simply wasn't good enough. » - Joey Batey
In a world- especially the world of books, of BookTok, Bookstagram, or whatever they all call themselves - the crowd chases the next trend, the next hit, the next crush and rush and kick. And in doing so, we look for something unique, don’t we? For something that is different, right?
Joey’s debut was nothing I expected - but everything I needed. Everything I look for in books. In words. In art. In the search for uniqueness. For depth. For something that moves inside you. And stays within you. Maybe for the rest of your life.
It is not an easy book. Far from it. And the only thing I genuinely want to criticize, in this modern world, is the lack of trigger warnings. Because it needs them. God, this book needs them. Not because it is graphically violent (though yes, it is that too!), but because it touches the psyche. It moves it. And yes, depending on where you are in your own journey, it can certainly trigger.
This book will stay with me not only because it made me question my own thinking. It will remain in my memory not only because it contains sharp, critical words - in all its subtexts - and addresses them directly to the reader. A criticism of consumer behavior, of the addiction to the next sensation, of crossing boundaries, infiltrated by the consumption of the internet, of social media, of the loss of humanity and respect.
This book will remain with me because it changed something within me. Philosophical words, perhaps, but I hope that is exactly what Joey intends to convey to the reader. What he wants to move with this story - one that leaves so much to think about, and that earns a place on my shelf. A story I will recommend to anyone who is searching: for more, for something different, for depth and reflection.
And for Joey: please never say again that you are weird. We all are. This world is weird. Please write more books. Please publish them - even if it’s "only" self-publishing. Or whatever. I want to hear more of your thoughts, sink into your ideas, and have your (world) criticism hold a mirror to my own behavior and consumption.
Thank you for all the critical perspectives the Solkats have shown me.
I will miss Cal, Mel and Al with my whole heart.
Read this book!
« I thought that my books were inherently not meant for wide release. That I was too weird. That I simply wasn't good enough. » - Joey Batey
In a world- especially the world of books, of BookTok, Bookstagram, or whatever they all call themselves - the crowd chases the next trend, the next hit, the next crush and rush and kick. And in doing so, we look for something unique, don’t we? For something that is different, right?
Joey’s debut was nothing I expected - but everything I needed. Everything I look for in books. In words. In art. In the search for uniqueness. For depth. For something that moves inside you. And stays within you. Maybe for the rest of your life.
It is not an easy book. Far from it. And the only thing I genuinely want to criticize, in this modern world, is the lack of trigger warnings. Because it needs them. God, this book needs them. Not because it is graphically violent (though yes, it is that too!), but because it touches the psyche. It moves it. And yes, depending on where you are in your own journey, it can certainly trigger.
This book will stay with me not only because it made me question my own thinking. It will remain in my memory not only because it contains sharp, critical words - in all its subtexts - and addresses them directly to the reader. A criticism of consumer behavior, of the addiction to the next sensation, of crossing boundaries, infiltrated by the consumption of the internet, of social media, of the loss of humanity and respect.
This book will remain with me because it changed something within me. Philosophical words, perhaps, but I hope that is exactly what Joey intends to convey to the reader. What he wants to move with this story - one that leaves so much to think about, and that earns a place on my shelf. A story I will recommend to anyone who is searching: for more, for something different, for depth and reflection.
And for Joey: please never say again that you are weird. We all are. This world is weird. Please write more books. Please publish them - even if it’s "only" self-publishing. Or whatever. I want to hear more of your thoughts, sink into your ideas, and have your (world) criticism hold a mirror to my own behavior and consumption.
Thank you for all the critical perspectives the Solkats have shown me.
I will miss Cal, Mel and Al with my whole heart.
Read this book!
Read
November 10, 2025well well well
I thoroughly enjoyed this! of course, I expected nothing less from the man who brought us Welly Boots, but there you go :D
the whole novel feels like a rollicking, blazing, horrifying step into the very worst corners of the internet and fandom as a whole - I was hooked from the start and with every act of violence, I was more engrossed as I waited to see what they would do next.
the writing was highly descriptive and metaphorical, which I loved, and the structure of the novel, with most scenes being filmed, added to the claustrophobic feeling of constant surveillance. of course, a notable mention has to go to Madeleine Hyland's illustrations at the top of each chapter - they're amazingly devilish (ha)
I thoroughly enjoyed this! of course, I expected nothing less from the man who brought us Welly Boots, but there you go :D
the whole novel feels like a rollicking, blazing, horrifying step into the very worst corners of the internet and fandom as a whole - I was hooked from the start and with every act of violence, I was more engrossed as I waited to see what they would do next.
the writing was highly descriptive and metaphorical, which I loved, and the structure of the novel, with most scenes being filmed, added to the claustrophobic feeling of constant surveillance. of course, a notable mention has to go to Madeleine Hyland's illustrations at the top of each chapter - they're amazingly devilish (ha)
December 13, 2025
Solid 4⭐️
The prose is beautiful throughout this book! Even more amazing when you consider that this is Bateys first novel. And, unsurprisingly coming from a musical background, Batey expertly generates a real musical and theatrical feel for the whole experience.
I loved the band and the 'found-family' trope they had going on between them but also how individually their characters are explored, each with their own short-comings and successes.
The created mythology of the Solkats that the band sing about is completely confusing and therefore hard to follow. But I think that was the point, it leaves alot to interpretation, much like the bands followers in the book.
I discovered part of the way through reading that Batey is actually part of a band called The Amazing Devil and I found myself listening to their music quite often, which really pairs well with the book.
I had a great time reading this and cannot wait to see what Batey comes up with in the future!
The prose is beautiful throughout this book! Even more amazing when you consider that this is Bateys first novel. And, unsurprisingly coming from a musical background, Batey expertly generates a real musical and theatrical feel for the whole experience.
I loved the band and the 'found-family' trope they had going on between them but also how individually their characters are explored, each with their own short-comings and successes.
The created mythology of the Solkats that the band sing about is completely confusing and therefore hard to follow. But I think that was the point, it leaves alot to interpretation, much like the bands followers in the book.
I discovered part of the way through reading that Batey is actually part of a band called The Amazing Devil and I found myself listening to their music quite often, which really pairs well with the book.
I had a great time reading this and cannot wait to see what Batey comes up with in the future!
September 26, 2025
It's Not a Cult can be summarised best by one of its own quotes. (And I realise that these ARCs are provided to not be quoted, but it's so applicable I hope I'll be forgiven.)
"I found comfort in the complexity. Nothing has complexity any more... What drew me to the Solkat Cycle, at first, was the assumption that I wasn't dumb. That I was able to handle untrustworthy narrators, twisted accounts, form my own ideas. That I could cope with complexity"
This book is no walk in the park. I found myself reading and rereading it. Trying to figure things out and I'm very aware that certain bits flew way over my head. But it also had a certain rawness in its portrayal of people. The way Batey somehow focuses on the flaws of every character but they come out feeling real, human and forgiveable. The story has lgbtqia+ representation, and it's multi layered tale with rich lore and heart. But it might be too thinky for me.
It's lexically complex and advanced, but may fall on the side of unneccessarily so.
"I found comfort in the complexity. Nothing has complexity any more... What drew me to the Solkat Cycle, at first, was the assumption that I wasn't dumb. That I was able to handle untrustworthy narrators, twisted accounts, form my own ideas. That I could cope with complexity"
This book is no walk in the park. I found myself reading and rereading it. Trying to figure things out and I'm very aware that certain bits flew way over my head. But it also had a certain rawness in its portrayal of people. The way Batey somehow focuses on the flaws of every character but they come out feeling real, human and forgiveable. The story has lgbtqia+ representation, and it's multi layered tale with rich lore and heart. But it might be too thinky for me.
It's lexically complex and advanced, but may fall on the side of unneccessarily so.
August 20, 2025
It's Not a Cult but it kind of is, and I want in. Do you ever read a book and think "damn, I would be one of these blind followers?" because that's what happened to me.
Joey Batey is not only playing my favourite Witcher character and making amazing music, now he's also the author of my new favourite book. What's next? (hopefully a new album)
It's Not a Cult is a story about a band. They don't have a name and they aren't famous. But it doesn't matter to them - Mel, Callum and Al live for playing gigs in small clubs. Until an incident at one of their gigs goes viral, and they have to deal with a fandom that is very invested in their songs. Because their songs aren't exactly normal, Callum bases them on his own mythology of Solkats, deities of small things that have an influence on our lives. Unfortunately, the growing fandom has their own interpretation of these songs, and it's not always a peaceful one.
The entire book is from one POV - Al's. Al is the drummer of the band, but they joined later and don't really understand the lore. They are the perfect narrator that the reader can easily relate to. There are fragments that focus on different characters (but still told via Al's pov even though they are not there) and in a few of them the story switches from that other character to Al quite abruptly. It would be better if that was moved to the next chapter. Other than that, I don't have any complaints.
It's Not a Cult is an amazing commentary on social media, fandoms and music. This book won't be for everyone, the pace is quite slow, and the plot can be a little chaotic. But if you've ever done a deep dive into a band's lore or stayed up late to watch a concert, then I think you will enjoy this book.
I have some more spoiler thoughts, but I will save them until the book is published.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a digital copy of this book.
Joey Batey is not only playing my favourite Witcher character and making amazing music, now he's also the author of my new favourite book. What's next? (hopefully a new album)
It's Not a Cult is a story about a band. They don't have a name and they aren't famous. But it doesn't matter to them - Mel, Callum and Al live for playing gigs in small clubs. Until an incident at one of their gigs goes viral, and they have to deal with a fandom that is very invested in their songs. Because their songs aren't exactly normal, Callum bases them on his own mythology of Solkats, deities of small things that have an influence on our lives. Unfortunately, the growing fandom has their own interpretation of these songs, and it's not always a peaceful one.
The entire book is from one POV - Al's. Al is the drummer of the band, but they joined later and don't really understand the lore. They are the perfect narrator that the reader can easily relate to. There are fragments that focus on different characters (but still told via Al's pov even though they are not there) and in a few of them the story switches from that other character to Al quite abruptly. It would be better if that was moved to the next chapter. Other than that, I don't have any complaints.
It's Not a Cult is an amazing commentary on social media, fandoms and music. This book won't be for everyone, the pace is quite slow, and the plot can be a little chaotic. But if you've ever done a deep dive into a band's lore or stayed up late to watch a concert, then I think you will enjoy this book.
I have some more spoiler thoughts, but I will save them until the book is published.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a digital copy of this book.
July 28, 2025
I was so excited to see that Joey Batey had written a book, and even more excited to receive a review copy, so thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this before release.
I loved the mythology of the Solkats, who are minor gods of small things (a couple of my favourites: Spelk, 'Solkat of cramps and forgotten bruises' and Scran, 'Solkat of bar tabs, reckonings and squander').
No spoilers here - I went into this knowing just the brief synopsis, and I think that's an excellent way to experience the book.
The characters were well crafted and fleshed out. I didn't find Mel particularly likeable at first, although she did grow on me as the story progressed, despite her melodrama and affectations. Callum was intriguing, and I loved the descriptions of his appearance. Al, our narrator, is an anxious soul who lives life through a camera lens, filming the band's every move. Al's Gran was also an interesting character.
This book is beautifully written and the prose is engaging. It’s atmospheric, exciting and often funny. The ending was perfect.
I'll definitely be re-reading this in future because I already want to revisit Al's world and I think I'll get even more out of it a second time around.
I loved the mythology of the Solkats, who are minor gods of small things (a couple of my favourites: Spelk, 'Solkat of cramps and forgotten bruises' and Scran, 'Solkat of bar tabs, reckonings and squander').
No spoilers here - I went into this knowing just the brief synopsis, and I think that's an excellent way to experience the book.
The characters were well crafted and fleshed out. I didn't find Mel particularly likeable at first, although she did grow on me as the story progressed, despite her melodrama and affectations. Callum was intriguing, and I loved the descriptions of his appearance. Al, our narrator, is an anxious soul who lives life through a camera lens, filming the band's every move. Al's Gran was also an interesting character.
This book is beautifully written and the prose is engaging. It’s atmospheric, exciting and often funny. The ending was perfect.
I'll definitely be re-reading this in future because I already want to revisit Al's world and I think I'll get even more out of it a second time around.
April 7, 2025
LETS FUCKING GOOO 🗣️🗣️🗣️
If this book isn’t somehow available in Canada until September I’m flying to the UK- I NEED IT
If this book isn’t somehow available in Canada until September I’m flying to the UK- I NEED IT
December 8, 2025
Bro what the FUCK
This was so unnerving in the best way
This was so unnerving in the best way
November 12, 2025
I could talk about this book for hours. I am absolutely in love with these characters and this weird and scary version of the northeast they occupy. What a delightfully unnerving book
December 9, 2025
this book could start a cult and I would gladly follow it
November 16, 2025
I should lower my rating shouldn’t I… I just can’t bring myself to do it I was so excited for this book!! (It’s like a 2.75, to be annoying)
October 24, 2025
I was originally interested in this book as I was a fan of ‘The Witcher’ and the band ‘The Amazing Devil’. I don’t typically go for horror; however, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I loved the originality of this book-Joey uses the same lyricism that makes his music so popular to keep the flow going throughout.
I enjoyed that it was set in the North-East and featured some areas that I visited when I used to live there, such as Jesmond and Whitley Bay. I found it a nice change from books typically being set in London or New York.
I also found it interesting to see how mythology gets twisted, and the followers change the narrative to justify their violence. It could also be seen as a criticism of religious extremism and blind faith, themes I have always found compelling and feature in my favourite film, ‘Life of Brian’. This book also explores the ideas of responsibility within art: how responsible are we for the actions of our fans and followers?
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in fandoms, folklore or who just fancy reading a good book.
Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy.
I loved the originality of this book-Joey uses the same lyricism that makes his music so popular to keep the flow going throughout.
I enjoyed that it was set in the North-East and featured some areas that I visited when I used to live there, such as Jesmond and Whitley Bay. I found it a nice change from books typically being set in London or New York.
I also found it interesting to see how mythology gets twisted, and the followers change the narrative to justify their violence. It could also be seen as a criticism of religious extremism and blind faith, themes I have always found compelling and feature in my favourite film, ‘Life of Brian’. This book also explores the ideas of responsibility within art: how responsible are we for the actions of our fans and followers?
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in fandoms, folklore or who just fancy reading a good book.
Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy.
November 16, 2025
Having never watched “The Witcher” or been introduced to the music of “The Amazing Devil”, I did not have a clue who Joey Batey was before purchasing this book. I went into reading this novel completely blind and with zero expectations, barring the synopsis which sounded intriguing!!
And wow. I knew this was gong to be a five star book within the first couple chapters. This is my first book I have ever felt the need to put pencil to page, (my colourful tabs alone wouldn’t cut it), as I would’ve promptly run out of them - having something to say about multiple lines on every page. I was totally enamoured.
⚠️ possible very light spoilers from here ⚠️
“It’s Not a Cult” follows a band with no name made up of three people: Callum and Melusine (long time best friends that are the definition of “opposites attract); and Al - whom I did not realise was a girl until a little over half way through the book…?! I’m unsure as to whether this is intentional or I’m just slow, but on page 146 (about half way) when Al is referred to as “Alice” for the first time it really threw my through a loop. This mislead is not a critique though - as I found myself already wanting to re-read the book so I could experience the first half with this new knowledge!!
The band’s music (or “Cycles” as they call them) revolves around the lore of the “Solkats”, which are described as Gods of small things, all entirely fabricated by the bands main songwriter (Cycle-writer?): Cal. Each chapter introduces a new Solkat: their name, what they are the Solkat of, and is accompanied by a tiny illustration of said Solkat (courtesy of Batey’s bandmate and long-time friend - Madeleine Hyland). I found even just this little detail to be very endearing and absorbed me even more into the world and mystery of the Solkats.
Another aspect of the book I really enjoyed was the fact that it is almost like a found footage movie in a book, something I’d never encountered before. Nearly the entirety of this book is done through the perspective of a camera lens - due to our main narrator (Al) filming everything in their lives.
The countless metaphors and beautiful descriptive language had me re-reading lines and paragraphs just to appreciate them again and again. From “distant flecks of scratched cobalt and cerulean caught in whirling menace” to “a seemingly ceaseless seraphic emanation of the self, a kind of flow, through collective creation”, this novel is full to the brim of near poetic literature whilst also managing to not muddy the plot or slow down the pace. It was a perfect balance.
I also enjoyed that this book had a lot to say underneath the plot. Whilst navigating our way through the story being told - the countless quips and insights from Al give us a lot more to think about than just what’s going to happen next. This includes comments on the meaning of love; the morals of holding power; the question of when to take accountability; makes a fan vs what makes a follower; and such an incredible lot more.
All in all, I have not one bad thing to say about this book. This is the most pleasantly surprised I have ever been. Please read this book.
And wow. I knew this was gong to be a five star book within the first couple chapters. This is my first book I have ever felt the need to put pencil to page, (my colourful tabs alone wouldn’t cut it), as I would’ve promptly run out of them - having something to say about multiple lines on every page. I was totally enamoured.
⚠️ possible very light spoilers from here ⚠️
“It’s Not a Cult” follows a band with no name made up of three people: Callum and Melusine (long time best friends that are the definition of “opposites attract); and Al - whom I did not realise was a girl until a little over half way through the book…?! I’m unsure as to whether this is intentional or I’m just slow, but on page 146 (about half way) when Al is referred to as “Alice” for the first time it really threw my through a loop. This mislead is not a critique though - as I found myself already wanting to re-read the book so I could experience the first half with this new knowledge!!
The band’s music (or “Cycles” as they call them) revolves around the lore of the “Solkats”, which are described as Gods of small things, all entirely fabricated by the bands main songwriter (Cycle-writer?): Cal. Each chapter introduces a new Solkat: their name, what they are the Solkat of, and is accompanied by a tiny illustration of said Solkat (courtesy of Batey’s bandmate and long-time friend - Madeleine Hyland). I found even just this little detail to be very endearing and absorbed me even more into the world and mystery of the Solkats.
Another aspect of the book I really enjoyed was the fact that it is almost like a found footage movie in a book, something I’d never encountered before. Nearly the entirety of this book is done through the perspective of a camera lens - due to our main narrator (Al) filming everything in their lives.
The countless metaphors and beautiful descriptive language had me re-reading lines and paragraphs just to appreciate them again and again. From “distant flecks of scratched cobalt and cerulean caught in whirling menace” to “a seemingly ceaseless seraphic emanation of the self, a kind of flow, through collective creation”, this novel is full to the brim of near poetic literature whilst also managing to not muddy the plot or slow down the pace. It was a perfect balance.
I also enjoyed that this book had a lot to say underneath the plot. Whilst navigating our way through the story being told - the countless quips and insights from Al give us a lot more to think about than just what’s going to happen next. This includes comments on the meaning of love; the morals of holding power; the question of when to take accountability; makes a fan vs what makes a follower; and such an incredible lot more.
All in all, I have not one bad thing to say about this book. This is the most pleasantly surprised I have ever been. Please read this book.
November 23, 2025
Choice is hard. It’s scary and unknown. It requires constant will and leads to perpetual consequence. But in recitation, in prayer and song, there are no choices. Just a collective voice, relinquishing autonomy because autonomy is so deeply terrifying. Someone wrote this prayer long ago, so you don’t need your own words any more. Just listen to these ones and let go. Let go of who you are.
To say I’m obsessed is an understatement. Joey Batey is a genius and I’m not saying it because I’m a huge fan of The Amazing Devil (have you heard his lyrics??) but because I genuinely loved this and was really, truly impressed.
It is beautifully written, with prose that flows effortlessly and drawed me in from the very first page. It has amazingly complex characters, with a powerful commentary on society and being perceived/understood. And although the whole novel is gripping, it was the last ten pages that truly stayed with me.. they were so emotional that I was completely moved. A stunning, thoughtful read that really showcases why Joey Batey deserves the highest praise and why I’ll always love his work.
Also the little Solkat drawings were drawn by Madeline, oh my dear heart is fretting (see what I did there?)
To say I’m obsessed is an understatement. Joey Batey is a genius and I’m not saying it because I’m a huge fan of The Amazing Devil (have you heard his lyrics??) but because I genuinely loved this and was really, truly impressed.
It is beautifully written, with prose that flows effortlessly and drawed me in from the very first page. It has amazingly complex characters, with a powerful commentary on society and being perceived/understood. And although the whole novel is gripping, it was the last ten pages that truly stayed with me.. they were so emotional that I was completely moved. A stunning, thoughtful read that really showcases why Joey Batey deserves the highest praise and why I’ll always love his work.
Also the little Solkat drawings were drawn by Madeline, oh my dear heart is fretting (see what I did there?)
December 24, 2025
Everything has music within it. Every sadness and every hope.
I want to recommend this book to every living soul with a spark of weird in them.
Joey's words are like a balm to aching minds and tender hearts. I expected it to be good, but maybe not THIS good. Being closely familiar with the beauty of The Amazing Devil's lyrics and screams towards the stormy skies, I knew that I'm in for a ride, yet what was delivered was so much more.
A tale of a band with no name. The dilemma whether to buy a new XLR cable or pot noodles. The process of creating something with people you feel comfortable being weird around, about releasing your art into the world and watching it twisting and transforming into something new, something different, in the the wild ocean of the internet.
A tale of a fandom, a warning, an echo of collective madness that lurks in the zeroes and ones of every new forum thread.
A tale of faith and what it can do to us.
But underneath all of that, there are pockets of warm blankets and days-old wine, of found family and safety. I'm kissing the author on the forehead for laying his soul bare. I give my thanks for all the little details about what living with constant anxiety feels like. About the ugly and the dark and about growing flowers in dog shit.
Do you know what the definition of madness is? It's who you are when the world doesn't matter anymore.
I've spent years, darling. Years of my life trying. Trying to show you that you're not broken. That the world isn't broken. That you're allowed to fail, to run, to go and live.
Crying can be applause sometimes.
I want to recommend this book to every living soul with a spark of weird in them.
Joey's words are like a balm to aching minds and tender hearts. I expected it to be good, but maybe not THIS good. Being closely familiar with the beauty of The Amazing Devil's lyrics and screams towards the stormy skies, I knew that I'm in for a ride, yet what was delivered was so much more.
A tale of a band with no name. The dilemma whether to buy a new XLR cable or pot noodles. The process of creating something with people you feel comfortable being weird around, about releasing your art into the world and watching it twisting and transforming into something new, something different, in the the wild ocean of the internet.
A tale of a fandom, a warning, an echo of collective madness that lurks in the zeroes and ones of every new forum thread.
A tale of faith and what it can do to us.
But underneath all of that, there are pockets of warm blankets and days-old wine, of found family and safety. I'm kissing the author on the forehead for laying his soul bare. I give my thanks for all the little details about what living with constant anxiety feels like. About the ugly and the dark and about growing flowers in dog shit.
Do you know what the definition of madness is? It's who you are when the world doesn't matter anymore.
I've spent years, darling. Years of my life trying. Trying to show you that you're not broken. That the world isn't broken. That you're allowed to fail, to run, to go and live.
Crying can be applause sometimes.
Read
November 29, 2025I don’t know why I thought a folk horror book was going to have a happy ending. That was wishful thinking.
Needless to say, I came for the lyrical prose and stayed for the strange, original and thought provoking story. Wonderful debut!
Needless to say, I came for the lyrical prose and stayed for the strange, original and thought provoking story. Wonderful debut!
December 22, 2025
I absolutely adore the way Joey Batey describes music, not in terms of sound but in terms of feelings and movement and sensation. In fact, a lot of this book is describing mundane things in novel and sideways vocabulary that leaves you feeling like you've just experienced a familiar thing in a brand new way. I hope Batey writes more books.
October 28, 2025
When does the artist's intention take backseat to their following's crowdsourced interpretation of the work? Joey Batey's inaugural novel It's Not A Cult asks questions about furore, fandom, and Death of the Author, as an intense folk horror about modern media virality, mob mentality, and finding your art taking meaning beyond the limits of what you could give it.
The characters are real in a way that stays true to The Amazing Devil's back catalogue and reinforces that Batey is most definitely a fervid studier of the human condition without demonising or overly praising it either. Any of the characters or the buildings could have walked off the page and straight into the wilds of the North of England without much ado or more than a few looks askance. The midpoint plot twist was a great check and balance with ones own unconscious stereotypes, and the ending had such an air of legend to it whilst also dealing with the grim realities of flash fame.
Of course, one could not leave a review without talking about the Solkats. A pantheon of gods of small moments and effects is not a new idea, but Batey's pantheon and 'Cycles' give this a fresh twist that have possibly been building in different guises throughout the TAD discography. Most of what we see of the Solkats is people's devotion and need of them, The Archivist's visions of certain characters being guided and goaded by patron Solkats -including themselves- does pose the final and beginning question from the book's Synopsis. Is it really the fans, crafting their own mythology and bringing destruction from their 'translations' of the music, or are the Solkats reaching through and crafting their effects for good or ill?
The characters are real in a way that stays true to The Amazing Devil's back catalogue and reinforces that Batey is most definitely a fervid studier of the human condition without demonising or overly praising it either. Any of the characters or the buildings could have walked off the page and straight into the wilds of the North of England without much ado or more than a few looks askance. The midpoint plot twist was a great check and balance with ones own unconscious stereotypes, and the ending had such an air of legend to it whilst also dealing with the grim realities of flash fame.
Of course, one could not leave a review without talking about the Solkats. A pantheon of gods of small moments and effects is not a new idea, but Batey's pantheon and 'Cycles' give this a fresh twist that have possibly been building in different guises throughout the TAD discography. Most of what we see of the Solkats is people's devotion and need of them, The Archivist's visions of certain characters being guided and goaded by patron Solkats -including themselves- does pose the final and beginning question from the book's Synopsis. Is it really the fans, crafting their own mythology and bringing destruction from their 'translations' of the music, or are the Solkats reaching through and crafting their effects for good or ill?
November 6, 2025
Dangerously good, once I picked it up I had a hard time putting it down, almost made me late for work on more than one occasion.
August 28, 2025
As contradictory as it was lyrical, Joey Batey’s debut was an uncanny folk horror I found myself utterly hooked on!
Filled with lush passages bursting with rhythm, yet grounded in the gritty realism of everyday life (via our characters’ dialects, their colloquialisms, and those awkward conversational pauses we’ve all experienced at some point.) And was enthralled and unsettled in equal measure!
Especially as the band’s music, woven with the fictional myths of “The Solkats” (a pantheon of northern gods created by the band’s founder, Cal) begins to take on a life of it’s own. With followers committing ever increasing acts of chaos and violence as the band’s notoriety (and fame) expands.
It’s set in the pubs and small venues in the northeast of England and told primarily from the POV of Al, the drummer in Mel and Cal’s unnamed band. Which gave readers a really good insight into the daily grind of gig culture, and the underlying horror-esque tension of their songs (about fictitious, half forgotten gods) which become gospel-like, and dangerous as they take on a life of their own.
The pacing is a little slower than I anticipated, and the timeline of events is fractured (we travel back and forth through Al’s POV of their time with the band, along with the occasional chapter chronicling the aftermath and fans via an influencer who becomes caught up in the fanaticism) which shouldn’t have worked soo well, but did!
There’s not much else I can add without spoilers, but I loved how Batey’s prose skilfully blurred the boundaries of reality, and art. Portraying just how easily collectivism can subvert the meaning behind art, or its original intent, into something almost unrecognisable.
So, if you love your reads dark, a little disorienting but fabulously unputdownable, then I highly suggest checking this one out! But do check the TWs.
Also, thanks to Rachel Quin & Bloomsbury/ Raven Books for the proof.
Filled with lush passages bursting with rhythm, yet grounded in the gritty realism of everyday life (via our characters’ dialects, their colloquialisms, and those awkward conversational pauses we’ve all experienced at some point.) And was enthralled and unsettled in equal measure!
Especially as the band’s music, woven with the fictional myths of “The Solkats” (a pantheon of northern gods created by the band’s founder, Cal) begins to take on a life of it’s own. With followers committing ever increasing acts of chaos and violence as the band’s notoriety (and fame) expands.
It’s set in the pubs and small venues in the northeast of England and told primarily from the POV of Al, the drummer in Mel and Cal’s unnamed band. Which gave readers a really good insight into the daily grind of gig culture, and the underlying horror-esque tension of their songs (about fictitious, half forgotten gods) which become gospel-like, and dangerous as they take on a life of their own.
The pacing is a little slower than I anticipated, and the timeline of events is fractured (we travel back and forth through Al’s POV of their time with the band, along with the occasional chapter chronicling the aftermath and fans via an influencer who becomes caught up in the fanaticism) which shouldn’t have worked soo well, but did!
There’s not much else I can add without spoilers, but I loved how Batey’s prose skilfully blurred the boundaries of reality, and art. Portraying just how easily collectivism can subvert the meaning behind art, or its original intent, into something almost unrecognisable.
So, if you love your reads dark, a little disorienting but fabulously unputdownable, then I highly suggest checking this one out! But do check the TWs.
Also, thanks to Rachel Quin & Bloomsbury/ Raven Books for the proof.
July 3, 2025
A thoroughly good time. I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and the publisher.
This was an entertaining horror novel focused around music, cults and social media. While I was expecting an entertaining and menacing read, what I hadn’t expected was how beautiful some of the language would be. There were descriptive moments so evocative and incisive that I had to pause to ponder them. That’s not even mentioning the riveting ‘cycles’ of songs peppered throughout the book telling the tales of the Solkats which were beautiful and boisterous in their own right. This book is memorable for its entertaining story, its discussion on social media, but particularly for the wonderful descriptions and language.
We follow a not so popular band, playing their folkloric cycles in small pubs in the North of England whose lives are changed when they start to get attention on social media. This exposes them to hundreds of thousands of new followers who interpret their songs in increasingly menacing ways, ways that start to gain a following where those who dissent are punished. This is both attractive and worrying to the band and their ‘archivist’ drummer Al who documents their journey through video.
The growing, creeping menace of the followers is tangible as the band starts to lose control of their own message and see their work reinterpreted to feed the malicious intentions of others. There’s an insidious spreading through the consciousness of the followers where it no longer matters what the vision of the creator was, and this leads to devastating and escalating consequences.
This book felt really exciting, for the language as mentioned but also for feeling like something new and different. It was often unexpected, little surprises coming out of nowhere that make you challenge your own preconceptions. A riveting and thoughtful read.
This was an entertaining horror novel focused around music, cults and social media. While I was expecting an entertaining and menacing read, what I hadn’t expected was how beautiful some of the language would be. There were descriptive moments so evocative and incisive that I had to pause to ponder them. That’s not even mentioning the riveting ‘cycles’ of songs peppered throughout the book telling the tales of the Solkats which were beautiful and boisterous in their own right. This book is memorable for its entertaining story, its discussion on social media, but particularly for the wonderful descriptions and language.
We follow a not so popular band, playing their folkloric cycles in small pubs in the North of England whose lives are changed when they start to get attention on social media. This exposes them to hundreds of thousands of new followers who interpret their songs in increasingly menacing ways, ways that start to gain a following where those who dissent are punished. This is both attractive and worrying to the band and their ‘archivist’ drummer Al who documents their journey through video.
The growing, creeping menace of the followers is tangible as the band starts to lose control of their own message and see their work reinterpreted to feed the malicious intentions of others. There’s an insidious spreading through the consciousness of the followers where it no longer matters what the vision of the creator was, and this leads to devastating and escalating consequences.
This book felt really exciting, for the language as mentioned but also for feeling like something new and different. It was often unexpected, little surprises coming out of nowhere that make you challenge your own preconceptions. A riveting and thoughtful read.
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