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Obstetrix
Not yet published
Expected 9 Jun 26From the Hugo award-winning author Naomi Kritzer comes a tense portrait of a future we desperately hope to escape.
O Lord, deliver us.
Doctor Liz has just been acquitted for performing the last abortion in North Dakota when she's kidnapped.
They're not just any kidnappers, but a fundamentalist cult, deep in the rural west, without respect for law or decency, and in desperate need of an OB/GYN.
Guarded, isolated, without access to the outside world, Liz nevertheless is treated with respect as the only doctor on the compound, but she is very aware of what happened to the last obstetrician they kidnapped.
She must escape, and bring help to the girls trapped at the compound, if it's the last thing she does.
O Lord, deliver us.
Doctor Liz has just been acquitted for performing the last abortion in North Dakota when she's kidnapped.
They're not just any kidnappers, but a fundamentalist cult, deep in the rural west, without respect for law or decency, and in desperate need of an OB/GYN.
Guarded, isolated, without access to the outside world, Liz nevertheless is treated with respect as the only doctor on the compound, but she is very aware of what happened to the last obstetrician they kidnapped.
She must escape, and bring help to the girls trapped at the compound, if it's the last thing she does.
208 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication June 9, 2026
4160 people want to read
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November 13, 2025A fast-moving feminist thriller, in which an obstetrician is kidnapped by a violently patriarchal extremist christian cult somewhere in nowhere USA and forced to provide midwifery and medical help for their (many) pregnant women. Great atmosphere of surveillance and fear, and a very realistic depiction of how a normal person would react in the circumstances, which is to say, if you are expecting the heroine to go Jackie Reacher on the cultists, you will be disappointed. Rather, it builds a horrifying high-tension picture of the heroine's helplessness and desperation to escape, along with her sense of obligation to her patients, and an awful feeling of not knowing who to trust or help. Compelling reading that feels all too plausible in the current climate.
I had an ARC from the publisher (which is also my publisher).
I had an ARC from the publisher (which is also my publisher).
November 26, 2025
** I received an advance digital copy from the publisher, because I am a librarian and librarians are awesome **
While the publisher bills this as near-future science fiction, the "science" aspect is that the narrator is a physician, and the "future" (where an OB/GYN is prosecuted for her role in terminating a viable pregnancy) basically feels like it could happen any second, so, yeah.
I found myself flying through the story, though, because it has many features that I like in a book, among them: natural childbirth, cults, and a premise ripped from true crime.
While the ending felt like it wrapped up too quickly, and absolutely nothing can compare to Candace Fleming's Death in the Jungle when it comes to capturing the insidious creep of a cult's control over its members (like falling in love John Green style - slowly, then all at once), the story was realistic enough and entertaining enough. This is a case of appreciating what it is, even if I probably would have enjoyed a novel-length version with rotating POVs even more for its ability to ratchet up the tension and stakes.
While the publisher bills this as near-future science fiction, the "science" aspect is that the narrator is a physician, and the "future" (where an OB/GYN is prosecuted for her role in terminating a viable pregnancy) basically feels like it could happen any second, so, yeah.
I found myself flying through the story, though, because it has many features that I like in a book, among them: natural childbirth, cults, and a premise ripped from true crime.
While the ending felt like it wrapped up too quickly, and absolutely nothing can compare to Candace Fleming's Death in the Jungle when it comes to capturing the insidious creep of a cult's control over its members (like falling in love John Green style - slowly, then all at once), the story was realistic enough and entertaining enough. This is a case of appreciating what it is, even if I probably would have enjoyed a novel-length version with rotating POVs even more for its ability to ratchet up the tension and stakes.
January 14, 2026
Another typically fresh and fantastic novella from Tor, and from Naomi Kritzer, author of the delightful Catfishing on CatNet!
I read this 200-ish-page treat in basically one sitting. I relished the voice and thought process of Dr. Liz, the pragmatic and straightforward but compassionate (and fantasy literature-loving) obstetrician who finds herself mysteriously stuck in the rural compound of the cult-like group Harvest during a time when obstetricians are in short regional supply due to increasing hardship and pressure for medical professionals in that line of work - as Dr. Liz has already discovered all too well.
This moving and suspenseful little story read like a mix of Big Love, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Call the Midwife. In some ways - and especially in their shared ability to find calmness and inspiration through escapism into a fantasy narrative - Dr. Liz reminded me of another favorite Tor character who is also beloved for their keen-eyed observations and askance assessments of the humankind around them: that’s right, Murderbot! The book should also appeal to fans of Tor luminary Sarah Gailey. And is not the cover striking?
I’m not sure that Tor ever commits a misstep, and they certainly haven’t done so with this one. Obstetrix is due on June 9, 2026. Big thanks to Tor Publishing Group, NetGalley, and the author for the ARC!
I read this 200-ish-page treat in basically one sitting. I relished the voice and thought process of Dr. Liz, the pragmatic and straightforward but compassionate (and fantasy literature-loving) obstetrician who finds herself mysteriously stuck in the rural compound of the cult-like group Harvest during a time when obstetricians are in short regional supply due to increasing hardship and pressure for medical professionals in that line of work - as Dr. Liz has already discovered all too well.
This moving and suspenseful little story read like a mix of Big Love, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Call the Midwife. In some ways - and especially in their shared ability to find calmness and inspiration through escapism into a fantasy narrative - Dr. Liz reminded me of another favorite Tor character who is also beloved for their keen-eyed observations and askance assessments of the humankind around them: that’s right, Murderbot! The book should also appeal to fans of Tor luminary Sarah Gailey. And is not the cover striking?
I’m not sure that Tor ever commits a misstep, and they certainly haven’t done so with this one. Obstetrix is due on June 9, 2026. Big thanks to Tor Publishing Group, NetGalley, and the author for the ARC!
January 10, 2026
I finished this book (edit: this is considered a novella!) in one, four-hour sitting. It was a fast paced thriller about an obstetrician that was kidnapped by a religious cult to help the often very young women (and children) deliver babies. Naturally it had strong feminist themes, but also presented really interesting moral/philosophical debates within the main character that made me consider what I would do in a similar situation.
It is everything I hoped for when I requested this ARC, if anything I wished it was a little longer. I would have loved more character development from some secondary characters, like Bethany’s parents, or backstory about Pastor John and the development of the compound (although, I think we can assume, these types of cults are all essentially a copy-paste). The ending came fast, but I loved it.
A free ARC was provided through NetGalley and Tor publishing exchange for an honest review.
It is everything I hoped for when I requested this ARC, if anything I wished it was a little longer. I would have loved more character development from some secondary characters, like Bethany’s parents, or backstory about Pastor John and the development of the compound (although, I think we can assume, these types of cults are all essentially a copy-paste). The ending came fast, but I loved it.
A free ARC was provided through NetGalley and Tor publishing exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2025
This novella/short book went by so fast I was left wanting so much more! I wish there had been a little more depth and character development, but the premise for the story was interesting and it’s hard to go very deep in a novella.
I really enjoyed the story overall though. It feels very timely and very likely to happen, if it isn’t already. I think fans of Neal Shusterman’s Unwind series would enjoy this book and I would recommend it to teens and young adults. This might also be a great book for adults who are learning to read since it has adult topics but isn’t too long.
Many thanks to the author, publisher, and Edelweiss for providing this advanced readers copy for free for review.
I really enjoyed the story overall though. It feels very timely and very likely to happen, if it isn’t already. I think fans of Neal Shusterman’s Unwind series would enjoy this book and I would recommend it to teens and young adults. This might also be a great book for adults who are learning to read since it has adult topics but isn’t too long.
Many thanks to the author, publisher, and Edelweiss for providing this advanced readers copy for free for review.
January 19, 2026
It's not often that I immediately turn around a review after finishing a book, but sometimes you read something incredibly special and know you're going to be hearing a lot about it coming up and want to be part of hyping it up. Takes place in a near future where we are still living in the aftermath of Roe v Wade calling, and our main, Liz, is an ob/gyn who was just acquited for performing the last abortion in North Dakota. She's kidnapped by a fundamentalist cult with the lure of a job interview in Minnesota to be their doctor. We get a hell of a tale of how she survives, the things she witnesses, how she tries to prevent harm as best she can in a place where fourteen year old girls are married to forty year olds with the expectation of rapid and frequent childbirth, and how the power of stories gives hope and shared power in a patriarchal nightmare cult. This comes out in June, but preorder it now, and enjoy the summer treat.
January 13, 2026
This was a really good read from start to finish, as is the usual with Naomi Kritzer’s books no matter the subject matter. There were so many small details that gave the story a face no matter how central any particular characters were, and I couldn’t help but be invested in every plot point no matter how small.
The narrative also makes the cult seem like a parallel for rigid gender roles overall, with details such as the myriad of ways that the cult seems to only care about healthcare when it extends to pregnancy, that have an effect on their whole society.
The narrative also makes the cult seem like a parallel for rigid gender roles overall, with details such as the myriad of ways that the cult seems to only care about healthcare when it extends to pregnancy, that have an effect on their whole society.
February 27, 2026
Meh I thought this was gonna be a banger of a sci-fi horror kidnapping, but it was almost YA it was so tame? I know the stakes were *technically* high because our main character is kidnapped by a cult who is violently, fundamentally religious, but it was written in a way that never had you doubting a happy ending. I skipped over every single instance of the childhood book references after the first three. And there’s A LOT. Anyway. I didn’t hate. But it was forgettable. Thanks for my ARC, NetGalley!
March 19, 2026
This one is difficult to rate. I was definitely engrossed in the story and entertained the entire time, but it didn’t feel exceptionally fresh. & I was not fond of how the ending wrapped up.
Thank you to Tor for the ARC
Thank you to Tor for the ARC
February 17, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgally and Tor for providing this ARC.
This was a very fast-paced novella about an obstetrician who was recently acquitted for a medically nessceary abortion. While looking for a job, she gets kidnapped by a cult. The premis was very interesting and what kept me reading.
However, I am sad to say this story fell a bit short for me. The story lacked character development. I wasn't invested in any of the characters. The ending was very unrealistic and rushed.
This was a very fast-paced novella about an obstetrician who was recently acquitted for a medically nessceary abortion. While looking for a job, she gets kidnapped by a cult. The premis was very interesting and what kept me reading.
However, I am sad to say this story fell a bit short for me. The story lacked character development. I wasn't invested in any of the characters. The ending was very unrealistic and rushed.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
(3.5🌟 rounded up)
Perfect for a short, simple, engrossing read!
The story follows Liz, a OB/GYN who was practically outlawed from North Dakota when she performed an abortion, even though she was acquitted. She's desperate for a new job and reluctantly accepts a job interview that feels suspicious. It ends up being a member of a cult who kidnaps Liz and forces her to become the cult's doctor, especially since they have so many pregnant women.
When I initially read the synopsis of this blurb, I was expecting something more outrightly sinister, so I was surprised by the direction this book took. It's sounds like it might be a dystopian book, but it really isn't, because this could have happened today, or even a couple of years ago, given the current policital climate in the US and frankly globally.
The story focuses on Liz's time with the cult, and while it initially feels like a story about escape, it ends up being an unsettling read because of the underlying horror of what it means to actually be a woman in that cult. There's a sense of dread as you learn more about the expectations of girls and women in this cult, and how Liz struggles with these revelations as a doctor who actually seems to care for her patients and who had taken it upon herself to become a knowledgeable and safe doctor for all types of patients.
I ended up really liking Liz's character, mostly because she was quite a uniquely written character given the circumstances. Instead of her becoming this unlikely hero who manages to do something wildly brave and become the saviour of the cult, she instead bides her time and waits for an opportunity to present itself while slowly learning more about the people around her and their beliefs. She provides the best care she feels she can, and she becomes fiercely protective over some of the girls and women she gets to know. She's unique because she feels extremely relatable, and I don't think I would have done anything differently if I was in her situation.
The book is quite short and it's a pretty straightforward read, which was exactly what I needed at this moment. It felt refreshing after reading quite a few lengthy and heavy reads, so I found myself speeding through this book! The writing seems overtly simplistic at first and almost choppy, but it took me about a chapter to get used to it and then I didn't even notice it anymore.
Highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a short and satisfying read with an interesting and realistic main character in an impossible situation.
Perfect for a short, simple, engrossing read!
The story follows Liz, a OB/GYN who was practically outlawed from North Dakota when she performed an abortion, even though she was acquitted. She's desperate for a new job and reluctantly accepts a job interview that feels suspicious. It ends up being a member of a cult who kidnaps Liz and forces her to become the cult's doctor, especially since they have so many pregnant women.
When I initially read the synopsis of this blurb, I was expecting something more outrightly sinister, so I was surprised by the direction this book took. It's sounds like it might be a dystopian book, but it really isn't, because this could have happened today, or even a couple of years ago, given the current policital climate in the US and frankly globally.
The story focuses on Liz's time with the cult, and while it initially feels like a story about escape, it ends up being an unsettling read because of the underlying horror of what it means to actually be a woman in that cult. There's a sense of dread as you learn more about the expectations of girls and women in this cult, and how Liz struggles with these revelations as a doctor who actually seems to care for her patients and who had taken it upon herself to become a knowledgeable and safe doctor for all types of patients.
I ended up really liking Liz's character, mostly because she was quite a uniquely written character given the circumstances. Instead of her becoming this unlikely hero who manages to do something wildly brave and become the saviour of the cult, she instead bides her time and waits for an opportunity to present itself while slowly learning more about the people around her and their beliefs. She provides the best care she feels she can, and she becomes fiercely protective over some of the girls and women she gets to know. She's unique because she feels extremely relatable, and I don't think I would have done anything differently if I was in her situation.
The book is quite short and it's a pretty straightforward read, which was exactly what I needed at this moment. It felt refreshing after reading quite a few lengthy and heavy reads, so I found myself speeding through this book! The writing seems overtly simplistic at first and almost choppy, but it took me about a chapter to get used to it and then I didn't even notice it anymore.
Highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a short and satisfying read with an interesting and realistic main character in an impossible situation.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was an FLDS/Scientology vibe if I've ever read one (outside of Leah Remini's memoir). In it, an OBGYN named Liz is abducted during a fake interview after recently being acquitted for performing a medically-necessary abortion.
She is drugged and driven who-knows-where and forced to live on the compound of a religious cult that's in need of a permanent doctor. She spends every moment of every day trying to find ways to get help or leave or even get a message to her elderly father, but she has a hard time determining who she can trust - especially knowing someone on the compound shot the last kidnapped doctor for not following orders.
This book was...something. We learn a lot about how Liz works and thinks, and it's clear that Kritzer did her homework when it comes to medical terminology and procedures (she says in the Acknowledgments that she worked with a gynecologist). It wasn't overwhelmingly jargony but had the right about of information that made me understand what was serious and what these women went through on the compound.
We also see the daily minutia of the religious cult. What they're allowed to do (nothing but also sewing); what they're not allowed to do (be alone or talk); where they're allowed to go (the cafeteria). This aspect of the novel was the most interesting to me because we see it through the lens of an outsider. There were moments when not a lot was happening outside of Liz trying to strategize or build relationships, but when things were happening, it was bananas. My biggest gripe (and there really aren't many) is that it went on a little too long. Most of the last chapter felt unnecessary. I would have appreciated a little more ambiguity, but that's just my opinion. It was an overall good book, and I will be recommending it.
*Thanks to NetGalley, Tor Publishing Group, and Naomi Kritzer for this eARC. This review contains my honest, authentic thoughts and opinions.*
She is drugged and driven who-knows-where and forced to live on the compound of a religious cult that's in need of a permanent doctor. She spends every moment of every day trying to find ways to get help or leave or even get a message to her elderly father, but she has a hard time determining who she can trust - especially knowing someone on the compound shot the last kidnapped doctor for not following orders.
This book was...something. We learn a lot about how Liz works and thinks, and it's clear that Kritzer did her homework when it comes to medical terminology and procedures (she says in the Acknowledgments that she worked with a gynecologist). It wasn't overwhelmingly jargony but had the right about of information that made me understand what was serious and what these women went through on the compound.
We also see the daily minutia of the religious cult. What they're allowed to do (nothing but also sewing); what they're not allowed to do (be alone or talk); where they're allowed to go (the cafeteria). This aspect of the novel was the most interesting to me because we see it through the lens of an outsider. There were moments when not a lot was happening outside of Liz trying to strategize or build relationships, but when things were happening, it was bananas. My biggest gripe (and there really aren't many) is that it went on a little too long. Most of the last chapter felt unnecessary. I would have appreciated a little more ambiguity, but that's just my opinion. It was an overall good book, and I will be recommending it.
*Thanks to NetGalley, Tor Publishing Group, and Naomi Kritzer for this eARC. This review contains my honest, authentic thoughts and opinions.*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 stars
Super compelling near future story about an obstetrician having to figure out ethical choices in a life-and-death situation. I only read this in two sittings rather than one because I read the first chapter far too late at night, after being unable to resist starting it the second I found the e-ARC invite in my email. Definitely has the moreish thing I need from books.
It was intense and good and as horrific stories go, it really made me feel quite bolstered and like we will manage things together somehow despite all of the awful going on. I liked several of the characters a lot, and appreciated the nuance given to others whom I really disliked. The story was so clear and so involving, while staying grounded in what the narrator reasonably could know or work out. The narrator was someone I cared about a lot.
I also liked the metatextuality and bookishness going on, it helped me to stay with the story and made me really appreciate how well balanced everything was, so that it stayed gripping and horrible with thriller pacing, without falling into either of the common fail-for-maribou grim-thriller modes of "overwhelming, too much, too graphic" or "insufficiently realistic, insufficiently grim, why is this dystopic cult so twee". not at ALL twee, very realistic including in the mundane good bits about it. loved it.
Highly recommend reading it when it comes out in June.
CN: complicity, moral injury, other trauma stuff, spoiler: , obstetric complications, other medical things described in detail, realistic and upsetting near-future US politics, realistic depiction of religious abuse and coercive control
Super compelling near future story about an obstetrician having to figure out ethical choices in a life-and-death situation. I only read this in two sittings rather than one because I read the first chapter far too late at night, after being unable to resist starting it the second I found the e-ARC invite in my email. Definitely has the moreish thing I need from books.
It was intense and good and as horrific stories go, it really made me feel quite bolstered and like we will manage things together somehow despite all of the awful going on. I liked several of the characters a lot, and appreciated the nuance given to others whom I really disliked. The story was so clear and so involving, while staying grounded in what the narrator reasonably could know or work out. The narrator was someone I cared about a lot.
I also liked the metatextuality and bookishness going on, it helped me to stay with the story and made me really appreciate how well balanced everything was, so that it stayed gripping and horrible with thriller pacing, without falling into either of the common fail-for-maribou grim-thriller modes of "overwhelming, too much, too graphic" or "insufficiently realistic, insufficiently grim, why is this dystopic cult so twee". not at ALL twee, very realistic including in the mundane good bits about it. loved it.
Highly recommend reading it when it comes out in June.
CN: complicity, moral injury, other trauma stuff, spoiler: , obstetric complications, other medical things described in detail, realistic and upsetting near-future US politics, realistic depiction of religious abuse and coercive control
February 5, 2026
Wow, I want to shout from the rooftops about this book. I want to buy a copy for all the women in my life. I want to read it again immediately. I read it in one sitting and enjoyed every minute.
Naomi Kritzer has written a wonderful fast paced thriller about an OB/GYN in the Northern USA who’s abducted by a cult and forced to provide care for the many women who are pregnant in their isolated compound. The story raises many thought provoking ideas such as the level of care she owes these people. And in order to escape, would she, as a doctor, be capable of shooting someone?
But beyond thinking of escape, there is the boredom. Treating a group of 100 fairly healthy adults and their children isn’t overly taxing. The compound has one bible kept under lock and key and no other books. At night our protagonist Liz longs for a story that takes her outside her current situation. She longs for written words. These are the most poignant bits of the story. I want to write more about the plot and how much I loved it, but I also want to avoid any spoilers & because you should read it instead.
I realized while reading Obstetrix that my eyes were leaking. Which then turned to tears and by the end of the novel I was fully weeping. A beautiful little story.
I heard about this book because the author KJ Charles wrote a review for it way back in November. The book doesn’t publish until June, but I hope it gets the buzz it deserves. A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Naomi Kritzer has written a wonderful fast paced thriller about an OB/GYN in the Northern USA who’s abducted by a cult and forced to provide care for the many women who are pregnant in their isolated compound. The story raises many thought provoking ideas such as the level of care she owes these people. And in order to escape, would she, as a doctor, be capable of shooting someone?
But beyond thinking of escape, there is the boredom. Treating a group of 100 fairly healthy adults and their children isn’t overly taxing. The compound has one bible kept under lock and key and no other books. At night our protagonist Liz longs for a story that takes her outside her current situation. She longs for written words. These are the most poignant bits of the story. I want to write more about the plot and how much I loved it, but I also want to avoid any spoilers & because you should read it instead.
I realized while reading Obstetrix that my eyes were leaking. Which then turned to tears and by the end of the novel I was fully weeping. A beautiful little story.
I heard about this book because the author KJ Charles wrote a review for it way back in November. The book doesn’t publish until June, but I hope it gets the buzz it deserves. A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Obstetrix tells the story of Dr. Liz, an OB/GYN who was put on trial for performing a life-saving abortion and then moved from North Dakota to Minnesota. There, while she's struggling to find a job in obstetrics, she's kidnapped by a cult of religious fundamentalists and brought to their compound somewhere in the American west. It is a very timely story for a post-Roe America where reproductive health care is becoming harder to find across the country.
The book is tightly paced and suspenseful. I ended up reading it in one sitting. Though the story was worrisomely close to modern life, the atmosphere never got so tense I needed to step away from it. Instead, I wanted to know how (and if) Dr. Liz would escape the cult. It could have taken a darker turn, but I appreciated it for what it was.
My one issue with this book is not the book itself, but its description. It's misclassified as sci-fi when there's nothing remotely implausible or futuristic in it. This story could literally happen tomorrow and it would be shocking but not unrealistic. Even the medical science in it is firmly grounded in reality thanks to an early reader who was an OB/GYN (per the Acknowledgements). Though enjoyers of The Handmaid's Tale will probably enjoy this as well, it's nowhere near the same level of futuristic dystopia; the only dystopian element in it is sadly how close to home it hits.
Thank you to Tor, NetGalley, and Naomi Kritzer for the opportunity to read this early. I really enjoyed this one!
The book is tightly paced and suspenseful. I ended up reading it in one sitting. Though the story was worrisomely close to modern life, the atmosphere never got so tense I needed to step away from it. Instead, I wanted to know how (and if) Dr. Liz would escape the cult. It could have taken a darker turn, but I appreciated it for what it was.
My one issue with this book is not the book itself, but its description. It's misclassified as sci-fi when there's nothing remotely implausible or futuristic in it. This story could literally happen tomorrow and it would be shocking but not unrealistic. Even the medical science in it is firmly grounded in reality thanks to an early reader who was an OB/GYN (per the Acknowledgements). Though enjoyers of The Handmaid's Tale will probably enjoy this as well, it's nowhere near the same level of futuristic dystopia; the only dystopian element in it is sadly how close to home it hits.
Thank you to Tor, NetGalley, and Naomi Kritzer for the opportunity to read this early. I really enjoyed this one!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
After facing trial for performing an abortion in North Dakota, Dr. Elizabeth Gwinn is on the hunt for a new job as an OB/GYN. During her search, she gets a mysterious phone call that offers her a job to help alongside midwives for home birthing. She then meets the strange caller and during her interview, realizes that she has been drugged. What follows is a high stakes and fast-paced story about survival and recovery.
When Dr.Lizze gets taken to a cult-compound based off evangelical religious beliefs and heavy misogyny, she realizes that the only way to escape is to comply. As she carefully navigates her new circumstances, she grows closer with the other women trapped there and forms bonds to help her escape. Alongside her new job working in a makeshift medical clinic, she witnesses the true horrors of this cult as they promote abuse and child-marriages.
The writing is straightforward with Dr.Lizzie being the main narrator. Through her voice, the reader is taken on a tense journey where the doctor does all she can to escape while managing to look as submissive as possible to avoid suspicion. Naomi Kritzer does a great job at explaining the many medical procedures Dr.Lizzie has to do and the overall dread she feels as she does them.
This novel is a well-researched and quick read that contains feminist themes in a dystopian and cultish setting. The main character does a great job representing an everyday person that gets trapped in an extremely unlikely situation that brings a refreshing twist to the genre.
When Dr.Lizze gets taken to a cult-compound based off evangelical religious beliefs and heavy misogyny, she realizes that the only way to escape is to comply. As she carefully navigates her new circumstances, she grows closer with the other women trapped there and forms bonds to help her escape. Alongside her new job working in a makeshift medical clinic, she witnesses the true horrors of this cult as they promote abuse and child-marriages.
The writing is straightforward with Dr.Lizzie being the main narrator. Through her voice, the reader is taken on a tense journey where the doctor does all she can to escape while managing to look as submissive as possible to avoid suspicion. Naomi Kritzer does a great job at explaining the many medical procedures Dr.Lizzie has to do and the overall dread she feels as she does them.
This novel is a well-researched and quick read that contains feminist themes in a dystopian and cultish setting. The main character does a great job representing an everyday person that gets trapped in an extremely unlikely situation that brings a refreshing twist to the genre.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Fiction about reproductive rights and/or religious cults is my jam, so I was stoked to read Obstetrix. Unfortunately, for me, it did not live up to its promise. First off, classifying it as sci-fi/fantasy isn't really appropriate. There were no sci-fi or fantasy elements, unless you could the book that Dr. Liz read as a kid and brought up over and over again.
My two main problems (and they seem to go hand in hand) were that there were essentially no stakes, and the book was too short. This left it without much tension for me and not enough world building. When I think of religious cult I want fundamentalist Mormons in Short Creek; I want Branch Davidians. When there was mention of the FBI potentially coming to save her (in Idaho no less) I want Ruby Ridge. Outside of corporal punishment and off-page murders, there was no peril on the page. Everything was too neat. I wasn't afraid for Dr. Liz or really the rest of the Harvesters. Her rescue was too tidy and clean. The end a little too peaceful, despite hinting at her inner turmoil. It's rare I want a book to be longer, but this one needed more.
If you're looking for something similar but more successful, I'd recommend Future Home of the Living God by Louise Erdich, Red Clocks by Leni Zumas, or Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents by Octavia Butler.
2.5 stars rounded down, because this only seemed like half a book. Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC all the same!
My two main problems (and they seem to go hand in hand) were that there were essentially no stakes, and the book was too short. This left it without much tension for me and not enough world building. When I think of religious cult I want fundamentalist Mormons in Short Creek; I want Branch Davidians. When there was mention of the FBI potentially coming to save her (in Idaho no less) I want Ruby Ridge. Outside of corporal punishment and off-page murders, there was no peril on the page. Everything was too neat. I wasn't afraid for Dr. Liz or really the rest of the Harvesters. Her rescue was too tidy and clean. The end a little too peaceful, despite hinting at her inner turmoil. It's rare I want a book to be longer, but this one needed more.
If you're looking for something similar but more successful, I'd recommend Future Home of the Living God by Louise Erdich, Red Clocks by Leni Zumas, or Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents by Octavia Butler.
2.5 stars rounded down, because this only seemed like half a book. Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC all the same!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Obstetrix by Naomi Kritzer is a chilling, first-person dive into the nightmare of high-control systems. I received an early access copy via NetGalley and Tor Publishing, and it held me in a state of constant tension from the first chapter.
The story follows a doctor originally from North Dakota who, after a career defined by helping women, finds herself drugged and kidnapped under the guise of a job interview. She becomes the "property" of a patriarchal cult that views women as little more than reproductive tools but lacks the medical expertise to manage the complications that come with it.
As a reader, you are trapped right alongside her. Kritzer does a masterful job of balancing the protagonist's dual mission: providing compassionate care to her "patients" under the eyes of cult minders, while desperately searching for a way out. Having attended a conservative religious college (certainly not a cult) in North Dakota myself, I found the regional details and the fundamentalist mindset to be strikingly authentic.
While the eventual escape felt a bit sudden and pushed the boundaries of credibility a bit for me, the "aftermath" was handled with incredible maturity. The author captures the grueling reality of trauma: the endless police interviews, the nightmares, and the slow process of rebuilding a life, in a way that felt deeply earned. The ending is both touching and satisfying. A powerful look at resilience under the boot of extremism.
The story follows a doctor originally from North Dakota who, after a career defined by helping women, finds herself drugged and kidnapped under the guise of a job interview. She becomes the "property" of a patriarchal cult that views women as little more than reproductive tools but lacks the medical expertise to manage the complications that come with it.
As a reader, you are trapped right alongside her. Kritzer does a masterful job of balancing the protagonist's dual mission: providing compassionate care to her "patients" under the eyes of cult minders, while desperately searching for a way out. Having attended a conservative religious college (certainly not a cult) in North Dakota myself, I found the regional details and the fundamentalist mindset to be strikingly authentic.
While the eventual escape felt a bit sudden and pushed the boundaries of credibility a bit for me, the "aftermath" was handled with incredible maturity. The author captures the grueling reality of trauma: the endless police interviews, the nightmares, and the slow process of rebuilding a life, in a way that felt deeply earned. The ending is both touching and satisfying. A powerful look at resilience under the boot of extremism.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 stars rounded down. This was SO good. It is short but doesn’t feel short because so much happens, and it is incredibly well written.
An obstetrician in the not-too-distant-future lives in a world where OBs have left a number of states because of restriction on their professions when it comes to ending pregnancies. And yes, this feels predictive and terrifying.
Liz was put on trial for saving the life of a mother by terminating her pregnancy and though she was acquitted, she was without a job (she was the last remaining OB in North Dakota) despite moving to a state with more opportunities. That’s why she was receptive to a phone call inviting her to work for a midwife office as a backup OB.
I won’t summarize this here and you can read the description, but what follows is wild. The setting is so clearly described you can picture where she is and you can hear and see the people she is with and you feel her pain and fear and hopelessness. You also feel her hopefulness. And her despair.
And the moments of good, particularly the connection amongst those who might feel the way she does.
Half star deducted only because I felt like I needed more details about this near-future world where obstetricians left a number of states.
Thank you Tor Publishing Group and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
An obstetrician in the not-too-distant-future lives in a world where OBs have left a number of states because of restriction on their professions when it comes to ending pregnancies. And yes, this feels predictive and terrifying.
Liz was put on trial for saving the life of a mother by terminating her pregnancy and though she was acquitted, she was without a job (she was the last remaining OB in North Dakota) despite moving to a state with more opportunities. That’s why she was receptive to a phone call inviting her to work for a midwife office as a backup OB.
I won’t summarize this here and you can read the description, but what follows is wild. The setting is so clearly described you can picture where she is and you can hear and see the people she is with and you feel her pain and fear and hopelessness. You also feel her hopefulness. And her despair.
And the moments of good, particularly the connection amongst those who might feel the way she does.
Half star deducted only because I felt like I needed more details about this near-future world where obstetricians left a number of states.
Thank you Tor Publishing Group and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 11, 2026
3.5 (rounded to 4 on platforms that don’t have 1/2 ratings)
The premise of this book is what immediately pulled me in, an obstetrician kidnapped and forced to serve as the doctor for a cult? That’s an idea with so much potential, and I went in expecting to be completely hooked.
Overall, I did enjoy this one, but it never quite went as deep as I was hoping. The story didn’t grab me as quickly as I expected, and I didn’t really get that “I need to know what happens next” feeling until around the 80% mark. A lot of the tension felt delayed, which made the pacing a bit uneven for me.
There were also moments that felt repetitive, particularly the constant reminders that she was trapped with a cult, we already know, and I would have loved that space to be used for more character development instead. The medical jargon, while understandable given the main character’s profession, felt excessive at times. I would’ve preferred learning more about the people and the cult itself rather than getting so much technical detail.
That said, by the end I was invested, and I do think the concept is a strong one. With a little more depth, tighter pacing, and more focus on the characters, this could have been a standout for me. As it is, it was a solid, interesting read ,just one that didn’t quite fully deliver on what I was looking for.
The premise of this book is what immediately pulled me in, an obstetrician kidnapped and forced to serve as the doctor for a cult? That’s an idea with so much potential, and I went in expecting to be completely hooked.
Overall, I did enjoy this one, but it never quite went as deep as I was hoping. The story didn’t grab me as quickly as I expected, and I didn’t really get that “I need to know what happens next” feeling until around the 80% mark. A lot of the tension felt delayed, which made the pacing a bit uneven for me.
There were also moments that felt repetitive, particularly the constant reminders that she was trapped with a cult, we already know, and I would have loved that space to be used for more character development instead. The medical jargon, while understandable given the main character’s profession, felt excessive at times. I would’ve preferred learning more about the people and the cult itself rather than getting so much technical detail.
That said, by the end I was invested, and I do think the concept is a strong one. With a little more depth, tighter pacing, and more focus on the characters, this could have been a standout for me. As it is, it was a solid, interesting read ,just one that didn’t quite fully deliver on what I was looking for.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
It's always a pleasure to receive an arc from TOR, and it's especially a pleasure when it's something so fast paced and relevant as Obstetrix.
The story of an OBGYN who, facing job issues after a legal battle over providing a legal abortion, is kidnapped by a cult under the guise of an interview is one that I could absolutely see happening today. There are very loud, very obvious echoes of current headlines within the story- states that have no women's healthcare providers at all, states where doctors cannot do their medical duty. The story hits like a hard punch as a result, one that you take to the face and say 'thank you' for.
At just under 200 pages, the story moves FAST. It can easily be read in a day, and you'll want to read it in one sitting if you can, because it really keeps you glued to the chair. Even with a short length, I found myself attached to the characters, with a genuine emotional reaction to certain exchanges and outcomes.
The cult seems fairly true to life as well, at least from the many books on cults I've read. High control, no escape, an isolated location- how will Dr. Liz escape?
This is absolutely the type of novella that should be taught in the classroom in conjunction with the Handmaid's Tale, as a warning of what our society is poised to become.
The story of an OBGYN who, facing job issues after a legal battle over providing a legal abortion, is kidnapped by a cult under the guise of an interview is one that I could absolutely see happening today. There are very loud, very obvious echoes of current headlines within the story- states that have no women's healthcare providers at all, states where doctors cannot do their medical duty. The story hits like a hard punch as a result, one that you take to the face and say 'thank you' for.
At just under 200 pages, the story moves FAST. It can easily be read in a day, and you'll want to read it in one sitting if you can, because it really keeps you glued to the chair. Even with a short length, I found myself attached to the characters, with a genuine emotional reaction to certain exchanges and outcomes.
The cult seems fairly true to life as well, at least from the many books on cults I've read. High control, no escape, an isolated location- how will Dr. Liz escape?
This is absolutely the type of novella that should be taught in the classroom in conjunction with the Handmaid's Tale, as a warning of what our society is poised to become.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Obestetrix follows Liz after she’s kidnapped by a fundamentalist cult in desperate need of an OB/GYN. Liz is desperate to escape, but she must carefully plan as they murdered their last obstetrician they kidnapped. But no matter what, she’s going to get out and help the girls trapped at the compound if it’s the last thing she does.
This was a really good thriller/horror. I found it super easy to engage with and found the plot to be very fast-paced. The cult is so terrifying and I loved the look at body autonomy and grooming. It’s horrifying because it very much felt like it could exist today or tomorrow. Women are treated so poorly in the cult and the author made it so easy to empathize with them. I really enjoyed the writing style too and definitely want to read more from this author.
I really enjoyed Liz as a protagonist. She’s determined and intelligent and made very smart, calculated decisions. She felt really realistic and had to much care and kindness for her patients. She was so easy to root for and I loved how her story ended.
If you love books about cults that discuss women’s bodily autonomy, I’d definitely recommend it!
Thank you to Tor and Netgalley for the arc!
This was a really good thriller/horror. I found it super easy to engage with and found the plot to be very fast-paced. The cult is so terrifying and I loved the look at body autonomy and grooming. It’s horrifying because it very much felt like it could exist today or tomorrow. Women are treated so poorly in the cult and the author made it so easy to empathize with them. I really enjoyed the writing style too and definitely want to read more from this author.
I really enjoyed Liz as a protagonist. She’s determined and intelligent and made very smart, calculated decisions. She felt really realistic and had to much care and kindness for her patients. She was so easy to root for and I loved how her story ended.
If you love books about cults that discuss women’s bodily autonomy, I’d definitely recommend it!
Thank you to Tor and Netgalley for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Fast-paced amd short. Read it in about 3 hours.
It was good. Not great, didn't love it, but enjoyed it. I appreciate that it was a quick read.
There wasn't much character development or growth. Aside from the doctor, I only cared about one other character.
The plot was straightforward. Doctor kidnapped, taken to cult compound, wants to escape. I won't say anything else about that so there aren't any spoilers.
It was character driven more than plot driven.
I enjoyed the premise and the paranoia. I enjoyed the medical details (and that they weren't overly complicated yet easily described in a conversational way).
I'm not sure the glimpses into the MC's fantasy book memories were necessary. However, it did make me think of just how lost I'd be without something to read! NOTHING. No books were allowed, no magazines, not even a Bible even though it is a religious cult. The only Bible is kept under lock & key by the leader and only he or another Elder is allowed to get it out. That is only for reading it aloud to the Harvesters (cult community) during their daily sermons & such.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with some tense scenarios.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. These are my own honest opinions.
It was good. Not great, didn't love it, but enjoyed it. I appreciate that it was a quick read.
There wasn't much character development or growth. Aside from the doctor, I only cared about one other character.
The plot was straightforward. Doctor kidnapped, taken to cult compound, wants to escape. I won't say anything else about that so there aren't any spoilers.
It was character driven more than plot driven.
I enjoyed the premise and the paranoia. I enjoyed the medical details (and that they weren't overly complicated yet easily described in a conversational way).
I'm not sure the glimpses into the MC's fantasy book memories were necessary. However, it did make me think of just how lost I'd be without something to read! NOTHING. No books were allowed, no magazines, not even a Bible even though it is a religious cult. The only Bible is kept under lock & key by the leader and only he or another Elder is allowed to get it out. That is only for reading it aloud to the Harvesters (cult community) during their daily sermons & such.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with some tense scenarios.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. These are my own honest opinions.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5/5 rounded to 4
Science fiction is an exaggeration of some aspect(s) of our world today, and in a day and age where reproductive health continues to be villainized, this book felt all too real.
An obstetrician is kidnapped by an off grid religious cult that will go to the extreme for a properly trained doctor to take care of its many pregnant members. She’s then faced with a moral dilemma; how can she provide the best continuous care while also plotting her escape?
I was intrigued by the description, and the commentary on surveillance, literacy, and women’s health, among other topics, was what kept me reading. The ever building tension of this novella created an immersive reading experience, and the pacing was perfect for a story of this length. I was hoping to have been provided more details on the cult throughout the novella, but with how secretive members of the cult were, it feels realistic to not be given much information.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this, and Naomi Kritzer has become an author I would love to read more from in the future!
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing for providing a free eARC in exchange for an honest review, and thank you to Naomi Kritzer for writing such an interesting story!
Science fiction is an exaggeration of some aspect(s) of our world today, and in a day and age where reproductive health continues to be villainized, this book felt all too real.
An obstetrician is kidnapped by an off grid religious cult that will go to the extreme for a properly trained doctor to take care of its many pregnant members. She’s then faced with a moral dilemma; how can she provide the best continuous care while also plotting her escape?
I was intrigued by the description, and the commentary on surveillance, literacy, and women’s health, among other topics, was what kept me reading. The ever building tension of this novella created an immersive reading experience, and the pacing was perfect for a story of this length. I was hoping to have been provided more details on the cult throughout the novella, but with how secretive members of the cult were, it feels realistic to not be given much information.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this, and Naomi Kritzer has become an author I would love to read more from in the future!
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing for providing a free eARC in exchange for an honest review, and thank you to Naomi Kritzer for writing such an interesting story!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This short novel packs a great punch. At just over 200 pages this book gets right to the point..
The protagonist, Dr. Liz Gwinn is an Obstetrician who performed a banned abortion in North Dakota was acquitted on the charges. But Dr. Gwinn finds herself looking for focus and a job after the ordeal.
Just pages into the novella, Dr. Gwinn is kidnapped by a religious cult who needs an OB/GYN to serve the women in its compound.
What follows is a chilling story of fundamentalists keeping Dr. Gwinn captive. On the surface this story is a kidnapping thriller story. But deeper in it is a look into a horrific dystopian future, a look at body autonomy (or lack there of) and resistance. This book explores grooming, lack of choice and purpose. Women are regarded as second class humans and Liz isn’t having any of that for her, or some of the women she meets during her imprisonment.
As mentioned, this is a short book, it wastes little time and tells a compact story of a heroine.
Thanks to Netgalley, Naomi Kritzer and Tor Dot Com for the review ecopy. Thanks for printing books on important topics, Tor!
The protagonist, Dr. Liz Gwinn is an Obstetrician who performed a banned abortion in North Dakota was acquitted on the charges. But Dr. Gwinn finds herself looking for focus and a job after the ordeal.
Just pages into the novella, Dr. Gwinn is kidnapped by a religious cult who needs an OB/GYN to serve the women in its compound.
What follows is a chilling story of fundamentalists keeping Dr. Gwinn captive. On the surface this story is a kidnapping thriller story. But deeper in it is a look into a horrific dystopian future, a look at body autonomy (or lack there of) and resistance. This book explores grooming, lack of choice and purpose. Women are regarded as second class humans and Liz isn’t having any of that for her, or some of the women she meets during her imprisonment.
As mentioned, this is a short book, it wastes little time and tells a compact story of a heroine.
Thanks to Netgalley, Naomi Kritzer and Tor Dot Com for the review ecopy. Thanks for printing books on important topics, Tor!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks netgalley for the chance to have an early read of this book. This story follows an obstetrician who os kidnapped by a religious cult to provide medical care to pregnant women in their community. I loved the premise of the book, but unfortunately I was not able to connect with the characters. I felt a lack of connection to the characters and the emotion just wasn’t present. The plot has one central event but the story drags around that movement. The author spends most of the time describing the community but not illustrating the emotional stakes that are underlying the action. There are also plot element, such as the doctor’s initial trial, that’s left unexplored beyond the first chapter or two. The book could have been fitted from more time setting up and exploring the emotional stakes of the character’s choices and moral dilemma the situation posed. It is a telling story that touches on themes of women’s rights, misogyny, Christian nationalism, and fascism. Unfortunately that intensity is lost in the character arcs, and the ending in some ways betrays the theme of women’s empowerment as the doctor is rescued in the end by men.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a quick, tense read that felt a little too real.
I appreciated the ending and the follow-up on what happened to the characters. This gave the story a sense of closure that a lot of dystopian novellas skip. That said, I did wish we’d gotten more backstory on the cult itself. I kept wondering how the world got to that point. But honestly… with the way things are right now, it’s not that hard to imagine.
I also would have liked more character development. There were several people introduced that I never fully connected with, and I think a little more depth would have made the emotional stakes hit harder.
Still, what this book does well is capture something deeply unsettling about living in a world where women’s bodies are constantly treated as something to control. It’s dark, uncomfortable, and unfortunately very relevant. At its core, it’s a story about survival and the quiet, relentless strength it takes for women to endure cruelty and keep going.
Not an easy read... but a powerful one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.75 rounded up to 4 for platforms that don't allow this rating.
I appreciated the ending and the follow-up on what happened to the characters. This gave the story a sense of closure that a lot of dystopian novellas skip. That said, I did wish we’d gotten more backstory on the cult itself. I kept wondering how the world got to that point. But honestly… with the way things are right now, it’s not that hard to imagine.
I also would have liked more character development. There were several people introduced that I never fully connected with, and I think a little more depth would have made the emotional stakes hit harder.
Still, what this book does well is capture something deeply unsettling about living in a world where women’s bodies are constantly treated as something to control. It’s dark, uncomfortable, and unfortunately very relevant. At its core, it’s a story about survival and the quiet, relentless strength it takes for women to endure cruelty and keep going.
Not an easy read... but a powerful one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.75 rounded up to 4 for platforms that don't allow this rating.
January 14, 2026
Thank you to Tordotcom and Netgalley for this advanced copy.
This was definitely a page turner!
Liz is an OBGYN and is desperately looking for a job after a controversial public trial made it hard for any company to want to hire her. She accepts an impromptu interview, and it turns out to be a big mistake. Kidnapped, and being forced to be a doctor/obgyn for an extremist religious cult, she has no idea where she is or if anyone is even looking for her.
I thought this was very well written. I had read somewhere that this was Waco meets Gilead in a story, and I couldn't describe it any better. The author did a great job portraying it in a quick easy to read way, while giving us the suspense and twists that we would expect in a plot like this. I actually was impressed at how this was a shorter book, and it felt like a very complete story without it needing to be any longer.
I loved Liz's character. She was calm, composed and smart about what she needed to do. While taking necessary risks at the same time. Cue the suspense!!
The author did a good job describing what the compound and the people were like, it felt very easy to picture it all.
I had a great time reading this.
This was definitely a page turner!
Liz is an OBGYN and is desperately looking for a job after a controversial public trial made it hard for any company to want to hire her. She accepts an impromptu interview, and it turns out to be a big mistake. Kidnapped, and being forced to be a doctor/obgyn for an extremist religious cult, she has no idea where she is or if anyone is even looking for her.
I thought this was very well written. I had read somewhere that this was Waco meets Gilead in a story, and I couldn't describe it any better. The author did a great job portraying it in a quick easy to read way, while giving us the suspense and twists that we would expect in a plot like this. I actually was impressed at how this was a shorter book, and it felt like a very complete story without it needing to be any longer.
I loved Liz's character. She was calm, composed and smart about what she needed to do. While taking necessary risks at the same time. Cue the suspense!!
The author did a good job describing what the compound and the people were like, it felt very easy to picture it all.
I had a great time reading this.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Obstetrix is a short, fast-paced, fictional account of an average modern-day OBGYN who, after a lengthy trial regarding her agreement to terminate a patient’s pregnancy due to life-threatening complications, finds herself kidnapped by a fundamentalist Christofascist colony in need of her obstetric services for their isolated compound.
Unfortunately for me, this book turned out to be very different from what I was expecting. The pacing allows for very little breathing room, and the prose gets quite clunky and repetitive for such a short work. It is also, for some reason, categorized (in some places but not others) as “science fiction”… which it most certainly is not.
Speculative fiction it is indeed though, and if you’re looking for a flashbang contemporary medical thriller that examines themes of coercion, medical ethics, and bodily autonomy through the lens of gender and politico-theological ideology, then this is the book for you. With a witty title to boot!
I think I would’ve enjoyed Obstetrix more if it had been a more long-format, slow-burn speculative medical thriller with more unique or artful prose, but I’m glad to see it’s resonating so strongly with other early reviewers! Many thanks to NetGalley and TOR Publishing for this ARC.
Unfortunately for me, this book turned out to be very different from what I was expecting. The pacing allows for very little breathing room, and the prose gets quite clunky and repetitive for such a short work. It is also, for some reason, categorized (in some places but not others) as “science fiction”… which it most certainly is not.
Speculative fiction it is indeed though, and if you’re looking for a flashbang contemporary medical thriller that examines themes of coercion, medical ethics, and bodily autonomy through the lens of gender and politico-theological ideology, then this is the book for you. With a witty title to boot!
I think I would’ve enjoyed Obstetrix more if it had been a more long-format, slow-burn speculative medical thriller with more unique or artful prose, but I’m glad to see it’s resonating so strongly with other early reviewers! Many thanks to NetGalley and TOR Publishing for this ARC.
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