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Obstetrix
From 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.
195 pages, Hardcover
First published June 9, 2026
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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).
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April 27, 2026I received this audiobook through NetGalley and Macmillan Audio.
Obstetrix was a quick, tense, fast-paced listen, and I really enjoyed it. It pulled me in fast and stayed easy to follow. I didn’t even mean to finish it in one sitting.
What worked for me was how plausible it felt. The story deals with medical control, abortion, cults, and kidnapping in a way that does not feel that far removed from reality. So this is not a light casual listen if you have those specific triggers.
The audiobook worked really well for this. Jennifer Pickens handled the single narration smoothly, and the voice transitions between characters never pulled me out of the story. Her pacing kept everything moving, and the audio made it easy to stay locked in from beginning to end.
I’d recommend this to readers and listeners who like tense, fast-paced speculative fiction that feel a little too believable and who are okay with the heavier subject matters.
Obstetrix was a quick, tense, fast-paced listen, and I really enjoyed it. It pulled me in fast and stayed easy to follow. I didn’t even mean to finish it in one sitting.
What worked for me was how plausible it felt. The story deals with medical control, abortion, cults, and kidnapping in a way that does not feel that far removed from reality. So this is not a light casual listen if you have those specific triggers.
The audiobook worked really well for this. Jennifer Pickens handled the single narration smoothly, and the voice transitions between characters never pulled me out of the story. Her pacing kept everything moving, and the audio made it easy to stay locked in from beginning to end.
I’d recommend this to readers and listeners who like tense, fast-paced speculative fiction that feel a little too believable and who are okay with the heavier subject matters.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
it was fine. the premise was interesting but I just didn't connect with it. I consume a lot of content about cults and fundementalist christian groups, and I am by NO MEANS an expert, but the 'kidnapping a doctor who was involved in a high profile court case' seems like something a cult would NOT do, as it would put them in a position for their actions (not just the kidnapping but the inner workings of the cult) to be exposed. also why have an educated secular outsider come into your cult? wouldn't that itself be a risk to the control of the members, at least in the eyes of the cult leaders? I also have no idea what the cult actually believes in besides a vague blanket of christian fundamentalism. this made the story seem more topical and trendy rather than really thinking about how religious doctrines and spiritual abuse and manipulation play out in groups like this and endanger women, children, queer folks, and more. I think if the novel was longer (my ARC is just under 200 pages, but im not sure what the final printing will be like) then some of these topics could have been fleshed out a bit more and explored more thoroughly. the ending was also pretty sudden and kind of unbelievable. of course, this is fiction and some suspension of belief I am fine with, but this was so unbelievable I laughed out loud. I'll hide this review for SPOILERS COMING AHEAD:
her dad just gets his Air Force buddies to go find her and rescue her and raid the compound? like come on. the cult has so many people, liz doesn't even know or has even met all of the members by the end of the book, and they all have guns and are familiar with the terrain and layout of the compound but a handful of some retired Air Force guys can just handle the whole situation? idk. seems a little messy to me.
her dad just gets his Air Force buddies to go find her and rescue her and raid the compound? like come on. the cult has so many people, liz doesn't even know or has even met all of the members by the end of the book, and they all have guns and are familiar with the terrain and layout of the compound but a handful of some retired Air Force guys can just handle the whole situation? idk. seems a little messy to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2026
3.5/5. This was a fascinating read - but the dystopia/horror tag feels misleading because I (sadly) feel like this could literally happen tomorrow?! That said it was fast-paced, eye-opening, horriFYING, and if you think cults are fascinating I think you'll like this quick read!
August 25, 2026
“there must be a way,” underlined in blue ballpoint pen.
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!
July 3, 2026
great book that really makes you think about how free we actually are & what it would be like to have even your basic protections taken away from you. i was rooting for liz the entire book!
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!
May 28, 2026
This was an interesting one! I did read the synopsis a while back so technically knew what it was about but over time and as my many NetGalley tbr grew, I couldn’t completely recall. This served me well as I didn’t know where this was going at so many times.
But with my lack of knowledge of what was coming next, the beginning did feel a bit jumbled. It’s not that it was confusing with what was happening, but rather, the voice and tone felt confused. It took time to really get the intention, the tension, and the commentary of the book.
It did get there about halfway through and was an interesting read that I’m definitely not mad at having read. While it wants to partially be thriller and literary and post fascist takeover, this would’ve served better in one lane. But it was an unbelievably quick read and I enjoyed it despite its uncontained voice.
But with my lack of knowledge of what was coming next, the beginning did feel a bit jumbled. It’s not that it was confusing with what was happening, but rather, the voice and tone felt confused. It took time to really get the intention, the tension, and the commentary of the book.
It did get there about halfway through and was an interesting read that I’m definitely not mad at having read. While it wants to partially be thriller and literary and post fascist takeover, this would’ve served better in one lane. But it was an unbelievably quick read and I enjoyed it despite its uncontained voice.
June 21, 2026
This was fine. Fast-paced but not much depth to it, and I could have done without the rehashing from memory of a children's fantasy book.
Edit: Okay, I'll try to be more detailed about this. This book is like seeing one of those news reports about a woman found in a cult, and there's matter-of-fact reporting on the facts, and that's the end of the report. The whole subject is incredibly plot-based, and there is no layered commentary or characterisation to be found, which is disappointing to me. Basically, as it says on the can, an obstetrician is kidnapped by a religious cult who need one because, as hardline religious cults tend to do, they encourage a lot of fornicating after young marriages, and someone needs to help deliver the babies. She's stuck there and tries to find a way to escape, and that's the entirety of the plot. Disappointing, but if you like straightforward plotline-based books, this one may be for you.
Edit: Okay, I'll try to be more detailed about this. This book is like seeing one of those news reports about a woman found in a cult, and there's matter-of-fact reporting on the facts, and that's the end of the report. The whole subject is incredibly plot-based, and there is no layered commentary or characterisation to be found, which is disappointing to me. Basically, as it says on the can, an obstetrician is kidnapped by a religious cult who need one because, as hardline religious cults tend to do, they encourage a lot of fornicating after young marriages, and someone needs to help deliver the babies. She's stuck there and tries to find a way to escape, and that's the entirety of the plot. Disappointing, but if you like straightforward plotline-based books, this one may be for you.
July 31, 2026
3.5
It was fine. It definitely shouldn’t be tagged as sci-fi or horror at all, though; it is, at best, a speculative thriller. As far as thrillers go, I think it was a pretty linear story, and the final 10% or so is pretty entertaining.
However, I also don't think this was really that tense. I certainly was angry at certain points, and I suppose the fact that people like this actually exist is a bit horrifying, but I never once thought there would be anything but a happy ending. As a result, I was kind of just waiting to see how they would all be saved. There is also a section of the story right before the climax that is too monotonous, and while I understand that it was intentional, it killed the bit of momentum I felt the story had.
Still, I think if you like the idea of a fast-paced, plot-driven, linear, somewhat literary thriller, you'll probably enjoy this more than I did.
I technically "read" this twice: I read the book and listened to the audiobook since both are so short. The audiobook narrator is phenomenal, and I would recommend that over reading the book if you can. She adds a lot of emotion and texture to the story that made it more enjoyable, even while knowing the entire plot.
It was fine. It definitely shouldn’t be tagged as sci-fi or horror at all, though; it is, at best, a speculative thriller. As far as thrillers go, I think it was a pretty linear story, and the final 10% or so is pretty entertaining.
However, I also don't think this was really that tense. I certainly was angry at certain points, and I suppose the fact that people like this actually exist is a bit horrifying, but I never once thought there would be anything but a happy ending. As a result, I was kind of just waiting to see how they would all be saved. There is also a section of the story right before the climax that is too monotonous, and while I understand that it was intentional, it killed the bit of momentum I felt the story had.
Still, I think if you like the idea of a fast-paced, plot-driven, linear, somewhat literary thriller, you'll probably enjoy this more than I did.
I technically "read" this twice: I read the book and listened to the audiobook since both are so short. The audiobook narrator is phenomenal, and I would recommend that over reading the book if you can. She adds a lot of emotion and texture to the story that made it more enjoyable, even while knowing the entire plot.
August 21, 2026
I was so, so excited to read this book but it was just a bit of a let down in the end.
The pacing felt very rushed and it was fine overall but felt like a lot of wasted potential.
A world where abortion is becoming increasingly illegal and a doctor trying to save women’s lives - incredibly relevant right now and a VERY interesting backdrop to the book… sadly it ended up barely being relevant or explored.
A cult who kidnaps that doctor during which time she discovers a world of traditional gender roles, domestic violence, women having pregnancy forced upon them, and child marriage - again, incredibly relevant and scary, and a very interesting setting for a novel. Sadly, this was only explored in a very surface level way. It felt like none of the actual women in this book had distinct personalities and we never got a real, deep insight into their thoughts and feelings and experiences.
What motivated these people to join the cult in the first place? We don’t know. What made some of the women want to leave? What was their final straw? What was their actual plan? We don’t know.
For a book which had a seemingly strong, educated, caring woman as the lead, set in a world which needed to reclaim women’s rights and bodily autonomy, the story didn’t end up being very empowering to women. It just ended up with a bunch of men with guns saving the day and women sitting around feeling grateful for the few “good ones” who were nice enough to gift them their “freedom”.
It’s not a bad book. It’s not as problematic as many. But for a book with so much potential, it was a huge let down for me.
The pacing felt very rushed and it was fine overall but felt like a lot of wasted potential.
A world where abortion is becoming increasingly illegal and a doctor trying to save women’s lives - incredibly relevant right now and a VERY interesting backdrop to the book… sadly it ended up barely being relevant or explored.
A cult who kidnaps that doctor during which time she discovers a world of traditional gender roles, domestic violence, women having pregnancy forced upon them, and child marriage - again, incredibly relevant and scary, and a very interesting setting for a novel. Sadly, this was only explored in a very surface level way. It felt like none of the actual women in this book had distinct personalities and we never got a real, deep insight into their thoughts and feelings and experiences.
What motivated these people to join the cult in the first place? We don’t know. What made some of the women want to leave? What was their final straw? What was their actual plan? We don’t know.
For a book which had a seemingly strong, educated, caring woman as the lead, set in a world which needed to reclaim women’s rights and bodily autonomy, the story didn’t end up being very empowering to women. It just ended up with a bunch of men with guns saving the day and women sitting around feeling grateful for the few “good ones” who were nice enough to gift them their “freedom”.
It’s not a bad book. It’s not as problematic as many. But for a book with so much potential, it was a huge let down for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of Obstetrix in exchange for an honest review.
I was initially drawn to Obstetrix because of its eye-catching cover and compelling premise. The core idea behind the story is meaningful and highlights themes that feel important and worth exploring.
That said, the execution didn’t work for me. The writing is repetitive, and the overall style comes across as underdeveloped. I also found the use of parentheses for background information distracting, as it interrupts the flow of the narrative instead of blending naturally into the story.
The pacing felt uneven due to a lack of smooth transitions between scenes, and the dialogue occasionally seemed unnatural or difficult to follow. I think the story would benefit from more “showing” rather than “telling” to create a stronger emotional connection with the reader.
Overall, while I appreciated the concept and message, this one didn’t meet my expectations in terms of execution. The manuscript would greatly benefit from additional developmental editing and refinement before reaching its full potential.
I was initially drawn to Obstetrix because of its eye-catching cover and compelling premise. The core idea behind the story is meaningful and highlights themes that feel important and worth exploring.
That said, the execution didn’t work for me. The writing is repetitive, and the overall style comes across as underdeveloped. I also found the use of parentheses for background information distracting, as it interrupts the flow of the narrative instead of blending naturally into the story.
The pacing felt uneven due to a lack of smooth transitions between scenes, and the dialogue occasionally seemed unnatural or difficult to follow. I think the story would benefit from more “showing” rather than “telling” to create a stronger emotional connection with the reader.
Overall, while I appreciated the concept and message, this one didn’t meet my expectations in terms of execution. The manuscript would greatly benefit from additional developmental editing and refinement before reaching its full potential.
May 5, 2026
This dystopian is very terrifying considering the current political climate. It sucks you in to it following Dr. Elizabeth’s daily attempts at trying to solve an escape from her captors. Emotional pulls throughout the story. The climax to this story is everything, I can’t say anything more without spoilers. Thank you to Netgalley & Macmillan audio for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 13, 2026
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing access to this audiobook. Thank you TorDotComPub and Storygram Tours for providing this gifted physical copy. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Given the current state of reproductive health within the United States, a novella in which an obstetrician is kidnapped by a fundamentalist cult isn’t too far out of the realm of possibility.
Obstetrix by Naomi Kritzer is a thought-provoking and tense novella that illustrates the dangers that accompany restricted healthcare access for women and the frightening control that those in a position of power can wield over others.
The cult itself is presented as possessing regressive ideals pertaining to the roles of men, women and children, with a penchant for violence and a restriction of anything that could encourage critical thinking.
The narration by Jennifer Pickens is excellent; her portrayal of Doctor Elizabeth Gwinn is a wonderful balance of calm and collected throughout most of the story and yet still emoting uncertainty and fear when the story demands it. Her voices for the other male and female characters are also good and despite the shortness of the audiobook, the narration does not feel overly rushed.
I was wholly invested in the story, especially as the situation became more dire and the need for escape more crucial. Doctor Liz’s experience within the cult are harrowing, as she has no choice but to care for women and children with very limited medical assistance and the threat of violence and even death ever-present.
Doctor Liz is compassionate and resilient, her desire for escape is balanced by her need to provide the very best care that she can despite the circumstances. As the time passes, her fear-and mine as I listened-that she won’t ever be able to leave the cult and a very bleak future-grows.
Though the instances where she mentally recites a favorite childhood novel are also very relatable for those who cling to the comforting moments in moments of stress.
Obstetrix is a cautionary tale and a dark glimpse of a future that is sadly not as improbable as it should be.
Given the current state of reproductive health within the United States, a novella in which an obstetrician is kidnapped by a fundamentalist cult isn’t too far out of the realm of possibility.
Obstetrix by Naomi Kritzer is a thought-provoking and tense novella that illustrates the dangers that accompany restricted healthcare access for women and the frightening control that those in a position of power can wield over others.
The cult itself is presented as possessing regressive ideals pertaining to the roles of men, women and children, with a penchant for violence and a restriction of anything that could encourage critical thinking.
The narration by Jennifer Pickens is excellent; her portrayal of Doctor Elizabeth Gwinn is a wonderful balance of calm and collected throughout most of the story and yet still emoting uncertainty and fear when the story demands it. Her voices for the other male and female characters are also good and despite the shortness of the audiobook, the narration does not feel overly rushed.
I was wholly invested in the story, especially as the situation became more dire and the need for escape more crucial. Doctor Liz’s experience within the cult are harrowing, as she has no choice but to care for women and children with very limited medical assistance and the threat of violence and even death ever-present.
Doctor Liz is compassionate and resilient, her desire for escape is balanced by her need to provide the very best care that she can despite the circumstances. As the time passes, her fear-and mine as I listened-that she won’t ever be able to leave the cult and a very bleak future-grows.
Though the instances where she mentally recites a favorite childhood novel are also very relatable for those who cling to the comforting moments in moments of stress.
Obstetrix is a cautionary tale and a dark glimpse of a future that is sadly not as improbable as it should be.
July 29, 2026
3.5. A doctor has just been acquitted for performing the last abortion in North Dakota so the media frenzy surrounding her is very present. Because she’s in the spotlight, she’s kidnapped by a fundamentalist cult who is in need of an on site obgyn. She’s desperate to escape but soon learns the fate of the person who was previously in her position.
This was so fast paced and suspenseful! I love anything cult related then add in my interest into obstetrics and midwifery it was the perfect combination for me. Although short, it was still well rounded and complete with a ton of discomfort and anxious moments. Really solid read!
Jennifer Pickens was a great narrator for this book. The level of suspense and the gravity of the situation were evident with her performance.
Thank you so much Netgalley, Naomi Kritzer, and Macmillan Audio for providing this free ALC. This audio published on June 9th. This is my honest review!
This was so fast paced and suspenseful! I love anything cult related then add in my interest into obstetrics and midwifery it was the perfect combination for me. Although short, it was still well rounded and complete with a ton of discomfort and anxious moments. Really solid read!
Jennifer Pickens was a great narrator for this book. The level of suspense and the gravity of the situation were evident with her performance.
Thank you so much Netgalley, Naomi Kritzer, and Macmillan Audio for providing this free ALC. This audio published on June 9th. This is my honest review!
July 2, 2026
4.25 ⭐
For a book about being kidnapped by a religious cult I really wanted to see more evil ass cult stuff going on, what I got was realistic to modern day religion so ya I definitely wanted to see some more of that. I really enjoyed the plot and our main character she was great, this is a relatively short book that doesn't overstay its welcome but I do wish it was a bit longer.
For a book about being kidnapped by a religious cult I really wanted to see more evil ass cult stuff going on, what I got was realistic to modern day religion so ya I definitely wanted to see some more of that. I really enjoyed the plot and our main character she was great, this is a relatively short book that doesn't overstay its welcome but I do wish it was a bit longer.
June 11, 2026
This was a relatively short audiobook, but it was an incredibly compelling listen.
As the blurb says, Dr. Liz has just been acquitted after a highly controversial lawsuit involving an abortion she performed. Struggling to find stable work afterward, she receives a promising job opportunity and heads out to meet a potential employer.
Instead, she gets kidnapped.
Liz wakes up inside a secluded religious compound, where she quickly discovers why she was taken: the cult desperately needs an OB/GYN.
From that moment on, she is forced to care for the women and girls living there, while also serving as a general physician for the rest of the community. The compound operates almost entirely cut off from the outside world. Phones, books, and outside influences have gradually been removed, and the group's beliefs have become increasingly extreme.
Even though Liz is treated respectfully because of her medical knowledge, she understands very quickly that she is still a prisoner.
And things become even more disturbing when she realizes that girls as young as fourteen and fifteen are being forced into marriages and pregnancies.
This was one of those books that immediately pulled me in and never let go. The situation is uncomfortable, frightening, and infuriating, but I found myself rooting for Liz from beginning to end. She is smart, resilient, and determined, and I desperately wanted her to find a way out.
The audiobook narration was fantastic and made an already engaging story even more immersive. I genuinely looked forward to every minute of it.
Overall, this was a gripping book that managed to pack a lot into a relatively short runtime. My only complaint is that I wanted more. I would absolutely read a sequel or even an epilogue just to see how/what Doctor Liz is doing after some time.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing the ALC widget, and thank you to Naomi Kritzer for such a compelling story.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
As the blurb says, Dr. Liz has just been acquitted after a highly controversial lawsuit involving an abortion she performed. Struggling to find stable work afterward, she receives a promising job opportunity and heads out to meet a potential employer.
Instead, she gets kidnapped.
Liz wakes up inside a secluded religious compound, where she quickly discovers why she was taken: the cult desperately needs an OB/GYN.
From that moment on, she is forced to care for the women and girls living there, while also serving as a general physician for the rest of the community. The compound operates almost entirely cut off from the outside world. Phones, books, and outside influences have gradually been removed, and the group's beliefs have become increasingly extreme.
Even though Liz is treated respectfully because of her medical knowledge, she understands very quickly that she is still a prisoner.
And things become even more disturbing when she realizes that girls as young as fourteen and fifteen are being forced into marriages and pregnancies.
This was one of those books that immediately pulled me in and never let go. The situation is uncomfortable, frightening, and infuriating, but I found myself rooting for Liz from beginning to end. She is smart, resilient, and determined, and I desperately wanted her to find a way out.
The audiobook narration was fantastic and made an already engaging story even more immersive. I genuinely looked forward to every minute of it.
Overall, this was a gripping book that managed to pack a lot into a relatively short runtime. My only complaint is that I wanted more. I would absolutely read a sequel or even an epilogue just to see how/what Doctor Liz is doing after some time.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing the ALC widget, and thank you to Naomi Kritzer for such a compelling story.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
May 3, 2026
Thank you Tordotcom and Macmillan Audio for my free ARC of Obstetrix by Naomi Kritzer — available Jun 9!
» READ IF YOU «
🏥 want a tense dystopian read centered on reproductive rights
✊ are furious about the state of women's healthcare in America
📖 aren't looking for something with sky-high stakes
» SYNOPSIS «
Dr. Liz has just escaped a guilty verdict for performing an abortion in North Dakota when she's kidnapped by a fundamentalist cult. They are way, way out there—geographically and ideologically—and very much in need of an Obstetrician. Their last doctor? Buried in a shallow grave after refusing to treat patients. Liz is desperate to leave, but to take the young, innocent girls with her.
» REVIEW «
Alright, so, the beginning of this book? Completely gripping. A doctor BARELY acquitted for performing an abortion is kidnapped by a religious cult? I was so in. But after that, somehow, the stakes were so low that I had trouble remembering our girl Liz was actually, like, in danger.
The middle of the book (and it's a short one) settles into a routine that, while intentional (life in this isolated cult IS monotonous), does drain a lot of the urgency. I kept waiting for the stakes to ratchet back up and they just...didn't really. There were definitely some tense moments! But I wish we had kept up the suspense of the beginning.
My main beef is actually with the ending, which I won't spoil, but it reeeeally didn't do the female empowerment message any favors. I needed more from Kritzer here. The writing itself is genuinely good and the subject matter is important as hell. But this is a book that had the bones to be something truly devastating, and it played it a little too safe for my liking.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
» READ IF YOU «
🏥 want a tense dystopian read centered on reproductive rights
✊ are furious about the state of women's healthcare in America
📖 aren't looking for something with sky-high stakes
» SYNOPSIS «
Dr. Liz has just escaped a guilty verdict for performing an abortion in North Dakota when she's kidnapped by a fundamentalist cult. They are way, way out there—geographically and ideologically—and very much in need of an Obstetrician. Their last doctor? Buried in a shallow grave after refusing to treat patients. Liz is desperate to leave, but to take the young, innocent girls with her.
» REVIEW «
Alright, so, the beginning of this book? Completely gripping. A doctor BARELY acquitted for performing an abortion is kidnapped by a religious cult? I was so in. But after that, somehow, the stakes were so low that I had trouble remembering our girl Liz was actually, like, in danger.
The middle of the book (and it's a short one) settles into a routine that, while intentional (life in this isolated cult IS monotonous), does drain a lot of the urgency. I kept waiting for the stakes to ratchet back up and they just...didn't really. There were definitely some tense moments! But I wish we had kept up the suspense of the beginning.
My main beef is actually with the ending, which I won't spoil, but it reeeeally didn't do the female empowerment message any favors. I needed more from Kritzer here. The writing itself is genuinely good and the subject matter is important as hell. But this is a book that had the bones to be something truly devastating, and it played it a little too safe for my liking.
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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.
June 10, 2026
Baffled that this is marketed as sci-fi and horror. It is neither. There's very little suspense at all, a half-baked story, and the characters are cardboard. I did like reading about a menopausal protagonist and the author definitely consulted actual ob-gyns; all the medical stuff seems fine. It was a very quick read; less than two hours, for me. It also features a lot of loving talk about books and cats. Overall, though, it's extremely forgettable.
August 31, 2026
Audiobook (5 hours) narrated by Jennifer Pickens
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
I have enjoyed the narration of Jennifer Pickens in the past and am thrilled that she has won a well deserved award for her narration, recently. Her narrations that I have had the pleasure of listening too have been excellent, as has this one been. Well done, Jennifer! I look forward to benefiting again from your hard work.
The audio is flawless.
Obstetrix is a fast paced novella that hits the floor running. It's a period of time that starts at the first word of the book and, while not in real time it's forward moving with any past information coming specifically from what is relevant to what is going on right now.
Naomi Kritzer tells this story in extreme first person, where we hear a lot of internal thoughts and concerns as well as everything that we know and see is through the main characters eyes. The characters develop in front of our eyes in the same way that people from a new job come into focus as to who they are. We also learn more about the main character through her interactions with these new people, what she shares as well as her actions and decisions.
The world building is very good and quite detailed for a novella. Similar to the character building, we learn about the world through the main character, her impressions and interactions through the 5 hours that we spend in it with her.
There is some detailed medical information that I cannot speak too. I would be interested in how accurate the descriptions are as she uses procedural words with explanations. To me the explanations sound plausible, however I don't know what I don't know.
A great little side quest for those who enjoy a harrowing adventure.
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
I have enjoyed the narration of Jennifer Pickens in the past and am thrilled that she has won a well deserved award for her narration, recently. Her narrations that I have had the pleasure of listening too have been excellent, as has this one been. Well done, Jennifer! I look forward to benefiting again from your hard work.
The audio is flawless.
Obstetrix is a fast paced novella that hits the floor running. It's a period of time that starts at the first word of the book and, while not in real time it's forward moving with any past information coming specifically from what is relevant to what is going on right now.
Naomi Kritzer tells this story in extreme first person, where we hear a lot of internal thoughts and concerns as well as everything that we know and see is through the main characters eyes. The characters develop in front of our eyes in the same way that people from a new job come into focus as to who they are. We also learn more about the main character through her interactions with these new people, what she shares as well as her actions and decisions.
The world building is very good and quite detailed for a novella. Similar to the character building, we learn about the world through the main character, her impressions and interactions through the 5 hours that we spend in it with her.
There is some detailed medical information that I cannot speak too. I would be interested in how accurate the descriptions are as she uses procedural words with explanations. To me the explanations sound plausible, however I don't know what I don't know.
A great little side quest for those who enjoy a harrowing adventure.
May 16, 2026
I flew through this book so fast. I would say the characters aren’t fully developed but that’s because of the length of the book. That doesn’t mean you don’t care for them or become concerned for their safety. This book packs a lot of social issues into its pages. It is fast paced and it works as a shorter novel but I could envision it being longer and delving deeper into the subjects covered. My biggest critique is that I’ve seen it labeled as sci-fi and dystopian but my question is…….is it??
Thank you to TOR Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of this novel.
Thank you to TOR Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of this novel.
July 24, 2026
Book 1 finished at book camp. LOVED. I think Jennifer Pickins is one of my favorite audio narrators.
August 4, 2026
Thank you to Tordotcom and Macmillan Audio for my copies of Obstetrix. Here are my thoughts!
Liz is put on blast for making a gynecological decision that her state isn’t happy about. She is trying to find new work as an OB/GYN but her reputation is following her. She prepares for an interview, which turns out to be a kidnapping. Soon she is living in a compound, assisting the women there with pregnancies but she yearns to escape.
This novel packed quite the punch for its length. Reproductive rights and women’s choice are important topics to me so I knew this would be a book I wanted to read. Funny how women’s health and horror can pair so well together!
Overall, I enjoyed this novella. I listened to some of it and read some of it. Jennifer Pickens did a wonderful job bringing Liz to life, and she sounded like a doctor! I really enjoyed the scientific aspect of this novel and felt like I was learning in some of the more medical pieces.
I was a little torn on whether I thought Liz reacted accordingly to her kidnap. After sitting with it, I think it makes sense that she kind of goes along with things to protect herself as she is a very strong-headed female who thinks with practicality. It would have been a little strange if her character was suddenly guns blazing, trying to hurt people to escape. None of this is a spoiler as she makes this call early on.
Obstetrix is worth the read or listen, whichever you prefer, and it has some heavy and uncomfy themes. But I would highly recommend diving in as the author writes about subjects such as cults, lack of control, pregnancy and abortion with care and thoughtfulness.
August 11, 2026
2
It started off well in the first few chapters. Then it just dragged and bored me to tears.
The narration is top notch. I just wish the book was interesting.
It started off well in the first few chapters. Then it just dragged and bored me to tears.
The narration is top notch. I just wish the book was interesting.
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.
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.
July 16, 2026
Doctors are great, and so are dads. But charismatic religious leaders usually are not.
3.5 rounded up because this made my heart pound! I love a cultish vibe and this book was nothing like I thought it would be. I went in blind and thought it was going to be about a weight loss drug? It’s not. I’m not sure whether any of this is spoily so I put the spoiler warning on just in case.
3.5 rounded up because this made my heart pound! I love a cultish vibe and this book was nothing like I thought it would be. I went in blind and thought it was going to be about a weight loss drug? It’s not. I’m not sure whether any of this is spoily so I put the spoiler warning on just in case.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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