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Wellard Asylum
Unwell
Two women. One asylum. Deadly secrets.
When nineteen-year-old Ginny’s mother abandons her at Wellard Asylum, she isn’t sick. She’s pregnant. Behind the iron gates patients cower, the rules are broken, and the basement hides evils that would make monsters squirm. Ginny only has one keep her baby safe, no matter what.
Nurse Nancy once believed hospitals were for healing the vulnerable. At Wellard, she’s learned to keep her head down while the powerful play god. That is, until Ginny shows up. Young, scared, and pretty, Ginny gets under Nancy’s skin fast. Protecting a patient means stepping out of orchestrated lines, and Nancy will be forced to choose where her loyalty lies.
As storms gather, Ginny and Nancy are pulled into a tightening spiral of control, lust, and institutional cruelty. And sometimes, the only way out is to become the worst thing you can imagine.
Dark, visceral and relentless, UNWELL is a psychological horror novel exploring the descent into the places we lock people, and the stories we tell ourselves to justify holding the key.
Open the gates to Wellard, but be careful, few ever escape.
When nineteen-year-old Ginny’s mother abandons her at Wellard Asylum, she isn’t sick. She’s pregnant. Behind the iron gates patients cower, the rules are broken, and the basement hides evils that would make monsters squirm. Ginny only has one keep her baby safe, no matter what.
Nurse Nancy once believed hospitals were for healing the vulnerable. At Wellard, she’s learned to keep her head down while the powerful play god. That is, until Ginny shows up. Young, scared, and pretty, Ginny gets under Nancy’s skin fast. Protecting a patient means stepping out of orchestrated lines, and Nancy will be forced to choose where her loyalty lies.
As storms gather, Ginny and Nancy are pulled into a tightening spiral of control, lust, and institutional cruelty. And sometimes, the only way out is to become the worst thing you can imagine.
Dark, visceral and relentless, UNWELL is a psychological horror novel exploring the descent into the places we lock people, and the stories we tell ourselves to justify holding the key.
Open the gates to Wellard, but be careful, few ever escape.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 26, 2025
25 people are currently reading
470 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
October 28, 2025
I'm pretty sure this was my first introduction to this author — and let me tell you, I am sold!
I spent the entire book trying to remember every little detail, determined to figure out what was happening before it was revealed. And honestly, the way the storyline unfolds is incredible. It gives you just enough clues to keep you hooked and constantly guessing.
I was thrilled every time one of my small predictions turned out right, but even more excited each time a new twist appeared, one that I somehow sensed was coming but could never quite pin down.
An incredibly dark, twisted, morally gray ride, and I can’t wait to dive into more books by this author.
I spent the entire book trying to remember every little detail, determined to figure out what was happening before it was revealed. And honestly, the way the storyline unfolds is incredible. It gives you just enough clues to keep you hooked and constantly guessing.
I was thrilled every time one of my small predictions turned out right, but even more excited each time a new twist appeared, one that I somehow sensed was coming but could never quite pin down.
An incredibly dark, twisted, morally gray ride, and I can’t wait to dive into more books by this author.
October 2, 2025
Well. That was a wild fucking ride 🙃
Effie, you sure know how to serve up gory psychological horror!
Thank you for providing me with an ARC of Unwell.
This is my fourth book in the Wellard Asylum series. I’ve read some deranged stuff, and Effie still managed to make me squirm with this one!
Plot blurb: Nancy works as a nurse at Wellard Asylum alongside her husband, Robert—a doctor. When the new patient Ginny arrives pregnant, it deeply affects Nancy’s own longing for motherhood after years of infertility. But Ginny’s reason for being admitted is unclear, and as Nancy grows more obsessed with the girl and her unborn child, determined to find out the truth, secrets start to unravel. What begins as care quickly spirals into fixation… and let’s just say, things get bloody. 🫣
Despite being just 190 pages, the descent into madness never once felt rushed. The dual unraveling of Nancy and Ginny’s minds was so well executed. Effie nailed the balance of psychological horror and brutality. This story that had me squirming and still turning pages.🫣😆
Remember folks, there are trigger warnings for a reason!
This is an honest review in exchange for an ARC copy.
Effie, you sure know how to serve up gory psychological horror!
Thank you for providing me with an ARC of Unwell.
This is my fourth book in the Wellard Asylum series. I’ve read some deranged stuff, and Effie still managed to make me squirm with this one!
Plot blurb: Nancy works as a nurse at Wellard Asylum alongside her husband, Robert—a doctor. When the new patient Ginny arrives pregnant, it deeply affects Nancy’s own longing for motherhood after years of infertility. But Ginny’s reason for being admitted is unclear, and as Nancy grows more obsessed with the girl and her unborn child, determined to find out the truth, secrets start to unravel. What begins as care quickly spirals into fixation… and let’s just say, things get bloody. 🫣
Despite being just 190 pages, the descent into madness never once felt rushed. The dual unraveling of Nancy and Ginny’s minds was so well executed. Effie nailed the balance of psychological horror and brutality. This story that had me squirming and still turning pages.🫣😆
Remember folks, there are trigger warnings for a reason!
This is an honest review in exchange for an ARC copy.
September 26, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
Okay, I am loving the Wellard Asylum series, and this book was a pitch black horror that did not disappoint!
A quick read, but gruesome and detailed with a twist. Very dark, very horrifying, very disturbing.
Check your triggers, and even the spoiler triggers as this could be a rough read!
🖤
Okay, I am loving the Wellard Asylum series, and this book was a pitch black horror that did not disappoint!
A quick read, but gruesome and detailed with a twist. Very dark, very horrifying, very disturbing.
Check your triggers, and even the spoiler triggers as this could be a rough read!
🖤
October 29, 2025
This book gripped me from the very first page. The tension, the restrained desire, the complex bonds… everything pulses with a quiet intensity that takes your breath away.
The author writes with emotional precision that hypnotizes. Every word matters. Every silence screams.
I finished it with a racing heart and a wide-awake mind.
It’s not just a story. it’s an experience.
✨ Perfect for readers who crave depth, mystery, and beautiful storytelling.
🙏 Thank you to the author for the ARC—your words left a mark.
⚠️ Ideal for readers who embrace dark, horror, and unsettling themes. Check the author’s page for trigger warnings before diving in.
💥 And that plot twist? Epic. No matter how many theories my mind created—I never, ever saw the truth coming.
⭐️ Rating: 5/5
#BookLover 💫 #EmotionalReads 💔 #LiteraryObsession 📖
The author writes with emotional precision that hypnotizes. Every word matters. Every silence screams.
I finished it with a racing heart and a wide-awake mind.
It’s not just a story. it’s an experience.
✨ Perfect for readers who crave depth, mystery, and beautiful storytelling.
🙏 Thank you to the author for the ARC—your words left a mark.
⚠️ Ideal for readers who embrace dark, horror, and unsettling themes. Check the author’s page for trigger warnings before diving in.
💥 And that plot twist? Epic. No matter how many theories my mind created—I never, ever saw the truth coming.
⭐️ Rating: 5/5
#BookLover 💫 #EmotionalReads 💔 #LiteraryObsession 📖
November 7, 2025
ARC reader review
To start I’m an idiot and forgot to leave my review when I finished the book. Life got hectic and I got behind. So for that I apologize.
I was not expecting the twists in this book! As I was reading it I thought I knew what direction it was going but boy was I wrong! And then there was another twist I did not see coming whatsoever. It was a wild ride reading this and I loved every minute of it. This is one of those books I wouldn’t mind reading again for the first time. I’ve already recommended it to so many friends who read these darker types of books like I do. I’d read a whole series of asylum books by Effie Campbell if she would write them! Wonderfully written.
To start I’m an idiot and forgot to leave my review when I finished the book. Life got hectic and I got behind. So for that I apologize.
I was not expecting the twists in this book! As I was reading it I thought I knew what direction it was going but boy was I wrong! And then there was another twist I did not see coming whatsoever. It was a wild ride reading this and I loved every minute of it. This is one of those books I wouldn’t mind reading again for the first time. I’ve already recommended it to so many friends who read these darker types of books like I do. I’d read a whole series of asylum books by Effie Campbell if she would write them! Wonderfully written.
October 19, 2025
Ginny was the absolute sweetest, all I wanted to do is go to Wellard Asylum and protect her, get her to safety. She deserved so much better and so did Larry and his friends.
𝐔𝐧𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 was a wild tale, it was short but intense, an addicting horror novella I highly recommend to lovers of dark books!
After reading and absolutely falling love with Lethal, in this shared universe, my joy to have the blessing to have received another ARC in this series is my biggest joy! Thank you so much Effie to had this brilliant opportunity! ♡
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟔𝐭𝐡
𝐔𝐧𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 was a wild tale, it was short but intense, an addicting horror novella I highly recommend to lovers of dark books!
After reading and absolutely falling love with Lethal, in this shared universe, my joy to have the blessing to have received another ARC in this series is my biggest joy! Thank you so much Effie to had this brilliant opportunity! ♡
𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟔𝐭𝐡
September 25, 2025
Another book in the Wellard Asylum Series.
Nancy, wants nothing more than a baby of her own. Unfortunately, it hasn’t happened, meaning she is getting more despondent. Her and her husband work at the asylum, he’s a doctor and she’s a nurse. One day a new admittance, peaks her interest as she’s heavily pregnant. As the story unfolds we learn more secrets not only of Nancy’s own but her husband as well. Will she ever get her wish granted? Will she covet everyone else’s children? Will the asylum swallow her whole?
𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚊𝚜𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚜. 𝙷𝚎𝚕𝚕, 𝙸 𝚑𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚍 𝚗𝚘𝚝. 𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚒 𝚍𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎. 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚊𝚒𝚛 𝚐𝚛𝚎𝚠 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚌𝚔𝚎𝚛 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚙 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚊𝚜𝚢𝚕𝚞𝚖'𝚜 𝚒𝚗𝚗𝚊𝚛𝚍𝚜, 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚒𝚝 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚘𝚛𝚛𝚘𝚠 𝚘𝚏 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚙𝚊𝚜𝚜𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎.
Loved the storyline, the twists within, the utter despondency of it all not to mention the d3ath and gore within those walls. It kept me enthralled until that ending 😱 Effie has a way with her words that helps you visualise her descriptions even ones you don’t need 🩸🤭
Nancy, wants nothing more than a baby of her own. Unfortunately, it hasn’t happened, meaning she is getting more despondent. Her and her husband work at the asylum, he’s a doctor and she’s a nurse. One day a new admittance, peaks her interest as she’s heavily pregnant. As the story unfolds we learn more secrets not only of Nancy’s own but her husband as well. Will she ever get her wish granted? Will she covet everyone else’s children? Will the asylum swallow her whole?
𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚊𝚜𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚜. 𝙷𝚎𝚕𝚕, 𝙸 𝚑𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚍 𝚗𝚘𝚝. 𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚒 𝚍𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎. 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚊𝚒𝚛 𝚐𝚛𝚎𝚠 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚌𝚔𝚎𝚛 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚙 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚊𝚜𝚢𝚕𝚞𝚖'𝚜 𝚒𝚗𝚗𝚊𝚛𝚍𝚜, 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚒𝚝 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚘𝚛𝚛𝚘𝚠 𝚘𝚏 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚙𝚊𝚜𝚜𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎.
Loved the storyline, the twists within, the utter despondency of it all not to mention the d3ath and gore within those walls. It kept me enthralled until that ending 😱 Effie has a way with her words that helps you visualise her descriptions even ones you don’t need 🩸🤭
September 29, 2025
I received a copy of Unwell by the author for my honest opinion.
This is the first “horror” book by Effie Campbell, from the previous books I’ve read of hers I’d say she’s usually a dark romance author.
I didn’t read any previews or trigger warnings because I wanted to go in blind.
That being said, I REALLY LIKED IT.
Unwell takes place in a mental hospital, a very corrupt mental hospital. The main character is a nurse who works there and the story revolves around a young, pregnant girl who gets dropped off by her mother.
This is definitely a psychological thriller with plenty of gore! The supporting characters are well written, the descriptive writing is vivid and gruesome.
The ending will definitely have you wondering what the hell you just read. LOL
This is the first “horror” book by Effie Campbell, from the previous books I’ve read of hers I’d say she’s usually a dark romance author.
I didn’t read any previews or trigger warnings because I wanted to go in blind.
That being said, I REALLY LIKED IT.
Unwell takes place in a mental hospital, a very corrupt mental hospital. The main character is a nurse who works there and the story revolves around a young, pregnant girl who gets dropped off by her mother.
This is definitely a psychological thriller with plenty of gore! The supporting characters are well written, the descriptive writing is vivid and gruesome.
The ending will definitely have you wondering what the hell you just read. LOL
Read
October 11, 2025Okay… I am officially unwell after reading Unwell. Not physically, just… mentally. Actually maybe a little bit of both. My brain is doing backflips and I may never recover.
📘Unwell by Effie Campbell
|| @effiecampbellauthor
These trigger warnings
are👏 NOT👏 a 👏joke👏
Take them seriously. Unwell is heavy, disturbing, and dark dark dark dark AF. Please go to the authors website and take a sneaky peaky. Seriously.
This book is pitch-black, twisty, and relentless. Effie Campbell doesn’t just tell a story, she plants you right into Wellard Asylum, and you can almost smell the decay, feel the shadows watching, and sense the madness crawling under your skin.
The 1975 setting adds this whole other layer into the horror vibe. You meet Ginny, dropped off at Wellard at 19, heavily pregnant, and Nancy, the nurse whose protectiveness borders on obsession. Nancy has a husband, a home, a job… but one thing is missing: a baby. And when Ginny shows up, Nancy will do ANYTHING to protect this child, even if it means getting her hands dirty. And then there’s Robert, Nancy’s husband and doctor, whose presence adds even more tension to the mix.
Listen I went into this raw and im still lying in bed staring at the ceiling whispering, “what the actual helly did I just read?”
Effie Campbell’s writing sucks you in, and grabs your sanity by the collar. You’re just along for the ride through the madness on every page. This is a psychological rollercoaster that drags you through obsession, fear, grief, longing and then leaves you hanging in the dark, staring at the ceiling wondering if your mind is still yours. Im also probably going to start a riot with a rat army for my boy Larry. I said what I said.
📘Unwell by Effie Campbell
|| @effiecampbellauthor
These trigger warnings
are👏 NOT👏 a 👏joke👏
Take them seriously. Unwell is heavy, disturbing, and dark dark dark dark AF. Please go to the authors website and take a sneaky peaky. Seriously.
This book is pitch-black, twisty, and relentless. Effie Campbell doesn’t just tell a story, she plants you right into Wellard Asylum, and you can almost smell the decay, feel the shadows watching, and sense the madness crawling under your skin.
The 1975 setting adds this whole other layer into the horror vibe. You meet Ginny, dropped off at Wellard at 19, heavily pregnant, and Nancy, the nurse whose protectiveness borders on obsession. Nancy has a husband, a home, a job… but one thing is missing: a baby. And when Ginny shows up, Nancy will do ANYTHING to protect this child, even if it means getting her hands dirty. And then there’s Robert, Nancy’s husband and doctor, whose presence adds even more tension to the mix.
Listen I went into this raw and im still lying in bed staring at the ceiling whispering, “what the actual helly did I just read?”
Effie Campbell’s writing sucks you in, and grabs your sanity by the collar. You’re just along for the ride through the madness on every page. This is a psychological rollercoaster that drags you through obsession, fear, grief, longing and then leaves you hanging in the dark, staring at the ceiling wondering if your mind is still yours. Im also probably going to start a riot with a rat army for my boy Larry. I said what I said.
October 27, 2025
⭐️ 5/5
Thank you Effie Campbell for providing this e-ARC. All opinions are my own.
This book was mind blowing and disturbing in the best way possible 😂 The story takes place in 1975 and reminded me just how horrible women and the disabled were treated back then. There were a couple of plot twists I did not see coming, and overall I enjoyed it. Remember to check trigger/content warnings before reading, as it is a horror book and got quite graphic.
#Unwell #EffieCampbell #ARC
Thank you Effie Campbell for providing this e-ARC. All opinions are my own.
This book was mind blowing and disturbing in the best way possible 😂 The story takes place in 1975 and reminded me just how horrible women and the disabled were treated back then. There were a couple of plot twists I did not see coming, and overall I enjoyed it. Remember to check trigger/content warnings before reading, as it is a horror book and got quite graphic.
#Unwell #EffieCampbell #ARC
October 26, 2025
This book had me from the very first page.
Nancy and Ginny
One is a nurse( Nancy)
Ginny ( patient )
When Ginny is dropped off at the asylum pregnant.
Nancy takes care of her. ( wants the baby ) a lot happens in this book.
This is a very much horror. Please check your triggers
Nancy and Ginny
One is a nurse( Nancy)
Ginny ( patient )
When Ginny is dropped off at the asylum pregnant.
Nancy takes care of her. ( wants the baby ) a lot happens in this book.
This is a very much horror. Please check your triggers
October 7, 2025
Second Arc I have read for the Wellard Asylum series and OMG how much can go on in one asylum!!!
Never mind, don't answer that!
This was one f*cked up book and of course I mean that in the most complimentary way possible! Even as I was reading and thinking how messed up this is, it just kept getting worse (better) as it went on.
The twists that happened I did NOT see coming and I will applaud Effie for that!
During this book you will get to know two FMC,
Ginny- who was dropped off at the asylum by her mom at 19
Nancy- One of the staff there that have taken Ginny under her wing and tried to protect her
along with
Robert- Nancy's husband who also works at Wellards as one of the doctors.
Throughout the book you see Nancy and her protectiveness over Ginny grow, or should I say obsession. Nancy has a husband, home, job but there is one thing missing.... a baby. It's not from a lack of trying but to just does not seem like its in the cards for this young couple.
So when a 19 year old gets dropped off at Wellards, almost full term it was like it was meant to happen and she will do ANYTHING to make her only dream in life come a reality, even if it means she has to get her hands dirty.
What she doesn't expect is that this baby may be closer to her than she could ever expect, and when the pieces start to fall into place it turns her whole world upside down.
What is the real connection between Ginny and the child's father?
Nancy learns the hard way that some times living in the shadow is the safest thing but now she needs to protect and save the baby from the one person she thought was safe... its mother.
Never mind, don't answer that!
This was one f*cked up book and of course I mean that in the most complimentary way possible! Even as I was reading and thinking how messed up this is, it just kept getting worse (better) as it went on.
The twists that happened I did NOT see coming and I will applaud Effie for that!
During this book you will get to know two FMC,
Ginny- who was dropped off at the asylum by her mom at 19
Nancy- One of the staff there that have taken Ginny under her wing and tried to protect her
along with
Robert- Nancy's husband who also works at Wellards as one of the doctors.
Throughout the book you see Nancy and her protectiveness over Ginny grow, or should I say obsession. Nancy has a husband, home, job but there is one thing missing.... a baby. It's not from a lack of trying but to just does not seem like its in the cards for this young couple.
So when a 19 year old gets dropped off at Wellards, almost full term it was like it was meant to happen and she will do ANYTHING to make her only dream in life come a reality, even if it means she has to get her hands dirty.
What she doesn't expect is that this baby may be closer to her than she could ever expect, and when the pieces start to fall into place it turns her whole world upside down.
What is the real connection between Ginny and the child's father?
Nancy learns the hard way that some times living in the shadow is the safest thing but now she needs to protect and save the baby from the one person she thought was safe... its mother.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2025
Unwell by Effie Campbell
Let me start this off by saying this is my first from this author and it did not disappoint and I can't wait to read more.
Please please make sure you check your trigger and content warnings because this is DARKKKKK
This book follows Ginny, Nancy and Robert and wow is it a wild ride.
Nancy and Robert are married and all Nancy wants is to become a mother and she has had the hardest time. She doesn't understand why everyone else can so easily have a baby but she just can't get pregnant. Nancy and Robert both work at Wellard Asylum when a new patient comes in and things take a turn.
Ginny doesn't understand why her mama is dropping her off at this place. She doesn't want to leave she just wants to go back home with her mama. She is pregnant and doesn't want to leave Elijah because he is supposed to help her and take care of her and their baby.
As soon as Nancy sees Ginny she doesn't understand why she is there. What could possibly be wrong with this poor girl. Maybe she is just struggling because she is pregnant and her mother dropped her off. But little does she know..... Things are much more twisted in this story.
When I tell you that I went through so many emotions while reading this because wow this was a ride. There were many things that I did not expect but when I got to the ending it had my jaw on the floor. This story is very dark and twisted and messed up.
Let me start this off by saying this is my first from this author and it did not disappoint and I can't wait to read more.
Please please make sure you check your trigger and content warnings because this is DARKKKKK
This book follows Ginny, Nancy and Robert and wow is it a wild ride.
Nancy and Robert are married and all Nancy wants is to become a mother and she has had the hardest time. She doesn't understand why everyone else can so easily have a baby but she just can't get pregnant. Nancy and Robert both work at Wellard Asylum when a new patient comes in and things take a turn.
Ginny doesn't understand why her mama is dropping her off at this place. She doesn't want to leave she just wants to go back home with her mama. She is pregnant and doesn't want to leave Elijah because he is supposed to help her and take care of her and their baby.
As soon as Nancy sees Ginny she doesn't understand why she is there. What could possibly be wrong with this poor girl. Maybe she is just struggling because she is pregnant and her mother dropped her off. But little does she know..... Things are much more twisted in this story.
When I tell you that I went through so many emotions while reading this because wow this was a ride. There were many things that I did not expect but when I got to the ending it had my jaw on the floor. This story is very dark and twisted and messed up.
September 29, 2025
Pitch black novella
We first meet Nancy & her husband, Robert. Nancy & Robert both work at Wellard Asylum. They’ve been trying desperately for a baby for years but have unfortunately been unsuccessful. Ultimately this has put a strain on their relationship. But their lives are about to change when 19-year old, Ginny, is dropped off by her mother after she becomes pregnant again.
Behind the walls at Wellard, things aren’t what they seem and desperation runs high. When Nancy becomes attached to Ginny.. and her baby.. she stops at nothing to protect her. But again.. not everything is what it seems at Wellard. The truth eventually comes out.. and it’ll be the shock of a lifetime.
I really enjoyed this novella. Unwell is a dark, twisted, really f*cked up story that contains some of the goriest smut (not spicy smut but horror smut) I’ve ever read. Some parts I actually had to pause and take a breath because I couldn’t believe that was actually happening. Some of the plot twists I found were easy to guess but.. some had me like “wtf”. And let’s just say… Ginny in the basement??!! Omg!!! *mind blown*
I definitely recommend this novella as one of your spooky season reads. It’s got all the elements that make it perfect for this time of year. Couldn’t put it da.. 4 stars!
We first meet Nancy & her husband, Robert. Nancy & Robert both work at Wellard Asylum. They’ve been trying desperately for a baby for years but have unfortunately been unsuccessful. Ultimately this has put a strain on their relationship. But their lives are about to change when 19-year old, Ginny, is dropped off by her mother after she becomes pregnant again.
Behind the walls at Wellard, things aren’t what they seem and desperation runs high. When Nancy becomes attached to Ginny.. and her baby.. she stops at nothing to protect her. But again.. not everything is what it seems at Wellard. The truth eventually comes out.. and it’ll be the shock of a lifetime.
I really enjoyed this novella. Unwell is a dark, twisted, really f*cked up story that contains some of the goriest smut (not spicy smut but horror smut) I’ve ever read. Some parts I actually had to pause and take a breath because I couldn’t believe that was actually happening. Some of the plot twists I found were easy to guess but.. some had me like “wtf”. And let’s just say… Ginny in the basement??!! Omg!!! *mind blown*
I definitely recommend this novella as one of your spooky season reads. It’s got all the elements that make it perfect for this time of year. Couldn’t put it da.. 4 stars!
September 28, 2025
Read your triggers!
I don't have any triggers; this book didn't trigger me, but it did hit home a little. Nancy has tried for years to have a baby, but she has had many miscarriages; she wants nothing more than to become a mother.
Tropes
✍🏼Mind Games
✍🏼Horror
✍🏼Plot Twists
✍🏼Asylum
✍🏼Depraved Staff
✍🏼Psychological
This book had like 3 twists that I was not expecting. I go into most books blind, but even had I read the blurb, I wouldn't have expected these twists. I was mindblown by them, I was literally lying in bed reading, and when I finished, I just lay there staring at the ceiling thinking...what the fuck. I couldn't get the book out of my head. I ended up getting up and watching TV for a while. This book was spinning round in my head. It's been a while since a book has planted its feet in my head and left me sitting there replaying it over and over, but that's exactly what this book did.
I understood Nancy's emotions about wanting a baby, but I hate her actions at the end. I also felt for Ginny throughout the whole book until near the end, and I hated her so much. I cried.
I'm not sure if it was just me, but I ended up reading Ginny's chapters in an American southern accent, which gave me old southern vibes lol.
This is the first book I have read by Effie Campbell. I am looking forward to reading more from her. I felt like I was in the asylum with them; I felt like I could feel eyes watching me, smell the rot of the asylum. It was written very well. I would recommend reading, but read your triggers!!!! Even if you normally go in blind like me, this book has some difficult to stomach scenes.
Thank you Effie for the ARC
I don't have any triggers; this book didn't trigger me, but it did hit home a little. Nancy has tried for years to have a baby, but she has had many miscarriages; she wants nothing more than to become a mother.
Tropes
✍🏼Mind Games
✍🏼Horror
✍🏼Plot Twists
✍🏼Asylum
✍🏼Depraved Staff
✍🏼Psychological
This book had like 3 twists that I was not expecting. I go into most books blind, but even had I read the blurb, I wouldn't have expected these twists. I was mindblown by them, I was literally lying in bed reading, and when I finished, I just lay there staring at the ceiling thinking...what the fuck. I couldn't get the book out of my head. I ended up getting up and watching TV for a while. This book was spinning round in my head. It's been a while since a book has planted its feet in my head and left me sitting there replaying it over and over, but that's exactly what this book did.
I understood Nancy's emotions about wanting a baby, but I hate her actions at the end. I also felt for Ginny throughout the whole book until near the end, and I hated her so much. I cried.
I'm not sure if it was just me, but I ended up reading Ginny's chapters in an American southern accent, which gave me old southern vibes lol.
This is the first book I have read by Effie Campbell. I am looking forward to reading more from her. I felt like I was in the asylum with them; I felt like I could feel eyes watching me, smell the rot of the asylum. It was written very well. I would recommend reading, but read your triggers!!!! Even if you normally go in blind like me, this book has some difficult to stomach scenes.
Thank you Effie for the ARC
October 5, 2025
Psychological horror is one of my favorite genres, especially when asylums are involved. The Wellard Asylum series has completely captured all of my attention. I have read a couple of them now, and for this being Effie’s first foray into the genre, I was absolutely impressed.
Nancy, a nurse at Wellard, is driven by her desire to have children but inability to bring any to term. Ginny is a young, unwed, pregnant woman who is abandoned to the Asylum by her mother. Despite the power balance, Nancy and Ginny become close with Nancy doing her best to help Ginny in any way she can.
The dynamic between these two is something else. There are as many twists and turns in Nancy’s feelings toward Ginny as there are in the entire story. Effie had me gasping out loud more than once and just when I thought I had it all figured out, she flipped it all upside down.
I absolutely recommend reading this series and most definitely this story in particular.
Nancy, a nurse at Wellard, is driven by her desire to have children but inability to bring any to term. Ginny is a young, unwed, pregnant woman who is abandoned to the Asylum by her mother. Despite the power balance, Nancy and Ginny become close with Nancy doing her best to help Ginny in any way she can.
The dynamic between these two is something else. There are as many twists and turns in Nancy’s feelings toward Ginny as there are in the entire story. Effie had me gasping out loud more than once and just when I thought I had it all figured out, she flipped it all upside down.
I absolutely recommend reading this series and most definitely this story in particular.
October 31, 2025
For Effie's "first foray into horror," she did an AMAZING job!! I had suspensions, second guessed them, then was smacked with something I didn't see coming. It was fantastic!!
I was creeped out several times throughout this story! As well as my heart breaking, seeing what trauma can manifest in people. Causing them to do horrific things that they think will help or save them. I also enjoyed the is the good guy..... really a good guy. Brought the whole story full circle for me, bravo!!
I liked that this story took place in an earlier time line then the others I have read in the shared world. Giving us a tiny bit of insight to Wellard as a whole. How it not only holds horror and changes patients, but what it turns its employees into as well.....
I was creeped out several times throughout this story! As well as my heart breaking, seeing what trauma can manifest in people. Causing them to do horrific things that they think will help or save them. I also enjoyed the is the good guy..... really a good guy. Brought the whole story full circle for me, bravo!!
I liked that this story took place in an earlier time line then the others I have read in the shared world. Giving us a tiny bit of insight to Wellard as a whole. How it not only holds horror and changes patients, but what it turns its employees into as well.....
September 26, 2025
Unwell consumed me. I devoured it in one sitting, chewing my nails to the quick. Every time I thought I had the answers, another twist blindsided me. I was left questioning everything until the very last page.
⚠️ Trigger warnings are a must. This is dark. Beyond the horror and asylum setting, it dives into brutally heavy, real-world themes that linger long after reading.
If you crave horror that unsettles, asylum walls that whisper, and stories so dark they swallow the light… Unwell is one you can’t miss.
⚠️ Trigger warnings are a must. This is dark. Beyond the horror and asylum setting, it dives into brutally heavy, real-world themes that linger long after reading.
If you crave horror that unsettles, asylum walls that whisper, and stories so dark they swallow the light… Unwell is one you can’t miss.
September 27, 2025
Unwell by Effie Campbell is a standalone in the Wellard Asylum series and I was SO excited to get an ARC of this one, being Effie’s first horror!!
When Ginny falls pregnant at 19 her parents take her to Wellard Asylum and apart from one kind and caring nurse, Nancy, she soon realises that this is a place of horrors!
Unwell is a story, dark, psychological horror and you should check your triggers but for us with dark sounds this is a must read! This releases on the 26th of October, just in time for Halloween!!
What to expect:
🎀 Mind games
🎀 Asylum
🎀 Depraved staff
🎀 Horror
🎀 Maternal horror
🎀 Violence
When Ginny falls pregnant at 19 her parents take her to Wellard Asylum and apart from one kind and caring nurse, Nancy, she soon realises that this is a place of horrors!
Unwell is a story, dark, psychological horror and you should check your triggers but for us with dark sounds this is a must read! This releases on the 26th of October, just in time for Halloween!!
What to expect:
🎀 Mind games
🎀 Asylum
🎀 Depraved staff
🎀 Horror
🎀 Maternal horror
🎀 Violence
October 3, 2025
Unwell is book 12 of 13 in my he Wellard Asylum Series. Each book is a stand alone and written by a different author.
This is a dark horror read that might just make your skin crawl,it’s definitely not for everyone and not a beginner pitch black book, IMO.
Ginny is a troubled young woman who has been used in the possible way for so many years I’m sure she doesn’t know any different.
Nancy & Robert are a married couple who work at Wellard Asylum, where Ginny ends up.
It turns out Ginny & Robert have secrets that Nancy doesn’t know.
Be careful carful going into this blind if you have any triggers please read the warnings before starting.
It was a rough read but well done, story is sad and ends with an unexpected twist, at least I found it unexpected.
This is a dark horror read that might just make your skin crawl,it’s definitely not for everyone and not a beginner pitch black book, IMO.
Ginny is a troubled young woman who has been used in the possible way for so many years I’m sure she doesn’t know any different.
Nancy & Robert are a married couple who work at Wellard Asylum, where Ginny ends up.
It turns out Ginny & Robert have secrets that Nancy doesn’t know.
Be careful carful going into this blind if you have any triggers please read the warnings before starting.
It was a rough read but well done, story is sad and ends with an unexpected twist, at least I found it unexpected.
October 6, 2025
Holy Moly!
Hello to this edition of "What did I just read! " staring 'Unwell'😂
This book had me hooked by page 1! There were so many secrets that keep you reading, hoping to uncover them. Right when you thought you knew what was happening or who did it, another twist came! 🤭 I was NOT expecting that ending! Who would have thought? 🤫
🌟4/5🌟 Could not put it down!
Please make sure to check your TW!!
Hello to this edition of "What did I just read! " staring 'Unwell'😂
This book had me hooked by page 1! There were so many secrets that keep you reading, hoping to uncover them. Right when you thought you knew what was happening or who did it, another twist came! 🤭 I was NOT expecting that ending! Who would have thought? 🤫
🌟4/5🌟 Could not put it down!
Please make sure to check your TW!!
October 22, 2025
This is the second book of the Wellard Asylum I’ve read and it left me completely gobsmacked!
Effie Campbell has done a fantastic job with this story, the dark psychological aspects and twists had me absolutely gripped!
This story was the perfect blend of thrills and chills and ‘what the…..’ moments making a perfect addition to the Wellard Asylum series.
Absolutely loved it.
Definitely recommend to all the horror fans out there.
Effie Campbell has done a fantastic job with this story, the dark psychological aspects and twists had me absolutely gripped!
This story was the perfect blend of thrills and chills and ‘what the…..’ moments making a perfect addition to the Wellard Asylum series.
Absolutely loved it.
Definitely recommend to all the horror fans out there.
September 26, 2025
Just finished my ARC of Unwell and… wow, it was an experience. This book was a wild ride. So many twists and turns. I was constantly second-guessing what I thought I knew. It’s dark and intense in the best way, and honestly a little unsettling (which is exactly what you want from psychological horror).
If you’re a fan of psychological horror that pushes boundaries and makes you question everything, this is one to grab.
If you’re a fan of psychological horror that pushes boundaries and makes you question everything, this is one to grab.
October 16, 2025
This book is disturbing and I ATE IT UP! There are so many TWs, so please keep that in mind before taking on Unwell. There is gore, assault, misogyny, and poor sweet Ginny. Just when you think you have this book figured out, YOU’RE WRONG! The ending took me out!!
October 17, 2025
Interesting but predictable FOR ME. I love the effort, creativity and writing style. The story was easy to follow but what happens next was too predictable to keep me on my toes. Although the how of related made me go between two options.
October 23, 2025
Wow that was on hell of a trippy ride. I truly feel that I am unwell after reading this. My brain doesn't even know how to comprehend all the twist and turns that went on in this book. You think you know how it's going to turn out but you don't You really don't.
October 23, 2025
Holy fuuuuuuuuuuuuuu….
What did I just read?? Effie is my queen of smutty dark romance and now I need to add straight horror to that list.
Full review to come
What did I just read?? Effie is my queen of smutty dark romance and now I need to add straight horror to that list.
Full review to come
October 28, 2025
3.5 stars!
October 29, 2025
Well that was a bit good wasn’t it!!!
Effies first erotic horror.
Yesssss - it was gruesome, it was weirdly hot in places and it just gave!!!!
Couldn’t put it down. Read in about 2 hours.
Effies first erotic horror.
Yesssss - it was gruesome, it was weirdly hot in places and it just gave!!!!
Couldn’t put it down. Read in about 2 hours.
October 27, 2025
4.5⭐️
I got an arc, but my rating/review are my own!
I got almost everything right and what a freaking pig!!!!😭😭😭
I feel so bad for Ginny, how could they do it to her😭😭😭😭
quotes:
••
𝓖𝓲𝓷𝓷𝔂 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝔂𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮, 𝔀𝓪𝓽𝓬𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓾𝓼. 𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓪𝓼 𝓶𝓾𝓬𝓱 𝓪𝓼 𝓘 𝓱𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓶𝔂𝓼𝓮𝓵𝓯 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓲𝓽, 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓫𝓮𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓾𝓷𝓯𝓾𝓻𝓵𝓮𝓭 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓭𝓮𝓮𝓹 𝓲𝓷𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮 𝓶𝓮. 𝓜𝔂 𝓫𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓱 𝓬𝓪𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓪𝓼 𝓼𝓱𝓪𝓶𝓮 𝓫𝓾𝓻𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱 𝓶𝓮.
𝓦𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓼 𝓯𝓵𝓲𝓬𝓴𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓮, 𝓻𝓮𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮 𝓽𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝓮, 𝓼𝓾𝓭𝓭𝓮𝓷 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓱𝓾𝓶𝓲𝓵𝓲𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰. 𝓘 𝓬𝓪𝓶𝓮 𝓹𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓯𝓵𝓾𝓼𝓱𝓮𝓭
••
‘𝖄𝖔𝖚’𝖗𝖊 𝖘𝖙𝖎𝖑𝖑 𝖇𝖊𝖆𝖚𝖙𝖎𝖋𝖚𝖑. 𝕷𝖎𝖐𝖊 𝖆 𝖕𝖊𝖗𝖋𝖊𝖈𝖙 𝖑𝖎𝖙𝖙𝖑𝖊 𝖉𝖔𝖑𝖑.’
••
𝓖𝓲𝓷𝓷𝔂 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓮.
••
‘𝕹𝖊𝖆𝖗𝖑𝖞 𝖙𝖎𝖒𝖊. 𝕲𝖔𝖔𝖉 𝖌𝖎𝖗𝖑. 𝖄𝖔𝖚’𝖛𝖊 𝖉𝖔𝖓𝖊 𝖘𝖔 𝖜𝖊𝖑𝖑 𝖋𝖔𝖗 𝖒𝖊.’
••
tropes:
☆🍁erotic horror
☆🍁physiological horror
☆🍁nurse x patient
☆🍁sapphic obsession
☆🍁maternal horror
☆🍁body horror
☆🍁pregnancy
☆🍁noncon
I got an arc, but my rating/review are my own!
I got almost everything right and what a freaking pig!!!!😭😭😭
I feel so bad for Ginny, how could they do it to her😭😭😭😭
quotes:
••
𝓖𝓲𝓷𝓷𝔂 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝔂𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮, 𝔀𝓪𝓽𝓬𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓾𝓼. 𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓪𝓼 𝓶𝓾𝓬𝓱 𝓪𝓼 𝓘 𝓱𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓶𝔂𝓼𝓮𝓵𝓯 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓲𝓽, 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓫𝓮𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓾𝓷𝓯𝓾𝓻𝓵𝓮𝓭 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓭𝓮𝓮𝓹 𝓲𝓷𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮 𝓶𝓮. 𝓜𝔂 𝓫𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓱 𝓬𝓪𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓪𝓼 𝓼𝓱𝓪𝓶𝓮 𝓫𝓾𝓻𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱 𝓶𝓮.
𝓦𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓼 𝓯𝓵𝓲𝓬𝓴𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓮, 𝓻𝓮𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮 𝓽𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝓮, 𝓼𝓾𝓭𝓭𝓮𝓷 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓱𝓾𝓶𝓲𝓵𝓲𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰. 𝓘 𝓬𝓪𝓶𝓮 𝓹𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓯𝓵𝓾𝓼𝓱𝓮𝓭
••
‘𝖄𝖔𝖚’𝖗𝖊 𝖘𝖙𝖎𝖑𝖑 𝖇𝖊𝖆𝖚𝖙𝖎𝖋𝖚𝖑. 𝕷𝖎𝖐𝖊 𝖆 𝖕𝖊𝖗𝖋𝖊𝖈𝖙 𝖑𝖎𝖙𝖙𝖑𝖊 𝖉𝖔𝖑𝖑.’
••
𝓖𝓲𝓷𝓷𝔂 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓮.
••
‘𝕹𝖊𝖆𝖗𝖑𝖞 𝖙𝖎𝖒𝖊. 𝕲𝖔𝖔𝖉 𝖌𝖎𝖗𝖑. 𝖄𝖔𝖚’𝖛𝖊 𝖉𝖔𝖓𝖊 𝖘𝖔 𝖜𝖊𝖑𝖑 𝖋𝖔𝖗 𝖒𝖊.’
••
tropes:
☆🍁erotic horror
☆🍁physiological horror
☆🍁nurse x patient
☆🍁sapphic obsession
☆🍁maternal horror
☆🍁body horror
☆🍁pregnancy
☆🍁noncon
Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews