Vervain Hollow

by Catriona Silvey

Two years ago, Laura was in a cult. But when the sprawling house in the hollow burned down with Vervain, their strikingly handsome and magnetic leader, trapped inside, Laura had nowhere to go but home. Brokenhearted, she finds herself longing for their lost leader—despite the trauma of that strange and terrifying year, she knows the power he promised her was real. But when her estranged friend, Aliyah, calls to tell her that Daniel, one of the other acolytes, has been lured back to the hollow by a message from Vervain, Laura only hears one He’s still there. As Laura and Aliyah venture back to the house of their nightmares to find the truth, Laura soon realizes that not everything she remembers can be trusted—and that the darkness will do anything to get her back.

Genres: Horror, Gothic, Cults

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 16, 2026

About the author

Catriona Silvey was born in Glasgow and grew up in Perthshire and Derbyshire, which left her with a strange accent and a distrust of flat places. She overcame the latter to do a BA in English at Cambridge, and spent the next few years there working in scientific publishing. After that she moved to Edinburgh and did a PhD in language evolution, in the hope of finding out where all these words came from in the first place.

Following stints in Chicago and back in Cambridge, she returned to Edinburgh, where she lives with her husband, children, and a very peculiar cat. When she's not working as a solutions developer for a software company, she writes science fiction and fantasy. Her debut novel Meet Me in Another Life was published in 2021. It was a #2 Waterstones bestseller, has been translated into eleven languages, and is currently in development as a feature film.

Reviews

[Lorin (paperbackbish) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you Union Square for my free copy of Vervain Hollow by Catriona Silvey — out now!

» READ IF YOU «
🏚️ want a cult story with a supernatural twist
🔥 enjoy a slooooowwwww burn
🧱 can tolerate a protagonist you want to throw a brick at

» SYNOPSIS «
Two years after the house at Vervain Hollow burned down with their charismatic leader trapped inside, Laura is home and brokenhearted, but still certain the power he promised her was real. When her estranged friend Aliyah calls with news that another former cult member has been lured back by a message from Vervain himself, Laura only hears one thing: he’s still there.

» REVIEW «
Nnnnnoooope. Y’all know I’m always honest, and this one was very not for me. Because Laura. LAURA. I wanted to throw a brick at her, repeatedly, for the entirety of this book. I hung in there despite hating her at first, because I thought surely—SURELY—she would wake up and be a real person. But no.

I understand cult psychology, I understand the pull of belonging, and Silvey clearly does too—but understanding WHY someone keeps making dumbass choices doesn’t make it less maddening to read three hundred pages of it. I needed her to grow, or break, or do ANYTHING, and instead I got a lot of living inside a mind I didn’t want to be in.

I just could not get past wanting to shake Laura the entire time. Silvey is talented, this one just frustrated me far more than it haunted me.

⭐️⭐️

[CadmanReads]

I went into Catriona Silvey's Vervain Hollow completely blind. Having loved her previous books and knowing from interviews that she would shift to another genre, I was excited to see where she would go next.

The cover gives off strong, creepy haunted house vibes, and while that is present, the story is centered even more on cult dynamics, memory, and the lingering pull of places you know you shouldn’t return to.

The novel centers on Laura, a former cult member drawn back to the burned-down Vervain Hollow after rumors spread that the group’s charismatic leader might still be alive. Accompanied by an old friend, the narrative shifts between past and present, gradually exposing how Laura and the others became involved and how the cult’s impact remains.

The characters are among the book's biggest strengths. Love them or hate them, they are incredibly interesting, and the conflicts between them feel real. Laura’s complicated attachment to the cult and the memories it created for her add emotional depth and directly tie into the central themes.

The atmosphere is fantastic. Vervain Hollow itself almost feels like a character, a strange sprawling house full of unsettling corners and secrets. Instead of relying on outright horror, the tone uses gothic elements and psychological suspense to build tension through mood, obsession, and unease.

The pacing is definitely a slow burn, which worked well for me and helped build the creeping sense of dread. This book leans more toward psychological suspense and gothic drama than a fast-paced thriller, so readers expecting constant action might find it slower at times. Some supernatural elements are left slightly ambiguous, which may not work for everyone, but I enjoyed the mystery.

Overall, this is a moody, character-driven cult novel in which memory, belonging, and the mesmerizing pull of the past are central. Once again, I was surprised, and my expectations were exceeded. Wherever Catriona Silvey goes next, I’ll definitely be reading.

[Karen Bullock · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story about the bonds of friendship-it’s warm and inviting, until it isn’t

An enticement: to step outside the boundaries of a preplanned destiny-until the range of steps is too far

Life’s choices versus life’s distractions; is choosing practical ultimately better in the long run, than the new, shiny and/or flashy distractions?

A gothic suspenseful horror about two friends who fall under the trance of a charismatic leader & ultimately it separates and isolates, even favors one for the other, destroying the foundation of steady and dependable

Accepting indifference, yet not yielding to the power of a distraction

The story telling is good; mixed with the highs and lows of pacing, yet it seems to have fallen into that category of: “another cult book”, too predictable, causing the interest to wane and slow down the interest.

Thanks to Union Square & Co for this arc and opportunity to try a new author!

[Micronova · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vervain Hollow by Catriona Silvey
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️
3 stars

The synopsis checked several boxes that usually guarantee a good time for me. a creepy cult, gothic undertones, a mysterious antagonist named Vervain and a heroine trying to figure it all out. On paper, it sounds unsettling. In practice, it somehow managed to make a this cult read feel like homework. I kept waiting for the story to sink its claws in but instead it mostly wandered around looking suspicious while I wondered when the real excitement would arrive.

Laura was a likable enough main character, and Vervain certainly had the potential to be an unforgettable villain. The atmosphere was also working overtime, draping everything in a gloomy, eerie feeling that begged for dramatic thunderclaps. Unfortunately, the plot often felt muddled and a little confusing , with revelations that raised more questions than answers. Rather than building tension, much of the story seemed content to meander through its mysteries at a leisurely pace.

By the end, I appreciated the ambition more than the execution. There were flashes of interesting ideas hidden beneath the cult intrigue and gothic vibes, but getting to them required slogging through a lot of slow sections. For a book about manipulation, secrets, and a charismatic antagonist, it was surprisingly boring more than it was thrilling. 3 stars from me (mostly for atmosphere,) because the plot and I never quite managed to get on the same page.

Thank you to NetGalley and Union Square Square & Co for the digital advance reader copy.

Publish date: June 16, 2026

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

So when I read the synopsis for this supernatural horror cult story I was really intrigued. Also, the cover really captured my attention.

This story def gives the vibes of a gothic setting with this house that was continually built. The imagery made it seem dark and yet enchanting at the same time. I think the author really captured what a cult does by making people feel a part of something important.

That being said I could not get passed the FMC. I thought at some point through the story she would come to her senses but her character development just wasn't there in my opinion.

Thank you union square & go for the gifted ebook.

[Isabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an ARC of this for free in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own*

Gothic and cult-y and absolutely captivating. Catriona Silvey has created a world that’s rich and full of life. I was hooked from the beginning and was enthralled as I read the story unfold; a creepy, American gothic tale of self actualisation and ancient powers and cults

[s · Rating 2 out of 5]

thank you to netgalley, the author, and union square & co. for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

release date: june 16, 2026

very interesting premise but it didn't hook me in like i thought it would. it's not your typical cult novel, but the paranormal aspects were fun to read! it was slow and it dragged on, and i could not get into the characters tbh. i think the plot could have been fleshed out a little more.

[lavender · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laura is genuinely one of the most evil protagonists I’ve ever met and it’s in such a compelling manner. Shes so interesting because of that— she is a victim of an alleged cult, she’s spellbound and desperate for validation in her character— and yet she also holds no self worth for herself. Such a cool concept character that made me hate her and pity her but still hold out hope she could become more than what someone else believed her to be.

Really really good story and the audiobook narrator had me SO enthralled with the dreamy narration that really sold Laura’s spellbound attitude towards Vervain. Very enjoyable read.

[AfterPlague · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Union Square & Co. and NetGalley for this Advanced Reader Copy!

It's been a bit since I picked up an ARC, and Vervain Hollow was always going to be very intriguing to me. I love stories about cults and I've loved most of the books I've read that have been labeled "gothic," so this was a no-brainer. I'm so glad I got approved for this book! Rounded up from 3.75.

Vervain Hollow burned to the ground a year ago with Vervain himself still inside. The survivors of the fire told stories of a powerful leader who could grant them unimaginable abilities, but they were labeled cultish fanatics. In the present, Laura is drawn back to Vervain Hollow by rumors that Vervain is still alive, and she would do anything to restore him to his former glory.

Laura is annoying. I don't think that's a controversial opinion, but it's also a bit more of a nuanced opinion than it first seems to be. She is willing to steal from her friends, lie, and sacrifice everyone important to her in the name of pleasing Vervain. Laura is intentionally frustrating because she goes through a pretty significant character arc. The story is told in two timelines, the past and the present, so the reader gets the opportunity to view how Laura became who she is now, and then they get to watch her overcome that person. I thought it was really well done, though I do think she gets off a bit easily for some of her more despicable actions. Her reasons for becoming her "worst self" are fairly sympathetic, and I did feel for her. I liked some of the thematic elements of "lessening" yourself as a woman to please a man. It was compelling.

Aliyah is Laura's best friend, and probably the most likable character in the story. She has a very strong sense of justice that never wavers, and she's a huge driver of the momentum. Aliyah is smart and funny, and she's the only member of the cult who wants to use the power to do something good for the world. A lot of Aliyah' storyline deals with her race and police brutality, but I think the author handles it fairly well. She's portrayed as correct for her feelings, actions, and desires for justice.

The other cult members also play their roles very well within the story. Cassie is the favorite of Vervain in the beginning, and she's a bit selfish and immature, but also energetic and fun. Jacob sees himself as the responsible one, but he's always trying to curry more favor and gain more power. Daniel is the only cult member with strong connections to the outside world, so he feels torn between the cult and his old life. Each character feels well fleshed out and distinct in both their voice and their beliefs.

Vervain is a little bit unknowable, and I like that the author didn't feel the need to really label him. He's not a ghost or a demon or an angel or a god necessarily, and in doing so it means that the reader has no preconceived notions of how this character or his powers function. It places the reader in Laura and Aliyah's shoes as they find out more about him and his power. I also really liked the way his powers actually work. Vervain isn't really able to "harm" the cult members directly, but that doesn't mean he has no power over them. He controls the house, and he's able to use the house to control the members. It's unique, and it leads to more interesting conflict than if Vervain just zapped them with lightning or something. The author also emphasizes Vervain's inhumanity and the way it affects his motivations and reactions to the human cult members.

It took a little while for me to get into the writing. It's hard to explain but I think the first several chapters of this book were a little bit stilted. It was difficult to get into a flow state of reading because I kept stumbling over some awkward sentences or odd metaphors. For example, this is the opening paragraph of the first chapter:

We came up the long driveway to the Hollow. From the back seat I fixated on the gravel track framed by stubby, thrusting trees, revealing at last a corner of the house: Jedidiah Drake's fever-dream folly, dropped in the middle of Indiana farmland like an angel crippled by its fall...

It's a bit awkward with the descriptions (thrusting trees?), the alliteration of "fever-dream folly," and the metaphor of the angel is a bit intense. I do honestly like it in hindsight because it give some insight into the character of the house, having spread and bent "wings," and to the cult and Vervain. On initial reading, though, it feels a bit clunky. Laura also refers to Vervain as "you" for most of the story i.e. I saw you standing in the kitchen. I don't love second person writing, but I do really like this as a character choice for Laura. It's a bold choice in general.

Laura's entire life has been framed around the idea of Vervain, a person she sees as a god, so it makes a ton of sense that in the writing she refers to him in the same way we would refer to a god while praying. From a metatextual point, I feel like you could argue that the reader is a "god" while in the act of reading Laura's story, being semi-omniscient and in control, but I think that's taking the metaphor a bit far. Regardless, this was something I was able to get used to, and I do like how it was used to demonstrate Laura's character growth.

The story is very atmospheric. Gothic is a perfect descriptor for the vibes of Vervain Hollow, both the novel and the house itself. The descriptions were very vivid and sensory, especially regarding the cold. The house is also described wonderfully as this sprawling, messy home with turrets and stairs to nowhere. On one hand, I really like that it's difficult to get a grasp on the architecture of the home, especially considering the more magical elements of the house, but on the other I was a little bit confused about some climatic moments because I couldn't really picture where the characters were supposed to be. I almost think Vervain Hollow would've benefited from a map in the beginning, of the "standard" layout of the house at least.

I wouldn't consider the horror in this book to be too frightening. It's definitely more gothic than horrific with the moving, shifting house, and a ghost story that never quite tips over into a real haunting. The main thing the members of the cult are afraid of is not Vervain himself or the ghost or the power, they're afraid of being isolated from the cult. I think that's a really interesting take on a cult story and it feels a bit more realistic. It's a more interpersonal horror than something traditionally "scary."

Unfortunately, I think the ending lost a little bit of steam. A lot of the climax is metaphorical and internal, so the "rules" get a little bit loose. Some events happened without me really understanding how they worked in full. The confusing geography also was a bit of a hinderance here because I thought the areas where Laura was supposed to be in the climax had burned down. I understand that part of the house was stone, so it wouldn't burn, but I never really understood which parts didn't burn. I also didn't really understand why Laura had to take the actions she took instead of taking a simpler path. It's hard to explain without spoilers, and I don't want to spoil this book. It was easy enough to shrug off these complaints and have a good time, but I wish the ending had a little bit more impact. More of a "WOW" and less of an "...okay?"

I would recommend Vervain Hollow. I love books about cults, and I think the way this novel utilized power as a way to control people was an interesting exploration of the way cults can change relationships and behaviors. This would be an excellent fall/winter read, I think, so put it on your TBR!

Vervain Hollow is releasing June 16th, 2026!
(Please note any quoted passages are subject to change before release.)

Trigger Warnings: alcohol, attempted rape, sexual assault, blood, cults, fire/fire injury, homophobia, police brutality, misogyny, gun violence.

[Mogsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2026/06/27/...

Cults make for some of the best horror premises. They’re inherently psychological, often dealing with creepy but charismatic leaders, isolated communities, and average people losing themselves completely to calculated manipulation and brainwashing. Naturally, I figured this made Vervain Hollow right up my alley. Add in a gothic touch and a little bit of the supernatural, I was expecting something that would really sink its hooks into me. But while I really admired many of the ideas at work here, the execution just didn’t quite click.

The story follows Laura, who is two years removed from her rescue from the mysterious Vervain Hollow cult after a devastating fire consumed the sprawling mansion where its members lived. But the fire not only destroyed the cult’s home, it also seemingly claimed the life of its leader, Vervain. Or at least, that’s what everyone believed. After years of struggling to heal and rebuild her life, Laura is finally beginning to move forward when she receives unexpected news. Vervain might not be gone. A member of their old circle has apparently gone missing after receiving what appears to be a message from their former leader.

Despite everything that happened to her, Laura has not completely escaped the past. Part of her still clings to the hope that what Vervain promised her is still within her grasp. And so, with reluctance, she travels back to the old site of the mansion in search of answers. But stepping back onto the estate forces her to confront memories she has spent so long trying to bury. Told across alternating timelines, the novel gradually reveals the events that took place before the cult’s downfall, jumping between flashbacks of Laura’s time at Vervain Hollow and the ongoing investigation unfolding in the present.

Catriona Silvey is a new author for me, so it was a joy discovering her talents for mood setting. Vervain Hollow itself was easily the novel’s strongest aspect, a vast gothic mansion that serves as the perfect backdrop with its dark history and secrets. The atmosphere is excellent throughout, giving off discordant and uncomfortable vibes. The supernatural elements were relatively light, but I appreciated how they remained closely tied to the psychological hold Vervain had over his followers.

That said, this book also turned out to be much slower and broodier than I was hoping for. Laura spends an infuriating amount of time waffling over her feelings and decisions, which often weighed down the story. While it’s understandable, and even realistic, for her to be conflicted after everything she’d experienced, living inside her unreliable mind was one quick way to get a headache. The pacing doesn’t help matters, with long stretches where it felt like things ran out of steam.

Finally, the writing itself took some getting used to. Silvey tells portions of the novel using second-person narration, which isn’t easy to begin with. The best writers can make it sound completely natural, but here it often felt jarring and never quite faded into the background, constantly reminding you it’s there. Rather than drawing me deeper into Laura’s perspective and fixation with Vervain, it actually created a distance, making it harder to settle into the rhythm of the story.

In the end, Vervain Hollow is one of those books I found more fascinating than outright enjoyed. I loved the way it approached its cult themes, finding fresh angles on familiar ideas while asking thoughtful questions about memory and manipulation, exploring the lasting harm caused by blind devotion. I just wish the pacing had been tighter and more balanced towards pushing things forward. If you don’t mind a slow-burning, character-driven story, there’s plenty here to appreciate. But for me, the atmosphere ultimately carried the book further than the story itself.

[Lys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the eARC!

Vervain Hollow stuck out to me as soon as I saw the word “cult” in the description. I’m such a sucker for anything cult-related (and women authors).

We see Laura, our MC, endure a deeply complex character metamorphosis in a timeline shifting storytelling format where she both enters and ultimately leaves a cult. Except this cult has a leader with very real magic and power that he loans to his followers in an attempt to gain more control over them. I absolutely love Laura’s character and her brutal honesty makes her so much more relatable. She has a bit of a villain arc that isn’t entirely her fault, but it’s there nonetheless. Aliyah, our secondary protagonist, also experiences a profound change while living at Vervain Hollow with the other members. Laura’s character would not have been as strong without Aliyah trying desperately to show her the truth of the house and Vervain himself.

All of the characters are written so well that I really could envision them while reading. I felt so connected not only to each person, but to their individual relationships with each other. That’s so important to me as a reader; if I don’t feel comfortable with the characters, I just stop caring about anything that’s happening. That was not the case with this book.

Vervain Hollow is definitely a slow burn, and I have no issues with that kind of read as long as there is something else towing me along underneath. I did take a little break from it about 85% of the way through because I found myself just wanting to be at the resolution, which thankfully DID come.

Atmospherically, the author really nailed it in terms of labyrinthine gothic vibes. It reminded me so much of my favorite horror classic Rebecca, and it’s even mentioned as a big influence on this book.

I think the only thing I was left wanting from this book is a little more motive or origin from Vervain’s character. It kind of seemed like he wanted power/sustenance for power’s sake. Which I guess is the motive of most cult leaders, but everyone has a reason for the things they do and I guess his character was a bit confusing since he attempted to show Laura “true” love while simultaneously wanting to consume her. Feels like two mutually exclusive things.

Overall, such a spooky brooding tale and I would definitely read another book by this author based on her writing style alone. She’s a gifted storyteller.

[Avalanti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read an Advanced Copy through Netgalley.

I thought this was a super intriguing premise, because I've never heard of many books about cults featuring a main character who is still very much brainwashed - particularly with this being considered in the gothic genre, I was super excited to pick it up, and I'm glad I did so because it was a very enjoyable ride.

Laura was a great MC to follow primarily because she almost recognises herself how much of an unreliable narrator she is, and as the story gets into it's latter section, this helps to form a very fun twist - one of those twists who can see coming, but it's a bit vague and you can't quite tell how it's going to form in the end. That's my favourite kind of twist, so that was absolutely a hit for me.

There's some really beautiful language in the first half of this book, though I'm not quite sure how much of a service the tense shifting was. I was enjoying it at first, as the present tense was able to provide an eerie sense of foreboding as you read through Laura's earlier experiences. I was really excited to learn more about the characters with whom Laura and Aliyah share their home, but I'm sad to say the development of the other characters took somewhat of a backseat as the present plot became more important. That being said, I'm also not sure that the story would have had quite as much impact if it was told in a linear way, so this is more of an observation rather than an issue.

I'm not a massive fan of how the book ended, but I think that's more to do with my personal taste in the gothic genre, rather than quality of writing. I think there was a fantastic sense of atmosphere in the house that created a very eerie mood, but there was something of a struggle at the end where the two timelines struggled with falling more fantasy or horror, and so neither quite hit the mark. That being said, I'm invested in this author if she ever decides to write more in this genre.

[Nereis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vervain Hollow is a dual timeline novel about going back to the place you were abused and confronting what happened there.

The novel is split between the past ; Laura and Aliyah stumble a strange house and are captivated by the owner, a mysterious man named Vervain. They decide to stay and get intwined in the strange life at this place.
And then you get the present timeline where Laura and Aliyah go back to the burned down place, to find and save one of the person who was there with them at the time.

This book was an easy read but I felt like something was lacking. I would have liked for the cultish elements to be stronger and have more of a presence in the novel. Apart from the weekly passing of power, I don't feel like the idea of cult and rules, etc was strong enough to warrant such a mental toll on the character. The seeds were there, but it wasn't exploited to my liking.
The supernatural elements had the right balance between mystery and being explained and I enjoyed this part. I think some people will find Laura unsufferable but it is to be expected when you are being manipulated. Be prepapared for a somewhat unlikable character and slow pacing. Nothing much really happens as it is more focused on the internal journeys of the characters.
I do feel like the ending was abrupt and could have used more work. It's not a bad ending but it left me a bit unsatisfied.

I really liked the use of second person narration at some points, and I will always be a sucker for that trope.

Overall it is not a bad book and I wasn't bored reading it and did not feel like dnfing at any point. It has some qualities but I don't think it will stick with me much. Apart from Vervain maybe who was an interesting concept. You will probably enjoy it if you like Gothic fiction and exploration of cults, but don't like when it gets too gritty.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.

[Aura C · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something deeply unsettling about Vervain Hollow that lingered with me long after I finished it. Part gothic horror, part psychological thriller, and part exploration of cult dynamics, this story creates an atmosphere that feels claustrophobic, eerie, and impossible to fully trust.

Laura is a fascinating protagonist because she is so frustratingly human. Her attachment to Vervain and the promises he made creates a constant tension between what is real and what she desperately wants to believe. Watching her return to the place that shaped—and damaged—her was both compelling and heartbreaking. The novel leans heavily into themes of belonging, manipulation, identity, and the lasting scars left behind by charismatic leaders.

The setting was easily one of my favorite parts of the book. Vervain Hollow itself feels alive, with its decaying halls, shifting sense of reality, and haunting atmosphere. The house becomes as much a character as anyone on the page, creating a sense of dread that grows stronger with every chapter.

The pacing is definitely on the slower side, and this is much more of a character-driven story than an action-packed horror novel. At times I wanted the plot to move a little faster, especially in the second half, but the payoff comes through the unsettling mood, the psychological tension, and the questions surrounding memory and truth.

If you enjoy cult stories, gothic settings, unreliable narrators, and horror that focuses more on atmosphere than jump scares, this one is worth picking up. It wasn’t a perfect read for me, but it was a unique and thought-provoking story that kept me wondering what was real until the very end.

Rating: 4 stars. Dark, eerie, and unsettling with a memorable gothic atmosphere and an intriguing exploration of cult psychology.

[Kristen Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up. This book hit all the right notes for me. I was constantly reminded of The Haunting of Hill House, and I’m certain that was intentional as it felt nearly explicit down to the style of house and the makeup of the core characters. But add in a supernatural cult leader promising limitless power in exchange for what you can give him… it was beautifully spooky and also a fantastic illustration of what it looks like to lose yourself to a cult.

This was a well-timed read for me since I just finished The Culting of America, which dove into what makes a group a cult, and boy did I see those elements perfect described here.

I saw that many other reviewers disliked the main character and her lack of “growth” but I think she had a phenomenal arc….just not in the way people typically expect. Over the course of the book, she falls deeper and deeper under the spell. She doesn’t return eager to get revenge and close the book on her experience, she instead wishes desperately to return. An addict for the power Vervain gave to her but also for the feeling of meaning his admiration gave her too. Yet as we see how she changes in the portion of the book set in the past, into the unfathomable victim of the present, we start to unravel the psychological torment and brainwashing that happened even before our character does.

But thank goodness for the main character’s misguided but ultimately very, very correct and amazing friend. She is the hero of this story, no question.

I devoured this book and enjoyed it immensely. The beautiful writing, the expertly done spiral into near madness of the main character, and the gothic atmosphere of the strange house and the being that inhabits and controls the walls….so good.

Perfect read for spooky season or to get out of a reading slump.

[Kate Connell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, but doesn't answer all of the questions that you have while reading it.

After college Laura and her best friend Aliyah felt a bit lost and stumbled upon Vervain House when their car broke down. The group assembled there seemed a commune of sorts, living illegally in the old house with their charismatic leader, who goes by Vervain. The two return home but can't stop think of the magnetic pull to the house. They return and join the group, becoming part of what seems more and more like a cult, but the further in they get, the less they care. They bond with Daniel, Cassie, and Jacob, the other individuals there, all of whom struggle to be Vervain's righthand. To be close to Vervain is to share in his power, to be able to alter realities, yet they rarely question if their own realities are being altered in turn. When the introduction of some new individuals causes tensions in the house, it all ends in a fire that burns down the house, with Vervain himself stuck inside.

Two years later, Aliyah calls to tell Laura that Daniel was lured back to the house by Vervain and hasn't been heard from since his return, but all Laura hears is that Vervain is still there. The two return to the house with Jacob, all with their own motives, as memories resurface and all is not what it appears. Aliyah wants to protect Laura, Laura wants to find Vervain, and Jacob is seemingly along for the ride, though clearly concerned about Daniel. As Laura abandons her friends and reconnects with Vervain, she must decide what she is willing to give up for him, and who she trusts above all else.

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this novel.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atmospheric, spooky, and I absolutely did NOT expect the perspective of this to be Laura recounting everything to Vervain, the cult leader. That threw me in the best way.

This is a contemporary paranormal gothic horror which is told in two timelines. There is the "now" which, as stated in the description, is Laura going back to Vervain Hollow two years after it has burned after hearing that Vervain may still be there and alive. There is also the "then" which begins with Laura and her roommate/best friend Aliyah shortly after college graduation discussing what they want to do with their lives, going on a spontaneous roadtrip, and running out of gas near Vervain Hollow kicking off their involvement with the cult.

Although both of them acknowledge, immediately, that this is a cult both feel a draw to Vervain as well as to the other individuals Daniel, Cassie, and Jacob and decide to return and move in. They find out that the cult survives by utilizing Vervain's illusion powers, which he is unable to use himself, and which he doles out to those members who are "ready" to use the power "responsibly."

Laura and Aliyah lived at Vervain Hollow for a year before it burned. And, now, Laura has the chance to redeem herself for leaving Vervain the first time.

This one was hard to put down. The house was unsettling, and each of the characters was really well fleshed out. Each had their own reasons for ending up at Vervain Hollow, and those reasons were really well built into their personalities and consistently showed up in their actions.

Thank you to Netgalley, Union Square & Co., and Catriona Silvey for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

[Tee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vervain Hollow is a gothic horror following the survivors of a cult as they return to the house they previously lived in. The story started out so strong with book giving me that feeling i get when i watch a character about to do something horrendously stupid in a horror movie: that don’t go in there feeling. At first it’s thrilling: the psychological suspense of waiting for jump scare but slowly I settled into it. Eventually I wished the story would progress a bit faster as the fine line of suspense was drawn on to long and I got bored. The back and forth between timelines started to feel like it was dragging on instead of being exciting.

The main character Laura was also infuriating. Laura is a shell of a person following the cult and she is extremely well written however, it also made her difficult to connect with. Laura’s growth is mostly contained to the last few chapters making her feel stagnant through most of the story. I loved Aliyah and felt Aliyah should have had a point of view. Aliyah gave real final girl energy and she definitely is shafted. The other minor characters in the cult fade out as the book progresses leaving them without a satisfying conclusion to their story line.

I have mixed feelings about Vervain Hollow. The writing was atmospheric and beautiful but the story just did not hit the spot for me. I would be interested in exploring the authors other works though as I liked her style quite a bit. While this wasn’t the book for me I still think it is worth giving a chance if you enjoy gothic horror.

Thank you Union Square & Co for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[BugNotBugYesBug · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. The opening chapters with a focus on Laura adapting to daily life after Vervain Hollow were one of the only times I've seen that horrible lingering devotion and the sheer crushing diminishment that surviving a cult where people die gives you. I was nauseous, it was like looking in a mirror. I felt slightly violated and wondered if I should continue.

And then it fell apart. Something is REALLY off with the prose in most of the book. Everything is on this rigid 1,2,3 cadence and the figurative language employed is both overwrought and indistinct. In more capable hands it would read as impressionistic, here though it just feels amateurish and bad.

Another issue is that whatever research the author did on cult survivors seems to have petered out after the opening. Laura's interiority gets stripped down to a one-note stream of devotiondevotiondevotion. There is no grooming or conversion period and no doubt either. The portrayal of how dissociation shields you from guilt was good. However, Laura recovered way too quickly at the end.

When you finally process things like that you, in my experience, throw up. Like often. Every day, usually a couple times. For months to a year.

Bizarrely, this book might have been better served by less focus on Laura and more focus on other people reacting to Laura. As it stands, her monomania actually prevents us from getting a good look inside her head.

I think more time spent with her being miserable in her hometown would have helped a lot too. That long horrible slog is where recovery really happens.

A lot or potential, gone to waste.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Union Square and Co and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC - all thoughts and opinions are my own!

The premise and the blurb are really what drew me into this book: a gothic tale of cults, old houses, and the promise of all our main character, Laura, had ever wanted in the form of Vervain, the charismatic cult leader. It truly delivered on its promise of gothic houses and cult vibes - I loved the way the house was described with its myriad rooms leading to nowhere and stairs that shift and put you right back where you started. You definitely feel as if you are wrapped up in everything the group of friends (acolytes?) is feeling as they experience Vervain’s power and control over them.

In what is a truly unique choice but fits well with the narrative, this book is written mostly in second person POV, so that did throw me off a bit in the beginning but I quickly grew used to it. This is also more of a character-driven story and leans more toward literary horror, so if that is not your preference for horror, this book may not be your favorite. I feel like I enjoyed this book more in the first half than the second half and the pacing seemed to slow down even more as we got closer to the end of the book, which I think led to me not enjoying its conclusion as much as I wanted.

Overall, if you enjoy mysterious crumbling houses, culty vibes with charismatic leaders and willing followers, and character-driven narratives, then you might enjoy Vervain Hollow!

[Alisa Saiko · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have once again been lured into a gothic novel by the promise of creepy cults and moody scenery and honestly? Vervain Hollow absolutely understood the assignment on atmosphere. Catriona Silvey writes setting so vividly that I could practically imagine myself there, watching the story play out.

This was also a ridiculously easy read. I flew through it in two sittings despite previously soft DNFing it, which honestly feels like proof the book does have a strong pull to it. The supernatural elements were intriguing and there's enough mystery threaded throughout to keep you turning the pages.

That said, I kept waiting for the story to fully grab me emotionally and it never quite did. There's an interesting core here, but some questions felt either underdeveloped or left hanging entirely. A few plot points started wobbling if I looked at them too hard. I don't necessarily need every mystery wrapped up neatly, but I did want a little more payoff after all the build up.

The pacing also felt slightly backwards for me. The middle dragged in places, lingering a bit too long in sections where I wanted momentum. While the ending suddenly hit the accelerator and sprinted off into the fog before I'd fully processed what happened. I would've happily traded some of the slower earlier chapters for a more expanded finale.

Thank you to Netgalley and Union Square & Co for the ARC in exchange for my review.

[Fay Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A sycamore tree had grown up from the ashes, throwing dense shade like a reincarnated ceiling.”

This book something I have been searching for. Truly, have you tried to find a good cult horror? Because I have, and it is tricky! Everything from the characters, to the house, to the way things were revealed was somehow exactly what I have wanted.

I absolutely adored getting to know each individual. Cassie, Jacob, Aliyah, Daniel, Stephanie, Vervain, and of course Laura. I’m being really cautious not to spoil anything, because I so desperately want to tell you every tiny detail that made this such a masterpiece. I loved how the story was revealed. I think it was so cleverly written in how different pieces conflicted and changed until the picture became clear.

I struggled a little with the now and then set up at first, but I quickly became engrossed and it makes so much sense for the story.

Favourite characters: Laura and Mr Polanski

Minority/inclusion info: POC characters, discussion of inequalities, domestic abuse and trauma.

Who this is for:
Anyone who wants a good cult horror.
Anyone who loves gothic fiction.
Anyone who has played and enjoyed Sagebrush (maybe quite niche, but trust me on this).

🖤Thank you so very much to the author and publisher for approving me to read this. I have been searching for a book like this for SO long and I knew immediately that this is the one.🖤

[Nico :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where to start with this book! It had me totally hooked the moment I picked it up.

The story follows Laura through two timelines (a Then and Now situation) as she goes through the process of getting manipulated by the cult that she has joined. I want to say, and this is a compliment to the amazing writing, I found Laura so insufferable for most of the book but as everything rounded out, I was a lot more impressed with her arc.

The characters; Laura, Aliyah, Daniel, Jacob, Cassie, Stephanie - they were all so unique and added personality to everything, you genuinely do wish the best for them in the end. I have to say, Aliyah was a lot more likeable than Laura.

I don’t do spoiler reviews, so I will say that Vervain was such an intriguing character and was written so well that it was easy to see how Laura got completely entangled with him.

The slow burn of the book as you piece together everything from Laura’s pov really adds to the atmosphere and mood of the book as well.

This is such an amazing gothic horror book, and if you’re looking for something to satisfy your need for a darker but mysterious book, this is for you.

I’m now off to find the authors other books. (4.5/5!!)

Thank you to #NetGalley for my arc of this amazing book.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting blend of supernatural horror and psychological thriller, this book explores cults, the dangers of fanaticism and illusions.

Two years ago Laura was in a cult but when the cult’s house, Vervain Hollow, was burned down, with cult’s leader, Vervain, inside, she was able to escape the horror of that life. Now she and another member, Aliyah, return after learning Daniel, a friend, has returned finding Vervain still there. They are going to ask him to leave but is Vervain and the hollow as she remembers it or an illusion?

Written from Laura’s perspective, the book explores the nature of cults and fanaticism and the dangers of trying to fit in. The allure of a charismatic leader as evidenced in the book and today’s times comes replete with problems about individual identity, since belonging is the biggest reason for being in a cult (for those who have not read Cultish by Amanda Mondell this is explained there), a person’s fragile identity relies more on the belonging than anything else. In the book, this leads to conflict for Laura between reality and illusion.

This book is perfect for lovers of gothic horror and cults. It’s a perfect beach read too - you will be surrounded by people to protect you if it gets too scary.

My thanks to NetGalley and Union Square & Co for granting me access to this ARC.

[Katie Tinkham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the Nerd Fam for the gifted ARC.

This book is outside my usual genre but I was drawn in by the premise, Laura was part of a cult and is pulled back to where it all went down when her friend disappears and she goes back to see if the cult leader is in fact still alive.

I liked that the book flipped between then and now, as it provided a good level of context for what was happening in the present. It also did a good job of providing the backstory for how Laura and her friend found the cult in the first place and how things slowly began to fall apart. I liked the element of the paranormal and how the house felt kind of alive.

This was a bit hard to follow, as it took awhile to build to the first twist and general plot. I felt like the back half of the book moved at three times the speed as the first half. I did like the twists and and the slow reveals of what actually happened and the events leading up to the end. I was genuinely confused for part of the ending and I think I would have preferred a multi POV instead of just Laura.

I think if you like a spooky house with a mysterious cult leader this is for you. It does all eventually tie together I think my brain just didn’t get it

[friday reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5⭐ (rounded up for Goodreads) - This book actually grew on me the more I read it, but overall I wanted more plot and a stronger message.

(thank you UnionSquare&Co for the ARC, all thoughts are my own)

This was very much a slow burn in the beginning, but definitely picked up about halfway through. I think this is because we are sort of dropped into the story with little to no context and slowly learn through a dual timeline about Vervain and his hold on this cult our main character Laura was apart of. I think the found family was a strong point for this novel and I did find myself invested in what was going to happen to them.

I think Vervains origins and motives could’ve been expanded on, and overall more plot in general would’ve elevated this novel to a higher rating for me. I also finished the book not sure what the message or ‘point’ was, I suppose highlighting how cults create an environment for vulnerable people to feel like they are a part of something? And cults are bad? Which is okay, but it feels a bit obvious and lacking some depth.

Not a bad book by any means and I found enjoyment through parts of my reading experience, but it also didn’t stand out to me much as a reader.

[Susan (Purplegalaxyreads94) · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I want to start by thanking nerdfam, netgalley and unionsqandco for the gifted eARC of Vervain Hollow to read and provide my honest, spoiler free review.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (rounded up)

My Thoughts:
This is my first read by Catriona Silvey and I had a pretty great time while reading this one. It’s not a genre that I normally go for but the premise behind it is what made me curious enough to want to read it.

This not only is in the gothic style genre, but it also deals with cults. While I’m not new to cults, I’m still new to reading books about. This follows the life of Laura and the two different time lines of her life and the time that she spent surrounded by the cult life. I think the authors writing style is what helped to add on to the gothic horror aesthetic. Everything was done with intent and the slow pace made things feel more creepy than it would have if things were able to be pieced together quickly. It kept me curious and kept me guessing about what all happened with this cult. I also enjoyed the other characters as well as they brought more to the story on top of the vibes we were already getting from the writing style. Overall, it was a fun time and I’m glad I had the chance to read it.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vervain Hollow is a Gothic cult story with a supernatural twist. If you like reading purely for these vibes and can appreciate good writing, this book is for you.

I was hooked from the beginning due to the intrigue of dual timelines, however, I slowly started to lose interest about 40% of the way through when the plot slowed. There were also stark transitions between scenes that left me confused and the dual timeline lost its effectiveness.

There was a lack of motivation behind Laura's character until the last 20% of the novel. There wasn't enough backstory for her introduced early on. The ending was heavily character driven, and by that point I wasn't convinced by her internal struggles and it fell flat.

As much as I enjoy dual timelines, this probably woud have been more effective for me had it been told chronologically with an unreliable narrator.

I felt as though the Gothic vibe was executed well and the writing is engaging despite the other flaws. I can see the intention but it fell flat for me. This book will certainly be a 5 star read for some and I would still recommend it based on the gothic vibes and writing.

Thank you Union Square & Co and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[jordan 🩵 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed as an ARC through Netgalley!

I tore through this book in a couple hours. For the length (336 pages), it’s pretty well rounded. We’re introduced to the MC in an unconventional way but you very quickly get a sense of the kind of person she is and you get the benefit of knowing her true desires pretty quickly.

Laura is an unreliable narrator; that’s pretty transparent from the start and not something the author tries to hide. We see her desperation and need with each chapter, and the other characters serve to show you the things she *doesn’t* have or care about. It’s a unique way to do characterization and the overall plot is interesting.

The parts I didn’t like about the book could’ve potentially been solved if there was more detail given. We’re not given a true answer on one important characters motives, and we don’t learn much about most of the characters outside of Laura. I wish there was a stronger sense of what the setting was and that the authors attention to detail about Laura extended to the other characters in the book. Despite the interest I kept having, I was left wanting more out of most of the main cast of characters.

[LittleBookLoves · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vervain Hollow had such an interesting premise and I was prepared for a gothic story centered around the impact of a cult. Unfortunately, this story just didn't land for me. Laura was an unreliable narrator, which was illustrated well by the author as Laura starts off missing Vervain. However, the story being told solely from Laura's perspective and there being so much internal reflection just made it really hard to get into this story. I'm sure Laura's devastation and mixed feelings were meant to evoke some type of emotional response in the reader, but this also missed the mark--there simply wasn't actual emotional depth. The story doesn't do nearly enough to sell the "cult" element to justify the lasting impact Vervain had on Laura and the others. Another challenge was the pacing--it is abysmally slow most of the time except for random moments where it suddenly rushed the story. Quite a few times I wanted to DNF. I like what the author was going for, but I feel as though it wasn't executed well.

Thank you to Netgalley and Union Square & Co for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.