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The Haunted Life of Violet

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There is no light, laughter and friendships for me here.

I was meant to be saved. I was meant to be free. That was always the plan. Instead, I got thrown deeper into hell.

Now I am in the devil's lair.

Their cold claws squeeze me, their teeth sink deeper so the hold on me becomes impossible to break free from.

I wanted to be strong, the heroine in the story. Instead I fear I am becoming the villain.

My name is Violet and I live in a cult.

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2025

8 people are currently reading
81 people want to read

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Talia Atkins

8 books108 followers

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5 stars
24 (51%)
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13 (27%)
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9 (19%)
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1 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Neapolitan670 📚🖤.
749 reviews43 followers
October 31, 2025
I just love the trigger warnings in this book, not that I read them prior but when I did 😬 On a serious note if you do have any and I mean any, please read them first‼️

After reading the first book, this one follows on perfectly. Violet, is a seasoned player at the cult game or is she? Her inner words maybe her undoing, her penchant for herbs, plants and natural medicines are what keeps her going. Her hatred for where she is, what her life is and what she has to come to terms with may just be her undoing. Will she find her revenge? Will she come out the other side unscathed and alive?

"𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣'𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜. 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩,"


This story just keeps you on the edge, you think you know what is going to happen and some of it does but Talia, also throws in a blinder that you don’t see coming. I must thank her for one part whilst I was eating my tea 🤮 🤣 my words to my husband went like this, ‘hand over my mouth’ “Oh! My god she just…” quickly followed by “f**k, she did it again!’ IYKYK 😱 Let’s just say her writing ensures you experience this story with very effective visuals! To say I devoured this book is an understatement!
Profile Image for Marley.
282 reviews128 followers
December 23, 2025
This book was a cult story. It was dark, uncomfortable, brutal at times, unhinged and graphic in its details. This is the first book I've read by this author and I can tell you this: I have never read anything quite like it. I needed a minute before reviewing this, a minute to stare at the wall.
I always tell people I like it when a book/someones writing is able to make you feel things.
This book made me feel very uncomfortable among other things. It feels weird to say this about a book this dark, almost as if you shouldn't, but I liked it! I mean the revenge in this?...Yessss 😌
Profile Image for Emmy Wong.
311 reviews10 followers
November 11, 2025
honestly most of this is just straight up horrifying shit and I ate it all up. I’m all for a dark cult story and this one EMPHASIS ON THE DARK. I mean it, please check your triggers. I loved this plot, it was so dark and thrilling. I also love the whole concept of the cult. In other cult books I’ve read, they exist inside society, but in this one, the cult is far away from society. As in the people there have no sense of the outside world which makes such an interesting contradiction but also makes so much sense. The cult is animalistic and tribal in way, especially in how they do mating ceremonies. As for characters, this book seriously blurs the line between “is the mmc seriously sexually abusing her and should I be running away?” and “hes pitch black but i still love him?”. Phoenix and Jeremiah are both vile cult leaders but find a little bit of humanity when they’re with violet. Warning, you don’t see their humanity until the end. While I did enjoy reading about the guys, my favourite was Violet (well duh it’s her story). I loved how she was still trying to be so strong, but as readers we can see how she slowly starts to fall further and further into insanity as the book progresses. While I did enjoy the plot, I honestly didn’t like the ending, would I call it a happy ending? Not really, but it was a little underwhelming considering all the build up towards it. Regardless it was a good book and I give it a 3.5/5
545 reviews9 followers
December 29, 2025
The story begins with a flashback to twenty years ago, where Violet witnesses her father murder her mother before they flee their original cult to join another in the mountains. In the present day, thirty-year-old Violet lives a life of forced subservience, making candles and medicines while chained in her cabin. Unlike the other women, she mentally rebels against the "fathers" and "brothers" who rule the village with violence.

The plot intensifies when the "Father Leader," Phoenix, begins taking a sadistic interest in her. Violet is also tormented by her own brother, who is a monster within the cult and subjects her to horrific physical and sexual abuse. In a desperate act of reclamation, Violet uses a blade to mutilate herself, severing her own nipples so her brother can never use them for his "greed" again.

Violet eventually forms a dark, twisted alliance with Phoenix and another enforcer named Jeremiah. Together, they explore themes of pleasure, pain, and revenge. Violet transitions from a victim to a "grim reaper" figure, using her knowledge of toxic herbs and spices to poison the men of the cult. She aids in the murder of her own brother and ultimately sets the village on fire to free the remaining women and children.

The book ends two years later with Violet living in the wilderness with Jeremiah and Phoenix.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
4 reviews
November 12, 2025
4.8 stars!

Enter the intense and provocative world of The Haunted Life Of Violet , where Talia Atkins crafts a dark taboo romance that pushes boundaries.

CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS THIS ONE GETS DARKKKKKKK!!!!

The story follows Violet, an outcast within a cult where power dynamics are dark and oppressive. Violet’s skills in herbal medicine make her invaluable, but she remains on the fringes of the cult’s harsh society. The novel is undeniably intense and features scenes that may be challenging for some readers.

As the plot unfolds, Violet’s relationships become central, especially with two compelling male characters, creating a dynamic blend of tension, passion, and complexity. The novel fits the “why choose” trope, giving readers the chance to explore multiple romantic connections.

Despite its dark themes and intense scenes, The Haunted Life Of Violet is a quick and immersive read. The writing is accessible, allowing readers to fully engage with Violet’s journey and the cult’s atmosphere. It’s a powerful exploration of survival, resilience, and complex human connections.

In summary, it’s a dark, compelling read that will resonate with fans of intense romance and occult fiction, provided they’re prepared for its taboo themes cause this one’s heavy on the heat!!!
Profile Image for Maree Gustafson .
19 reviews
November 26, 2025
The Haunted Life Of Violet

This book is darker, more unhinged than the first book so please...please check your TW
Because it's very graphic, very detailed.

What is freedom?
What is happiness?
What does is mean to have an own opinion?

Violet just knows her life in the cult, even tho she knows that there is a life outside of it. It's just out of her reach. But in her mind, she...likes to think about it.
Especially in moments when her deparved brother uses her for his own pleasure.
By the same time, we get to know Jeremiah and Phoenix, the father leader for the cult a bit better.
They both seemed to have a "special" interest in Violet, and let me tell you. Every time you think they can't top each other...they do!
And consider, Violet is damn well aware of her attraction she has on these men. She's very conscious about her position and she knows "One day, I'm going to show you happens when you no longer can keep a woman quiet"

When you finish your story, you might think about your own life. About how lucky you can be to live your comfortable life with your daily iced coffee, your gym classes or even your choice of clothing.
Many women can't.
Violet stands for this women.
Profile Image for Nikki B..
812 reviews17 followers
November 15, 2025
The Haunted Life of Violet is a dark cult story.
This story is dark in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, but you get hooked on the plot and wanting to know Violet's outcome, that you can't stop reading.
Violet is raised in cult life. She knows to keep her eyes down and mouth shut. And she knows what the consequences are when you break the rules. The thought of anything with barbed wire horrifies me, so I don't know how Violet survived in cult life for so long. Especially when she is the type of person who gets in trouble because her emotions are written all over her face! But she is also valuable. By becoming the natural remedy girl and knowing how to cure things through her herbs. Valuable or not though, her life isn't easy. Especially not when Phoenix and Jeremiah enter her life. I loved the intensity between these 3. Even though, Jeremiah scared the heck out of me, they brought out a different side of Violet that saved her life! The three of them are so different from each other but balance each other so well.
This story is so well written!! With a captivating plot. If you're looking for something dark and culty, this is definitely one to check out!!
2 reviews
December 28, 2025
The story follows Violet, an outcast within a cult where power dynamics are dark and oppressive. Violet’s skills in herbal medicine make her invaluable, but she remains on the fringes of the cult’s harsh society. The novel is undeniably intense and features scenes that may be challenging for some readers. It’s important to check trigger warnings before diving in, as the book touches on taboo topics that can be quite heavy.

As the plot unfolds, Violet’s relationships become central, especially with two compelling male characters, creating a dynamic blend of tension, passion, and complexity. The novel fits the “why choose” trope, giving readers the chance to explore multiple romantic connections.

Despite its dark themes and intense scenes, It’s a quick and immersive read. The writing is accessible, allowing readers to fully engage with Violet’s journey and the cult’s atmosphere. It’s a powerful exploration of survival, resilience, and complex human connections.

In summary, The Haunted Life Of Violet is a dark, compelling read that will resonate with fans of intense romance and occult fiction, provided they’re prepared for its taboo themes.
124 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2025
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with this one. I’ve never really been into cult books but this was so good! Quick and easy read. It was dark, twisted, disturbing and I devoured it. The FMC, Violet, is such a badass and I loved Phoenix and Jeremiah. They were both so different which made the three of them a perfect fit. I will definitely be reading more from this author!!

*edited after my original review…
As I was making my review page for my journal and I remembered all of the incredibly crazy things that happened in this book, I realized how amazing it was. I think I have some emotional damage after this one that I am now just getting through. Or maybe I’m surprised I’m not emotionally damaged… 🤔. Either way, I stand by my rating 100000%. I will absolutely read this again.
Profile Image for MsSmuttySmut.
76 reviews11 followers
November 20, 2025
Oh boy was this book a wild ride.

From the first few chapters my heart broke for Violet while equally full of rage.

Violet and her brother flee their previous cult to only find themselves within a new cult, however Violet is forced to stay shackled in her cabin.

Violet has to endure some beyond horrible things, during her time within the cult, made even worse by her brother.

The cult leader and his right hand man end up finding Violet to be useful in a few ways, but does that make it for her? Yeh im not sure that it does.

Please be sure to check the triggers as the themes within are incredibly dark and i’ll admit some points were hard to read.
Profile Image for Zoe_isreading.
631 reviews61 followers
November 2, 2025
This is definitely by far the darkest book that Talia has written, and I was so here for it.

The story follows Violet who we met in Birdie's book who is now all grown up and still suffering within a cult. Violet's story is darker, more traumatic and I have never had to stop reading because of the visual I was getting from reading until a certain part of this book. It does end in a HEA, but it'll take you on an extremely dark journey until you get there.

Check the trigger warnings for this book, it's pitch black and be ready for one intense ride.
Profile Image for Bex.
37 reviews
November 16, 2025
Talia Atkins has done it again with this second cult story, this time following the life of Violet. Right from the beginning, this book is dark, its gritty, it sucks you in and has you glued to your seat (and finishing in one day if you're anything like me!) I absolutely could not put it down.

I would call this pitch black romance and Talia certainly has a way of making the dark and depraved readable but still has you wondering what the heck else could happen next.

Really enjoyed this one overall but please check your trigger ones on this one.
Profile Image for Daisy Magnolia.
217 reviews10 followers
November 15, 2025
Oh, my kind of flavor ☠️

You know that feeling when a story feels so wrong, but you can't stop reading? Like… you really shouldn't, but you just can't help yourself 🥰 With all the "things" getting cut off in this book, totally not for sane humans 😵‍💫 But your girl here? I'm obsessed. I can't put it down. I'm loving every messed-up second of it 😈

A 6☆ read. In this world, salvation comes wrapped in danger. The wrong saviors can be the most tempting ones🕯🔥
Profile Image for Meghan.
72 reviews
November 15, 2025
This book was not at all what I expected but in a good way.

Violets life in two different cults is filled with so much trauma, tragedy, and discrimination and yet she never loses her voice or desire for revenge/ a better life whichever comes first.

This book represents her mental strength well as well as explores the complexity of a relationship that in theory makes no sense. Couples who are depraved together stay together right?
Profile Image for SAV.
221 reviews1,117 followers
November 9, 2025
So I had the pleasure of reading an early copy of this book and I have to say I’m so grateful. I absolutely loved Birdies story so when I heard there was a second book coming out I was of course really excited and let’s just say that this book didn’t disappoint 😍 it had most of my favorite tropes with the extreme taboo, gore and eye twitching stuff, cult setting, what more could a girl as for 😍
21 reviews7 followers
November 15, 2025
*ARC Review*

Ah where to start with this!

This book is so bloody good! Its my first book I've read from Talia and so glad I've had the opportunity for and arc.

This book is quite dark ( not the darkest I've read but quite up there)

Cult storyline which has little respect for woman.

Definitely check the trigger warnings!
Profile Image for Shantel .
457 reviews7 followers
November 16, 2025
Gahhhhh this book was brutal. Idk if I’m crazy because I enjoyed it, or if I’d be considered crazy if I didn’t enjoy it. I felt horrible for Violet and the crap her brother put her through. I wanted to jump through the pages and knock him out myself! The father leader, ughhhhh. Read this book now! I love a good cult story.

Thank you for letting me arc this!!
Profile Image for Ana Ferreira.
64 reviews
November 23, 2025
What a wild ride!!
This book will keep you hooked from the beginning, it's darker and more traumatic than Birdie's story, so be aware of your triggers!

It sends you on a pitch black journey but you will have your HEA.
I loved their story, extremely dark but so good! If this is your vibe i would def recommend 🖤
Profile Image for Morgen Graham.
19 reviews
November 3, 2025
Dark, Gritty, Delicious!

I loved The Haunted Past Of Birdie and when I saw Violet's story coming out I had to jump on it.

Violet has had a HARD life, this is not a happy story but it does have a happy ending. The things I felt for Pheonix and Jeremiah when I shouldn't have were amazing.
Profile Image for Tim_tam_reads.
47 reviews1 follower
November 14, 2025
Yeap definitely loved this. It was quite dark, so definitely something I wanted to read…. Definitely a book I won’t forget that’s for sure. Check ur triggers please before reading…. I did and said yeap very intrigued 😂💜
Profile Image for K Huskić.
2,202 reviews39 followers
November 18, 2025
Violet had been part of two cults, and somehow the second one was even worse than the first (the one from Birdie's story).

This was only a quick read, and was definitely dark and twisted. It's really hard to know who to like, and whether you should like anyone, to be honest. I was conflicted! I did like Violet, though. She made the best of an absolutely horrible situation, helping whoever she could.

It has a somewhat happy ending, but I'm still not sure how I feel about the guys!
Profile Image for Dark Romance  Obsessed  Siren.
81 reviews2 followers
December 3, 2025
🧜‍♀️ARC Review🧜‍♀️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This has me back on my cult BS and I couldn’t be happier. This is dark and deliciously depraved and will have you saying WTF more then once. Violet is a bad ass and Jeremiah and Phoenix are top tier book boyfriend material!
Profile Image for Jessica Probst.
43 reviews
November 5, 2025
The book was dark and very uncomfortable at times. However, the story was satisfying (who doesn't love a little revenge) and some unhinged MMCs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1 review
November 15, 2025
yep

It was good. Love the strength in my girl and the guys were unhinged and hot. Definitely a good cult book
Profile Image for Ashley  ADirtyRead.
309 reviews24 followers
November 17, 2025
Yes

2 psycho men, cult-ish vibes. I love it here 😏

The entire story is told from her POV (just so you know)
Profile Image for Cookiereadsalot.
88 reviews6 followers
November 14, 2025
I tend to like the darker side of things, and this one sounded like it would be interesting. It did not fail. Violet's life is truly heartbreaking, but dang was it beautifully written. There is a happy ending, but the ride to get there is wild!
Profile Image for Katy Ford.
54 reviews1 follower
November 22, 2025
oh my where do I start.... if you have triggers most definitely check your tw. I absolutely devoured this book. violets life wasnt easy and she most definitely didn't see the two men she hated most become her life source. the Rollercoaster ride of emotions they all go through will gove you wip lash. but that hea is totally worth it. cant wait for more to come
Profile Image for Kathryn.
633 reviews9 followers
November 13, 2025
Does this have a happy ending... yes, but prepare to be in the pitch black for a very long time.
The trigger warnings for this are no joke and should be taken seriously. In saying this, I like always chose not to read them 🤣🤣🤣
It's absolutely incredible. So well written. I feel like Talia is one of those hidden gems who actually understands what it means to write pitch black. For so long there, I did not think we were going to get any happy, and I loved every minute of it. If you love cult vibes and the inability to see in the dark.... try this.
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