Between The Holly Berry Leaves

by Apple Arkham

“I was going to be sacrificed to a monster. The townsfolk needed it and I decided my fate. But when that monster stepped out of the shadows of the holly berry tree, his black eyes glittered with the ice of stars in the winter night. And his pale face was sharp, however pointed on the angles like a beautiful elf or fae.”



Arabelle

Her rural town needs a grand sacrifice for the Winter Solstice. Even though, every week to a few days, the town is one less in the name of the cult’s ways. It is all to feed a monster. To grow its power. To show respect to it. Every lamb picked for the rite.

Arabelle is a member of that very cult, but when her fascination and devotion grow beyond what she can control for these things called Chasmaliers, ancient deities, Gods beyond cosmic understanding, she wants the place of Winter Solstice sacrifice.

Just she wasn’t expecting beauty to be the beast.

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 9, 2025

Reviews

[Mercedes Simmons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Between the Holly Berry Leaves by Apple Arkham is a deliberately transgressive work of horror-fantasy romance that resists conventional genre boundaries. The novel situates itself firmly within extreme horror and dark fantasy, and readers are strongly advised to consult the author’s content warnings prior to engagement, as the material is both explicit and thematically challenging.

The narrative centers on Arabelle, a female protagonist designated for ritual sacrifice who, notably, does not resist her prescribed role. This willing acceptance of fate subverts familiar sacrificial tropes and establishes a thematic foundation grounded in agency, desire, and fatalism. The plot shifts when Blythe, the entity intended to consume her, elects instead to preserve her, catalyzing a relationship that develops in unsettling and unconventional ways.

Arkham employs extensive body horror and surreal imagery, including graphic depictions of sacrifice, altered anatomy, and nonnormative corporeality. These elements are not merely aesthetic but function structurally, intertwining with the romantic arc to destabilize traditional expectations of intimacy and attraction. Romance and horror are inseparable here; the affective tension arises precisely from their convergence rather than their contrast.

The result is a reading experience that is immersive yet disquieting, one that prioritizes atmosphere, transgression, and imaginative extremity over narrative comfort. While the novel’s approach will undoubtedly alienate readers seeking conventional fantasy romance or restrained horror, it will likely resonate with those interested in boundary-pushing speculative fiction and creature-centered narratives that interrogate desire through the grotesque.

Arkham’s work stands as a fearless contribution to extreme horror-fantasy romance, offering a text that is intellectually provocative, aesthetically disturbing, and formally unconventional

[Teresa Neace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between the Holly Berry Leaves by Apple Arkham is a bold and unapologetically strange horror fantasy romance that will definitely leave an impression. This is one of those books where I strongly recommend readers check the author’s content warnings beforehand to decide if it aligns with their tastes.
The story centers around Arabelle, a FMC who is meant to be sacrificed—and rather than resisting her fate, she actively embraces it. Her journey quickly takes an unexpected turn when Blythe, the creature meant to consume her, decides she is far too beautiful to be eaten. Instead, he keeps her, and their connection unfolds in ways that are graphic, visceral, and wildly unconventional.
This book leans hard into body horror and dark fantasy elements, featuring graphic sacrifices, intense intimacy, and surreal imagery that includes extra limbs and anatomy that is very much outside the norm. The romance itself is deeply entwined with the horror aspects, creating a reading experience that is unsettling, imaginative, and unlike anything else I’ve encountered.
If you’re a reader who enjoys extreme horror fantasy romance, creature romances, and stories that push boundaries with vivid and shocking detail, this may be right up your alley 🎄🖤 If you prefer lighter fantasy or more traditional romance, this one may not be for you—and that’s okay.
Thank you to the author for delivering such a unique and fearless story.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely look at the content warnings for this book! I went into this not knowing anything about this author or much about this book besides the synopsis. This book was definitely an eye opener for SURE! I’ve never read monster romances books before and was very caught off guard by the very detailed descriptions in this book. Personally, I felt that there were a few plot holes, but I’m reviewing the ARC version and hopefully it’ll be fleshed out a little more when the book releases . That aside this was a decent book!

Arabelle is a very devout cult member who volunteered to be the next sacrifice to the god, Blythe, that they worship and was denied that honor upon their first meeting. He instead chooses to keep her alive and their relationship blooms in a wildly unpredictable way. A majority of this book takes place in the woods and focuses on the growing relationship between Arabelle and Blythe. It was interesting to see Arabelle’s relationship with different members of cult and how her role as a sacrifice changed that.

This books leans heavily into graphic descriptions of sacrifices, rituals, and body horror. If you enjoy books with monster romance and vivid imagery then this book is for you!

[Carriann Wheeler · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m sorry I did have to DNF I think as a fantasy/ romantasy reader I just did not enjoy this one as much as I thought I would. The concept is brilliant behind it, and the ideas are definitely creative but I think what let it down for me was the simpler (than I’m used to) writing style that focussed more on spoken dialogue rather than having a good amount of world building and character background. I didn’t find much descriptive language used which confused me as I couldn’t picture within my mind what was going on. Definitely some people will really enjoy this for the shock factor but unfortunately not for me

[Jessica Penley · Rating 5 out of 5]

❣️In 'Between the Holly Berry Leaves', Apple Arkham crafts a bold narrative that seamlessly blends horror, fantasy, and romance, yielding a reading experience that is both unforgettable and thought-provoking.
❣️Prospective readers are cautioned to review the author's content warnings to ensure alignment with their individual preferences.
❣️This book is protagonist, Arabelle, is a complex figure who acquiesces to her fate, only to have her journey take a dramatic turn when Blythe, the creature tasked with her consumption, spares her life.
❣️This book features a range of dark and visceral elements, including body horror and dark fantasy. The romance is expertly woven into the narrative, creating a reading experience that is both unsettling and imaginative.
❣️Fans of extreme horror fantasy romance will likely find this book is appealing, while readers preferring lighter themes may find it less suitable.
❣️The author's unique narrative is certainly noteworthy.

[Samantha Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was not ready for this book at all.
It was so weird yet I couldn't tear myself away from it. It was plenty spicy and the horror was truly strange and creepy.

The characters were lovable and the villains were cruel. I found myself reeling at the twists and turns fully invested.

This is a very specific taste though and I'm not sure I could read it again. I did struggle in places. If you decide to pick this one up just make sure to check out the tropes and warnings first. 😊

[Caitlyn Mackenzie Kuykendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went in knowing a great deal about what I was getting into (as I read a lot of her posts about it) and I still wasn’t prepared for what I got. This book was deeply unsettling, and the body horror was intense for me. With that said, I genuinely enjoyed the story and the experience. I think I would only recommend this book to someone I know extremely well and think would be able to handle the content though.
Seriously, check your trigger warnings. 😂

[Chelsei Worley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I honestly don’t even know what to say, I was offered to ARC read this and went in blind and was completely intrigued but also weary of what I was reading. It was way different than what I have ever read before, but it hooked me in regardless.. short read.

[Apple Arkham]

Content Warnings For Between The Holly Berry Leaves.

Graphic and detailed sacrifices

Dark undertones throughout

Open door intimate scenes

Strange anatomy

Holly Berry Vines

Strange and Graphic Birth with complications

Almost HEA

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a weird book. I was confused in some parts.
It was good, weird but good