What do you think?
Oubliette
Not yet published
Expected 23 Oct 26Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 23, 2026
About the author
L.V. Russell
9 books143 followersLydia grew up on a farm deep in the Dorset countryside alongside her three elder brothers, using the fields and woodland as their playground.
As an adult with two young children, she has used the memories of the wild woods of her youth to write The Wicked Woods Chronicles
A tale of lost sisters, whispering trees, and dark romance.
oh, the woods are dark and wicked...
As an adult with two young children, she has used the memories of the wild woods of her youth to write The Wicked Woods Chronicles
A tale of lost sisters, whispering trees, and dark romance.
oh, the woods are dark and wicked...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have loved literally everything I've read by L.V. Russell, so when I found out she had a new book coming out-- with THAT cover-- I was absolutely thrilled. OUBLIETTE drips atmosphere from its very beginning where we learn that Rue, our heroine, lives in the gothic castle of Folkehaven with her mother, a vampire who must be sated, who feeds upon people (mostly men) who have wronged others.
But hunger, and not morality, is her ultimate motive, and she would be the first to admit that when she runs out of sinners, the good and the kind would be the next on the chopping block.
This is a story told in mirror, of mother and daughter, that treads upon the needle-fine point of where goodness and evil intermix. Both Rue and her mother are born to a world where neither of them are needed or wanted, and seeing how their two stories intertwine, and bleed into the other, gives the impression of watching someone plod, steadfastly and despairingly, to their own doom.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy!
4 stars
But hunger, and not morality, is her ultimate motive, and she would be the first to admit that when she runs out of sinners, the good and the kind would be the next on the chopping block.
This is a story told in mirror, of mother and daughter, that treads upon the needle-fine point of where goodness and evil intermix. Both Rue and her mother are born to a world where neither of them are needed or wanted, and seeing how their two stories intertwine, and bleed into the other, gives the impression of watching someone plod, steadfastly and despairingly, to their own doom.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy!
4 stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the editor for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review !
First of all, let's talk about this stunning cover, which lured me in instantly. The ghostly figure mixed with the blood dripping for her mouth...I mean, this is stunning !
This book is very atmospheric, with detailed (and most of the times overexagareted and redundant) descriptions of the haunted house our protagonists live in. I felt immersed in the best way, and it does the job of telling a creepy gothic tale perfectly. I also loved the addition of the ghosts who were kind of terryfing. If I could sum it up, I would say that the tone was a mix of "Crimson Peak (2015)" and "Dracula".
With that being said, I have to talk about the weakest point of the book : its characters. Rue, our main protagonist, felt so bland and cliché, having close to no personality, and her actions and feelings changed constantly depending on the situation she found herself in. Her love story was very surface level, and I couldn't believe the chemistry she had with Oren nor her friendship with Anne. Besides, I have to say that I was expecting a full-blown horror story and felt quite taken aback by the love story elements, but perhaps I'm not the target audience for this. Her relationship with her mother remains the most interesting part of the book. The complex feelings Rue had for her deserved to be explored more deeply. The book needed to be longer for all the relationships to be properly developed.
However, the BEST part was undoubtedly Sylvatica. Her shattered backstory was much more interesting than the main plot itself, and felt like "Wuthering Heights" to me, which, needless to say, filled me with the deepest joy imaginable. I was rooting for her the entire time, and I think the story would have benefited being told from her point of view.
Overall, "Oubliette" is an enjoyable gothic tale with all the elements for a nice creepy autumn read !
First of all, let's talk about this stunning cover, which lured me in instantly. The ghostly figure mixed with the blood dripping for her mouth...I mean, this is stunning !
This book is very atmospheric, with detailed (and most of the times overexagareted and redundant) descriptions of the haunted house our protagonists live in. I felt immersed in the best way, and it does the job of telling a creepy gothic tale perfectly. I also loved the addition of the ghosts who were kind of terryfing. If I could sum it up, I would say that the tone was a mix of "Crimson Peak (2015)" and "Dracula".
With that being said, I have to talk about the weakest point of the book : its characters. Rue, our main protagonist, felt so bland and cliché, having close to no personality, and her actions and feelings changed constantly depending on the situation she found herself in. Her love story was very surface level, and I couldn't believe the chemistry she had with Oren nor her friendship with Anne. Besides, I have to say that I was expecting a full-blown horror story and felt quite taken aback by the love story elements, but perhaps I'm not the target audience for this. Her relationship with her mother remains the most interesting part of the book. The complex feelings Rue had for her deserved to be explored more deeply. The book needed to be longer for all the relationships to be properly developed.
However, the BEST part was undoubtedly Sylvatica. Her shattered backstory was much more interesting than the main plot itself, and felt like "Wuthering Heights" to me, which, needless to say, filled me with the deepest joy imaginable. I was rooting for her the entire time, and I think the story would have benefited being told from her point of view.
Overall, "Oubliette" is an enjoyable gothic tale with all the elements for a nice creepy autumn read !
September 7, 2026
This is a strange book, and it is difficult to form a review. Rue lives in a mouldering pile that barely contains her mother’s hunger. It is Rue’s job to feed her mother’s insatiable desires - for food and for companionship. But what happens when Rue finds she has desires outside of her circumscribed existence?
I loved the horror in this book. It is gory, though less so than other books I’ve read. Where I must, I rounded up to five stars, however this book falls just short of that. The gothic horror here is wonderful, but I felt like it could be more. I would have loved more tension, more suspense. There were opportunities for a few twists that I feel were missed. I feel like the title had to be stretched pretty far to fit. In the end, all of these were minor compared to my enjoyment of the story. This is a nice one for a short gothic fix.
Oubliette earns a really nice full coffin burial.
Thanks to L.V. Russell , Quill & Crow Publishing House (which has some really cool books available), and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this uncorrected proof.
I loved the horror in this book. It is gory, though less so than other books I’ve read. Where I must, I rounded up to five stars, however this book falls just short of that. The gothic horror here is wonderful, but I felt like it could be more. I would have loved more tension, more suspense. There were opportunities for a few twists that I feel were missed. I feel like the title had to be stretched pretty far to fit. In the end, all of these were minor compared to my enjoyment of the story. This is a nice one for a short gothic fix.
Oubliette earns a really nice full coffin burial.
Thanks to L.V. Russell , Quill & Crow Publishing House (which has some really cool books available), and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this uncorrected proof.
October 6, 2026
2.5/5*
A beautiful book with a gothic atmosphere that ended up feeling quite empty...
(A big thank you to Netgalley and Quill & Crow for an e-ARC copy in exchange of an honest review)
The moment I saw the author promoting this on Threads I kneeeew I had to try my hand at it, and I was delighted to get approved for the ARC!!! Amazingly spooky yet breathtaking cover? Check. A new take on vampirism? Check. Complicated mother-daughter co-dependent relationship? Cheeeeck. Truly, this was supposed to be RIGHT up my alley, but I never fully got into it, and you cannot fathom how SAD that makes me.
In terms of intrigue as well as worldbuilding, this stays pretty simple and vague: we're following a young woman under the thumb of her murderous mother, and the way she balks under her genitor's expectations and orders - dreaming of freedom and love - while also being incapable of ever truly freeing herself from her horrifying grasp. A compelling premise! To me, the most interesting parts were definitely the flashback scenes, because they felt like they had more going on and more solid characters, even though they were much shorter than the main plot ; or maybe because of it?
The setting, while not precise, is accurately historical, since I never stumbled upon any glaring anachronisms (one of my pet peeves in any fiction, but especially gothic)! So kudos to the author for that, even though I would've liked maybe a little bit more details to better ground the exact historical period and customs.
Unfortunately, my love for this book stops at the amazing concept and the beautiful cover, since everything else, from the plot to the characters to the prose to the themes, remained entirely surface level while trying to cover itself in a fabricated somber atmosphere.
Because it /is/ atmospheric! We can feel the darkness and the mold taking over the castle and its people, the suffering and the madness slowly unfolding, but I personally think that L.V. Russell tried /too much/ with this one, and did not trust her readers one bit. Every piece of decor or horror is constantly repeated - more on that in the prose part -, making vivid and pretty heavy and fascinating gore elements seem nearly goolish in the end. The whole "look!!! this is gothic!!! look look there's blood and viscera and sex and a bad mother!!! and it's moldy and there's rats, in case you forgot!!!" becomes tiring, and leaves absolutely zero space for interiority or character arcs.
Speaking of characters, this is especially true for Rue. She's exceedingly bland and inexistant, mostly because the writing coaxes her into different shapes to fit the given scene. Sometimes she's angry, sometimes coy, somtimes flirty, sometimes depressed, etc ; but since we never got an element of WHO she was in the very beginning, she just feels unmoored and impossible to grasp! For example, Rue keeps telling us she's monstruous but we never see her act like a monster? If anything, her only monster-like qualities are in the mirror she is to her mother - and the love Rue has for her despite everything -, but it doesn't work in the scenes with Oren when she wonders why he likes something as horrible as her, or with her mother when she wants to be held but knows she won't because of her "monstruous parts".
To harp of the absence of interiority (a feat in itself, in a novel written in 1st person): even when Rue I felt absolutely nothing once we got there.
The supporting cast could've been interesting. My favorite character was definitely Rue's mother, though she could've benefitted from a bit more depth and nuance, but at least she was solidely painted by both her daughter and her own scenes. Their relationship could've DEVASTATED me (as a Mommy IssuesTM kinda gal), but it lacked any sort of develoment further on. I was quite intrigued by Priceus ; who is he, exactly? why does he do what he does? etc ; Veronica is non-existent and pretty one note, and so are the ghosts or the Ladies.
As for the siblings... while I understand what they were supposed to be in terms of narrative foils, they also lack a lot of nuance or humanity, especially given how short the book is. Oren is quite a green-flag as far as men go, but there's no substance to him, and Anne only appears as a typical "sunshine best friend" to add some levity to Rue's life. Even so, Rue's love for Oren and her friendship with Anne both happen lightning fast, and are not substantiated by anything in text since they speak like, twice before there are sweeping declarations. We could've spent less time simmering in endless descriptions of the bloated castle or of Rue's stuck relationship with her mother (important, but fully laid out by like, chapter 3? everything after that is just unecessary repetition), and more on building the bonds that supposedly make the whole castle of cards fall down.
As I was saying, the themes are also pretty surface-level. They're laced into the constant drawl about the dreary house and Rue hungering for her mother's love while her mother only hunger's for desctruction and is incapable of said love. Once you've laid this out though... there isn't more to it, really? I would've loved to get to read scenes resonant with my own life, to delve deeper in the co-dependency, anything!!! But the story being so stagnant doesn't afford us any exploration past the main point of the story.
Even the secondary themes - the cruel power of the wealthy, especially over the innocent ; love being able to save someone (or not) ; sex as an act of all consuming possession - are quickly evoked and just as quickly discarded. A shame, for a gothic work that allows an author to delve really deep into horrific and shocking elements to make a point if need be.
My main gripe, and the point from which everything stems from, according to me anyway, is the incredibly tell-y prose despite being heavy in descriptions. It's not even purple prose; that tends to be poetic with a high-brow vocabulary. This is something else entirely, chokefull of attempts at gothic imagery that fall flat again and again.
The metaphors are unsubtle, and the heavily redudant descriptions would've been better used in parcimony!!! They feel like strings of the same (simple) words rearranged into a hundred convoluted ways until they just become non-sensical word salad, pretty on the outside but hollow on the inside. Even the sentence structure is strangely amateur-ish for such an ambiance piece: it relies on a basic subject + verb + complement approach with most sentences starting with pronouns (the constant pounding of "I" "I" "I" made me despise Rue at times), with the focus being pushed on the adjectives and descriptive vocabulary that's often lavished on top of the same decor/atmosphere elements = the house is a damp place, and it's told to us in a bazillion ways. It has ghosts, that we see multiple times, often describe in the same words with minute discrepancies. It's dirty and empty of any life beside Rue. Rue loves and hates her mother. Her mother kills people - sometimes evil, sometimes innocent - and enjoys it, hungers for it. Her mother will never let her go. And that's... basically the whole book.
The flashback scenes are the only odd ones out that don't sound like the same boring and "gothic-like" jumble of letters, and, as I was saying earlier the main thing I enjoyed in "Oubliette" ; a really good choice of title btw! Actually echoes the story in a meaningful way without giving too much away.
Maybe an ARC thing, but the writing is also very repetitive /in the same paragraph/. I could feel the author latching onto a specific word at times and re-using it without paying attention in the next sentences (and sometimes in the SAME sentence), just because it's on her mind, which adds to the amateur-ish quality of the writing. And no, I'm not talking about actual conscious repetitions for the sake of the (unfortunately, lacking) rythmic melody of the prose, or artificial emphasis. Genuine question, but was this not edited before going out to readers? I'm not going to quote direct examples because things might change in the published version, just know it was VERY jarring to me.
Same problem with the dialogue, that sometimes gets so abstract and purposefully nebulous and metaphoric that it becomes nigh incomprehensible. What are these people talking about, and why do they feel like weird pantomimes in a play instead of actual (non) human beings?! There are also instances of weird temporal errors that add to that confusing feeling (Rue's mother asking to go outside to watch some Ladies arrive, when she said in the pervious exchange a paragraph earlier that they would only be here in a fortnight ???)
Overall, the prose felt far too cryptic yet basic for me, a LOVER a flowery prose. L.V. Russell is no V. E. Schwab or Ava Reid, and that's my final judgement.
To summarize, this was a book with a suuuuper compelling premise and gorgeous packaging that ended up feeling very lackluster by how vacant every single craft element was. I soooo wanted to love this as the perfect read for the season, dammit!
A beautiful book with a gothic atmosphere that ended up feeling quite empty...
(A big thank you to Netgalley and Quill & Crow for an e-ARC copy in exchange of an honest review)
The moment I saw the author promoting this on Threads I kneeeew I had to try my hand at it, and I was delighted to get approved for the ARC!!! Amazingly spooky yet breathtaking cover? Check. A new take on vampirism? Check. Complicated mother-daughter co-dependent relationship? Cheeeeck. Truly, this was supposed to be RIGHT up my alley, but I never fully got into it, and you cannot fathom how SAD that makes me.
In terms of intrigue as well as worldbuilding, this stays pretty simple and vague: we're following a young woman under the thumb of her murderous mother, and the way she balks under her genitor's expectations and orders - dreaming of freedom and love - while also being incapable of ever truly freeing herself from her horrifying grasp. A compelling premise! To me, the most interesting parts were definitely the flashback scenes, because they felt like they had more going on and more solid characters, even though they were much shorter than the main plot ; or maybe because of it?
The setting, while not precise, is accurately historical, since I never stumbled upon any glaring anachronisms (one of my pet peeves in any fiction, but especially gothic)! So kudos to the author for that, even though I would've liked maybe a little bit more details to better ground the exact historical period and customs.
Unfortunately, my love for this book stops at the amazing concept and the beautiful cover, since everything else, from the plot to the characters to the prose to the themes, remained entirely surface level while trying to cover itself in a fabricated somber atmosphere.
Because it /is/ atmospheric! We can feel the darkness and the mold taking over the castle and its people, the suffering and the madness slowly unfolding, but I personally think that L.V. Russell tried /too much/ with this one, and did not trust her readers one bit. Every piece of decor or horror is constantly repeated - more on that in the prose part -, making vivid and pretty heavy and fascinating gore elements seem nearly goolish in the end. The whole "look!!! this is gothic!!! look look there's blood and viscera and sex and a bad mother!!! and it's moldy and there's rats, in case you forgot!!!" becomes tiring, and leaves absolutely zero space for interiority or character arcs.
Speaking of characters, this is especially true for Rue. She's exceedingly bland and inexistant, mostly because the writing coaxes her into different shapes to fit the given scene. Sometimes she's angry, sometimes coy, somtimes flirty, sometimes depressed, etc ; but since we never got an element of WHO she was in the very beginning, she just feels unmoored and impossible to grasp! For example, Rue keeps telling us she's monstruous but we never see her act like a monster? If anything, her only monster-like qualities are in the mirror she is to her mother - and the love Rue has for her despite everything -, but it doesn't work in the scenes with Oren when she wonders why he likes something as horrible as her, or with her mother when she wants to be held but knows she won't because of her "monstruous parts".
To harp of the absence of interiority (a feat in itself, in a novel written in 1st person): even when Rue I felt absolutely nothing once we got there.
The supporting cast could've been interesting. My favorite character was definitely Rue's mother, though she could've benefitted from a bit more depth and nuance, but at least she was solidely painted by both her daughter and her own scenes. Their relationship could've DEVASTATED me (as a Mommy IssuesTM kinda gal), but it lacked any sort of develoment further on. I was quite intrigued by Priceus ; who is he, exactly? why does he do what he does? etc ; Veronica is non-existent and pretty one note, and so are the ghosts or the Ladies.
As for the siblings... while I understand what they were supposed to be in terms of narrative foils, they also lack a lot of nuance or humanity, especially given how short the book is. Oren is quite a green-flag as far as men go, but there's no substance to him, and Anne only appears as a typical "sunshine best friend" to add some levity to Rue's life. Even so, Rue's love for Oren and her friendship with Anne both happen lightning fast, and are not substantiated by anything in text since they speak like, twice before there are sweeping declarations. We could've spent less time simmering in endless descriptions of the bloated castle or of Rue's stuck relationship with her mother (important, but fully laid out by like, chapter 3? everything after that is just unecessary repetition), and more on building the bonds that supposedly make the whole castle of cards fall down.
As I was saying, the themes are also pretty surface-level. They're laced into the constant drawl about the dreary house and Rue hungering for her mother's love while her mother only hunger's for desctruction and is incapable of said love. Once you've laid this out though... there isn't more to it, really? I would've loved to get to read scenes resonant with my own life, to delve deeper in the co-dependency, anything!!! But the story being so stagnant doesn't afford us any exploration past the main point of the story.
Even the secondary themes - the cruel power of the wealthy, especially over the innocent ; love being able to save someone (or not) ; sex as an act of all consuming possession - are quickly evoked and just as quickly discarded. A shame, for a gothic work that allows an author to delve really deep into horrific and shocking elements to make a point if need be.
My main gripe, and the point from which everything stems from, according to me anyway, is the incredibly tell-y prose despite being heavy in descriptions. It's not even purple prose; that tends to be poetic with a high-brow vocabulary. This is something else entirely, chokefull of attempts at gothic imagery that fall flat again and again.
The metaphors are unsubtle, and the heavily redudant descriptions would've been better used in parcimony!!! They feel like strings of the same (simple) words rearranged into a hundred convoluted ways until they just become non-sensical word salad, pretty on the outside but hollow on the inside. Even the sentence structure is strangely amateur-ish for such an ambiance piece: it relies on a basic subject + verb + complement approach with most sentences starting with pronouns (the constant pounding of "I" "I" "I" made me despise Rue at times), with the focus being pushed on the adjectives and descriptive vocabulary that's often lavished on top of the same decor/atmosphere elements = the house is a damp place, and it's told to us in a bazillion ways. It has ghosts, that we see multiple times, often describe in the same words with minute discrepancies. It's dirty and empty of any life beside Rue. Rue loves and hates her mother. Her mother kills people - sometimes evil, sometimes innocent - and enjoys it, hungers for it. Her mother will never let her go. And that's... basically the whole book.
The flashback scenes are the only odd ones out that don't sound like the same boring and "gothic-like" jumble of letters, and, as I was saying earlier the main thing I enjoyed in "Oubliette" ; a really good choice of title btw! Actually echoes the story in a meaningful way without giving too much away.
Maybe an ARC thing, but the writing is also very repetitive /in the same paragraph/. I could feel the author latching onto a specific word at times and re-using it without paying attention in the next sentences (and sometimes in the SAME sentence), just because it's on her mind, which adds to the amateur-ish quality of the writing. And no, I'm not talking about actual conscious repetitions for the sake of the (unfortunately, lacking) rythmic melody of the prose, or artificial emphasis. Genuine question, but was this not edited before going out to readers? I'm not going to quote direct examples because things might change in the published version, just know it was VERY jarring to me.
Same problem with the dialogue, that sometimes gets so abstract and purposefully nebulous and metaphoric that it becomes nigh incomprehensible. What are these people talking about, and why do they feel like weird pantomimes in a play instead of actual (non) human beings?! There are also instances of weird temporal errors that add to that confusing feeling (Rue's mother asking to go outside to watch some Ladies arrive, when she said in the pervious exchange a paragraph earlier that they would only be here in a fortnight ???)
Overall, the prose felt far too cryptic yet basic for me, a LOVER a flowery prose. L.V. Russell is no V. E. Schwab or Ava Reid, and that's my final judgement.
To summarize, this was a book with a suuuuper compelling premise and gorgeous packaging that ended up feeling very lackluster by how vacant every single craft element was. I soooo wanted to love this as the perfect read for the season, dammit!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
thank you to NetGalley and Quill & Crow for the e-ARC!
okay, so this one is kind of hard.
oubliette is a creepy gothic read that, somehow, turns the gore and body horror into something weirdly beautiful. the writing is definitely the high point. and yet--the romance felt rushed for me. i didn't really care for it. we barely got introduced to the romantic interest before they're sharing love confessions and promises.
but one can't deny that the heart of the book is about the mother-daughter story. their relationship is suffocating, toxic and heartbreaking. it's emotional, it's dark, and it's what makes the book be what it is. and because they're the focus of this book, because they're the reason this story moves forward, i didn't mind the fast-paced romance too much.
i'll be taking a look at what this author publishes next! her writing made me interested in her other works
okay, so this one is kind of hard.
oubliette is a creepy gothic read that, somehow, turns the gore and body horror into something weirdly beautiful. the writing is definitely the high point. and yet--the romance felt rushed for me. i didn't really care for it. we barely got introduced to the romantic interest before they're sharing love confessions and promises.
but one can't deny that the heart of the book is about the mother-daughter story. their relationship is suffocating, toxic and heartbreaking. it's emotional, it's dark, and it's what makes the book be what it is. and because they're the focus of this book, because they're the reason this story moves forward, i didn't mind the fast-paced romance too much.
i'll be taking a look at what this author publishes next! her writing made me interested in her other works
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
Oh wow! There are so many fantastic elements of this book and just in time for Halloween.
The novel serves as a wonderful edition to the classical in nature ghost story of a haunted house and a haunted girl, tied up with a newish twist to the undead. The story is solid, following Rue as she tries to navigate this complicated, unhealthy relationship she has with her most peculiar mother, and new relationships that she seeks out with those beyond the walls of Folkhaven. Our two leading ladies are the most developed, while the other characters feel almost surface level, not great depth being developed for them, but I found myself not minding so much because the book does not drag. It is a good length with a clear focus.
The descriptions were hauntingly beautiful. They are grotesque and horrific but written with such mastery that even though you may be disgusted by the imagery that you so vividly can see in your mind, you are also entranced by the whimsy of the language. The book does not hold back in its gore or explicitness, giving painstaking details on every incident that established Rue and her mother into the women that they are. One gory scene in particular towards the end of the book was so well crafted and just so, best way to describe it is, horrifically, gothically, grotesquely, romantically beautiful that I wanted to paint it on a canvas, for I so clearly pictured it, and put it on display, even though the scene itself is soul crushing.
you understand Rue’s dedication to her mother that is compounded with the yearning for something beyond her servitude. Likewise, there are points where you understand her mother’s bitterness but also grow frustrated with her traumas being inflicted upon her daughter. It becomes a question of identity for both, just how much we owe our parents, especially our mothers, for having carried us in their womb and how strong and unyielding that tether can feel. It is a nice, fitting analogy, I think of how some times, adult children can feel overwhelmed tending to their parents, especially when they have been denied something essential from them in their childhood. It is further made increasingly difficult by a parent’s near hopeless, dependence, and even perhaps some mental deterioration. It is a type of grief and sorrow I feel is not often explored but that this book actually tackles quite well for both Rue and Anne.
There are only a few areas where the book suffers. For one, the other characters, as I mentioned, are lacking in depth but their interactions with Rue and each other are still pleasant enough. The other is that the romance feels very rushed to the point I didn’t pick up on any chemistry because we don’t really get any “fluff” or “filler” bits with them establishing their attraction. Lastly, this is just me, but it felt almost a little too explicit in the carnal realm that I thought it at times felt like just a pile on, but most of the explicit scenes actually worked well for the theme and plot of the book.
Overall, a really creepy, gothic, ghostly read that I would recommend to anyone who is a fan of the Victorian horror classics and the macabre.
Oh wow! There are so many fantastic elements of this book and just in time for Halloween.
The novel serves as a wonderful edition to the classical in nature ghost story of a haunted house and a haunted girl, tied up with a newish twist to the undead. The story is solid, following Rue as she tries to navigate this complicated, unhealthy relationship she has with her most peculiar mother, and new relationships that she seeks out with those beyond the walls of Folkhaven. Our two leading ladies are the most developed, while the other characters feel almost surface level, not great depth being developed for them, but I found myself not minding so much because the book does not drag. It is a good length with a clear focus.
The descriptions were hauntingly beautiful. They are grotesque and horrific but written with such mastery that even though you may be disgusted by the imagery that you so vividly can see in your mind, you are also entranced by the whimsy of the language. The book does not hold back in its gore or explicitness, giving painstaking details on every incident that established Rue and her mother into the women that they are. One gory scene in particular towards the end of the book was so well crafted and just so, best way to describe it is, horrifically, gothically, grotesquely, romantically beautiful that I wanted to paint it on a canvas, for I so clearly pictured it, and put it on display, even though the scene itself is soul crushing.
you understand Rue’s dedication to her mother that is compounded with the yearning for something beyond her servitude. Likewise, there are points where you understand her mother’s bitterness but also grow frustrated with her traumas being inflicted upon her daughter. It becomes a question of identity for both, just how much we owe our parents, especially our mothers, for having carried us in their womb and how strong and unyielding that tether can feel. It is a nice, fitting analogy, I think of how some times, adult children can feel overwhelmed tending to their parents, especially when they have been denied something essential from them in their childhood. It is further made increasingly difficult by a parent’s near hopeless, dependence, and even perhaps some mental deterioration. It is a type of grief and sorrow I feel is not often explored but that this book actually tackles quite well for both Rue and Anne.
There are only a few areas where the book suffers. For one, the other characters, as I mentioned, are lacking in depth but their interactions with Rue and each other are still pleasant enough. The other is that the romance feels very rushed to the point I didn’t pick up on any chemistry because we don’t really get any “fluff” or “filler” bits with them establishing their attraction. Lastly, this is just me, but it felt almost a little too explicit in the carnal realm that I thought it at times felt like just a pile on, but most of the explicit scenes actually worked well for the theme and plot of the book.
Overall, a really creepy, gothic, ghostly read that I would recommend to anyone who is a fan of the Victorian horror classics and the macabre.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I honestly can't pinpoint exactly what didn't work for me with this book, so let's start with what I loved.
First of all, the gothic atmosphere and the body horror. Some scenes were beautifully written, and I found myself eagerly turning the pages just to experience that haunting feeling crawling under my skin again. The mansion, with its ghosts and its basement, was described with such skill that it became one of my favourite parts of the book. It is definitely the kind of house that, if it existed, I would desperately want to visit.
Secondly, I really enjoyed the chapters set in the past. I won't say much about them because I don't want to spoil anything, but I appreciated that the author didn't simply give us a monster. She gave us the circumstances that created that monster. Thirdly, I saw another review describing Mother as a vampire. Personally, I liked that the author avoided using that word. She created something of her own. Something that certainly shares similarities with vampires, but also has enough differences to feel distinct from the typical version of one. I really appreciated that choice.
And finally, I have to mention that absolutely beautiful cover, as well as the title. Once you read the book, you understand why the author chose it, and I thought it was a very fitting choice.
And that is where my praise ends.
One thing that really bothered me was a particular attitude that I feel is becoming increasingly common in some spaces: the idea that men are inherently animals, that men as a whole are the problem, or that the world would somehow be better off without them. There was a line near the beginning of the book that immediately rubbed me the wrong way. What makes it even more frustrating is that the book itself doesn't fully support such a simplistic view. We see Rue find love in Oren's arms, and their relationship is an important part of the story. Yet that earlier statement was still there, and to me, it felt unnecessarily inserted to appeal to readers who enjoy broad, hostile generalisations about men.
And that is perhaps part of why I am struggling to pinpoint exactly what disappointed me. There are things in this book that I genuinely admired. The atmosphere, the horror, the writing in certain scenes, the mansion, the creature's backstory. All of those elements worked for me. But there were also choices that kept pulling me out of the story and left me feeling more frustrated than I expected.
Maybe this just wasn't entirely the book for me. I can absolutely see why others would love it, and I certainly don't regret reading it. But despite all the things I enjoyed, something never fully clicked.
First of all, the gothic atmosphere and the body horror. Some scenes were beautifully written, and I found myself eagerly turning the pages just to experience that haunting feeling crawling under my skin again. The mansion, with its ghosts and its basement, was described with such skill that it became one of my favourite parts of the book. It is definitely the kind of house that, if it existed, I would desperately want to visit.
Secondly, I really enjoyed the chapters set in the past. I won't say much about them because I don't want to spoil anything, but I appreciated that the author didn't simply give us a monster. She gave us the circumstances that created that monster. Thirdly, I saw another review describing Mother as a vampire. Personally, I liked that the author avoided using that word. She created something of her own. Something that certainly shares similarities with vampires, but also has enough differences to feel distinct from the typical version of one. I really appreciated that choice.
And finally, I have to mention that absolutely beautiful cover, as well as the title. Once you read the book, you understand why the author chose it, and I thought it was a very fitting choice.
And that is where my praise ends.
One thing that really bothered me was a particular attitude that I feel is becoming increasingly common in some spaces: the idea that men are inherently animals, that men as a whole are the problem, or that the world would somehow be better off without them. There was a line near the beginning of the book that immediately rubbed me the wrong way. What makes it even more frustrating is that the book itself doesn't fully support such a simplistic view. We see Rue find love in Oren's arms, and their relationship is an important part of the story. Yet that earlier statement was still there, and to me, it felt unnecessarily inserted to appeal to readers who enjoy broad, hostile generalisations about men.
And that is perhaps part of why I am struggling to pinpoint exactly what disappointed me. There are things in this book that I genuinely admired. The atmosphere, the horror, the writing in certain scenes, the mansion, the creature's backstory. All of those elements worked for me. But there were also choices that kept pulling me out of the story and left me feeling more frustrated than I expected.
Maybe this just wasn't entirely the book for me. I can absolutely see why others would love it, and I certainly don't regret reading it. But despite all the things I enjoyed, something never fully clicked.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A quickfire read that had me turning pages in rapid succession.
This story is mostly told from Rue's POV though we do have flashbacks to her mother as well. It's set within a mansion that is almost a character itself, in a society where women seem to be aware of what is happening around them and the options they have, and kind of just don't really talk about it. There is a seriously toxic relationship between daughter and mother in both generations, and a co-dependency that makes me feel heartbroken. While Rue eventually finds friends, and a love, she is unable to move away from the manor on a permanent basis.
The writing style is lyrical and deeply poetic, sometimes to its own detriment, but the visceral nature of the horror cuts you deep and doesn't let go, and honestly, if you're curling your toes and cringing while reading, then the author (in my opinion) has done their job correctly.
The characters were a mixed bunch, honestly. I couldn't quite fall into the Oren/Rue relationship and the Anne/Rue friendship, but the relationship between Rue and her mother was absolutely heartbreaking and so well written. Because this is, in my opinion once again, the major thoroughline of the book, it makes the most sense for this one to be the most impactful. I did find that I became exasperated from time-to-time with Rue because her emotional state would fluctuate or she would have opinions that I didn't quite know where they came from.
This is a really quick read, so the pacing doesn't allow for a lot of slow churning dread, really. I did think this could have been longer, but books are as long as they are, and it's still a perfectly acceptable read nonetheless. If you're wanting a quick gothic story with body horror, this could absolutely be for you.
I'm still not entirely sure exactly which side of the fence I fall on, and this is my first time reading this author, but it's a solid 3.75 rounded up for me for the originality, and the visceral reactions the author pulled from me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Quill & Crow Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are given honestly, and are my own.
This story is mostly told from Rue's POV though we do have flashbacks to her mother as well. It's set within a mansion that is almost a character itself, in a society where women seem to be aware of what is happening around them and the options they have, and kind of just don't really talk about it. There is a seriously toxic relationship between daughter and mother in both generations, and a co-dependency that makes me feel heartbroken. While Rue eventually finds friends, and a love, she is unable to move away from the manor on a permanent basis.
The writing style is lyrical and deeply poetic, sometimes to its own detriment, but the visceral nature of the horror cuts you deep and doesn't let go, and honestly, if you're curling your toes and cringing while reading, then the author (in my opinion) has done their job correctly.
The characters were a mixed bunch, honestly. I couldn't quite fall into the Oren/Rue relationship and the Anne/Rue friendship, but the relationship between Rue and her mother was absolutely heartbreaking and so well written. Because this is, in my opinion once again, the major thoroughline of the book, it makes the most sense for this one to be the most impactful. I did find that I became exasperated from time-to-time with Rue because her emotional state would fluctuate or she would have opinions that I didn't quite know where they came from.
This is a really quick read, so the pacing doesn't allow for a lot of slow churning dread, really. I did think this could have been longer, but books are as long as they are, and it's still a perfectly acceptable read nonetheless. If you're wanting a quick gothic story with body horror, this could absolutely be for you.
I'm still not entirely sure exactly which side of the fence I fall on, and this is my first time reading this author, but it's a solid 3.75 rounded up for me for the originality, and the visceral reactions the author pulled from me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Quill & Crow Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are given honestly, and are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This isn’t a book I want to hug to my chest. It’s a book I want to hold between two fingers as far away from my body as possible. Oubliette was captivating, heartbreaking, beautifully written, and downright creepy.
It hooked me almost immediately. There was this underlying sense of wrongness from the very beginning, and instead of explaining everything outright, the story gives you just enough information to understand what’s happening while leaving you with a whole lot of “wait… what does THAT mean?” And I mean that in the best possible way.
At its heart, this almost felt like a coming-of-age story wrapped in horror and tragedy. It’s about a woman beginning to question the life she’s always known, the responsibilities she’s inherited, and—most importantly—the morality she’s been taught to accept. Watching those questions slowly become harder and harder for her to ignore was probably my favorite part of the book.
Even the romance, which develops fairly quickly, worked for me because of who she is. She’s lived a life surrounded by death, decay, and very little affection, so watching her throw her heart toward the first real warmth and kindness she’s offered felt less like instalove and more like someone realizing just how starved for love she’s always been. And then this book proceeded to hurt my feelings.
The atmosphere is SO good. It’s dark and gothic and unsettling without relying solely on shock value to make it creepy. There are a multitude of genuinely disturbing moments—and definitely some body horror—but underneath all of that grossness is a surprisingly emotional story about love, family, morality, and what it takes to finally choose a life for yourself.
I did have a few questions about the historical timeline that I don’t feel were completely resolved, which is part of what kept this from being a full five stars for me.
But I couldn’t stop reading it.
This isn’t the kind of 5-star-adjacent book that makes me want to clutch it lovingly to my chest and tell everyone how beautiful it was. This is the kind that makes me say:
That was really, really good. Now please get it away from me.
It hooked me almost immediately. There was this underlying sense of wrongness from the very beginning, and instead of explaining everything outright, the story gives you just enough information to understand what’s happening while leaving you with a whole lot of “wait… what does THAT mean?” And I mean that in the best possible way.
At its heart, this almost felt like a coming-of-age story wrapped in horror and tragedy. It’s about a woman beginning to question the life she’s always known, the responsibilities she’s inherited, and—most importantly—the morality she’s been taught to accept. Watching those questions slowly become harder and harder for her to ignore was probably my favorite part of the book.
Even the romance, which develops fairly quickly, worked for me because of who she is. She’s lived a life surrounded by death, decay, and very little affection, so watching her throw her heart toward the first real warmth and kindness she’s offered felt less like instalove and more like someone realizing just how starved for love she’s always been. And then this book proceeded to hurt my feelings.
The atmosphere is SO good. It’s dark and gothic and unsettling without relying solely on shock value to make it creepy. There are a multitude of genuinely disturbing moments—and definitely some body horror—but underneath all of that grossness is a surprisingly emotional story about love, family, morality, and what it takes to finally choose a life for yourself.
I did have a few questions about the historical timeline that I don’t feel were completely resolved, which is part of what kept this from being a full five stars for me.
But I couldn’t stop reading it.
This isn’t the kind of 5-star-adjacent book that makes me want to clutch it lovingly to my chest and tell everyone how beautiful it was. This is the kind that makes me say:
That was really, really good. Now please get it away from me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rue is raised by a monster. Her mother consumes the blood and flesh of abusive and evil men, offered up by "the ladies" of society to keep her sated.
Oubliette grabs your wrist and doesn't let go from the very first page, and is told from the perspective of our main character, Rue in present day, with a few short chapters throughout the novel from the POV of her mother Sylvatica. Sylvaticas story tells of her harrowing upbringing that created this vampyr-esque monster she came to be and grips your heart right out of your chest. While Rue grapples with the toxicity of her relationship with a mother who sees her as a possession, she also begins to grow into a woman with her own life outside of the nighttime hours spent entertaining her mother who cannot leave the grounds of Folkhaven manors watery surrounds. L.V Russell does something amazing with this truly gory and gothic story, and makes you feel empathetic towards the horrific mother-daughter relationship. It is clear that Sylvaticas upbringing was one of being cast aside, second best, and unwanted, and despite her need to consume, she tries to show Rue the type of love she was never given as a child, creating an over-consuming possessiveness of her daughter.
This is not just a story about monsters, it makes you uncomfortable at times, it makes you feel for the relationship between mother and child, and it makes you feel Rue's yearning for a life outside the overbearing life caring for her mothers needs.
I couldn't put this book down. The 4-star rating is because there are things I would have loved to have seen fleshed out. The entire story is go go go and doesn't give you a chance to catch your breath, but within that there are so many situations which I believe deserved a little bit more attention. The ending though? 10/10 no notes. Could not have hoped for anything better.
Thank you to L.V. Russell, NetGalley and Quill & Crow for the ARC of Oubliette.
Oubliette grabs your wrist and doesn't let go from the very first page, and is told from the perspective of our main character, Rue in present day, with a few short chapters throughout the novel from the POV of her mother Sylvatica. Sylvaticas story tells of her harrowing upbringing that created this vampyr-esque monster she came to be and grips your heart right out of your chest. While Rue grapples with the toxicity of her relationship with a mother who sees her as a possession, she also begins to grow into a woman with her own life outside of the nighttime hours spent entertaining her mother who cannot leave the grounds of Folkhaven manors watery surrounds. L.V Russell does something amazing with this truly gory and gothic story, and makes you feel empathetic towards the horrific mother-daughter relationship. It is clear that Sylvaticas upbringing was one of being cast aside, second best, and unwanted, and despite her need to consume, she tries to show Rue the type of love she was never given as a child, creating an over-consuming possessiveness of her daughter.
This is not just a story about monsters, it makes you uncomfortable at times, it makes you feel for the relationship between mother and child, and it makes you feel Rue's yearning for a life outside the overbearing life caring for her mothers needs.
I couldn't put this book down. The 4-star rating is because there are things I would have loved to have seen fleshed out. The entire story is go go go and doesn't give you a chance to catch your breath, but within that there are so many situations which I believe deserved a little bit more attention. The ending though? 10/10 no notes. Could not have hoped for anything better.
Thank you to L.V. Russell, NetGalley and Quill & Crow for the ARC of Oubliette.
August 22, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Quill & Crow for approving me for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I’m going to be very honest, I’m not too sure how to feel about this 😭 there were things that I like and didn’t really like. To start off on the positive, I really LOVE the descriptions of this shambling manor, the hauntings and the absolute creep factor. I also enjoy how Rue’s mother was a vampire without ever really calling her one. It was so atmospheric with everything, I love how the author didn’t shy away from the gore and horror of Folkehaven Manor. The main relationship I loved is Rue and her mother, seriously the codependency and obsession these two had with one another was harrowing to read. It’s so rotten yet the yearning Rue felt for wanting to be loved by her mother —something that’s mirrored by her mothers past which we get a POV for is also shared and gives more a of a glimpse as to way her mother is the way she is and how she wants to keep Rue close to her.
I do wish there was a bit more world-building, because you mean to tell me these women are fine with feeding shitty men to a vampire??? 😭 I raised an eyebrow at that because I felt as though these characters were a bit too “Yeah, murder is fine.” LMFAO. I also didn’t believe in the love that Oren and Rue shared, it needed to develop a little more for me to find it believable, but honestly?? I would say that the main focus in the story is Rue and her mother, not Oren. I wish it was just a tad bit longer, but to be honest, I think this is a good length without unnecessarily stretching things out.
Despite my complains, I still enjoyed this and would recommend if you’re looking for a quick read with some creepy elements ♥️
I’m going to be very honest, I’m not too sure how to feel about this 😭 there were things that I like and didn’t really like. To start off on the positive, I really LOVE the descriptions of this shambling manor, the hauntings and the absolute creep factor. I also enjoy how Rue’s mother was a vampire without ever really calling her one. It was so atmospheric with everything, I love how the author didn’t shy away from the gore and horror of Folkehaven Manor. The main relationship I loved is Rue and her mother, seriously the codependency and obsession these two had with one another was harrowing to read. It’s so rotten yet the yearning Rue felt for wanting to be loved by her mother —something that’s mirrored by her mothers past which we get a POV for is also shared and gives more a of a glimpse as to way her mother is the way she is and how she wants to keep Rue close to her.
I do wish there was a bit more world-building, because you mean to tell me these women are fine with feeding shitty men to a vampire??? 😭 I raised an eyebrow at that because I felt as though these characters were a bit too “Yeah, murder is fine.” LMFAO. I also didn’t believe in the love that Oren and Rue shared, it needed to develop a little more for me to find it believable, but honestly?? I would say that the main focus in the story is Rue and her mother, not Oren. I wish it was just a tad bit longer, but to be honest, I think this is a good length without unnecessarily stretching things out.
Despite my complains, I still enjoyed this and would recommend if you’re looking for a quick read with some creepy elements ♥️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to L.V. Russell, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 3/5 stars
Oubliette by L.V. Russell is a book with a phenomenal concept and an absolutely gorgeous cover, but my reading experience ended up being quite mixed.
The strongest aspect of this novel is undoubtedly its setting and atmosphere. The author excels at crafting a dark, claustrophobic, and genuinely unsettling gothic environment. The mansion itself feels like a living, breathing character, and the creepy, eerie tone kept me turning the pages. I also highly commend the world-building regarding the central creature. Rather than relying on tired tropes or traditional monsters, the author created a deeply fascinating lore. Exploring the origins and history behind the antagonist gave the story a lot of welcome depth.
However, where the book lost me was in its thematic execution and certain narrative choices. Throughout the story, there are specific moments of generalized commentary that felt incredibly forced and out of place. What made these inner monologues or observations frustrating was that they often directly contradicted the actual relationships and romantic dynamics developing within the plot. Instead of adding depth, these moments pulled me right out of the immersive gothic world the author had worked so hard to build.
Overall, it has a brilliant aesthetic, a fantastic setting, and a very unique take on horror elements. While the creepy vibes were right up my alley, the narrative inconsistencies kept it from fully clicking for me. I would still recommend it to readers who prioritize a heavy, haunting atmosphere above all else.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Oubliette is a visceral, stomach-churning, unsettling novel best read when after you've had dinner, but not before. It might be, outside of Carrion Crow, the most upsetting body-horror I have read to date. Fantastically messed up, it had me on edge for all 180 pages. This is the perfect October read; set to appear right before Halloween.
What this book does well is constantly keeps the reader in a state of confusion- over the time line jumping, over what the heck is happening, over where the story could possibly go. Along with making the reader uncomfortable, the unsaid is given room to "speak". What could possibly fill in the blanks can be even more disturbing that what the author could have written. You, as the reader, can really let your imagination run away with the story, and I find that to be the biggest success to this story. It kept the pacing quick and it didn't cause loss of tension.
If you loved Carrion Crow and need something that will scratch that similar itch, or if you thought the Wuthering Heights movie could use a lot more gore and ghosts then this is a must-read. It moves quickly and keeps the unsettling tension high from start-to-finish. You will not want to put it down. It's a twisted take on a gothic ghost story mixed with a little bit of the movie The Witch and Dracula. It pays homage to the classics while creating something fresh and new. Oubliette is truly haunting and will linger for weeks to come.
Thank you Netgalley and Quill and Crow for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
What this book does well is constantly keeps the reader in a state of confusion- over the time line jumping, over what the heck is happening, over where the story could possibly go. Along with making the reader uncomfortable, the unsaid is given room to "speak". What could possibly fill in the blanks can be even more disturbing that what the author could have written. You, as the reader, can really let your imagination run away with the story, and I find that to be the biggest success to this story. It kept the pacing quick and it didn't cause loss of tension.
If you loved Carrion Crow and need something that will scratch that similar itch, or if you thought the Wuthering Heights movie could use a lot more gore and ghosts then this is a must-read. It moves quickly and keeps the unsettling tension high from start-to-finish. You will not want to put it down. It's a twisted take on a gothic ghost story mixed with a little bit of the movie The Witch and Dracula. It pays homage to the classics while creating something fresh and new. Oubliette is truly haunting and will linger for weeks to come.
Thank you Netgalley and Quill and Crow for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Quill & Crow for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! ♡
I picked up Oubliette for sophisticated literary reasons: the title sounded cool and the cover was gorgeous...
Thankfully there is an actual book under there, too.
The part that worked best for me was the relationship between Rue and her mother. Russell takes the familiar idea of a monstrous parent literally, then makes the dynamic underneath it richer: obligation slowly becoming identity, guilt being mistaken for love, and a daughter learning to organise her entire life around another person’s hunger.
That hunger runs through the book in several forms. There is the obvious appetite for flesh, but also the need to possess, to be needed, to keep another person close enough that they can never fully become separate from you.
That was much more interesting to me than the romance, which felt underdeveloped by comparison. The secondary relationships often seemed to arrive already.
The prose is at its best when Russell lets the gothic ugliness speak plainly. Folkehaven feels damp and unpleasant, and the body horror has some excellent imagery. Occasionally the language pushes a little too hard for grandeur and starts repeating an emotion the scene has already communicated.
Still, I liked this a lot. The book understands that family damage rarely stays in the past.
Gross, sad, claustrophobic, and veeeery gothic.
I picked up Oubliette for sophisticated literary reasons: the title sounded cool and the cover was gorgeous...
Thankfully there is an actual book under there, too.
The part that worked best for me was the relationship between Rue and her mother. Russell takes the familiar idea of a monstrous parent literally, then makes the dynamic underneath it richer: obligation slowly becoming identity, guilt being mistaken for love, and a daughter learning to organise her entire life around another person’s hunger.
That hunger runs through the book in several forms. There is the obvious appetite for flesh, but also the need to possess, to be needed, to keep another person close enough that they can never fully become separate from you.
That was much more interesting to me than the romance, which felt underdeveloped by comparison. The secondary relationships often seemed to arrive already.
The prose is at its best when Russell lets the gothic ugliness speak plainly. Folkehaven feels damp and unpleasant, and the body horror has some excellent imagery. Occasionally the language pushes a little too hard for grandeur and starts repeating an emotion the scene has already communicated.
Still, I liked this a lot. The book understands that family damage rarely stays in the past.
Gross, sad, claustrophobic, and veeeery gothic.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"And oh, I am beautiful. Not the gentle beauty of the ladies from the fine houses, but the everlasting beauty of death, an unending thing, a carved icon from an unknown belief."
Major thanks to NetGalley and L.V. Russell for this advanced copy!
I am at a loss for words. This Gothic Horror novel truly left me speechless in the most beautiful manner. This has been a highly anticipated read for me. And I must say it exceeded expectations. The writing is lyrical, poetic and enchanting. From the descriptions of the sky to the greater emotional contexts I found myself riveted. And poised at the edge with a hunger for each word upon the page!
This book is perfect for fans of Nosferatu, Innamorata, The Poisoner series, The Death of Jane Lawrence, and even Wuthering Heights!
I long to be haunted by Folkehaven Hall and my wish is granted as I feel myself trapped within its walls even after the last page. I cannot stop thinking about it.
The characters never bored me. Some are like sunshine upon the page and others the depths of decay all ready to serve a purpose. I would highly recommend this book to those whom long for a gothic horror that certainly doesn't shy away from the darkness.
“Will you love me like this?” I am wretched, tear-choked and trembling. “In snatched moments of time, painted with horrors I will not walk away from?”
Major thanks to NetGalley and L.V. Russell for this advanced copy!
I am at a loss for words. This Gothic Horror novel truly left me speechless in the most beautiful manner. This has been a highly anticipated read for me. And I must say it exceeded expectations. The writing is lyrical, poetic and enchanting. From the descriptions of the sky to the greater emotional contexts I found myself riveted. And poised at the edge with a hunger for each word upon the page!
This book is perfect for fans of Nosferatu, Innamorata, The Poisoner series, The Death of Jane Lawrence, and even Wuthering Heights!
I long to be haunted by Folkehaven Hall and my wish is granted as I feel myself trapped within its walls even after the last page. I cannot stop thinking about it.
The characters never bored me. Some are like sunshine upon the page and others the depths of decay all ready to serve a purpose. I would highly recommend this book to those whom long for a gothic horror that certainly doesn't shy away from the darkness.
“Will you love me like this?” I am wretched, tear-choked and trembling. “In snatched moments of time, painted with horrors I will not walk away from?”
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
woah. first of all, what a stunning cover. this was such a moody, atmospheric read for me! russell’s prose is nothing short of gorgeous. she pulls you right into this gothic, dilapidated manor full of mournful ghosts. i also LOVED her take on rue’s vampiric mother who (mostly) feasts upon vile men for their wrong-doings. it’s told from rue’s perspective in the present-tense with lovely chapters of sylvatica’s (her mother) backstory of how she became this insatiable creature.
the heart of this story is rue and sylvatica’s relationship. toxic, codependent and dreadful, yet, so disturbingly beautiful at the same time. it was phenomenal how rue’s connection with all of the characters in this story acted as a mirror to her kinship with sylvatica. i could literally write an essay on all of these characters and how they reflected different aspects of this mother/daughter duo. ughhh. the love rue yearns for, the hate she often feels, the disgust. i could go on and on.
this was my first novel i’ve read from l.v and it will certainly NOT be the last. i’m currently running to add her other books to my never-ending tbr. i’m so glad i got to read this and that it put me on a new author to look out for!! oubliette will be hitting shelves in october, a perfect spooky season read!!
the heart of this story is rue and sylvatica’s relationship. toxic, codependent and dreadful, yet, so disturbingly beautiful at the same time. it was phenomenal how rue’s connection with all of the characters in this story acted as a mirror to her kinship with sylvatica. i could literally write an essay on all of these characters and how they reflected different aspects of this mother/daughter duo. ughhh. the love rue yearns for, the hate she often feels, the disgust. i could go on and on.
this was my first novel i’ve read from l.v and it will certainly NOT be the last. i’m currently running to add her other books to my never-ending tbr. i’m so glad i got to read this and that it put me on a new author to look out for!! oubliette will be hitting shelves in october, a perfect spooky season read!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I can’t articulate how much I love this book.
It explores the connection between mother and daughter to the point of dependence rather than love. The gore shows the depravity of the mother, her hunger and craving for flesh. At first, it seems to be for a good cause, but in truth, it does not matter who she feasts on. If she is hungry, she will devour.
From the history of the matriarch not caring for her daughter to a daughter who becomes an overbearing mother, it is a never ending cycle.
I felt so much pity for Rue, and in a weird way, I could understand her situation. Granted, her experience is unique, but the relationship she has with her mother is relatable for those with bad relationships with their own.
The pacing was quick, yet the description of the manor was described in such a way that you can feel and smell that it is in ruin. Then the disgusting gore was written very well for such a short book.
The writing style was amazing.
I admit when I started it at night, I got scared and decided to read it during the day. I’m not easily spooked, but the way the ghosts were described terrified me. I thought they'd be in my room, waiting in the corner.
Such a perfect novella. The ending was heartbreaking, but satisfying.
It explores the connection between mother and daughter to the point of dependence rather than love. The gore shows the depravity of the mother, her hunger and craving for flesh. At first, it seems to be for a good cause, but in truth, it does not matter who she feasts on. If she is hungry, she will devour.
From the history of the matriarch not caring for her daughter to a daughter who becomes an overbearing mother, it is a never ending cycle.
I felt so much pity for Rue, and in a weird way, I could understand her situation. Granted, her experience is unique, but the relationship she has with her mother is relatable for those with bad relationships with their own.
The pacing was quick, yet the description of the manor was described in such a way that you can feel and smell that it is in ruin. Then the disgusting gore was written very well for such a short book.
The writing style was amazing.
I admit when I started it at night, I got scared and decided to read it during the day. I’m not easily spooked, but the way the ghosts were described terrified me. I thought they'd be in my room, waiting in the corner.
Such a perfect novella. The ending was heartbreaking, but satisfying.
October 6, 2026
Review of an advanced reader copy received from netgalley
Tense, atmospheric, with a creeping sense of dread, Oubliette is a great little gothic tale for spooky season. Oubliette follows main character Rue, who lives in an estate with her undead and very hungry mother. Rue spends much of her time luring “bad” men to her home as favors from local women in an attempt to sate her mother. Rue struggles as she straddles the world of the living in the dead, befriending locals yet ever called back to her decrepit home. Interspersed with flashbacks from rues childhood, Oubliette explores the domestic, hunger (both physical and psychological), female rage / revenge and more.
I had a few small qualms with the writing style; I dislike when authors overuse modifiers that start with “all” (eg “she was not a soft woman, all sharp bones and hard lines”, or similar). Some of it felt a bit convoluted, perhaps, but it’s hard to pinpoint why. There was a romantic plot line that was interesting as a contrast to her otherwise cold life. I also felt the past and present were a bit disjointed.
Overall, 3 stars for me but easily could be higher for another.
Tense, atmospheric, with a creeping sense of dread, Oubliette is a great little gothic tale for spooky season. Oubliette follows main character Rue, who lives in an estate with her undead and very hungry mother. Rue spends much of her time luring “bad” men to her home as favors from local women in an attempt to sate her mother. Rue struggles as she straddles the world of the living in the dead, befriending locals yet ever called back to her decrepit home. Interspersed with flashbacks from rues childhood, Oubliette explores the domestic, hunger (both physical and psychological), female rage / revenge and more.
I had a few small qualms with the writing style; I dislike when authors overuse modifiers that start with “all” (eg “she was not a soft woman, all sharp bones and hard lines”, or similar). Some of it felt a bit convoluted, perhaps, but it’s hard to pinpoint why. There was a romantic plot line that was interesting as a contrast to her otherwise cold life. I also felt the past and present were a bit disjointed.
Overall, 3 stars for me but easily could be higher for another.
October 8, 2026
oubliette is a narrow, vertical dungeon cell that is only accessible through a trapdoor or opening in the ceiling”
Add it to the vocab not the bucket list.
I have been desperately searching for a grim, morbid, macabre dark gothic fiction read to cheer me up- only to be given the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Oubliette by @l.v.russell_author- an a author who hits that sweet spot of mine every. Single. Time.
Following two time lines and two women who have the worst mummy issues ever we are exposed to two worlds that are steeped in abuse, corruption, rot, decay and hunger.
The focus is on Rue, who serves her mother and her mother’s hunger at night by luring and offering up “unsavoury” men. Rue, bless her and her mummy issues, finds this fulfilling until Oren inserts himself into Rues life and things start to unravel…and get really, really messy 🩸
A true gothic atmosphere , with what I feel is one of the best takes on vampires and vampirism yet.
First 5 star read in a very long time for me.
Thank you @quillandcrowpublishinghouse @netgalley for the advanced copy.
All thoughts are my own and a sincere review.
Add it to the vocab not the bucket list.
I have been desperately searching for a grim, morbid, macabre dark gothic fiction read to cheer me up- only to be given the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Oubliette by @l.v.russell_author- an a author who hits that sweet spot of mine every. Single. Time.
Following two time lines and two women who have the worst mummy issues ever we are exposed to two worlds that are steeped in abuse, corruption, rot, decay and hunger.
The focus is on Rue, who serves her mother and her mother’s hunger at night by luring and offering up “unsavoury” men. Rue, bless her and her mummy issues, finds this fulfilling until Oren inserts himself into Rues life and things start to unravel…and get really, really messy 🩸
A true gothic atmosphere , with what I feel is one of the best takes on vampires and vampirism yet.
First 5 star read in a very long time for me.
Thank you @quillandcrowpublishinghouse @netgalley for the advanced copy.
All thoughts are my own and a sincere review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Oubliette paints a visceral picture of monsters, hunger, and ghosts haunting a rotting manor. It's bloody and horrific in the way that gothic literature does best. Only a few paragraphs in and the imagery? Stunning. The vibes? Immaculate.
This book felt like the darkest and most gruesome parts of Crimson Peak, and I couldn't help but be reminiscent of that during scenes centering on Rue, Oren and Anne, as well as the ghosts of Folkehaven Manor. But the romance didn't feel quite real to me. It was obvious that the focus went to the relationship between Rue and her mother, and everyone else kind of got left behind. I didn't mind this as I was most interested in their monstrous relationship.
I have been left with several unanswered questions about Rue and Sylvatica that will haunt me just as much as the book will.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quill & Crow for the advanced reader’s copy.
This book felt like the darkest and most gruesome parts of Crimson Peak, and I couldn't help but be reminiscent of that during scenes centering on Rue, Oren and Anne, as well as the ghosts of Folkehaven Manor. But the romance didn't feel quite real to me. It was obvious that the focus went to the relationship between Rue and her mother, and everyone else kind of got left behind. I didn't mind this as I was most interested in their monstrous relationship.
I have been left with several unanswered questions about Rue and Sylvatica that will haunt me just as much as the book will.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quill & Crow for the advanced reader’s copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
holy fucking shit oh my god. disgustingly, filthily beautiful - i felt the longing and hurt in my whole self.
this was wonderful, i wish it was longer.
this is a book about grief and emotional hunger and the fine line between love and obsession ugh the parallels between rue and sylvatica had me in a chokehold, the haunting gothic atmosphere had me bitched. this is exactly my kind of (vampire!!!!) book.
there are some things that i did not like, like the redundancy sometimes (a lot of things were repeated and emphasized to the point of overexaggerating) the relationships felt quite forced at first (the sex really threw me off lol), and i really wish we saw more of sylvatica before folkehaven after she was 'turned' but! it was a chillingly beautiful concept executed so well (and the COVER???????) i really cant bring myself to rate it anything less than four stars.
this was wonderful, i wish it was longer.
this is a book about grief and emotional hunger and the fine line between love and obsession ugh the parallels between rue and sylvatica had me in a chokehold, the haunting gothic atmosphere had me bitched. this is exactly my kind of (vampire!!!!) book.
there are some things that i did not like, like the redundancy sometimes (a lot of things were repeated and emphasized to the point of overexaggerating) the relationships felt quite forced at first (the sex really threw me off lol), and i really wish we saw more of sylvatica before folkehaven after she was 'turned' but! it was a chillingly beautiful concept executed so well (and the COVER???????) i really cant bring myself to rate it anything less than four stars.
October 10, 2026
2★'s. This was...mmh okay. on paper, it sounded literally made for me! I liked the beautifully grotesque gore and the atmospheric vibes (plus, the cover is stunning!)
The strained mother-daughter dynamic was honestly the part that interested me the most, and i really wish the story went deeper into the mother's side of things. I felt a bit underwhelmed and passive to what was happening (just like most of the background characters in this, nobody reacted to anything that was happening like ¿). To me it lacked world-building, the writing felt weak in spots, and rue felt a little out of place as the lead. Cool concept and aesthetic, but overall the execution fell unfortunately flat for me!
Thanks to L.V Russell, Quill & Crow Publishing House, and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The strained mother-daughter dynamic was honestly the part that interested me the most, and i really wish the story went deeper into the mother's side of things. I felt a bit underwhelmed and passive to what was happening (just like most of the background characters in this, nobody reacted to anything that was happening like ¿). To me it lacked world-building, the writing felt weak in spots, and rue felt a little out of place as the lead. Cool concept and aesthetic, but overall the execution fell unfortunately flat for me!
Thanks to L.V Russell, Quill & Crow Publishing House, and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of Oubliette by L.V. Russell in exchange for my honest review.
This was such a dark, haunting, and beautifully atmospheric gothic horror. The creepy manor, ghosts, and unsettling sense of dread pulled me in from the beginning. I especially loved the twisted and complicated mother-daughter relationship at the heart of the story. It was emotional, disturbing, and at times heartbreaking.
L.V. Russell created such a wonderfully gothic world filled with darkness, hunger, and secrets. A perfect read for anyone who loves atmospheric horror with a sinister, haunting feel.
This was such a dark, haunting, and beautifully atmospheric gothic horror. The creepy manor, ghosts, and unsettling sense of dread pulled me in from the beginning. I especially loved the twisted and complicated mother-daughter relationship at the heart of the story. It was emotional, disturbing, and at times heartbreaking.
L.V. Russell created such a wonderfully gothic world filled with darkness, hunger, and secrets. A perfect read for anyone who loves atmospheric horror with a sinister, haunting feel.
September 17, 2026
First off, cover? STUNNING.
Honestly had no idea what was going on half the time, but was all for it, as we’re dropped right into a bizarre story. This book has two narratives, fluctuatong between a daughter (Rue) and her mother (Sylvatica). Though the primary plot focuses on Rue, only giving us insights to Sylvatica’s past.
This book has a lot to it, or at least I interpreted some of its deeper meanings to be focused on mothers and daughters,
specifically commentary on a type of relationship that’s toxic. How cycles can repeat, how we’re inevitably tied to our mother even if we don’t want to be. How a mother can be long dead and yet they still haunt (daughters), impact decisions, and behaviors albeit subconsciously. And of course how a patriarchal society affects generations of women— “We are ouroboros, endless. You are mine, and I am yours, and that is all that matters.”
The taboo of the cannibalism as horror was a strong analogy for Sylvatica’s all consuming obsession to take down “evil” men. In a way taking power back and or away from the patriarchy. Lowkey, always rooting for women taking down subpar men, all for it!
A quote I found befitting of Rue and her situation — “… and the fool that I am still reaches out, hoping to find anything but rigid cold.”… does a good job of showing that a daughter wants nothing more than her mother’s approval or support, even if the mother’s done nothing to warrant it. I have personal experience with this, it’s hard to walk away, even if you know staying will continue to hurt. It’s a battle all in its own and I felt a lot of compassion for Rue as there were aspects to her character I could completely understand.
The writing was lyrical, it’s descriptive in a captivating way that is grotesque at times. But it is perfect as this book does not shy away from death and gore. I think due to its slower, character driven plot-line that’s more on the side of “dead dove do not eat” horror than something with a driving conflict and suspense, I wasn’t as immersed in it. Lots of the dialogue and description of what was happening felt a bit melodramatic/random, but the themes present (at least I think) makes it worth a read.
I didn’t connect to any of the characters however, the plot just didn’t hook me in until the last 15%. I more so wanted to finish this because of how strong the themes/commentary was.
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley*
US publishing date: October 23rd, 2026
TW: cannibalism, gore, human death, off screen animal death
Honestly had no idea what was going on half the time, but was all for it, as we’re dropped right into a bizarre story. This book has two narratives, fluctuatong between a daughter (Rue) and her mother (Sylvatica). Though the primary plot focuses on Rue, only giving us insights to Sylvatica’s past.
This book has a lot to it, or at least I interpreted some of its deeper meanings to be focused on mothers and daughters,
specifically commentary on a type of relationship that’s toxic. How cycles can repeat, how we’re inevitably tied to our mother even if we don’t want to be. How a mother can be long dead and yet they still haunt (daughters), impact decisions, and behaviors albeit subconsciously. And of course how a patriarchal society affects generations of women— “We are ouroboros, endless. You are mine, and I am yours, and that is all that matters.”
The taboo of the cannibalism as horror was a strong analogy for Sylvatica’s all consuming obsession to take down “evil” men. In a way taking power back and or away from the patriarchy. Lowkey, always rooting for women taking down subpar men, all for it!
A quote I found befitting of Rue and her situation — “… and the fool that I am still reaches out, hoping to find anything but rigid cold.”… does a good job of showing that a daughter wants nothing more than her mother’s approval or support, even if the mother’s done nothing to warrant it. I have personal experience with this, it’s hard to walk away, even if you know staying will continue to hurt. It’s a battle all in its own and I felt a lot of compassion for Rue as there were aspects to her character I could completely understand.
The writing was lyrical, it’s descriptive in a captivating way that is grotesque at times. But it is perfect as this book does not shy away from death and gore. I think due to its slower, character driven plot-line that’s more on the side of “dead dove do not eat” horror than something with a driving conflict and suspense, I wasn’t as immersed in it. Lots of the dialogue and description of what was happening felt a bit melodramatic/random, but the themes present (at least I think) makes it worth a read.
I didn’t connect to any of the characters however, the plot just didn’t hook me in until the last 15%. I more so wanted to finish this because of how strong the themes/commentary was.
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley*
US publishing date: October 23rd, 2026
TW: cannibalism, gore, human death, off screen animal death
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I believe this has to be the most hauntingly beautiful cover art for a book that I have ever seen. Loved the gothic atmosphere, but I honestly felt more for the creature than anyone else. Rue's romance just didn't click with me and I would love to have read more about the goings on in town of the decisions of who was next up to be banished to Folkehaven Manor. Absolutely would read more from this author who is able to craft such a creepy atmosphere!
September 15, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for my candid review.
What I felt most while reading Oubliette was a pervasive sense of emptiness. Just a resolute bleakness from the very beginning.
There is a deep ache from the repeated bashing of Rue’s heart against the sharp edges of her mother’s hunger. It’s never defined what her mother is entirely. The semi immortality and insatiable need for human flesh make me think of a ghoul.
There’s a lot to be said for motherhood and the complicated relationship between a woman and her daughter. These two could have benefited from intense therapy but it’s almost certain Sylvatica would’ve eaten the therapist in a fit of rage or boredom.
I can’t find Rue and Oren’s dalliance to be anything other than cruel. Rue fears she could never leave her mother alone and starving. Yet she carries on giving herself stolen moments and glimpses of a future she can’t have. Oren declares his love for a woman who he knows has nothing to give. They both dance on the edge of disaster until the inevitable happens.
What I felt most while reading Oubliette was a pervasive sense of emptiness. Just a resolute bleakness from the very beginning.
There is a deep ache from the repeated bashing of Rue’s heart against the sharp edges of her mother’s hunger. It’s never defined what her mother is entirely. The semi immortality and insatiable need for human flesh make me think of a ghoul.
There’s a lot to be said for motherhood and the complicated relationship between a woman and her daughter. These two could have benefited from intense therapy but it’s almost certain Sylvatica would’ve eaten the therapist in a fit of rage or boredom.
I can’t find Rue and Oren’s dalliance to be anything other than cruel. Rue fears she could never leave her mother alone and starving. Yet she carries on giving herself stolen moments and glimpses of a future she can’t have. Oren declares his love for a woman who he knows has nothing to give. They both dance on the edge of disaster until the inevitable happens.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.25/5
This was a super short spooky story (only about 160 pages).
The cover caught my eye and the description sounded very vibey. And it was, indeed, vibey. But I couldn't really get into the characters. I wanted so much more from them in terms of personality and intrigue. They just felt rather flat and typical.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This was a super short spooky story (only about 160 pages).
The cover caught my eye and the description sounded very vibey. And it was, indeed, vibey. But I couldn't really get into the characters. I wanted so much more from them in terms of personality and intrigue. They just felt rather flat and typical.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was incredibly atmospheric and the sense of dread that followed you through each page was palpable. It did feel like it was missing something though. It seemed like more should have happened. I didn’t feel much of a build up so that made the ending fall rather flat. Overall, a creepy Autumn read if not a bit slow.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Oubliette was such a pleasant surprise! For such a short book, it manages to pack in a lot of horror, romance, mystery and atmosphere without feeling rushed.
I really loved the eerie castle setting, the ghosts and the mystery surrounding the creatures. The story was creepy from the beginning and kept me curious about what exactly was happening.
I also really enjoyed the backstory chapters about Rue's mother and how they added more depth to her character and their relationship.
The pacing was probably my favourite part. The book is detailed and atmospheric but never dragged for me, which made it very easy to get through. I honestly wish it had been a little longer because I enjoyed it so much!
I really loved the eerie castle setting, the ghosts and the mystery surrounding the creatures. The story was creepy from the beginning and kept me curious about what exactly was happening.
I also really enjoyed the backstory chapters about Rue's mother and how they added more depth to her character and their relationship.
The pacing was probably my favourite part. The book is detailed and atmospheric but never dragged for me, which made it very easy to get through. I honestly wish it had been a little longer because I enjoyed it so much!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews