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Nightcats
Not yet published
Expected 26 Oct 26- GenresHorror
430 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 26, 2026
About the author
Kristen J. Sollee
7 books175 followersKristen J. Sollée is a writer, curator, educator and witch raconteur exploring the crossroads of myth, history, and occulture. Her first book, Witches, Sluts, Feminists, was chosen by the New York Public Library as an Essential Read on Feminism for Adults. Over the past decade, Kristen’s words and work have also appeared on NPR and in National Geographic, Teen Vogue, The Times Literary Supplement, Atlas Obscura, Cunning Folk, NYLON, Rue Morgue, and Dazed, among others. She is currently ensconced in a rural writer’s crypt working on occult fiction under the watchful eye of a British Shorthair named Cherie.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
We know that cats get a bad rap. Associated with witches and the occult, cats are oftentimes described as aloof and unpredictable. The novel Nightcats reinforces some of this. We have ancient zombie-like vampiric cats who feed off of human and other animal blood and kill anyone who might get in their way.
The story follows three women from three different time periods; an unnamed abbess from an abbey in the 1200s, Cassandra, living in England during the 1920s, and Vera, a young woman living in NYC in the early 2000s. Vera’s cat, Sammy, disappears which sets into motion her strange discovery of the history behind ancient cat lore, ancestral magic, witches, and bloodthirsty cults.
The female characters are well-developed especially Vera, from whose perspective we gain most of the knowledge behind vampiric cat history and cult. She struggles to make sense of the loss of her beloved aunt Brenda, her problematic relationship with a loser boyfriend and her lack purpose in life. Throughout the story, we see Vera become stronger and more accomplished at solving problems and uncovering the truth behind the complex nature of the ancient cat cult which seemed to have originated in the Egyptian culture with the goddess Bastet.
The story is exciting and fast paced, for the most part. There is a bit of a lull in the action in the middle of the novel, but this is mostly due to focus on the historical background of the cult. There is a strong emphasis on the patriarchy and how women throughout history have not had control or agency in their own lives. The Abbess, for example, must endure the wrath of oppressive and violent priests who attempt to keep the nuns in their places. Vera must contend with a selfish and deadbeat boyfriend who has little regard for Vera’s wishes and most likely abused Sammy, Vera’s beloved cat. Cassandra has been shunned by her fiancé and family for practicing magic and exhibiting witchy ways.
Well written with an interestingly powerful perspective and story-line filled with engaging prose and strong character development, the novel gives the reader a lot to think about in terms of women’s positioning in a male- dominated world and how they reckon with getting some of their power back.
There are many graphic scene, blood and gore, references to animal abuse and overall disturbing creepy cat encounter, but a truly exciting story.
Thank you to Net Galley, Feral Eye Publishing and Kristen Sollée for a copy of Nightcats in return for an honest review.
The story follows three women from three different time periods; an unnamed abbess from an abbey in the 1200s, Cassandra, living in England during the 1920s, and Vera, a young woman living in NYC in the early 2000s. Vera’s cat, Sammy, disappears which sets into motion her strange discovery of the history behind ancient cat lore, ancestral magic, witches, and bloodthirsty cults.
The female characters are well-developed especially Vera, from whose perspective we gain most of the knowledge behind vampiric cat history and cult. She struggles to make sense of the loss of her beloved aunt Brenda, her problematic relationship with a loser boyfriend and her lack purpose in life. Throughout the story, we see Vera become stronger and more accomplished at solving problems and uncovering the truth behind the complex nature of the ancient cat cult which seemed to have originated in the Egyptian culture with the goddess Bastet.
The story is exciting and fast paced, for the most part. There is a bit of a lull in the action in the middle of the novel, but this is mostly due to focus on the historical background of the cult. There is a strong emphasis on the patriarchy and how women throughout history have not had control or agency in their own lives. The Abbess, for example, must endure the wrath of oppressive and violent priests who attempt to keep the nuns in their places. Vera must contend with a selfish and deadbeat boyfriend who has little regard for Vera’s wishes and most likely abused Sammy, Vera’s beloved cat. Cassandra has been shunned by her fiancé and family for practicing magic and exhibiting witchy ways.
Well written with an interestingly powerful perspective and story-line filled with engaging prose and strong character development, the novel gives the reader a lot to think about in terms of women’s positioning in a male- dominated world and how they reckon with getting some of their power back.
There are many graphic scene, blood and gore, references to animal abuse and overall disturbing creepy cat encounter, but a truly exciting story.
Thank you to Net Galley, Feral Eye Publishing and Kristen Sollée for a copy of Nightcats in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The cats are not alive but their essence is roaming through the streets. A feminist tale that looks back to the ways of matriarchal cultures and practices. You can experience the love that Kristen writes with as she creates a world that values the misrepresented in society. She chooses a society that is clawing its way back to the mainstream. The relationship between the woman and her cats is undeniably beautiful. An undead fairy tale for those who lean towards the macabre way of storytelling.
This was a fun vampire store that I was immediately excited to dive into. This is a slow paced read that starts to build up the setting with nuance and Egyptian mythology. Bastet of course makes her presence known and the cats are devout to show her ways. Of course, Bastet is not the only one we meet on our travels. I wish the Egyptian mythology were explored deeper to build a stronger connection between the cats and the living dead. I absolutely appreciated the mention of DC’s Catwoman and the way the mythology is written into the being of that power.
What does it mean to come into your divine power? This is what you find out as you read about the bond between one human and her felines. There is something unbreakable here that is hard to deny. I sat with this for a moment before deciding how I felt about this book. I would have loved to see the explanation of the paranormal thrown throughout the novel but I appreciated the appearance of the undead cats. Peculiar and interesting read for the spooky season. Thank you Feral Eye and Netgalley for this advanced digital copy. All opinions are my own.
For tarot readings, recommendations, and reviews, please visit my blog https://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com/
This was a fun vampire store that I was immediately excited to dive into. This is a slow paced read that starts to build up the setting with nuance and Egyptian mythology. Bastet of course makes her presence known and the cats are devout to show her ways. Of course, Bastet is not the only one we meet on our travels. I wish the Egyptian mythology were explored deeper to build a stronger connection between the cats and the living dead. I absolutely appreciated the mention of DC’s Catwoman and the way the mythology is written into the being of that power.
What does it mean to come into your divine power? This is what you find out as you read about the bond between one human and her felines. There is something unbreakable here that is hard to deny. I sat with this for a moment before deciding how I felt about this book. I would have loved to see the explanation of the paranormal thrown throughout the novel but I appreciated the appearance of the undead cats. Peculiar and interesting read for the spooky season. Thank you Feral Eye and Netgalley for this advanced digital copy. All opinions are my own.
For tarot readings, recommendations, and reviews, please visit my blog https://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com/
September 3, 2026
cats…cats…and more cats
Thank you to NetGalley and Feral Eye Publishing House for the EARC!
This book is everything it promised to be: vampire cats, secret cults, mythology, gothic vibes, witchcraft, and, of course, cats. It definitely explores some dark and uncomfortable themes throughout the story, so be prepared for things to get weird.
We follow four main characters across three different timelines, slowly piecing together the mystery of the NightCats. Candy takes us between the modern day and the Roaring Twenties, while Vera, our main character, is a goth waitress in the present day. Cassandra is connected to the origins of the modern-day cult, while a medieval abbess takes us all the way back to the beginning of the NightCats mystery through her journal entries.
I really enjoyed how each timeline and character revealed another piece of the puzzle. As Vera (and the reader) slowly figures out what is actually happening, the story keeps you guessing. Honestly, some of the plot twists were AMAZING, and I never fully knew what the next page was going to bring.
The worldbuilding was also one of my favourite parts. There is so much strange mythology woven throughout the story, and the combination of witchcraft, religion, cults, and gothic horror creates such a unique atmosphere.
I especially loved the book's exploration of spirituality through Vera. It offers an interesting critique of organized religion while exploring what spirituality can look like outside of the boxes that society has created for us.
Overall, NightCats is strange, gothic, unsettling, and completely its own thing. If you're looking for something bizarre and witchy to read this fall, this is definitely a Weird Girl Autumn must-read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Feral Eye Publishing House for the EARC!
This book is everything it promised to be: vampire cats, secret cults, mythology, gothic vibes, witchcraft, and, of course, cats. It definitely explores some dark and uncomfortable themes throughout the story, so be prepared for things to get weird.
We follow four main characters across three different timelines, slowly piecing together the mystery of the NightCats. Candy takes us between the modern day and the Roaring Twenties, while Vera, our main character, is a goth waitress in the present day. Cassandra is connected to the origins of the modern-day cult, while a medieval abbess takes us all the way back to the beginning of the NightCats mystery through her journal entries.
I really enjoyed how each timeline and character revealed another piece of the puzzle. As Vera (and the reader) slowly figures out what is actually happening, the story keeps you guessing. Honestly, some of the plot twists were AMAZING, and I never fully knew what the next page was going to bring.
The worldbuilding was also one of my favourite parts. There is so much strange mythology woven throughout the story, and the combination of witchcraft, religion, cults, and gothic horror creates such a unique atmosphere.
I especially loved the book's exploration of spirituality through Vera. It offers an interesting critique of organized religion while exploring what spirituality can look like outside of the boxes that society has created for us.
Overall, NightCats is strange, gothic, unsettling, and completely its own thing. If you're looking for something bizarre and witchy to read this fall, this is definitely a Weird Girl Autumn must-read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Cats and witches have always been intertwined. Who is Sabrina without Salem, Freyja without her chariot pullers? This book goes one step further, pulling readers into a world of vampiric cats and a cultish coven. Vera, a goth with not much going for her, has her life turned upside down when her cat, Sammy, disappears after her wanna-be rockstar boyfriend leaves a window open. Accidentally following the footsteps of her aunt, she finds her way to a cat shelter where things aren’t quite right. Can she get her beloved cat back without a catfight?
I thoroughly enjoyed this read, as any witchy cat lady would! I loved how well-written the girls were, and the switches between current time and the past. I’m very picky when it comes to changing view points, but the author did a delightful job. The lore of the side characters makes this such a terrifying ride, and it kept me guessing! The ending left me wanting a little more, but I didn’t mind it was left with a little untold.
My only complaint is the self-harm. It’s written in a very beautiful way, a little too beautiful in my opinion. It veers on the edge of glorification, and unfortunately that’s not for me.
Overall, I would absolutely read this book again, and I would pay to be able to read it again for the first time! The perfect witchy read for this autumn.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read, as any witchy cat lady would! I loved how well-written the girls were, and the switches between current time and the past. I’m very picky when it comes to changing view points, but the author did a delightful job. The lore of the side characters makes this such a terrifying ride, and it kept me guessing! The ending left me wanting a little more, but I didn’t mind it was left with a little untold.
My only complaint is the self-harm. It’s written in a very beautiful way, a little too beautiful in my opinion. It veers on the edge of glorification, and unfortunately that’s not for me.
Overall, I would absolutely read this book again, and I would pay to be able to read it again for the first time! The perfect witchy read for this autumn.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
So, I'd be lying if I said the cover didn't immediately catch my eye, plus those edges wow.
But also, a cat so I'm sold.
Three time lines spill out telling us about three women, Vera the one from the most present day and her cat that has disappeared. She dives into searching for answers and finds some dark history around vapire cats while struggling with her regular day life and the loss of her Aunt.
The Abbess who is forced to deal with violent fucked up priests and control being exerted over them, the dangers of a woman who had time to think, to breathe is one too much for the men and oppressors of her time.
And Cassandra, her family punishing her for just being different, nothing bad, just finding peace finally in her craft and coming into her own magic.
Fuck Vera's boyfriend. For real, absolute trash.
This is about cats and women, women who find their own inner core to draw on and become the strong women they were meant to be. It's horrifying and awful the things they went through, but through put history and the book, we see both overcoming the hate and overcoming the men that shove them down.
I really liked this.
But also, a cat so I'm sold.
Three time lines spill out telling us about three women, Vera the one from the most present day and her cat that has disappeared. She dives into searching for answers and finds some dark history around vapire cats while struggling with her regular day life and the loss of her Aunt.
The Abbess who is forced to deal with violent fucked up priests and control being exerted over them, the dangers of a woman who had time to think, to breathe is one too much for the men and oppressors of her time.
And Cassandra, her family punishing her for just being different, nothing bad, just finding peace finally in her craft and coming into her own magic.
Fuck Vera's boyfriend. For real, absolute trash.
This is about cats and women, women who find their own inner core to draw on and become the strong women they were meant to be. It's horrifying and awful the things they went through, but through put history and the book, we see both overcoming the hate and overcoming the men that shove them down.
I really liked this.
August 23, 2026
“Cats over children. Magic over men. Sisterhood over society.”
I received a NetGalley arc but all thoughts are my own!
What a unique and engaging vampire novel! I found myself relating to Vera more than initially anticipated its rare to find a good story with a goth FMC. This has a beautiful beginning that wraps you within its shadows. However, this book suffers from a dragging middle that almost has me putting it down. But, you must push trough to find yourself at a spectacular ending! I fell in love with all the references to the goth subculture, from the jokes about its Winklepicker clad elders refusing to accept anything that came out after the 80s to the many movie and musical groups mentioned through out. If you find yourself confused by some of these musicians I highly suggest giving them a listen! Most though are huge goth bands so I would be very surprised if you haven't heard of them or heard their music before without even realizing.
However, there are some descriptions of cats that should have had a trigger warning attached. I wasn't a fan of that.
I received a NetGalley arc but all thoughts are my own!
What a unique and engaging vampire novel! I found myself relating to Vera more than initially anticipated its rare to find a good story with a goth FMC. This has a beautiful beginning that wraps you within its shadows. However, this book suffers from a dragging middle that almost has me putting it down. But, you must push trough to find yourself at a spectacular ending! I fell in love with all the references to the goth subculture, from the jokes about its Winklepicker clad elders refusing to accept anything that came out after the 80s to the many movie and musical groups mentioned through out. If you find yourself confused by some of these musicians I highly suggest giving them a listen! Most though are huge goth bands so I would be very surprised if you haven't heard of them or heard their music before without even realizing.
However, there are some descriptions of cats that should have had a trigger warning attached. I wasn't a fan of that.
August 26, 2026
**4 Stars**
*Nightcats* by Kristen J. Sollée was such a fun, dark, and wonderfully feral read. I especially loved the strong feminine rage throughout the story, as well as the use of multiple timelines and POVs. The nightcats lore was also a standout for me—it added such an intriguing layer to the story and made the world feel unique.
The multiple POVs did occasionally become a little confusing, particularly toward the end when the action really picked up. I could see some readers having a harder time keeping track of everyone once everything started moving quickly. There are also some scenes involving animal cruelty and death that may be difficult or triggering for some readers.
Overall, I really enjoyed *Nightcats* and would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves books centered around feminine rage, vampires, and, of course, cats. It’s dark, strange, and delightfully feral, and the nightcats lore alone makes it worth checking out.
Thank you to Feral Eye, Kristen J. Sollée, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
*Nightcats* by Kristen J. Sollée was such a fun, dark, and wonderfully feral read. I especially loved the strong feminine rage throughout the story, as well as the use of multiple timelines and POVs. The nightcats lore was also a standout for me—it added such an intriguing layer to the story and made the world feel unique.
The multiple POVs did occasionally become a little confusing, particularly toward the end when the action really picked up. I could see some readers having a harder time keeping track of everyone once everything started moving quickly. There are also some scenes involving animal cruelty and death that may be difficult or triggering for some readers.
Overall, I really enjoyed *Nightcats* and would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves books centered around feminine rage, vampires, and, of course, cats. It’s dark, strange, and delightfully feral, and the nightcats lore alone makes it worth checking out.
Thank you to Feral Eye, Kristen J. Sollée, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 26, 2026
I absolutely loved the premise of this book. Feline vampires? What could be better?!
When I first met our leading lady, Vera Valcourt, I felt a kinship, most likely driven by her undying love for her cat, Sammy. When Sammy goes missing, Vera tumbles into a frantic search that uncovers mysteries from centuries past and a cat-loving occultist sisterhood. This was like catnip to me.
However, I struggled with the multiple POVs. The book jumps from 2005 to 1232, but both read like 2026 - which is fine, I guess, but it took me out of the story every time we switched characters. I found myself dredging through the other POVs until we got back to Vera. I wish the book stayed with her the entire time and uncovered the history in a different way than multiple story arcs.
Content warning ⚠️ Nightcats includes an unexpected and graphic depiction of self-harm which could be VERY triggering to a reader who has this lived experience.
Thank you to NetGalley and Feral Eye for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
When I first met our leading lady, Vera Valcourt, I felt a kinship, most likely driven by her undying love for her cat, Sammy. When Sammy goes missing, Vera tumbles into a frantic search that uncovers mysteries from centuries past and a cat-loving occultist sisterhood. This was like catnip to me.
However, I struggled with the multiple POVs. The book jumps from 2005 to 1232, but both read like 2026 - which is fine, I guess, but it took me out of the story every time we switched characters. I found myself dredging through the other POVs until we got back to Vera. I wish the book stayed with her the entire time and uncovered the history in a different way than multiple story arcs.
Content warning ⚠️ Nightcats includes an unexpected and graphic depiction of self-harm which could be VERY triggering to a reader who has this lived experience.
Thank you to NetGalley and Feral Eye for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In this feral feminist vampire novel, cats—and cat ladies—are out for blood.
Cats have long carried an unfortunate reputation as mysterious, aloof, and tied to the occult. Nightcats leans fully into that mythology with ancient, vampiric cats that feed on blood and kill anyone who gets in their way.
The story is creepy, atmospheric, and fast-paced, with beautifully lyrical prose that adds an almost dreamlike quality to the darker moments. With strong characterization, an intriguing premise, lyrical writing, and plenty of blood and gore, Nightcats is an unsettling and engrossing read. It offers plenty to think about regarding female agency and reclaiming power while delivering genuinely disturbing encounters with its vampiric cats. Readers should be prepared for graphic violence, animal abuse, blood, gore, and some deeply creepy imagery.
Easily a 5 star read.
Cats have long carried an unfortunate reputation as mysterious, aloof, and tied to the occult. Nightcats leans fully into that mythology with ancient, vampiric cats that feed on blood and kill anyone who gets in their way.
The story is creepy, atmospheric, and fast-paced, with beautifully lyrical prose that adds an almost dreamlike quality to the darker moments. With strong characterization, an intriguing premise, lyrical writing, and plenty of blood and gore, Nightcats is an unsettling and engrossing read. It offers plenty to think about regarding female agency and reclaiming power while delivering genuinely disturbing encounters with its vampiric cats. Readers should be prepared for graphic violence, animal abuse, blood, gore, and some deeply creepy imagery.
Easily a 5 star read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Brutal and atmospheric, Nightcats was a hissing good time for cat, cult, and vampire lovers! I really enjoyed the feline mythology; it was well researched and fascinating.
Multiple POVs can be hit or miss for me. While each one was distinct and thoughtfully crafted, I found myself connecting with Cassandra and the women in the Abbey in 1232 (both of these POVS were historical fiction). I wanted MORE of them! This book would've been 5 stars if it would've read like historical fiction throughout the entire book and if it was written only from those POVS. But that is just a personal preference on my part. Overall, I really enjoyed this ferocious book!
Thanks so much to Netgalley, author, and publisher for an ARC.
Check trigger warnings before reading if you need to.
Multiple POVs can be hit or miss for me. While each one was distinct and thoughtfully crafted, I found myself connecting with Cassandra and the women in the Abbey in 1232 (both of these POVS were historical fiction). I wanted MORE of them! This book would've been 5 stars if it would've read like historical fiction throughout the entire book and if it was written only from those POVS. But that is just a personal preference on my part. Overall, I really enjoyed this ferocious book!
Thanks so much to Netgalley, author, and publisher for an ARC.
Check trigger warnings before reading if you need to.
August 18, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, Feral Eye, and Kristen J Sollee for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Cats? Witches? Vampires? Say less.
“Cats over children. Magic over men. Sisterhood over society.”
The story blends horror and urban fantasy with dark humour while still exploring some heavier themes surrounding womanhood and spirituality. Beneath all the supernatural chaos is also a surprisingly heartfelt story about the bond between women and their cats. As a cat person, I completely understood Vera’s willingness to burn everything down to find Sammy. You can tell the author did thorough research into the lore/mythology of cats. A spooky season must read!
Cats? Witches? Vampires? Say less.
“Cats over children. Magic over men. Sisterhood over society.”
The story blends horror and urban fantasy with dark humour while still exploring some heavier themes surrounding womanhood and spirituality. Beneath all the supernatural chaos is also a surprisingly heartfelt story about the bond between women and their cats. As a cat person, I completely understood Vera’s willingness to burn everything down to find Sammy. You can tell the author did thorough research into the lore/mythology of cats. A spooky season must read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I fear this book is not for me despite the attractive cover and description sounding great. The author uses the cat's name, Sammy excessively and it was starting to grate on my nerves. Just for giggles, I decided to search to see how many times the word "Sammy" is used in this book and it's 308. Gee, I wonder what the cat's name is. I know this sounds petty and I totally get that the cat is a huge part of the story but I'm over it.
This book may be a hit for others, but it was a "nay" for me.
Thank you to NetGalley for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book may be a hit for others, but it was a "nay" for me.
Thank you to NetGalley for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'll admit the opening had me worried the pacing felt slow to start, and I wasn't sure it was going to hook me. But once I settled into the rhythm of the story, it really came together and I found myself genuinely enjoying it.
The standout for me was Cassandra's POV. Her chapters had a different energy to the rest of the book and I looked forward to coming back to her perspective every time it came up. That alone elevated the read for me.
Not a perfect start, but it earns its four stars by the time you're through it. Recommended if you can push past the first stretch.
The standout for me was Cassandra's POV. Her chapters had a different energy to the rest of the book and I looked forward to coming back to her perspective every time it came up. That alone elevated the read for me.
Not a perfect start, but it earns its four stars by the time you're through it. Recommended if you can push past the first stretch.
August 27, 2026
3.5/5
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!
This was an interesting read. The story follows three women from three different times and how cats have looped into their lives. I really enjoyed the mystical and historical aspects of it; especially the Egyptology. There is some gore and self harm, so reader beware. Overall, a fun read for cat ladies and fans of the supernatural.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!
This was an interesting read. The story follows three women from three different times and how cats have looped into their lives. I really enjoyed the mystical and historical aspects of it; especially the Egyptology. There is some gore and self harm, so reader beware. Overall, a fun read for cat ladies and fans of the supernatural.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I couldn’t put down this book and it was so good. I love cats. But, this book did feel dark and gothic for me🥵😍🖤. I highly recommend the book. Thank you to either the publisher or author on Netgalley for gifting me this ARC for an exchange on a review. I’m so grateful.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Nightcats was such a fun read to get hyped for spooky season! 🐈⬛🪦
This book is for you if you like:
♡ cats (obvi)
♡ cults
♡ goth FMCs
♡ multiple timelines + perspectives
♡ a taste for blood 🩸
★ ★ ★ ★½
Thank you so much to NetGalley + Feral Eye for the ARC copy of this book!
This book is for you if you like:
♡ cats (obvi)
♡ cults
♡ goth FMCs
♡ multiple timelines + perspectives
♡ a taste for blood 🩸
★ ★ ★ ★½
Thank you so much to NetGalley + Feral Eye for the ARC copy of this book!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews