This Chalice Wretched

by Julia Greenshaw

In this dark and surreal novella, Silmarin is a sibyl, one of an order of nine prophetesses led by the cold and reclusive Matron Isolde. That is, until the Matron's sudden death throws their monotonous existence into upheaval. Isolated in their mountain temple, the sibyls look to their blessed Well for answers, only to find it silent, or else spilling over with a malign ichor. It is only the beginning of strange occurrences around the temple that will soon transform what Silmarin thinks she knows about her order, herself, and her desires.

A tale of blood curses, survival, feminine rage, and obsession and love beyond death, This Chalice Wretched explores the feminine in horror.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 3, 2026

About the author

My writing explores all things magical, otherworldly, and the anything-but-mundane, as well as the complexities of emotion and behavior (the product of a psychology education and a love of character-driven stories!).

When not writing, I can usually be found caring for my menagerie of animals, bookbinding, spending time with my garden, searching for mushrooms, or swimming. Oh, and I'll never turn down an invitation for tea.

To keep up with future releases, follow my Instagram @juliagreenshaw or sign up for my author newsletter: https://www.juliagreenshaw.com/

Reviews

[Sam Prisco]

Arc Review of This Chalice Wretched by Julia Greenshaw.

What an absolute treat this novella is, and just perfectly hauntingly atmospheric for the season.

The story follows Sybil, member of an order of nine prophetesses, living in an isolated mountain temple. The death of Mother Isolde thrusts the order into upheaval. They seek answers from their sacred well only to find it corrupted. The corrupted ichor of their well is only the beginning of the strange occurrences. Twisted secrets lie hidden in the dark, long buried and soon to be unearthed.

Julia has such a talent for writing in such an evocative way, whether it be describing the temple and or the carnality death and desire, the words really pierce you. Sometimes I have trouble with novella-length works but this does not feel rushed. It feels deliberate. I was hanging on every word, and entranced by the lore. Every character felt fleshed out and as real as if you were in the room with them.

At its core this is a tale of love, obsession, agency and feminine rage that cannot be subdued, even in death. I’m a sucker for a vampire story, but this felt fresh and I just had such a wonderful time with it.

This Chalice Wretched is out November 3rd and I recommend not sleeping on this one! Any lover of sapphic romance, dark fantasy and the vampiric I think would thoroughly enjoy this.

Side note, Julia is an absolute darling and I would eagerly read her grocery list!

[Alysha Everwood]

I have been in a MAJOR slump lately, and have been having the hardest time focusing on reading. When I got the email of the ARC I actually squealed, loving this authors other work, and couldn’t wait to start it.
This kept me so intrigued, the writing so lush and vivid, that a mind movie was playing at every part. The pacing was perfect, not feeling too rushed for a novella, but not dragging either. Every detail had purpose, every character felt fleshed out within the short amount of writing space, and the world was laid out for you clearly enough to understand and really paint a picture.
This gave me the feelings I had when I first got into reading again!

And it’s sapphic vampires if you need anymore convincing! 🩸