Little Eve by Catriona Ward is a dark, confusing novel that takes place in Scotland. I got through a third of it but was so confused by what was happening that I set it aside. Unfortunately I had not formed an attachment to any of the characters, nor did I have an interest in continuing.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

**Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review**

Little Eve releases in the U.S. on October 11th. (Originally published in 2018 overseas)

Okay, I went back and forth about this book. Big picture, I really really liked the premise and the twist and the end.

Where I struggled was with the writing. It's done very poetically and it is set in the early 1900s, so the language and just general verbiage was rough for me. However, that's on me, not the author. 🤣 She simply cannot help it if my mind does not read like that. It's actually very beautiful.

It's a 4, not a 5, because it kept skipping years and I kept getting confused as to what was happening when.

Catriona Ward is back with a dark new tale about a secluded Adder-worshiping clan and the horrors the family members endure until the day they’re found murdered under terrifying and mysterious circumstances. “Little Eve” is a dreamlike decent into a fevered madness while also a reflection on delusion, family loyalty and faith. A beautifully written literary horror (gothic to be exact), Ward gives multiple character perspectives to purposefully convolute the story (something I would say is a characteristic of hers) so that readers aren’t altogether sure who or what to believe up until the twisted shock of an ending. This is one of those novels that both scares and scars you, with unforgettable characters who are equally terrifying and tragic. Little Eve is a must for fans of Ward’s previous books and the perfect place to start for those new to her writing. 4.5 stars

Book received for free through NetGalley

This book was quick to grab me and it was so hard to put down. At points I assumed I’d know what would happen next and then it twisted and looked completely different. Overall an on edge and slightly enjoyable read. Thanks.

This book is the epitome of gothic horror. It’s gruesome, horrific and just plain melancholy throughout. The way they were brainwashed? Jeez. Definitely give this a try if you enjoy gothic horror. This will definitely be up your alley.

This is my first book by Catriona Ward book before, I am a fan! I love gothic horror books and this one hit the nail on the head. I will be adding this to my collection.

“Can we hold such an act within us, without being irrevocably changed?”

If you’ve read The Last House on Needless Street, you know that Catriona Ward is apt at delivering well written and fantastically confusing stories. Little Eve is no different.

This book has a hazy, gothic quality to it that really helps you dig in to the meat of the story as we see the world through the eyes of brainwashed cult members who are awaiting the Adder and the inheritance of powers that comes with him.

Little Eve is sometimes gruesome, always sad, and shrouded in mystery. If you enjoy an unreliable narrator and things that are not as they seem- this is the book for you.

We primarily experience Eve and Dinah’s points of view- both are young women living under the heavy fist of their Uncle. And as we alternate between POVs and past and present timelines, we slowly discover the secrets of the Adder alongside them.

“He keeps you starved, half-dead with exhaustion, always vying for his attention. That place is the very edge of the world, Evelyn, and you have been taken to the edge of what a person can stand, or be.”

I really enjoyed reading this book and went with 5 stars! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC.

I really enjoyed this. I liked Catriona Ward's other books more, but this had a very spooky atmosphere and would be a great fall read.

I am a huge fan of Catriona Ward and I love her mysterious, twisting narratives that keep me entranced. This one didn't do as much for me, but was still great.

Oh, I absolutely loved this book. I was born and raised on a Scottish island and the scenery, and atmosphere was spot on. The story is incredible and so well written. I loved this book and I am going to read all the author's books. Five stars xx

I am so glad Catriona got her second chance at publishing Little Eve here in the states- the last I’ve read from her, “the house on needless street” was such a trip, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on anything by her next. This one was very creepy, cult vibes, family dysfunction to the extreme. Loved it.

Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to receive an arc in exchange for my honest review!

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor Forge for the chance to read this ARC. This book has already won The Shirley Jackson Award in the UK in 2018 for Best Novel and now the rest of the world gets a chance to read it when it is released.

This is one twisted tale, much like the beautiful cover. It takes place during WW1 in Scotland, on an isolated eerie castle. It opens with a brutal murder scene and then flashes back to the events leading up to it.

I would call this a historical gothic story, although one with no holds barred gruesomeness and horror. FYI: there are many scenes of child abuse and torture in this story so be aware this is not a delicately presented gothic like "A Turn of the Screw". "Little Eve" details ever horrible act in almost reverent tones.

Basically, it is a story of a family cult centering around a man the children call "Uncle", two adult woman, and four orphaned children along with a police detective and the villagers who live near them. The location and the time period are crucial to the story which I appreciated. All good Gothics should have a location as a character.

Be patient reading the first few chapters. They are confusing since they are in the voices of the children and the villagers. You won't know what is going on, or what the heck the children are talking about, but that is what will goad you to read on. As the story unfolds, you will find out about the history of the main characters and the truth behind the murders. It is convoluted, confusing, and intriguing to learn. The deeper you get into the book the more you will want to read.

I recommend this novel for lovers of Gothics with the caveat that there is quite a bit of child abuse described. Rating: 4/5.

Little Eve was absolutely brilliant. A gothic tale set on an isle in Scotland, focusing on two girls, Eve and Dinah, who are entwined in a familial cult and all of the trauma and abuse that goes along with following their male chauvinistic leader. At its core, Little Eve is about family and our bonds to them and who we are once we break free from those bonds. Very powerful stuff in this book.

Catriona Ward is working her way to becoming the next huge name in horror literature and she doesn’t seem like she’s slowing down. Each of her novels are so different from the last. It takes incredible talent to create these stories with high emotional stakes for its characters while blending in various horror elements all the while delivering exceptional writing and prose. Highly recommend you pick this up at launch. Thanks to NetGalley and TorNightfire for the opportunity to read in advance of its release—October 11, 2022.

This is a dark, Gothic book. The atmosphere, the descriptions put you right there. Quick read , couldn't put it down.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

DNF…this one was rough. I enjoyed The Last House On Needless Street. But this one was soooo slow and not captivating. A lot of stream of consciousness with a story that did not seem like it was going anywhere. Life is too shorts to plod through books that do not hold your appeal. A shame considering I like gothic novels. Not sure if I will give this author another try.

I received this book free from Netgalley and in exchange for an honest review.

first of all I absolutely am obsessed with the setting which is like around the coast of Scotland it’s one of my most anticipated travel destinations so this book hit it right on the nail with the setting for sure. The plot was also absolutely incredible and you feel all of the Gothic a Scottish vibes as well as so many creepy things.

I haven’t read the authors other book the last house on needless Street but this puts at the very top of my TBR.

A full-out Gothic take of bleak landscapes, abusive guardians, weird religions, horrible rites, and a nice twist at the end. Sometimes the different narrative voices weren't individual enough, and there was some messy writing here and there, but overall a solid tale.

Unfortunately, this book did not interest me much. I did not care to continue reading and when I reread the synopsis, I realized I wasn't interested. Thank you for the opportunity.

There is a remote isle off the coast of Scotland and on that isle lives a cult preparing for the end of the world. Eve along with the others has been abused, disfigured and made compliant by Uncle who demands absolute loyalty. When a very bad thing happens for very good reasons an Inspector is called in to solve the case and find the truth. The truth might be better off if it stays a secret. Brutal, gory and absolutely terrifying this is horror with a capital H. Her fans as well as those who delight in dark gothic tales that keep them up at night will be overjoyed. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.

This is a gothic story that’s a slow burn, that isn’t my favorite but in this case it worked for me. I have loved everything I have read of Catriona Ward so far and this was no exception. I loved it.