This is the first Catriona Ward book that I have ever read, but it’s definitely not going to be the last. I had an amazing time with this book and I’m so glad that I got the chance to experience it. I read this book at the perfect time, as it was exactly what I was in the mood for at the time. I love when that happens. Anyway, let’s actually move onto my thoughts on this book.

I would recommend looking up content warnings for this story before reading it, as there are some heavy topics and themes within this story.

The story alternates between the past and the present. I found this an amazing way to tell this story. We get the aftermath of the events that happened and then the details of the events as they were happening. This made me very engaged with the story, I wanted to know what was actually happening and how everything played out. At some point in the story it felt like too much was going on, at least to me. That took me out of the atmosphere this book created and it’s probably the only thing that bothered me about this story. If it weren’t for those few instances this would have been a five star read.

An aspect of this book that I completely adored is the atmosphere. I love the cold, gloomy and windy setting of the castle. Catriona Ward has managed to create the perfect gothic setting for this horror story. The characters in Little Eve were really interesting. I was doubting everyone and trying to figure out what was actually going on and how much everyone knew about the happenings. There are quite a few traumatic things that happened that really made me feel for the characters. The character that stood out to me the most was Evelyn, or little Eve. Right from the beginning we find out that she is the villain of the story, I found it fascinating learning how she ended up that way. I couldn’t help but sympathise with her, despite the things that we learn about her.

Overall, Little Eve was a dark, atmospheric and mysterious story that I very much enjoyed. I would definitely recommend checking this book out, if you have the chance. Though definitely look up content warnings for it, after all this is a horror novel. I look forward to reading more from Catriona Ward in the future.

What a great book to pick to read (actually, I listened to it), on the lead-up to Halloween! I had never read author Catriona Ward before, but I will be looking for some of her other books after finishing Little Eve.

This is an atmospheric, moody book set in an island off the wild seas of Scotland. The castle it takes place in is a crumbling edifice called Altnaharra. The book's opening starts at the end of the story, when a towns person stumbles upon a gruesome scene in the castle. Then we go back in time to discover how this came to pass.

This Scottish setting is so evocative, and as we meet the small band of "family" that inhabit Altnaharra, a thoroughly menacing and dark atmosphere is created. It turns out that this is a cult, led by a man called Uncle who all the various women there both adore and fear. Two "sister", Diana and Evelyn, are the main focus of the story and we learn of their lives through their viewpoints.

If you've watched movies by M. Night Shyamalan, this has that kind of foreboding aura. In fact, this would make a great movie! Some have called this horror, but I would disagree, unless we're talking about the horror of what man can do to each other. But it is not horror in the sense of ghosts and noises in the night.

I give this author full points on the setting and mood of the book, which is carried throughout. Where I had a bit of trouble was keeping the story straight. Maybe if I had been reading instead of listening, this would not have been an issue. But there were three times I had to backtrack and relisten to parts of the book to be sure I understood what was going on. Also, at the beginning, it took me awhile to understand the situation in the castle. It is a dense book with lots of layers and information. But the writer's prose is so beautifully written, as if each of the many words was planned and cannot be changed.

This book was a 4.25 for me, five for atmosphere, but 4 for a story that took a little longer to totally engage me. What is indisputable is that Catriona Ward is one very talented writer.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and MacMillan Tor/Forge for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Catriona Ward is the next wave of horror writers. Her books are consistently fresh, yet creepy. In Little Eve, she tells the story of a doomsday cult led by a charismatic man who is harsh and evil. Little Eve is one of his wards, and she fully believes in the cult's, and her, connection to The Great Serpent. When he comes, the world will end, and all of the wicked will die. But where does the true evil lie, and will Eve be among the chosen to remain after the end times?

I feel like I'm the minority in this one but I wasn't a fan. I just couldn't get into it. I was bored and had no interest in picking it up. I DNF'ed after 30%.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! No spoilers. Beyond amazing I enjoyed this book so very much. The characters and storyline were fantastic. The ending I did not see coming Could not put down nor did I want to. Truly Amazing and appreciated the whole story. This is going to be a must read for many many readers. Maybe even a book club pick. Our library purchased and our patrons have been checking out and and enjoying the book. I see it is a popular book club choice as well we hope to have more oppurtinies to support authors like them

Catriona Ward has a very distinct style, and it's one that works for me only about 50% of the time. But Little Eve is a harrowing depiction of familial responsibility, generational secrets, and the sometimes devastating power of belief, and I'm sure it will appeal to all of her loyal readers. Though it wasn't quite the book for me, I have no doubt it will leave its mark on anyone who dares venture onto Altnaharra.

Catriona Ward's "Little Eve" is a chilling and atmospheric psychological thriller that takes readers on a haunting journey into the depths of obsession and uncertainty. Set against a backdrop of psychological tension, this novel weaves a complex narrative that challenges perceptions and delves into the intricacies of the human mind.

At its core, "Little Eve" is a gripping exploration of the relationship between Alice and Little Eve, a mysterious child who suddenly appears in Alice's life. The author skillfully crafts an atmosphere of unease, blurring the lines between reality and perception. The shifting perspectives and unreliable narration add layers of intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate a narrative rife with suspense.

Ward's writing is atmospheric and evocative, immersing readers in a world that is simultaneously unsettling and intriguing. The novel's exploration of psychological manipulation and the fragility of identity is masterfully executed, creating a sense of unease that lingers long after the final page.

The character development in "Little Eve" is nuanced and multifaceted. Alice's internal struggles and vulnerability make her a relatable protagonist, while Little Eve's enigmatic nature adds an air of mystery. The secondary characters also contribute to the story's complexity, each with their own motives and secrets that intertwine with the central narrative.

As the plot unfolds, readers are taken on a twisted journey that challenges preconceived notions and invites them to question the true nature of reality. The gradual unraveling of the narrative's layers adds to the novel's tension, culminating in a conclusion that is both thought-provoking and haunting.

While the book successfully captivates with its psychological intricacies, it's worth noting that the narrative's nonlinear structure may require close attention from readers. Additionally, the dark and unsettling themes may not be suitable for all audiences.

In "Little Eve," Catriona Ward has created a psychological thriller that skillfully delves into the depths of obsession, manipulation, and the human psyche. With its immersive atmosphere, complex characters, and intricate plot, this novel is a compelling choice for readers who enjoy psychological mysteries that challenge perceptions and linger in the mind long after the final page.

The first chapter of this book had me hooked! The writing intrigued me and I had to know what happened! But sadly, I had to DNF this book at 51%, I couldn’t continue. The story was so incredibly slow. Sometimes I was interested despite the slow nature of the novel and at other times I just didn’t care what was happening in the slightest. I knew going into the book that this will probably be a slow burn horror, but the story could’ve been condensed A LOT! There are a lot of unnecessary scenes and the writing is so descriptive that it’s boring. I don’t need to know every little detail of every little thing. The book is only 200+ pages, but I feel like I’ve read 400 pages of nothing. The first chapter interested me so much that I still want to know what happened, but not enough to get through another half of this glacially paced book…

Thank you Macmillan-Tor/Forge and NetGalley for this arc. All opinions are my own.

TW (up to 51% in): child death, death of a parent, snakes, animal death, self harm, pedophilia

Honestly I had to dnf this book. One, this is a replication. Two, it’s marketed as a standalone but is really a sequel to another book. It dragged and as much as I loved some of her other books- I couldn’t get into this.

Although I usually enjoy this author, this book just wasn't a good fit for me. I was struggling to pay attention for the first half of the book, found a brief respite and then really couldn't recall everything I had already read by the end. The main character wasn't terrible, but at times I felt she wasn't strong enough to really make me want to keep turning pages and see what would happen to her.

As always, simply because I didn't love it doesn't mean you won't. The storyline and plot are interesting. Give it a read and see what you think.

This short review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Another very good one by Ward. My students love the horror section and this one is checked out regularly, surprisingly.

This is probably my least favorite of Ward's books. I found this one to be super slow and the twist at the end which I feel like she has become known for just didnt work for me and was really predictable. There were some creepy moments through the book though and I really did feel for the characters she created. In the end it was a "meh" for me. She is still an auto buy for me despite this one being a letdown!

A dark gothic horror. I didn't find this to be a fast fast moving thriller, instead as a slow burn that spends time building up a creepy atmosphere and the faith and details of the cult. The beginning is shocking, the discovery of cult-like murders with horrible details. But the story slows from there, as it builds the plot from two different perspectives - Evelyn and Dina. Evelyn is a younger girl who is determined to become the next leader of the cult despite her age. Dina is the last girl standing at the end and has fingered Evelyn, Eve, as the murder.

There is another perspective intermittently thrown in, a police officer, that has taken a particular interest in the young girls and adds the outside perspective that is needed to really put both the girls and the cult in perspective.

But the store is definitely a slow burn. You learn about the snake, the one they follow, the leader and their belief of kids coming from the sea. You learn the lore of the island, the history and even many of its residents and children. It slows the story down but ramps up the creepy gothic feel of the story. The twist was well done and I did really love the ending.

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

Catriona Ward is very much a hit or miss author for me, and unfortunately this one was a miss.

I think I am slowly starting to realize that gothic books aren't really my thing...maybe I should've never even tried to pick this one up. Overall, it was pretty boring and the timeline jumps made it that much harder to follow. I also wasn't a huge fan of how it was written either, which I guess is a product of this being one of her earlier works, being republished under a different publication.

I am not giving up on Catriona Ward though! This one in particular just wasn't the book for me, and that's okay!

I was initially ready to swim across every loch and ocean to read this book, because, look at that cover. This is a story that has gothic, unsettling, occupies your mind with mistrusting characters, and you never know how things will pan out. I think this takes a moment to settle in with the story, but if you really enjoyed the shock of The Last House on Needless Street, this will definitely not disappoint you! Catriona paints images in your mind that widen all of your senses and sometimes you forget that you're reading a book.

Gothic cult not-quite-horror of my dreams. The atmosphere is impeccable. If you’ve ever wished <i>We Have Always Lived in the Castle</i> was a longer slower burn and had a snake cult, this one is for you.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest, albeit incredibly belated, review.

Wow. This review is so hard to write because I can’t even put into words what I just read. First, I absolutely loved the time period this was set in. I don’t think it would’ve worked well in any other way. And the main character? Loved. Her. The plot was so intricate and beautiful. I will say, the beginning part did confuse me a bit but I quickly got clarity. This is definitely not a page turning thriller, but the cultish vibes and go this horror setting made this book stand out for me.

Little Eve is a not for the casual thriller reader. This intense psychological thriller had me reading, pausing and absorbing for a long time. Even after fully reading Little Eve I did not read another book on by TBR until 2 months later because I was so fixated on it.

The power of "Little Eve" lies in its complex and flawed characters. Catherine is a compelling protagonist, driven by her own demons and haunted by her past. Her relentless pursuit of the truth is both admirable and disturbing, blurring the lines between victim and accomplice. The supporting characters, including the enigmatic Little Eve, are equally intriguing, adding depth and unpredictability to the narrative.

Ward masterfully explores themes of identity, trauma, and the power of belief in "Little Eve." The novel delves into the psychology of cults, examining the manipulation and indoctrination techniques that draw individuals into their clutches. The exploration of the blurred boundaries between reality and illusion is thought-provoking and adds a layer of psychological complexity to the story.

I have tried to read this book multiple times in ebook form and audio and I cannot get into the plot. I will definitely try more books from this author in the future, but this one was not for me.

Good but predictable. Still recommended because of the author.

Thanks to Netgalley, Catriona Ward and Macmillan Tor Forge Nightlife for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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