The Cultist’s Wife

When you’re a fan of an author’s series, reading something new from that author can be a daunting prospect. There’s the anticipation of seeing what else they had to offer, but such anticipation can be tempered by the realisation that you’re stepping onto unfamiliar ground, and that ground may not be as satisfying as the books you fell in love with. I adore author BJ Sikes’ The Robotocist of Versailles books (you can read my review of The Archimedean Heart here and my review of The Vitruvian Mask here), and it was with this trepidation that I approached Sikes’ latest novel, The Cultist’s Wife. Such trepidation was unfounded. Whilst it touches upon different genres to the author’s other works, The Cultist’s Wife tells an engrossing story that moves past the confines of its genre, packed with memorable characters and resonant themes.

Although The Robotocist of Versailles novels weave steampunk science fiction tales and this latest tale swaps these elements out for fantasy infused with gothic horror, all three can be considered historical fiction. The Cultist’s Wife presents its story in our world, rather than the fantastical steampunk setting of its predecessors, and the story is stronger for it. While the heightened steampunk setting works wonderfully in those books, the real world setting grounds The Cultist’s Wife in reality, making the supernatural elements stand out more prominently. Regardless of the setting, the author presents worlds that feel absolutely meticulous, and The Cultist’s Wife is no different. As they read the book, readers will feel as if they are taking a trip back to the early 1900s and experiencing the world—and its events—with its characters.

One element that makes the setting shine so brightly is the story of the book’s protagonist, Clara. After spending five years with her husband overseas, Clara has enjoyed an autonomous life without him. Upon receiving a letter from her husband, she and her children are summoned to the Bahamas where they will reunite. This is no mere request, there is no discussion: Clara must relocate her family under the orders of her husband. Whilst this is accurate of life over one hundred years ago where women were expected to follow the orders of their husbands, The Cultist’s Wife explores the toll this takes on Clara and her family, underscoring gender expectations. The themes of a woman being forced to be subservient to her husband continue throughout the story, with the mystery around the supernatural elements, and the horrors that Clara endures, both supernatural and human, being akin to spousal abuse. The story’s themes resonate strongly while not interfering with the book’s plot.

At 270 pages in paperback (or an estimated 300 pages on your eReader of choice), The Cultist’s Wife is a relatively brisk read. The book’s plot, which I won’t provide further details on, is full of twists and turns that are best enjoyed while reading the story, rather than outlined in a review. It builds slowly, but never at the point where it feels too slow; it instead moves at a careful pace that ensures the threat is felt throughout. The story leans into its supernatural and horror elements, with neither element overpowering the other. They work in concert to create an overarching narrative that constantly thrills.

Whilst The Cultist’s Wife presents multiple points of view, Clara is certainly the book’s protagonist, and the character who is developed furthest. This is her story; she is a character who is both a wife and a mother dealing with terrible situations, but is never reduced to these traits or plot points. She is a fully formed character, whose exploits grip the reader. Although the novel’s other characters aren’t explored with the same amount of depth, they all feel like real people. Many of these characters can be clearly categorised as villains, but they never feel as if they’re simply included to provide a threat. Readers likely won’t find themselves relating to these villains, but they will enjoy reading about them.

The author’s previous books feature fantastic prose, and I found The Vitruvian Mask improves upon the prose in The Archimedean Heart. Once again, Sikes’ prose improves upon its predecessor, with The Cultist’s Wife including the best writing of the author’s novel. The prose is written similarly to those two books, but feels even more refined. It never feels as if it’s over or underwritten, and strikes the perfect balance between conveying the events on the page, the characters’ perspectives and mindsets, and presenting the world in a way that makes the reader feel like they’re right there with the characters. The writing uses its words judiciously, making an economical use of them to great effect. As fantastic as the story is, the words convey its heart wonderfully.

Reading a book where its beautiful prose is matched by the dialogue is always a pleasure, and The Cultist’s Wife is the perfect example of when these elements work hand in hand with each other. Its prose works well on its own, but it is elevated by the dialogue, with these two elements coming together to form a stunning whole. The dialogue is written wonderfully. Every character sounds entirely natural, as if they are real human beings. The conversations carry the cadence of the early twentieth century with them, but in a way that doesn’t feel overdone. Whilst it feels as if it’s of a time more than a century ago, it’s never written in a way that negatively impacts its readability. Simply, the conversations shine brightly.

The Cultist’s Wife is not only a fantastical story, but a fantastic book. As wonderful as its predecessors are, the author’s latest book equals them in every way, and exceeds them in other ways. Between the plot, the characters and themes, the novel’s story reels the reader in. The book is stunningly written, matching the tale’s evocative tone. Every element of The Cultist’s Wife sings as its fabulous individual aspects come together to form a wonderfully complete package.

Favourite Passage

The others of the Mean stood silently, still caught up in the rapture of their own drug. Clara could see Ward scowling down at the afflicted woman. The woman’s moans filled the room but no one moved. Her heels banged against the wooden floor. Clara squirmed, not wanting to break ranks but filled with anxiety. With a final moan, the woman sank into unconsciousness. Ward resumed his talking, ignoring the unconscious woman on the floor in front of him. He called the meeting to an end. As people began moving out of the room, he gestured to the nearby Mean to carry the woman out. Clara remained where she was, still taken aback by the strange situation. The Mean crossed in front of her with their limp burden. Clara caught sight of the woman’s blueish face. Her eyes were wide-open and staring. Was she dead? Clara couldn’t tell but she shuddered and backed away. What was in that flagon?

The Cultist’s Wife, Chapter 20

The Cultist’s Wife was provided by the author for the purpose of an honest review.

The Cultist’s Wife is available in paperback and eBook from retailers, including—but not limited to—Amazon.

You can follow BJ Sikes online, via:

• Official Blog
• Goodreads

Note: I do not post scores on reviews on this website, but do post them on my Amazon and Goodreads reviews:

• Amazon
• Goodreads

Interested in purchasing The Cultist’s Wife?

Please find a link below; please note I do not collect any proceeds from the sale.

The Cultist’s Wife