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Pearl Bound
She came to serve the rich. She awakened to burn them down.
"A chilling, addictive read with a powerful protagonist...Verdict: Get It!" - Kirkus Reviews
In the waning days of the Gilded Age, Irish immigrant Eve Kelly accepts a coveted position at Greythorne, a mansion built on wealth, excess, and ruthless power. Behind its glittering façade, the Rennard family preys on the vulnerable—especially the women who serve them.
As Eve is drawn into the house’s seductive, dangerous orbit—and into a forbidden intimacy with the daughter of the family—she begins to uncover a legacy of violence hidden beneath chandeliers and silk.
But the house is not the only thing with a history.
Something ancient stirs in Eve’s blood—a power inherited from generations of women who survived by becoming something more than obedient. As predation tightens its grip, the servant they meant to consume becomes the reckoning they never saw coming.
Pearl Bound is a gothic historical horror novel steeped in female rage, class tension, queer desire, and the terrifying cost of autonomy.
Perfect for readers of dark horror such as Mexican Gothic, A Dowry of Blood, Dark Sisters and Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil.
"A chilling, addictive read with a powerful protagonist...Verdict: Get It!" - Kirkus Reviews
In the waning days of the Gilded Age, Irish immigrant Eve Kelly accepts a coveted position at Greythorne, a mansion built on wealth, excess, and ruthless power. Behind its glittering façade, the Rennard family preys on the vulnerable—especially the women who serve them.
As Eve is drawn into the house’s seductive, dangerous orbit—and into a forbidden intimacy with the daughter of the family—she begins to uncover a legacy of violence hidden beneath chandeliers and silk.
But the house is not the only thing with a history.
Something ancient stirs in Eve’s blood—a power inherited from generations of women who survived by becoming something more than obedient. As predation tightens its grip, the servant they meant to consume becomes the reckoning they never saw coming.
Pearl Bound is a gothic historical horror novel steeped in female rage, class tension, queer desire, and the terrifying cost of autonomy.
Perfect for readers of dark horror such as Mexican Gothic, A Dowry of Blood, Dark Sisters and Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2025
4 people are currently reading
787 people want to read
About the author
Natalie G. Bergman
1 book24 followersNatalie Bergman is the author of Pearl Bound, a queer, female-led gothic novel that explores the tension between identity and conformity in a society bound by secrets and power. Set in Gilded Age New York, the story blends romance, history, and the supernatural to examine the price of self-truth.
The novel originated as a feature screenplay, which is currently being shopped by Christian Armogida at Nightshade Entertainment, before Bergman expanded it to capture the deeper psychological and emotional landscape of her characters.
An award-winning screenwriter, Bergman was recognized as a Coverfly/Launchpad TV Drama Winner for her World War II ensemble pilot Angels of War. Her other screen projects include Exposed, a 1930s noir drama set in the queer underworld of New York City, and sAys sImon, a contemporary techno-thriller exploring grief, family, and the dark seduction of artificial intelligence. Across genres, Bergman’s work is united by a fascination with power, belonging, and the complex choices women make to survive and define themselves.
Born in Sydney, Australia, to Holocaust survivors, Bergman is a dual citizen who divides her time between Los Angeles and New York City. She lives with her wife of forty years, is the proud mother of two adult daughters, and shares her home with two endlessly fluffy Persian cats.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 21, 2026
An excellent debut! This had everything I love: gothic atmosphere, sapphic tension, female rage, and of course ravens. Told through dual POVs: We follow Eve, a servant newly hired at Greythorne Manor. She is immediately drawn to Saskia, the daughter of the powerful Rennard family. What begins as awe at the wealth and opulence quickly curdles into unease as Eve realizes the family is hiding something far darker. As she fights to survive the manor’s secrets, her forbidden love for Saskia is pushed to its breaking point.
Love, ambition, and survival collide, leaving everything precarious and charged. Dark, moody, and simmering with unrest, this story leans fully into gothic tragedy and feminine fury.
Thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing for this arc
Love, ambition, and survival collide, leaving everything precarious and charged. Dark, moody, and simmering with unrest, this story leans fully into gothic tragedy and feminine fury.
Thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing for this arc
February 17, 2026
This is a Gothic tale of magic, love and paranormal evil. I fell in love with Eve's story. I got sucked in from page 1 . The erriness of this book was superb. The author has such a way of writing that just makes the story come to life. Don't miss the incredible Gothic story
February 17, 2026
Pearl Bound is a haunting, sapphic gothic horror that leans fully into atmosphere, obsession, and the sharp edge where love and terror meet.
Eve arrives already carrying grief and unease, but the crumbling coastal estate she finds herself in seems determined to hollow her out completely. The house is damp with secrets — salt-stung air, locked doors, pearls threaded through its history like a curse. Bergman’s setting feels alive, almost sentient, pressing in on Eve from all sides.
And then there’s Rennard.
Rennard is not a safe harbor — she’s the storm. Magnetic, unreadable, and unsettlingly intimate, she moves through the shadows of the manor like she belongs to them. The tension between her and Eve is immediate but restrained, built on lingering glances and conversations that feel like confessions wrapped in threats. Their attraction simmers beneath layers of mistrust and buried truths.
What makes this novel stand out is how inseparable the romance and horror are. The sapphic longing isn’t decorative — it’s central. Desire becomes dangerous. Touch becomes transformation. The body horror elements, particularly the imagery surrounding pearls and what they represent, are visceral without being gratuitous. There’s a constant sense that love here may require sacrifice — of innocence, of safety, maybe even of humanity.
Eve’s arc is especially compelling. She begins uncertain, reactive, caught in currents she doesn’t fully understand. By the final act, she is making choices — terrifying, powerful ones — that reshape both her fate and Rennard’s. Their relationship feels raw and feral by the end, forged in blood and truth rather than fantasy.
Moody, unsettling, and achingly romantic, Pearl Bound is perfect for readers who crave gothic settings, morally ambiguous sapphic relationships, and horror that lingers long after the last page.
Eve arrives already carrying grief and unease, but the crumbling coastal estate she finds herself in seems determined to hollow her out completely. The house is damp with secrets — salt-stung air, locked doors, pearls threaded through its history like a curse. Bergman’s setting feels alive, almost sentient, pressing in on Eve from all sides.
And then there’s Rennard.
Rennard is not a safe harbor — she’s the storm. Magnetic, unreadable, and unsettlingly intimate, she moves through the shadows of the manor like she belongs to them. The tension between her and Eve is immediate but restrained, built on lingering glances and conversations that feel like confessions wrapped in threats. Their attraction simmers beneath layers of mistrust and buried truths.
What makes this novel stand out is how inseparable the romance and horror are. The sapphic longing isn’t decorative — it’s central. Desire becomes dangerous. Touch becomes transformation. The body horror elements, particularly the imagery surrounding pearls and what they represent, are visceral without being gratuitous. There’s a constant sense that love here may require sacrifice — of innocence, of safety, maybe even of humanity.
Eve’s arc is especially compelling. She begins uncertain, reactive, caught in currents she doesn’t fully understand. By the final act, she is making choices — terrifying, powerful ones — that reshape both her fate and Rennard’s. Their relationship feels raw and feral by the end, forged in blood and truth rather than fantasy.
Moody, unsettling, and achingly romantic, Pearl Bound is perfect for readers who crave gothic settings, morally ambiguous sapphic relationships, and horror that lingers long after the last page.
February 2, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free copy of Pearl Bound. As a longtime fan of Gothic horror, I was eager to dive into this novel, and it did not disappoint. The story opens with real momentum and steadily builds toward a powerful midpoint climax. I genuinely couldn’t put it down after the major twist.
The characters are well crafted and multi dimensional, adding depth and emotional weight. One of the elements that resonated most with me was the novel’s exploration of wealth and power, and how easily privilege can shield people from consequences. That theme felt especially timely and reminded me of recent high profile scandals in the news. This is a fantastic debut, and I’m very much looking forward to reading more from this author.
The characters are well crafted and multi dimensional, adding depth and emotional weight. One of the elements that resonated most with me was the novel’s exploration of wealth and power, and how easily privilege can shield people from consequences. That theme felt especially timely and reminded me of recent high profile scandals in the news. This is a fantastic debut, and I’m very much looking forward to reading more from this author.
December 17, 2025
Hold on you are about to embark on a fast, suspenseful, empowering and mystical ride. Pearl Bound is a shot of energy introducing you to Eve Grant and a world beyond. The writing is so full of wonderful and clear detail you can not help but get swept away in the character and story development. Now a true fan of Eve’s, I can not wait to see where continued adventures will take her and her ravens!
January 26, 2026
Not too spoily spoilers…
I enjoyed the book’s American gothic aesthetic mixed with Celtic magic and feminism. The best part was witnessing Eve come into her power, and the most disappointing was Saskia’s demise, for whom I had hope until the bitter end. Peggy impressed me with her bravery and loyalty, and I appreciated Isaiah’s nuances. The descriptions of Eve’s magic pulled me in and reminded me of reading the Mysts of Avalon when I was a teenager.
I do think it would have benefited from a bit more copy editing. There were times when I felt like I was being spoon fed and others when I was left a little bewildered. The sex scenes could have been more fleshed out (pun intended), and I was left wishing for more development with the mother/daughter relationship. Just a little bit more foreshadowing in the first half of the book also would have led to a more cohesive story.
Overall, if you like gothic horror mixed with magic and same-gender romance, you’ll enjoy the ride of Pearl Bound.
I enjoyed the book’s American gothic aesthetic mixed with Celtic magic and feminism. The best part was witnessing Eve come into her power, and the most disappointing was Saskia’s demise, for whom I had hope until the bitter end. Peggy impressed me with her bravery and loyalty, and I appreciated Isaiah’s nuances. The descriptions of Eve’s magic pulled me in and reminded me of reading the Mysts of Avalon when I was a teenager.
I do think it would have benefited from a bit more copy editing. There were times when I felt like I was being spoon fed and others when I was left a little bewildered. The sex scenes could have been more fleshed out (pun intended), and I was left wishing for more development with the mother/daughter relationship. Just a little bit more foreshadowing in the first half of the book also would have led to a more cohesive story.
Overall, if you like gothic horror mixed with magic and same-gender romance, you’ll enjoy the ride of Pearl Bound.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
December 4, 2025This isn’t my usual preferred genre, but I pretty much read it in one sitting. Definitely check this out if you’re a fan of dark and twisty!
January 16, 2026
This was a thrilling page-turner of a novel! Beautiful writing, engaging characters, and an imaginative and original plot (with surprising twists and turns) will keep you captivated the whole way through. I highly recommend!
October 31, 2025
As someone who generally shies away from "horror" I loved the twists and turns of this gripping story. The characters are compelling and I can't wait for book two!
December 2, 2025
In this supernatural, ‘Guided Age’ page-turner, Pearl Bound comes alive. From the opening chapter, I was captivated and enthralled… Seriously, I couldn’t put it down as I was filled with the emotional journey of the scenes. The clever plot charges ahead, through the voices of two women - Eve (a servant and born to otherworldly powers) and Saskia (daughter of the ultra-rich father who has raised her with extreme privilege and wealth). The twists of the story line were unexpected and revelatory. As the household encounters the unfolding terror, Eve and the other servants respond with daring, courage and, in Eve’s case, by unleashing her supernatural connection for their protection. This is a war between the authentic power of those who serve versus the men who hold the power over others, of gender, brazen entitlement of wealth.. The power of discernment unravels the difference between manipulation and love. It is a story both worth reading and gifting a friend. Eve is an empowered female role model who finds her center and her purpose. I look forward, hopfully, for the next novels by Natalie Bergman.
December 3, 2025
Pearl Bound is a deeply atmospheric and haunting story that pulls you into its world from the very first pages. The author creates an unforgettable blend of gothic tension, forbidden desire, and the heavy silence of family secrets. Eve is a powerful and compelling protagonist, and following her journey through the glittering yet sinister halls of Greythorne is both captivating and unsettling.
The story masterfully mixes historical atmosphere with slow building dread. The secrets of the Rennard family unfold in a way that keeps you fully engaged, and the exploration of fear, desire, and female resilience gives the book real emotional force. The sapphic elements add a beautiful but dangerous layer to the narrative, making every moment between the characters feel charged and meaningful.
If you love gothic horror filled with mystery, longing, and the struggle for freedom, this book is an unforgettable read. It captures the spirit of classic gothic tales while offering something fresh, bold, and emotionally powerful.
The story masterfully mixes historical atmosphere with slow building dread. The secrets of the Rennard family unfold in a way that keeps you fully engaged, and the exploration of fear, desire, and female resilience gives the book real emotional force. The sapphic elements add a beautiful but dangerous layer to the narrative, making every moment between the characters feel charged and meaningful.
If you love gothic horror filled with mystery, longing, and the struggle for freedom, this book is an unforgettable read. It captures the spirit of classic gothic tales while offering something fresh, bold, and emotionally powerful.
December 1, 2025
A riveting historical horror that is as frightening as it is lovely! Pearl Bound is my favorite kind of novel -- one that uses horror and a bold feminist twist to expose the ugly underbelly of the past. Full of vivid characters and a central sapphic relationship that will twist your heart in every possible direction, this book is a must for any reader of historical romance, especially if you enjoy the dark side of history and mythology. Highly recommend!
February 17, 2026
The Highlights:
Cinematic Atmosphere: Bergman’s background as a screenwriter shines through in the eerie, lush descriptions of the Rennard family’s estate.
Electric Chemistry: The forbidden connection between Eve and the rebellious heiress Saskia is intense and deeply compelling.
The Caveat:
The pacing slows significantly in the middle as the social drama takes over the horror. Some secondary characters also lack the depth found in the two protagonists.
Cinematic Atmosphere: Bergman’s background as a screenwriter shines through in the eerie, lush descriptions of the Rennard family’s estate.
Electric Chemistry: The forbidden connection between Eve and the rebellious heiress Saskia is intense and deeply compelling.
The Caveat:
The pacing slows significantly in the middle as the social drama takes over the horror. Some secondary characters also lack the depth found in the two protagonists.
December 2, 2025
I loved this book! Love and the supernatural speak right to me.
Each page left me wanting to read the next so it was a very quick read.
The characters and the plot are deep and intriguing.
I’m already waiting for Natalie Bergman’s next book.
Do yourself a favor, order this book and jump into the lives of Eve and Saskia. You will not be disappointed.
Each page left me wanting to read the next so it was a very quick read.
The characters and the plot are deep and intriguing.
I’m already waiting for Natalie Bergman’s next book.
Do yourself a favor, order this book and jump into the lives of Eve and Saskia. You will not be disappointed.
February 7, 2026
So proud of our friend Natalie Bergman! While Pearl Bound is not typically the genre of book I'm drawn to, I found it very entertaining. Power structures upended are always satisfying, especially when such evil lurks beneath an elegant opulent surface.
December 2, 2025
Outstanding, this is a must read!
February 21, 2026
Great read, beautifully written. Thoroughly recommended. A stand-out in this genre.
January 15, 2026
DNF @ 11%.
I tried. I really did. I started reading this a month ago, then I got annoyed by the mom doing some kind of magic thing to suppress her magic. Idk, I don't actually like magic in a Gothic, and don't like when a parent changes part of their child like that. And then it jumped to the daughter being a teenager and wanting a better life, and I just didn't care enough to keep reading so I didn't.
Tonight I told myself that I'd try again, because maybe it was just a mood thing. Nope, the writing over-explains and it pisses me off. It needs better editing. Then I checked Threads to see if maybe it's just the author's writing style and saw that she's a self-avowed Zionist. And I think that if I am struggling this much to get through three chapters, it's not worth it. There's just too much detail on the page, and I'm exhausted. I think there's just a lot going on in this book, and I should not be dreading a hobby book.
Thanks to Goodreads Giveaways for the ARC.
I tried. I really did. I started reading this a month ago, then I got annoyed by the mom doing some kind of magic thing to suppress her magic. Idk, I don't actually like magic in a Gothic, and don't like when a parent changes part of their child like that. And then it jumped to the daughter being a teenager and wanting a better life, and I just didn't care enough to keep reading so I didn't.
Tonight I told myself that I'd try again, because maybe it was just a mood thing. Nope, the writing over-explains and it pisses me off. It needs better editing. Then I checked Threads to see if maybe it's just the author's writing style and saw that she's a self-avowed Zionist. And I think that if I am struggling this much to get through three chapters, it's not worth it. There's just too much detail on the page, and I'm exhausted. I think there's just a lot going on in this book, and I should not be dreading a hobby book.
Thanks to Goodreads Giveaways for the ARC.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews