It’s Not a Cult
It’s Not a Cult by Joey Batey, published by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc on September 25, 2025, is a 320-page work of fiction that intertwines elements of fantasy, horror, and social commentary. The narrative follows Callum, Melusine, and Al, who form a nameless band captivating audiences in the northeast of England with their unique sound. Their music tells the tales of the Solkats, fictional deities representing the small mishaps of life. As their performances gain unexpected attention following a viral incident, the band transitions from a cult following to a full-fledged cult, raising questions about the nature of belief and the consequences of their newfound fame.
Readers will encounter a vivid exploration of the intersection between music, mythology, and the complexities of fandom. The story delves into the dynamics of the Solkats and their impact on both the band and their growing audience, highlighting themes of devotion and sacrifice. As the narrative unfolds, the characters grapple with the implications of their influence, prompting reflections on the nature of existence and the fine line between admiration and obsession. This edition presents a rich tapestry of folklore and modern social dynamics, inviting readers to consider the power of belief in both gods and cults.
Official synopsis Publisher
‘I loved it straight away … characters so vivid you feel like they might be living in your wardrobe right now’ NATASHA PULLEY, author of THE WATCHMAKER OF FILIGREE STREET
‘Gloriously over-the-top and under-the-skin [with] shades of early Angela Carter’ OSKAR JENSEN, author of HELLE AND DEATH
Callum, Melusine and Al play in a band with no name, baffling audiences in terrible pubs across the northeast of England with their ‘sound’. Their songs tell the stories of the Solkats: fictional northern gods of small things, of mishap and mayhem. Absolutely no one knows what they’re on about. But they believe in their music, and in each other. And they’re happy.
That is, until an act of violence at a pub gig goes viral, they catch the eye of a disillusioned influencer and suddenly go from having a cult following to having a cult, following.
All the Solkats want, Callum insists, is to have effect on the world. But as fans from LA to Australia flock to Northumberland, and each gig becomes larger and more lawless than the last, this effect starts to feel scarily… real. Which poses the question: if the Solkats really do exist, which is it more dangerous to anger: a wayward group of elder gods, or your biggest fans?
Because gods and cults both demand sacrifices. And one way or another they’re going to get one…
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