I guess I’m not the target audience for this because I found it insufferable. If I had purchased this, it would have been even a DNF for sure. The writing and plot were just all over the place.

Very all over the place. Overall, this was an interesting read, but the plot deviated far too much and the ending was so ambiguous, it felt pointless.

3.75 rounded up

This was a fun and short read that I inhaled in one sitting. I really loved the focus surrounding how women are often viewed, discounted, and controlled through the different lenses of several generations and classes of women. Now, more than ever, this felt extremely relevant, powerful, authentic, honest, and extremely cathartic.

There were themes of motherhood, autonomy, choice, grief, aging, and the pressure to center the men around them instead of their own needs and wants. We saw this several times through Drew as he casually and cruelly picked apart his mother’s decisions and desires. As soon as the women around him start centering themselves instead of him, they are deemed “crazy”, “wild”, and “unstable. This is one of the greatest frustrations in our society for women, where independence and indulgence are frowned upon and attacked as some malady or something that needs to be controlled and contained. I felt that frustration with the women in this book, and felt the ending was cathartic and satisfying.

I think I just wanted more substance, and I got lost at times with how the book flows. I had a hard time connecting with Luz at times, not completely understanding what her motivations were or really knowing very much about her.

Also, this was labeled as horror so I think I was expecting more on the horror front, but that is completely personal to me and not a criticism of the book at all. I just caution people like myself who read a lot of horror to not expect to not go into Ecstasy expecting a lot of horror elements.

I saw someone refer to this book as a “feminist fever dream” which is so so accurate. Overall I do recommend this and will be telling the women in my life about it, but I recognize it definitely won’t be for everyone.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for an early e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own

I found Ecstasy to be compelling, complex, mystifying and very confusing. The characters’ complexity and range of emotions were overwhelming. Lena and Jordan at first seem confident and fulfilled, but later take a 360 degree turn. I still am not sure who exactly Luz was supposed to be or if she were acting more as a manifestation of evil, deep rooted frustration and unhappiness. The ending was very powerful and although confusing, it was well worth reading.

Thank you net galley for this arc. This was a dark horror story. Lena's husband is dead and she wants to get her old life back, but her controlling son won't let her.

Ivy Pochoda’s “Ecstasy” is a mesmerizing exploration of desire, identity, and the complex interplay between human connection and self-discovery. Known for her evocative storytelling, Pochoda delivers a novel that is as thought-provoking as it is beautifully written.

The pacing is masterfully balanced, moving seamlessly between moments of quiet introspection and bursts of raw intensity. Each chapter feels purposeful, drawing readers deeper into the emotional and psychological landscapes of the characters.

Pochoda’s characters are unforgettable—flawed, deeply human, and brimming with authenticity. The protagonist’s journey is richly layered, exploring the nuances of love, longing, and the search for meaning. The supporting characters or side characters adds texture to the story, with each relationship offering new dimensions to the central themes.

What truly stands out is Pochoda’s ability to create a setting that feels like a character in itself. Whether describing urban grit or intimate spaces, her vivid prose transports readers, making every scene immersive and alive. Her exploration of ecstasy—both as a concept and an experience—is profound, challenging, and deeply resonant.

“Ecstasy” is a masterful work of literary fiction, blending lyrical prose with raw emotion and incisive commentary on the human condition. Ivy Pochoda has crafted a story that lingers long after the final page, leaving readers moved and reflective. Highly recommended for those who appreciate deeply introspective and beautifully written novels.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

The writing in this was really beautiful, but I was hoping for meat on the bones of the story. The characters felt flat when the words describing them were so detailed and beautiful, I just wanted more substance.

this book was good but dark. It was a dark horror, it was weird in many parts, but overall it was enjoyable. I think the book was a lot, but it is based on greek mythology. I liked it overall

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

2 stars.

Lena’s wealthy, controlling husband has died but she still has to deal with another man trying to control her, her adult son Drew who has taken over the family business. She, Drew, Drew’s wife, Jordan and Lena’s close friend Hady travel to Naxos for the opening of Drew’s new project, the Agape Villas (cringe at the name.)

Lena tries to use the trip to discover the real her, but Drew keeps her on a tight leash, especially when she beckons mes fascinated by a group of women living rough on the beach in front of the Villa and their night music moves Lena. Who are they?

This is one of those “women who howl at the moon” stories. Why Lena never just kicked Drew’s ass is beyond me. And no one really cares too much about Hady, including Lena, in the end. I just didn’t get this one. Not for me.

This was a strong Greek mythology retelling, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from this type of book. The characters had that element that I wanted and it told the story in a unique way. I was invested in what was happening and thought it was written well. Ivy Pochoda has a strong writing style and am excited for more.