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The Styx
Not yet published
Expected 27 Oct 26A grief-soaked, myth-infused dark comedy about addiction, redemption, and breaking generational curses—The Styx follows the modern-day descendants of Ancient Greek Ferryman, Charon, as they battle manipulative gods, vengeful ghosts, and their own inner demons to reclaim their freedom from the underworld.
- GenresFantasy
420 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 31, 2026
About the author
Elena Zaretsky
1 book8 followersThe edge in Elena’s writing comes from her Russian immigrant background and is tempered by her sunny SoCal upbringing: kinda like Dostoyevsky on Molly. She learned English from classic reruns, studied Political Science, Communications, and Theatre at UC San Diego, spent a year in England, trained at the William Esper Studio in New York, and eventually realized she preferred pulling the strings to standing in the spotlight.
As a screenwriter, Elena penned the record-breaking Rocky Mountain Christmas, followed by Wedding Season, with Double Con Christmas on deck for Christmas 2026. She was a three-time finalist for the Warner Bros. Writers’ Workshop and, in 2020, both a Finalist and Semi-Finalist in the Austin Film Festival Screenwriting Competition.
In 2015, Elena earned a master’s degree in Spiritual Psychology—a credential that informs her work, even when she’s poking fun at it.
When she’s not writing about gods, mystical mischief, or love gone sideways, she’s surfing, snowboarding, or hiking with her maltipoo (and soulmate) Gus, who remains unimpressed by all of it.
As a screenwriter, Elena penned the record-breaking Rocky Mountain Christmas, followed by Wedding Season, with Double Con Christmas on deck for Christmas 2026. She was a three-time finalist for the Warner Bros. Writers’ Workshop and, in 2020, both a Finalist and Semi-Finalist in the Austin Film Festival Screenwriting Competition.
In 2015, Elena earned a master’s degree in Spiritual Psychology—a credential that informs her work, even when she’s poking fun at it.
When she’s not writing about gods, mystical mischief, or love gone sideways, she’s surfing, snowboarding, or hiking with her maltipoo (and soulmate) Gus, who remains unimpressed by all of it.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
~3.5 stars
I love Greek mythology, so I was very excited to read this book. Ghosts, Charon, the Styx? Oohoo!
The story follows the descendants of Charon, who are cursed to guide souls to the underworld portal. But when Dax, the eldest son, receives a message from Charon saying that the curse can be broken, things are obviously not going to be easy, especially since gods are involved. There are three main protagonists-Dax, Keller, and Del. Their mother, father, and the house ghost also occasionally get their own chapters.
One of the greatest strengths of this book is that it is a very easy and quick read. It has around 100 chapters, but each is only about 2–4 pages long. The world-building is good, and each of the characters is distinct, so despite the multiple protagonists, it never became confusing.
I felt that some chapters didn't have much going on, and it would have been better if those events had been combined into longer chapters. Keller and Dax seemed to take centre stage, but because there were so many chapters, I didn't find all of their scenes particularly engaging. I looked forward to Del's chapters and the ancient-era Eunice/Hermes chapters because I found them much more thought-provoking and interesting.
I also liked that the pacing remained consistent, even towards the end. I loved the message the book conveyed-to break the patterns we are chained to. It is something many of us struggle to achieve, and this is the first book I've come across that focuses so strongly on that idea.
The author also portrayed the struggles of drug addiction and the journey towards recovery, which I think is very important and one of the book's greatest strengths. I loved that Eunice's storyline highlighted the importance of change, equality, and free will. Her chapters were definitely the ones I looked forward to the most.
The ending with Zag and Del was exactly what I wanted, although I felt there wasn't quite enough chemistry shown between them. Moreover, while this book is strongly rooted in Greek mythology, I noticed a few discrepancies, such as Poseidon calling Dionysus his brother, the Underworld being portrayed as bright and cheerful (shouldn't that only apply to Elysium?), and Charon being a demigod with a family. I understand that the author has taken creative liberties, which I appreciate, but I did feel slightly disappointed by those changes.
This was also the first time I had come across Zagreus. He is the god associated with reincarnation and is sometimes considered an earlier form of Dionysus. I feel the author could have made use of that aspect to make the conflict between Dionysus and the pomps even more exciting, perhaps by incorporating themes of revelry or giving Zagreus a larger role in the confrontation. That's just my opinion, and I loved the ending as it is, which is again one of the best aspects of the book.
Overall, I enjoyed this book because it was such an easy read, and themes like drug addiction, equality, and change were handled well.
I really hope there is another book featuring Zag and Del because I am seriously looking forward to reading more about their relationship.
Thank you, Netgalley and the Author, for the opportunity to read this book!
I love Greek mythology, so I was very excited to read this book. Ghosts, Charon, the Styx? Oohoo!
The story follows the descendants of Charon, who are cursed to guide souls to the underworld portal. But when Dax, the eldest son, receives a message from Charon saying that the curse can be broken, things are obviously not going to be easy, especially since gods are involved. There are three main protagonists-Dax, Keller, and Del. Their mother, father, and the house ghost also occasionally get their own chapters.
One of the greatest strengths of this book is that it is a very easy and quick read. It has around 100 chapters, but each is only about 2–4 pages long. The world-building is good, and each of the characters is distinct, so despite the multiple protagonists, it never became confusing.
I felt that some chapters didn't have much going on, and it would have been better if those events had been combined into longer chapters. Keller and Dax seemed to take centre stage, but because there were so many chapters, I didn't find all of their scenes particularly engaging. I looked forward to Del's chapters and the ancient-era Eunice/Hermes chapters because I found them much more thought-provoking and interesting.
I also liked that the pacing remained consistent, even towards the end. I loved the message the book conveyed-to break the patterns we are chained to. It is something many of us struggle to achieve, and this is the first book I've come across that focuses so strongly on that idea.
The author also portrayed the struggles of drug addiction and the journey towards recovery, which I think is very important and one of the book's greatest strengths. I loved that Eunice's storyline highlighted the importance of change, equality, and free will. Her chapters were definitely the ones I looked forward to the most.
The ending with Zag and Del was exactly what I wanted, although I felt there wasn't quite enough chemistry shown between them. Moreover, while this book is strongly rooted in Greek mythology, I noticed a few discrepancies, such as Poseidon calling Dionysus his brother, the Underworld being portrayed as bright and cheerful (shouldn't that only apply to Elysium?), and Charon being a demigod with a family. I understand that the author has taken creative liberties, which I appreciate, but I did feel slightly disappointed by those changes.
This was also the first time I had come across Zagreus. He is the god associated with reincarnation and is sometimes considered an earlier form of Dionysus. I feel the author could have made use of that aspect to make the conflict between Dionysus and the pomps even more exciting, perhaps by incorporating themes of revelry or giving Zagreus a larger role in the confrontation. That's just my opinion, and I loved the ending as it is, which is again one of the best aspects of the book.
Overall, I enjoyed this book because it was such an easy read, and themes like drug addiction, equality, and change were handled well.
I really hope there is another book featuring Zag and Del because I am seriously looking forward to reading more about their relationship.
Thank you, Netgalley and the Author, for the opportunity to read this book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Styx surpassed my expectations, blending Greek mythology, family drama, and supernatural fantasy into something that feels both classic and strikingly fresh. Zaretsky draws from a lesser-known strand of Greek myth and reshapes it into a deeply emotional, character-focused narrative about family, grief, sacrifice, and the burden of inherited duty. The result is dark, atmospheric, and unexpectedly tender.
At the center is the Pompadakis family, a group of deeply imperfect individuals whose emotional wounds make them feel strikingly real despite the story’s fantastical framework. Their relationships are tangled, fraught, and often painful, which gives the novel much of its emotional resonance. Set against the haunting backdrop of the Florida Everglades, the atmosphere feels immersive and appropriately eerie, amplifying the book’s darker currents.
The mythological elements are woven in with care, enhancing rather than overwhelming the character-driven story. Themes of grief, addiction, sacrifice, and redemption are handled with subtlety and depth, elevating the novel beyond its mythic inspiration. While the pacing lags somewhat in the opening third—largely due to shifting perspectives and necessary family history—the narrative tightens significantly once the central plot emerges, delivering a compelling and emotionally satisfying payoff.
The horror is subtle but effective. It’s not jump scares or gore, it’s more atmospheric and psychological. The idea of ferrying souls and slowly losing pieces of your humanity is genuinely unsettling, and there are moments where the supernatural elements feel more like a curse pressing in on the characters than just fantasy worldbuilding. Combined with the Florida Everglades setting (which is already creepy in its own humid, isolated way), it creates a really uneasy mood that builds as the story goes on.
Overall, The Styx is much more emotional and character-focused than outright monster horror. It leans into a slow, creeping sense of dread rooted in mythology and complicated family dynamics. If you prefer horror that quietly builds tension and gets under your skin over time rather than going for loud scares, this one really works.
At the center is the Pompadakis family, a group of deeply imperfect individuals whose emotional wounds make them feel strikingly real despite the story’s fantastical framework. Their relationships are tangled, fraught, and often painful, which gives the novel much of its emotional resonance. Set against the haunting backdrop of the Florida Everglades, the atmosphere feels immersive and appropriately eerie, amplifying the book’s darker currents.
The mythological elements are woven in with care, enhancing rather than overwhelming the character-driven story. Themes of grief, addiction, sacrifice, and redemption are handled with subtlety and depth, elevating the novel beyond its mythic inspiration. While the pacing lags somewhat in the opening third—largely due to shifting perspectives and necessary family history—the narrative tightens significantly once the central plot emerges, delivering a compelling and emotionally satisfying payoff.
The horror is subtle but effective. It’s not jump scares or gore, it’s more atmospheric and psychological. The idea of ferrying souls and slowly losing pieces of your humanity is genuinely unsettling, and there are moments where the supernatural elements feel more like a curse pressing in on the characters than just fantasy worldbuilding. Combined with the Florida Everglades setting (which is already creepy in its own humid, isolated way), it creates a really uneasy mood that builds as the story goes on.
Overall, The Styx is much more emotional and character-focused than outright monster horror. It leans into a slow, creeping sense of dread rooted in mythology and complicated family dynamics. If you prefer horror that quietly builds tension and gets under your skin over time rather than going for loud scares, this one really works.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you think you’ve read every possible version of a Greek myth retelling, The Styx will completely surprise you. Moving the mythological roots to the Florida Everglades is an incredibly unique choice that gives the entire book a vivid, atmospheric vibe unlike anything else on the shelves right now.
The characterization of the gods here is fantastic—it deeply reminded me of the flawed, chaotic, and larger-than-life deities in Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark-Hunter series.
The story is deeply character-driven. It does start a little slow in the beginning as you get introduced to the cast, but stick with it—that early groundwork is absolutely necessary for everything that follows to make sense. Once the momentum builds, the author perfectly balances messy, non-literal character growth with a plot that keeps moving at a great pace.
Zag and Del completely stole the show for me. I became so invested in them and their journeys that the moment the book ended, I immediately wanted more of them!
Highly recommend if you want a fantasy with real psychological depth, a fresh setting, and characters you’ll miss the second you close the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
The characterization of the gods here is fantastic—it deeply reminded me of the flawed, chaotic, and larger-than-life deities in Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark-Hunter series.
The story is deeply character-driven. It does start a little slow in the beginning as you get introduced to the cast, but stick with it—that early groundwork is absolutely necessary for everything that follows to make sense. Once the momentum builds, the author perfectly balances messy, non-literal character growth with a plot that keeps moving at a great pace.
Zag and Del completely stole the show for me. I became so invested in them and their journeys that the moment the book ended, I immediately wanted more of them!
Highly recommend if you want a fantasy with real psychological depth, a fresh setting, and characters you’ll miss the second you close the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Dax, Keller and Del Pompadakis - three troubled siblings living in the Glades. Life isn't easy for these three - they have addiction, debt and disappointment to deal with alongside the family business...which just happens to be ferrying the souls of the dead across the river Styx.
This is a completely different type of re-telling and I have to say it works well. It's largely set in the present day and focused around the three siblings, but there are chapters set in the distant past told from the POV of the Greek Gods to, to help explain how the family are in their current predicament.
The characters are all believable, human and flawed in their own ways, and you can't help investing in their personal development as well as the wider story arc. I'm not sure I would totally agree that this is a dark comedy and I did find that it went on a little too long in the end, however it was so easy to read despite its length. Very much enjoyed this and it really works as a modern take on the Greek Classics.
- Thanks to NetGalley for granting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review -
This is a completely different type of re-telling and I have to say it works well. It's largely set in the present day and focused around the three siblings, but there are chapters set in the distant past told from the POV of the Greek Gods to, to help explain how the family are in their current predicament.
The characters are all believable, human and flawed in their own ways, and you can't help investing in their personal development as well as the wider story arc. I'm not sure I would totally agree that this is a dark comedy and I did find that it went on a little too long in the end, however it was so easy to read despite its length. Very much enjoyed this and it really works as a modern take on the Greek Classics.
- Thanks to NetGalley for granting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review -
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
* Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this ARC. **
I absolutely loved The Styx! This story follows the Pompadakis family as they usher lost souls to the other side. Zaretsky did a fabulous job of mingling humor with the darker supernatural elements, and neither detracted from the other. Really well done.
Setting: The Florida Everglades was a great choice for the setting of this story. The creepy swampy landscape lended to the haunting atmosphere. While reading, you can picture the river with its foggy, spooky feel.
Characters: Multi POV doesn’t always work for me, especially with this many in one story. However, Zaretsky masterfully made me care about each one of them. I didn’t want to skip past certain chapters or POV of any one of them, because I was invested in each separate story! I enjoyed the complicated family dynamics which felt so relatable. Like any family, the Pompadakis each have their own issues within themselves and with each other and have to confront their feelings of guilt, grief, sacrifice, and self doubt.
It was a pleasure to review this story, and I would absolutely reread this one in the future, as well as other titles from this author.
I absolutely loved The Styx! This story follows the Pompadakis family as they usher lost souls to the other side. Zaretsky did a fabulous job of mingling humor with the darker supernatural elements, and neither detracted from the other. Really well done.
Setting: The Florida Everglades was a great choice for the setting of this story. The creepy swampy landscape lended to the haunting atmosphere. While reading, you can picture the river with its foggy, spooky feel.
Characters: Multi POV doesn’t always work for me, especially with this many in one story. However, Zaretsky masterfully made me care about each one of them. I didn’t want to skip past certain chapters or POV of any one of them, because I was invested in each separate story! I enjoyed the complicated family dynamics which felt so relatable. Like any family, the Pompadakis each have their own issues within themselves and with each other and have to confront their feelings of guilt, grief, sacrifice, and self doubt.
It was a pleasure to review this story, and I would absolutely reread this one in the future, as well as other titles from this author.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The cover and the fact it's a tale about the river styx, Charon and Greek mythology drew me in. The fact it's about descendants in modern times pulled me in even more. And I'm glad it did! Not going to lie, it took me a long time to settle into the story. All the different characters with all their problems and thoughts were a bit much in the beginning but when the story gets you, it totally gets you. The second part drew me in completely. I loved the way we are taken back to the past to see how the curse came to be and how it affects the present. And I really liked reading how they got their house in order. Especially Del. The ending did the book justice. Really enjoyed myself with this one!
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Victory Editing for providing me with an e-arc.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Victory Editing for providing me with an e-arc.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Styx immediately pulled me in with its dark atmosphere and fascinating world. I loved how the story slowly peeled back its layers, revealing more about the characters and the dangers surrounding them with each chapter. There was always a sense that something bigger was lurking beneath the surface, which kept me eager to keep reading.
One of my favorite aspects was the emotional depth. The characters weren't simply trying to survive....they were constantly forced to confront difficult choices that shaped who they became. Those moments gave the story real weight and made every success feel earned.
By the end, I was completely invested in both the characters and the world. This was exactly the kind of dark fantasy I love, and I can't wait to see where the series goes next.
One of my favorite aspects was the emotional depth. The characters weren't simply trying to survive....they were constantly forced to confront difficult choices that shaped who they became. Those moments gave the story real weight and made every success feel earned.
By the end, I was completely invested in both the characters and the world. This was exactly the kind of dark fantasy I love, and I can't wait to see where the series goes next.
June 15, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley and EZ Books for the ARC in exchange for a review.
The river Styx being in the Everglades? Makes sense to me. I love the idea of distant family related to Charon having to carry on the tradition of helping with the transition from life to death. I liked that it was a familial debt to be paid back that extended through his descendants. I also liked that the different family members had different roles in the ferrying. But all of this happening because a man couldn’t take no for an answer? That tracks.
“Why should the wealthy, who enjoyed every comfort in life, be permitted to pay the same as the poor?”
The river Styx being in the Everglades? Makes sense to me. I love the idea of distant family related to Charon having to carry on the tradition of helping with the transition from life to death. I liked that it was a familial debt to be paid back that extended through his descendants. I also liked that the different family members had different roles in the ferrying. But all of this happening because a man couldn’t take no for an answer? That tracks.
“Why should the wealthy, who enjoyed every comfort in life, be permitted to pay the same as the poor?”
Review of advance copy received from Author
I couldn’t put this book down. I had clear visuals in my mind while reading it which is always the sign of a good writer in my opinion. The story is so thoughtfully told and I loved the fantasy aspect-I don’t usually read a lot of fantasy books so it was a nice surprise to love this one as much as I did!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a fun read! A modern greek gods tale.
I do have to admit it lost me a bit in the middle.
Del's story is what kept me hooked all the way.
Del, Dax and Keller were the ones I connected with the most throughout the whole story. Oh and Zag.
I need a Del, Zag, Cerby book!
For fans of Greek mythology I highly highly recommend this book.
I do have to admit it lost me a bit in the middle.
Del's story is what kept me hooked all the way.
Del, Dax and Keller were the ones I connected with the most throughout the whole story. Oh and Zag.
I need a Del, Zag, Cerby book!
For fans of Greek mythology I highly highly recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A total page turner! The Styx is suspenseful, thrilling, fun and absolutely captivating. The story unfolds and comes together in a very unique and seamless manner. It’s hard to put down once you dive in - Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read this book so fast - it pulled me in right away and I wanted to keep seeing what happened next. Very entertaining!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A fun and creative read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book doesn't fall into my "usual" reading genre, but the narrative grabbed me rather quickly, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A fresh take on tales of Greek Gods, with a captivating modern influence. I really enjoyed The Styx, and its gritty, relatable characters. It does not shy away from difficult topics, and provides a quite refreshingly honest look into how each complex character deals and responds with their respective demons in a very human way. Character are believable, their struggles, emotions and choices are raw and understandable in some way shape or form, and for once, actions actually yield consequences! No plot armour just because!
This is not my usual go-to type of book, but I enjoyed it thoroughly. For fans of myths, legends, or for anyone wanting to dip their toes into something new.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews