The Styx

by Elena Zaretsky

A 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.

Genres: Fantasy

416 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 31, 2026

About the author

The 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.

Reviews

[Alu · Rating 4 out of 5]

~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!

[Jensen McCorkel · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[SinE. Loves Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.
I was going to rate this 4.5 stars, but then it made me cry, so I'm giving it the full 5.

This book follows the Pompadakis family, descendants of Charon. They are a family of psychopomps, liaisons of the dead. What is a psychopomp? We also learn how they got to be where they are though the POVs in the past.

I really enjoyed the format of this book: 118 short chapters, each one a new POV. I found myself invested in everyone's stories and relationships. There were no chapters that I wanted to skip. This book was done beautifully.
The POVs:
The Pomp family
Del 24 chapters Daughter of Graham & Marie, really sweet. Enjoys being a pschopomp. Works in a hospital.
Keller 25 chapters Son of Graham & Marie, he works to hold up the family and pay of their debt (through questionable ways).
Dax 29 chapters Son of Graham & Marie, he has addiction problems.
Graham 8 chapters Gambling problems, an absent father.
Marie 7 chapters Married into the Pomp family & got the ability to see ghosts after giving birth to Dax.
Lou 👻 4 chapters An honoury member of the Pomp family. It's one of my favourite characters. I cried at the end because of him.
The past
Dion 3 chapters (Dionysus)
Hermes 6 chapters 🚩
Charon 3 chapters
Eunice 6 chapters Charon's daughter.
Poseidon 3 chapters
Other characters (missing some)
Irene 👻 Poor girl.
Sasha Relationship with dax. I didn't like her at 1st, but the ending changed this.
Zonni Basically, everyone is indebted to this guy.
Brianna Relationship with Keller. I loved her. She did what was right for her children.
Doctor Scott Reynolds Relationship with Del. 🚩🚩🚩

Poor Achilles gets so much random hate in this book. He isn't even a character. Eg.

"No," she whispered. I'm your Achilles' heel.
"Bah! Achilles!" Dion quipped. "What a disappointment that kid turned out to be."

This book is about breaking free of what chains you. It deals with some heavy topics, so be sure to read the content warning. If you love Greek mythology, then this book is for you. If you don’t love Greek mythology then I would still recommend.

[Julia Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Styx' by Elena Zaretsky is a contemporary Greek mythology re-telling set in the Florida Everglades. The story follows the Pompadakis family, who are descendants of Charron, the ferryman carries the dead across the river Styx. For generations, their bloodline has been cursed to ferry the souls between life and death. With every crossing they make, they are slowly stripping away another piece of their humanity.
In modern-day Florida, the family's already struggling with their very own demons. Dax, the eldest brother, desperately wants to escape the curse that has controlled his family's life for generations. His siblings are each battling their own destructive obsessions, including addiction gambling, lust, grief, and self-destruction, but something is going terribly wrong in the supernatural world. The boundary between the living and the dead is beginning to collapse. Souls are disappearing, and ancient gods are resurfacing. The Pompadakis family finds itself caught in the middle of this supernatural conflict. For the family to finally be free of their curse, they must confront the Gods who condemned them, as well as the self-destruction and trauma that they've inherited from one another.
This story is wonderfully weird, dark, and an atmospheric take on Greek mythology. Instead of just giving us another story centered on Olympus, the author takes us somewhere we wouldn't expect, the Florida Everglades, which feels gothic and perfect for the story. What really makes this book stand out is that the mythology isn't the entire point; the family is. The siblings are messy and damaged, and the curse becomes a metaphor for the things passed down,generation by generation. The multiple POVs also worked well. Getting perspectives from each of the siblings gave me a much better understanding of the dynamic and helped to connect the modern story to the ancient mythology behind it. I will say that the beginning is a little bit slower. There's a lot of character development that happens before everything really starts coming together, but once the pieces are in place, the story becomes much more compelling. The heart of this story is the family and their struggle to break generational curses. If you enjoy books that are character driven, have morally gray characters, and a great atmosphere, then I would recommend this! I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for my opinion. 4 stars****

[M D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating story about the lives and struggles of several family members, cursed for generations to serve as transporters of the dead to the afterlife.

For a book based in Greek mythology, I was surprised at how contemporary it felt. The story follows mainly 3 siblings (Del, Dax and Keller) as they tackle a slew of hardships. It also jumps to several other POVs and time points, tying in the mythological origin of the family’s curse and providing occasional viewpoints of the sibling’s parents.

This book is not a light or fluffy read - it features a variety of triggering topics such as addiction (substance and gambling), debt, abusive relationships, and more. I really enjoyed the character development, and the story line was engaging and easy to follow despite having pretty short chapters and frequent POV switches.

The small bits of interspersed mythology and involvement of the classic Greek gods was creative and added another layer of depth, as well as some levity. Dionysus’ character, especially, had great dry sarcasm and felt similar vibes to Hades’ character in the Disney version of Hercules, which I enjoyed.

It did at times feel like there was a little too much switching, and there were a few points where I wished a story line could have been a little longer or more developed - but it still had a very cohesive feel in the end and I enjoyed the conclusion. Strongly recommend to all who enjoy modern takes on mythology, real world fantasy, and edgier/darker reads.

Thank you to NetGalley, Elena Zaretsky and EZ books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for this honest review!

[Omm · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for Greek mythology, and Elena Zaretsky’s The Styx delivers exactly the kind of myth‑infused storytelling I crave. It’s hard to believe this is her debut novel. She writes with a confident, almost scholarly command of the ancient world, reminding readers of the significance of the River Styx and the solemn role of those who ferried the dead to what comes next.

Zaretsky weaves two narratives with impressive finesse. One follows the mischievous and often malicious lives of the gods, while the other centers on a modern family weighed down by grief, secrets, and generational challenges. The way these threads come together creates an atmosphere that feels vivid and seamless, pulling you into a space where myth and reality meet.

This book isn’t meant for every reader. It leans into Greek mythology, and having at least a basic familiarity or fondness for those stories makes the experience far richer. If you enjoy myth‑based fiction and love being drawn into a world that feels ancient and modern at the same time, you’ll find this novel deeply rewarding.

I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy, and while the general public won’t get their hands on it for a few more months, I’m already eager to see what Zaretsky creates next.

[Tzia · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 -

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

* 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.

[Jessica Sitomer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I traded a day of kayaking the Sierras for a boat down a much stranger river, and I'd do it again.

The Styx by Elana Zaretsky is the kind of book that rearranges your vacation plans. I opened it planning to hit the water; instead, I stayed in my cabin, glued to the page, while an entire day of Sierra sunshine happened without me. Worth it.

What makes this one so irresistible is the premise: Zaretsky drops the Greek gods, or rather, their descendants, into present-day Florida, tucked deep in the Everglades, living quietly (or not so quietly) among us. It's the real world and the mythical world braided together so seamlessly you stop questioning it and just fall in.

I won't say more. This is a story that earns its secrets, and half the fun is not seeing them coming.

If you love books that make you miss a day of your own vacation to finish them, this is that book.

[Unsavory Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a surprise. I say that in the best of ways.

It's greek mythology, the styx is literally the river of the dead.

But with our mythology we have a family based in Florida of all places.

This felt a bit like a psychological horror, the idea of losing yourself as you ferry the souls of the dead.

The Pompadakis family is the center of this story surrounded by the mythology. I enjoyed the family dynamics and how real they felt. The heartache that exists in all families is woven into this story with the utmost of care. Modern concerns such as addiction, the grief that accompanies that and so much more is there making this family modern but set among the ancient tale we all know.

If you're looking for a psychological fantasy this is that book for you.

Thank you Net Galley for the gifted E arc

[Book.Dragon.Page1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Alena · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Styx took Greek mythology and the gods within it and totally flipped it on its head- in a good way.
In the story three siblings Dax, Del and Keller are indebted to the gods all because a woman rejected a gods affections towards her. The siblings have to dig deep in order to break free of the curse thrust upon them and gain peace and a fresh start within their lives- whilst being thwarted and facing various obstacles along the way.
I found this book to be a captivating, immersive and suspenseful read- perfect for all fans of Greek mythology and I look forward to reading other works by this author in the future.
Thankyou to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc of this fantastic and memorable story.

[Misty Calloway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC! I really enjoyed the eerie, mythology-soaked atmosphere of *The Styx*. The Pompadakis family felt especially compelling because everyone is carrying a different version of the same inherited burden: Keller’s need to take care of everyone can blur into control, Dax’s instinct is to run, and Delilah looks for power in being wanted. Even Graham and Marie’s relationship has that sad, complicated feeling of people mistaking familiar roles for love.

The Greek mythology and Everglades setting were a lot of fun, but the family dynamics were what made it stick with me. Dark, strange, emotional, and surprisingly funny in places—definitely recommended for readers who like messy families, ghosts, and mythology with teeth.

[Emily Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

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?”

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!

[Lindsay Brazil · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Sarah Forman · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Carrie Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book so fast - it pulled me in right away and I wanted to keep seeing what happened next. Very entertaining!

[Jenni Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and creative read!

[Tony Baumeister · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book doesn't fall into my "usual" reading genre, but the narrative grabbed me rather quickly, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

[Jenny T · Rating 4 out of 5]

A modern take on Greek mythology and a slice of life story that follows each of the Pompadakis family members. It deals with some very dark issues such as addiction and abuse but ultimately is a book about free will and choice.

[Gonzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advanced Reader Copy of The Styx by Elena Zaretsky (ARC version)

As an avid consumer of anything Greek Mythology related, I stumbled upon this book on title alone as I just skimmed through the synopsis and just clicked "Request". I'm glad I did because as I began reading and loosely saw all of the chapters and different POV's that is in this book, it seemed a bit daunting on the surface. As I continued reading and digesting it one page at a time, I became more and more interested on what will happen to each characters no matter which POV we were in at the moment. Elena had impeccable pacing due to having so many POV's to cover and weave into the fabric of The Styx.

Story:

The Styx is set in what is to be believed a modern day gloomy version of the Glades in Florida that follows the Pompadakis family as we follow each member of group one by one but that are craftily meshed into one another as we progress to each part of the story. There are roughly 10 POV's but a solid 6ish of consistent stories that are touched on as we go on this journey with the Pompadakis'. Charon is trying bring the family back together so they can go back to the "Family Business" of ferrying "Lost Souls" across the River Styx if said souls can pay the price. Grade: B+

Who is this for:

If you are a fan of Greek Mythology to any degree then you will enjoy this. This goes to readers whom don't mind a multi POV type story and enjoy taking on that challenge. The latter would be my biggest reason why it was a four star vs five. As I felt all of the characters was very overwhelming initially but as I ventured on, then it wasn't so bad but I wouldn't be doing anyone any good if I wasn't honest with my gut reaction.

Overall:

This was a surprising read, because I was proven wrong when it came to so many characters that were thrown at you. Even if you aren't familiar with these characters from the Greek Mythology lore, you will enjoy this once you begin reading. The pacing was put together methodically to the point where, even if you didn't like a certain character. Elena has you yearning for how they will get out of a particular situation they each character progresses into one another.

Thanks,
Gonzo

[Victoria De · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Lilou · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 5

I absolutely loved The Styx. It was such an engaging and easy read that pulled me in from the very beginning.

One of my favourite aspects of the book was how mythology was woven seamlessly between the past and present. I loved the characters, and the incorpies were such a fun addition to the world.

The main theme of the book focused on personal identity, free will, and the idea of choosing your own path rather than blindly following the expectations, traditions, or burdens left behind by your ancestors. I really enjoyed how the story handled the question of whether destiny is something we inherit or something we decide for ourselves. Which is a big subject when it comes to Greek Mythology and how The Fates were always the ones to decide a destiny.

My only real struggle was with the timeline between POV chapters. I occasionally found myself confused about when events were taking place. One chapter might be following events in real time, while the next POV would mention that several weeks had passed. Then, returning to the previous character, we would still be on the same day as before. It sometimes made it difficult to place where everyone was in the overall timeline and pulled me out of the story while I worked out what was happening when. As the chapters are short and the characters switch with every chapter I would forget what was happening when.

That said, this was a small issue (personally) in an otherwise fantastic read. The mythology, characters, themes, and overall story more than made up for it, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book!!

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Styx was an absolutely phenomenal read that will stay with me for a long time. I wasn't sure what to expect when I went into this one but I was intrigued by the idea of the characters being descended from Charon and the Everglades setting filled with ferrying the dead. This was filled with complex characters and trials and tribulations as well as Greek mythology and the author did such an amazing job blending it all together to create an amazing story. I enjoyed the different POV'S from all the siblings as well as diving into the past with POV's from the Greek gods. I think readers who not only love the ferrying the dead concept but an Everglades setting as well as complex characters are absolutely going to love this one! I received an E-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.