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Ambrosia
Two words have haunted Crystal for years: fat pig.
So when a handsome and athletic stranger promises that his gym will change her life, how can she say no? With its cutting-edge facilities, beyond-friendly staff, and endless free samples of Ambrosia, their signature energizing sports drink, Mount Olympus seems too perfect to be real—and maybe it is. Crystal needs it all, but is she willing to lose more than just weight?
Authors 4 Authors Content Rating
This title has been rated 17+, appropriate for older teens and adults, and contains:
Frequent negative fantasy drug use
Graphic violence
Strong language
Moderate implied sex
Miscarriage
Emotional abuse
Attempted suicide
For more information on our rating system, please, visit authors4authorspublishing.com/books/r...
So when a handsome and athletic stranger promises that his gym will change her life, how can she say no? With its cutting-edge facilities, beyond-friendly staff, and endless free samples of Ambrosia, their signature energizing sports drink, Mount Olympus seems too perfect to be real—and maybe it is. Crystal needs it all, but is she willing to lose more than just weight?
Authors 4 Authors Content Rating
This title has been rated 17+, appropriate for older teens and adults, and contains:
Frequent negative fantasy drug use
Graphic violence
Strong language
Moderate implied sex
Miscarriage
Emotional abuse
Attempted suicide
For more information on our rating system, please, visit authors4authorspublishing.com/books/r...
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 19, 2020
Coming out of the "New Year, New Me" phase that seems to have afflicted the general population but has since been forgotten, I was intrigued with the idea of this book. On the surface, it is about a woman who is unhappy with her weight and thinks that all her unhappiness, the death of another, her failed relationships, etc can all be attributed back to that weight. But dig deeper and this is a true tale of psychological horror that includes self love and acceptance. Sometimes it takes the most courage to overcome your worst enemy: yourself.
I enjoyed the way this story read -it was almost as if I was reading an episode of The Twilight Zone. Our protagonist knows something is afoot but she cannot quite figure out what it is. She keeps finding herself doing the same things, stuck in this hazy, delirious routine. She knows it's not right, but it's almost like when you are dreaming and can't make yourself wake up. I also had a lot of vibes akin to the movie Triangle... what is real and what is an illusion?
Then we get some demonic goodness! This novella read quickly, was highly entertaining, and will be a good excuse for me to not go to the gym for that perfect body but will serve as a reminder that I am good enough, dangit! 4 stars - extremely recommended. Thanks to the author for the review copy in exchange for honest feedback!
I enjoyed the way this story read -it was almost as if I was reading an episode of The Twilight Zone. Our protagonist knows something is afoot but she cannot quite figure out what it is. She keeps finding herself doing the same things, stuck in this hazy, delirious routine. She knows it's not right, but it's almost like when you are dreaming and can't make yourself wake up. I also had a lot of vibes akin to the movie Triangle... what is real and what is an illusion?
Then we get some demonic goodness! This novella read quickly, was highly entertaining, and will be a good excuse for me to not go to the gym for that perfect body but will serve as a reminder that I am good enough, dangit! 4 stars - extremely recommended. Thanks to the author for the review copy in exchange for honest feedback!
October 29, 2020
Crystal is overweight, and she has very low self-esteem, she’s been through a lot in her life. She works a low-end job and isn’t fairly well off. So in the interest of losing weight, she joins a gym. But sometimes the things we think we want the most come with a whole new set of rules and experiences.
This book is under paranormal and urban fantasy, and the urban fantasy doesn’t fit, but the paranormal certainly does, so this should tell you that the book isn’t as straightforward as you might think. That’s all I can really say, so I don’t spoil this for anyone. For me, the day to day of working out got tedious. I read in the back that this started as a novella, so that tedium could come from making the book longer, but for me, it was a bit too much. Aside from that, there are important lessons at play in this one, and it’s an enjoyable read.
This book is under paranormal and urban fantasy, and the urban fantasy doesn’t fit, but the paranormal certainly does, so this should tell you that the book isn’t as straightforward as you might think. That’s all I can really say, so I don’t spoil this for anyone. For me, the day to day of working out got tedious. I read in the back that this started as a novella, so that tedium could come from making the book longer, but for me, it was a bit too much. Aside from that, there are important lessons at play in this one, and it’s an enjoyable read.
March 14, 2025
I'm so glad I picked this up! It was the perfect cure for a huge reading slump.
Wellness horror is having a moment (we all watched The Substance) but I feel like it can be difficult to execute. Giving in to common horror tropes can make wellness horror feel silly, but resisting them makes it fall flat. Wheatley walks this line magnificently in Ambrosia - it's a delight of details that are normal but not normal, innocuous and insidious in sync. Are the incessant free samples a lure into a nightmare, or is it just marketing? Is the weird music that plays in the gym a hypnotic chant or does the manager just have weird hipster music taste? Like Crystal, we slide into a sinister world with the slow realization that we can't stop.
Crystal was a wonderfully effective protagonist for me - she's stunningly rendered, each decision informed by her personality and backed up by her past. I love that she isn't some magical Mary Sue who enters this world but is somehow immune to it, like so many other protagonists. She's on this ride whether she likes it or not, and her strength and endurance was inspiring because it came from a place of humanity. She's not different from the others or somehow special - she just won't lay down and quit.
If you're looking for a dose of creepy wellness horror with a side serving of feminine rage, read this!!
Wellness horror is having a moment (we all watched The Substance) but I feel like it can be difficult to execute. Giving in to common horror tropes can make wellness horror feel silly, but resisting them makes it fall flat. Wheatley walks this line magnificently in Ambrosia - it's a delight of details that are normal but not normal, innocuous and insidious in sync. Are the incessant free samples a lure into a nightmare, or is it just marketing? Is the weird music that plays in the gym a hypnotic chant or does the manager just have weird hipster music taste? Like Crystal, we slide into a sinister world with the slow realization that we can't stop.
Crystal was a wonderfully effective protagonist for me - she's stunningly rendered, each decision informed by her personality and backed up by her past. I love that she isn't some magical Mary Sue who enters this world but is somehow immune to it, like so many other protagonists. She's on this ride whether she likes it or not, and her strength and endurance was inspiring because it came from a place of humanity. She's not different from the others or somehow special - she just won't lay down and quit.
If you're looking for a dose of creepy wellness horror with a side serving of feminine rage, read this!!
September 30, 2020
*I was giving a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Ambrosia is a stark tale of self-hatred, guilt, regret, and body image that follows the story of Crystal, a woman who has long struggled with her weight and loving herself. Predisposed to believe that she deserves to be punished and hurt, Mount Olympus, the new and exotic gym in town that have graciously slashed their prices just for her, is primed to draw her in. As Crystal becomes more and more obsessed with working out, she also starts to see that she is not the only one spending every waking hour in the gym. Having pushed away any family or friends she had, there is no one around to pull her out of her addiction, so when she begins to lose a lot more than bodyweight, she has to pull herself out of this hell hole.
A novel that tackles difficult events and emotions, Ambrosia is a story that I think most can relate to, if not at least most women. The pressure to lose weight, to work harder, to repress unpleasant memories and focus on ‘goals’ on the ‘hussle’ of our new lives is a constant pressure. To always be better, stronger, and more in control. Crystal, our protagonist, falls fast, but it’s a fall we can all recognise. Her past and her struggles are universally tragic as well as the buttons pressed to pull her into this well-crafted business of despair.
Wheatley’s writing is in the moment, it is honest and raw, and gives an urgency to Crystal's muddled brain that brings a realism to the surreal events that are happening. Wheatley uses her writing to confront the irony of a complete body overhaul, only to find out that your mind is still the same. You can’t wipe away a traumatising past with any amount of treadmill miles.
Ambrosia is a stark tale of self-hatred, guilt, regret, and body image that follows the story of Crystal, a woman who has long struggled with her weight and loving herself. Predisposed to believe that she deserves to be punished and hurt, Mount Olympus, the new and exotic gym in town that have graciously slashed their prices just for her, is primed to draw her in. As Crystal becomes more and more obsessed with working out, she also starts to see that she is not the only one spending every waking hour in the gym. Having pushed away any family or friends she had, there is no one around to pull her out of her addiction, so when she begins to lose a lot more than bodyweight, she has to pull herself out of this hell hole.
A novel that tackles difficult events and emotions, Ambrosia is a story that I think most can relate to, if not at least most women. The pressure to lose weight, to work harder, to repress unpleasant memories and focus on ‘goals’ on the ‘hussle’ of our new lives is a constant pressure. To always be better, stronger, and more in control. Crystal, our protagonist, falls fast, but it’s a fall we can all recognise. Her past and her struggles are universally tragic as well as the buttons pressed to pull her into this well-crafted business of despair.
Wheatley’s writing is in the moment, it is honest and raw, and gives an urgency to Crystal's muddled brain that brings a realism to the surreal events that are happening. Wheatley uses her writing to confront the irony of a complete body overhaul, only to find out that your mind is still the same. You can’t wipe away a traumatising past with any amount of treadmill miles.
January 9, 2022
Well, this will be a less descriptive review than normal. There is too much opportunity for spoiler alerts that I'll have to steer clear of details: a uniquely wild ride about facing one's demons, overcoming the past, and learning to love oneself, portrayed in a paranormally metaphorical way.
I loved the narration of the main character Crystal, despite two things the book had involving narrative voice I'm normally not excited about: first-person narration of characters I don't have much in common with, particularly in present tense. But I learned something upon reading this. I don't dislike first-person present POV after all--if it is done well (aka lives up to my high standards). What Wheatley has done differently is fully develop the character on so many levels that I understand her, know her as I would a best friend--not needing to put myself in her shoes to care about her. Sure, most will say a lot of books do this, but many more portray insecurity in such a cliche way, whereas Wheatley's is wholesome, deep, with traumatizing flashbacks that truly bring in the layers of psyche to understand how it breaks people down over time.
On top of that, as a mythology lover, I loved the setting of the gym, where things aren't what they seem. The only connection to mythology, aside from the gym feeling lotus-eaters-esque-inverted vibe, were the names. I loved this because it totally tricked me with the unexpected. Not many books surprise me in a great way that doesn't feel contrived. This twist clicks in your head with a powerful moment of enlightenment that metaphorically hits home.
So unlike Crystal myself, I connected over unpreferred tense, and for once could not predict a plot twist. A must-read.
October 13, 2019
Chapter one had me hooked. The characterization of Crystal was all too realistic and relatable. I instantly felt like I knew Crystal. I could see myself in her, and all I wanted to do was reach into the story and give her a hug and tell her she'll be okay.
As the story unfolds, I'm both addicted to the life on offer at Mount Olympus and cautious of the consequences. Something isn't quite right. I had my theories, but to my delight, Wheatley doesn't go with the most obvious twist.
I found myself constantly needing to push on and read the next chapter which is great because all too often these days I find my mind wandering while reading and I don't get too lost in the story.
The plot kept me entertained, but it was the way serious issues were handled in the book that made me fall so in love with it. Poor Crystal...
For a debut novel, I'm well impressed. I'm excited to see what's next for Wheatley.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As the story unfolds, I'm both addicted to the life on offer at Mount Olympus and cautious of the consequences. Something isn't quite right. I had my theories, but to my delight, Wheatley doesn't go with the most obvious twist.
I found myself constantly needing to push on and read the next chapter which is great because all too often these days I find my mind wandering while reading and I don't get too lost in the story.
The plot kept me entertained, but it was the way serious issues were handled in the book that made me fall so in love with it. Poor Crystal...
For a debut novel, I'm well impressed. I'm excited to see what's next for Wheatley.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 25, 2019
This is the first book from this author, and she has done a brilliant job and shown that she has a lot of talent, I’m looking forward to seeing more from her in the future. This story deals with some sensitive issues and the author has done a fantastic job with them. It’s a page-turner so luckily, it’s not an overly long book only taking a couple of hours or so to read. Once I started reading it though I really didn’t want to put it down for anything.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 24, 2019
Rethinking my gym membership
Ambrosia was a really good read, fast-paced and suspenseful. The author really managed the sense of time inside the gym, and the sense of something - but we don't know what - being really off. The character of Crystal was well-developed, and I think every reader, especially women, will understand her point of view.
Ambrosia was a really good read, fast-paced and suspenseful. The author really managed the sense of time inside the gym, and the sense of something - but we don't know what - being really off. The character of Crystal was well-developed, and I think every reader, especially women, will understand her point of view.
December 11, 2019
Great, emotional journey!
I loved this book! I could really relate to Crystal and her hurts as she struggled with herself and her body. I felt myself getting sucked into Mt. Olympus as well, and I wanted to find out what was behind this too good to be true place! Great work! I can’t wait to read her future books!
I loved this book! I could really relate to Crystal and her hurts as she struggled with herself and her body. I felt myself getting sucked into Mt. Olympus as well, and I wanted to find out what was behind this too good to be true place! Great work! I can’t wait to read her future books!
June 13, 2025
Creeping Dread, Strong Concept—Needed a Bit More Polish
Ambrosia is a dark, psychological slow burn with a twisted premise that lingers. Imagine a high-end gym, a mysterious energy drink, and a protagonist desperate to outrun her past—and herself. It’s not horror in the traditional sense, but the unsettling atmosphere and emotional intensity make it a gripping, if at times uncomfortable, read.
The setup is fantastic: Mount Olympus gym feels too perfect, and the unease builds steadily. The sense that something’s off, without being able to quite place what, was brilliantly executed. The twist? I saw the shape of it coming, but that didn’t lessen its impact.
That said, the pacing dragged in places. A bit of repetition and some editing issues (grammar/spelling) detracted from the flow. And while I didn’t connect with any of the characters—including Crystal—that actually worked in some strange way. Her self-loathing was palpable and sometimes overdone, but she does find her strength eventually. The emotional arc just needed a better balance.
Genre-wise, I’d personally class this more as psychological suspense with a supernatural edge than horror. If you’re looking for gore and jump scares, this isn’t it. But if you enjoy uncomfortable truths, manipulative systems, and a protagonist clawing her way out of darkness, this one delivers.
Considering this is the author’s debut novel, the core concept and execution show real promise. With a bit more polish—especially in editing and pacing—I think Madison Wheatley is one to watch in the supernatural suspense space.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ambrosia is a dark, psychological slow burn with a twisted premise that lingers. Imagine a high-end gym, a mysterious energy drink, and a protagonist desperate to outrun her past—and herself. It’s not horror in the traditional sense, but the unsettling atmosphere and emotional intensity make it a gripping, if at times uncomfortable, read.
The setup is fantastic: Mount Olympus gym feels too perfect, and the unease builds steadily. The sense that something’s off, without being able to quite place what, was brilliantly executed. The twist? I saw the shape of it coming, but that didn’t lessen its impact.
That said, the pacing dragged in places. A bit of repetition and some editing issues (grammar/spelling) detracted from the flow. And while I didn’t connect with any of the characters—including Crystal—that actually worked in some strange way. Her self-loathing was palpable and sometimes overdone, but she does find her strength eventually. The emotional arc just needed a better balance.
Genre-wise, I’d personally class this more as psychological suspense with a supernatural edge than horror. If you’re looking for gore and jump scares, this isn’t it. But if you enjoy uncomfortable truths, manipulative systems, and a protagonist clawing her way out of darkness, this one delivers.
Considering this is the author’s debut novel, the core concept and execution show real promise. With a bit more polish—especially in editing and pacing—I think Madison Wheatley is one to watch in the supernatural suspense space.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 3, 2025
Ambrosia
This is my first book by Madison Wheatley. Ambrosia is the story of a girl named Crystal who has dealt with low self esteem and self sabotage regarding the way she sees herself. In an attempt it feeling better she joins a gym named Mount Olympus in hopes of gaining self confidence and having a better body image and weight loss. But there is more to this gym than she originally thought.
As someone who has dealt with her own body image and views, I can completely relate to this book. We are always told that we should look a certain way and it definitely can affect you in so many ways. I really enjoyed this book. I was hooked within the first two chapters. It’s definitely a book that you will read more than once.
This is my first book by Madison Wheatley. Ambrosia is the story of a girl named Crystal who has dealt with low self esteem and self sabotage regarding the way she sees herself. In an attempt it feeling better she joins a gym named Mount Olympus in hopes of gaining self confidence and having a better body image and weight loss. But there is more to this gym than she originally thought.
As someone who has dealt with her own body image and views, I can completely relate to this book. We are always told that we should look a certain way and it definitely can affect you in so many ways. I really enjoyed this book. I was hooked within the first two chapters. It’s definitely a book that you will read more than once.
April 15, 2025
This was such a good read! The build-up was intense in all the right ways, and I truly had no idea where the story was going, which made it even more exciting. It kept me on edge the whole time, and I loved how unpredictable it was.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 5, 2025
Definitely a great start. Great storyline. Interesting characters. I would recommend it to sci-fi/paranormal fans.
July 20, 2025
This is a great book that had a surprising storyline. Not at all what I was expecting. I think those who like mystery and YA stuff will really enjoy this book.
November 18, 2019
Anyone who has ever struggled with weight can understand how this starts. Though I usually avoid implicit sexual scenes in books, I was drawn to this story for other reasons and I found the sensitive topics dealt with appropriately. Compelling topic and story, this is a must-read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 28, 2022
A slow-burn supernatural thriller that left me caught between a desire to go work out and a desire to avoid gyms altogether. This story gives a perfect example of a character who (in the end) doesn’t get what she wants, but rather gets what she needs. You know, how the Pixar stories do.
November 23, 2019
You know those books where you instantly bond with the main character? That's me and Ambrosia. I feel like Crystal and I would be friends in real life.
July 29, 2023
Scrolling through my Kindle in one of those weird reading slumps, I didn't know what to read and I just clicked on a random title. I had no idea what to expect of the book, or whether I would even enjoy it. Ambrosia turned out to be quite a refreshing read as it was something that I hadn't read in years. It turned out to be a supernatural/dark fantasy read with Demons. The book starts with us meeting our main female character Crystal, she comes home to find her boyfriend Jay cheating on her in their bed. They have a big fight where he calls her names and then storms out. That night Crystal's life changed forever as Jay ended up in a car accident and dies. Two years on, Crystal still blames herself, especially on the anniversary of his death. This particular day, she heads to a shop and meets a guy named Rory who tells her about this amazing gym called Mount Olympus. It seems out of Crystal's pay rate, but when she turns up - the staff are amazing and considerate and give her a great discount. It is still costly, but for $200 a month, she can't complain. Soon Crystal chucks herself into the training and starts to lose weight. During this Crystal is offered a drink called Ambrosia - a sort of energy drink. The thing is that this drink makes you lose track of time and once you take one sip, you will find yourself unable to leave the gym. Crystal starts to notice strange things and odd things happening around her and herself in a haze, that she tries to investigate. What happens when she learns the truth is that the gym is a cover to harvest souls and that the owner aka Rory is a Demon and the staff are his slaves and followers. Everyone else is under the spell, but there is a fight about Crystal and she's not going to give up without a fight. Can Crystal help save the others and overpower Rory the demon? Find out in this Dark Paranormal/ Supernatural Thriller "Ambrosia" by Madison Wheatley. The drink Ambrosia reminded me of the True Blood scene where Sookie met her Grandfather who went missing and discovered the truth that once they eat the "apple" they are stuck forever.
July 3, 2025
3.75 🌟 rounded up to 4
Ambrosia is a quick, fast-paced read with a very original concept. Most women can relate to Crystal's self-esteem issues, so as the main character, you're really empathizing with and rooting for her. I would have liked more interaction with other gym guests and in-depth explanations of their lives, rather than the sole focus being on Crystal. That would have fleshed out the story better.
I am looking forward to the second part of this Duology.
Recommended for readers who enjoy supernatural thrillers.
Thank you to BookSirens & Madison Wheatley for the ARC.
Ambrosia is a quick, fast-paced read with a very original concept. Most women can relate to Crystal's self-esteem issues, so as the main character, you're really empathizing with and rooting for her. I would have liked more interaction with other gym guests and in-depth explanations of their lives, rather than the sole focus being on Crystal. That would have fleshed out the story better.
I am looking forward to the second part of this Duology.
Recommended for readers who enjoy supernatural thrillers.
Thank you to BookSirens & Madison Wheatley for the ARC.
March 26, 2025
It took me three hours to read this book-I couldn’t put it down! Crystal is my shero. I admire her courage and her ability to endure so much pain. I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns toward the end of the story and I wasn’t sure how it was going to play out. Looking forward to the next book in this series!
March 31, 2025
Wow! Crystal was a force to be reckoned with. The character development and build up were great! Some of the scenarios that she was faced with would've made the average individual throw in the towel. I enjoyed the pacing of the book. I felt that each chapter kept me guessing.
July 9, 2025
Ambrosia could have some triggers for those who struggle with weight and body dysmorphia.
This book was very well written and the characters strongly written. I am a fan of body horror and this book delivers.
This book was very well written and the characters strongly written. I am a fan of body horror and this book delivers.
December 4, 2025
The story was very different story, but enjoyable. It was fast paced and had a lot of twists and turns. I can’t wait to see what is going to happen next.
I received an ARC from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an ARC from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 2, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Ambrosia by Madison Wheatley is an intense, fast-paced psychological horror that grips you from the very first page and doesn’t let go. The constant undercurrent of dread seeps into every chapter, making for an unsettling but deeply compelling read.
The novel masterfully explores the struggle of overcoming trauma and the temptation to bury it instead. Crystal’s journey is raw and painfully real, showing how easy it is to fall into destructive cycles while chasing an illusion of self-improvement. The eerie perfection of Mount Olympus and the sinister allure of Ambrosia make for an unsettling setting that perfectly mirrors Crystal’s internal battle.
Wheatley’s writing is sharp and immersive, pulling you deeper into the story with each page. If you loved Black River Orchard by Chuck Wendig, this book will be right up your alley. It’s unsettling, thought-provoking, and laced with horror that feels all too real. Ambrosia is a must-read for fans of dark, psychological horror with a deeply human core.
Ambrosia by Madison Wheatley is an intense, fast-paced psychological horror that grips you from the very first page and doesn’t let go. The constant undercurrent of dread seeps into every chapter, making for an unsettling but deeply compelling read.
The novel masterfully explores the struggle of overcoming trauma and the temptation to bury it instead. Crystal’s journey is raw and painfully real, showing how easy it is to fall into destructive cycles while chasing an illusion of self-improvement. The eerie perfection of Mount Olympus and the sinister allure of Ambrosia make for an unsettling setting that perfectly mirrors Crystal’s internal battle.
Wheatley’s writing is sharp and immersive, pulling you deeper into the story with each page. If you loved Black River Orchard by Chuck Wendig, this book will be right up your alley. It’s unsettling, thought-provoking, and laced with horror that feels all too real. Ambrosia is a must-read for fans of dark, psychological horror with a deeply human core.
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October 14, 2019Release day is here! Thanks to everyone who showed up to the launch party and who’s bought my debut novel. I appreciate your support!
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