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The Ecstasy of Agony
The heavyweight of hardcore horror returns with ten hard hitting new short stories and seven brutal epic poems exploring the darkest soul of humanity and the cruelty of life without pulling punches. Wrath James White turns his unflinching eye upon the gruesome, the violent, the tragic, and the erotic.
268 pages, Paperback
First published July 11, 2023
22 people are currently reading
931 people want to read
About the author
Wrath James White
127 books1,159 followersWrath James White is a badass motherfucker who writes baddasss books for other badass motherfuckers. He is a J.F. Gonzalez Lifetime Achievement Award winner and a Bram Stoker Award nominee with over two dozen books in print.
Wrath is the author of RABBIT HUNT, THE BUG COLLECTOR, and such extreme horror classics as THE RESURRECTIONIST (now a major motion picture titled "Come Back To Me") SUCCULENT PREY, it's sequel PREY DRIVE, 400 DAYS OF OPPRESSION, and many others.
To follow his Substack, purchase books, get the latest updates about upcoming releases, signed books, merchandise, and more, go to:
https://linktr.ee/wrathjameswhite
Wrath is the author of RABBIT HUNT, THE BUG COLLECTOR, and such extreme horror classics as THE RESURRECTIONIST (now a major motion picture titled "Come Back To Me") SUCCULENT PREY, it's sequel PREY DRIVE, 400 DAYS OF OPPRESSION, and many others.
To follow his Substack, purchase books, get the latest updates about upcoming releases, signed books, merchandise, and more, go to:
https://linktr.ee/wrathjameswhite
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
August 8, 2023
The Ecstasy of Agony, by Wrath James White, is a good collection of Splatterpunk short stories, and poems.
All the stories are extremely violent, disturbing, and original.
I highly recommend it!
All the stories are extremely violent, disturbing, and original.
I highly recommend it!
September 10, 2024
OMG. This book left me deep in thought. I am completely stunned. WTF.
Wrath James White can really write something so vile and graphic, yet equally fascinating. I loved it!
99 Cent – “Be careful what you wish for” indeed.
First Person Shooter – The theme of this episode is deep. The effect of violent video games: What’s real, and what’s not? There’s a thin line between virtual fantasy and reality.
Big Game Hunter – This is a wild one.
The Bliss Point – WJW is one of those writers who isn’t afraid to tackle religion, no matter how twisted the portrayal.
Horse – This felt like an episode of Black Mirror. I loved it. A global pandemic of death and violence.
Big Brother – Ugh. This is unnerving and gory at its finest. Made me think of Rabbit Hunt.
Absolutely a blast. Even the poems were a treat for the eyes. Again, I loved it.
Wrath James White can really write something so vile and graphic, yet equally fascinating. I loved it!
99 Cent – “Be careful what you wish for” indeed.
First Person Shooter – The theme of this episode is deep. The effect of violent video games: What’s real, and what’s not? There’s a thin line between virtual fantasy and reality.
Big Game Hunter – This is a wild one.
The Bliss Point – WJW is one of those writers who isn’t afraid to tackle religion, no matter how twisted the portrayal.
Horse – This felt like an episode of Black Mirror. I loved it. A global pandemic of death and violence.
Big Brother – Ugh. This is unnerving and gory at its finest. Made me think of Rabbit Hunt.
Absolutely a blast. Even the poems were a treat for the eyes. Again, I loved it.
April 5, 2025
Read this in public so people know how big a Chad you are.
August 1, 2023
I fucking love everything about this book.
And Edward Lee’s intro? *chefs kiss* perfect.
And Edward Lee’s intro? *chefs kiss* perfect.
June 21, 2024
TW: Language, blood, gory scenes, sexism, drinking, classism, c-word, rape, drug addiction, depression, anxiety, bullying, guns, homophobia, animal death, child sexual abuse, incest, Covid, smoking, racism, racial slurs, use of n-word
*****SPOILERS*****
Release Date: July 11th, 2023
Genre: Extreme Horror
Pages: 268
Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
What I Liked:
1. Introduction from Edward Lee was fun
2. Enjoyed the writing style of author
3. Poetry in the book
4. Super short stories
What I Didn't Like:
1. Some stories felt repetitive
Overall Thoughts:
{{Disclaimer: I write my review as I read}}
This is my first Wrath James White book so I am super excited to read this book.
Beast Mode:
Unnamed character that decides he's going to start working out to lose the 30lbs he's gained.
I keep thinking that this world is apocalyptic only because he mentioned running out of food and needing to borrow eggs, slowing down eating, and not watching the news because of all the bad stuff happening. Plus this dude doesn't mention work or leaving the apartment. Also also having dreams of zombies tearing him apart.
I find it so completely hilarious that this apartment is in lockdown because the undead have taken over and this dude is on a diet - even skipping out on frozen dinners since they don't fit in his carb free diet.
How many eggs does this dude have? He got some from Cindy but it seems to never end. Eggs and more eggs.
Well I guess Cindy was wrong that she really thought she was going to make it to the Hoover Dam.
This was a fun story. I really enjoyed how whimsical it was and silly it felt trying to diet with a zombie apocalypse happening.
RATING:⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
99 Cent:
Mr, Seever's girlfriend breaks up with him so his friends take him out on the town drinking. He meets a homeless woman that is holding a sign that simply says, "$1". Feeling curious he approaches her and offers her 99¢ to murder his ex-girlfriend. She takes him up on the offer after he pays and says it'll be done.
It's JC Penny not JC Penny's. Why are people obsessed with putting s' on the ends of store names; Aldi (Aldis), Meijer (Meijers), Kroger (Krogers), and Sally Beauty (Sally's Beauty).
There is zero way I'd let the police search my house without a warrent. I'd also get a lawyer before talking to them.
This one was okay. I guess it's a lot like a Djinn. The lesson is be careful what you wish for because you never know when it's not a joke.
I wish the ending would have made more sense. Him finding the homeless lady dead I'm assuming that it was the Djinn that killed the lady and then shape-shifted into her.
RATING:⭐⭐⭐
Krokodil Fights:
I love that the author included horror poetry into the book. I thought it fit right in. Talking about addicts being like zombies and being forgotten by people because people ignore them.
I found this one on the sad side. To know you are poisoning your body and killing it off, but unable to stop is absolutely heartbreaking.
RATING:⭐⭐⭐⭐
First Person Shooter:
We get a Halloween story now.
Marshall lives in the hood and he is sixteen, but decides this will be his last year to go trick or treating. Him and his friends make this the year that they will steal the candy from younger children. Marshall's philosophy on this is that it's just someone else's term, which is something he tells to the 10-year-old he beats to the ground and steals his candy.
Really liked this story. I feel like it speaks a lot about how someone sees their neighborhood versus how the world sees them. There's just a lot of talk of classism and being poor that I think was really important in the story. I think even though a story is horror it still can make you learn about a certain subject. Marshall and Steve are definitely not great people, but really they're a product of their environment.
I didn't see it coming that the game would be real. I found the ending confusing as does everyone who plays this game it becomes reality? Or was this because Marshall and Steve beat up the kid for candy? How does the stealing candy equal killing so many people in return?
RATING:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Seven Years:
Love that we meet a character that decides he wants to better his life. He doesn't want to end up dead so he decides to actually try instead of taking the "easy" way.
He flushes the crack down the toilet but doesn't he have to pay for that? Is that how it works? I thought a person gives the dealers the crack to sell and they bring the money back.
This story reminded me so much of a Twilight Zone episode! Imagine thinking you've outrun your former self only to be gunned down by them. Trying to better yourself and have a better life but the old you just can't allow that to happen.
RATING:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Ecstasy of Agony:
Great poem that compares what sex and death is to a killer and how they all in the end add up to the same emotion and feeling.
RATING:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Big Game Hunter:
Stanley's father trying to toughen up his son so he's less gay by taking him fishing and then now taking him hunting.
Is it me or does eight people seem like a lot of people to take on a hunting trip.
This story does have an animal death in it - deer. Though not graphic.
Micky ends sexually abusing Stanley everyday of the trip and Stanley doesn't seem to care in the book. Odd. I'm just a little confused on him being abused by his uncle and shooting the deer equal to him becoming a killer.
Who knew that a rapist's fantasy is being repeatedly abused. This story was missing something for me. It's almost like the rapist got everything he wanted while he also took lives.
RATING:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Unsolicited:
Marty is one of those dudes that just loves to send photos of his penis to women that didn't ask for it or want it.
This story had a lot of gore and some parts where on the gross side. Mild splatterpunk style. Marty getting what he deserved but then having that one liner of the women wanting his dick did make me chuckle.
This story speaks a lot about consent and boundaries people cross when they don't care about the other person.
RATING:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Blood-Soaked Savior:
This poem is covid heavy and heart breaking. Loved the references to trump/make America great. Loved the torture. My favorite section was;
"No one No one would ever tell him to wear a goddamn mask. This is goddamn America!"
RATING:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Blue & Red:
Tried to get into the story but with the characters going between calling one another slurs it felt exhausting. I wanted a story but I was so bored. The characters just talking to one another about who destroyed America.
RATING:⭐
Punk Rock Revenge Porn:
As a fellow lover of all the things that Mariana does I found her relatable. Very poetic and rhythmic following this couple that is finding love in death
RATING:⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The Bliss Point:
So this is a really interesting Church that you could find yourself in. Just because somebody goes against what they believe they ripped the person up into pieces. Which seems more like that would fit more into a regular Church than a alternative church that understands people and being different.
This one was just okay. Was just like one sex story that lacked any meaning. Reminded me of the song Sex Cult by William Control
RATING:⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Horse:
This story of a new drug hitting the streets had so many good undertones. Talking about how the government will put drugs out there to lower class neighborhoods so they turn on one another. Then we get Brandon who lost his job and found easy money in selling the drug, but he thinks it's okay to benefit from people using it and dying. Heart breaking but truthful on so many different levels.
RATING:⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
The Devil in the River:
This poem was fine. I found it sad that the boy grew up looking at the river and wishing for more.
RATING:⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Screams in Bobby's Eyes:
Brutal and intense. Loved the pose of this one and the way goes from protecter to murderer and then being murdered.
RATING:⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
Eating with Momma:
This was gross but also so so heartwarming as the child does not want to feed on innocent people. So they decide to eat themselves instead so they don't harm others. I kept imagining what the child's parent would think when she sees them.
RATING:⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
Big Brother:
Who knew that a giant penis would end up meeting a vagina that had teeth. The story had a lot of racism in it when it deals with white women sleeping with black men. There were serious moments where Charlotte was talking that made me cringe. Oh my gosh and when she dropped the n-word my mouth dropped. Absolutely disgusting that there are humans like this that sexualize people because of their race. Story was gory and wonderful though.
RATING:⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
Final Thoughts:
There are a lot of stories but they are super short (15 - 20 pages) so it makes for a fast read. I like to sandwich my stories around another book I read. I'll read 1 to 3 stories and read 100 pages of another book and then end the night with another 1 to 3 stories before bed. This book fit in there perfectly.
I don't know how this author does it but he manages to write characters with so many descriptive words in such a short story. I'm actually amazed at how much I could feel for the characters or understand who they are with just 20 pages in each story. This author definitely has a talent with words.
*****SPOILERS*****
Release Date: July 11th, 2023
Genre: Extreme Horror
Pages: 268
Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
What I Liked:
1. Introduction from Edward Lee was fun
2. Enjoyed the writing style of author
3. Poetry in the book
4. Super short stories
What I Didn't Like:
1. Some stories felt repetitive
Overall Thoughts:
{{Disclaimer: I write my review as I read}}
This is my first Wrath James White book so I am super excited to read this book.
Beast Mode:
Unnamed character that decides he's going to start working out to lose the 30lbs he's gained.
I keep thinking that this world is apocalyptic only because he mentioned running out of food and needing to borrow eggs, slowing down eating, and not watching the news because of all the bad stuff happening. Plus this dude doesn't mention work or leaving the apartment. Also also having dreams of zombies tearing him apart.
I find it so completely hilarious that this apartment is in lockdown because the undead have taken over and this dude is on a diet - even skipping out on frozen dinners since they don't fit in his carb free diet.
How many eggs does this dude have? He got some from Cindy but it seems to never end. Eggs and more eggs.
Well I guess Cindy was wrong that she really thought she was going to make it to the Hoover Dam.
This was a fun story. I really enjoyed how whimsical it was and silly it felt trying to diet with a zombie apocalypse happening.
RATING:⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
99 Cent:
Mr, Seever's girlfriend breaks up with him so his friends take him out on the town drinking. He meets a homeless woman that is holding a sign that simply says, "$1". Feeling curious he approaches her and offers her 99¢ to murder his ex-girlfriend. She takes him up on the offer after he pays and says it'll be done.
It's JC Penny not JC Penny's. Why are people obsessed with putting s' on the ends of store names; Aldi (Aldis), Meijer (Meijers), Kroger (Krogers), and Sally Beauty (Sally's Beauty).
There is zero way I'd let the police search my house without a warrent. I'd also get a lawyer before talking to them.
This one was okay. I guess it's a lot like a Djinn. The lesson is be careful what you wish for because you never know when it's not a joke.
I wish the ending would have made more sense. Him finding the homeless lady dead I'm assuming that it was the Djinn that killed the lady and then shape-shifted into her.
RATING:⭐⭐⭐
Krokodil Fights:
I love that the author included horror poetry into the book. I thought it fit right in. Talking about addicts being like zombies and being forgotten by people because people ignore them.
I found this one on the sad side. To know you are poisoning your body and killing it off, but unable to stop is absolutely heartbreaking.
RATING:⭐⭐⭐⭐
First Person Shooter:
We get a Halloween story now.
Marshall lives in the hood and he is sixteen, but decides this will be his last year to go trick or treating. Him and his friends make this the year that they will steal the candy from younger children. Marshall's philosophy on this is that it's just someone else's term, which is something he tells to the 10-year-old he beats to the ground and steals his candy.
Really liked this story. I feel like it speaks a lot about how someone sees their neighborhood versus how the world sees them. There's just a lot of talk of classism and being poor that I think was really important in the story. I think even though a story is horror it still can make you learn about a certain subject. Marshall and Steve are definitely not great people, but really they're a product of their environment.
I didn't see it coming that the game would be real. I found the ending confusing as does everyone who plays this game it becomes reality? Or was this because Marshall and Steve beat up the kid for candy? How does the stealing candy equal killing so many people in return?
RATING:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Seven Years:
Love that we meet a character that decides he wants to better his life. He doesn't want to end up dead so he decides to actually try instead of taking the "easy" way.
He flushes the crack down the toilet but doesn't he have to pay for that? Is that how it works? I thought a person gives the dealers the crack to sell and they bring the money back.
This story reminded me so much of a Twilight Zone episode! Imagine thinking you've outrun your former self only to be gunned down by them. Trying to better yourself and have a better life but the old you just can't allow that to happen.
RATING:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Ecstasy of Agony:
Great poem that compares what sex and death is to a killer and how they all in the end add up to the same emotion and feeling.
RATING:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Big Game Hunter:
Stanley's father trying to toughen up his son so he's less gay by taking him fishing and then now taking him hunting.
Is it me or does eight people seem like a lot of people to take on a hunting trip.
This story does have an animal death in it - deer. Though not graphic.
Micky ends sexually abusing Stanley everyday of the trip and Stanley doesn't seem to care in the book. Odd. I'm just a little confused on him being abused by his uncle and shooting the deer equal to him becoming a killer.
Who knew that a rapist's fantasy is being repeatedly abused. This story was missing something for me. It's almost like the rapist got everything he wanted while he also took lives.
RATING:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Unsolicited:
Marty is one of those dudes that just loves to send photos of his penis to women that didn't ask for it or want it.
This story had a lot of gore and some parts where on the gross side. Mild splatterpunk style. Marty getting what he deserved but then having that one liner of the women wanting his dick did make me chuckle.
This story speaks a lot about consent and boundaries people cross when they don't care about the other person.
RATING:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Blood-Soaked Savior:
This poem is covid heavy and heart breaking. Loved the references to trump/make America great. Loved the torture. My favorite section was;
"No one No one would ever tell him to wear a goddamn mask. This is goddamn America!"
RATING:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Blue & Red:
Tried to get into the story but with the characters going between calling one another slurs it felt exhausting. I wanted a story but I was so bored. The characters just talking to one another about who destroyed America.
RATING:⭐
Punk Rock Revenge Porn:
As a fellow lover of all the things that Mariana does I found her relatable. Very poetic and rhythmic following this couple that is finding love in death
RATING:⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The Bliss Point:
So this is a really interesting Church that you could find yourself in. Just because somebody goes against what they believe they ripped the person up into pieces. Which seems more like that would fit more into a regular Church than a alternative church that understands people and being different.
This one was just okay. Was just like one sex story that lacked any meaning. Reminded me of the song Sex Cult by William Control
RATING:⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Horse:
This story of a new drug hitting the streets had so many good undertones. Talking about how the government will put drugs out there to lower class neighborhoods so they turn on one another. Then we get Brandon who lost his job and found easy money in selling the drug, but he thinks it's okay to benefit from people using it and dying. Heart breaking but truthful on so many different levels.
RATING:⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
The Devil in the River:
This poem was fine. I found it sad that the boy grew up looking at the river and wishing for more.
RATING:⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Screams in Bobby's Eyes:
Brutal and intense. Loved the pose of this one and the way goes from protecter to murderer and then being murdered.
RATING:⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
Eating with Momma:
This was gross but also so so heartwarming as the child does not want to feed on innocent people. So they decide to eat themselves instead so they don't harm others. I kept imagining what the child's parent would think when she sees them.
RATING:⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
Big Brother:
Who knew that a giant penis would end up meeting a vagina that had teeth. The story had a lot of racism in it when it deals with white women sleeping with black men. There were serious moments where Charlotte was talking that made me cringe. Oh my gosh and when she dropped the n-word my mouth dropped. Absolutely disgusting that there are humans like this that sexualize people because of their race. Story was gory and wonderful though.
RATING:⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐
Final Thoughts:
There are a lot of stories but they are super short (15 - 20 pages) so it makes for a fast read. I like to sandwich my stories around another book I read. I'll read 1 to 3 stories and read 100 pages of another book and then end the night with another 1 to 3 stories before bed. This book fit in there perfectly.
I don't know how this author does it but he manages to write characters with so many descriptive words in such a short story. I'm actually amazed at how much I could feel for the characters or understand who they are with just 20 pages in each story. This author definitely has a talent with words.
April 4, 2024
So... about this book...
When I bought it, I had very different expectations than what it actually turned out to be. At the same time, it was exactly what it said it was. I just think I vastly underestimated the term "extreme horror". I would read some in this book on the bus or train on my way to school and let me tell you... if someone looked over my shoulder to read along... they would think I was some kind of sociopath. I would be reading this and only think: "I'm not supposed to be reading this..."
There were moments when I saw the point the writer was trying to make. But the choices that have been made are just so over the top and disgustingly vile that it distracted me from the actual plot. I know that the choice to exaggerate the gore and violence are made deliberately. It just isn't for me. I am not the books target audience. And that's okay.
That being said... I read in some reviews that some people think that this book is... "erotic"... if these stories get you turned on, you need to get yourself checked... Seriously, get some therapy. The whole point is that the sexual scenes are super fucked up and wrong (I think, I hope).
I liked the poems the best out of all of the stories in here (Mostly because I got through them quicker).
It wasn't an enjoyable read for me and I wouldn't dare recommend this to my friends. This book is not for the weak of stomach or faint of heart. I don't regret reading it, but boy am I glad that it's finally over.
When I bought it, I had very different expectations than what it actually turned out to be. At the same time, it was exactly what it said it was. I just think I vastly underestimated the term "extreme horror". I would read some in this book on the bus or train on my way to school and let me tell you... if someone looked over my shoulder to read along... they would think I was some kind of sociopath. I would be reading this and only think: "I'm not supposed to be reading this..."
There were moments when I saw the point the writer was trying to make. But the choices that have been made are just so over the top and disgustingly vile that it distracted me from the actual plot. I know that the choice to exaggerate the gore and violence are made deliberately. It just isn't for me. I am not the books target audience. And that's okay.
That being said... I read in some reviews that some people think that this book is... "erotic"... if these stories get you turned on, you need to get yourself checked... Seriously, get some therapy. The whole point is that the sexual scenes are super fucked up and wrong (I think, I hope).
I liked the poems the best out of all of the stories in here (Mostly because I got through them quicker).
It wasn't an enjoyable read for me and I wouldn't dare recommend this to my friends. This book is not for the weak of stomach or faint of heart. I don't regret reading it, but boy am I glad that it's finally over.
March 2, 2024
kept waiting for the hard hittin hard core horror. and it never came. this book is like if a teenager wrote goosebumps stories.
September 23, 2024
In a word....chaos.
December 30, 2024
One of the most depraved yet beautiful short story collections and poems I've ever read. Wrath really delivered with this collection! This was hard to choose from, but here are my standouts.
First Person Shooter: Marshall and Steve are going out bag snatching for Halloween. The night is going well until they bump into Crazy Cal. Cal shows them this new game called Active Shooter, where you go around murdering people however you choose. Once the boys start playing, they notice the guns, and people seem really real. Too real. And the neighbourhood is awfully familiar.
-This was such a fun take! The twist at the end was good
Unsolicited: Marty loves to take pictures. Preferably of his penis and send them to women that never asked for them. It's a compulsion he can't change. He sees this gorgeous woman named Sheila online, sends her a picture, and to his surprise, she's interested. She invites him over for a night of fun. But Sheila isn't alone, and she's about to fully enjoy this night
- Marty, Marty, Marty. He got what he deserved! Sheila is a very fun character
The Bliss Point: Reverend Doctor James Watson is the pastor of his own church. He started off in his apartment, preaching to people who the churches rejected for their lifestyle. In Reverend James' church, everyone was welcome. One day, a woman named Holly comes to his church, and she gives herself to him. Reverend James has a revelation and chooses her to reach the bliss point and meet god. Only this trip to Heaven will be one she'll never forget.
- This was sinfully delicious, taboo, and hit the right spot for me! I'd love a continuation of this one because I'd love to know more of the Reverend. This one was my favourite out of them all.
The poem Punk Rock Revenge Porn was also a stand out! Two hurt people making love and talking about the ones who hurt them the most. They sought revenge for one another while finally making love in their enemies blood was just delicious. Wrath did such an excellent job with this book. I highly suggest this to everyone!
First Person Shooter: Marshall and Steve are going out bag snatching for Halloween. The night is going well until they bump into Crazy Cal. Cal shows them this new game called Active Shooter, where you go around murdering people however you choose. Once the boys start playing, they notice the guns, and people seem really real. Too real. And the neighbourhood is awfully familiar.
-This was such a fun take! The twist at the end was good
Unsolicited: Marty loves to take pictures. Preferably of his penis and send them to women that never asked for them. It's a compulsion he can't change. He sees this gorgeous woman named Sheila online, sends her a picture, and to his surprise, she's interested. She invites him over for a night of fun. But Sheila isn't alone, and she's about to fully enjoy this night
- Marty, Marty, Marty. He got what he deserved! Sheila is a very fun character
The Bliss Point: Reverend Doctor James Watson is the pastor of his own church. He started off in his apartment, preaching to people who the churches rejected for their lifestyle. In Reverend James' church, everyone was welcome. One day, a woman named Holly comes to his church, and she gives herself to him. Reverend James has a revelation and chooses her to reach the bliss point and meet god. Only this trip to Heaven will be one she'll never forget.
- This was sinfully delicious, taboo, and hit the right spot for me! I'd love a continuation of this one because I'd love to know more of the Reverend. This one was my favourite out of them all.
The poem Punk Rock Revenge Porn was also a stand out! Two hurt people making love and talking about the ones who hurt them the most. They sought revenge for one another while finally making love in their enemies blood was just delicious. Wrath did such an excellent job with this book. I highly suggest this to everyone!
August 10, 2023
This collection of short stories and poetry will blow you away.
The poems are rhythmic and graphic, creating a disturbing tempo in your mind that will bring the words to life.
The short stories are brutal, erotic with a dash of social and political commentary that enhances the visceral imagery.
My favorites are Horse, First Person Shooter, Screams in Bobby's Eyes, Eating With Momma and Seven Years.
The poems are rhythmic and graphic, creating a disturbing tempo in your mind that will bring the words to life.
The short stories are brutal, erotic with a dash of social and political commentary that enhances the visceral imagery.
My favorites are Horse, First Person Shooter, Screams in Bobby's Eyes, Eating With Momma and Seven Years.
November 25, 2024
3.5 - some of the stories and poems were excellent, gory but also inviting reflections. Others were just ok, and there were a couple that I didn’t like. Overall a really good collection!
December 31, 2024
Some of the craziest stories I’ve ever read. A compilation of pure splatter punk, that gets more insane as it nears the end. I’ll be looking out for more Wrath.
March 27, 2024
i really only liked the first few stories and poems in the book. the whole second half is just trigger warning central and i don’t usually mind if there’s a good plot for it, but it was just there to be there. i was bored of it like gimme something else pls
April 16, 2023
Edward Lee did a fantastic job in the introduction summarizing Wrath’s caliber of writing extreme horror; he’s unparalleled.
This collection of short stories and poems shows that extreme horror can be “more than”. Wrath take’s a subject matter and flips it on its head, forces your face into it and makes you experience things in a light no one dares to go. He proves that extreme horror can be laced with meaning and politics, while still scratching any die hard extreme horror fans itch for depravity.
I can’t emphasize enough that Wrath’s writing cuts down to the bone, digs fingernails into those filthy corners you don’t want to admit exist. Highly recommend!
This collection of short stories and poems shows that extreme horror can be “more than”. Wrath take’s a subject matter and flips it on its head, forces your face into it and makes you experience things in a light no one dares to go. He proves that extreme horror can be laced with meaning and politics, while still scratching any die hard extreme horror fans itch for depravity.
I can’t emphasize enough that Wrath’s writing cuts down to the bone, digs fingernails into those filthy corners you don’t want to admit exist. Highly recommend!
July 27, 2023
I enjoyed this whole book. I felt this whole collection of short stories and poems are perfect for any horror fan. Some of them are brutal, depraved and shocking but I loved every minute.
December 7, 2023
Adore his style
August 13, 2025
Really masterful storytelling here, each story/poem feels completely unique, but the overlapping themes between certain chapters ties the book together as a complete experience. It’s a difficult thing to blend explorations of social cruelties into such visceral violence and sex without it sounding either preachy or the topic getting drowned out or diluted, but it’s pulled off seamlessly here. Poetry doesn’t intuitively feel like a good fit for Extreme Horror as well, but it feels so natural here that I can’t imagine any of these poems working half as well formatted as regular short stories. WJW’s body of work and endorsements speak for themselves, so I’ll just mention some general observations I had:
1. Fantastic use of descriptions to add to the narratives. Not only are pictures painted clearly with words, but some stories over-describe, others refuse to fully describe certain elements even if they’re plot-centric. This isn’t a mistake: what a character over-focuses on or doesn’t want to acknowledge tells us more in those moments than an average description ever could.
2. You can really feel the author’s personal opinions in the best ways. There’s a strong passion for justice in his writing that really enhances each story, even if the characters themselves are going through something completely unjust. The sentences are practically dripping with venom and contempt at points, and some whole stories seem to be based on the author’s distaste for certain concepts and behavior. This doesn’t lead to one-sides portrayals, though: Characters may be dehumanized by the events in a story, but never directly by the author, and even the most cartoonish “bad guy” is properly fleshed out unless the perspective specifically requires that they aren’t. Some villains even grow and become (questionably) better people, or protagonists devolve and become worse. A few stories made me even reevaluate my own stances, which I strongly appreciate.
3. WJW clearly isn’t afraid of jokes. Some of these concepts are objectively funny, and the writing leans into that comedy. This never detracts from the narrative or horror, it gives the stories more depth. The last chapter especially is hysterical, and that leads to a perfect disorientation when the next paragraph depicts the gruesome reality behind that humor. My head was spinning through the entirety of Chapter 17, and it’ll stay in my mind for a very long time to come.
4. A personal note: really loved the trans inclusionary misogynist bit. As a trans guy, that got a good laugh out of me. I especially appreciate the implication that the guy wasn’t into trans women as a fetish, he equally disrespected all women (i.e. he only searched for trans women porn with a slur term because he couldn’t find it otherwise, and the phrasing implies he feels a bit guilty about it).
1. Fantastic use of descriptions to add to the narratives. Not only are pictures painted clearly with words, but some stories over-describe, others refuse to fully describe certain elements even if they’re plot-centric. This isn’t a mistake: what a character over-focuses on or doesn’t want to acknowledge tells us more in those moments than an average description ever could.
2. You can really feel the author’s personal opinions in the best ways. There’s a strong passion for justice in his writing that really enhances each story, even if the characters themselves are going through something completely unjust. The sentences are practically dripping with venom and contempt at points, and some whole stories seem to be based on the author’s distaste for certain concepts and behavior. This doesn’t lead to one-sides portrayals, though: Characters may be dehumanized by the events in a story, but never directly by the author, and even the most cartoonish “bad guy” is properly fleshed out unless the perspective specifically requires that they aren’t. Some villains even grow and become (questionably) better people, or protagonists devolve and become worse. A few stories made me even reevaluate my own stances, which I strongly appreciate.
3. WJW clearly isn’t afraid of jokes. Some of these concepts are objectively funny, and the writing leans into that comedy. This never detracts from the narrative or horror, it gives the stories more depth. The last chapter especially is hysterical, and that leads to a perfect disorientation when the next paragraph depicts the gruesome reality behind that humor. My head was spinning through the entirety of Chapter 17, and it’ll stay in my mind for a very long time to come.
4. A personal note: really loved the trans inclusionary misogynist bit. As a trans guy, that got a good laugh out of me. I especially appreciate the implication that the guy wasn’t into trans women as a fetish, he equally disrespected all women (i.e. he only searched for trans women porn with a slur term because he couldn’t find it otherwise, and the phrasing implies he feels a bit guilty about it).
October 26, 2023
[Please note content warnings for the kind of language that's used in some of the stories of this collection, including racial slurs, homophobic slurs, insults that target other marginalized groups, and content such as rape in some cases that may make some readers uncomfortable.]
Wrath James White's latest short story and poetry collection is excellent -- die-hard fans who have loved his material from the beginning will find plenty to love while those who want more of his emotionally resonant poetry will also have several impactful choices. This collection shows more of the stories from Wrath's own upbringing in Philadelphia, and is one of his most heartfelt collections for lack of a better term. Many horror readers bring a lot of unfair assumption's to Wrath's work. Don't get me wrong--when he gets gritty and intense, and bizarro or 'Extreme,' it jumps off the page. He's known for that. This collection felt like a different kind of horror -- still with the same core of Wrath, but ... different. I think that readers who aren't as familiar with his work will find this text more accessible and intriguing. Having said that, there is a lot of trauma to unpack in here and readers will want to be advised of that going into the stories. There's an undercurrent of the author's grief at so many Black boys and men disproportionately being murdered at the hands of law enforcement -- which has often been a recurring theme in Wrath's other works. In this collection, it's more impactful not only because of the Black Lives Matter movement spurred even more forward by the lynching murder of George Floyd in 2020, and all of the murders since -- all the times that Black children like Ralph Yarl have been shot by white supremacist 'neighbours' for the 'crime' of being Black. This collection takes a searing lens toward notions of Black masculinity in America, and is full of nuance. And yes, some of the dialogue is intentionally funny, particularly in some of the erotic stories (I'm going to go medieval on your ass, for one LOL) On a more serious note, Wrath's work also has a tendency to point out societal hypocrisies and the white supremacist beliefs underlying those who hide behind the shield of Christianity in particular, then turn around and continue bigotry or violence. Overall, it's a heartfelt love letter to Black horror that demonstrates Wrath's writing improves with age.
Wrath James White's latest short story and poetry collection is excellent -- die-hard fans who have loved his material from the beginning will find plenty to love while those who want more of his emotionally resonant poetry will also have several impactful choices. This collection shows more of the stories from Wrath's own upbringing in Philadelphia, and is one of his most heartfelt collections for lack of a better term. Many horror readers bring a lot of unfair assumption's to Wrath's work. Don't get me wrong--when he gets gritty and intense, and bizarro or 'Extreme,' it jumps off the page. He's known for that. This collection felt like a different kind of horror -- still with the same core of Wrath, but ... different. I think that readers who aren't as familiar with his work will find this text more accessible and intriguing. Having said that, there is a lot of trauma to unpack in here and readers will want to be advised of that going into the stories. There's an undercurrent of the author's grief at so many Black boys and men disproportionately being murdered at the hands of law enforcement -- which has often been a recurring theme in Wrath's other works. In this collection, it's more impactful not only because of the Black Lives Matter movement spurred even more forward by the lynching murder of George Floyd in 2020, and all of the murders since -- all the times that Black children like Ralph Yarl have been shot by white supremacist 'neighbours' for the 'crime' of being Black. This collection takes a searing lens toward notions of Black masculinity in America, and is full of nuance. And yes, some of the dialogue is intentionally funny, particularly in some of the erotic stories (I'm going to go medieval on your ass, for one LOL) On a more serious note, Wrath's work also has a tendency to point out societal hypocrisies and the white supremacist beliefs underlying those who hide behind the shield of Christianity in particular, then turn around and continue bigotry or violence. Overall, it's a heartfelt love letter to Black horror that demonstrates Wrath's writing improves with age.
August 11, 2023
I have been a horror fan since I was little... my first horror experiences were seeing "The Exorcist" when I was 8 years old and then at 9, reading the Blood Sport chapter of Stephen King's "Carrie" in my mom's room (after she'd told me NOT to do that). Though I read everything, I absolutely consider horror my first genre love. Extreme and erotic horror entered my consciousness long ago with John Skipp, Craig Spector, Clive Barker then Edward Lee and Brian Keene, all of whom blew my mind at various points in time with their works as have others later. Wrath James White has taken this to another level for me. I've been enjoying his works since he entered my realm a while ago and I've been obsessed ever since; this recent collection has gone another extra mile plus. The stories and poems herein are a testament to what can be done to express the potential atrocities and cruelty of the human condition in glib detail from wildly violent sex (not just sex actually but read for yourself), to surviving in a zombie apocalypse and from what sounds like a description of the hugest penis ever to the making and destruction of a sociopath to the selfish and horrible attitudes and actions of folks during the COVID-19 pandemic. I appreciated the description of the bliss point (and I'm pretty sure I have not reached it myself as yet with sugar, but it's a question... and the story about the bliss point has nothing to do with sugar, but if you're reading this review you probably already knew that!). Any time I picked up this book I didn't want to put it down. I read it from cover to cover and marveled at the relentless, poetic and simply genius way in which White brings these matters to full, bloody, gory and sumptuously bare bones life. He covers so much ground here that it must have been exhausting. Ten stars, not just five, this man is amazing! Wrath I'm ready for the next one, bring it on!
December 16, 2024
Wrath James White absolutely delivers with The Ecstasy of Agony! This collection of extreme horror stories and poetry isn’t just brutal—it’s intelligent, hilarious, and surprisingly relatable in ways that make you question your own morals (and maybe sanity). White has an incredible talent for crafting real, raw protagonists—or more accurately, anti-heroes—that feel grounded in reality, which is rare in the extreme horror genre. Whether they’re flawed, broken, or downright awful, you can’t help but root for them.
Let’s talk favorites, because there’s a lot to love here. First, “Blood-Soaked Savior.” This poem absolutely gutted me (pun intended). A man who loses his love to COVID because she was an essential worker crosses paths with a smug anti-masker MAGA dude and decides to mete out justice in his own twisted way. The final line hit me like a freight train—both cathartic and haunting. White doesn’t pull punches, and it’s better for it.
And then there’s “Red & Blue,” my favorite story in the collection. Picture this: a MAGA Republican and a bleeding-heart liberal trapped together as a chemical weapon turns people into grotesque mutant parodies of a certain political figure (cough 45 cough). The absurdity of their situation forces them to put their differences aside and kick some mutant ass. It’s sharp, darkly funny, and weirdly satisfying—especially when you picture those details. 👀
Not every story was a win for me. “The Bliss Point” felt a little too gratuitous—like it leaned into the violence and sex at the expense of the nuanced characterization White nails everywhere else. But that’s one out of sixteen, and when the rest of the stories/poems are this good? I’m not complaining.
This collection is extreme horror done right: unapologetically brutal, politically charged, and even laugh-out-loud funny in some of the most unexpected ways. If you like your horror with teeth (and maybe claws, fangs, and a chainsaw), you need to pick this up. Five stars and a standing ovation! 🎉
Let’s talk favorites, because there’s a lot to love here. First, “Blood-Soaked Savior.” This poem absolutely gutted me (pun intended). A man who loses his love to COVID because she was an essential worker crosses paths with a smug anti-masker MAGA dude and decides to mete out justice in his own twisted way. The final line hit me like a freight train—both cathartic and haunting. White doesn’t pull punches, and it’s better for it.
And then there’s “Red & Blue,” my favorite story in the collection. Picture this: a MAGA Republican and a bleeding-heart liberal trapped together as a chemical weapon turns people into grotesque mutant parodies of a certain political figure (cough 45 cough). The absurdity of their situation forces them to put their differences aside and kick some mutant ass. It’s sharp, darkly funny, and weirdly satisfying—especially when you picture those details. 👀
Not every story was a win for me. “The Bliss Point” felt a little too gratuitous—like it leaned into the violence and sex at the expense of the nuanced characterization White nails everywhere else. But that’s one out of sixteen, and when the rest of the stories/poems are this good? I’m not complaining.
This collection is extreme horror done right: unapologetically brutal, politically charged, and even laugh-out-loud funny in some of the most unexpected ways. If you like your horror with teeth (and maybe claws, fangs, and a chainsaw), you need to pick this up. Five stars and a standing ovation! 🎉
February 6, 2024
Brutality, poetry, sex, and wry humor are swirled together in a dizzying cacophony of horror in a way that could only come from Wrath James White. As much fun as it is to run a marathon, by delving into his longer-form fiction, there’s something truly delightful about accompanying the man on a sprint–or a series of sprints, as is the case in The Ecstasy of Agony.
I’d previously had the pleasure of reading a couple of the stories in the anthologies where they’d first been published, and the even greater pleasure of hearing him recite a couple of the poems that he’s included in this collection, but there was so much more in store. From a fitness routine adopted to survive a zombie apocalypse, to a violent video game that feels all-too-real, to the tale of a man who uses his penis as a weapon, this collection has a little bit of everything. If you’re familiar with White’s work, you really should have some idea what to expect.
It’s not all violence and gore, though. There are strangely touching and somber tones within the cacophony, including a sad reflection on how “dead or in prison” can turn out and how a monster can experience a change of heart. That isn’t to say there’s any shortage of violence, gore, sex, and body horror all throughout…because it just wouldn’t be Wrath James White without it.
A masterful collection by a masterful writer, but trigger warnings are in order–this is not for the overly sensitive reader.
I’d previously had the pleasure of reading a couple of the stories in the anthologies where they’d first been published, and the even greater pleasure of hearing him recite a couple of the poems that he’s included in this collection, but there was so much more in store. From a fitness routine adopted to survive a zombie apocalypse, to a violent video game that feels all-too-real, to the tale of a man who uses his penis as a weapon, this collection has a little bit of everything. If you’re familiar with White’s work, you really should have some idea what to expect.
It’s not all violence and gore, though. There are strangely touching and somber tones within the cacophony, including a sad reflection on how “dead or in prison” can turn out and how a monster can experience a change of heart. That isn’t to say there’s any shortage of violence, gore, sex, and body horror all throughout…because it just wouldn’t be Wrath James White without it.
A masterful collection by a masterful writer, but trigger warnings are in order–this is not for the overly sensitive reader.
July 9, 2023
I’m always looking for a good that does horror well. I came across this book on Edelweiss and thought I’d read it. I also did a bit of reading about the author: Wrath James White. His previous books have been described as absolute or extreme horror, erotic horror, visceral and honestly brutal. A horror trope I’ve never delved into before, and was curious to experience.
The Ecstasy of Agony was a collection of short stories and prose that took horror to another level. The stories elicited emotions and thoughts that you might not usually have, or feel uncomfortable about, and that is exactly where this author wants to take you. There is definitely more the brutal horror captured in these pages: there seems to be other themes arising, across the spectrum of a sheer frenzy to woeful torment. The stories seem very extreme, they are repugnant, some are erotic and some are shockingly depraved.
The Ecstasy of Agony was a collection of short stories and prose that took horror to another level. The stories elicited emotions and thoughts that you might not usually have, or feel uncomfortable about, and that is exactly where this author wants to take you. There is definitely more the brutal horror captured in these pages: there seems to be other themes arising, across the spectrum of a sheer frenzy to woeful torment. The stories seem very extreme, they are repugnant, some are erotic and some are shockingly depraved.
May 13, 2024
Splatterpunk and extreme horror are not genres where we talk about an author maturing much. Especially not one of the leading lights who knows what works for them and tend to let it ride. As someone who's read Wrath's earlier works, I thought I knew what to expect coming into this. Turned out that Wrath has put some thought into his craft, found ways he could improve and went for it hard. I'm not saying it's lost any gore or violence, quite the opposite, if you came here for a bloodbath, a bloodbath ye shall have. What I am saying is the writing is more clever, the flow is better, there's more thought put behind each piece in this collection. Everything has a smooth flow and execution, everything has underlying thoughts behind it. It's still Wrath James White, absolutely, but it's a Wrath who has something to say, and has the writing chops to make the message fit the mayhem.
August 6, 2023
This was my first splatterpunk/extreme horror book, and I think maybe this subgenre of horror just isn't for me. Apart from two or three of the short stories, I just found it hard to care about what was being done or figure out if anything was being said. Just felt kinda like I was watching a playlist of Mortal Kombat fatalities.
I will say though that all of the poems in the collection were stellar and I think I individually gave them all 4.5 or 5 stars. Each of them painted vivid scenes and the economy of words meshed really well with the gruesomeness of the story. If the collection has just been poems, I would have thoroughly enjoyed it.
Though again, I wouldnt say this is bad and I wouldn't not recommend it. I think this subgenre maybe just doesn't work for me.
I will say though that all of the poems in the collection were stellar and I think I individually gave them all 4.5 or 5 stars. Each of them painted vivid scenes and the economy of words meshed really well with the gruesomeness of the story. If the collection has just been poems, I would have thoroughly enjoyed it.
Though again, I wouldnt say this is bad and I wouldn't not recommend it. I think this subgenre maybe just doesn't work for me.
October 28, 2023
I just read „The Ecstasy of Agony“ by Wrath James White. I read some of his books in German before and because I like his writing very much I bought his new book and sat here for days with my English knowledge and the kindle translator to read the book. But it was all worth.
His book is a collection of extreme-horror short stories and poems, with an introduction by Edward Lee. I liked it because the stories are not only including a list of violent , erotic or disturbing elements. There’s much more. Behind these stories there is a meaning, be it, for example, political (Blue & Red), religious (The Bliss Point) or social (discrimination in Big Brother).
For me a perfect book and I hope it will find many friends.
His book is a collection of extreme-horror short stories and poems, with an introduction by Edward Lee. I liked it because the stories are not only including a list of violent , erotic or disturbing elements. There’s much more. Behind these stories there is a meaning, be it, for example, political (Blue & Red), religious (The Bliss Point) or social (discrimination in Big Brother).
For me a perfect book and I hope it will find many friends.
September 5, 2024
This is *almost* a 5-star, but it gets bumped to 4 because I ended up not loving the last few stories. The first two-thirds were great - every story is a great example of how extreme horror doesn't have to be exploitative in order to be graphic, provocative, and disgusting.
White's writing is also amazing. He manages to be very descriptive in a small number of pages. His writing style also communicates the tone of each story nicely.
The 1-star demotion is because of how much rape (including some that felt eroticized) was in some of the last stories. It wasn't overly exploitative/gratuitous and some sex-related horror is great, but those were just not my cup of tea.
White's writing is also amazing. He manages to be very descriptive in a small number of pages. His writing style also communicates the tone of each story nicely.
The 1-star demotion is because of how much rape (including some that felt eroticized) was in some of the last stories. It wasn't overly exploitative/gratuitous and some sex-related horror is great, but those were just not my cup of tea.
July 23, 2024
In Ed Lee's intro, he writes about how extreme horror, especially that written by Wrath James White, is the antidote to the Facebookication and Marvelization of our world. I'm not sure I agree, but it's a fascinating idea. There's nothing you could put on Facebook or in a Marvel flick in White's newest collection, but it'll make you feel a lot of things. Nausea's a given, but many of these stories reminded me of the Swiss cheese nature of the safety nets, the systems of agreements that keep us safe. This is a must read from an extreme horror master.
August 1, 2023
Officially I didn't finish this book as my online reader "timed out" on me. The main point I pass along to you is this is HORROR and it is GROSS and it has some amazing writing and some horrible writing. There are good thrills and worse how can humanity do that? And the fact someone is thinking about it in the first place is the real horror.
December 13, 2023
YES!
The poetry in this collection especially, is undeniably twisted and beautiful.
Blood-soaked saviour, The Devil in the River, Screams in Bobby’s Eyes and First Person Shooter were my favourites but this is a very well rounded collection and I believe there is something in here for every extreme horror fan.
The poetry in this collection especially, is undeniably twisted and beautiful.
Blood-soaked saviour, The Devil in the River, Screams in Bobby’s Eyes and First Person Shooter were my favourites but this is a very well rounded collection and I believe there is something in here for every extreme horror fan.
March 25, 2025
So this is technically not my first splatterpunk book but it may be my last. I liked some of the short stories and poems in it but overall I just felt like it was a drag to finish reading this. I will say that I can appreciate the genre for what it is/how it started, but maybe just not for me. I'll stick to my other horror/thrillers!
Also, absolutely gorgeous cover.
Also, absolutely gorgeous cover.
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