Extasia by Claire Legrand

Extasia is a refreshing feminist, dystopian horror that entangles you in a deeply flawed and fanatical society. The novel follows Amity as she tries to protect her village from the gruesome deaths that have plagued them. Just as she has been anointed a saint, she comes to the sickening revelation that her village is not the haven it claims to be. To add to it, she discovers that two of her fellow saints are members of a coven of witches. 

While this is a fantasy novel it highlights many current social issues that relate to women not only in Ireland but around the world. Two key themes the book focuses on are the abuse of power by religious authorities and the abuse and violence suffered by women. In today’s world, both of these themes are prevalent and Legrand truly makes the voices of every woman heard through her characters. She doesn’t shy away from the tragic reality of the victims and their suffering, and she never minimises the characters’ experience by redeeming their abusers. She shows the violent justice that these girls seek and deserve. Through their trials, they come to know their own magic and power and a powerful sisterhood is created.

This book truly is for fans of horror, it’s a perfect blend of fantasy and reality. If you loved Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn or the movie Jennifer’s Body this novel is right up your alley. Many tough topics are shown throughout the book and it is a harrowing tale that follows strong female leads in their pursuit for justice in a world that is against them from the moment they open their mouths, but it’s a tale that should not be overlooked.

 

Shauna Dalton