A review by misha_ali
Extasia by Claire Legrand

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I didn't expect this to be as engaging as it was. Sapphic witches, religious dogma, women bearing the burden of sin, and female rage. I think the actual Extasia magical system was the weakest part of this book for me. Everything aside from that was excellent. I loved the unnamed protagonist's original name never being shared until she sheds it for her Saint name. Every part of Haven's treatment of women is chilling but terribly grounded in real-life attitudes. I also appreciate the nuanced approach to female rage as a result of years of cruelty. I don't want to spoil anything else so I won't say anything further, but this was really interesting and the twist at the end adds to it. I wish there was a sequel exploring what happens beyond the area and time we see in this book.