What do you think?
Rate this book
The Lost God #1
The Lost God
Two kingdoms vying for an ancient power. One witch on the verge of releasing it. But all magic requires an exchange.
Memory Witch, Cecilia, is used to sacrificing for power. She’s exchanged her blood for memories, her pride for respect at court, and her forbidden and unrequited love for her guardian, Rainer, for the sake of her duty. It will all be worth it if she can complete the Gauntlet and release the power of the Lost God.
But when the god of war attacks, sending the two kingdoms from simmering tension to open war, Cecilia and Rainer set out on one final perilous journey. They venture deeper into enemy territory than ever before, aided by a charming hunter who offers Cecilia a glimpse of the adventure and romance she’s always wanted.
As the trio encounters vicious memory-stealing hunters, enchanted illusion forests, and meddling gods who speak in riddles, they draw ever closer to the pinnacle of the Gauntlet, and the sacrifice that Cecilia has been dreading. When faced with the most important magical exchange of her life, Cecilia must choose between her kingdom, and her heart, knowing one will be left irreparably broken.
Memory Witch, Cecilia, is used to sacrificing for power. She’s exchanged her blood for memories, her pride for respect at court, and her forbidden and unrequited love for her guardian, Rainer, for the sake of her duty. It will all be worth it if she can complete the Gauntlet and release the power of the Lost God.
But when the god of war attacks, sending the two kingdoms from simmering tension to open war, Cecilia and Rainer set out on one final perilous journey. They venture deeper into enemy territory than ever before, aided by a charming hunter who offers Cecilia a glimpse of the adventure and romance she’s always wanted.
As the trio encounters vicious memory-stealing hunters, enchanted illusion forests, and meddling gods who speak in riddles, they draw ever closer to the pinnacle of the Gauntlet, and the sacrifice that Cecilia has been dreading. When faced with the most important magical exchange of her life, Cecilia must choose between her kingdom, and her heart, knowing one will be left irreparably broken.
485 pages, ebook
Published April 10, 2023
314 people are currently reading
7122 people want to read
About the author
Sheila Masterson
9 books293 followersWhen Sheila's not busy stabbing beloved side characters and dreaming up new ways to make her readers cry, you can find her practicing yoga, drinking fancy cocktails with friends, or curled up reading books or tarot. She lives outside Philadelphia with a small army of underwatered houseplants that survive out of spite.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 355 reviews
Read
November 4, 2024This is my book and I’m partial since it came from my brain. When I started writing THE LOST GOD in early 2021, I’d just experienced a death in the family that severed the connection to an entire generation of memories. It was through the grief of that loss that the magic of the Gauntlet was born.
Cece is a character that is both fierce and powerful and also deeply sensitive, reactive, and reckless. She’s desperate to exert some semblance of control over the world but has never had an example of how to do so as a woman. She makes mistakes, gets scared, and wants to run from her responsibilities, like all of us do. I wanted to write a powerful witch who was also flawed so i could take her on a journey to make her mark on the world.
I wanted to write the breathless, terrifying feeling of being 23 and falling in love, as well as the fury of trying to be a powerful woman in world eager to take that power away. I wanted to write a deep friendship and soul bond that had as many drawbacks as benefits, and relationships that reflect the way we tend to lie to ourselves more than we do to the people we love.
Ultimately, I wanted to write a story about how memories can hold people together and rip them apart and how love is about the people you hold on to in the heart of a storm.
I hope you enjoy reading THE LOST GOD as much as I enjoyed writing it.
If you loved the book please do me the kindness of leaving a review both here and on Amazon. And if you've already reviewed. please be sure to screenshot your review and send it to thelostgodbonus at gmail dot com for a BONUS chapter from an alternate POV.
Cece is a character that is both fierce and powerful and also deeply sensitive, reactive, and reckless. She’s desperate to exert some semblance of control over the world but has never had an example of how to do so as a woman. She makes mistakes, gets scared, and wants to run from her responsibilities, like all of us do. I wanted to write a powerful witch who was also flawed so i could take her on a journey to make her mark on the world.
I wanted to write the breathless, terrifying feeling of being 23 and falling in love, as well as the fury of trying to be a powerful woman in world eager to take that power away. I wanted to write a deep friendship and soul bond that had as many drawbacks as benefits, and relationships that reflect the way we tend to lie to ourselves more than we do to the people we love.
Ultimately, I wanted to write a story about how memories can hold people together and rip them apart and how love is about the people you hold on to in the heart of a storm.
I hope you enjoy reading THE LOST GOD as much as I enjoyed writing it.
If you loved the book please do me the kindness of leaving a review both here and on Amazon. And if you've already reviewed. please be sure to screenshot your review and send it to thelostgodbonus at gmail dot com for a BONUS chapter from an alternate POV.
April 6, 2023
the way this book has ROCKETSPEED SHUTTLED me DIRECTLY into the depths of despair and book hangoverdom in the best, most satisfying, most ‘this is why i read romance books’ kind of way.
i am EPICALLY hungover. i feel like i’ve been through the world’s fastest spin cycle, in a washing machine strapped into one of those scrambly rides at the fair that makes you scream with joy (and a little bit of nausea, for fun).
this was so, so, so, so, SO GOOD.
i read so much fantasy romance, and while i’m an Enthusiastic Fan In General (insert ‘when someone is just a casual fan of something and you’re deranged’ meme), it’s rare that a SINGLE BOOK (not even the whole series yet!!!) puts me through the full spectrum of human emotion. this has more twists than the spinniest, scariest rollercoaster you know. it is SUPERB.
this has all of the hallmarks of the best kinds of fantasy romance:
-cool magic system, of which our FMC dabbles in ALL elements, but specializes in memory
-a years-long quest to unlock magic for all of the witches in their struggling, constantly-threatened-by-war-from-their-asshole-neighbors kingdom
-handsome soul bonded guardians
-mysterious handsome strangers who bring her roses and dessert
-gods (!!!!!!!!! also handsome !!!!!!!!!!)
-and most agonizingly: a love triangle of epic, angsty proportions.
our FMC is cecelia, a memory witch desperately in love with her childhood best friend and soul bonded guardian, who she’s expressly forbidden to engage romantically. she feels trapped and confined within the antiquated, misogynistic structures of court life, while also bearing the huuuuuuuuuuge weight of responsibility for succeeding where no witch before her ever has — in unlocking the magic of the lost god for the betterment of her kingdom.
plot? unbelievably good. so, so many twists that i constantly kept looking at the percentage bar wondering how the hell we were learning something of this caliber with 50% left of the book to go. the romance? the emotional HEART of this story, with the love triangle to end all love triangles. my heart HURTS. i feel vaguely ill and sad, two hallmarks of my favorite kind of romance. and while one of the characters falls hard and fast for our FMC, i don’t mind the insta love at all. as a leo, it just makes sense to me that someone would fall in love with our FMC upon first sight 🥹 i live for the obsession.
it's SPICY, it's ROMANTIC, it's written so beautifully that i could fill a composition book with all of my saved highlights. i am in love.
this truly felt like an entire trilogy in one book, and the wizardry and finesse it takes to evoke those kinds of feelings in me within a single book is advanced dark magic of the rarest kind. i laughed. i blushed. i cried (REAL HUMAN TEARS), i theory spiraled in text messages to friends, and stayed up far, far too late because i could not put it down.
TLDR — loved it, and i am foaming at the mouth for the sequel. i need ANSWERS, i need RESOLUTIONS, i need a THROUPLE COUPLING because I CANNOT POSSIBLY CHOOSE, maybe even MORE THAN A THROUPLE BECAUSE SOME OF THOSE GODS ARE HOT, and i need 3-5 business days to re-regulate my nervous system.
5 stars for the romance, for the angst, for the adventure, and for the late night unhinged theory spirals. i implore you to pick this up when it drops on april 10 so i can live vicariously through someone reading this for the first time. what a TRIP.
i am EPICALLY hungover. i feel like i’ve been through the world’s fastest spin cycle, in a washing machine strapped into one of those scrambly rides at the fair that makes you scream with joy (and a little bit of nausea, for fun).
this was so, so, so, so, SO GOOD.
i read so much fantasy romance, and while i’m an Enthusiastic Fan In General (insert ‘when someone is just a casual fan of something and you’re deranged’ meme), it’s rare that a SINGLE BOOK (not even the whole series yet!!!) puts me through the full spectrum of human emotion. this has more twists than the spinniest, scariest rollercoaster you know. it is SUPERB.
this has all of the hallmarks of the best kinds of fantasy romance:
-cool magic system, of which our FMC dabbles in ALL elements, but specializes in memory
-a years-long quest to unlock magic for all of the witches in their struggling, constantly-threatened-by-war-from-their-asshole-neighbors kingdom
-handsome soul bonded guardians
-mysterious handsome strangers who bring her roses and dessert
-gods (!!!!!!!!! also handsome !!!!!!!!!!)
-and most agonizingly: a love triangle of epic, angsty proportions.
our FMC is cecelia, a memory witch desperately in love with her childhood best friend and soul bonded guardian, who she’s expressly forbidden to engage romantically. she feels trapped and confined within the antiquated, misogynistic structures of court life, while also bearing the huuuuuuuuuuge weight of responsibility for succeeding where no witch before her ever has — in unlocking the magic of the lost god for the betterment of her kingdom.
plot? unbelievably good. so, so many twists that i constantly kept looking at the percentage bar wondering how the hell we were learning something of this caliber with 50% left of the book to go. the romance? the emotional HEART of this story, with the love triangle to end all love triangles. my heart HURTS. i feel vaguely ill and sad, two hallmarks of my favorite kind of romance. and while one of the characters falls hard and fast for our FMC, i don’t mind the insta love at all. as a leo, it just makes sense to me that someone would fall in love with our FMC upon first sight 🥹 i live for the obsession.
it's SPICY, it's ROMANTIC, it's written so beautifully that i could fill a composition book with all of my saved highlights. i am in love.
this truly felt like an entire trilogy in one book, and the wizardry and finesse it takes to evoke those kinds of feelings in me within a single book is advanced dark magic of the rarest kind. i laughed. i blushed. i cried (REAL HUMAN TEARS), i theory spiraled in text messages to friends, and stayed up far, far too late because i could not put it down.
TLDR — loved it, and i am foaming at the mouth for the sequel. i need ANSWERS, i need RESOLUTIONS, i need a THROUPLE COUPLING because I CANNOT POSSIBLY CHOOSE, maybe even MORE THAN A THROUPLE BECAUSE SOME OF THOSE GODS ARE HOT, and i need 3-5 business days to re-regulate my nervous system.
5 stars for the romance, for the angst, for the adventure, and for the late night unhinged theory spirals. i implore you to pick this up when it drops on april 10 so i can live vicariously through someone reading this for the first time. what a TRIP.
May 25, 2023
ME: The YA category is so diverse nowadays, people need to give it a chance. There are so many incredible stories, who cares that’s YA?! Stop pre-judging YA and read more of it!
ALSO ME: Oh, god- this was cringy. Yikes! Why does YA doooooo this?
Goodness, reading is such a brutal and finicky /subjective sport.
Once again, I get fooled by a pretty cover. *shakes fist*
The first 3/4’s of this book was 90% romance + 10% plot. And though sure, it makes for a quick page turner, I need more world building and less repetitive love triangle.
ALSO ME: Oh, god- this was cringy. Yikes! Why does YA doooooo this?
Goodness, reading is such a brutal and finicky /subjective sport.
Once again, I get fooled by a pretty cover. *shakes fist*
The first 3/4’s of this book was 90% romance + 10% plot. And though sure, it makes for a quick page turner, I need more world building and less repetitive love triangle.
April 3, 2023
This was wow. This was my first ARC and I loved it, and if I hadn't been so busy the past few weeks, I would have finished this in one night lol. It didn't feel like it was as many pages as it was. Cece, the main girl character, was a total badass. I found myself in awe, jaw dropped at her quite a few times. The fight scenes? Amazing. The lovin scenes? Also, quite amazing. There is a bit of a love triangle, and at times there were some very cheesy lines and moments, but I didn't mind. I found myself feelings very similar to Cece throughout this. There were quite a few plot twists, even though I expected one of them I was still shook to the core by it. This book gave me whiplash in all the best ways. I do feel as though this could have been split in two books, but even still it was amazing. And considering this was Sheila's first book? Even more amazing. Oh, and the cover? Beautiful.
I cannot wait for book 2 later this year. Only 1 more week till launch!! I'll definitely be ordering a physical copy of this for my bookshelf. I'll be sharing my highlights and such after the launch :) Ty for the ARC!
I cannot wait for book 2 later this year. Only 1 more week till launch!! I'll definitely be ordering a physical copy of this for my bookshelf. I'll be sharing my highlights and such after the launch :) Ty for the ARC!
March 26, 2023
✨Ok, so imagine Katniss Everdeen with a parabati style bond to her best friend, and when they get separated she meets her secret admirer in the forest! With plot twists and turns, a trickster God, and lots of spice! If this sounds like your type of book, you will LOVE THIS!
✨Cecelia is a memory witch in the competitive Gauntlet for magic for her country. She has scorned the traditions of the court (patriarchy) and while she has grown accustomed to making sacrifices for her magic, her trip and trials might make the final sacrifice unbearable. Can she do what needs to be done to save her loves and end the war?
✨This is a debut novel!? This writing is very mature and I was surprised this is her first novel!
✨Would I reread? Yes, absolutely and I look forward to book 2 this November!
✨Would I recommend? Yes!
✨Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
✨Cecelia is a memory witch in the competitive Gauntlet for magic for her country. She has scorned the traditions of the court (patriarchy) and while she has grown accustomed to making sacrifices for her magic, her trip and trials might make the final sacrifice unbearable. Can she do what needs to be done to save her loves and end the war?
✨This is a debut novel!? This writing is very mature and I was surprised this is her first novel!
✨Would I reread? Yes, absolutely and I look forward to book 2 this November!
✨Would I recommend? Yes!
✨Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
June 13, 2024
Honestly, love triangles are insufferable
April 30, 2023
So I started this as an ARC reader, but life unfortunately got in the way and I wasn’t able to finish it in time! But I’m still so happy and honoured that I got the opportunity from by fellow writer Sheila Masterson!
I don’t usually read a lot of fantasy, with some exceptions of course. And this one was definitely one of them! This book was such an amazing form of escapism and it really transported me into a world of magic, romance and adventure ✨
I really enjoyed Cece - she was smart, feisty, sassy and I enjoyed her character arc. Her bond with Rainer was such a sweet thing, and I really enjoyed them! The banter between Cece and Xander was also so fun to read. I also really loved Teddy, and I thought Davide was an excellent villain 😈
I also thought the topic of consent was handled super well. Xander was really respectful and it felt like such a safe environment for Cece. Consent in a lot of books is just not well done a lot of the time, so I thought this was really well done!
The concept of feminism incredibly well done in this book. Following Cece as she stood up for herself and what it meant to be a woman in her society was super interesting and uplifting.
I’m so excited to continue this magical journey in the next book 🤩
I don’t usually read a lot of fantasy, with some exceptions of course. And this one was definitely one of them! This book was such an amazing form of escapism and it really transported me into a world of magic, romance and adventure ✨
I really enjoyed Cece - she was smart, feisty, sassy and I enjoyed her character arc. Her bond with Rainer was such a sweet thing, and I really enjoyed them! The banter between Cece and Xander was also so fun to read. I also really loved Teddy, and I thought Davide was an excellent villain 😈
I also thought the topic of consent was handled super well. Xander was really respectful and it felt like such a safe environment for Cece. Consent in a lot of books is just not well done a lot of the time, so I thought this was really well done!
The concept of feminism incredibly well done in this book. Following Cece as she stood up for herself and what it meant to be a woman in her society was super interesting and uplifting.
I’m so excited to continue this magical journey in the next book 🤩
March 29, 2023
3.75⭐️ rounded up
---------
edit: after a day i'm changing my rating to a full 4⭐️
Cecelia is a memory witch to sets out to release the power of the lost god with her guardian Rainer. They set out on various expeditions (the Gauntlet) where Cecelia gives her blood for memories and power. She encounters a hunter on their last journey who joins their ranks. The three work together to help get Cecelia to the last location of the Gauntlet, fighting their way through enemy hunters, gods, and enchanted forests.
This book has everything anyone could want in a fantasy romance (heavy on the romance). There is really excellent character development and a fast moving plot. I thought a lot was fit in in the just over 400 pages, but nothing felt super rushed. it was actually a breath of fresh air not having a 600+ fantasy novel.
I didn't give it a full 5 stars because I wish there was a little more of the fantasy elements in the story and more complex worldbuilding but that's a personal preference. it would have been nice to dive more into cecelia's memory powers. also I did think the romance and all of love exclamations were a bit insta-lovey...for those who this matters for: there is a love-triangle in the book. Overall though, a really solid debut for this author!
I think if you're a fan of Charissa Weaks (the witch collector) and Hannah whitten (the wilderwood/foxglove king) you'll enjoy The Lost God
Thank you to the author for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
---------
edit: after a day i'm changing my rating to a full 4⭐️
Cecelia is a memory witch to sets out to release the power of the lost god with her guardian Rainer. They set out on various expeditions (the Gauntlet) where Cecelia gives her blood for memories and power. She encounters a hunter on their last journey who joins their ranks. The three work together to help get Cecelia to the last location of the Gauntlet, fighting their way through enemy hunters, gods, and enchanted forests.
This book has everything anyone could want in a fantasy romance (heavy on the romance). There is really excellent character development and a fast moving plot. I thought a lot was fit in in the just over 400 pages, but nothing felt super rushed. it was actually a breath of fresh air not having a 600+ fantasy novel.
I didn't give it a full 5 stars because I wish there was a little more of the fantasy elements in the story and more complex worldbuilding but that's a personal preference. it would have been nice to dive more into cecelia's memory powers. also I did think the romance and all of love exclamations were a bit insta-lovey...for those who this matters for: there is a love-triangle in the book. Overall though, a really solid debut for this author!
I think if you're a fan of Charissa Weaks (the witch collector) and Hannah whitten (the wilderwood/foxglove king) you'll enjoy The Lost God
Thank you to the author for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2023
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in return for my review.
With that disclaimer out of the way, let me just say, WOW!
The Lost God was my first romantic fantasy novel and I appreciate how easy it is to immerse yourself in Cecelia’s world and the magic system. The world building is fantastical yet simplistic in a good way. I never felt lost trying to keep track of the different countries, their people and customs and other locations and landmarks throughout the novel.
My feminist heart really connected with Cecelia and her struggle for freedom and to rebel against her patriarchal society while also wanting to protect her loved ones and county as a whole. I am excited to see how Cecelia grows and matures as this series continues.
Has the author created the new Team Edward and Team Jacob with the love triangle between Cecelia, Rainer and Xander? I can’t wait to see where other readers fall. Team Rainer right here! I appreciate that The Lost God is very much a romance novel just as much as a fantasy story.
The Lost God is a wild ride filled with adventure, love, lust, and magic. Needless to say, it is a fast paced read with enough adventure to span a few books in a mere 485 pages. Once you get to Part 3, just resign to not doing anything except finishing the book. Holy plot twists! I loved the balance of witty banter, steam, adventure and heartfelt romances. I cannot wait to see where rest of the series takes Cecelia, Rainer and Xander.
With that disclaimer out of the way, let me just say, WOW!
The Lost God was my first romantic fantasy novel and I appreciate how easy it is to immerse yourself in Cecelia’s world and the magic system. The world building is fantastical yet simplistic in a good way. I never felt lost trying to keep track of the different countries, their people and customs and other locations and landmarks throughout the novel.
My feminist heart really connected with Cecelia and her struggle for freedom and to rebel against her patriarchal society while also wanting to protect her loved ones and county as a whole. I am excited to see how Cecelia grows and matures as this series continues.
Has the author created the new Team Edward and Team Jacob with the love triangle between Cecelia, Rainer and Xander? I can’t wait to see where other readers fall. Team Rainer right here! I appreciate that The Lost God is very much a romance novel just as much as a fantasy story.
The Lost God is a wild ride filled with adventure, love, lust, and magic. Needless to say, it is a fast paced read with enough adventure to span a few books in a mere 485 pages. Once you get to Part 3, just resign to not doing anything except finishing the book. Holy plot twists! I loved the balance of witty banter, steam, adventure and heartfelt romances. I cannot wait to see where rest of the series takes Cecelia, Rainer and Xander.
April 5, 2023
Omg. Amazing. I am at a loss for words. I’m simultaneously so mad that I finished it, but the story is so compelling I never wanted it to end. I will be thinking about this for WEEKS.
I already can’t wait to read it again
I have so many feelings about this book I cannot accurately convey them. The fact that this is Sheila Masterson’s first book is absolutely baffling because this is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Wow wow wow
100000% recommend!!!!!
I already can’t wait to read it again
I have so many feelings about this book I cannot accurately convey them. The fact that this is Sheila Masterson’s first book is absolutely baffling because this is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Wow wow wow
100000% recommend!!!!!
May 3, 2023
DNF at about 30%. The dialogue between the characters was too juvenile for me. The characters were suppose to be in their 20s but it felt like very young immature relationships. The new love interest Xander kisses the main character, Cece once and then they talk about that one kiss forever. I thought the first chapter started out well and was interesting but as the story progressed it just felt too immature.
November 17, 2024
Cecilia is a memory witch bound to her guardian Rainer since childhood. The pair have grown up together and in recent years come dangerously close to crossing the line that keeps them from being more. Their final adventure together before Cecilia returns to a provincial married life takes a drastic turn when they collide with a hunter. The road to freedom has more obstacles now but Cecilia is determined to take control of her life in any way she can.
The Lost God is a romantasy with a pretty good balance of romance and fantasy, and it’s incredibly fast-paced, so a good option for readers who struggle with drawn out world building and journeys. In saying that, I am always more invested in the fantasy end of a romantasy and the fantasy elements were underwhelming in this book. As mentioned, the plot moves very quickly and the story suffers as a result in my opinion. I love the concept and any fantasy books about old or dead gods impacting the world, so I needed to know more about them. The world was also minimally described and the author really relies on you filling in the gaps yourself.
The romance is a mess, I was just perplexed the entire time I was listening to the audiobook. We have a love triangle HEAVY on insta-love (which admittedly I don’t care for) which again made it feel like the book was taking place over the span of 10 minutes? The whole time I just wanted to say ‘girl be for real’. The author was clearly trying to imply tension but the tension was non-existent. The main relationship didn’t feel organic, but I actually did like the chemistry between the other pair in the triangle. It’s giving Katniss and Gale if Katniss was an idiot. Outside of the romance dynamic, I didn’t like Cecilia as a FMC very much, she just constantly made dumb decisions and failed to put two and two together, it was exhausting. MMC has the charm of a wet sponge. The side characters were the most enjoyable among the cast and did provide some great moments.
Also cringey smut.
Very little about this book worked for me, but I do think if you ready romantasy for the romance and don’t care much for the fantasy elements, AND you enjoy the tropes included you would probably like this book/series. I don’t plan to continue.
The Lost God is a romantasy with a pretty good balance of romance and fantasy, and it’s incredibly fast-paced, so a good option for readers who struggle with drawn out world building and journeys. In saying that, I am always more invested in the fantasy end of a romantasy and the fantasy elements were underwhelming in this book. As mentioned, the plot moves very quickly and the story suffers as a result in my opinion. I love the concept and any fantasy books about old or dead gods impacting the world, so I needed to know more about them. The world was also minimally described and the author really relies on you filling in the gaps yourself.
The romance is a mess, I was just perplexed the entire time I was listening to the audiobook. We have a love triangle HEAVY on insta-love (which admittedly I don’t care for) which again made it feel like the book was taking place over the span of 10 minutes? The whole time I just wanted to say ‘girl be for real’. The author was clearly trying to imply tension but the tension was non-existent. The main relationship didn’t feel organic, but I actually did like the chemistry between the other pair in the triangle. It’s giving Katniss and Gale if Katniss was an idiot. Outside of the romance dynamic, I didn’t like Cecilia as a FMC very much, she just constantly made dumb decisions and failed to put two and two together, it was exhausting. MMC has the charm of a wet sponge. The side characters were the most enjoyable among the cast and did provide some great moments.
Also cringey smut.
Very little about this book worked for me, but I do think if you ready romantasy for the romance and don’t care much for the fantasy elements, AND you enjoy the tropes included you would probably like this book/series. I don’t plan to continue.
April 15, 2023
Guzzled? Inhaled? Mainlined, maybe? I’m not sure what verb I did to this book, or if there’s an existing word with the fervor I want to convey. I finished this book in 36 hours and it only took me that long because I have an obligation to feed, bathe, and keep my child alive.
There is so much tension I had to stop mid-chapter almost constantly to put it down. My husband had to ask me if I was okay because he found me after I finished and I was staring at the wall. (Honestly, I don’t know, I need to think about this for a week.)
Sheila’s writing is beautiful and poetic and so efficient. She makes so much happen in such a small space. By 50%, I had reached the point in the book that I expected to be the ending and somehow it didn’t feel rushed.
Excited for November. Get it, Sheila! 👏
There is so much tension I had to stop mid-chapter almost constantly to put it down. My husband had to ask me if I was okay because he found me after I finished and I was staring at the wall. (Honestly, I don’t know, I need to think about this for a week.)
Sheila’s writing is beautiful and poetic and so efficient. She makes so much happen in such a small space. By 50%, I had reached the point in the book that I expected to be the ending and somehow it didn’t feel rushed.
Excited for November. Get it, Sheila! 👏
May 21, 2024
Prepare to be utterly captivated! Sheila Masterson's debut novel, The Lost God, is a breathtaking rollercoaster of magic, romance, and epic adventures that will leave you spellbound and desperately yearning for more.
🔮 Cecelia, the Memory Witch with a Heart of Gold 🔮
Cecelia isn't just any witch; she’s a Memory Witch burdened with the colossal task of unlocking ancient power. Her journey is one of sacrifice and forbidden love, making every page throb with the weight of her choices. As she navigates through love and duty, I found myself cheering for her, feeling every high and low right alongside her. Cecelia embodies the strength and vulnerability that makes you root for her from the very first page!
💔 A Love Triangle That Will Tear You Apart 💔
Oh, the angst! Sheila Masterson serves up a love triangle so intense, it’s like watching a celestial dance of hearts destined to collide. Between Rainer, her soul-bonded guardian with whom romance is forbidden, and the mysterious and charming hunter, Xander, Cecelia’s heart (and ours!) is pulled in thrilling directions. Each relationship is beautifully fleshed out, filled with tension and passion that feels as inevitable as it is heartbreaking.
🌍 A World Brimming with Magic and Danger 🌍
The world of The Lost God is richly woven with enchanting forests, memory-stealing hunters, and gods meddling in mortal affairs. Masterson crafts each setting with such vivid detail that you can almost smell the magic in the air. It’s a universe where every step forward is a dance with danger, and every bit of lore deepens the intrigue.
🗡️ Epic Quests and High Stakes 🗡️
The stakes couldn’t be higher as Cecelia and her companions venture into enemy lands, their mission fraught with peril. Each twist in their journey feels like a revelation, making it impossible to put the book down. Masterson masterfully escalates the tension, ensuring that the reader is always on the edge of their seat, hungry for what’s next.
🌟 Final Verdict: A Must-Read Fantasy Epic! 🌟
The Lost God is not just a novel; it's an experience. From its robust magic system and heart-wrenching romances to its deep dives into themes of power and sacrifice, Masterson has crafted a world that you can't help but immerse yourself in. The emotional depth, the intricate plot, and the unforgettable characters make this book a standout. It’s a full-spectrum fantasy that manages to pack the punch of a trilogy in a single, powerful volume.
If you’re a fan of fantasy that weaves together magic, adventure, and romance with exquisite skill, then don’t miss out on The Lost God. It’s a journey of magical proportions that promises to enchant, challenge, and touch your heart. Dive in and let Cecelia's story sweep you off to a world where the magic is as real as the emotions it stirs.
Thanks for the ARC!
🔮 Cecelia, the Memory Witch with a Heart of Gold 🔮
Cecelia isn't just any witch; she’s a Memory Witch burdened with the colossal task of unlocking ancient power. Her journey is one of sacrifice and forbidden love, making every page throb with the weight of her choices. As she navigates through love and duty, I found myself cheering for her, feeling every high and low right alongside her. Cecelia embodies the strength and vulnerability that makes you root for her from the very first page!
💔 A Love Triangle That Will Tear You Apart 💔
Oh, the angst! Sheila Masterson serves up a love triangle so intense, it’s like watching a celestial dance of hearts destined to collide. Between Rainer, her soul-bonded guardian with whom romance is forbidden, and the mysterious and charming hunter, Xander, Cecelia’s heart (and ours!) is pulled in thrilling directions. Each relationship is beautifully fleshed out, filled with tension and passion that feels as inevitable as it is heartbreaking.
🌍 A World Brimming with Magic and Danger 🌍
The world of The Lost God is richly woven with enchanting forests, memory-stealing hunters, and gods meddling in mortal affairs. Masterson crafts each setting with such vivid detail that you can almost smell the magic in the air. It’s a universe where every step forward is a dance with danger, and every bit of lore deepens the intrigue.
🗡️ Epic Quests and High Stakes 🗡️
The stakes couldn’t be higher as Cecelia and her companions venture into enemy lands, their mission fraught with peril. Each twist in their journey feels like a revelation, making it impossible to put the book down. Masterson masterfully escalates the tension, ensuring that the reader is always on the edge of their seat, hungry for what’s next.
🌟 Final Verdict: A Must-Read Fantasy Epic! 🌟
The Lost God is not just a novel; it's an experience. From its robust magic system and heart-wrenching romances to its deep dives into themes of power and sacrifice, Masterson has crafted a world that you can't help but immerse yourself in. The emotional depth, the intricate plot, and the unforgettable characters make this book a standout. It’s a full-spectrum fantasy that manages to pack the punch of a trilogy in a single, powerful volume.
If you’re a fan of fantasy that weaves together magic, adventure, and romance with exquisite skill, then don’t miss out on The Lost God. It’s a journey of magical proportions that promises to enchant, challenge, and touch your heart. Dive in and let Cecelia's story sweep you off to a world where the magic is as real as the emotions it stirs.
Thanks for the ARC!
November 23, 2024
This is my first experience of an audiobook and I do have to say the narrator was very good and I found her to be very captivating. The story was easy to listen to and to follow.
I liked how fast paced this book was and that it wasn’t too long either. I felt as though I got to understand the world that I was reading and gained a lot of knowledge on the characters background.
I felt it flowed very nicely and I liked the magic systems in this book. It felt unique. I only gave the book 4 stars because I personally struggle with love triangles in a story, and that was a large premise of the book. That is my personal opinion, and I don’t feel it took away from the quality of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to receive this as an audiobook.
I liked how fast paced this book was and that it wasn’t too long either. I felt as though I got to understand the world that I was reading and gained a lot of knowledge on the characters background.
I felt it flowed very nicely and I liked the magic systems in this book. It felt unique. I only gave the book 4 stars because I personally struggle with love triangles in a story, and that was a large premise of the book. That is my personal opinion, and I don’t feel it took away from the quality of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to receive this as an audiobook.
August 15, 2023
This book had so much potential. When I started it, I was in love. I thought I knew where the story was going and I was so excited. Unfortunately, I was completely wrong in all the worst ways. I didn't even make it halfway before my feelings did a 180 and I forced myself to finish solely because I had already paid for it. It had so many things I hate: insta-love, unnecessary secrets, problems and misunderstandings that could be resolved so easily if the characters just freaking talked to each other, immature characters, awkward and repetitive dialogue, a terrible balance between plot and romance, and a million cliches, including everyone being in love with the FMC. But the worst part was the love triangle. This is the worst one I've ever read. The way Cece acts is so disgustingly selfish and unfair. Xander deserves so much better. And the final "exchange" was ridiculously insensitive and rubbed me the wrong way. Gross and indelicate writing.
March 30, 2023
First things first I received a advanced reader copy of The Lost God in exchange for an honest review.
My general review of this book is that it is a easy and fun read about magic, rivaling kingdoms, and a love triangle. It is fast on the plot line but nothing felt left out and it’s easy to keep track of everything going on. The love triangle most of the time had me going back and forth on wether I like Rainer more or Xander more. But all and all Cecelia is the star of the show here. She spends more than half the book being very strong and hard headed but I do feel like the weight of the situations she has to deal with have made her a little whinny which is understandable. I do hope that she does get more of her attitude back in the next book. This book isn’t very high on the spicy level probably a 2/5🌶️. All and all I am looking forward to reading the second book!
My general review of this book is that it is a easy and fun read about magic, rivaling kingdoms, and a love triangle. It is fast on the plot line but nothing felt left out and it’s easy to keep track of everything going on. The love triangle most of the time had me going back and forth on wether I like Rainer more or Xander more. But all and all Cecelia is the star of the show here. She spends more than half the book being very strong and hard headed but I do feel like the weight of the situations she has to deal with have made her a little whinny which is understandable. I do hope that she does get more of her attitude back in the next book. This book isn’t very high on the spicy level probably a 2/5🌶️. All and all I am looking forward to reading the second book!
April 9, 2023
Thanks to the author for an early reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
I really enjoyed this!!! I was hooked from the beginning and the plot was exciting and engaging throughout. There were a lot of twists and turns that I didn’t see coming (and a few I guessed). I really loved Cece and there is a love triangle but I was okay with it, even though that’s usually a trope I despise.
I did feel like the pacing was a little off throughout parts of the book. A chapter would end and the next chapter would start at a totally different place and then recap some stuff and I wasn’t a fan of that…felt a little tell not show. The romance and some of the plot points also moved very fast! Some of it was a little too fast for me, but it all mostly made sense for the story.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next one in November!
I really enjoyed this!!! I was hooked from the beginning and the plot was exciting and engaging throughout. There were a lot of twists and turns that I didn’t see coming (and a few I guessed). I really loved Cece and there is a love triangle but I was okay with it, even though that’s usually a trope I despise.
I did feel like the pacing was a little off throughout parts of the book. A chapter would end and the next chapter would start at a totally different place and then recap some stuff and I wasn’t a fan of that…felt a little tell not show. The romance and some of the plot points also moved very fast! Some of it was a little too fast for me, but it all mostly made sense for the story.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next one in November!
May 15, 2023
“… she realized that true intimacy, like all magic, required an exchange. She couldn’t access the full breadth of it if she wasn’t willing to sacrifice her pride and be vulnerable”
I loved and completely devoured this book in 3 days. The Lost God follows memory witch Cecelia and her bonded guardian Rainer as they work to complete a magical gauntlet to release the power of a lost god to help save their kingdom from an impending war. The novel taps into themes of reclaiming agency in life, desire, love, and grief in painfully relatable ways.
I absolutely loved the writing and world building, immediately feeling so familiar and comfortable in Cece’s mind and the universe of this novel. I cannot wait for book 2!
I loved and completely devoured this book in 3 days. The Lost God follows memory witch Cecelia and her bonded guardian Rainer as they work to complete a magical gauntlet to release the power of a lost god to help save their kingdom from an impending war. The novel taps into themes of reclaiming agency in life, desire, love, and grief in painfully relatable ways.
I absolutely loved the writing and world building, immediately feeling so familiar and comfortable in Cece’s mind and the universe of this novel. I cannot wait for book 2!
May 1, 2023
DNF at 30%
This felt like a first draft of something that had the potential of being interesting. The dialogues felt awkward due to the little context the author provides in setting the scene or describing the characters' reactions. The interactions were unrealistic or, at the very least, the most immature I have read in a while. And the love interests were among the cringiest I have encountered.
The only saving grace in the book could have been the magic system and the world-building... but the saving grace wasn't saving any graces either.
Big, HUGE miss for me.
This felt like a first draft of something that had the potential of being interesting. The dialogues felt awkward due to the little context the author provides in setting the scene or describing the characters' reactions. The interactions were unrealistic or, at the very least, the most immature I have read in a while. And the love interests were among the cringiest I have encountered.
The only saving grace in the book could have been the magic system and the world-building... but the saving grace wasn't saving any graces either.
Big, HUGE miss for me.
May 18, 2023
This book had me in a chokehold and also put me through the ringer emotionally. It had some of my favorite elements of fantasy (a cool system of magic, complex plot and characters) as well as some of the best tropes (one horse, soul bonds, love triangles) and exciting plot twists. A lot was fit into this book, and I especially appreciate not having to read about another 19 year old FMC (why are they always 19??) or having to slog through a 600-700 page book. This was a fantastic debut novel, and I can't wait to see what else we get from Sheila.
May 21, 2023
I looooooved it!! I was so into it I had no shame that I was crying and verbally reacting on the train. The romance was perfect and every decision Cece made and every thought she had, I was like, “This is so relatable.” I love every character and I need to know everything else about their story immediately.
April 1, 2025
3.5 ☆
this book has me rethinking my stance on love triangles. Normally I’m not one for them, but the premise of this sounded too good not to give it a chance. I’m glad I did! the tension between Cecilia and her two love interests was soooo good on both sides. At first, I genuinely couldn’t pick a favorite 🤭 eventually a front runner popped up for me though as we got to know them each more. The characters were so intriguing and had a rich history that I’m so curious to explore as the series goes on.
this story was action packed, full of an interesting magic system, and really well established world building especially for a first book. secrets and gods and mystery abound, keeping me on the edge of my seat. The narrator was also PHENOMENAL.
I do think this could have ended a little sooner than it did, with the ending of this book inserted into book 2 instead for a more intense impact, but that’s just be personal preference lol. Towards the end it felt mildly repetitive with the tension between our trio. I’ll definitely be checking out the rest of this series to see what our beloved Cece gets up to!
Thank you to Dreamscape and NetGalley for the ALC!
this book has me rethinking my stance on love triangles. Normally I’m not one for them, but the premise of this sounded too good not to give it a chance. I’m glad I did! the tension between Cecilia and her two love interests was soooo good on both sides. At first, I genuinely couldn’t pick a favorite 🤭 eventually a front runner popped up for me though as we got to know them each more. The characters were so intriguing and had a rich history that I’m so curious to explore as the series goes on.
this story was action packed, full of an interesting magic system, and really well established world building especially for a first book. secrets and gods and mystery abound, keeping me on the edge of my seat. The narrator was also PHENOMENAL.
I do think this could have ended a little sooner than it did, with the ending of this book inserted into book 2 instead for a more intense impact, but that’s just be personal preference lol. Towards the end it felt mildly repetitive with the tension between our trio. I’ll definitely be checking out the rest of this series to see what our beloved Cece gets up to!
Thank you to Dreamscape and NetGalley for the ALC!
November 21, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝑾𝒊𝒔𝒅𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒐 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒅. 𝑴𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔, 𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏. 𝑴𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒅𝒐𝒎.
Oh my goodness I LOVED this book. The lore, the meddling gods, the magic system. It was all fascinating and hooked me immediately. I was so interested in the bonded witches and guardians and was immediately curious how it was going to play into the romance of this book.
This is a very romance heavy plot and I was into it. This book has a love triangle and I was initially a little concerned because love triangle is not my favorite, but this was done so well.
Cecelia is a fantastic FMC. She has the weight of the world on her shoulders and that pressure only increases throughout the book. I felt for her with every new twist and I loved her growth in this book. She has a difficult choice to make when it comes to her love life and I'm fully invested in the outcome.
I'm not usually a fan of friends to lovers in romantasy but I was so interested in the bond with Rainer and how it would affect any other romantic pairing. The connection Rain and Cece have is so sweet and it's honestly really hard to root against them. But Rain is also a bit infuriating in parts of the book so it made it hard to root FOR them as well. They are in a very tricky situation.
Xander brings the spice very early in this book and I was loving it. I'm a sucker for a nickname so I was swooning real hard. His relationship with Cece is hot and heavy, but it also heats up really fast and it made me a bit anxious. He's got that possessive MMC thing going and definitely has some secrets so I'm curious how things will play out.
I am fully invested in where this story is going and I will be reading The Memory Curse very very soon.
𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒔, 𝒂 𝒃𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝒂 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒈𝒖𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒚... 𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒓𝒖𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏.
UPDATE for Audiobook reread!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Audiobook ALC Review
Narration: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Difficultly: 🏹🏹
Narrated by:
Caitlin Kelly
Will Damron
Tim Campbell
It is no secret that this series has become my all time favorite fantasy series. Rarely does a day go by that I don't think about some aspect of this series. So when I heard that they were getting audiobooks I was ecstatic. And then to learn that the series got not 1 or 2, but FOUR narrators! I couldn't be more excited.
This book is, for almost its entirety, narrated by Caitlin Kelly, and she does an absolutely remarkable job. She captures Cecelia's big feelings and unending hopefulness with so much raw emotion. There were parts of this book that, while already emotional, were made so much more viscerally real due to Caitlin's performance. I truly could not have imagined a better Cece. She also did a fantastic job giving each of the other characters their own voice. It's truly so well done.
Just for clarity for those who haven't read the series before, The Lost God (book 1) is single point of view, with a small multi POV epilogue. So while there are 3 narrators listed, Will Damron and Tim Campbell only narrate a small portion each at the very end of the book.
But that's only true of this book. The series shifts to multi point of view with 3 POVs in book 2. So while we only get a small taste of Will and Tim's truly delicious voices in this installment, have no fear, they will be back with much bigger parts in the next book. (And then we will get a fourth narrator in books 3&4!) And please know that my reaction to Will Damron's voice at the end was low-key embarrassing. 😂😮💨
Overall, I absolutely LOVED this audiobook and I think it is a great way to read or reread this series!
The Lost God audiobook releases tomorrow, November 19th!!!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝑾𝒊𝒔𝒅𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒐 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒅. 𝑴𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔, 𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏. 𝑴𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒅𝒐𝒎.
Oh my goodness I LOVED this book. The lore, the meddling gods, the magic system. It was all fascinating and hooked me immediately. I was so interested in the bonded witches and guardians and was immediately curious how it was going to play into the romance of this book.
This is a very romance heavy plot and I was into it. This book has a love triangle and I was initially a little concerned because love triangle is not my favorite, but this was done so well.
Cecelia is a fantastic FMC. She has the weight of the world on her shoulders and that pressure only increases throughout the book. I felt for her with every new twist and I loved her growth in this book. She has a difficult choice to make when it comes to her love life and I'm fully invested in the outcome.
I'm not usually a fan of friends to lovers in romantasy but I was so interested in the bond with Rainer and how it would affect any other romantic pairing. The connection Rain and Cece have is so sweet and it's honestly really hard to root against them. But Rain is also a bit infuriating in parts of the book so it made it hard to root FOR them as well. They are in a very tricky situation.
Xander brings the spice very early in this book and I was loving it. I'm a sucker for a nickname so I was swooning real hard. His relationship with Cece is hot and heavy, but it also heats up really fast and it made me a bit anxious. He's got that possessive MMC thing going and definitely has some secrets so I'm curious how things will play out.
I am fully invested in where this story is going and I will be reading The Memory Curse very very soon.
𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒔, 𝒂 𝒃𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝒂 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒈𝒖𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒚... 𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒓𝒖𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏.
UPDATE for Audiobook reread!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Audiobook ALC Review
Narration: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Difficultly: 🏹🏹
Narrated by:
Caitlin Kelly
Will Damron
Tim Campbell
It is no secret that this series has become my all time favorite fantasy series. Rarely does a day go by that I don't think about some aspect of this series. So when I heard that they were getting audiobooks I was ecstatic. And then to learn that the series got not 1 or 2, but FOUR narrators! I couldn't be more excited.
This book is, for almost its entirety, narrated by Caitlin Kelly, and she does an absolutely remarkable job. She captures Cecelia's big feelings and unending hopefulness with so much raw emotion. There were parts of this book that, while already emotional, were made so much more viscerally real due to Caitlin's performance. I truly could not have imagined a better Cece. She also did a fantastic job giving each of the other characters their own voice. It's truly so well done.
Just for clarity for those who haven't read the series before, The Lost God (book 1) is single point of view, with a small multi POV epilogue. So while there are 3 narrators listed, Will Damron and Tim Campbell only narrate a small portion each at the very end of the book.
But that's only true of this book. The series shifts to multi point of view with 3 POVs in book 2. So while we only get a small taste of Will and Tim's truly delicious voices in this installment, have no fear, they will be back with much bigger parts in the next book. (And then we will get a fourth narrator in books 3&4!) And please know that my reaction to Will Damron's voice at the end was low-key embarrassing. 😂😮💨
Overall, I absolutely LOVED this audiobook and I think it is a great way to read or reread this series!
The Lost God audiobook releases tomorrow, November 19th!!!
May 25, 2023
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in return for my review. I binge read this in a day and a half. It was easy to read and I was eager to know what would happen next in the plot.
Overall, the Lost God has a lot of things that I really enjoy in fantasy romance:
✔️ Good Pacing - while there were some conversations (internal and external) that repeated a little too much for my liking, I felt like I got a lot of plot for a 485 page book. With other series, I feel like I'm reading 600+ pages of traveling (looking at you From Blood and Ash, A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire, The Crown of Gilded Bones), but a lot happened in The Lost God in a relatively short reading time.
✔️ Romantic Tension - unrequited love, forbidden love, romance triangles...this book has it!
✔️ Indie Published Book with Few (if any) Typos/Grammatical Errors/Anachronystic Word Choice - I know I'm a diva for this, but it's really important to me. The Lost God had a few word choices that didn't quite fit with the fantasy vibe, but they were few and far between--this allowed me to stay engaged in the world and the story.
Some things that I didn't really like:
▪️ Book Whiplash - the downside to the fast pacing is that there were a few times when I got whiplash while reading (e.g. people will die and the MCs take zero seconds to process it before having to do something else! Absolutely wild that everyone just keeps going on doing what they need to do). It made it hard for me to see the full consequences of the plot and how major events impcted the characters.
▪️ Characters Not Listening to Each Other/Misunderstanding Troupe - this is probably more of a "me" thing because misunderstandings are my least favorite troupe, but there were a few conflicts/issues that could have been solved if characters had one honest conversation with each other and I found myself yelling at them a few times.
Full review with spoilers coming after the book is published.
Overall, the Lost God has a lot of things that I really enjoy in fantasy romance:
✔️ Good Pacing - while there were some conversations (internal and external) that repeated a little too much for my liking, I felt like I got a lot of plot for a 485 page book. With other series, I feel like I'm reading 600+ pages of traveling (looking at you From Blood and Ash, A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire, The Crown of Gilded Bones), but a lot happened in The Lost God in a relatively short reading time.
✔️ Romantic Tension - unrequited love, forbidden love, romance triangles...this book has it!
✔️ Indie Published Book with Few (if any) Typos/Grammatical Errors/Anachronystic Word Choice - I know I'm a diva for this, but it's really important to me. The Lost God had a few word choices that didn't quite fit with the fantasy vibe, but they were few and far between--this allowed me to stay engaged in the world and the story.
Some things that I didn't really like:
▪️ Book Whiplash - the downside to the fast pacing is that there were a few times when I got whiplash while reading (e.g. people will die and the MCs take zero seconds to process it before having to do something else! Absolutely wild that everyone just keeps going on doing what they need to do). It made it hard for me to see the full consequences of the plot and how major events impcted the characters.
▪️ Characters Not Listening to Each Other/Misunderstanding Troupe - this is probably more of a "me" thing because misunderstandings are my least favorite troupe, but there were a few conflicts/issues that could have been solved if characters had one honest conversation with each other and I found myself yelling at them a few times.
Full review with spoilers coming after the book is published.
January 14, 2024
Are you looking to be obsessed with a divine love triangle? Keep scrolling 👇🏼
Cecilia is a powerful memory witch that has trained for 16 years to complete the Gauntlet, a series of dangerous magical trials to release the magic back to her people. Her dutiful bonded Guardian Rainer is sworn to protect her from danger but nothing could prepare them for the danger of their longing hearts.
With imminent threat of war, Cece and Rainer are sent to complete the Gauntlet earlier than expected but are intercepted by the enemy. With assistance from Xander, the mysterious and roguish Hunter, they escape and the course of their relationships are irrevocably altered...
Tropes/themes:
🍋 Feminist FMC
🍋 Magic bonds
🍋 Forbidden romance
🍋 Love triangle
🍋 One horse
🍋 Masquerade ball
🍋 Hidden identities
🍋 Grief
🍋 Found family
🌶️: moderate
"Goddess, I will always make time to flirt with you”
“There has never been a moment when I wasn't breathless with love for you. I was made to love you, Cece”
To say I loved this book is an understatement because I’m pretty 𝐨𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝. Sheila’s words brought this unique story and characters to life. Reading The Lost God was an immersive experience, down to the scent of the land, the taste of the lemon cakes, and the heart flutters.
My heart was not prepared to fall in love with every character in this love triangle (especially Cece!). One man represents her comfort and refuge but seemingly could never be her future. The other represents freedom to be herself, to choose what she wants, and to dare to hope.
While the story focuses on the relationships, greater dangers loom that threaten the land. Cece must face the dangers and the shocking revelations and betrayals. For the sacrifices demanded of her, Cece must reconcile her duty with her heart…
With exquisite banter, masterful tension, and irresistible romance, The Lost God will leave your mind reeling and heart aching for more! I am so excited to dive into The Memory Curse (out now) and The Storm King, coming March 13!
Cecilia is a powerful memory witch that has trained for 16 years to complete the Gauntlet, a series of dangerous magical trials to release the magic back to her people. Her dutiful bonded Guardian Rainer is sworn to protect her from danger but nothing could prepare them for the danger of their longing hearts.
With imminent threat of war, Cece and Rainer are sent to complete the Gauntlet earlier than expected but are intercepted by the enemy. With assistance from Xander, the mysterious and roguish Hunter, they escape and the course of their relationships are irrevocably altered...
Tropes/themes:
🍋 Feminist FMC
🍋 Magic bonds
🍋 Forbidden romance
🍋 Love triangle
🍋 One horse
🍋 Masquerade ball
🍋 Hidden identities
🍋 Grief
🍋 Found family
🌶️: moderate
"Goddess, I will always make time to flirt with you”
“There has never been a moment when I wasn't breathless with love for you. I was made to love you, Cece”
To say I loved this book is an understatement because I’m pretty 𝐨𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝. Sheila’s words brought this unique story and characters to life. Reading The Lost God was an immersive experience, down to the scent of the land, the taste of the lemon cakes, and the heart flutters.
My heart was not prepared to fall in love with every character in this love triangle (especially Cece!). One man represents her comfort and refuge but seemingly could never be her future. The other represents freedom to be herself, to choose what she wants, and to dare to hope.
While the story focuses on the relationships, greater dangers loom that threaten the land. Cece must face the dangers and the shocking revelations and betrayals. For the sacrifices demanded of her, Cece must reconcile her duty with her heart…
With exquisite banter, masterful tension, and irresistible romance, The Lost God will leave your mind reeling and heart aching for more! I am so excited to dive into The Memory Curse (out now) and The Storm King, coming March 13!
April 9, 2023
thanks to the author for supplying an arc in exchange for a review!
this book was so engaging I had a really hard time putting it down, especially in the first half. with debut authors I'm always iffy about writing, but this book was super well written and well thought out. its also a fantasy romance, especially heavy on the romance. if that's the kind of book you like id HIGHLY recommend this.
cece was an awesome and strong FMC, and I loved seeing her hopes and aspirations and how she pushed back against everything society tried to decide for her. she was easy to love and root for which made the series really enjoyable.
the beginning of this book had a really strong start and set up. while the rest of the book was good, I think the first 40% of this book was particularly great. this book has some pacing issues that make it feel insta-lovey, and for me that kind of took me out of the book. some of the things the characters were saying to each other would have been fine had they not known each other only a short amount of time? I know Xander said he was observing Cece for a while, but everything about their falling in love felt a bit rushed. I would have loved to have seen them falling in love take up a much bigger chunk of this book, as it would have made everything that came after it work a lot better. also it kinda felt like all Xander wanted to do was fuck her? I liked him a lot in the beginning but then as the story progressed I got the ick and then just started disliking him, even though I think the book wanted me to like him.
Rainer was really sweet and lovely and no spoilers but I am team Rainer (team cece first and always, but if I had to pick between him and Xander it's him)
I would really like to see more women in this series in the next books. there was so many men around her all the time, it would have been cool to see more prominent women characters. but yeah I'm super excited to read the next books and see how the journey continues.
this book was so engaging I had a really hard time putting it down, especially in the first half. with debut authors I'm always iffy about writing, but this book was super well written and well thought out. its also a fantasy romance, especially heavy on the romance. if that's the kind of book you like id HIGHLY recommend this.
cece was an awesome and strong FMC, and I loved seeing her hopes and aspirations and how she pushed back against everything society tried to decide for her. she was easy to love and root for which made the series really enjoyable.
the beginning of this book had a really strong start and set up. while the rest of the book was good, I think the first 40% of this book was particularly great. this book has some pacing issues that make it feel insta-lovey, and for me that kind of took me out of the book. some of the things the characters were saying to each other would have been fine had they not known each other only a short amount of time? I know Xander said he was observing Cece for a while, but everything about their falling in love felt a bit rushed. I would have loved to have seen them falling in love take up a much bigger chunk of this book, as it would have made everything that came after it work a lot better. also it kinda felt like all Xander wanted to do was fuck her? I liked him a lot in the beginning but then as the story progressed I got the ick and then just started disliking him, even though I think the book wanted me to like him.
Rainer was really sweet and lovely and no spoilers but I am team Rainer (team cece first and always, but if I had to pick between him and Xander it's him)
I would really like to see more women in this series in the next books. there was so many men around her all the time, it would have been cool to see more prominent women characters. but yeah I'm super excited to read the next books and see how the journey continues.
May 26, 2023
What a ride!
The Lost God is a an amazing debut from Sheila Masterson with a fully realized world and well-drawn characters. Cece, our Memory Witch and protagonist, occupies a familiar space of being part of a community that heavily relies on her, but also keeps her at a distance due to her powers and otherness. Fortunately she has a few close companions, including Rainer, her Guardian. Rainer is tasked not just with protecting Cece but is truly integral to her mental and emotional health. The bond they share is particularly unique as details of their tether morph throughout the book. Both their connection and Cece's memory magic were very cool to see and felt specific to this story. And then throw in a love interest who is pretty intense (iykyk) and a bunch of secrets revealed and the book really moves.
The pacing is excellent and consistent throughout. The scope of the magic seems to expand as the book goes on, but the core components of Cece's particular skillset are clear from the start. This story moves in space as well and from the chill in the air or crisping of the leaves, you can feel the world being created around you in a way that feels lived in, plus there's a handy map!
Excited to continue this journey with our core characters and inevitably meet a few more along the way. Definitely give this a read if you're a fan of witchery, fantasy, Pensieve-style memory vibes, YA, romance (the spice in this one is definitely there, but tempered by the author's ability to show us just enough), or a good quest.
The Lost God is a an amazing debut from Sheila Masterson with a fully realized world and well-drawn characters. Cece, our Memory Witch and protagonist, occupies a familiar space of being part of a community that heavily relies on her, but also keeps her at a distance due to her powers and otherness. Fortunately she has a few close companions, including Rainer, her Guardian. Rainer is tasked not just with protecting Cece but is truly integral to her mental and emotional health. The bond they share is particularly unique as details of their tether morph throughout the book. Both their connection and Cece's memory magic were very cool to see and felt specific to this story. And then throw in a love interest who is pretty intense (iykyk) and a bunch of secrets revealed and the book really moves.
The pacing is excellent and consistent throughout. The scope of the magic seems to expand as the book goes on, but the core components of Cece's particular skillset are clear from the start. This story moves in space as well and from the chill in the air or crisping of the leaves, you can feel the world being created around you in a way that feels lived in, plus there's a handy map!
Excited to continue this journey with our core characters and inevitably meet a few more along the way. Definitely give this a read if you're a fan of witchery, fantasy, Pensieve-style memory vibes, YA, romance (the spice in this one is definitely there, but tempered by the author's ability to show us just enough), or a good quest.
April 12, 2023
This was a nicely woven story. One of the things I love the most is when the world, characters, and events are described in great detail. It makes the images in my mind clear and enhances the experience of the book for me. It’s like watching a little movie in your mind.
The world was beautiful, the character relationships and dialogue were believable and likable, some moments more than others. I loved Cece’s story and mission, the way her past and present were woven together within the story was done very well. I like that it has a fast pace to it. There wasn’t any time to get bored with the story.
If you like your stories moving quickly, full of spice, adventure, romance and fantasy then I would suggest this one. There’s a love triangle, a soul bond, there’s twists and turns in the story that keep you guessing, and it’s definitely got the spice.
The world was beautiful, the character relationships and dialogue were believable and likable, some moments more than others. I loved Cece’s story and mission, the way her past and present were woven together within the story was done very well. I like that it has a fast pace to it. There wasn’t any time to get bored with the story.
If you like your stories moving quickly, full of spice, adventure, romance and fantasy then I would suggest this one. There’s a love triangle, a soul bond, there’s twists and turns in the story that keep you guessing, and it’s definitely got the spice.
March 26, 2023
The lore for this series is really interesting! I think this will be a really enjoyable read for fantasy lovers. The magic system is really simple to understand, the world building is fantastical yet also realistic enough that it’s easy to immerse yourself in. I really liked the way Cecilia was able to engage with the spirits around her.
Out of the two potential love interests, I definitely preferred Rainer. BUT I’ve gotta say they both annoyed me too much 😆. Therefore I’m Team Cecilia all the way.
I do think a lot could have been taken out of the book to make it shorter. The dialogue, particularly Xander’s, was at times a little too unrealistic and cringey.
Out of the two potential love interests, I definitely preferred Rainer. BUT I’ve gotta say they both annoyed me too much 😆. Therefore I’m Team Cecilia all the way.
I do think a lot could have been taken out of the book to make it shorter. The dialogue, particularly Xander’s, was at times a little too unrealistic and cringey.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 355 reviews