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Fallen Gods #1
Fallen Gods
The legends of the past are never truly dead and buried . . .
Liv Olson has been drawn to Norse Mythology her entire life. After earning her degree and working as a curator at one of New York’s most prestigious museums, she gets an unexpected offer for her dream job in Norway - the same place her brother disappeared months ago – after a cryptic message about finding their long-lost father.
She finds herself surrounded by superstitious townspeople who refuse to even look at the water. Liv soon realizes that the small town of Vonn is nothing like it seems. Shops close before dark, and things she’s only read about seem to suddenly exist. To top it off , her new boss, Tristan, is insultingly mean and engagingly beautiful – and, as part of the job, she must live with him in his mansion.
As her life quickly unravels into chaos, she’s left wondering who’s pulling the strings in this mysterious place where nothing makes sense, yet everything feels familiar.
Her studies have always told her the gods are who you trust. But what happens when the man who’s destined to kill you – is your savior?
Liv Olson has been drawn to Norse Mythology her entire life. After earning her degree and working as a curator at one of New York’s most prestigious museums, she gets an unexpected offer for her dream job in Norway - the same place her brother disappeared months ago – after a cryptic message about finding their long-lost father.
She finds herself surrounded by superstitious townspeople who refuse to even look at the water. Liv soon realizes that the small town of Vonn is nothing like it seems. Shops close before dark, and things she’s only read about seem to suddenly exist. To top it off , her new boss, Tristan, is insultingly mean and engagingly beautiful – and, as part of the job, she must live with him in his mansion.
As her life quickly unravels into chaos, she’s left wondering who’s pulling the strings in this mysterious place where nothing makes sense, yet everything feels familiar.
Her studies have always told her the gods are who you trust. But what happens when the man who’s destined to kill you – is your savior?
465 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2025
1729 people are currently reading
43060 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Van Dyken
177 books18.5k followersRachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of mafia and contemporary romances.
Hey guys I'm rarely on Goodreads, if you need to reach me feel free to email!
EMAIL ME: rachelvandykenauthor@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-...
Hey guys I'm rarely on Goodreads, if you need to reach me feel free to email!
EMAIL ME: rachelvandykenauthor@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 634 reviews
December 6, 2025
Was this book all over the place? Yes, but was it entertaining asf? Absolutely.
This book is definitely a mixed bag in the best, most chaotic way. I would totally understand why some will enjoy it and why others would not lol but despite its flaws, I couldn’t help but enjoy the ride.
The world/plot:
So freaking unique. This being urban romance was the first tick and then it revolving around Norse mythology?? Ring me innnn.
RVD’s take on it was so addictive. Like Odin being the villain? Thor dead? And SHE is Thor’s sister??? Inject it straight into my veins.
Gods and Giants, academy setting, a pinch of mafia (that’s not romanticised!) and unique powers and lore for days. I inhaled it. I was constantly thinking of this book when I was busy and counting down the minutes until I get back to reading.
The plot twists in the last 15% had me screaming lmao. It was one after the other I was getting whiplash and I loved every second.
The characters:
Rey - adore her. Her inner monologue is so entertaining lmao. I think if we had a little more insight of her background separate from her father that focused a bit more on her powers I would’ve been a lot happier.
Her emotions are all over the place, but honestly? I didn’t care. I had fun with her POV.
Aric - chaotic asf but it makes sense once you understand why. His personality is very cliche but I ate it up idc idccccc.
LOVE his powers. I adoreeee the fact that he has a range of abilities. No shadow wielding here thank god 🙏
The writing:
The inner monologues were solid but it was the dialogues that I was iffy about. It needs a little work to rlly flow properly.
The pacing is rlly fast which helps but also hinders at the same time. I think maybe things happened way too quickly to rlly cement the romance but was the perfect decision for the plot.
Also, disclaimer: if you don’t like seeing modern phrases/slang used in ur fantasy reads then this is nottt the one for u.
Overall, despite its chaos, Fallen Gods was an absolute blast 🙂↕️🙂↕️
This book is definitely a mixed bag in the best, most chaotic way. I would totally understand why some will enjoy it and why others would not lol but despite its flaws, I couldn’t help but enjoy the ride.
The world/plot:
So freaking unique. This being urban romance was the first tick and then it revolving around Norse mythology?? Ring me innnn.
RVD’s take on it was so addictive. Like Odin being the villain? Thor dead? And SHE is Thor’s sister??? Inject it straight into my veins.
Gods and Giants, academy setting, a pinch of mafia (that’s not romanticised!) and unique powers and lore for days. I inhaled it. I was constantly thinking of this book when I was busy and counting down the minutes until I get back to reading.
The plot twists in the last 15% had me screaming lmao. It was one after the other I was getting whiplash and I loved every second.
The characters:
Rey - adore her. Her inner monologue is so entertaining lmao. I think if we had a little more insight of her background separate from her father that focused a bit more on her powers I would’ve been a lot happier.
Her emotions are all over the place, but honestly? I didn’t care. I had fun with her POV.
Aric - chaotic asf but it makes sense once you understand why. His personality is very cliche but I ate it up idc idccccc.
LOVE his powers. I adoreeee the fact that he has a range of abilities. No shadow wielding here thank god 🙏
The writing:
The inner monologues were solid but it was the dialogues that I was iffy about. It needs a little work to rlly flow properly.
The pacing is rlly fast which helps but also hinders at the same time. I think maybe things happened way too quickly to rlly cement the romance but was the perfect decision for the plot.
Also, disclaimer: if you don’t like seeing modern phrases/slang used in ur fantasy reads then this is nottt the one for u.
Overall, despite its chaos, Fallen Gods was an absolute blast 🙂↕️🙂↕️
January 8, 2026
4.5 🌟 rounded up
Urban fantasy + Norse mythology + dark academia + romantasy??? I ATE. THIS. UP.
This was so binge-worthy and action packed! There were so many elements that had me fully obsessed 👏🏼
Rey being Odin’s daughter and Aric being a Frost Giant? Sworn enemies forced into a truce?? Their banter was absolutely chefs kiss. The way they look at each other like they want to fight and take each others clothes off… peak cinema 🔥
.𖥔 ݁ ˖“𝙒𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙧𝙪𝙣 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙚, 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙚𝙣𝙙? 𝙆𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙣?”
And the magic system? I was LIVING. Rune‑based abilities, ice powers, emotional manipulation. So unique and so cool ❄️💙
˗ˋˏ 𝙾𝚍𝚒𝚗, 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚛, 𝙻𝚘𝚔𝚒 𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚍 ˎˊ-
I absolutely devoured this and am sat waiting for book 2 ✨👀
📜⚡“𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑴𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒂𝒕, 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒍𝒆𝒆𝒑. 𝑴𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏’𝒕. 𝑰𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒕𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇.”
Urban fantasy + Norse mythology + dark academia + romantasy??? I ATE. THIS. UP.
This was so binge-worthy and action packed! There were so many elements that had me fully obsessed 👏🏼
Rey being Odin’s daughter and Aric being a Frost Giant? Sworn enemies forced into a truce?? Their banter was absolutely chefs kiss. The way they look at each other like they want to fight and take each others clothes off… peak cinema 🔥
.𖥔 ݁ ˖“𝙒𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙧𝙪𝙣 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙚, 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙚𝙣𝙙? 𝙆𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙣?”
And the magic system? I was LIVING. Rune‑based abilities, ice powers, emotional manipulation. So unique and so cool ❄️💙
˗ˋˏ 𝙾𝚍𝚒𝚗, 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚛, 𝙻𝚘𝚔𝚒 𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚍 ˎˊ-
I absolutely devoured this and am sat waiting for book 2 ✨👀
📜⚡“𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑴𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒂𝒕, 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒍𝒆𝒆𝒑. 𝑴𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏’𝒕. 𝑰𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒆 𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒕𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇.”
Want to read
August 26, 2024The premise seems right up my street, but Red Tower books being the publisher kinda puts me off preordering. Fingers crossed that this one is better than the others that have come out recently.
Read
December 3, 2025Let’s see if this book was actually worth the wait…
—
Main character is freshly 18 so not at all in my genre. I spent a lot of the time asking “wtf is happening” and whispering “I don’t understand” every other page. If you don’t know much Norse mythology, this book will greatly confuse you. Seemed like it was going to be more high fantasy, but it ended up coming off as more basic, urban fantasy. Nothing wrong with it. Could be a very easy read for some, or a confusing one for others. At this point, I still don’t have a star rating. I’m trying to digest.
—
Convinced we are NEVER getting this book. I’ve been waiting for nearly 2 years for this shit. In just the last month, the release date has changed 3 different times. From July to August, to now- December 2, 2025???(showing on apple book app and kindle). Like sis, if you don’t know when you’re releasing something, don’t put a damn release date.
—
Main character is freshly 18 so not at all in my genre. I spent a lot of the time asking “wtf is happening” and whispering “I don’t understand” every other page. If you don’t know much Norse mythology, this book will greatly confuse you. Seemed like it was going to be more high fantasy, but it ended up coming off as more basic, urban fantasy. Nothing wrong with it. Could be a very easy read for some, or a confusing one for others. At this point, I still don’t have a star rating. I’m trying to digest.
—
Convinced we are NEVER getting this book. I’ve been waiting for nearly 2 years for this shit. In just the last month, the release date has changed 3 different times. From July to August, to now- December 2, 2025???(showing on apple book app and kindle). Like sis, if you don’t know when you’re releasing something, don’t put a damn release date.
November 5, 2025
In a world where Norse myths walk among mortals, the daughter of Odin is forced to attend Endir University in order to wake a sleeping Giant (the enemy in the war between gods and giants) and find Thor’s hammer in one week, otherwise her cruel mobster father will kill her step-mother, regardless that she’s his wife.
This is a turn-your-brain-off, cheesy, modern urban romantasy. Expect modern slang, a very American college experience, and an enemies-to-lovers plot line that balances insta-lust.
Rey is headstrong, stubborn, and caring. Aric is the same, but also frosty. This had great banter, but honestly? I was more interested in Aric’s brother.
This is a dual perspective, both in first person. This can make it frustrating when you, as a reader, are screaming the obvious and the characters seem oblivious despite the blaring signs. However, it makes you want to speed through the book to discover the climax and fallout.
Despite both characters supposedly being incredibly smart and manipulative, I guessed the reveals within the first half whilst they were left scrambling. I must point out that I have read many Norse-inspired books at this point and can see the signs.
This was easily bingeable and hit all the boxes for modern urban fantasy with tension and on-your-toes banter. It is an especially unique one that combines Norse mythology.
I think this will appeal to fans of City of Gods and Monsters.
Arc gifted by Tor.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
This is a turn-your-brain-off, cheesy, modern urban romantasy. Expect modern slang, a very American college experience, and an enemies-to-lovers plot line that balances insta-lust.
Rey is headstrong, stubborn, and caring. Aric is the same, but also frosty. This had great banter, but honestly? I was more interested in Aric’s brother.
This is a dual perspective, both in first person. This can make it frustrating when you, as a reader, are screaming the obvious and the characters seem oblivious despite the blaring signs. However, it makes you want to speed through the book to discover the climax and fallout.
Despite both characters supposedly being incredibly smart and manipulative, I guessed the reveals within the first half whilst they were left scrambling. I must point out that I have read many Norse-inspired books at this point and can see the signs.
This was easily bingeable and hit all the boxes for modern urban fantasy with tension and on-your-toes banter. It is an especially unique one that combines Norse mythology.
I think this will appeal to fans of City of Gods and Monsters.
Arc gifted by Tor.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
December 8, 2025
Absolutely horrendous.
These Red Tower Books is certainly a hit or miss, when they announced the imprint and started out so strong with Forth Wing, it made me look forward to all their upcoming releases. But some of these books probably should’ve made a couple more rounds on the editing table.
Seeing all the raving reviews, it feels like I read another book than everyone else. And that may be a real possibility, because there seem to be two different blurbs for this book. You can even see them if you switch the editions of the book around. In one of them, we follow Rey as she goes to Endir University, that her ex is also attending. The other blurb says the book follows Liv Olsen, an art curator that goes to Norway to search for her missing brother and live with her new boss. I would’ve preferred the latter one and that was the story I was expecting.
But instead of following a grown-up with a job, we follow an 18-year-old as she goes to school, which made this book have a really juvenile feeling. Expect the part where they stay at campus, everything felt really high school.
The age of the main character was also a problem for me when it came to the backstory. Rey’s ex Aric is also attending this school, they have previously been engaged but says it’s been years. So they dated and got engaged at age 15-16? That doesn’t really give the impression of a serious relationship.
The book stars out at the big culmination, but then makes the time jump to show the events leading up to this. It’s just that the time jump is a week… A week doesn’t really feel like enough time to build the entire plot and developments of the relationships.
The writing is also extremely bad, I’m sorry to say. The sentences are short and choppy, making the book exhausting to read. The dialogue is cringeworthy and solidifies my expression that the characters belong in a YA-novel.
I started skimming somewhere along page 70 and it felt like nothing happened until the very end. I would recommend this book to people that enjoy suffering and looking forward to the book ending. The only reason I didn’t DNF was that I bought a special edition that was expensive and wanted to get my money worth. I didn’t.
These Red Tower Books is certainly a hit or miss, when they announced the imprint and started out so strong with Forth Wing, it made me look forward to all their upcoming releases. But some of these books probably should’ve made a couple more rounds on the editing table.
Seeing all the raving reviews, it feels like I read another book than everyone else. And that may be a real possibility, because there seem to be two different blurbs for this book. You can even see them if you switch the editions of the book around. In one of them, we follow Rey as she goes to Endir University, that her ex is also attending. The other blurb says the book follows Liv Olsen, an art curator that goes to Norway to search for her missing brother and live with her new boss. I would’ve preferred the latter one and that was the story I was expecting.
But instead of following a grown-up with a job, we follow an 18-year-old as she goes to school, which made this book have a really juvenile feeling. Expect the part where they stay at campus, everything felt really high school.
The age of the main character was also a problem for me when it came to the backstory. Rey’s ex Aric is also attending this school, they have previously been engaged but says it’s been years. So they dated and got engaged at age 15-16? That doesn’t really give the impression of a serious relationship.
The book stars out at the big culmination, but then makes the time jump to show the events leading up to this. It’s just that the time jump is a week… A week doesn’t really feel like enough time to build the entire plot and developments of the relationships.
The writing is also extremely bad, I’m sorry to say. The sentences are short and choppy, making the book exhausting to read. The dialogue is cringeworthy and solidifies my expression that the characters belong in a YA-novel.
I started skimming somewhere along page 70 and it felt like nothing happened until the very end. I would recommend this book to people that enjoy suffering and looking forward to the book ending. The only reason I didn’t DNF was that I bought a special edition that was expensive and wanted to get my money worth. I didn’t.
November 13, 2025
OH MY GOSH THIS BOOK!!! It’s gonna be in my top 5 of the year, and I’ve read over 200 this year! Like… the chokehold this had me in was unparalleled I mean it. It was so action-packed, so swoon-worthy, and Rachel is BRILLIANT for flipping everything we know about Norse lore on its head! I am telling you, this is gonna go down as one of my all-time favs. I knew that when I was only halfway through. I LOVED IT. Every single minute of it. The epic world building, the action, the romance… all the secrets & revelations had me gasping out loud. You NEED to read this book as soon as it releases! Pre-order it. I guarantee you won’t wanna put it down!
🗡️ Norse retelling
🗡️ TRUE enemies to lovers
🗡️ Gods & Frost Giants
🗡️ university setting
🗡️ forced proximity
🗡️ slow burn
🗡️ he’d burn the world down for her & she for him
🗡️ touch her & die
🗡️ secrets on secrets on secrets
🗡️ alllll the angst
🗡️ multiple POV
5⭐️♾️
🗡️ Norse retelling
🗡️ TRUE enemies to lovers
🗡️ Gods & Frost Giants
🗡️ university setting
🗡️ forced proximity
🗡️ slow burn
🗡️ he’d burn the world down for her & she for him
🗡️ touch her & die
🗡️ secrets on secrets on secrets
🗡️ alllll the angst
🗡️ multiple POV
5⭐️♾️
December 8, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I would call this a pretty easy read. It's not a book with intense world, character or relationship building, but it kept me entertained and turning the page, nonetheless.
Rey finds herself forced into Endir University by her mafia style father, Odin. Her purpose? To get close to the heir of Odins greatest enemy, Aric, and use him to recover Thor's lost hammer. The catch? They were briefly engaged a couple of years prior and they can't stand each other.
This is a creative spin on Norse mythology mixed with an academia setting. The relationship between Aric and Rey progresses pretty quickly due to an unknown draw to each other that they dont try to fight for very long. There are a lot of side characters and some interesting plot twists that do keep the story interesting and moving along. I did find myself rooting for Rey and Aric and hoping things worked out for them, but didnt have the emotional investment in their relationship thaf I would if it had been a slower build and they had worked for it.
Some of the plot twists I was able to figure out from the clues in the book, but there were also I couple that I didnt see coming. I will *probably* read the next book, but it won't be something that I am going to be salivating for or in a rush to read when its released.
I would call this a pretty easy read. It's not a book with intense world, character or relationship building, but it kept me entertained and turning the page, nonetheless.
Rey finds herself forced into Endir University by her mafia style father, Odin. Her purpose? To get close to the heir of Odins greatest enemy, Aric, and use him to recover Thor's lost hammer. The catch? They were briefly engaged a couple of years prior and they can't stand each other.
This is a creative spin on Norse mythology mixed with an academia setting. The relationship between Aric and Rey progresses pretty quickly due to an unknown draw to each other that they dont try to fight for very long. There are a lot of side characters and some interesting plot twists that do keep the story interesting and moving along. I did find myself rooting for Rey and Aric and hoping things worked out for them, but didnt have the emotional investment in their relationship thaf I would if it had been a slower build and they had worked for it.
Some of the plot twists I was able to figure out from the clues in the book, but there were also I couple that I didnt see coming. I will *probably* read the next book, but it won't be something that I am going to be salivating for or in a rush to read when its released.
December 30, 2025
This missed the mark by an entire football field :(
I am IN LOVE with the cover and had super high hopes but unfortunately it was just a bunch of weak Norse mythology mixed with mafia/academia and SO MUCH angst that didn't work or make sense... was not for me.
2.5 rounding up to 3 stars.
I am IN LOVE with the cover and had super high hopes but unfortunately it was just a bunch of weak Norse mythology mixed with mafia/academia and SO MUCH angst that didn't work or make sense... was not for me.
2.5 rounding up to 3 stars.
November 23, 2025
Reading a book about a girl trying to find Thors hammer was not on my 2025 bingo card but I am not mad about it. I was so intrigued by this story once I started reading! The chapters were nicely paced and I enjoyed my read throughout the whole book. Multiple POV, can’t go wrong there. Definitely recommend the read for lovers of fantasy!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
January 11, 2026
Fallen Gods by Rachel Van Dyken
Fallen Gods book 1
Narrated by Alexander Cendese and Taylor Meskimen
I thought these two did a great job with this story and the characters! I enjoyed their voices overall and the voices they used for the characters. They brought them to life and gave them all the emotions! Audio note: My brain needs faster speeds for audio and this narration/recording sounded great at higher speeds.
Urban fantasy
Dual POV, dark academia, modern times/slang/references, Norse mythology, forbidden romance, enemies to lovers, Gods and giants, hidden identity, awakening powers, power struggle, reveals and betrayal, banter, sort of insta-lust but also they knew each other prior
Rey has been sent by her father to a school run by their enemies with clear instructions. She is to find the hammer, Mjolnir, which belonged to her brother. And if she fails there will be consequences for those she loves. She has a history with Aric, the heir of her enemy, and she must win him back over if she is is going to get anywhere with her goal. But soon she is finding herself torn by what is has been ordered to do and where her heart is leading.
This book was a fun read! Is it going to be a favorite this year? No, but it was a good time with an interesting premise and world. This is not a magical college, but the main characters have powers. The premise that most of the gods are scattered and "asleep" in mortal bodies is fun. Rey is the daughter of Odin, but he is definitely not a good guy and I feel for the life that she has led due to that. But I enjoyed her and Aric becoming reluctant allies and then more. I'm interested to see where the series goes next book!
Fallen Gods book 1
Narrated by Alexander Cendese and Taylor Meskimen
I thought these two did a great job with this story and the characters! I enjoyed their voices overall and the voices they used for the characters. They brought them to life and gave them all the emotions! Audio note: My brain needs faster speeds for audio and this narration/recording sounded great at higher speeds.
Urban fantasy
Dual POV, dark academia, modern times/slang/references, Norse mythology, forbidden romance, enemies to lovers, Gods and giants, hidden identity, awakening powers, power struggle, reveals and betrayal, banter, sort of insta-lust but also they knew each other prior
Rey has been sent by her father to a school run by their enemies with clear instructions. She is to find the hammer, Mjolnir, which belonged to her brother. And if she fails there will be consequences for those she loves. She has a history with Aric, the heir of her enemy, and she must win him back over if she is is going to get anywhere with her goal. But soon she is finding herself torn by what is has been ordered to do and where her heart is leading.
This book was a fun read! Is it going to be a favorite this year? No, but it was a good time with an interesting premise and world. This is not a magical college, but the main characters have powers. The premise that most of the gods are scattered and "asleep" in mortal bodies is fun. Rey is the daughter of Odin, but he is definitely not a good guy and I feel for the life that she has led due to that. But I enjoyed her and Aric becoming reluctant allies and then more. I'm interested to see where the series goes next book!
October 25, 2025
I had two days in a row off from work and I devoured this book. I could not put it down. I have read one other RVD book and that was back in 2017 so I was pleasantly surprised when this ARC showed up with her name on it since I think of her as contemporary romance. I don't know much about Norse mythology and I still enjoyed the book so do not get scared off by that part of it. So Rey is the daughter of Odin, but since the war, most of the gods and giants do not remember that they are gods or giants. Thor's hammer is the key to waking everyone back up into who they really are. Rey is off to college and Odin needs her to buddy up with his nemesis' son, Aric. Obviously they hate each other because their families do, but they both need to get close to each other as well under their fathers' orders. And, of course, they start falling for each other. They soon realize though that they need to work together in spite of their families. I enjoyed the characters, I enjoyed the banter. Just as I was feeling like, okay, we need to find out some things, we found out some things so I felt the pacing was good. This is book one and I need book two right away. The chapters are short so I just kept reading and reading.
-"The right book can consume you. Make you forget to eat, to sleep. Make you ache for just one more page even when you know you shouldn't. It can be temptation itself."
-"If the monster knows it's a monster, then it's capable of being something else, don't you think?"
-"Courage, Rey, isn't always winning the fight. Sometimes it's staying out of the fight altogether."
-"The right book can consume you. Make you forget to eat, to sleep. Make you ache for just one more page even when you know you shouldn't. It can be temptation itself."
-"If the monster knows it's a monster, then it's capable of being something else, don't you think?"
-"Courage, Rey, isn't always winning the fight. Sometimes it's staying out of the fight altogether."
December 24, 2025
I did the audiobook and I think it could have been a five star if I had eyeball read it?? Didn’t love the narrators because I think they made the characters sound more immature but I loved the plot overall! Did the audiobook in about a day!
December 13, 2025
wow! I love a retelling. this was an excellent Norse mythology retelling. I cant wait to see what's going to happen in book 2!
December 19, 2025
I have a lot to say…
1. This book references TikTok.
2.The magic system and world was so badly explained.
3. The Norse mythology aspect was so promising even tho I don’t know much about it but I just felt so lost. I was expecting to have a little bit of it explained in this book to at least give me some background knowledge but guess not.
4. Why is this book set in the US when it’s about Norse mythology? (I’m usually a hater for any fantasy book set in the real world but this one was bad especially with the references)
5. The characters felt bland.
Also why is this lowkey a mafia romance? That felt so random.
1. This book references TikTok.
2.The magic system and world was so badly explained.
3. The Norse mythology aspect was so promising even tho I don’t know much about it but I just felt so lost. I was expecting to have a little bit of it explained in this book to at least give me some background knowledge but guess not.
4. Why is this book set in the US when it’s about Norse mythology? (I’m usually a hater for any fantasy book set in the real world but this one was bad especially with the references)
5. The characters felt bland.
Also why is this lowkey a mafia romance? That felt so random.
December 1, 2025
Thanks to Red Tower Books for the gifted copy!
Did I just binge a 528 page book in 2 days? I did. FALLEN GODS is the fun romantasy I needed to read, full of snarky characters, Norse mythology, and banter & romantic tension. You can tell Rachel Van Dyken is a romance author because Rey and Aric's interactions were just EVERYTHING and I was rooting for them as a team and hoping everything would work out in their favor.
I highlighted a ton of quotes - there's some super solid wisdom in there, some witty one-liners, and some great romance. I am left with questions at the end of this book because I didn't expect some of the twists, and I'm really excited for some of those to be answered and for expanded worldbuilding in book two! I'll absolutely be continuing the series.
Did I just binge a 528 page book in 2 days? I did. FALLEN GODS is the fun romantasy I needed to read, full of snarky characters, Norse mythology, and banter & romantic tension. You can tell Rachel Van Dyken is a romance author because Rey and Aric's interactions were just EVERYTHING and I was rooting for them as a team and hoping everything would work out in their favor.
I highlighted a ton of quotes - there's some super solid wisdom in there, some witty one-liners, and some great romance. I am left with questions at the end of this book because I didn't expect some of the twists, and I'm really excited for some of those to be answered and for expanded worldbuilding in book two! I'll absolutely be continuing the series.
Want to read
July 28, 2024I'll watch this because the mystery of her brother's disappearance and the norse gods intrigue me, BUT - having to live together with your horrible boss has to be one of the worst tropes in romance for anyone who has ever worked a job >:c
January 12, 2026
Estoy siendo tan amable colocándole estas dos estrellas. Y solo son porque me encantó la dinámica graciosa de Reeve en la mayor parte de la historia.
Pero este es de ese tipo de libros que recomiendo cuando "piensas que das asco escribiendo", porque, amiga, amigo, cualquier cosa que hagas, con seguridad, será mejor que esto, lo que sea que hayan querido hacer aquí.
Me quejo un poquito así, pero ya traeré mi opinión completita (capaz mientras la hago me dé tanto coraje que acabe bajándolo a una estrella, así que puede disfrutar de las dos mientras tanto)
Pero este es de ese tipo de libros que recomiendo cuando "piensas que das asco escribiendo", porque, amiga, amigo, cualquier cosa que hagas, con seguridad, será mejor que esto, lo que sea que hayan querido hacer aquí.
Me quejo un poquito así, pero ya traeré mi opinión completita (capaz mientras la hago me dé tanto coraje que acabe bajándolo a una estrella, así que puede disfrutar de las dos mientras tanto)
Want to read
October 26, 2025
AFTER 84 YEARS OF WAITING, I WAS ABLE TO SNAG AN ARC!!!!
Thanks Entangled for doing me a solid!
January 5, 2026
This was…fine. I enjoyed the Norse mythology elements and thought the action-packed ending was easily the strongest part of the book, but overall it wasn’t a fantasy romance I see myself rereading or thinking about much after finishing. The plot was interesting, with gods not dead but sleeping in mortal bodies, and a FMC raised as her father’s weapon and sent to Endir University to steal Mjolnir or risk everyone she loves paying the price. There was a lot happening at times and the cheesy banter and humor didn’t quite work for me. I’m also not a fan of modern, current day elements mixed into fantasy. I was entertained by the lore, but I wouldn’t say I was fully emotionally invested in this story.
January 2, 2026
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Fallen Gods was a solid read overall—I genuinely enjoyed it, but the ending felt a little dragged out. I got the whole Odin, Thor, and Loki vibe, but some parts just felt unnecessarily long. That said, I did skip a few sections, and it was still entertaining.
I couldn’t really pick a favorite character, but Rey and Aric had a dynamic I really liked. Their sexual tension at the beginning was so hot, and I loved it—though it did take way too long for anything to actually happen between them, like almost 300 pages in.
The setting wasn’t described in much detail—I had a hard time picturing the world. Even with that flaw, I’d still recommend Fallen Gods for anyone who enjoys fantasy romance with enemies-to-lovers vibes and a slow-burn tension.
Fallen Gods was a solid read overall—I genuinely enjoyed it, but the ending felt a little dragged out. I got the whole Odin, Thor, and Loki vibe, but some parts just felt unnecessarily long. That said, I did skip a few sections, and it was still entertaining.
I couldn’t really pick a favorite character, but Rey and Aric had a dynamic I really liked. Their sexual tension at the beginning was so hot, and I loved it—though it did take way too long for anything to actually happen between them, like almost 300 pages in.
The setting wasn’t described in much detail—I had a hard time picturing the world. Even with that flaw, I’d still recommend Fallen Gods for anyone who enjoys fantasy romance with enemies-to-lovers vibes and a slow-burn tension.
December 12, 2025
This book is a totally bingeable romantasy ride (and yes, I did binge it in 24hrs) where Norse myth crashes into modern college chaos and honestly I was here for the whole beautiful mess 😅 It’s not deep, it’s not broody, it’s not trying to reinvent fantasy… it’s just fun. Think American campus life, modern slang, enemies-to-lovers with insta-lust and that “turn your brain off and enjoy the vibes” energy ✨
Aric and Rey’s connection? Fast. Sure there’s some history there butL it was mythic magnetism with zero resistance fast. Did I want a slower burn? Yesss. Did I still cheer for them anyway? Also yes 🔥 The plot zigzags all over the place. Sometimes predictable, sometimes “oh dang, didn’t see that coming”. But always entertaining. The side characters and twists keep things moving, even if the world-building and emotional depth stay on the lighter end.
The real star here is the Norse mythology woven into a modern setting ✨It gives the whole book this magical-realism shimmer that made my myth-loving heart very happy ❤️
Is it chaotic? Absolutely. Is it fun as hell? Also absolutely.
Will I read the next one? Probably… just not camping outside the bookstore for it 😆👍.
If you love mythology, messy magic, and stories that don’t take themselves too seriously, this one hits the spot.
Thank you so much to @RachelVanDyken @entangled and @netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review! And for also letting me take part in your readalong!
Aric and Rey’s connection? Fast. Sure there’s some history there butL it was mythic magnetism with zero resistance fast. Did I want a slower burn? Yesss. Did I still cheer for them anyway? Also yes 🔥 The plot zigzags all over the place. Sometimes predictable, sometimes “oh dang, didn’t see that coming”. But always entertaining. The side characters and twists keep things moving, even if the world-building and emotional depth stay on the lighter end.
The real star here is the Norse mythology woven into a modern setting ✨It gives the whole book this magical-realism shimmer that made my myth-loving heart very happy ❤️
Is it chaotic? Absolutely. Is it fun as hell? Also absolutely.
Will I read the next one? Probably… just not camping outside the bookstore for it 😆👍.
If you love mythology, messy magic, and stories that don’t take themselves too seriously, this one hits the spot.
Thank you so much to @RachelVanDyken @entangled and @netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review! And for also letting me take part in your readalong!
December 12, 2025
holy SHITTTT that was so good. incredible I’m in love with this book. I need more Norse mythology book right now
November 20, 2025
This was an okay romantasy, in an over saturated genre with a lot of repetitive plots i did like the Norse mythology because i don’t see it often. I think the book started of intriguing as i got to know the fmc, the mmc, and the families history as the fmc started a school owned by her families enemies. Instantly we can see that the main characters hate each other and were supposed to have gotten married. The main characters were a bit childish in behavior and after a while it became an insta lust plot which was okay but expected. I did like the aspect where the fmc was sent by her father to find "Thor's Hammer" and how that came about. There were some secrets and twists but overall an average storage.
December 30, 2025
oh red tower. how you make fools of us all with your insanely beautiful books and your absolutely unbearable words
December 31, 2025
It's giving Marvel fanfiction.
Read
November 24, 2025ARC
DNF at 122 pages
This just wasn’t for me. I didn’t know going into this that it was an urban fantasy so it really threw me off that these gods were taking Ubers and using social media.
100 pages in and nothing happened plot wise other than these “enemies” pretty much being in love already. The pacing is so slow yet the relationship between the main characters developed so quickly.
Want to read
September 7, 2024I'm in love with this cover!! Plus Norse Mythology inspired, an enemies to lovers romance, the mystery of a disappearance and a college and mansion setting set in Norway? I'm just...(๑♡⌓♡๑)
November 30, 2025
You can find this review of Fallen Gods on my blog, Heart's Content!
A big shout out and thank you to the publisher, Entangled, for providing me with a complimentary copy of Fallen Gods in exchange for an honest review!
My absolute favourite aspect of Fallen Gods is the theme chosen by the author. The story is steeped is Norse mythology but set in the real world, creating the perfect blend of mystic and modern. This places the book smack dab at the centre of a genre called magical realism. Magical realism is a very interesting genre for many reasons. Primarily, because it greatly aids in many aspects of the story-development, as the FMC and the reader have to learn together about the world, its rules and people. Secondly, because it adds tension to and raises stakes of the general tone of the book, requiring the FMC to toe the line between the two worlds—and their two lives—constantly and with caution. The set-up in Fallen Gods had fantastic potential to portray this dichotomy in the FMC’s life.
I will admit, I am uneducated on Norse legends and myths and I have to say this book made me want to do a deep dive into them, which is always such an amazing feeling for a book to inspire; and Fallen Gods does it well. Unfortunately, this means I do not know how well the culture was represented or where the author took some liberties with the legends.
The plot of Fallen Gods was a breath of fresh air. It was based on familiar ground—college—but rooted in magic and secrets. The balance between the two, acts as an underlying, but very evident, element that both looms evidently and at the same time simmers unseen, at the back of the mind. To make the story further complex, there are multiple sub-plots that are both emotional and purposeful, adding tension, emotion and humour to the story.
All this being said, the execution, I would say, lacks the ‘punch’ that is necessary to deliver such a heavy theme. The whole book—to me—read like a fever dream. Something that’s vivid and intense at times … but insubstantial enough to slip through your fingers often. The ability of the story to keep the readers tethered to the happenings isn’t as strong as this book requires, and often I found myself wondering what was going on and how we got here. The relationships, conversations, situations all feel like they’re almost … sudden, or like they have a history to them that, as a reader, I wasn’t privy to. It meant I found myself becoming bored *sad face*. The fantasy aspects kept me interested, while everything else, unfortunately didn’t. I found myself skim-reading and was also surprised in realising doing that didn’t really change anything; I could still fairly follow the mystical aspects well enough that I predicted a huge plot twist early on.
To me, the pace was closely linked to my experience of the book. In general, the pace was fairly even. But because I struggled with the book, the pace felt hard for me to keep with. It almost felt like I was striding in the direction opposite to which the pace was heading at all times, no matter how much I tried to adjust my stride.
A fair warning to all the enemies-to-lovers lovers, this book has an enemies to lovers set-up. The characters are already interested in each other in their own way and the book has more of a fight within them to be with each other than a fight with each other.
However, the climax of the book greatly increased my rating of the book! I enjoyed the climax a lot more than I enjoyed the whole book. It was everything the book was promised to be and I felt it was the most substantial, well-done aspect of the whole book, for me. Can’t wait for you to read it.
I’m still unsure if I want to rate this book a three or a three and a half. But either way, please check trigger warnings as always as there are themes in this book that can be difficult for some. Happy reading!
A big shout out and thank you to the publisher, Entangled, for providing me with a complimentary copy of Fallen Gods in exchange for an honest review!
My absolute favourite aspect of Fallen Gods is the theme chosen by the author. The story is steeped is Norse mythology but set in the real world, creating the perfect blend of mystic and modern. This places the book smack dab at the centre of a genre called magical realism. Magical realism is a very interesting genre for many reasons. Primarily, because it greatly aids in many aspects of the story-development, as the FMC and the reader have to learn together about the world, its rules and people. Secondly, because it adds tension to and raises stakes of the general tone of the book, requiring the FMC to toe the line between the two worlds—and their two lives—constantly and with caution. The set-up in Fallen Gods had fantastic potential to portray this dichotomy in the FMC’s life.
I will admit, I am uneducated on Norse legends and myths and I have to say this book made me want to do a deep dive into them, which is always such an amazing feeling for a book to inspire; and Fallen Gods does it well. Unfortunately, this means I do not know how well the culture was represented or where the author took some liberties with the legends.
The plot of Fallen Gods was a breath of fresh air. It was based on familiar ground—college—but rooted in magic and secrets. The balance between the two, acts as an underlying, but very evident, element that both looms evidently and at the same time simmers unseen, at the back of the mind. To make the story further complex, there are multiple sub-plots that are both emotional and purposeful, adding tension, emotion and humour to the story.
All this being said, the execution, I would say, lacks the ‘punch’ that is necessary to deliver such a heavy theme. The whole book—to me—read like a fever dream. Something that’s vivid and intense at times … but insubstantial enough to slip through your fingers often. The ability of the story to keep the readers tethered to the happenings isn’t as strong as this book requires, and often I found myself wondering what was going on and how we got here. The relationships, conversations, situations all feel like they’re almost … sudden, or like they have a history to them that, as a reader, I wasn’t privy to. It meant I found myself becoming bored *sad face*. The fantasy aspects kept me interested, while everything else, unfortunately didn’t. I found myself skim-reading and was also surprised in realising doing that didn’t really change anything; I could still fairly follow the mystical aspects well enough that I predicted a huge plot twist early on.
To me, the pace was closely linked to my experience of the book. In general, the pace was fairly even. But because I struggled with the book, the pace felt hard for me to keep with. It almost felt like I was striding in the direction opposite to which the pace was heading at all times, no matter how much I tried to adjust my stride.
A fair warning to all the enemies-to-lovers lovers, this book has an enemies to lovers set-up. The characters are already interested in each other in their own way and the book has more of a fight within them to be with each other than a fight with each other.
However, the climax of the book greatly increased my rating of the book! I enjoyed the climax a lot more than I enjoyed the whole book. It was everything the book was promised to be and I felt it was the most substantial, well-done aspect of the whole book, for me. Can’t wait for you to read it.
I’m still unsure if I want to rate this book a three or a three and a half. But either way, please check trigger warnings as always as there are themes in this book that can be difficult for some. Happy reading!
November 30, 2025
Do you ever read a book and know by 20% that it’s going to be a five-star read? That was FALLEN GODS for me. I was absolutely feral so early on.
The romance was absolute perfect. I will forever lose my ever-loving mind over true enemies-to-lovers and cat-and-mouse tension. Rey + Aric were combustible, and I was constantly highlighting one-liners and kicking my feet.
The Norse mythology drives the story in such a compelling way. I’ll admit I know very little about Norse mythology (and I’ve barely watched the Marvel movies), but the world is explained beautifully, easy to follow even for mythology newbies or casual fantasy readers. And if mythology intimidates you, this is also a perfect “for the vibes” read where you’ll be screaming JUST KISS ALREADY more than once.
This urban fantasy, even starts in my town (which has literally never shown up in a book before) and uses my daughter’s name, such fun little connections.
Read If You Love:
✨ The romance in FOURTH WING
✨ The cat-and-mouse games of HEARTLESS HUNTER
✨ Norse mythology in Marvel
What You’ll Find:
😈 Enemies to Lovers
💘 He Falls First
💔 She Falls Harder
🌑 Morally Gray Heroine
📚 Dark Academia
🌙 Mythology Reimagined
🕯️ Secret Societies
🩸 Ancient Bloodlines
🚫 Forbidden Romance
The romance was absolute perfect. I will forever lose my ever-loving mind over true enemies-to-lovers and cat-and-mouse tension. Rey + Aric were combustible, and I was constantly highlighting one-liners and kicking my feet.
The Norse mythology drives the story in such a compelling way. I’ll admit I know very little about Norse mythology (and I’ve barely watched the Marvel movies), but the world is explained beautifully, easy to follow even for mythology newbies or casual fantasy readers. And if mythology intimidates you, this is also a perfect “for the vibes” read where you’ll be screaming JUST KISS ALREADY more than once.
This urban fantasy, even starts in my town (which has literally never shown up in a book before) and uses my daughter’s name, such fun little connections.
Read If You Love:
✨ The romance in FOURTH WING
✨ The cat-and-mouse games of HEARTLESS HUNTER
✨ Norse mythology in Marvel
What You’ll Find:
😈 Enemies to Lovers
💘 He Falls First
💔 She Falls Harder
🌑 Morally Gray Heroine
📚 Dark Academia
🌙 Mythology Reimagined
🕯️ Secret Societies
🩸 Ancient Bloodlines
🚫 Forbidden Romance
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