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The Lost God #4

The Godless Kingdom

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A king ripped from his throne. An imposter wearing the crown. A court balanced on a knife’s edge.

In the wake of a violent rebellion, Cecilia and Xander are trapped behind enemy lines under the thumb of a cruel tyrant. It’s impossible to know who to trust with the culture of fear Vincent has instilled in the Argarian court. Clawing back the power he stole requires slow and careful progress. The vicious king needs them both alive for now, but one wrong move will land them in tower jails or worse.

Outside the castle walls, Evan enlists his network of spies to help his friends escape. But moving through town freely and accessing the castle grounds requires accepting help from an unexpected ally.

In the heart of Vincent’s court, Rainer is rendered from an aching past he can’t remember and is desperate for the glorious future he’s been chasing his whole life. Torn between his duty, his honor, and his heart, Rainer must decide what he wants most and what price he’s willing to pay for it.

They all walk a perilous line and one misstep will cost them their lives and the chance at the happily ever after they’ve fought so hard for.

596 pages, Hardcover

Published June 3, 2024

23 people are currently reading
931 people want to read

About the author

Sheila Masterson

9 books405 followers
When 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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
Profile Image for Meg (fantasybook.adventurer).
417 reviews44 followers
May 23, 2024
✨The Godless Kingdom✨

TGK is one of those books where after you finish, you just simply sit and think through the series like they’re your own memories, your own loves, your own family…

And this book, this SERIES, is one that’ll stay with me through my lifetime. I’ve NEVER had a book that wrecks me so throughly that I’m completely put out and mindless in daydreaming like I am with this series from @sheilareadsandwrites . It is a heart song kind of book. One that goes deeper than the simple joy of reading.

We enter back into Cece’s world where there is little to no hope given to us after the ending of The Storm King. Our found family is split between being imprisoned in the castle and locked out with the rebels. Rainer and Cece have a BIG hurdle they have to climb in their relationship that is almost worse than death. It’s far from easy and they’re targeted in ways that capsize your soul, but Sheila did a great job navigating through these hoops with realism and poise that was very difficult but understandable, especially because those topics and acts are so difficult to come back from if not done well. I still love how Cece always clings to courage, hope and love in spite of losing it all. I was frustrated for and so so proud of Rainer- his outspokenness and open questioning was refreshing. Xander, as always 👏👏.

I could go on and on, but I’ll begin wrapping it up by saying: THIS FINALE is everything. It is hard. It is precious. It is heartbreaking. It is a HEA for everyone who is still alive, as Sheils says. It has like TEN “good girl” lines and the spice is 🥵 but, moreover, the ROMANCE is 🤌🤌. I’m not going to list tropes because I feel like if you’re ready to read this, you know exactly what has lead us here.

The Godless Kingdom IS the perfect ending to this series. I know I won’t ever be the same. I won’t stop recommending it. And I honestly don’t know how to move on yet. I feel like I grew up and lived with these characters. 4 books isn’t enough and yet… it is. So, now I’m going to go reread it. Thank you for this gifted arc, Sheils. It’s such an honor.
Profile Image for Becca.
425 reviews28 followers
February 11, 2025
**Audiobook update***

I JUMPED at the chance to get to listen to the audiobook of this fantastic story. I often get asked why I would re-read a book if i already know the ending and honestly I do have a hard time “reading” them again but doing my re-read with the audiobook is an ENTIRELY different experience. Listening to The Godless Kingdom had me on the edge of my seat and I already know the ending. The narrators did yet another amazing job brining my favorite characters to life. Their voice acting took a story that is already phenomenal and added another layer to it. I encourage anyone who loves audiobook to not only give this book a try but the entire series. If you are a fantasy romance lover you will absolutely become enamored with Cece, Rainer, Xander and Even.


This wrap up to The Lost God series was everything you want in a conclusion to an epic romantic fantasy.

The series spans 4 books with The Godless Kingdom being the last book in the COMPLETED series.

If you aren’t already familiar with this series then I will implore on you to pick this series up or add to you TBR. It is a must read for lovers of fantasy romance but prepare to be taken on an emotional rollercoaster.

Ok all you that have not read the previous 3 books divert your eyes or better yet go read my review on The Lost God. Although I try to keep this spoiler free it is book 4 in the series.

Sheila’s writing style, multi POV storyline and emotionally deep characters have captured my heart. The character growth for Cece, Xander, Rainer, Evan and Sylvie was so anxiety provoking, heartbreaking, joyous and exciting to watch. They each ended up exactly where they needed to be and I could not have asked for a better way to leave these beloved characters.

I love the meddlesome Gods that just can’t keep their hands out of everyone else’s business and really Sheila is your reading this… a Sylvie, Evan and Samson bonus scene would be nice.

I have always been team Xander and always will be BUT I love the relationship that Xander and Cece were able to build together. I love that their flirty nature never truly went away and their banter was certainly a highlight for me through the story.

Rainer, ok fine I like him now (insert eye roll). In this last book we have the amnesia trope in the forefront. With that this book is a thick one, I was worried that it may be drawn out or start to feel more of an annoyance. I should have known better though. The amnesia piece was so well done. I never felt like it was bragging on for too long and the resolution didn’t feel far- fetched or too quickly resolved.

Although The Lost God series has now come to a close, I am soo excited what else Sheila has in store for us readers.
Profile Image for kaila | kd.reads.
261 reviews
May 8, 2024
i actually really don’t have a coherent thought at the moment. i loved this series so much and i am so sad it’s over.

i am so speechless.

cecilia, rainer, xander, sylvie and evan are some of my favorite characters ever written. i love the way Sheila makes you love them, root for them, cry for them, and just really makes you want the best for them. each of them had their own stories to tell and they were told so beautifully. even though i definitely threw my kindle a lot (four times) and i cried sooo much (sixteen times) i am so proud of all of these characters. i felt so many emotions reading the final book in this series and if i’m honest, i’m still crying.

some of my favorite quotes from book four:

“falling in love was an unbelievably foolish thing to do, but he’d never been terribly wise”

“brave with my hand, brave with my heart”

“i’ve spent my whole life training as a hunter, working my ass into shape while you’ve been sitting on yours at tea. that’s one place you can’t compete”

this was everything i look for in a fantasy romance. The Lost God series is in my top five favorite series ever, and
i already cant wait to do a reread. ❤️‍🔥

——————

i received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review ✨
Profile Image for Mary Claire.
174 reviews2 followers
March 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
ARC Review
Release Date: June 3, 2024

“𝙄’𝙫𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙙. 𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙠 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜.”

Your local angst dealer is back for one more Lost God review 😎

We left our Found Family in quite a pickle at the end of The Storm King, and they have a lot of work ahead in order to un-pickle themselves.

Brain Scramblies have returned, and it is maddening and heartbreaking to watch Rainer try to remember who he is. Cece and Xander try to play Rafiki to his Simba, but their deal with Cato puts up a lot of roadblocks. On top of that, they have to try to save the two kingdoms - YET AGAIN - this time from a psychopathic, usurping piece of trash. Have I mentioned how much I ✨hate✨ Vincent Savero? Like, maybe even more than I hated Cato.

This book is such a beautiful, terrifying, heartbreaking, hopeful, and funny end to The Lost God series. I cannot recommend this series enough, but please be sure to hydrate and keep the tissues handy 🥲

“𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙣𝙤 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙣 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙞𝙩.”
Profile Image for MollyRoseN.
23 reviews4 followers
June 14, 2024
“Sometimes love was holding someone’s hand in the silence and waiting for the storm to pass”

This series will stay with me for the rest of my life, it is now in the top 5 series that I will be recommending, thinking about & loving forever!

I don’t even know if I have the words to express how much I enjoyed this entire series - every single book had me in a chokehold!

Cece - you are one of my favourite FMCs, the strength, love, power, kindness and self exploration that was shown throughout the series was so admirable and honestly helped me on a personal level! 🥹

“This is how we take care of eachother. Generations of women leaned on other women to hold the hurts only they could understand. The weight is unbearable alone. It’s hardly bearable together. In witness we save eachother”

The tough topics this series explores is incredible, it’s written so well & I’m so glad it’s spoken about - read the trigger warnings ! although it’s so beautiful that I’d recommend it regardless.
The way the women in this book support eachother through things that so many women everyday experience is everything - it’s so powerful and made me so emotional!

There is so much I want to say but don’t want to spoil anything ! The relationships that develop throughout this story made my heart ache, grow, sob and heal throughout all four books - for so long I thought .. why choose? But the ending wrapped this up perfectly! 💗

“You are not a tool for someone to use. You are the harbor to turn to in a storm”

I could honestly ramble about this for business months, but please if you love romantasy - READ this!!!

Also this might be the spiciest Romantasy series I’ve ever read and it was everything 🥵
Profile Image for Liz Leiby.
Author 4 books63 followers
July 6, 2024
This one made me cry. And that is saying something.
Profile Image for Bree Shaw.
145 reviews7 followers
May 12, 2024
I'm so emotional right now.
I can't believe this series is DONE!

This series is BY FAR my favourite series to have ever been created. Sheila brings the series to such an amazing close that my heart hurts. I wish I could get amnesia and reread the series from the beginning and fall in love with this world all over again.

This book takes the subject of trauma and is written so beautifully, the characters so fleshed out and real in their fears and having to get through life while under strain. This book is an ode to Sheila's amazing writing and how beautiful the world she made was. The characters, the world, the God's are just... chefs kiss.
I'm going to miss this world so much. I can't wait to buy this book and have it on my shelf and make everyone read it because my love for Cece, Rainer, Xander, Evan and Sylvie will live in my heart and my mind for a very, very long time.

Thank you for sharing these characters with us Sheila 🥹 We will treasure them forever
Profile Image for Kristina.
28 reviews
June 2, 2024
It's stare at the ceiling for an hour- cry until you're parched-hold on to your Kindle for dear life after you read the last page because you have been utterly wrecked by one of the most awe inspiring finales- kind of good

This entire series has been EVERYTHING I could have hoped for on a reading journey. There are too many moments to note where the love and romance between the characters took my breath away, but trust that you will swoon, cry, and feel every bit of longing and adoration that you read on the pages. The banter and exchanges were some of the funniest to date. The feminine rage and friendships were as beautiful as they were empowering. The found family was most endearing. All the moments leading up to the last pages were done just right.

This was hands down the best way to end this most enchanting adventure . It took me three days to muster up the gumption just to write this review. I am still recovering and every time I think about the epilogue I cry. It's so bittersweet to think about parting with these characters that I fell so much in love with, but if I can keep this story in my memory until the stars fall then I'll know they won't go where I can't go. Okay, and now I'm crying into my coffee cup again.

Sheila is a master of her craft and I feel like it was the greatest fortune to read her books and catch a glimpse into that sparkling wild mind of hers. Thank you, Sheila. It was a gift from the gods to join the ARC team and have the privilege to read this final book of The Lost God series. I will be forever grateful for the healing and hope found within your writing.
Profile Image for Mikayla leanne.
103 reviews8 followers
May 31, 2024
“Brave with my hand. Brave with my heart.”

I received The godless kingdom as an ARC opportunity. And I’m writing this while curled up sniffling on my couch. Sheila is my second coven author I’ve read and I just count my little lucky stars every single day while reading The Lost God series. I’ve loved them all, but this one was truly a masterpiece. It really ached my sore raw heart, and it covered a lot of intense emotions/situations. At the same time it also healed me by the end. I feel like you can take pieces of every single character and find them in yourself. I’ve learned and I’ve cried and I’ve lost and I’ve loved while reading not only TGK but the entire series as a whole. I love the world, I love the magic, I love the characters.
Sheila also did a very good job at delivering a trope that I do not personally love in books. It’s nothing huge and I don’t think many people if any I’ve met have a problem with said trope. I’m just a real stickler when it comes to children but that’s all I’m saying because without context it can’t be a spoiler right? Sheila if you see this and gasp pls tell me to take that out if it gives anything away🤣.
BUT ANYWAY, it had me blubbering like a damn fish so I’d say it’s the first successful attempt at making me truly love that aspect in a book. So give yourself a pat on the back and a slap on the ass Sheils.

Thank you for this journey, I’ll hold it close to my heart forever. 🩷
Profile Image for Denise Howe.
126 reviews
August 3, 2024
3.5 stars for the series over all. I think it should’ve been three books only… I felt alot of this book dragged a bit but I really did enjoy the story and loved the characters. Rain ❤️
Profile Image for Casey Hayes.
389 reviews56 followers
February 6, 2025
I was provided an ARC of this title for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Your mental health is important. Please be advised or content warnings and keep yourself aware of and safe from any triggers you may have.

Cecilia & Rainer 🖤

The final installment of Shiela Masterson’s The Lost God series is every bit the emotional roller coaster ride that return readers should have come to expect from Shiela and this collection by this point. I verbatim commented “bring the pain” on a post the author made about this release, and she certainly did not shy away from doing just that.

That said, there were a world of full circle moments for the series as a whole, and it truly was a beautiful culmination of the long and arduous journey these characters have taken us on.

Edit after ALC:
I’ve said it before, but I’ve got to say it again. The narrators of this series did an incredible job bringing this story to life. This audio had me in such an emotional state the entire way through, giving those same feelings that I had reading it for the first time, and reminding me all over again why these characters have every bit of my heart and this series will always be a favorite.

Thank you, as always, to Shiela for the ARC, ALC, and accompanying emotional damage. These characters forever have my heart.
Profile Image for Elaine.
1,407 reviews40 followers
February 21, 2025
Sheila Masterson…I’m just going to say it… If you write it, I WILL read it. That’s it!

This is book #4 in The Lost God Series. Do you need to read the last three? ✔️
Absolutely! Will you feel like you are missing out if you don’t? ✔️ Absolutely!
Will you be laughing, crying, tearing your heart out, yet continuing to read right until the last page? ✔️ Absolutely! Will you LOVE EVERY MINUTE of it? ✔️ Absolutely!

So now, let me tell you how this started… I’m a reviewer for #NetGalley. A while ago I saw that the 3rd book was offered. I applied, then held my breath, waiting to see if I got it. In the meantime, I went onto Libby and reserved books #1 & 2…. Yes, there’s a wait… and, no wonder. They are phenomenal!! And then I got book #3!! So, I had to read 1 & 2! And…WOW! Just…blew my mind.

If you are a fan of Magicks, spells, magical realism, glamours, potions, Good vs. Evil, Gods and Goddesses (including mean-spirited, and outright nasty, mean, lethal Gods), well, then this series is FOR YOU! I’m finding that I am a big fan of these types lately!

OK…so, here we are, book #4. If you follow me, you know I was DESTROYED by the last book! But, hoping that this one would mend my heart…. I did not think that was going to happen. However, in the end, there was some healing! ❤️‍🩹 And, as always, throughout the book, even when you are feeling the lowest of lows, you can FEEL the LOVE, and HOPE…shining through EVERYTHING!!

CeCe and Rainer and Vincent 😫, Xander and the wife (and consort) 🤔, Evan and Sylvie, ❤️ Magdalena, Eloise…and so many more!

The friendship, love and bonds that are built up, and torn down, just continually inspire and destroy me!

And Rainer’s ‘amnesia’… just HEARTBREAKING!! Brave with my hand, “brave with my heart…” oh CeCe… I’m just crushed….

Once again you will be on a ROLLERCOASTER 🎢 with no safety bar or handrails! One minute you’re flying. The next you are in the DEPTHS of DESPAIR! 😩

Stunningly written and performed in the audiobook!!!!!

#TheGodlessKingdom (The Lost God #4) by #SheilaMasterson and narrated by an all star cast that will place your heart right there in the Kingdoms with the characters!! #CaitlinKelly, #WillDamron, #TimCampbell and #RustyMewha.

ALL THE STARS FOR ME! 5++++. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫💫💫💫💫✨✨✨✨✨

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for an ARC of the audiobook which was just released on 2/11/25...so look 👀 for it now!!
(I am SO lucky to be able to get a copy!! I absolutely LOVED the entire series!!)

🛑🛑 Please note that there are a bunch of triggers tomention: 🛑🛑
Abuse. Mental abuse. Mental head games. Violent, Brutal Deaths...in many forms...
If you can handle these, please DO NOT miss out on this one...

You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Profile Image for Melissa.
489 reviews33 followers
June 12, 2024
I might have had some qualms about the first three books, but this final book in the series was worth it. The pacing was really terrific, nothing felt rushed but at the same time I was never less than completely enthralled.

The characters are where this series shines the most. Xander will forever have my heart. His relentless flirting was ridiculous and charming and funny and I couldn't get enough. Cece really balanced her grief and hope, despair and courage, and showed how an indomitable spirit can carry one through a lot of darkness. Her temper and recklessness felt brave instead of immature, and I found myself wanting to be more like her. Rainer could have been infuriating in this book due to his character's arc, but instead I just felt compassion and desperation for him to follow his heart. I was screaming every time he was manipulated. After book 3 I desperately hoped Rainer would catch a freaking break in this conclusion, and I was beyond satisfied. The villain was really, really, well, villainous. His emotional torture could be really hard to read, he was so awful. Be sure to check content warnings before reading, as there are some dark topics here that will not be for everyone.

I have waited the whole series for a plot like this one. The characters all have their individual journeys, but the risks and stakes kept increasing as the story unfolded, and the final battle was full of tension, action, excitement, terror, and spectacular stress on my part.

Again, I loved any scene that featured a god/dess. They were playful and funny and it was interesting how you could never really trust any of them.

The spice was spicy, but I don't think it gets spicier than the library scene in book 3. This book held more romance and love than spice, in my opinion.

I don't know if everyone will like how neatly the ending tied itself up, but I felt mostly happy with it. If I'm being picky, I wanted a different ending to Cece's infertility subplot. But I'm splitting hairs. I felt really happy and grateful that these characters found peace. This book was a wild ride, and I'm glad I went on the journey.

TL, DR: An excellent conclusion to a fun romantasy series.
Profile Image for Robin.
274 reviews12 followers
February 10, 2025
Amazing conclusion to an emotional series that proves strength, hope, and love can be found after suffering gut-wrenching losses! If you love an emotional read, this series is absolutely for you! Cece’s resilience and character growth throughout this series was remarkable! I am so relieved she got the ending she absolutely deserved. She overcame so much loss and through her courage, hope, and optimism, she never let the dark days win. She is proof that the found family you surround yourself with can teach you so much about yourself and, if you let them, they can be the foundation for the strength you need to overcome the obstacles throughout your life.



This series was filled with so many amazing side characters as well! The found family was one of my favorites and I would recommend this series to any Romantasy lover that isn’t afraid of some emotional turmoil to get to that HEA!!

“Grief is a strange thing. At times it seems distant, but it’s always waiting to pounce in moments of weakness, like a starved beast perking its head up at the prospect of being fed.”

“Sometimes love was holding someone’s hand in the silence and waiting for the storm to pass.”

“There is no darkness I won’t follow you into. I will always come for you.”

“You look like a lifetime of wishes come true.”

Profile Image for Wendy.
140 reviews10 followers
February 20, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Breathtaking Finale to an Exceptional Series

The Godless Kingdom by Sheila Masterson delivers a stunning conclusion to The Last God series, bringing together everything I loved about this journey, compelling characters, high stakes, and masterful storytelling. From the first book to the last, this series never faltered, and The Godless Kingdom is a testament to that consistency.

In the wake of a violent rebellion, Cecilia and Xander find themselves at the mercy of Vincent’s brutal rule, navigating a court steeped in paranoia and deceit. Meanwhile, Evan must rely on unexpected alliances to orchestrate their escape, while Rainer faces a defining moment of loyalty, duty, and the life he truly desires. With every chapter, the tension builds, weaving together a thrilling and deeply emotional conclusion that left me completely satisfied.

What stands out most is the incredible character development, each protagonist remained true to themselves while evolving into something greater. Their journeys felt authentic, earned, and profoundly moving. Sheila Masterson crafted an ending that was not only solid but fulfilling in every way, proving that she knows how to close a story with strength and purpose.

I rarely commit to an entire series because not all books are written equally, but The Last God series was an exception, each installment was just as strong, if not stronger, than the last. I am grateful to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and especially Sheila Masterson for this unforgettable experience. The narration by Caitlin Kelly, Will Damron, Tim Campbell, and Rusty Mewha brought an extra layer of depth to an already exceptional story, making it an absolute must-listen.

If you’ve been following the series, rest assured that this final book does not disappoint. And if you haven’t started yet, now is the perfect time, this is a fantasy series that truly excels from start to finish.
Profile Image for Rachel Drummond.
96 reviews9 followers
February 21, 2025
**ARC Review: *The Godless Kingdom* by Sheila Masterson**

Sheila Masterson delivers an absolutely *gripping* and *gut-wrenching* conclusion to *The Lost God* series with *The Godless Kingdom*. This is not a lighthearted fantasy—expect *high stakes, brutal twists, and emotional devastation* alongside the breathtaking worldbuilding and deep character arcs. If you’re looking for a happily-ever-after without the heartbreak, be warned: this book *will* make you feel *everything*.

At the heart of the story is a dethroned king and an imposter who has seized power, creating a court filled with deception, shifting alliances, and the ever-present threat of war. Masterson’s writing is *cinematic*, pulling you into a world teetering on chaos where love, loyalty, and sacrifice are constantly tested.

⚠️ **Content Warnings:** This book contains *graphic violence, war, betrayal, death, grief, and themes of power and oppression*. If you need lighter reads, tread carefully—but if you love dark, morally complex fantasy with raw emotion, this one *delivers*.

Masterson’s prose is *stunning*, her character development *heart-wrenching*, and the audiobook? *Absolutely phenomenal*. The narration brings out every ounce of tension and heartbreak, making this an *intensely immersive experience*.

If you’ve followed this series from the beginning, prepare for an unforgettable ending. If you’re new, start at book one—you’ll want to experience the full journey.

**Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity 💕**
Profile Image for Anita - The.Bookish_Baker.
107 reviews3 followers
July 26, 2024
This book caused a four day book hangover. Yes, that’s how I’m going to start this review 😂

The Godless Kingdom by Sheila Masterson is the fourth and final book in The Lost God series, and it was amazing!

I was taken on a wild roller coaster of emotions from start to finish, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Sheila’s writing was beautiful, captivating, and seamless. Being able to write about, and portray, triggering topics such as emotional trauma and the healing process would be quite difficult, but Sheila manages this well. Please read the trigger warnings before starting this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed Xander’s character in The Godless Kingdom, and his quick comebacks and banter, especially with Cece, provided those much-needed light moments to balance out the heavier scenes. The dynamic change of his relationship with Cece was really great to see, and the way in which they lifted each other up while in their current predicament was heartwarming.

The Godless Kingdom was a wonderful conclusion to The Lost God series, and I am not ready to leave the characters behind. Just going to throw in an honourable mention here to both Grimon, the God of Death, and Samson, the God of Lust. All of their scenes were comedic gold.

Thank you to the author for an advanced readers copy. This review is voluntary, and my own, honest opinion.
Profile Image for Jenessa.
169 reviews34 followers
July 8, 2024
Excuse me while I cry all the tears.
The Godless Kingdom is the epic finale to The Lost God series, and Sheila did such a masterful job weaving the storylines together to give us a conclusion that was hard faught, but overall satisfying.

I loved seeing the growth of the characters in this book. It was real and raw, often times leaving me breathless from the way it was so easy to relate to what they were experiencing.
The events of the story will leave you on the edge of your seat, wondering if one wrong move will spell the end of a beloved character.
Rainer's arc, in particular, was so interesting. It showcased perfectly what can happen to someone when the influence of something good in their life is wiped away. My heart ached for Cece as she struggled to find a way to simply survive while also doing the best she could to help others. And Xander, I was so happy with the trajectory of his story. He's bigger than life, and I thought his arc reflected that.

For as much epic fantasy this series has, my favorite part will always be the mental health representation. It's done so wonderfully.

This is the kind of series you read if you want something that will linger in your brain for weeks after you read it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Profile Image for Maddie B.
132 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2024
This whole series is so heart wrenching and beautiful at the same time. It tackles a lot of really difficult topics and through all, hope shines through. These characters will have a permanent special place in my heart and for that I am grateful. I think the focus on memory throughout this series was particularly captivating for me as someone with a family history of dementia and a neuroscience background. I have worked with many patients who have dementia and currently a close relative is experiencing alzheimer’s but it is so true that memory is rooted in emotion and there are many different ways to create and share memories. I absolutely loved this series and definitely shed lots of tears. It has become one of my favorite series OF ALL TIME and I don’t say that lightly. These characters are so human and relatable and I couldn’t help but have hope that they would get the happiness they deserved throughout the darkest parts of their stories. Next time you look up at the stars, I challenge you to make a wish and forge your own future. In the end, hope conquers all of you allow it to.
Profile Image for achaserigtrup.
304 reviews2 followers
June 9, 2024
I don’t know why this series hasn’t become an absolute sensation. It has everything but also absolutely riveting and realistic plot twists and deep, appreciative character development. Throughout the entire series the main characters grow so much and who they are by the end is deeply complex and adult.

Book 3, while the weakest of the series in plot but strongest in Xander’s development, left off on an excruciating cliffhanger. This book picks where that one left off and it is heart wrenching for nearly the entire book. But it also absolutely breathlessly beautiful.

I had ended the first three books wanting Xander to be end game — or at least a throuple. Rainer was dogmatic, restrictive, and judgmental — especially with himself. And Book 4 is truly his book. Book 1 set the world up and introduced the characters, Book 2 was Cece, Book 3 was Xander, and this book is for Rainer and it was long overdue.

This was a wonderful series that felt like such a reward to escape into. It ended exactly when and how it should and I don’t feel like I need more. I can’t wait to see what Masterson writes next.
Profile Image for Linds.
9 reviews1 follower
May 10, 2024
I’m not sure what I expected going into this series, but what I got was a deeply emotional, touching story about realistically flawed characters overcoming grief, heartache, and oppression to create the kind of world they’d longed for but never thought they’d see…with a heaping side of Xander’s nonsense for comedic relief.

The Godless Kingdom was the perfect conclusion to this emotional rollercoaster of a series. I loved this. I’m going to stare at the wall and feel all my feelings for a few days before I can move on with my life now.
Profile Image for Jackie.
193 reviews3 followers
May 9, 2024
If I could give this a million stars I would. This was such an amazing conclusion to this series!!! It broke me in so many ways and put me back together. The friendships throughout this series have been so wonderful and the way that they supported each other through this one and into the end felt so raw and realistic. The way that she writes such heavy topics and dives into grief and trauma is so detailed and well thought out. Then the way she wove humor throughout this book specifically was a much needed relief but also felt real as a way for these characters to cope. I am literally SO sad to leave these characters behind every single one of these books made me love them more and more. I absolutely adored this entire series and this was the perfect way to end it!!!
Profile Image for Krissy.
213 reviews4 followers
September 16, 2024
Whoa this ripped my heart out...Sheila Masterson really went *there* (Eloise, the bond, the personality change) and put readers through it. She did end it perfectly though. I would like Ranier McKay to tell me I'm a good girl for pushing past the pain on the pages and my hangups with certain tropes to get that HEA! These tropes are not my jam however I continued on because I was so interested in the story and the way Sheila Masterson writes her characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Paula Hevia.
85 reviews3 followers
June 17, 2024
ARC REVIEW
♡♡♡♡♡/5
❦❦❦/5

how do i write a review to this amazing end to the lost god series, if i'm still processing everything that's happened?? honestly, i don't have a clue but this is me trying! i don't think i'll ever shut up about how this book (the whole series actually) has wrecked me time and time again, and put me back together by the end. in all honesty, when @tayrosereads suggested the lost god as a read for her discord's bookclub i was expecting it to be a cutesy romantasy and in no way did i saw coming the trauma and the depth in topics these books would reach but i will forever be thankful to her because they're now a comfort read for me (yes, despite all the pain and suffering sheila has put me through!!)

to see certain someone fall in love all over again with the love of their life despite having no recolection of their story whatsoever has been one of the most painful but hopeful things i've ever read and, though i can't say much more as to not spoil anything, i don't think i've ever been this happy with how an author has closed up a series, there's not a single dot i would change in how everything turned out.

few things make me happier than found families coming together to bring down an evil king and save one of their members despite the suffering, the losses, the heartache... and to see the sorority and braveness of every woman in these books??? chef's kiss

also, if you hate love-triangles let me tell you it's simply because you haven't read the masterpiece that is cece's relationship with both rainer and xander, the conclusion to their lovestory was so beautifully written and is nothing but a poem dedicated to hope and different types of love (as is the whole series in itself) i can't thank sheila enough for caring about every single one of her characters this much, and for giving them the hopefully ever after they deserve ♡

so, what will you find in this book?:
🌼mental health rep
🗡️strong female characters/friendships
🌙angst & yearning
🌼soul bond
🗡️femenine rage
🌙muktiple povs
🌼found family
🗡️grumpy warrior
🌙2nd chance romance

✨complete series on kindle umlimited
Profile Image for Thenerdypsych.
135 reviews6 followers
February 8, 2025
Devastatingly beautiful 💖

This book absolutely destroyed me but then put me back together. This was such a beautiful final book and ticked so many boxes for me. I definitely wasn't prepared for the emotional damage that came with the events of The Godless Kingdom, but the ending was absolutely lovely. The multi POV was excellent and I was excited to read from each character's perspective when it switched, which doesn't always happen. My favourite part of this book was moving on from the love triangle which then allowed for the FMC/MMCs to develop in their own way. I'm an absolute sucker for a gushy HEA and this one was well deserved! I'm going to miss these characters and the audiobook made me that much more attached to them!

✨ Thank you Netgalley and Sheila for trusting me with this early copy of the audiobook. It was absolutely spectacular! ✨
Profile Image for Devon Cook.
79 reviews24 followers
February 22, 2025
I really don’t know how I feel.

I’m glad that everyone got their HEA, but it just felt too… clean?

They lose this. Get it back.
She can’t have that. She gets it anyway.

Cece didn’t piss me off quite as much in this book, and my heart really did break for what she and Rainer went through.

Honestly feel like this could’ve been a trilogy or a duet and it would’ve been better
Profile Image for Lauren Bricker.
10 reviews
October 27, 2024
Loved the characters & entire series more with each book! This book was heartbreaking… perfectly depicting feelings of grief, loss, and PTSD after SA that are so difficult to describe otherwise. Won’t be a series I stop thinking about anytime soon.
Profile Image for Crystal.
585 reviews2 followers
March 8, 2025
This was a good fantasy book about gods and goddesses but a more mortal approach it also has amazing chemistry between all characters the only reason why this audiobook didn't get 5 ⭐️ is it started slow
41 reviews
January 20, 2026
Such a delightful story

She gave as good as she got although I wish she had fought a little more because Cece was dazzling in her fight scenes and we don’t have enough women doing that!, Thank you for a delightful read that I was happy to get into each night….now what do I do????
Profile Image for Kora Schott.
76 reviews
May 15, 2024
Wow wow wow. This book was amazing. The Godless Kingdom fully delivered in Sheila's usual way that completely utterly destroys me emotionally. This is a multi POV story, which isn't overwhelming and works with this story. If you want a book that shows power, love, trauma, and mental health, one that will completely crush your soul and make you happy as can be at the same time, then this is the story for you.

Xander, Cecilia and Rainer are reeling with the aftermath of what happened in the The Storm King. The violent rebellion that led them all to their current predicament has made their lives dangerous and left them serving a false king until they can come up with a plan. Their friends on the outside trying to get to them and help in any way they can. Cecilia being the total menace she can be just to anger Vincent and Rainer who was sent to protect her has to decide once again between being a rule follower or defying his to called "king" and following his heart.

Every single Rainer chapter BROKE my heart. Rainer is still down to his core the same person he was in the whole series but without Cece he turns harsher, and darker. Rainer suffers so so much in this whole story. He knows what he is supposed to do, whatever the "king" decides, but is constantly drawn to Cece. It brings out this dangerous side of him and man, I think everyone would want to be his "good girl."

This series in general deals with so much trauma and mental health issues which is so refreshing to see characters that are real and human and to see their struggles and the fact that they don't just get over them right away. Cece dealing with her trauma after the Storm King is rough and I felt like it was a good representation of that and how it manifests. Rainer being angry after what happens to him and that hi mind doesn't work how he wants it to. Xander dealing with his lost love still and coming out the other side.

I seriously will never get over Xander and the fact that him and Cece didn't end up together makes sense but I love that they are still so so close and their flirting never goes away. And him still calling her "My love" makes me happy and breaks my heart all at the same time. In only the way that Sheila can write.

Thank you to Sheila for the advance copy of this! My review is all my own opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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