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All Gods Must Die #1
All Gods Must Die
ENTER A WORLD OF SHADOWS AND LIGHT…
Seren was born into a world divided by shadows and light. And yet… she can wield both. She fights against the corruption plaguing her kingdom, but when dark creatures breach the shield and begin slaughtering under the cover of night, her world is thrown into chaos. To save her people, she enters the savage guards’ competition. A deadly game of betrayal, bloodshed, and lies with hopes of winning an audience with the royals.
But the competition is only the beginning.
As secrets unravel, Seren discovers a world far larger and more dangerous than she ever imagined.
Gods. Fae. Monsters. And a prophecy that could destroy everything.
In a world of Sidus and Caligo, where fae, humans, and beasts collide, one truth remains
All Gods Must Die.
All Gods Must Die is the first book in a new M/F fantasy series that is inspired by Irish Mythology. Full of mystery, betrayal, a unique magic system and a prophecy, get ready to be brought on one epic adventure. This plot heavy, character-driven story has a delicious slow burn that gets hotter each book, and a strong female lead that is ready to fight for what she believes in.
Seren was born into a world divided by shadows and light. And yet… she can wield both. She fights against the corruption plaguing her kingdom, but when dark creatures breach the shield and begin slaughtering under the cover of night, her world is thrown into chaos. To save her people, she enters the savage guards’ competition. A deadly game of betrayal, bloodshed, and lies with hopes of winning an audience with the royals.
But the competition is only the beginning.
As secrets unravel, Seren discovers a world far larger and more dangerous than she ever imagined.
Gods. Fae. Monsters. And a prophecy that could destroy everything.
In a world of Sidus and Caligo, where fae, humans, and beasts collide, one truth remains
All Gods Must Die.
All Gods Must Die is the first book in a new M/F fantasy series that is inspired by Irish Mythology. Full of mystery, betrayal, a unique magic system and a prophecy, get ready to be brought on one epic adventure. This plot heavy, character-driven story has a delicious slow burn that gets hotter each book, and a strong female lead that is ready to fight for what she believes in.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 20, 2024
1525 people are currently reading
7011 people want to read
About the author
Soraya Cole
2 books160 followersSoraya Cole is a fantasy romance author. All Gods Must Die is her debut fantasy series and is inspired by Irish Mythology.
When she isn’t creating fantasy worlds with strong female leads and swoon-worthy heroes, she is spending time with her family in Ireland or trying to chip away at her never-ending tbr that only seems to grow larger by the day.
Soraya can be found on TIkTok and Instagram @sorayacoleauthor
When she isn’t creating fantasy worlds with strong female leads and swoon-worthy heroes, she is spending time with her family in Ireland or trying to chip away at her never-ending tbr that only seems to grow larger by the day.
Soraya can be found on TIkTok and Instagram @sorayacoleauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
September 24, 2024
This book had potential. The key word is HAD.
The plot is great, world building is also great, and the characters are amazing. The biggest downside that caused my 1 star rating is the writing. I wanted to DNF this book so badly from the start, but I kept going hoping for it to improve, alas that never came, in fact it just got worse.
This book is full of contradictions as an example: the FMC Seren told her stepfather that she hates the rebels because they're insane and cause trouble but 3 pages later when she finds out that Jarek her bsf is a rebel she has a life lesson moment of realising that she shouldn't judge a book by its cover (shocker)and now apparently rebels aren't bad. Same with other scenarios, Seren tends to just oh yea another life lesson and move on.
The book is way too fast-paced. Half the time, I had no idea what just happened. Intoducting pointless character we never see or speak about ever again like the strong headed mother of the little girl (eye-roll). We get full-on profile about them two, just so they can poof magically, never exist again.
The poorly explained and predictable plot twists, boom, here's a fae. Here's a fae, and guess what .... the 3 royals are also gasp, you guessed it, FAE. This book was advertised as Irish mythology. Has this author ever picked up a book explaining Irish mythology in her life? The anwser is no ... No, she hasn't. I'd recommend taking it out of the synopsis. This book is fantasy based on fantasy genre.
Also, SLOW BURN? Where? I don't think I've seen it, mustive been lost in this book. We met the love interest at the very last few chapters, and also, you guys guessed it, he's fae and her mate. PREDICTABLE. Also the author may look up what a slow burn is because what happened between these characters is : I hate you , passionate kiss, I hate you more, I don't want a mate - walks away. Fine (gets instantly kidnapped). He finds out she was kidnapped and goes on a power trip. ( Yikes).
The overall idea for this book is chef's kiss 💋. But the execution just killed it. Writing needs serious improvement. I'm hoping it'll happen in book 2. Please let me know if it happens as I won't be picking it up.
The plot is great, world building is also great, and the characters are amazing. The biggest downside that caused my 1 star rating is the writing. I wanted to DNF this book so badly from the start, but I kept going hoping for it to improve, alas that never came, in fact it just got worse.
This book is full of contradictions as an example: the FMC Seren told her stepfather that she hates the rebels because they're insane and cause trouble but 3 pages later when she finds out that Jarek her bsf is a rebel she has a life lesson moment of realising that she shouldn't judge a book by its cover (shocker)and now apparently rebels aren't bad. Same with other scenarios, Seren tends to just oh yea another life lesson and move on.
The book is way too fast-paced. Half the time, I had no idea what just happened. Intoducting pointless character we never see or speak about ever again like the strong headed mother of the little girl (eye-roll). We get full-on profile about them two, just so they can poof magically, never exist again.
The poorly explained and predictable plot twists, boom, here's a fae. Here's a fae, and guess what .... the 3 royals are also gasp, you guessed it, FAE. This book was advertised as Irish mythology. Has this author ever picked up a book explaining Irish mythology in her life? The anwser is no ... No, she hasn't. I'd recommend taking it out of the synopsis. This book is fantasy based on fantasy genre.
Also, SLOW BURN? Where? I don't think I've seen it, mustive been lost in this book. We met the love interest at the very last few chapters, and also, you guys guessed it, he's fae and her mate. PREDICTABLE. Also the author may look up what a slow burn is because what happened between these characters is : I hate you , passionate kiss, I hate you more, I don't want a mate - walks away. Fine (gets instantly kidnapped). He finds out she was kidnapped and goes on a power trip. ( Yikes).
The overall idea for this book is chef's kiss 💋. But the execution just killed it. Writing needs serious improvement. I'm hoping it'll happen in book 2. Please let me know if it happens as I won't be picking it up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2025
I was excited to read this book due to the things I kept seeing online about it however, it was a massive disappointment.
The world-building and magic system were well put together and the plot was pretty decent. What killed this book for me was how it was written. I struggled to complete this book and almost DNF several times.
First, Seren the FMC is terrible. I do not know why everyone loves her, I found her to be annoying. Just removing all her inner dialog would have greatly improved the book. I rolled my eyes so much while reading. She is incredibly flaky. One minute she has strong emotions about something like "all caligo are stuck-up pricks" then by a drop of a hat she immediately "I know they aren't all bad" 😅
Same thing with the rebels.
Also, I do not like being told something. I would rather be shown. This author is huge on telling you. For example, in the first few chapters, every other sentence is Seren telling you how stubborn she is 🙄
Most of the book feels rushed and makes things happen so quickly she skimps on parts of the story and forces things to fit. Like how quickly everyone just immediately trusts everyone. "I just felt I could trust him so I did" 🙄
On the other hand, I could easily cut this book in half by removing all the repetition. If Seren says something once she will say it at least 20 more times. Geez it was driving me crazy. I did a lot of skimming. Also, by removing the in-depth introductions we are given to pointless characters you might once, and then they disappear for good. The first few chapters were mostly pointless and boring. The part where she is purposely taken could have been a good meaty portion of the story but she made it all take a couple of pages. If she had spent more time on it and less on other scenes that held no meaning she might have redeemed the book.
Another issue is how much just happens in this book that makes no sense but to rush the story along she just ignores the plot holes.
Seren is "kept" in a cell and everyone knows this because the captain announces it to all the contestants so they will feel safe. But yet she spends the entire story walking around the palace talking to everyone... She gets healed, takes baths, gets her hair braided and the guards just don't notice?!
When stealing the bottle of wine the one fae is determined to get in her pants but in the next scene after she leaves she is forced to take a bath while they gag and dry heave over how bad she smells?! I'm sorry if someone smelled that bad he would not be trying to sleep with her and kiss her 🙄
The list is too long so I'll end by also saying this book is listed as a slow burn which is laughable. There is nothing. Absolutely nothing. No tension. Nothing. The entire book. In the last 10 pages there is a kiss scene which honestly what was that I rolled my eyes so hard. Then nothing. She gets taken which that part wow... "A staff member saw her get taken and she's gone' 🤣 But they didn't say or do anything. Just watched apparently. And the fae loses his shit for no reason. His talked to her a handful of times and did one crappy kiss and his so mad he uses powers he shouldn't be able to use!?
Ok I need to stop. There's too much about this book I did not like I could continue. Doubt I'll read the second one. Life's too short and my TBR is too long to waste on bad books.
The world-building and magic system were well put together and the plot was pretty decent. What killed this book for me was how it was written. I struggled to complete this book and almost DNF several times.
First, Seren the FMC is terrible. I do not know why everyone loves her, I found her to be annoying. Just removing all her inner dialog would have greatly improved the book. I rolled my eyes so much while reading. She is incredibly flaky. One minute she has strong emotions about something like "all caligo are stuck-up pricks" then by a drop of a hat she immediately "I know they aren't all bad" 😅
Same thing with the rebels.
Also, I do not like being told something. I would rather be shown. This author is huge on telling you. For example, in the first few chapters, every other sentence is Seren telling you how stubborn she is 🙄
Most of the book feels rushed and makes things happen so quickly she skimps on parts of the story and forces things to fit. Like how quickly everyone just immediately trusts everyone. "I just felt I could trust him so I did" 🙄
On the other hand, I could easily cut this book in half by removing all the repetition. If Seren says something once she will say it at least 20 more times. Geez it was driving me crazy. I did a lot of skimming. Also, by removing the in-depth introductions we are given to pointless characters you might once, and then they disappear for good. The first few chapters were mostly pointless and boring. The part where she is purposely taken could have been a good meaty portion of the story but she made it all take a couple of pages. If she had spent more time on it and less on other scenes that held no meaning she might have redeemed the book.
Another issue is how much just happens in this book that makes no sense but to rush the story along she just ignores the plot holes.
Seren is "kept" in a cell and everyone knows this because the captain announces it to all the contestants so they will feel safe. But yet she spends the entire story walking around the palace talking to everyone... She gets healed, takes baths, gets her hair braided and the guards just don't notice?!
When stealing the bottle of wine the one fae is determined to get in her pants but in the next scene after she leaves she is forced to take a bath while they gag and dry heave over how bad she smells?! I'm sorry if someone smelled that bad he would not be trying to sleep with her and kiss her 🙄
The list is too long so I'll end by also saying this book is listed as a slow burn which is laughable. There is nothing. Absolutely nothing. No tension. Nothing. The entire book. In the last 10 pages there is a kiss scene which honestly what was that I rolled my eyes so hard. Then nothing. She gets taken which that part wow... "A staff member saw her get taken and she's gone' 🤣 But they didn't say or do anything. Just watched apparently. And the fae loses his shit for no reason. His talked to her a handful of times and did one crappy kiss and his so mad he uses powers he shouldn't be able to use!?
Ok I need to stop. There's too much about this book I did not like I could continue. Doubt I'll read the second one. Life's too short and my TBR is too long to waste on bad books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2024
So good
5⭐️
I’ve seen so many TikToks for this book and I swear I waited forever for it and read it all in one sitting. It honestly sucks you in from the very beginning and you absolutely cannot put it down. I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
With that said, I don’t think I would call this a fantasy romance. The story may turn into romance later on but aside from a kiss there is romance in this one. It doesn’t detract from the story at all, but does come off slightly misleading.
5⭐️
I’ve seen so many TikToks for this book and I swear I waited forever for it and read it all in one sitting. It honestly sucks you in from the very beginning and you absolutely cannot put it down. I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
With that said, I don’t think I would call this a fantasy romance. The story may turn into romance later on but aside from a kiss there is romance in this one. It doesn’t detract from the story at all, but does come off slightly misleading.
September 20, 2024
Absolutely loved this!
Devoured it in a few hours, and can't wait for the next one. Love a strong FMC!
Devoured it in a few hours, and can't wait for the next one. Love a strong FMC!
June 18, 2025
I love a strong FMC & Seren is such a bad@ss in this book! She put everyone in their place & never apologized, as she should. This is about light vs dark & is fast paced from the start. It was action packed with deadly competitions, shadow monsters, magic, and secrets.
The romance at the end was kind of abrupt, but it’s going to make a great enemies to lovers trope for the second book! I’m in shock at the bigger picture that the author just drops on us at the end of the book. I need to read book two ASAP!
The romance at the end was kind of abrupt, but it’s going to make a great enemies to lovers trope for the second book! I’m in shock at the bigger picture that the author just drops on us at the end of the book. I need to read book two ASAP!
March 25, 2025
3.5⭐️
Honestly i felt like this book was all over the place. I loved the concept of the book, the writing was one of the main reasons why i didn’t like it that much. it wasn’t badly written but it could’ve been better.
I liked the fmc she’s a badass but for a 19 year old to know how to do everything and anything even fighting monsters and people without proper training (even if her step father taught her how to fight) it just felt a little bit unrealistic. Yes i get it’s fantasy it’s not supposed to be realistic i know, but writing about a girl how is a vigilante when she has no prior experiences in unaliveing people is just not it. (I’m not talking about the monsters cuz she does have experience) even then the author didn’t tell us how she came to know about these monsters and how to unalive them. Like did you see the monster unalive someone when you were a kid and suddenly you wanted to unalinve them…? Nothing, the author didn’t bother to explain how our girl decided she wanted to unalive the monsters.
The rest of the plot was ok, i was kept occupied…until the mmc showed up. This is supposed to be a romance book yet the mmc showed up twice…and the author didn’t write any interactions with him except him reading her a poem. And then suddenly he’s fae without even explaining that there were fae in this world. Like she could’ve wrote a flashback of when the fmc was a kid and her mother is reading her a bed time stories about fae, that would give the impression that fea are going to be introduced later on in the book…but no. She just sprung them on us. Not to mention that he suddenly is her mate?!!! The author didn’t even explain to concept of mates in the her world, nor did she imply that they’re mates. Like there wasn’t any typical indication that they’re mates, the author just said boom he’s your mate, love each other.
The men in this book felt bland, the princes didn’t even know about what the heck is going on in their country and they were so surprised. Like bro you’re ruling a country you should know what the heck i going on, they let the guards do what they wish without questioning them, basically giving them a free rein over the people. There so many plot holes in this book that it gave me a whiplash.
Will I read the second one, maybe. Was this book good, debatable. Could it have been better, yes most definitely.
Please don’t take my review as hate to the author, cuz i don’t. I’m criticizing cuz i wanted this book to be better because the storyline is interesting.
Honestly i felt like this book was all over the place. I loved the concept of the book, the writing was one of the main reasons why i didn’t like it that much. it wasn’t badly written but it could’ve been better.
I liked the fmc she’s a badass but for a 19 year old to know how to do everything and anything even fighting monsters and people without proper training (even if her step father taught her how to fight) it just felt a little bit unrealistic. Yes i get it’s fantasy it’s not supposed to be realistic i know, but writing about a girl how is a vigilante when she has no prior experiences in unaliveing people is just not it. (I’m not talking about the monsters cuz she does have experience) even then the author didn’t tell us how she came to know about these monsters and how to unalive them. Like did you see the monster unalive someone when you were a kid and suddenly you wanted to unalinve them…? Nothing, the author didn’t bother to explain how our girl decided she wanted to unalive the monsters.
The rest of the plot was ok, i was kept occupied…until the mmc showed up. This is supposed to be a romance book yet the mmc showed up twice…and the author didn’t write any interactions with him except him reading her a poem. And then suddenly he’s fae without even explaining that there were fae in this world. Like she could’ve wrote a flashback of when the fmc was a kid and her mother is reading her a bed time stories about fae, that would give the impression that fea are going to be introduced later on in the book…but no. She just sprung them on us. Not to mention that he suddenly is her mate?!!! The author didn’t even explain to concept of mates in the her world, nor did she imply that they’re mates. Like there wasn’t any typical indication that they’re mates, the author just said boom he’s your mate, love each other.
The men in this book felt bland, the princes didn’t even know about what the heck is going on in their country and they were so surprised. Like bro you’re ruling a country you should know what the heck i going on, they let the guards do what they wish without questioning them, basically giving them a free rein over the people. There so many plot holes in this book that it gave me a whiplash.
Will I read the second one, maybe. Was this book good, debatable. Could it have been better, yes most definitely.
Please don’t take my review as hate to the author, cuz i don’t. I’m criticizing cuz i wanted this book to be better because the storyline is interesting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2025
4.25 Stars 🌟
Before I start my review, I just want to say that I absolutely love this book cover. It’s stunning 🤩, and to the person on TikTok (sorry I can’t remember who) who recommended this book - thank you ☺️ . This is definitely a book that is under hyped and more people need to read it.
My thoughts:
I had no idea what I was going into when I started reading/listening to this book, but once I started it, I couldn’t put it down, and ended up binge reading the whole book in one sitting. I loved the storyline, the author’s writing style, the world building, magic system, and most of all I loved the FMC, Seren. She was such a fierce, feisty and fearless character, and so protective of the people she loved and cared about. She literally put her own life on the line to protect the people in her village from the darkness that was slipping through the protective barrier that surrounded them and killing innocent people.
What to expect:
- Irish Inspired Mythology
- Fae
- Fated Mates
- He Falls First
- Action Adventure
- Mystery
- Very, Very Slow Burn (more spicy in book 2)
- Unique Magic System ( Shadow & Light Powers)
- Strong FMC
- Prophecy
- Who Did This To You?
- Ends on Cliffhanger
I’m looking forward to continuing this series with book two.
Before I start my review, I just want to say that I absolutely love this book cover. It’s stunning 🤩, and to the person on TikTok (sorry I can’t remember who) who recommended this book - thank you ☺️ . This is definitely a book that is under hyped and more people need to read it.
My thoughts:
I had no idea what I was going into when I started reading/listening to this book, but once I started it, I couldn’t put it down, and ended up binge reading the whole book in one sitting. I loved the storyline, the author’s writing style, the world building, magic system, and most of all I loved the FMC, Seren. She was such a fierce, feisty and fearless character, and so protective of the people she loved and cared about. She literally put her own life on the line to protect the people in her village from the darkness that was slipping through the protective barrier that surrounded them and killing innocent people.
What to expect:
- Irish Inspired Mythology
- Fae
- Fated Mates
- He Falls First
- Action Adventure
- Mystery
- Very, Very Slow Burn (more spicy in book 2)
- Unique Magic System ( Shadow & Light Powers)
- Strong FMC
- Prophecy
- Who Did This To You?
- Ends on Cliffhanger
I’m looking forward to continuing this series with book two.
September 4, 2025
That was such an incredible read… an incredible BAD ONE. Let me list my criticism:
*The fmc was truly a pain in the ass. She was such a bad ass and she did make mistakes however I never had the feeling like she was able to really feel her emotions. The writing gave her NO depth whatsoever. Sure there were passages where she explained herself about it just felt fake like the author felt like it was a requirement and not bc the character was truly speaking her mind.
*The whole love “plot twist” was shit. It was so fucking random. The mmc was not even really introduced and BAHM THEY ARE FUCKING MATES. Sorry for the little spoiler but I advise you to NOT read it so fuck it. This just felt FAKE AS FUCK as well as her emotions. Like what the actual fuck are you really trying to tell me?!! We are at more than 90% of the book and this guy that was incredibly rude the whole two seconds he was mentioned is somehow her mate?!? While I spoil a part of the book let’s also mention the FUCKING KISS?!?!??!? HOW AND I MEAN HOW DOES THAT MAKE SENSE?!? Why would you include a kissing scene when I don’t even know the mmc and we are AT MORE THAN 90% OF THE BOOK?!?
* Everything about the mmc. He was just unbelievably rude. Not only that he also HAD NO PERSONALITY. Even though, and that’s the sad part, he had such a potential. Like come ooonnnnnnn this guy could have had depth.
* A lot of the stuff that was happening made no fucking sense. Like how certain characters knew of each other or how they were strangely connected.
* The real plot twist was also unbearable.
* The storytelling made me so angry cause I did in-fact not understand what was happening, maybe that misunderstanding was caused by myself cause English is not my mothertounge and I’m still learning.
*It was also soooooo borrrriiiinngggg, I don’t even know why I read it till the end
* Nothing and I mean NOTHING was explained beforehand. Like sure we are introduced to two primary „races“ but you were just kinda of like thrown into it with no context whatsoever. Surely there are books where it is ok to just start but while reading you would get proper explanations. But this was not THAT it was just like you were expected to understand everything in a millisecond.
To summarize it please do not read this book if you are not ready to be infuriated.
*The fmc was truly a pain in the ass. She was such a bad ass and she did make mistakes however I never had the feeling like she was able to really feel her emotions. The writing gave her NO depth whatsoever. Sure there were passages where she explained herself about it just felt fake like the author felt like it was a requirement and not bc the character was truly speaking her mind.
*The whole love “plot twist” was shit. It was so fucking random. The mmc was not even really introduced and BAHM THEY ARE FUCKING MATES. Sorry for the little spoiler but I advise you to NOT read it so fuck it. This just felt FAKE AS FUCK as well as her emotions. Like what the actual fuck are you really trying to tell me?!! We are at more than 90% of the book and this guy that was incredibly rude the whole two seconds he was mentioned is somehow her mate?!? While I spoil a part of the book let’s also mention the FUCKING KISS?!?!??!? HOW AND I MEAN HOW DOES THAT MAKE SENSE?!? Why would you include a kissing scene when I don’t even know the mmc and we are AT MORE THAN 90% OF THE BOOK?!?
* Everything about the mmc. He was just unbelievably rude. Not only that he also HAD NO PERSONALITY. Even though, and that’s the sad part, he had such a potential. Like come ooonnnnnnn this guy could have had depth.
* A lot of the stuff that was happening made no fucking sense. Like how certain characters knew of each other or how they were strangely connected.
* The real plot twist was also unbearable.
* The storytelling made me so angry cause I did in-fact not understand what was happening, maybe that misunderstanding was caused by myself cause English is not my mothertounge and I’m still learning.
*It was also soooooo borrrriiiinngggg, I don’t even know why I read it till the end
* Nothing and I mean NOTHING was explained beforehand. Like sure we are introduced to two primary „races“ but you were just kinda of like thrown into it with no context whatsoever. Surely there are books where it is ok to just start but while reading you would get proper explanations. But this was not THAT it was just like you were expected to understand everything in a millisecond.
To summarize it please do not read this book if you are not ready to be infuriated.
October 30, 2025
I 💯% loved this book, the fmc kicked ass! I can't wait to read book two, which I'm going to go read right now! LOL! I had such a good time. I'm so glad I found these books and author on tiktok!
June 12, 2025
I struggled through 29 pages of this book. 29 painfully boring pages. I could not find one redeeming thing to make me want to continue. The cadence of the writing was monotonous and lackluster.
***EDIT***I decided to give this book another chance. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised and am changing my 1 star to a 4 star.once the story gets going it gets really good and I'm really looking forward to the next book. (06/11/2025)
***EDIT***I decided to give this book another chance. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised and am changing my 1 star to a 4 star.once the story gets going it gets really good and I'm really looking forward to the next book. (06/11/2025)
October 6, 2024
The story was interesting and I’m thankful for a FMC that isn’t a damsel in distress.
Overall a fun read, but there are a ton of plot holes in this book that just don’t make sense. Will definitely read the next book when it comes out!
Overall a fun read, but there are a ton of plot holes in this book that just don’t make sense. Will definitely read the next book when it comes out!
June 26, 2025
Great setup for the series
This one started off kind of slow, and initially I was a little unsure where it was going to go (I went into the book blind). But after some world building, I really enjoyed how strong this FMC was, the battle scenes, and especially the third act. The third act and what was unveiled really excited me and I want to dive right into the next book!
Thank you R&R Book Tours for the read!
This one started off kind of slow, and initially I was a little unsure where it was going to go (I went into the book blind). But after some world building, I really enjoyed how strong this FMC was, the battle scenes, and especially the third act. The third act and what was unveiled really excited me and I want to dive right into the next book!
Thank you R&R Book Tours for the read!
September 23, 2024
I finished it in one sitting. We stand a strong FMC and the storyline is interesting.
It just came out, meaning we’ll have to be patient for the next one, but I can’t wait already
« I don’t want a mate », yeah, sure, everyone believes you hon.
It just came out, meaning we’ll have to be patient for the next one, but I can’t wait already
« I don’t want a mate », yeah, sure, everyone believes you hon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2025
This is marketed as a „plot heavy, character driven m/f fantasy romance“ and somehow it’s neither.
I mean, yes there are many plot points but they are strung along randomly without really bothering to blend them into each other.
On nearly every page our fmc is in another setting and another random thing is happening which isn’t explained and not really important in the end.
Also, from the countless side characters introduced by name to the reader, no one is well-rounded, characterized beyond their primary purpose („I need to find my sister“ - „I need to find my wife“…) or even important to any plotline happening.
The whole „unique“ magic system and the competition who turns out to be just as random as any other event happening in that book aren’t really explained until the last two chapters and even then, they don’t make sense.
If the Fae are so powerful, why don’t they know the first thing about anything going on under their „protection“?
Why is this stupid competition happening?
And finally, the „romance“ part of this book. It remains unclear until the 80% mark if there will be any romance or romantic interest in this book at all.
Kestral and Ren meet for a total of three times in this book, no romantic interest whatsoever is sparked between them until Ren is told that Kestral is her mate.
When confronted with this by Ren, he claims to hate her but when we get his POV he’s so obsessed with her that he can suddenly bend the laws of his own magical enclosure??
So much for „slow-burn“ romance. Ren has more chemistry with her gay best-friend Jarek than with Kestral but upon immediately learning that they’re mates, at least Kestral is willing to rip everything apart for her? The only thing slowly burning here is my patience with this book.
All in all, this felt like a „creative writing assignment“ from someone who wanted to put as many different tropes as humanly possible in one book as well as to use as all cliché sayings of fantasy literature known to humankind. This feat was executed poorly to say the least.
I mean, yes there are many plot points but they are strung along randomly without really bothering to blend them into each other.
On nearly every page our fmc is in another setting and another random thing is happening which isn’t explained and not really important in the end.
Also, from the countless side characters introduced by name to the reader, no one is well-rounded, characterized beyond their primary purpose („I need to find my sister“ - „I need to find my wife“…) or even important to any plotline happening.
The whole „unique“ magic system and the competition who turns out to be just as random as any other event happening in that book aren’t really explained until the last two chapters and even then, they don’t make sense.
If the Fae are so powerful, why don’t they know the first thing about anything going on under their „protection“?
Why is this stupid competition happening?
And finally, the „romance“ part of this book. It remains unclear until the 80% mark if there will be any romance or romantic interest in this book at all.
Kestral and Ren meet for a total of three times in this book, no romantic interest whatsoever is sparked between them until Ren is told that Kestral is her mate.
When confronted with this by Ren, he claims to hate her but when we get his POV he’s so obsessed with her that he can suddenly bend the laws of his own magical enclosure??
So much for „slow-burn“ romance. Ren has more chemistry with her gay best-friend Jarek than with Kestral but upon immediately learning that they’re mates, at least Kestral is willing to rip everything apart for her? The only thing slowly burning here is my patience with this book.
All in all, this felt like a „creative writing assignment“ from someone who wanted to put as many different tropes as humanly possible in one book as well as to use as all cliché sayings of fantasy literature known to humankind. This feat was executed poorly to say the least.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2025
Two conflicting sides with the ability to wield deadly magic. One side impoverished and desperate for safety and security the other greedy and entitled.
Seren has a secret. She can weird the light magic of the Sidus and the shadows of the Caligo. A secret that could get her and everyone she loves killed. Knowing she has the ability to do something, Seren refuses to sit idly by why those around her suffer and are killed by the monsterous creatures those sworn to protect them ignore.
As things continue to worsen Seren chooses to enter a deadly tournament in order to get an audience with the royals. If they knew how her people suffered they’d do something right?
From the moment I picked it up I couldn’t put it down! Like with any fantasy story there is a lot of new terminology but it’s easy to pickup and the story is easy to follow. I loved Seren’s warrior spirit and determination to tackle every obstacle put in her path even when surrounded by the enemy with no hope of getting out alive.
I am so happy book 2, The Gods We Defy is out because I cannot wait to finish this story!
If you want to enter a world with beings filled with magical powers, dangerous monsters, mysterious fae, and a deadly tournament this book is for you!
Both books are available on KU!!
Seren has a secret. She can weird the light magic of the Sidus and the shadows of the Caligo. A secret that could get her and everyone she loves killed. Knowing she has the ability to do something, Seren refuses to sit idly by why those around her suffer and are killed by the monsterous creatures those sworn to protect them ignore.
As things continue to worsen Seren chooses to enter a deadly tournament in order to get an audience with the royals. If they knew how her people suffered they’d do something right?
From the moment I picked it up I couldn’t put it down! Like with any fantasy story there is a lot of new terminology but it’s easy to pickup and the story is easy to follow. I loved Seren’s warrior spirit and determination to tackle every obstacle put in her path even when surrounded by the enemy with no hope of getting out alive.
I am so happy book 2, The Gods We Defy is out because I cannot wait to finish this story!
If you want to enter a world with beings filled with magical powers, dangerous monsters, mysterious fae, and a deadly tournament this book is for you!
Both books are available on KU!!
May 22, 2025
Tropes: deadly games and trails, prophecy, fated mates, gods and monsters, shadow and light powers, twists.
Spice: 🫑
Stars: 3.75
Well holy shit. I thought I was gonna hate this looking at other reviews but I was wrong.
This is a HIGH fantasy book, it’s written it a way that reminds me of the elves from lord of the rings. It is a plot driven book with a subplot of romance. So if you’re looking for spice and a heavy themed romance book it ain’t here, we don’t even get to the romance till the end of the book.
Our FMC Seren gave me Celena Sardothian vibes (yes assassin era ToG vibes). She is a complete badass who don’t need no man.
While I don’t usually enjoy books that don’t even drop an f-bomb in there (swearing is caring) it terms of darkness, I really enjoyed this. There were parts that had me screaming and the twists were twisting. Yes some is predictable but what fantasy book isn’t once you’ve read a heap of them. It was different enough to keep me guessing and engaged with the story.
Spice: 🫑
Stars: 3.75
Well holy shit. I thought I was gonna hate this looking at other reviews but I was wrong.
This is a HIGH fantasy book, it’s written it a way that reminds me of the elves from lord of the rings. It is a plot driven book with a subplot of romance. So if you’re looking for spice and a heavy themed romance book it ain’t here, we don’t even get to the romance till the end of the book.
Our FMC Seren gave me Celena Sardothian vibes (yes assassin era ToG vibes). She is a complete badass who don’t need no man.
While I don’t usually enjoy books that don’t even drop an f-bomb in there (swearing is caring) it terms of darkness, I really enjoyed this. There were parts that had me screaming and the twists were twisting. Yes some is predictable but what fantasy book isn’t once you’ve read a heap of them. It was different enough to keep me guessing and engaged with the story.
April 19, 2025
Hmmmm this was hard to rate because I really enjoyed it as a whole, this was very plot driven which I loved & I loved the trials/magic, also the dark creatures were very unique & the bad ass FMC, she was ace!👏🏼 But... I just didn't connect to any other characters. I just think I had an idea of how this book was going to pan out & that we'd get some tension & spice but we didn't ... & until about 60% I wasn't even sure who the MMC/'love interest' was going to be. 🤦🏻♀️😂 If we don't get spice, we need tension!!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Some parts felt a little rushed but overall a quick fun read, will definitely do book 2 as I'm excited to see where this story goes! Such a fun time! 🖤
Some parts felt a little rushed but overall a quick fun read, will definitely do book 2 as I'm excited to see where this story goes! Such a fun time! 🖤
May 21, 2025
Honestly, the first 20% of this book should have been scrapped and rewritten. The beginning is a huge info dump with very little explanation or world building. The story telling gets better through the middle of the book, but I felt no connection to the characters or the plot. I could see the authors writing growth through the book and it was a good attempt at a first novel (I assume). If it had gone through traditional publishing rounds of editing and rewriting it would have a chance at being a really good book.
June 23, 2025
Brace yourself for this page-turner. Packed with drama, secrets, and just a hint of romance (near the end) this plot focused and character-driven novel is one you’re not going to want to miss.
Written from the first person POV this book sweeps you away with an introduction to main character, Seren. She’s a special character with dual abilities. No one knows about this uniqueness of hers. She wields her abilities to help her fellow Sigus. The Caligo turn a blind eye to the suffering of her people, but she’s determined to change that.
This book is so hard to put down once you start it. You’re going to find yourself falling in love with Seren. She is such a balanced character. She’s fierce, strong, and determined without all the sass and snark that tends to be extremely heavy-handed these days.
The storyline flows beautifully and keeps you coming back for more. Seren is made to endure a lot, so read the warning before you pick this book up if you are sensitive to certain subject matter. This book is not a romantasy. The series might evolve into one later on, but this book focuses on the storyline and we can’t get enough. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Written from the first person POV this book sweeps you away with an introduction to main character, Seren. She’s a special character with dual abilities. No one knows about this uniqueness of hers. She wields her abilities to help her fellow Sigus. The Caligo turn a blind eye to the suffering of her people, but she’s determined to change that.
This book is so hard to put down once you start it. You’re going to find yourself falling in love with Seren. She is such a balanced character. She’s fierce, strong, and determined without all the sass and snark that tends to be extremely heavy-handed these days.
The storyline flows beautifully and keeps you coming back for more. Seren is made to endure a lot, so read the warning before you pick this book up if you are sensitive to certain subject matter. This book is not a romantasy. The series might evolve into one later on, but this book focuses on the storyline and we can’t get enough. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 12, 2025
4 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I got through this book pretty quickly . There was a lot happening which made it hard to put down ….love the bad @$$ FMC !!! Not very romance heavy.. was hoping for some but overall was good. It ends on a cliffhanger and I cannot wait to read book 2 !!
I got through this book pretty quickly . There was a lot happening which made it hard to put down ….love the bad @$$ FMC !!! Not very romance heavy.. was hoping for some but overall was good. It ends on a cliffhanger and I cannot wait to read book 2 !!
May 1, 2025
its interesting, but the book could've been a bit longer and more detailed, or maybe its just me reading it fast
July 30, 2025
ja sam cijelu ovu knjigu cekala da se desi nesto zanimljivo
spoiler - nije se desilo
spoiler - nije se desilo
May 27, 2025
wow if you like Throne of Glass then you’ll like this plot
May 5, 2025
Not a bad book, a little repetitive in the beginning and a very slow start in my opinion. Once it picked up it also seemed to stop with some of the repetitive junk and became quite good. Excited to read the second book for sure.
April 28, 2025
The story has potential, but it’s terribly underdeveloped.
April 22, 2025
this book felt like it was written by AI. No real connexions with the characters, nothing, really. The plot didn’t make any sense, we went from another plot to another insantantly, again, without making any sense.. Such a bad book.
October 22, 2025
I am a bit on the fence about this one.
The story had potential and the author managed to create an unique setting and premise with the concept of Light Vs Dark with meddling Gods and Fae in the mix.
It's a fast paced journey with a FMC quite unusual for a fantasy story. She was strong-willed, relentless, inquisitive and empowered. It's not often we find a FMC with these attributes right from the start that still carries throughout the entire narrative.
But because of this, she really had no character's arc in the story. I feel like there was really no evolution to her at all, she was basically the same person from beginning to end, making her a bit one-dimensional.
She faced many hardships, took abuse and beatings but always got up a few pages later with barely any scratch. While she had help accomplishing this, the way the author decided this particular plot plot detracted a bit of connection between reader and character. Yes, she got hurt multiple times and it was hard to read sometimes. But after the 3rd time she got up and carried on like nothing happened, the abuse became somewhat pointless and redundant.
There was also a few plot holes and gaps in the story and that ending didn't help.
The entire story is fast paced so the ending had a similar flow. As a reader, we deserved a quieter ending, something that provided more answers instead of creating more questions. It felt a bit choppy and underdeveloped.
The love interest appearances ( and yes, he is not a main character in this until about 70%) felt lacklustre and uninspired. I will have to read the second book to see where it goes but the first look was a bit bland.
The main thing that took me out of reading quite a few times was actually the writing style. The author wrote like she talked, which made it seem juvenile and underdeveloped at times. Sometimes the main character seemed like she was writing a daily journal, with the step-by-step of her actions and feelings.
A bit more polishing or more editing would improve the overall reading experience.
Overall, it's a good fantasy book if you want something fast, interesting that doesn't require much thinking.
⚔️ Light Vs Dark
⚔️ Political intrigue
⚔️ Deathly trials
⚔️ Katniss coded FMC
⚔️ Hateful Gods
⚔️Secrets
⚔️ Violence against the FMC
⚔️ Reluctant Fated Mates
The story had potential and the author managed to create an unique setting and premise with the concept of Light Vs Dark with meddling Gods and Fae in the mix.
It's a fast paced journey with a FMC quite unusual for a fantasy story. She was strong-willed, relentless, inquisitive and empowered. It's not often we find a FMC with these attributes right from the start that still carries throughout the entire narrative.
But because of this, she really had no character's arc in the story. I feel like there was really no evolution to her at all, she was basically the same person from beginning to end, making her a bit one-dimensional.
She faced many hardships, took abuse and beatings but always got up a few pages later with barely any scratch. While she had help accomplishing this, the way the author decided this particular plot plot detracted a bit of connection between reader and character. Yes, she got hurt multiple times and it was hard to read sometimes. But after the 3rd time she got up and carried on like nothing happened, the abuse became somewhat pointless and redundant.
There was also a few plot holes and gaps in the story and that ending didn't help.
The entire story is fast paced so the ending had a similar flow. As a reader, we deserved a quieter ending, something that provided more answers instead of creating more questions. It felt a bit choppy and underdeveloped.
The love interest appearances ( and yes, he is not a main character in this until about 70%) felt lacklustre and uninspired. I will have to read the second book to see where it goes but the first look was a bit bland.
The main thing that took me out of reading quite a few times was actually the writing style. The author wrote like she talked, which made it seem juvenile and underdeveloped at times. Sometimes the main character seemed like she was writing a daily journal, with the step-by-step of her actions and feelings.
A bit more polishing or more editing would improve the overall reading experience.
Overall, it's a good fantasy book if you want something fast, interesting that doesn't require much thinking.
⚔️ Light Vs Dark
⚔️ Political intrigue
⚔️ Deathly trials
⚔️ Katniss coded FMC
⚔️ Hateful Gods
⚔️Secrets
⚔️ Violence against the FMC
⚔️ Reluctant Fated Mates
September 26, 2025
This book had so much potential. The world building and plot were gorgeous. The execution was…not. Either the author was stoned while fighting this or I was stoned while reading it, I don’t know who was stoned but someone certainly was because holy god I did not understand half of the plot jumps.
Seren contradicted herself repeatedly (it was the #1 reliable feature of the book, who doesn’t love a little stability?) however it didn’t bother me too much. I picked up on it but it didn’t overwhelm me like other readers. It’s absolutely a crisis though in the book, I was just lucky enough to get to overlook most of it.
Kestrel, Veles, Cyra, and Asra? I think that’s them and how you spell it? I don’t understand who Veles is to Seren. I think Seren had one conversation with Kestrel before the big reveal? Apparently Asra, with all his enhanced senses, still tried to get in Seren’s pants despite her making a servant tear up because she smelled so horrid.
They all showed up out of nowhere randomly except for Veles…sort of. It went like this:
Now you see me.
Now you don’t.
Now you see me.
Now you don’t.
Now you see me and you still don’t know who I am.
Now you don’t see me and you’re still confused.
Mates.
The book was beyond fast paced which is neat, but, in return, you don’t get to understand why X caused Y.
There is also zero characterization of anyone except maybe Seren but even then, still pulling a blank because of all the contradictions. We just don’t get to know anyone, their story, their goal, really anything. I couldn’t tell you why Veles was in a cage. But is friends with Kestrel, the ruler?
Seren contradicted herself repeatedly (it was the #1 reliable feature of the book, who doesn’t love a little stability?) however it didn’t bother me too much. I picked up on it but it didn’t overwhelm me like other readers. It’s absolutely a crisis though in the book, I was just lucky enough to get to overlook most of it.
Kestrel, Veles, Cyra, and Asra? I think that’s them and how you spell it? I don’t understand who Veles is to Seren. I think Seren had one conversation with Kestrel before the big reveal? Apparently Asra, with all his enhanced senses, still tried to get in Seren’s pants despite her making a servant tear up because she smelled so horrid.
They all showed up out of nowhere randomly except for Veles…sort of. It went like this:
Now you see me.
Now you don’t.
Now you see me.
Now you don’t.
Now you see me and you still don’t know who I am.
Now you don’t see me and you’re still confused.
Mates.
The book was beyond fast paced which is neat, but, in return, you don’t get to understand why X caused Y.
There is also zero characterization of anyone except maybe Seren but even then, still pulling a blank because of all the contradictions. We just don’t get to know anyone, their story, their goal, really anything. I couldn’t tell you why Veles was in a cage. But is friends with Kestrel, the ruler?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2025
I’ll start off with what I liked. I really enjoyed the story. Itself. And I like the FMC (For the most part) because she was wiping the floor with the competition.
On to the bad…
Nothing about this was romance. Even though it’s supposed to be a “Romantasy”. Getting hit on once and kissing a man you’ve spoken to a few times is not romance lol
The excessive use of the word fool/foolish. I wanna say 35+ times lol
Which is just one example of how bad the writing was. I really think the author will go far if she works on refining her writing skills.
The men. Bleh. There was absolutely no depth to any of these men. There was no point to them even being there really. They were very flat. A mystery man who’s a flirt. A mystery man who reads poems. A mystery man who has like 3 lines. And they’re supposed to be the fae kings? Idk man. These guys had no idea what was going on in the town let alone in their own castle? The villains weren’t explained. The reason they hate the FMC wasn’t explained.
And you mean to tell me this man meets his fated mate and then, after all she’s been through, walks away from her while there are bad guys on the loose who have beaten the absolute shit out of her, and then throws a temper tantrum when said bad guys kidnap her? Lol I can’t.
I’m still going to pick up book 2 for the plot alone and hope some of the many holes are filled.
On to the bad…
Nothing about this was romance. Even though it’s supposed to be a “Romantasy”. Getting hit on once and kissing a man you’ve spoken to a few times is not romance lol
The excessive use of the word fool/foolish. I wanna say 35+ times lol
Which is just one example of how bad the writing was. I really think the author will go far if she works on refining her writing skills.
The men. Bleh. There was absolutely no depth to any of these men. There was no point to them even being there really. They were very flat. A mystery man who’s a flirt. A mystery man who reads poems. A mystery man who has like 3 lines. And they’re supposed to be the fae kings? Idk man. These guys had no idea what was going on in the town let alone in their own castle? The villains weren’t explained. The reason they hate the FMC wasn’t explained.
And you mean to tell me this man meets his fated mate and then, after all she’s been through, walks away from her while there are bad guys on the loose who have beaten the absolute shit out of her, and then throws a temper tantrum when said bad guys kidnap her? Lol I can’t.
I’m still going to pick up book 2 for the plot alone and hope some of the many holes are filled.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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