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The Legend of Syn

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When a merchant ship secretly defies the goddess of Creation by charting a course for the forbidden land of Atlas, it results in a shipwreck that washes Emmie ashore, alone. She expects to die at the hand of god-King Ashay, the god of Change, but her crystalline eyes, gifts from his sister, the goddess of Creation, stay his hand.

Reeling from the shipwreck that stole her father, Emmie's grief and trauma clash with Ashay's ruthless reign. But as they spar over philosophy and power, she slowly chips away at his icy heart, discovering the humanity within. 

In this lore-rich romantic fantasy series, discover how one defiant heart reshapes the god of Change himself.

369 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2024

119 people are currently reading
437 people want to read

About the author

Katie Gaskin

3 books31 followers

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5 stars
90 (53%)
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51 (30%)
3 stars
22 (13%)
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2 (1%)
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4 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
244 reviews2 followers
November 16, 2024
I don't remember how I discovered this book, but I am so glad I did!



This starts off with such nail-biting imagery from Emmie surviving a shipwreck to being forced to witness cruelty beyond anything she has ever known. This book touches on topics of loss/grief, imprisonment, abuse, non-consent, PTSD (though not stated as such), and several other heavy topics. The whole thing is so well done. This book even consumed my thoughts when I wasn't reading it. The story isn't over, and that ending made me want to throw my phone because of all the emotions I felt. I am at a loss now that this first book has ended. It was worth it, though. Of course, now I need the rest of the story, so I will be keeping an eye out for updates.
Profile Image for ChaoticallyNatasha.
383 reviews
September 22, 2024
Once you begin reading, the story takes off running. Thankfully, the pacing is not hard to follow despite flashbacks and moves with a steady information stream that helps build the world we find ourselves in. The deity world Gaskin creates is unique in being run by three mentioned deities or "Concepts" of Change, Creation, and Order with a possible fourth shadowed in the background. The story follows Emmie as she finds herself shipwrecked and taken as one of Change's concubines but she remains defiant and unchanging despite his intimidation and demands.

When a friend noted the description of the book as a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers story, I was intrigued. I did hesitate when I saw the warning that there are elements of non-consent/reluctance, but my curiosity won out. While yes there are mentions of this in the story, it was not graphic or escalated in these scenes so I was comfortable continuing reading, but do keep this in mind if this is something that could possibly be triggering.

Once I started the book, I didn't want to stop. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Emmie make progress with her tentative relationship with Change and learning more about the world. My favorite scenes were when the two played board games together to learn more about each other. It emphasized the fact that though he may be an "ancient" being, because people fear him, he doesn't have some of the basic knowledge of forging connections and play.

I do wish we saw a little more development of Emmie with the other concubines. We learn a little bit about the so-to-speak head of the harem, Dellia, and have some interesting interactions with her, but we don't get much about the other three. There is a break in time where this could've been a great opportunity to provide some slivers into the other women's lives and personalities. There was a brief explanation to what happened in the time laspe, but I would have enjoyed more of a showing versus telling here.

Overall, I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars and will be looking forward to the sequel, especially with the large cliffhanger we are left with.
Profile Image for Jericho McKraven.
Author 1 book14 followers
June 4, 2025
A dark God rules beyond the impassible mountains. In his lands, blood stains the ground and screams rend the night. The air smells of copper and the waters themselves run red. Change follows in his wake and no one can stand in his way. Until...

Emmy washes up on the shores of chaos and bloodshed. Broken, afraid, she stands face to hip with a giant who tries to bend her to his will - and fails.

Small and singular, Emmy shakes the foundation an empire is built on - simply by being - and continuing to be.

Now she's faced with a choice: halt change itself, or find a way to escape the clutches of the inevitable.
________________________________________

This book has been a freshwater spring in a drought.

An oasis in the desert.

A single star in the darkness.

I've been DYING for a good read and at long last, I found one!!! 😭😭😭🤩


The world building is flawless. The magic system, fascinating and incredibly unique.
The character development is slow and perfect. There's no info dumping or unnecessary filler, it's all so well sculpted and necessary! I'm genuinely so happy I found this book!

Emmy is relatable and flawed. A little impetuous and maybe even a touch spoiled. She isn't some sword wielding, impossibly athletic, brilliant strategist. She's just like you, or me, or anyone else you come across that hasn't spent their life being trained in one martial art after another. She's just a normal girl with a penchant for art and a love of words.

Ashay is a nightmare walking. A complete psychopath with the body of a god and a power that's gone unchecked for far too long. Complex, but pathetically apathetic, he takes what he wants and bends it to his will, until he finds the one thing that stands in his way.

This adventure is dark, but knows exactly where to fade to black. Despite the subject matter, it's clean and the romance is deliciously slow burn.

It's so exciting there's a book two! I can't wait to start reading it!
Profile Image for Tabetha.
370 reviews2 followers
September 24, 2024
Fantastic debut novel by Ms. Gaskin.

+High fantasy with great world building
+The pacing is perfect
+Realistically strong and likeable heroine
+Slow burn romance
+Pulls the reader into the plot within the first chapter (I struggle with long, boring starts)

Overall I enjoyed the writing style and can't wait for book 2 to be released!!!
2 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2024
This book that truly redefines what an engaging fantasy can be. The world-building is absolutely incredible, immersing readers in a meticulously crafted universe filled with depth and detail.

The pacing is perfect, with a slow burn that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Watching the characters, particularly Syn and Change, evolve (you could even say…change) throughout the story was a highlight. Syn is a fiercely stubborn and strong-willed protagonist, and I found myself relating to her challenges and growth on a personal level. As someone who enjoys challenging norms and standing my ground, I appreciated her journey.

One aspect I wish had been explored more was the dynamic between Syn and the other concubines. I felt there was so much potential for intriguing interactions that could have added more layers to the story. Additionally, I’m very curious about the king’s “son” and how his character will develop in future installments.

While I’m still screaming crying throwing up over the ending, I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next! Highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating read!
Profile Image for Kenzie Storm.
6 reviews2 followers
July 6, 2025
5 stars – Haunting, thoughtful, and unexpectedly powerful

The Legend of Syn is not your typical enemies-to-lovers fantasy. Yes, there’s tension. Yes, the worldbuilding is rich and god-tier. But what truly sets this book apart is its emotional weight. Beneath the icy stares and sharp banter is a story about grief, identity, and the slow, painful process of change.

The male lead isn’t morally gray—he’s ethically void. And Emmie? A protagonist with strength not just in power, but in restraint and persistence. All while navigating grief and trauma in a real, raw, HUMAN way that absolutely shattered me in the best way.

Katie Gaskin has written something that lingers long after you close the book. I went in for the fantasy and stayed for the philosophy, the heartbreak, and the brutal honesty of what it means to feel.

Highly recommend to anyone who loves fantasy with emotional depth, big questions, and characters that actually evolve.
Profile Image for Diane Tempeste.
19 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2025
Absolutely couldn't put it down! Interesting relatable characters, a bit of intrigue, and a slow burn that kept me turning pages well past my bedtime. Highly recommend! Can't wait for the sequel.
3 reviews
July 2, 2025
Held off on reading this one. I shouldn't have. The storyline is just so fresh and different from any other book I've read recently. I started the 2nd book yesterday, and so far, it's just as good as this one.
Profile Image for Nicole.
47 reviews24 followers
May 15, 2025
I love the way Gaskin paints this world and her characters so naturally. Her descriptions weren't dumped on you, but were neatly woven into the story and made it easy to visualize the scene.

Emmie has been a fascinating character to follow! Despite her own fear and grief, she retains her strength in her ability to empathize. As an avid Romantasy reader, who loves a good kick-ass female lead, it was admittedly refreshing to come across a character whose strength wasn't so much physical or magical as it was in her inner strength.
Profile Image for Kelly.
133 reviews
October 15, 2024
Beauty & the Beast…if the Beast was the Incredible Hulk

This book had an interesting setting where there are deity like beings interacting with mortals. Emmie (Syn) is a character that you can connect to very easily. Her back story pulls on the heart strings. The Kings story is unique (to me) and an awesome read. I started reading this and the story telling is so rich that it just pulled me all the way in. There was an odd choice made to trigger an expansion of the universe and character development but it pays off greatly. The ending is a cliffhanger that I had a big reaction to and that’s a testament to how well it was written and how invested I became. Excellent debut for the author. I highly recommend for anyone who loves fantasy romance.
240 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2024
I love Katie’s writing so much! It pulled me in immediately. I was interested in where the story was going and what was going on in the world. The world was pretty unique and I enjoyed learning more about it.
I’m interested in getting to know the characters and see how the story continues to develop.

Content:
-Closed door, the main character is taken to become part of a harem and there are some adult conversations
-No swearing
-Violence but not too detailed
2 reviews
March 30, 2025
This book... is SO GOOD.
I normally am not a romance novel reader. Many of the tropes and "regular occurrences" of the genre are just not something I enjoy. I do feel like I am a romantic at heart, though, and this book absolutely *nails* what I want out of some romance-with-depth.

Also, the characters are refreshingly.. well, sensible is the wrong word, because they are very colorful and dramatic and full of life. But, they seem like real people who sometimes just *actually think things through*, turning some communication tropes on their heads! So refreshing. xD And yet, the drama is gripping, the story human. And it is so fun to read.

If you are a romance genre enjoyer, please read this book. The author does capture that pulse-pound feeling you get in life.

If you are not a romance genre person, and are mostly a fantasy reader, please read this book. It is such a grounded story, and feels so immersive, making Gods on this world feel real. Their influence and how they shaped early societies is lore-consistent and a joy to read. And the epic moments... are EPIC. The author knows how to handle power scale, that is for sure. What a ride.
Profile Image for Caitlynn Burnaman.
173 reviews4 followers
September 17, 2025
This was fantastic and fresh! The world-building was so well done - I was immediately pulled in and never felt overwhelmed. The concept for the God-King/Queen rulers is so interesting and the story just sweeps you away!

The characters shine: Emmie is demure and innocent while possessing incredible strength in light of horrific loss. She faces her terrifying new future with grit and determination. King Ashay is a being like I've never read before. Beyond his striking physical appearance, he's learning to understand humans all because a simple girl dared to ask a question. Their dynamic sparks with delicious tension!

This is slow burn ecstasy! Enemies-to-(future?)Lovers, Forced Proximity/Arranged Relationship -- plus a magic system/gods system that is so unique!

Equal parts heart-racing and heart-wrenching; you'll be desperate for more! And that cliffhanger...whew! I need more!
Profile Image for Alisbeth Vale.
3 reviews
November 9, 2025
How do I properly review this book?

This was a fantastic read. I was intimidated by the size at first (hehe) but it was easy to follow along. Every time I had to put the book down I simply ached to know what came next. The characters were written beautifully, side and main ones. Which only caused greater ache because I desired to see more of the main characters interacting, because their interactions were fascinating to read. It was fun, it was brilliant, and it provided a lot of self-reflection, not just for the book, but for myself, too. And you know it's always a great book if you find yourself asking these very questions and wondering how you, yourself, would answer them if you were in this situation.

So, five out of five stars for this book. The writing is phenomenal, the characters are gorgeously done.
But also, five out of five stars of pure rage for that darn ending that has me absolutely keeling over with pure heartache, and wanting to kick some shins.
Profile Image for Elise McCormack.
4 reviews
September 22, 2024
This book captured me from the very first page. It starts so epically how was I going to put it down? For a debut novel for the author this book was absolutely genius.

I absolutely LOVED the gods were concepts as well as physical beings. It was such a Change from anything else I’ve read in the fantasy genre and I appreciated it.

It is the first fantasy I’ve read in awhile that isn’t smut-ridden and it was a nice break.

I will warn the cliffhanger is Iron Flame levels of frustrating. I actually gasped out loud, and it took a few days to come down from the audacity of the Author.

I am so excited for book 2, and hope that we will be able to see more about the harem, his son and those dynamics with Emmie and Change.
Profile Image for Tina.
5 reviews
October 29, 2024
The Legend of Syn is an addictive read that kept me hooked from the start. Though the foreword made me a bit nervous, I’m so glad I kept going. This isn’t the usual bedtime read that helps you doze off—it’s the kind you can’t wait to get back to every night.

The story pulls you in with its rich world and characters, and before I knew it, I was reading way past my usual bedtime. A friend warned me about the cliffhanger, and yes, it’s as frustrating as promised. But the suspense and plot twists are worth it.

If you’re into fantasy with high stakes and a bit of mystery, this book is a must-read. Just be ready—you won’t want to stop, and you’ll be counting down to the next book!
1 review
October 10, 2025
Couldn’t Put It Down

The Legend of Syn completely surprised me in the best way. The world is so vivid and different, and the characters feel real — especially Emmie. I loved watching her grow and struggle through everything life threw at her. The story is emotional, intense, and beautifully written without ever feeling over the top.

By the end, I was totally attached to these characters and didn’t want it to end. It’s one of those books that sticks with you long after you finish it.
Profile Image for Lindsey Krumpholz.
10 reviews
January 16, 2025
Wonderful book! Looking forward to the rest of the series. The author did an excellent job setting up the story and the characters. I don't normally read fantasy types of books. You will usually see me reading suspense/thrillers and true crime novels. But you hooked me! Definitely a good read. Read this, you won't be disappointed!
Profile Image for Stephanie Shipley.
9 reviews
July 21, 2025
The powerful god of change meets the immovable force that is Emmie. All the longing, tension, and butterflies you could ever need with an undercurrent of
heartbreak and grief!

The character development, growth, and inevitable setbacks kept me hooked! Not to mention the impossibly large, sexy, and strong god!

Can’t wait to read book 2!!
Profile Image for Misty Wilson.
46 reviews
September 17, 2025
Slow burns are not usually my go to, but I could not put this one down. And the cliffhanger 🤨. Emmie is an amazing FMC and I see such potential in the MMC, Change. A couple of time’s throughout the book I was ready to smack Change but Emmie held her own. I can not wait to see what happens in The Ballard of Change.
4 reviews
September 24, 2025
Read this in one day. Couldn’t put it down. I’m usually a spicy girl but this story has a chokehold on me. I finished the whole series in 4 days including the new book. It has good pacing the writing is immersive and I love Emmie. She is a strong character while also being human and going through human emotions and situations.
1 review
October 3, 2025
Great world building and wonderfully paced. The author knows how to keep you hooked without making you feel dragged through unnecessary plot development. Everything happens to show you the complexity of the characters and that they aren't just one dimensional. Does a really good job of expanding on topics of grief and loss.
Profile Image for Kayjah.
Author 3 books6 followers
January 3, 2026
Moreeeeee

Reading slump? Eradicated!

I am so glad I finally picked this one up, it has been sitting in my TBR for longer than I’d like to admit. Tension (political and relationship-wise), yearning, grief and joy all in one pretty package! This book reminded me of the Four Horsemen series but a lot more digestible. Excited to see what comes next!
1 review
September 24, 2024
Very creative

Love how the heroin is head strong, defiant, intelligent. Your imagination is awesome, Katie! Nice to read a romance story with out all the sex. More about the characters and how they work to get to know each other. Now I have to wait for book 2 :(
75 reviews
January 4, 2025
Unexpectedly poignant and thought-provoking descriptions of the human experience for what I assumed would be a standard romantasy. I was not prepared. The pacing and world building is excellent and the cliff has absolutely killed me so I'll just be here wasting away until book 2 comes out.
2 reviews
September 2, 2025
Surprisingly original!.😍

I am guilty of judging a book by its cover on this one but it PAID OFF! I loved this book and the ending had me shedding tears like it was directly happening to me. I'm already deep into the second one and already chopping at the bit for the next! 🥰
1 review
January 5, 2026
Had I not started reading it at the end of a long, tiring day, I would have finished this in one sitting. Instead, I finished it in two.

I know smut and spice are The Thing these days, but this chaste slowburn gave me butterflies in my stomach and had me kicking my legs.
Profile Image for M L Cherry.
554 reviews
December 17, 2024
This is a very creative American Gods meets romantasy. I'm not a big no-burn fan on the premise of some religious obligation and i despise missed communication tropes so I'm probably stopping here. But! This book is popular for a reason, just isn't for me.
1,267 reviews
December 23, 2024
Eminem

Enjoyed this book and the authors writing style. Can’t wait for next installment of series to see how Emile puts the king in his place.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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