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Undead Gods
ᴡᴇʟᴄᴏᴍᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴋᴀᴠᴀ, ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴜɴᴅᴇᴀᴅ ɢᴏᴅꜱ ɴᴇɪᴛʜᴇʀ ʜᴇᴀʀ ɴᴏʀ ᴄᴀʀᴇ...𝐄𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐝.
The undead gods neither hear nor care in Kava. The magic they gifted mortals disappeared years ago, and Elysia Parker is all too familiar with what happens if someone is found to be harboring magic in her land. 𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉.
Cursed but hiding in plain sight within Kava’s royal court, Elysia has her eyes on the crown and its prince. But with an unexpected change in her magic, her carefully laid plans are thrown into chaos. In love with the man who could order her death, she searches for an answer to her curse before it’s too late.
From underground tunnels to pleasure houses and rebels who demand payment of the highest kind, Elysia will journey to the death realm and back to find her answers.
But is she willing to face the truth and all it demands?
Inspired by Hades and Persephone, Undead Gods is a dark, moody fantasy filled with magic, danger, and a love that may be the heroine's downfall. Follow Elysia Parker into the soot drenched world of Kava as she navigates secrets, betrayal, and ultimately, finding herself amidst a world of lies.
The undead gods neither hear nor care in Kava. The magic they gifted mortals disappeared years ago, and Elysia Parker is all too familiar with what happens if someone is found to be harboring magic in her land. 𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉.
Cursed but hiding in plain sight within Kava’s royal court, Elysia has her eyes on the crown and its prince. But with an unexpected change in her magic, her carefully laid plans are thrown into chaos. In love with the man who could order her death, she searches for an answer to her curse before it’s too late.
From underground tunnels to pleasure houses and rebels who demand payment of the highest kind, Elysia will journey to the death realm and back to find her answers.
But is she willing to face the truth and all it demands?
Inspired by Hades and Persephone, Undead Gods is a dark, moody fantasy filled with magic, danger, and a love that may be the heroine's downfall. Follow Elysia Parker into the soot drenched world of Kava as she navigates secrets, betrayal, and ultimately, finding herself amidst a world of lies.
434 pages, Paperback
First published September 18, 2024
171 people are currently reading
1424 people want to read
About the author
Caitlyn Battelle
2 books86 followersCaitlyn grew up on faeries, folklore, and late-night reads. Her dream is to write fantasy stories that will keep you turning the page long after everyone else is asleep. She lives with her partner, tripawed floof of a dog, and the world's friendliest tuxedo cat. If you can't find her, then she's probably escaped to the forest, but will provide updates from @caitlynbattellebooks on social media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
did-not-finish
September 25, 2024˖ ࣪ ⟡˚ DNF @ 32% ˚⟡ ࣪ ˖
⤷ 09/09/2024 ⋆ˎˊ˗
thank you to NetGalley, the publisher ‘Twelfth House Publishing’, and the author for allowing me to read an E-arc of this book.
i feel so bad, as i hate leaving negative reviews, but unfortunately this book wasn’t for me.
the synopsis sounded like something that’d be right up my alley. the first couple chapters were very interesting and i was immediately intrigued, but after the initial 50 pages i felt like we were just going in circles.
the world-building, premise, and overall vibes of this book were incredible - everything was so well explained. yet, i couldn’t connect with any of the characters. that caused me to not want to pick the book up and get bored with the story.
on top of that, i didn’t vibe with the writing style at all. while i love stories with simple writing, here it felt like there was just something missing.
⤷ 09/09/2024 ⋆ˎˊ˗
thank you to NetGalley, the publisher ‘Twelfth House Publishing’, and the author for allowing me to read an E-arc of this book.
i feel so bad, as i hate leaving negative reviews, but unfortunately this book wasn’t for me.
the synopsis sounded like something that’d be right up my alley. the first couple chapters were very interesting and i was immediately intrigued, but after the initial 50 pages i felt like we were just going in circles.
the world-building, premise, and overall vibes of this book were incredible - everything was so well explained. yet, i couldn’t connect with any of the characters. that caused me to not want to pick the book up and get bored with the story.
on top of that, i didn’t vibe with the writing style at all. while i love stories with simple writing, here it felt like there was just something missing.
October 5, 2024
A solid 4 star read from Caitlyn Battelle! Undead Gods has complex, incredibly descriptive world building that will appeal to fantasy readers who need a bit more fantasy than romance out of their TBR. At times I thought it was a little too long in places and should have moved faster so that the pace matched the energy of the situation, but I think there are absolutely readers who will appreciate the slower pacing. Elysia was a complex FMC who struggled with her moral greyness much of the book which felt realistic and fresh. I wish there had been more of Topp’s perspective throughout the first half as I found it to be a good break in the story to see a different view. I’ll be interested to see what Caitlyn does next! Grateful to Netgalley and Twelfth House Publishing for the ARC.
September 21, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Caitlyn for allowing me the absolute pleasure of reading an E-arc of this book!
I could not put it down and I read it in two days, I needed answers, I wanted to spend time with the characters and I was absorbed by the world 🫡
This is one of the best books in this genre I have read for a while. The focus was definitely on the fantasy element and I was completely captivated by Elysia's journey. She's morally grey, she's strong and I laughed out loud so many times with some of the banter. The way the author weaves together a rustic fantasy setting with modern feeling characters was *chefs kiss*.
The magic was intriguing and elusive, I hope we get more information and demonstrations in future books 👀 I genuinely could not tell at points which way the plot was going to go, I had no idea who to trust and my nerves were in tatters.
Although there is a certain point towards the end of the book where you sort of know what the ending is going to look like, the way it was delivered had me out of my seat and gasping for more.
ALSO LINA 😍 iykyk
More thoughts to come when I have gathered myself a bit more.
I could not put it down and I read it in two days, I needed answers, I wanted to spend time with the characters and I was absorbed by the world 🫡
This is one of the best books in this genre I have read for a while. The focus was definitely on the fantasy element and I was completely captivated by Elysia's journey. She's morally grey, she's strong and I laughed out loud so many times with some of the banter. The way the author weaves together a rustic fantasy setting with modern feeling characters was *chefs kiss*.
The magic was intriguing and elusive, I hope we get more information and demonstrations in future books 👀 I genuinely could not tell at points which way the plot was going to go, I had no idea who to trust and my nerves were in tatters.
Although there is a certain point towards the end of the book where you sort of know what the ending is going to look like, the way it was delivered had me out of my seat and gasping for more.
ALSO LINA 😍 iykyk
More thoughts to come when I have gathered myself a bit more.
October 3, 2024
Here's a secret: I don't actually usually LIKE Hades and Persephone retellings.
But I sure loved this one! This was a brilliant way to start this story because we get to know Elysia and fall in love with her. This is the beginning of her character arc and I'm Here. For. It.
This is a dark, atmospheric gaslamp fantasy that hits you with rich world-building, a deeply conflicted romance, and a fascinating heroine who’s just as prickly as she is compelling. Inspired by Hades and Persephone, this story brings a lot of originality and complexity, particularly when it comes to its characters and the world of Kava, where magic is a curse, and those who possess it live in constant fear of death.
Elysia is secretly cursed with the ability (and compulsion) to sense secrets. Her father, within the royal court that has made magic punishable by death, uses her skills to gain power over others. She is forced to navigate the treacherous royal court, hiding her magic while sleeping with The Prince. But what makes her so captivating is her sharp edges. She’s calculating, doesn’t trust easily, and is a bit dramatic in her plans. And yet, she’s also vulnerable, especially when it comes to the love story at the heart of the book. Her relationship with the prince is anything but straightforward, filled with tension and complications that go WAY beyond just a simple romance.
The romance is incredibly bittersweet and beautifully complicated. Both Elysia and the prince are strong, driven people with their own goals and flaws, and the conflict between their desires adds an unexpected depth to their relationship. It’s not just about whether they love each other but about whether that love can survive their individual ambitions and the dangerous world they live in. It’s refreshing to see such a genuine relationship.
Beyond the romance, though, this is truly Elysia’s story, and it’s filled with intrigue, danger, and personal growth. Her journey to uncover the truth behind her curse takes her to some dark and fascinating places. And her support system, while unconventional, is one of the most interesting aspects of the book. Elysia’s relationship with her parents is toxic and abusive, but her chosen family is exceptional. I love them and hope they'll continue to be a big part of the next books.
The humor is a delightful surprise, balancing out the darker elements. Elysia’s mishaps with poisons, in particular, offer a bit of levity that makes her character even more endearing. These are tiny moments, but they're some of my favorites.
By the time the story concludes, the stakes have risen drastically, opening up a much larger world for future books. Overall, this is a gripping, bittersweet tale with a romance that’s as tangled as the plot itself. It’s dark, moody, and filled with memorable characters. If you’re looking for a unique spin on the Hades and Persephone myth, but with far more complexity and an intense personal journey at its core, this is the book for you.
I’m already eager to see where Battelle takes this story next. Thank you so much to the author and R&R Booktours for the opportunity to read and review. This review is based on a complimentary pre-released copy and it is voluntary. All opinions are my own.
But I sure loved this one! This was a brilliant way to start this story because we get to know Elysia and fall in love with her. This is the beginning of her character arc and I'm Here. For. It.
This is a dark, atmospheric gaslamp fantasy that hits you with rich world-building, a deeply conflicted romance, and a fascinating heroine who’s just as prickly as she is compelling. Inspired by Hades and Persephone, this story brings a lot of originality and complexity, particularly when it comes to its characters and the world of Kava, where magic is a curse, and those who possess it live in constant fear of death.
Elysia is secretly cursed with the ability (and compulsion) to sense secrets. Her father, within the royal court that has made magic punishable by death, uses her skills to gain power over others. She is forced to navigate the treacherous royal court, hiding her magic while sleeping with The Prince. But what makes her so captivating is her sharp edges. She’s calculating, doesn’t trust easily, and is a bit dramatic in her plans. And yet, she’s also vulnerable, especially when it comes to the love story at the heart of the book. Her relationship with the prince is anything but straightforward, filled with tension and complications that go WAY beyond just a simple romance.
The romance is incredibly bittersweet and beautifully complicated. Both Elysia and the prince are strong, driven people with their own goals and flaws, and the conflict between their desires adds an unexpected depth to their relationship. It’s not just about whether they love each other but about whether that love can survive their individual ambitions and the dangerous world they live in. It’s refreshing to see such a genuine relationship.
Beyond the romance, though, this is truly Elysia’s story, and it’s filled with intrigue, danger, and personal growth. Her journey to uncover the truth behind her curse takes her to some dark and fascinating places. And her support system, while unconventional, is one of the most interesting aspects of the book. Elysia’s relationship with her parents is toxic and abusive, but her chosen family is exceptional. I love them and hope they'll continue to be a big part of the next books.
The humor is a delightful surprise, balancing out the darker elements. Elysia’s mishaps with poisons, in particular, offer a bit of levity that makes her character even more endearing. These are tiny moments, but they're some of my favorites.
By the time the story concludes, the stakes have risen drastically, opening up a much larger world for future books. Overall, this is a gripping, bittersweet tale with a romance that’s as tangled as the plot itself. It’s dark, moody, and filled with memorable characters. If you’re looking for a unique spin on the Hades and Persephone myth, but with far more complexity and an intense personal journey at its core, this is the book for you.
I’m already eager to see where Battelle takes this story next. Thank you so much to the author and R&R Booktours for the opportunity to read and review. This review is based on a complimentary pre-released copy and it is voluntary. All opinions are my own.
October 8, 2024
final rating: 4.25/5⭐️
i really loved the complexity of this one! caitlyn has such a beautiful, descriptive way of writing that sucks you right in no matter the context. the love interests in this one were a tad confusing, but really started to make sense towards the end of the novel - my allegiance shifted between the three of them pretty regularly and i think if it wasn’t for the apparent “brotherly love” descriptors thrown in i would have 100% been a gage girly for the majority of the read! overall this was a very enjoyable read but it did almost feel like a prequel to the next books - there was a lot of world building / plot forming that foreshadows to the next books in the series. this one is def for readers who enjoy more fantasy than romance (at least at this stage - i can see how more romance will come in later on)! definitely give this one a try if you’re looking for deeply complex and intriguing fantasy realm/ fmc! 💖
i really loved the complexity of this one! caitlyn has such a beautiful, descriptive way of writing that sucks you right in no matter the context. the love interests in this one were a tad confusing, but really started to make sense towards the end of the novel - my allegiance shifted between the three of them pretty regularly and i think if it wasn’t for the apparent “brotherly love” descriptors thrown in i would have 100% been a gage girly for the majority of the read! overall this was a very enjoyable read but it did almost feel like a prequel to the next books - there was a lot of world building / plot forming that foreshadows to the next books in the series. this one is def for readers who enjoy more fantasy than romance (at least at this stage - i can see how more romance will come in later on)! definitely give this one a try if you’re looking for deeply complex and intriguing fantasy realm/ fmc! 💖
September 4, 2024
This was a great read. The world building was well done and thought out. At times it felt a bit clunky but it was anything to deter me from reading. I absolutely loved the hidden magic elements and Elysia as a main character.
September 28, 2024
Thank you Twelfth House Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I haven't had a book work me up this much in a long time, so please forgive me but there is going to be more swearing than usual, and maybe a little more sass too. Maybe I'll come back and edit this in a couple of days when I've cooled down, who knows...
If you want a book where nothing happens and miscommunication is the name of the game, then this is for you.
A lot of words are used to say very little, at least regarding the plot. 30% of the way through and I still don't know what the goal of the FMC/book is. 60% of the way through and the first plot relevant thing happens. kinda?
Across the whole book nothing really happens, in terms of an overaching plot for the book. It doesn't stand alone as a book. There are a bunch of smaller events we read about, but I'm not sure that they were are really necessary.
It does however, create a very cool, beautifully grim world. The writing is flowery and really paints a picture of dark desolate city of Kava, exceptionally well. It seems this books was just made to set up the real and future stories, to give the characters backstory, and I'm a little disappointed by that.
The verbose writing and slow plot made it difficult for me to get through the book. At times it felt swimming through syrup. But if you don't mind slow burn stories and romances (she hasn't even met her love interest at the 80% mark) then this is for you! As much as this book frustrated me, I will still read the next one. I'm a sucker for the God of Death in all their incarnations. Though I am hoping it picks up now that the backstories have been set. I'm not sure I could take another book this slow for this story.
I was told there we would have a morally grey FMC, and those are jus the best. But I'm not sure she's actually morally grey. Is she badass? Yes. Is she tortured? For sure. Has she had a hand in numerous deaths? Absolutely. Is she happy or indifferent about it? Not even close. Does she try to do the right thing when she can? Yes (as long as it let's her live another day).
If she could get what she wanted, stay alive, and be free, all without hurting people. She would. If she could save as many people as she could, she would. She's just a girl who wants to sell her flowers. But despite her privilege has been put in an unthinkable position, and every thing she does, she does for survival. There's nothing grey about it. And yes she makes bad decisions sometimes, but don't we all? Especially when survival, addictions and vices are involved...While I might not relate to her as much as I do some other characters I've read about, I understand her. And that's all that matters to me.
Gage, you're my man and I love you. Like Dimitri for Vampire academy but better and an older brother, not the weird creepy teacher vibes. I don't know how you made it this far and if I could vote on turning you into the God of Patience, I would.
Is there death, violence, parental abuse... yeah sure whatever, but the most important warning for me is the MISCOMMUNICATION. That is the most blaring off-putting thing for me in this book.
Now usually I'm pretty good at avoiding spoilers, but this time I can't. They're not big, but if you prefer not knowing anything, don't go past this point. It's just not possible for me to talk about about what's his name without revealing a little bit...
----------- MINOR SPOILERS BELOW -------------
Pretty sure this Prince, the MMC for this book, and what I assumed was the love interest, has shit for brains.
If you know her secret and you're not gonna hurt her and you want her to trust you, why not fucking tell her that instead of running after her, teasing her cruelly, and letting others hurt her. And listen I love dark romances, this is not the fun and sexy cruel actions you're thinking about, this is just plain dumb. He wants to uncover the secrets and possibly save his country, but he has no solid plan. He's the best tracker but can't tell when he's being tracked. Loves our heroine but refuses to do anything that would actually help her. Contradicts himself over and over again. In the end it made sense, if he wasn't so insufferable he couldn't be left behind.
I haven't had a book work me up this much in a long time, so please forgive me but there is going to be more swearing than usual, and maybe a little more sass too. Maybe I'll come back and edit this in a couple of days when I've cooled down, who knows...
If you want a book where nothing happens and miscommunication is the name of the game, then this is for you.
A lot of words are used to say very little, at least regarding the plot. 30% of the way through and I still don't know what the goal of the FMC/book is. 60% of the way through and the first plot relevant thing happens. kinda?
Across the whole book nothing really happens, in terms of an overaching plot for the book. It doesn't stand alone as a book. There are a bunch of smaller events we read about, but I'm not sure that they were are really necessary.
It does however, create a very cool, beautifully grim world. The writing is flowery and really paints a picture of dark desolate city of Kava, exceptionally well. It seems this books was just made to set up the real and future stories, to give the characters backstory, and I'm a little disappointed by that.
The verbose writing and slow plot made it difficult for me to get through the book. At times it felt swimming through syrup. But if you don't mind slow burn stories and romances (she hasn't even met her love interest at the 80% mark) then this is for you! As much as this book frustrated me, I will still read the next one. I'm a sucker for the God of Death in all their incarnations. Though I am hoping it picks up now that the backstories have been set. I'm not sure I could take another book this slow for this story.
I was told there we would have a morally grey FMC, and those are jus the best. But I'm not sure she's actually morally grey. Is she badass? Yes. Is she tortured? For sure. Has she had a hand in numerous deaths? Absolutely. Is she happy or indifferent about it? Not even close. Does she try to do the right thing when she can? Yes (as long as it let's her live another day).
If she could get what she wanted, stay alive, and be free, all without hurting people. She would. If she could save as many people as she could, she would. She's just a girl who wants to sell her flowers. But despite her privilege has been put in an unthinkable position, and every thing she does, she does for survival. There's nothing grey about it. And yes she makes bad decisions sometimes, but don't we all? Especially when survival, addictions and vices are involved...While I might not relate to her as much as I do some other characters I've read about, I understand her. And that's all that matters to me.
Gage, you're my man and I love you. Like Dimitri for Vampire academy but better and an older brother, not the weird creepy teacher vibes. I don't know how you made it this far and if I could vote on turning you into the God of Patience, I would.
Is there death, violence, parental abuse... yeah sure whatever, but the most important warning for me is the MISCOMMUNICATION. That is the most blaring off-putting thing for me in this book.
Now usually I'm pretty good at avoiding spoilers, but this time I can't. They're not big, but if you prefer not knowing anything, don't go past this point. It's just not possible for me to talk about about what's his name without revealing a little bit...
----------- MINOR SPOILERS BELOW -------------
Pretty sure this Prince, the MMC for this book, and what I assumed was the love interest, has shit for brains.
If you know her secret and you're not gonna hurt her and you want her to trust you, why not fucking tell her that instead of running after her, teasing her cruelly, and letting others hurt her. And listen I love dark romances, this is not the fun and sexy cruel actions you're thinking about, this is just plain dumb. He wants to uncover the secrets and possibly save his country, but he has no solid plan. He's the best tracker but can't tell when he's being tracked. Loves our heroine but refuses to do anything that would actually help her. Contradicts himself over and over again. In the end it made sense, if he wasn't so insufferable he couldn't be left behind.
September 21, 2024
WHAT THE HECK!!!!!!
In Kava, magic has disappeared and any trace remnants are outlawed, punishable by death. Cursed with the remains of some magic, Elysia Parker lives in fear every day that her secret will be revealed. Elysia believes her salvation lies in the crown prince. In love with Topp Blatz and hopeful that his love will protect her from her curse, Elysia's very existence is precarious. When her magic suddenly changes, Elysia is forced to search for an answer before her secret reveals itself.
"The fates do have their jokes, don't they?"
Immediate thought upon finishing this was that to the lovely Caitlyn Battelle, I need the next book IMMEDIATELY. RIGHT NOW. (Spectacular, give me fourteen of them.) Undead Gods was MAGNIFICENT. It gave serious Throne of Glass vibes in the best possible way. I read A LOT of romantasy and I've read most of the currently popular romantasy books out there and I firmly believe that Undead Gods will have a VERY big moment.
The beginning took a little bit of time to get into but this didn't surprise me because world building in unique fantasy environments can take some time and I wasn't upset about it either. One of my favourite aspects of Undead Gods was how vivid the storytelling was, I really felt like I was in Relclave and I could picture every aspect of it. I love love love intense world-building personally, so I really enjoyed how in-depth the descriptions were. Once the scene was set, this was an incredible, intricate story with an amazing cast of characters. I loved the found-family aspect of this and I hope that is built on more in a subsequent book. I L O V E Elysia, Lina, and Topp (I can't tell if I'm supposed to though?????)
THE END. Like the last 80 pages? I'm a) STUNNED and b) distraught that I don't immediately have the answers that I want. I LOVED the circle on Elysia's new magic, that aspect was just unbelievable, I didn't expect that to happen the way it did.
All of this is to say if you like:
- fantasy with plenty of world-building
- found family
- strong women
- forbidden magic
- lovers to enemies to questions???
- secrets and mysteries
You will LOVE Undead Gods by Caitlyn Battelle and you should absolutely pick it up!
"To the women whose names are never known, who fix the mistakes of men."
Thank you to Caitlyn Battelle, Twelfth House Publishing, and NetGalley for this e-ARC. All opinions are my own.
In Kava, magic has disappeared and any trace remnants are outlawed, punishable by death. Cursed with the remains of some magic, Elysia Parker lives in fear every day that her secret will be revealed. Elysia believes her salvation lies in the crown prince. In love with Topp Blatz and hopeful that his love will protect her from her curse, Elysia's very existence is precarious. When her magic suddenly changes, Elysia is forced to search for an answer before her secret reveals itself.
"The fates do have their jokes, don't they?"
Immediate thought upon finishing this was that to the lovely Caitlyn Battelle, I need the next book IMMEDIATELY. RIGHT NOW. (Spectacular, give me fourteen of them.) Undead Gods was MAGNIFICENT. It gave serious Throne of Glass vibes in the best possible way. I read A LOT of romantasy and I've read most of the currently popular romantasy books out there and I firmly believe that Undead Gods will have a VERY big moment.
The beginning took a little bit of time to get into but this didn't surprise me because world building in unique fantasy environments can take some time and I wasn't upset about it either. One of my favourite aspects of Undead Gods was how vivid the storytelling was, I really felt like I was in Relclave and I could picture every aspect of it. I love love love intense world-building personally, so I really enjoyed how in-depth the descriptions were. Once the scene was set, this was an incredible, intricate story with an amazing cast of characters. I loved the found-family aspect of this and I hope that is built on more in a subsequent book. I L O V E Elysia, Lina, and Topp (I can't tell if I'm supposed to though?????)
THE END. Like the last 80 pages? I'm a) STUNNED and b) distraught that I don't immediately have the answers that I want. I LOVED the circle on Elysia's new magic, that aspect was just unbelievable, I didn't expect that to happen the way it did.
All of this is to say if you like:
- fantasy with plenty of world-building
- found family
- strong women
- forbidden magic
- lovers to enemies to questions???
- secrets and mysteries
You will LOVE Undead Gods by Caitlyn Battelle and you should absolutely pick it up!
"To the women whose names are never known, who fix the mistakes of men."
Thank you to Caitlyn Battelle, Twelfth House Publishing, and NetGalley for this e-ARC. All opinions are my own.
September 5, 2024
First, thank you to Caitlyn and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC. I did not want to put it down, but alas, reading with a toddler on vacation is a bit of a challenge.
First, the world building was *chefs kiss* and had a very gaslamp, steampunk, romantic vibe that I haven’t read before, but it was detailed without feeling overwhelming. I was completely captivated by Elysia’s journey as she navigated politics, familial obligations, love, and a world without magic.
The characters that Caitlyn created are morally complex, each with their own traumas and motivations that keep the story moving at a steady pace, I didn’t feel like the plot was dragging at all at any point, and the banter was hilarious.
The ending had me gasping in disbelief, because Elysia was ten steps ahead of everyone else and I cannot wait to read the rest of her story and find out more about Aiden, his deadliness.
I just can’t say enough good things.
First, the world building was *chefs kiss* and had a very gaslamp, steampunk, romantic vibe that I haven’t read before, but it was detailed without feeling overwhelming. I was completely captivated by Elysia’s journey as she navigated politics, familial obligations, love, and a world without magic.
The characters that Caitlyn created are morally complex, each with their own traumas and motivations that keep the story moving at a steady pace, I didn’t feel like the plot was dragging at all at any point, and the banter was hilarious.
The ending had me gasping in disbelief, because Elysia was ten steps ahead of everyone else and I cannot wait to read the rest of her story and find out more about Aiden, his deadliness.
I just can’t say enough good things.
March 25, 2025
A Hades and Persephone retellings aren’t usually my jam but for a debut novel I love this.
Being inspired by Hades and Persephone, this story brings a lot of originality, especially when it comes to the world of Kava. Kava is a kingdom where magic is a curse, and those who possess it live in constant fear of death (nothing new there). However I just ate up the setting of Kava being this dark and beautifully grim world. The authors writing really painted the picture of Kava and how it’s just this dark desolate city. With magic coming from the gods.
Our FMC Elysia is secretly cursed with the ability to sense secrets. She is forced to navigate the living in the royal court and hiding her magic while sleeping with The Prince. Our FMC is a bad ass 100%, she's calculating, doesn't trust easily, and is a bit dramatic in her plans. However we also get to see how she’s vulnerable and how her heart does warm to some. The romance is incredibly bittersweet and complicated but in the best of ways. I love the banter we get between the prince and her.
Oh also you will fall in love with Lina! 🦝
The magic part was so intriguing to me. Idk if that was due to magic being so elusive or not. I hope we will get to see this side a little more in next book. To me it did seem this books was more of a set up for future books where the real heft of the story and character backstory will be. So with that being said this book did start out a little slower for me and not being first person perspective I do take a little longer to connect with characters.
Being inspired by Hades and Persephone, this story brings a lot of originality, especially when it comes to the world of Kava. Kava is a kingdom where magic is a curse, and those who possess it live in constant fear of death (nothing new there). However I just ate up the setting of Kava being this dark and beautifully grim world. The authors writing really painted the picture of Kava and how it’s just this dark desolate city. With magic coming from the gods.
Our FMC Elysia is secretly cursed with the ability to sense secrets. She is forced to navigate the living in the royal court and hiding her magic while sleeping with The Prince. Our FMC is a bad ass 100%, she's calculating, doesn't trust easily, and is a bit dramatic in her plans. However we also get to see how she’s vulnerable and how her heart does warm to some. The romance is incredibly bittersweet and complicated but in the best of ways. I love the banter we get between the prince and her.
Oh also you will fall in love with Lina! 🦝
The magic part was so intriguing to me. Idk if that was due to magic being so elusive or not. I hope we will get to see this side a little more in next book. To me it did seem this books was more of a set up for future books where the real heft of the story and character backstory will be. So with that being said this book did start out a little slower for me and not being first person perspective I do take a little longer to connect with characters.
October 3, 2024
The premise of this book drew me in. I liked the idea of magic that must be hidden or else you will die, as I have read other books with this plot and liked most of them. Starting this book, I had such high hopes for it.
Most of my expectations were met or were exceeded, however, I will say that this book was longer than it needed to be. There were times where I found myself getting bored and wondering when the next thing would happen that would grab my attention and would pull be back into the story and wouldn't be filler content. There was so much filler content, meaning words used to describe things, feelings, what is happening, but nothing was actually happening if that makes sense? I'm pretty sure I started skimming at some point when I got really bored just to get to the next plot point or event. The descriptions were great for world building, but not so much for keeping my interest in the story itself.
The world building and plot were well done and there was plenty of information added to this book so that the reader could get an idea of what had happened prior to the start of this story, and the history of why magic must be hidden. I will just note that I think a little more information on the magic system would be fantastic and would really round it out.
Elysia was an ok FMC, but I wasn't emotionally invested in what happened to her, as much as I should have been. She's definitely got a depressingly terribly back story which explains why she acts the way that she does. On the other hand, Topp was a good MMC, where you couldn't tell if you could or should trust him or even like him, which was very intriguing and always made me wonder what he would do next.
Now the next point, the reason why I rated this as 4 stars instead of 5, is the dang miscommunication. I will never like miscommunication in a book and will stand by it when I say that adults need to act like adults and learn how to communicate, and everything will be so much easier. Even the slow pacing and extreme, unnecessary length of the book didn't bother me as much as the miscommunication. I get it to a degree, not saying anything because you don't really trust them, but if they just talked about it, then the book would not have dragged on for so long and the issues would have been solved a lot faster.
The ending was fantastic, the last portion of the book had be on the edge of my seat waiting for everything to be out in the open and for everything to pop off like I knew it would, and it sure did, and left on one heck of a cliffhanger. I will be waiting (im)patiently for the next book in the series, because I really want to know what happens next. I'm hoping there will be less filler content, and more plot to keep my interest.
Thank you to Caitlyn Battelle, Twelfth House Publishing, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book. This is my honest opinion.
Most of my expectations were met or were exceeded, however, I will say that this book was longer than it needed to be. There were times where I found myself getting bored and wondering when the next thing would happen that would grab my attention and would pull be back into the story and wouldn't be filler content. There was so much filler content, meaning words used to describe things, feelings, what is happening, but nothing was actually happening if that makes sense? I'm pretty sure I started skimming at some point when I got really bored just to get to the next plot point or event. The descriptions were great for world building, but not so much for keeping my interest in the story itself.
The world building and plot were well done and there was plenty of information added to this book so that the reader could get an idea of what had happened prior to the start of this story, and the history of why magic must be hidden. I will just note that I think a little more information on the magic system would be fantastic and would really round it out.
Elysia was an ok FMC, but I wasn't emotionally invested in what happened to her, as much as I should have been. She's definitely got a depressingly terribly back story which explains why she acts the way that she does. On the other hand, Topp was a good MMC, where you couldn't tell if you could or should trust him or even like him, which was very intriguing and always made me wonder what he would do next.
Now the next point, the reason why I rated this as 4 stars instead of 5, is the dang miscommunication. I will never like miscommunication in a book and will stand by it when I say that adults need to act like adults and learn how to communicate, and everything will be so much easier. Even the slow pacing and extreme, unnecessary length of the book didn't bother me as much as the miscommunication. I get it to a degree, not saying anything because you don't really trust them, but if they just talked about it, then the book would not have dragged on for so long and the issues would have been solved a lot faster.
The ending was fantastic, the last portion of the book had be on the edge of my seat waiting for everything to be out in the open and for everything to pop off like I knew it would, and it sure did, and left on one heck of a cliffhanger. I will be waiting (im)patiently for the next book in the series, because I really want to know what happens next. I'm hoping there will be less filler content, and more plot to keep my interest.
Thank you to Caitlyn Battelle, Twelfth House Publishing, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book. This is my honest opinion.
September 19, 2024
Undead Gods , by Caitlyn battelle , released oct 1st
🗝️ A Fresh Hades & Persephone Inspired Fantasy 🗝️
“For all the girls who hear music inside of books, see magic instead of dust , and stay up till dawn enchanted by other worlds “
This book is beautifully written and I love the author’s unique style of writing. The dedication at the start felt like it was written about me and to me and had me hooked.
We are taken to the fantasy world of Kava, a realm that after the fall magic has all but disappeared. However, those that remain with magic risk death if caught using it.
The main FMC Elysia Parker a character I immediately liked, scrappy in nature , observant , beautiful and intelligent. Elysia can be described as morally grey (as are most of the characters in their own way) she will do what is right to survive.
Hiding her magic from the royal court the very people she surrounds herself with.
She is in love with the crown prince topp the very man who can order her death.
She starts to distance herself from him and the rest of her friends when her magic changes and she can no longer hide what’s inside.
She sets out to find the truth about Kava’s loss of magic and why the gods deserted them and took it away.
I loved the world building it was intricate but not to overwhelming. The character development I really enjoyed and I loved how Elysia’s character built different relationships with many of the characters and cannot wait to see where this goes in the next book.
The chemistry between Elysia and Topp was good , however I am hoping for a little more spice in the next book.
The ending !! Yep we have a cliffhanger……… I really wish I didn’t have to wait for the second book ! I cannot wait to see how Elysia’s story unfolds. I definitely feel the author Caitlyn is one to watch.
Tropes - forbidden Magic
- touch her and die
- Greek Mythology Inspired
- Morally Grey Characters
- Secrets
Thank you to twelfth house publishing & NetGalley for access to this Arc
🗝️ A Fresh Hades & Persephone Inspired Fantasy 🗝️
“For all the girls who hear music inside of books, see magic instead of dust , and stay up till dawn enchanted by other worlds “
This book is beautifully written and I love the author’s unique style of writing. The dedication at the start felt like it was written about me and to me and had me hooked.
We are taken to the fantasy world of Kava, a realm that after the fall magic has all but disappeared. However, those that remain with magic risk death if caught using it.
The main FMC Elysia Parker a character I immediately liked, scrappy in nature , observant , beautiful and intelligent. Elysia can be described as morally grey (as are most of the characters in their own way) she will do what is right to survive.
Hiding her magic from the royal court the very people she surrounds herself with.
She is in love with the crown prince topp the very man who can order her death.
She starts to distance herself from him and the rest of her friends when her magic changes and she can no longer hide what’s inside.
She sets out to find the truth about Kava’s loss of magic and why the gods deserted them and took it away.
I loved the world building it was intricate but not to overwhelming. The character development I really enjoyed and I loved how Elysia’s character built different relationships with many of the characters and cannot wait to see where this goes in the next book.
The chemistry between Elysia and Topp was good , however I am hoping for a little more spice in the next book.
The ending !! Yep we have a cliffhanger……… I really wish I didn’t have to wait for the second book ! I cannot wait to see how Elysia’s story unfolds. I definitely feel the author Caitlyn is one to watch.
Tropes - forbidden Magic
- touch her and die
- Greek Mythology Inspired
- Morally Grey Characters
- Secrets
Thank you to twelfth house publishing & NetGalley for access to this Arc
October 1, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher Twelth House Publishing, and the author Caitlyn Battelle for providing an e-ARC copy of Undead Gods in exchange for an honest review
I usually rate a book on the actions I take after completing a read. A good job in this case, as it took a good 40% of the book for me to become fully invested.
The world building was captivating from the beginning. However, it did take me some time to connect with Elysia and untangle her relationships with magic and the other characters that feature.
I'm glad I perservered as the second half of Undead Gods picked up momentum, and my unaswered questions were answered and events ramped up.
Im left wanting to know what happens next! I've popped the author on my Goodreads follow so I can eagerly await her next instalment.
Overall, it is an entertaining read with a sassy, stuborn female protagonist who may or not become a heroine. We shall hopefully see more of the Undead God and his realm!
I usually rate a book on the actions I take after completing a read. A good job in this case, as it took a good 40% of the book for me to become fully invested.
The world building was captivating from the beginning. However, it did take me some time to connect with Elysia and untangle her relationships with magic and the other characters that feature.
I'm glad I perservered as the second half of Undead Gods picked up momentum, and my unaswered questions were answered and events ramped up.
Im left wanting to know what happens next! I've popped the author on my Goodreads follow so I can eagerly await her next instalment.
Overall, it is an entertaining read with a sassy, stuborn female protagonist who may or not become a heroine. We shall hopefully see more of the Undead God and his realm!
October 1, 2024
✨NetGalley ARC Review✨
Before I get into my review I wanted to say thank you to Caitlyn Battelle, Twelfth House Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Undead Gods!!!
Now onto my review. First thing I want to mention is the book is written in 3rd person POV, which is not my favorite style of writing. If you’re not a fan of 3rd person POV’s this might not be the book for you. Second thing I would like to mention is that I was so close to DNFing this book, which would have been disappointing because I was so intrigued by the synopsis. The beginning was hard to get through. It was really slow and felt kind of repetitive. Mostly about Elysia’s secret and about how controlling her dad was. However around chapter 14 it seemed to pick up. I feel like if we could have been inside the characters heads rather than from a 3rd person POV it would’ve been so much better. The story was a little hard to follow (at least for me). I felt like it jumped a lot. I will say that I was surprised by some of the characters. Characters that I had written off as nothing more than background characters. All in all I am giving this book 3 stars. I liked it but didn’t love it. I’m glad I given the opportunity to read it and I’m also glad that I decided to keep reading.
Before I get into my review I wanted to say thank you to Caitlyn Battelle, Twelfth House Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Undead Gods!!!
Now onto my review. First thing I want to mention is the book is written in 3rd person POV, which is not my favorite style of writing. If you’re not a fan of 3rd person POV’s this might not be the book for you. Second thing I would like to mention is that I was so close to DNFing this book, which would have been disappointing because I was so intrigued by the synopsis. The beginning was hard to get through. It was really slow and felt kind of repetitive. Mostly about Elysia’s secret and about how controlling her dad was. However around chapter 14 it seemed to pick up. I feel like if we could have been inside the characters heads rather than from a 3rd person POV it would’ve been so much better. The story was a little hard to follow (at least for me). I felt like it jumped a lot. I will say that I was surprised by some of the characters. Characters that I had written off as nothing more than background characters. All in all I am giving this book 3 stars. I liked it but didn’t love it. I’m glad I given the opportunity to read it and I’m also glad that I decided to keep reading.
February 16, 2025
I wanna start by telling @Caitlyn that she was definitely made to be a writer & that I often forgot this was a debut novel 🖤
Her writing is lyrical and whimsical, she weaves her narrative intricately into the characters and streets of Kava, not unlike the mysterious secrets Elysia hunts…I could almost feel the soot on my face 🫧
Though it took me some time to get into the story it is impossible to not admire the mood, world building and stage she’s set in this 1st book. This also personally made me struggle in the sense that I was waiting for the plot to commence and things to be explained so I could escape my confusion at times.
It was worth the long descriptions though because the story is very interesting and unique. Hades & Persephone are one of my favorite takes & I wish we had gone down under earlier and had more time there.
The Glaslamp and moody tropes were hit perfectly and I’m sure the next one will have much more action as the stage was set, the players are ready and all we have to do is it play. I loved the other world & death and I’m impatient to go back and spend more time by the river 🖤
Thank you Caitlyn for sharing your universe with me and making me part of the team, I was an honor to read this.
Her writing is lyrical and whimsical, she weaves her narrative intricately into the characters and streets of Kava, not unlike the mysterious secrets Elysia hunts…I could almost feel the soot on my face 🫧
Though it took me some time to get into the story it is impossible to not admire the mood, world building and stage she’s set in this 1st book. This also personally made me struggle in the sense that I was waiting for the plot to commence and things to be explained so I could escape my confusion at times.
It was worth the long descriptions though because the story is very interesting and unique. Hades & Persephone are one of my favorite takes & I wish we had gone down under earlier and had more time there.
The Glaslamp and moody tropes were hit perfectly and I’m sure the next one will have much more action as the stage was set, the players are ready and all we have to do is it play. I loved the other world & death and I’m impatient to go back and spend more time by the river 🖤
Thank you Caitlyn for sharing your universe with me and making me part of the team, I was an honor to read this.
September 16, 2024
First of all, thank you Caitlyn for giving me the opportunity to read Undead Gods as a ARC! This book is probably the best indie book I’ve ever read and I’m so glad I found Caitlyn on Threads and that she chose me to read this book before it was released. I was so insanely impressed with the world building and depth of the characters explored in this first book of the series. The grungy, dark, soot-filled world of Kava was so different to anything I’ve read before, and I really enjoyed the “Industrial Revolution/steampunk/ victorian gothic” vibes it was giving off.
The beginning did take some time to get into (as most world building tends to do) but once I made it out the other side, the story unfolded in a way that had me gripping the sides of my kindle, unable to stop reading. I fell into the most intense “love/hate” relationship with this band of characters than I ever have in any other book, especially with Elysia Parker, the most morally grey woman I’ve ever read about. The “stabby, sassy assassin” FMC has been a trope that I usually find redundant, however Caitlyn made Elysia feel fresh, relatable and honestly hilarious at times. But most of all, Elysia made extremely questionable choices, usually for her own selfish gain and at the expense of those around her. She was the very definition of someone you love to hate and hate to love. And the MMC, Topp Blatz, was no exception. Topp had me wanting to throw my kindle across the room during multiple points in the book, but also made me want to jump through the screen and give him the biggest hug. I cannot stress enough how grey these characters are! The relationship between these two is an absolute rollercoaster and I have no idea how it’s going to go forward into future books; especially after that twisty ending!
The main side characters in this book were also just so good. Beatriz and the Doorman were such a fun addition to the story, I loved Jessa and Rollie, and Lina was adorable! The banter and dialogue between all the characters was hilarious to read sometimes, and the conversations felt natural and enjoyable (not cringey).
*EDIT* I FORGOT TO ADD HOW MUCH I LOVE GAGE OMG!! Gage was my favorite side character and I wish I got to see more of him. Also hate that she kept saying he’s like her brother because I think I love him more than Topp and would rather them be together instead 😂
The best part of this whole book, however, has to be the fact that at no point did I ever successfully predict how events were going to unfold. This is something I have not experienced in a very long time. It felt like constant whiplash going through this book, in the best way possible. I had no idea who to trust, who to root for, or what to expect next. I honestly can’t remember the last time a book has completely shaken me up like this. It was so refreshing to read a book that wasn’t only filled with predictable plot lines and popular trope “checklists” being ticked off. It was such a twisty, engaging and unique story! An absolute whirlwind of a book!
Overall, this is a 4.5/5 read for me and I will be recommending this to all my bookish romantasy friends as soon as it is released. Thank you so much again, Caitlyn, for trusting me with a copy of your story! I can’t wait for the next one!
The beginning did take some time to get into (as most world building tends to do) but once I made it out the other side, the story unfolded in a way that had me gripping the sides of my kindle, unable to stop reading. I fell into the most intense “love/hate” relationship with this band of characters than I ever have in any other book, especially with Elysia Parker, the most morally grey woman I’ve ever read about. The “stabby, sassy assassin” FMC has been a trope that I usually find redundant, however Caitlyn made Elysia feel fresh, relatable and honestly hilarious at times. But most of all, Elysia made extremely questionable choices, usually for her own selfish gain and at the expense of those around her. She was the very definition of someone you love to hate and hate to love. And the MMC, Topp Blatz, was no exception. Topp had me wanting to throw my kindle across the room during multiple points in the book, but also made me want to jump through the screen and give him the biggest hug. I cannot stress enough how grey these characters are! The relationship between these two is an absolute rollercoaster and I have no idea how it’s going to go forward into future books; especially after that twisty ending!
The main side characters in this book were also just so good. Beatriz and the Doorman were such a fun addition to the story, I loved Jessa and Rollie, and Lina was adorable! The banter and dialogue between all the characters was hilarious to read sometimes, and the conversations felt natural and enjoyable (not cringey).
*EDIT* I FORGOT TO ADD HOW MUCH I LOVE GAGE OMG!! Gage was my favorite side character and I wish I got to see more of him. Also hate that she kept saying he’s like her brother because I think I love him more than Topp and would rather them be together instead 😂
The best part of this whole book, however, has to be the fact that at no point did I ever successfully predict how events were going to unfold. This is something I have not experienced in a very long time. It felt like constant whiplash going through this book, in the best way possible. I had no idea who to trust, who to root for, or what to expect next. I honestly can’t remember the last time a book has completely shaken me up like this. It was so refreshing to read a book that wasn’t only filled with predictable plot lines and popular trope “checklists” being ticked off. It was such a twisty, engaging and unique story! An absolute whirlwind of a book!
Overall, this is a 4.5/5 read for me and I will be recommending this to all my bookish romantasy friends as soon as it is released. Thank you so much again, Caitlyn, for trusting me with a copy of your story! I can’t wait for the next one!
September 30, 2024
I really enjoyed this book, especially after all hell broke loose and everything started hitting the fan. If you like cat and mouse chases between lovers, turned enemies, then this book is for you! So. Much. Conflict.😮💨 My feelings are all over the place right now. I don’t know what’s going to happen and this is one of those books where there’s really no sense in me attempting to guess because I’ll probably be wrong. I LOVED it!
I think Powerless fans would enjoy this!
It has all of this: 👇
🖤 Hades and Persephone Inspired Romantic Fantasy
✨Dark and Moody Gaslamp Vibes
🔪 Practical But Stabby FMC
✨ Magical Deal
🩸 Twist on Touch Her & ☠️
✨ Forbidden Magic
🥷 Hidden Identity
🤐 Secrets & Betrayal
⚔️ Lovers to Enemies to ???
This miscommunication here is front and center, but it makes so much sense given the GRAVITY of the situation and what’s at stake. I wanted to punch the Prince so many times, but like on another note, he’s kind of sexy and I’m not even mad. I can sympathize with Topp and everything he has been through. I look forward to his character growth in the next book! His soft spot for cute little woodland creatures is freaking adorable! 🦝
Elysia is a bada$$ with nothing to lose! She may be the WORST at poison making, but she’s cunning and likely stronger than we realize. Her upbringing and the abuse of her powers by those that should love her is awful! I’d have trust issues, too. You have to keep that in mind when you see the reckless way she behaves.
I can’t wait to see what kind of deal she brokers with His (dark and broody) Sexy…I mean…Deadliness! 😉
The side characters here are all mostly lovable once you get past their harsh exteriors. It’s a tough world and they are doing their best to survive. Caitlyn did such a wonderful job giving them all depth. I care about them all.
This book ends on a BRUTAL cliffhanger, so be prepared. The action was swift and wild and I cannot wait for the sequel!
I think Powerless fans would enjoy this!
It has all of this: 👇
🖤 Hades and Persephone Inspired Romantic Fantasy
✨Dark and Moody Gaslamp Vibes
🔪 Practical But Stabby FMC
✨ Magical Deal
🩸 Twist on Touch Her & ☠️
✨ Forbidden Magic
🥷 Hidden Identity
🤐 Secrets & Betrayal
⚔️ Lovers to Enemies to ???
This miscommunication here is front and center, but it makes so much sense given the GRAVITY of the situation and what’s at stake. I wanted to punch the Prince so many times, but like on another note, he’s kind of sexy and I’m not even mad. I can sympathize with Topp and everything he has been through. I look forward to his character growth in the next book! His soft spot for cute little woodland creatures is freaking adorable! 🦝
Elysia is a bada$$ with nothing to lose! She may be the WORST at poison making, but she’s cunning and likely stronger than we realize. Her upbringing and the abuse of her powers by those that should love her is awful! I’d have trust issues, too. You have to keep that in mind when you see the reckless way she behaves.
I can’t wait to see what kind of deal she brokers with His (dark and broody) Sexy…I mean…Deadliness! 😉
The side characters here are all mostly lovable once you get past their harsh exteriors. It’s a tough world and they are doing their best to survive. Caitlyn did such a wonderful job giving them all depth. I care about them all.
This book ends on a BRUTAL cliffhanger, so be prepared. The action was swift and wild and I cannot wait for the sequel!
September 25, 2024
“To the women whose names are never known who fix the mistakes of men that we may all have better lives”
4.25 stars!!
WOW WOW WOW this was a unique one- from the interpersonal dynamics to the magical curses from undead gods to the slight phantom of the opera vibes to the insane character name Topp Blatz to THAT ENDING??!?!? I am obsessed, this had a little bit of a slow start but then we were OFF to the races and all across town in pleasure houses, undersea hidden chambers, tunnels through the castle, and even into other dimensions!!
Elysia Parker is cursed from the god of death to hear the siren song of secrets and lies, and her position in life has brought her to be used by the crown despite their hatred of magic. As her curse grows stronger and brings on new challenges, she's forced to step up her game of staying alive at all costs, which is especially tricky being the almost-fiancee of the crown prince!
The most fun aspect of this book to me was the inverted expectations of relationships between characters: Elysia and Prince Topp had one of the most unique romantasy dynamics I've ever read and it was fun to see the original love interest not just be a blah character we suddenly hate; Elysia and her sister Beatriz haven't been close in the past, but moments in the story bring them together and their roles in the relationship switch up in a beautiful way; Topp and animals- I mean LINA come ON!!
Every place I expected a zig in this book, I got a zag. Every place I thought it was going up, it was going down. I feel like I may have picked up on at least one specific thread (maybe a green thread?!?) that I anticipate being significant in the next book, but even that I know curveballs are coming our way. This was just an absolute breath of fresh air!!
Thank you so much to Caitlyn Battelle and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review!
4.25 stars!!
WOW WOW WOW this was a unique one- from the interpersonal dynamics to the magical curses from undead gods to the slight phantom of the opera vibes to the insane character name Topp Blatz to THAT ENDING??!?!? I am obsessed, this had a little bit of a slow start but then we were OFF to the races and all across town in pleasure houses, undersea hidden chambers, tunnels through the castle, and even into other dimensions!!
Elysia Parker is cursed from the god of death to hear the siren song of secrets and lies, and her position in life has brought her to be used by the crown despite their hatred of magic. As her curse grows stronger and brings on new challenges, she's forced to step up her game of staying alive at all costs, which is especially tricky being the almost-fiancee of the crown prince!
The most fun aspect of this book to me was the inverted expectations of relationships between characters: Elysia and Prince Topp had one of the most unique romantasy dynamics I've ever read and it was fun to see the original love interest not just be a blah character we suddenly hate; Elysia and her sister Beatriz haven't been close in the past, but moments in the story bring them together and their roles in the relationship switch up in a beautiful way; Topp and animals- I mean LINA come ON!!
Every place I expected a zig in this book, I got a zag. Every place I thought it was going up, it was going down. I feel like I may have picked up on at least one specific thread (maybe a green thread?!?) that I anticipate being significant in the next book, but even that I know curveballs are coming our way. This was just an absolute breath of fresh air!!
Thank you so much to Caitlyn Battelle and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review!
June 13, 2025
3,5- Star Review of Undead Gods by Caitlyn Battelle
Caitlyn Battelle’s Undead Gods invites readers into a dark and intriguing world where magic is outlawed, love is dangerous, and secrets lie buried beneath soot and silence. Set in the grim realm of Kava, where the Undead Gods neither hear nor care, the story follows Elysia Parker—a cursed woman hiding in plain sight—who dares to dream of power, love, and survival. While the premise is compelling and the world building carries a unique edge, the novel stumbles in its execution, especially in the opening chapters.
Undead Gods ♦ Caitlyn Battelle - A Review
Opinion
To begin with, Undead Gods is not the easiest book to fall into. The pacing at the start is sluggish, and for a story with such high stakes and dramatic themes, the early chapters feel weighed down by exposition and internal monologue. It took a considerable amount of time for the plot to find its momentum, which may be discouraging for readers expecting an immediately gripping dark fantasy. Much of the initial conflict is hinted at rather than experienced firsthand, and because of this, I found myself feeling distant from Elysia as a protagonist.
Speaking of Elysia, connecting with her was another hurdle. She is meant to be mysterious, haunted, and morally gray—a character type that usually appeals to me—but here, she felt somewhat inaccessible in the beginning. Her motivations are revealed slowly, and though that adds to the sense of mystery, it also made it difficult to root for her early on. She is clearly playing a dangerous game in Kava’s court, and while that in itself is interesting, the emotional depth behind her actions sometimes felt muted. It wasn’t until the second half of the book that I began to understand her more fully and appreciate the layers to her personality.
That said, once the story finds its stride, it becomes much easier to appreciate what Battelle is building. The world of Kava is gritty and atmospheric, and the blending of magic, myth, and political intrigue is quite effective. The inspiration from Hades and Persephone is subtle rather than overt, which I appreciated—it leaves room for the story to feel original while still nodding to familiar mythology. The romantic tension, especially with the prince who could end Elysia’s life with a word, is a strong thread running through the latter half, and it’s handled with a good balance of danger and allure.
The writing style is something of a mixed bag. At times, Battelle’s prose is evocative and moody, matching the tone of the setting perfectly. There are some beautifully phrased passages that hint at a strong lyrical voice. However, there are also moments where the writing feels overly flowery or unclear, especially in action-heavy scenes or internal reflections. Dialogue occasionally felt stilted, but never to the point of breaking immersion entirely.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Undead Gods is a book that rewards patience. It may not sweep you off your feet from the very first page, but it does build into a compelling narrative filled with danger, sacrifice, and slow-burning romance. With tighter pacing and more immediate emotional connection to the FMC, it could have easily been a four-star read. As it stands, this is a solid 3.5-star fantasy debut with strong potential, and I’ll be keeping an eye on what Battelle writes next.
This review was first published at The Art of Reading.
Caitlyn Battelle’s Undead Gods invites readers into a dark and intriguing world where magic is outlawed, love is dangerous, and secrets lie buried beneath soot and silence. Set in the grim realm of Kava, where the Undead Gods neither hear nor care, the story follows Elysia Parker—a cursed woman hiding in plain sight—who dares to dream of power, love, and survival. While the premise is compelling and the world building carries a unique edge, the novel stumbles in its execution, especially in the opening chapters.
Undead Gods ♦ Caitlyn Battelle - A Review
Opinion
To begin with, Undead Gods is not the easiest book to fall into. The pacing at the start is sluggish, and for a story with such high stakes and dramatic themes, the early chapters feel weighed down by exposition and internal monologue. It took a considerable amount of time for the plot to find its momentum, which may be discouraging for readers expecting an immediately gripping dark fantasy. Much of the initial conflict is hinted at rather than experienced firsthand, and because of this, I found myself feeling distant from Elysia as a protagonist.
Speaking of Elysia, connecting with her was another hurdle. She is meant to be mysterious, haunted, and morally gray—a character type that usually appeals to me—but here, she felt somewhat inaccessible in the beginning. Her motivations are revealed slowly, and though that adds to the sense of mystery, it also made it difficult to root for her early on. She is clearly playing a dangerous game in Kava’s court, and while that in itself is interesting, the emotional depth behind her actions sometimes felt muted. It wasn’t until the second half of the book that I began to understand her more fully and appreciate the layers to her personality.
That said, once the story finds its stride, it becomes much easier to appreciate what Battelle is building. The world of Kava is gritty and atmospheric, and the blending of magic, myth, and political intrigue is quite effective. The inspiration from Hades and Persephone is subtle rather than overt, which I appreciated—it leaves room for the story to feel original while still nodding to familiar mythology. The romantic tension, especially with the prince who could end Elysia’s life with a word, is a strong thread running through the latter half, and it’s handled with a good balance of danger and allure.
The writing style is something of a mixed bag. At times, Battelle’s prose is evocative and moody, matching the tone of the setting perfectly. There are some beautifully phrased passages that hint at a strong lyrical voice. However, there are also moments where the writing feels overly flowery or unclear, especially in action-heavy scenes or internal reflections. Dialogue occasionally felt stilted, but never to the point of breaking immersion entirely.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Undead Gods is a book that rewards patience. It may not sweep you off your feet from the very first page, but it does build into a compelling narrative filled with danger, sacrifice, and slow-burning romance. With tighter pacing and more immediate emotional connection to the FMC, it could have easily been a four-star read. As it stands, this is a solid 3.5-star fantasy debut with strong potential, and I’ll be keeping an eye on what Battelle writes next.
This review was first published at The Art of Reading.
October 4, 2024
I’ve read my fair share of Hades and Persephone retellings. Ok so actually, a lot of retellings, and this by far is absolutely one of the most SPECTACULAR!
In the world of Kava, possessing magic will almost certainly bring death. Elysia Parker still holds onto some of hers, and lives in constant fear of her secret being discovered. But can the love of the crowned prince protect her? Now before you go on thinking this is a damsel in distress story, let me stop you right here.
Elysia is a badass. Yes, my favorite type of FMC. She’s sharp, witty, and her trust is hard to earn. And while she’s almost certain of her love for Topp, the prince, there is nothing simple about their relationship. They both struggle with their duties and responsibilities, and how they move about in this dark fantasy world, is certainly dictated by those things. Their past traumas make for complex, flawed, and absolutely beautiful characters. And while the romance is compelling, there is a much deeper tale here.
The world building is truly phenomenal, and as Elysia searches for the truth behind her changing magic curse, we’re engulfed by the same enchanting and dark places she finds herself. Her emotional and physical journey, while perilous, is aided by her wonderful found family, which I hope to see more of in the next book. There are most definitely more stories to be revealed.
The ending? Yes, a cliffhanger of epic proportions! Was I gasping? Quite possibly. This was such a captivating story, so intense and moving, I truly hated to see it end. I will absolutely be waiting, not so patiently, for the next Battelle book.
Thank you Caitlyn Battelle and RR Book Tours for the ARC and the opportunity to be on this tour.
In the world of Kava, possessing magic will almost certainly bring death. Elysia Parker still holds onto some of hers, and lives in constant fear of her secret being discovered. But can the love of the crowned prince protect her? Now before you go on thinking this is a damsel in distress story, let me stop you right here.
Elysia is a badass. Yes, my favorite type of FMC. She’s sharp, witty, and her trust is hard to earn. And while she’s almost certain of her love for Topp, the prince, there is nothing simple about their relationship. They both struggle with their duties and responsibilities, and how they move about in this dark fantasy world, is certainly dictated by those things. Their past traumas make for complex, flawed, and absolutely beautiful characters. And while the romance is compelling, there is a much deeper tale here.
The world building is truly phenomenal, and as Elysia searches for the truth behind her changing magic curse, we’re engulfed by the same enchanting and dark places she finds herself. Her emotional and physical journey, while perilous, is aided by her wonderful found family, which I hope to see more of in the next book. There are most definitely more stories to be revealed.
The ending? Yes, a cliffhanger of epic proportions! Was I gasping? Quite possibly. This was such a captivating story, so intense and moving, I truly hated to see it end. I will absolutely be waiting, not so patiently, for the next Battelle book.
Thank you Caitlyn Battelle and RR Book Tours for the ARC and the opportunity to be on this tour.
May 25, 2025
Book Review: Undead Gods by Caitlin Battelle
So I picked this book up at random, right? Looked good, sounded good, was sitting smugly in the “dark fantasy standalone” section like it had nothing to hide. LIES. This book ends on the kind of cliffhanger that makes you scream into the void. I’m pissed. Not mildly irritated—vengeful spirit levels of rage—because guess what? I won’t be picking up book 2. No. I’m cutting the cord.
Now, if you’re a romantasy gremlin who thrives on Hades & Persephone vibes, you’re gonna eat this up with a golden spoon. It delivers. It’s all there—death, power struggles, angsty tension, and a heroine who walks into every scene like she knows you’re about to simp for her. Elysia is a certified badass with a name that gives a cheeky nod to the Elysian Fields, and if that’s not foreshadowing, I don’t know what is.
BUT—and it’s a big, throbbing but—the plot?? My god, the plot was THICC. I spent the first half of the book clutching my metaphorical pearls like, “Wait, what? Who? Where? WHY?!” My brain was doing Olympic-level gymnastics just to keep up. By the time it finally calmed the hell down and settled into something I could actually follow, I was already three-quarters deep. Like ma’am… pacing? Structure?
All that said—it’s not a bad book. Far from it. The story is genuinely brilliant, steeped in intrigue, rich world-building, and just enough emotional chaos to hook the morally questionable romantasy reader in all of us. It’s just not my usual cup of poisoned tea.
So I picked this book up at random, right? Looked good, sounded good, was sitting smugly in the “dark fantasy standalone” section like it had nothing to hide. LIES. This book ends on the kind of cliffhanger that makes you scream into the void. I’m pissed. Not mildly irritated—vengeful spirit levels of rage—because guess what? I won’t be picking up book 2. No. I’m cutting the cord.
Now, if you’re a romantasy gremlin who thrives on Hades & Persephone vibes, you’re gonna eat this up with a golden spoon. It delivers. It’s all there—death, power struggles, angsty tension, and a heroine who walks into every scene like she knows you’re about to simp for her. Elysia is a certified badass with a name that gives a cheeky nod to the Elysian Fields, and if that’s not foreshadowing, I don’t know what is.
BUT—and it’s a big, throbbing but—the plot?? My god, the plot was THICC. I spent the first half of the book clutching my metaphorical pearls like, “Wait, what? Who? Where? WHY?!” My brain was doing Olympic-level gymnastics just to keep up. By the time it finally calmed the hell down and settled into something I could actually follow, I was already three-quarters deep. Like ma’am… pacing? Structure?
All that said—it’s not a bad book. Far from it. The story is genuinely brilliant, steeped in intrigue, rich world-building, and just enough emotional chaos to hook the morally questionable romantasy reader in all of us. It’s just not my usual cup of poisoned tea.
September 30, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Yes you counted that right 6 stars! If it was possible I would award this book with more stars than possible!
If you didn't get it from the amount of stars I absolutely loved this book! Thank you Caitlyn for choosing me as a reader through Netgalley!
This book follows Elysia Parker who lives in Kava, the land where magic just disappeared with no reason. However there are still people left with some magic, but when discovered they are hunted and killed. Elysia, who possesses magic herself, grows up in the palace because of her parents and has been in a relationship with the crown prince. Her father knows about her magic and abuses his knowledge of her powers and threatens to reveal it to the king if she doesn't do his bidings. Elysia is done with the secrets and feeling like a puppet of her father and goes on an search to find likeminded people, figure out where the magic went, and try to restore the land back to its former glory!
Can she keep her magic a secret? Is the prince trustworthy? Will she win over the favor of the Undead Gods?
I also adored the writing style! And I'll share one favorite quote:
"Today was a day for gaining secrets and bringing grown men to their knees."
This book contains all my favorite things! Magic, secrets, court intrigues, strong and sassy FMC, betrayal and lies. What else does a girl need?!
Yes you counted that right 6 stars! If it was possible I would award this book with more stars than possible!
If you didn't get it from the amount of stars I absolutely loved this book! Thank you Caitlyn for choosing me as a reader through Netgalley!
This book follows Elysia Parker who lives in Kava, the land where magic just disappeared with no reason. However there are still people left with some magic, but when discovered they are hunted and killed. Elysia, who possesses magic herself, grows up in the palace because of her parents and has been in a relationship with the crown prince. Her father knows about her magic and abuses his knowledge of her powers and threatens to reveal it to the king if she doesn't do his bidings. Elysia is done with the secrets and feeling like a puppet of her father and goes on an search to find likeminded people, figure out where the magic went, and try to restore the land back to its former glory!
Can she keep her magic a secret? Is the prince trustworthy? Will she win over the favor of the Undead Gods?
I also adored the writing style! And I'll share one favorite quote:
"Today was a day for gaining secrets and bringing grown men to their knees."
This book contains all my favorite things! Magic, secrets, court intrigues, strong and sassy FMC, betrayal and lies. What else does a girl need?!
May 27, 2025
Undead Gods by Caitlyn Battelle ✨
Standalone?
⭐️⭐️.5
Where do I start? 🥲
The blurb had me so excited for this one when it came up as May Bookclub read. It mentioned it was Inspired by Hades and Persephone, Elysia Parker cursed with magic hiding in fears of her life. Secrets and betrayal in a world of lies...
Well, I hate to say it... but I was bored. The writing was over descriptive, too many gaps in the story, too many ideas meshed into one book. Certain aspects of the book that I thought were exciting and going to be meaningful fizzled or werent further delved into later into the book. There wasnt any connection with the FMC & MMC, Elysia had real trust issues & it baffled me that she'd known Topp Blitz since childhood and been with him for a long time - yet she was absolutely s**t at trusting and communicating with him. We were also introduced to a couple of badass side characters but then they were barely mentioned again. If the story was condenced and had smaller focus points and kept to those points it definately had the potential to be better.
Sorry ✌🏼
Standalone?
⭐️⭐️.5
Where do I start? 🥲
The blurb had me so excited for this one when it came up as May Bookclub read. It mentioned it was Inspired by Hades and Persephone, Elysia Parker cursed with magic hiding in fears of her life. Secrets and betrayal in a world of lies...
Well, I hate to say it... but I was bored. The writing was over descriptive, too many gaps in the story, too many ideas meshed into one book. Certain aspects of the book that I thought were exciting and going to be meaningful fizzled or werent further delved into later into the book. There wasnt any connection with the FMC & MMC, Elysia had real trust issues & it baffled me that she'd known Topp Blitz since childhood and been with him for a long time - yet she was absolutely s**t at trusting and communicating with him. We were also introduced to a couple of badass side characters but then they were barely mentioned again. If the story was condenced and had smaller focus points and kept to those points it definately had the potential to be better.
Sorry ✌🏼
September 7, 2024
Good gracious, I wish I could read this book for the first time over and over again. It roped me in from the beginning and I couldn’t put it down. I literally read it every spare moment I had, which isn’t a lot as a mom going back to school.
I need more Maya, first of all. I can’t wait to read more about her in book two. Please for the love of the undead gods tell me there is a book two!
I loved the aspect of Elysia’s magic being more of an energy magic than an actual manifestation. It was such a fresh take on how magic manifests. I also like that it reflected what it was. Her magic of secrets is pretty secretive through the book. You never really understand how it works, I feel which added an extra layer of intrigue to it.
The author painted the picture of Kava so well throughout the book, adding different layers to the city as you go instead of bombarding you with information at the beginning. I felt like I could see the soot covered buildings, was trudging through the mud, and dancing in the forest. It was a very unique world and I appreciate that.
My only qualm with the book is that the 🌶️ scene didn’t make sense where it was. It felt kind of like the author was just trying to prove she is a spicy author. I felt like the building tension lended itself better to the story instead of having them bang it out one more time.
I need more Maya, first of all. I can’t wait to read more about her in book two. Please for the love of the undead gods tell me there is a book two!
I loved the aspect of Elysia’s magic being more of an energy magic than an actual manifestation. It was such a fresh take on how magic manifests. I also like that it reflected what it was. Her magic of secrets is pretty secretive through the book. You never really understand how it works, I feel which added an extra layer of intrigue to it.
The author painted the picture of Kava so well throughout the book, adding different layers to the city as you go instead of bombarding you with information at the beginning. I felt like I could see the soot covered buildings, was trudging through the mud, and dancing in the forest. It was a very unique world and I appreciate that.
My only qualm with the book is that the 🌶️ scene didn’t make sense where it was. It felt kind of like the author was just trying to prove she is a spicy author. I felt like the building tension lended itself better to the story instead of having them bang it out one more time.
December 9, 2025
Undead gods was a book packed with drama, secrets and tension.
Topp was a lovable funny character, I enjoyed his pov when it started 1/2 way through. He’s very cocky and cheeky but also more to him.
Elysia is a morally gray character, she’s a magic user hiding in plain sight who is able to steal secrets and find things out. She’s mouthy and very stabby. I throughly enjoyed her and laughed from her outspokenness.
Enjoyed meeting other characters and ready to know more about where this story goes with it being a Hades and persephone type retelling it’s only just starting on that journey. So book 2 will be interesting and I’m ready to see more of this Aiden.
It’s a very heavy fantasy story, lots of world building and plot. So pay attention and take it all in. Could be a little shorter to get to where it got to by the end of book 1 but overall I enjoyed it so I would reread it and recommended it.
Topp was a lovable funny character, I enjoyed his pov when it started 1/2 way through. He’s very cocky and cheeky but also more to him.
Elysia is a morally gray character, she’s a magic user hiding in plain sight who is able to steal secrets and find things out. She’s mouthy and very stabby. I throughly enjoyed her and laughed from her outspokenness.
Enjoyed meeting other characters and ready to know more about where this story goes with it being a Hades and persephone type retelling it’s only just starting on that journey. So book 2 will be interesting and I’m ready to see more of this Aiden.
It’s a very heavy fantasy story, lots of world building and plot. So pay attention and take it all in. Could be a little shorter to get to where it got to by the end of book 1 but overall I enjoyed it so I would reread it and recommended it.
December 15, 2025
The Hades x Persephone vibes were slow to manifest, but once they appeared it was apparent. The fact that this is a retelling without it using the names we know is something I adore. I love a good re-telling, and I enjoy when the characters and the story are their own.
We have a unique magic system, a world without magic, and some deals with the gods. The variety in the characters— Topp Blatz, Gage, Aiden, Elysia, Beatriz— and the variety in the names was a pleasure to read.
Miscommunication, or rather lack of communication is a huge trope in this book. You have been warned! The number of times I wanted to strangle Elysia because she would not just talk to Topp.
Also- I really do not understand why all of the characters seem to shit on Topp. It cracks me up that so many people talk with such disdain about our prince.
Ready to start the ARC of Undead Oaths....I need to know what happens.
We have a unique magic system, a world without magic, and some deals with the gods. The variety in the characters— Topp Blatz, Gage, Aiden, Elysia, Beatriz— and the variety in the names was a pleasure to read.
Miscommunication, or rather lack of communication is a huge trope in this book. You have been warned! The number of times I wanted to strangle Elysia because she would not just talk to Topp.
Also- I really do not understand why all of the characters seem to shit on Topp. It cracks me up that so many people talk with such disdain about our prince.
Ready to start the ARC of Undead Oaths....I need to know what happens.
January 9, 2025
Wow, wow, wow. Those were the first words that came to mind after finishing this book. I’ve always loved stories rooted in mythology, and this one was no exception—it was absolutely perfect. The romantic elements were beautifully crafted, and the main female character completely stole my heart. Her journey felt so relatable—navigating the world as you imagine it, only to be confronted with harsh realities and forced to make difficult choices about your identity and your future.
This book stood out for its raw authenticity, creativity, and the fresh spin it put on the Hades and Persephone myth. It wasn’t just a retelling; it was a reimagining that breathed new life into the story while remaining grounded in themes that felt deeply human.
Caitlin, this was truly a masterpiece. Your writing is stunning, and it’s clear that your heart and soul are poured into every word. I can’t wait to read more of your work—this was a book I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
This book stood out for its raw authenticity, creativity, and the fresh spin it put on the Hades and Persephone myth. It wasn’t just a retelling; it was a reimagining that breathed new life into the story while remaining grounded in themes that felt deeply human.
Caitlin, this was truly a masterpiece. Your writing is stunning, and it’s clear that your heart and soul are poured into every word. I can’t wait to read more of your work—this was a book I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
September 13, 2024
For clarity I want to say that I was given a ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.
I absolutely loved this book, it was so easy to read and intriguing that I read this in 2 days. I didn't want to put this down.
The world building blew me away, an excellent balance of information and mystery the whole way through the book.
I really am looking forward to getting a physical copy of this at some point because this is a book I will re read. And I have a feeling I'll pick up on subtleties that I will have missed of this read through.
I am blown away by how impactful Caitlyns writing is, and how it invoked a lot of feelings throughout the pages.
A very well written and enjoying able debut book ♡
I absolutely loved this book, it was so easy to read and intriguing that I read this in 2 days. I didn't want to put this down.
The world building blew me away, an excellent balance of information and mystery the whole way through the book.
I really am looking forward to getting a physical copy of this at some point because this is a book I will re read. And I have a feeling I'll pick up on subtleties that I will have missed of this read through.
I am blown away by how impactful Caitlyns writing is, and how it invoked a lot of feelings throughout the pages.
A very well written and enjoying able debut book ♡
October 22, 2024
"Welcome to Kava, where the undead gods neither hear nor care, but you'd best pray to them anyway lest they curse you with their gifts".
What a stunning, dark, moody fantasy debut by Caitlyn Battelle! I was hooked from the first sentence of the prologue. Undead Gods is being released on September 30th, so if you, like me, enjoy dark fantasy with gaslamp vibes and a unique twist on the classic Hades & Persephone myth, please grab your copy!
Magic, once a living & breathing thing in the kingdom of Kava, is gone. How and why, nobody knows. Was it a punishment, or were they simply abandoned by the gods they believed in? What's left is a kingdom of mists and grey skies, a kingdom where no trees grow and everything is covered in layers and layers of soot and grime. What's left is a curse, or so they call the gift of magic, being reborn in some of them. No matter whether you call it a gift or a curse, it will only bring you death and destruction in Kava.
So, what is Elysia's plan? How to save her life while being cursed with magic? Hide in plain sight. Play the role, be the child of the Crown, be the beloved of the Crowned Prince. Just keep going. I loved Elysia. She is a true morally grey character. She does and says questionable things, but she always manages to survive. To survive, not just the curse of magic, but the true curse of being born into a family so power-hungry they will sacrifice even their own. And Elysia survives. She develops true feelings for the prince, as he does for her, but can you call it love when it's based on secrets? Can your need for survival top it all?
Caitlyn has woven a perfect tale of intrigue, political scheming, life-threatening situations, a deep urge for survival, and love born in secrets and shadows, set in a place the gods have forgotten, and the only currency is power. We weave through this dense forest with Elysia Parker, and we see it all, the good and the bad. We meet other characters, each of them crucial to the story. Each of them with their own set of secrets and scheming. And we love it all.
Caitlyn's writing style, so lush & poetic, only adds to the overall atmosphere. She truly transports you to Kava, and you enter there willingly, wanting to devour each page and uncover at least some of the secrets. Especially those concerning the magic, the undead gods, and the reasons behind it all.
Undead Gods leaves on a cliffhanger so excruciating I know I will be holding my breath until Book 2.
In short, Undead Gods will gift you:
- moody, dark, gaslamp fantasy
- lush & poetic prose
- intricate world-building
- forbidden magic
- so many secrets, intrigue & scheming
- magic deal
- devastating cliffhanger
and so, so, so much more!
I loved being part of Caitlyn's ARC team and discovering this beautiful story page by page!
What a stunning, dark, moody fantasy debut by Caitlyn Battelle! I was hooked from the first sentence of the prologue. Undead Gods is being released on September 30th, so if you, like me, enjoy dark fantasy with gaslamp vibes and a unique twist on the classic Hades & Persephone myth, please grab your copy!
Magic, once a living & breathing thing in the kingdom of Kava, is gone. How and why, nobody knows. Was it a punishment, or were they simply abandoned by the gods they believed in? What's left is a kingdom of mists and grey skies, a kingdom where no trees grow and everything is covered in layers and layers of soot and grime. What's left is a curse, or so they call the gift of magic, being reborn in some of them. No matter whether you call it a gift or a curse, it will only bring you death and destruction in Kava.
So, what is Elysia's plan? How to save her life while being cursed with magic? Hide in plain sight. Play the role, be the child of the Crown, be the beloved of the Crowned Prince. Just keep going. I loved Elysia. She is a true morally grey character. She does and says questionable things, but she always manages to survive. To survive, not just the curse of magic, but the true curse of being born into a family so power-hungry they will sacrifice even their own. And Elysia survives. She develops true feelings for the prince, as he does for her, but can you call it love when it's based on secrets? Can your need for survival top it all?
Caitlyn has woven a perfect tale of intrigue, political scheming, life-threatening situations, a deep urge for survival, and love born in secrets and shadows, set in a place the gods have forgotten, and the only currency is power. We weave through this dense forest with Elysia Parker, and we see it all, the good and the bad. We meet other characters, each of them crucial to the story. Each of them with their own set of secrets and scheming. And we love it all.
Caitlyn's writing style, so lush & poetic, only adds to the overall atmosphere. She truly transports you to Kava, and you enter there willingly, wanting to devour each page and uncover at least some of the secrets. Especially those concerning the magic, the undead gods, and the reasons behind it all.
Undead Gods leaves on a cliffhanger so excruciating I know I will be holding my breath until Book 2.
In short, Undead Gods will gift you:
- moody, dark, gaslamp fantasy
- lush & poetic prose
- intricate world-building
- forbidden magic
- so many secrets, intrigue & scheming
- magic deal
- devastating cliffhanger
and so, so, so much more!
I loved being part of Caitlyn's ARC team and discovering this beautiful story page by page!
October 6, 2024
I received an ARC for this one, and I wanted to love it more but not only did I struggle to get into it, but also to finish. Battelle uses a lot of words to describe emotions and situations (often repeating herself) but not a lot actually happens and I struggled to make sense of what did happen (and then to care). I didn’t feel an anchor to any one character, or the connection to Persephone/Hades, and I LOATHE miscommunication as a plot device at the best of times, so when it’s the source of almost all the plot, I despair. All in all a bit disappointed.
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