What do you think?
Peaches & Honey #2
These Godly Lies
These Godly Lies, the sequel to These Immortal Truths, is a powerful and romantic historical fantasy about magic, gods, and a love for the ages.
An immortal love. A tyrannical god thirsting for power. And the divine tree that binds them all.
After spending eight centuries witnessing the world’s cruelty, Anna has finally found peace in the simple life she’s made for herself with Khiran, the shapeshifting god who gifted her with immortality.
It is, she knows, too good to last.
When her existence is discovered, Anna and Khiran must choose between facing the wrath of the all-powerful god they call The First or making sacrifices in the name of survival. But they can’t hide forever, and fighting seems futile—until they learn that they may not be the only immortals who wish to see The First fall.
With everything at stake, only one thing is Fear isn’t only for mortals. Fear is for them all.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
An immortal love. A tyrannical god thirsting for power. And the divine tree that binds them all.
After spending eight centuries witnessing the world’s cruelty, Anna has finally found peace in the simple life she’s made for herself with Khiran, the shapeshifting god who gifted her with immortality.
It is, she knows, too good to last.
When her existence is discovered, Anna and Khiran must choose between facing the wrath of the all-powerful god they call The First or making sacrifices in the name of survival. But they can’t hide forever, and fighting seems futile—until they learn that they may not be the only immortals who wish to see The First fall.
With everything at stake, only one thing is Fear isn’t only for mortals. Fear is for them all.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2024
About the author
R. Raeta
8 books930 followersR. Raeta lives in Northern California with her husband and young son. When she isn’t agonizing over word choices, she enjoys telling the dog how handsome he is and sitting in on the nightly therapy sessions the cat so generously provides for her. She is a Trigiminal Neuralgia survivor and believes in living your best life day by day.
Her traditionally published works are written under the name Rachelle Raeta.
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Her traditionally published works are written under the name Rachelle Raeta.
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,267 reviews
July 22, 2026
ok so book two picks up immediately where book one ends. Anna and Khiran already have the odds stacked against them because this evil bastard refuses to let them have a single second of peace or their happily ever after.
instead of giving you a full plot recap, i’m just gonna tell you how this book made me feel.
this book does such an incredible job weaving history into the story. Anna and Khiran basically spend the entire book on a world tour, and every culture they encounter is explored with so much intention, care, and respect. not once did it feel ignorant or surface level. i genuinely kept sitting there like… a white woman wrote this…? because the research and execution were that impressive.😎😎😎
obviously i had an ending in mind that i was hoping for, but somehow this one exceeded every expectation i had.
the writing is genuinely exceptional. it’s lyrical without feeling like it’s trying to manufacture viral quotes. every sentence earns its place. y’all… i read every single word. i didn’t skim once. the pacing was slow exactly when it needed to be and fast when i wanted the adrenaline. the adventure, the stakes, the emotional payoff… i literally have no notes.
and Khiran…
no one has loved someone as ferociously as that man loves Anna. this man would burn down the heavens, rewrite fate, fistfight the gods themselves if it meant keeping her safe. he’s so auraful ✨✨✨
“I would give it all up, Anna. My immortality, my gifts, all of it. If it meant you would be safe. If it meant we could greet every morning without fear of what the day might bring. I would give it all up.”
UGHHHHH!!! that’s a man written by a woman!!!
and then he hits us with:
“Anna, victory could be written in the stars, and it still wouldn’t be enough to convince me to risk you.”
EXCUSE ME????? the Written in the Stars energy was OFF THE CHARTS.
if you liked book one, this somehow raises the bar even higher. no notes. just me screaming into the void. 🙂↕️🙂↕️
instead of giving you a full plot recap, i’m just gonna tell you how this book made me feel.
this book does such an incredible job weaving history into the story. Anna and Khiran basically spend the entire book on a world tour, and every culture they encounter is explored with so much intention, care, and respect. not once did it feel ignorant or surface level. i genuinely kept sitting there like… a white woman wrote this…? because the research and execution were that impressive.😎😎😎
obviously i had an ending in mind that i was hoping for, but somehow this one exceeded every expectation i had.
the writing is genuinely exceptional. it’s lyrical without feeling like it’s trying to manufacture viral quotes. every sentence earns its place. y’all… i read every single word. i didn’t skim once. the pacing was slow exactly when it needed to be and fast when i wanted the adrenaline. the adventure, the stakes, the emotional payoff… i literally have no notes.
and Khiran…
no one has loved someone as ferociously as that man loves Anna. this man would burn down the heavens, rewrite fate, fistfight the gods themselves if it meant keeping her safe. he’s so auraful ✨✨✨
“I would give it all up, Anna. My immortality, my gifts, all of it. If it meant you would be safe. If it meant we could greet every morning without fear of what the day might bring. I would give it all up.”
UGHHHHH!!! that’s a man written by a woman!!!
and then he hits us with:
“Anna, victory could be written in the stars, and it still wouldn’t be enough to convince me to risk you.”
EXCUSE ME????? the Written in the Stars energy was OFF THE CHARTS.
if you liked book one, this somehow raises the bar even higher. no notes. just me screaming into the void. 🙂↕️🙂↕️
September 11, 2026
4.5⭐️ Wow, this might be one of the most underrated series out there. How have more people not read this??
As I’d hoped, the sequel places much more emphasis on Khiran and Anna’s relationship as they find themselves on the run after Anna’s immortality is discovered. While the first book largely followed Anna on her own personal journey, with much of her time spent apart from Khiran, the sequel finally gives us the chance to see them navigate hardship, grief, and loss together. Their relationship is one built on mutual respect, sacrifice, and so, so much love. They are soulmates in every sense of the word.
Even with the increased focus on romance, the author never loses sight of the political heart of the story. Once again, she brings attention to major historical events, including the internment of Japanese Americans during WW2 and the conflicts surrounding the Partition of India. I appreciate how she portrayed these sensitive topics with thoughtfulness, while never shying away from their devastating realities. I’m amazed by just how much emotional depth the author delivers in a book under 300 pages.
I would argue that this duology is, first and foremost, Historical Fantasy with a romance subplot. Simply labeling it as Fantasy or Fantasy Romance would do such a disservice to the political messaging at the forefront of the narrative. Beyond that, this is also a love letter to the beauty of different places and cultures around the world.
If you take away only one recommendation from me, please let it be this series!!
As I’d hoped, the sequel places much more emphasis on Khiran and Anna’s relationship as they find themselves on the run after Anna’s immortality is discovered. While the first book largely followed Anna on her own personal journey, with much of her time spent apart from Khiran, the sequel finally gives us the chance to see them navigate hardship, grief, and loss together. Their relationship is one built on mutual respect, sacrifice, and so, so much love. They are soulmates in every sense of the word.
Even with the increased focus on romance, the author never loses sight of the political heart of the story. Once again, she brings attention to major historical events, including the internment of Japanese Americans during WW2 and the conflicts surrounding the Partition of India. I appreciate how she portrayed these sensitive topics with thoughtfulness, while never shying away from their devastating realities. I’m amazed by just how much emotional depth the author delivers in a book under 300 pages.
I would argue that this duology is, first and foremost, Historical Fantasy with a romance subplot. Simply labeling it as Fantasy or Fantasy Romance would do such a disservice to the political messaging at the forefront of the narrative. Beyond that, this is also a love letter to the beauty of different places and cultures around the world.
If you take away only one recommendation from me, please let it be this series!!
May 13, 2024
This duology has my whole heart! I loved every word. In the conclusion, we get more background information, more magic, and more of the world. Rachelle has such a beautiful way with words. The way she weaves a story makes you feel all the things. Taste, smell, emotions.THE LOVE THESE CHARACTERS HAVE FOR EACHOTHER. Swooooon. It’s so easy to picture what is happening in every single scene. Every interaction is so detailed. I’m sad this story has come to an end (it ended PERFECTLY btw) but I am also excited to see what Ms.Raeta will gift us with next. I know it will be nothing short of amazing.
June 9, 2024
Reading this book will give you an ache in your chest in the best way. But I suppose when you're immortal, one is bound to be a bit melancholy once in a while...
The prose is lovely. Really transportive and easily visualized. Our female main character, Anna, is the epitome of gentle and good and nurturing. THIS is how you properly write a character with a physical condition. (Take notes, Rebecca Yarros!)
The romantic relationship is so tender and sweet. Telling her all the details about where he wants to travel with her?? Be still my heart.
As far as genre classification, this falls somewhere along the lines of magical realism or historical fantasy. We're in the real world witnessing real events, so there is no heavy worldbuilding or complex magic system. With that being said, I believe fans of Divine Rivals are likely to enjoy this duology (and I liked it even better!)
The prose is lovely. Really transportive and easily visualized. Our female main character, Anna, is the epitome of gentle and good and nurturing. THIS is how you properly write a character with a physical condition. (Take notes, Rebecca Yarros!)
The romantic relationship is so tender and sweet. Telling her all the details about where he wants to travel with her?? Be still my heart.
As far as genre classification, this falls somewhere along the lines of magical realism or historical fantasy. We're in the real world witnessing real events, so there is no heavy worldbuilding or complex magic system. With that being said, I believe fans of Divine Rivals are likely to enjoy this duology (and I liked it even better!)
He breaks and she isn't strong enough to hold the pieces of him together. Not when she's broken, too. Together, they fall apart.
June 13, 2024
This was a disappointing follow-up to the previous book. Nothing much really happens, which I wouldn't have minded too bad, the appeal of the book was that this magical being going through life and experiencing with a god by her side. But more than half of this book is them actively withholding magic. We are only introduced to The First at 80% mark and he only is there for 3 chapters. After being teased in his immense power, he does not live up to expectations. Really, this was the guy that they have been running away from all this time? There are also surprisingly low number of immortals. At the end there was only 8? Given how low that number is, you'd expect them to make a lot bigger deal out of one of them dying. And in the last decade or so they lost 3 of them. It doesn't makes sense for the story to take their deaths so lightly. And of the 8, 5 of them are rebelling against the First. The 3 person team The First has is himself, a god with child temperament and only one cable soldier. How on Earth were they not able to take the fight to him? It would have been a lot more interesting story to see them pick Cassius up on his offer instead of being on the run.
I also didn't really enjoyed Anna not having defined powers. The entire time it was indicated that she would have something but it is never fully realized. The ending was far more dissapointing than I anticipated. Khiran going through depression was very realistic and I didn't really mind that. But then there is a new peach and Anna and Khiran are the only ones that eat it? A bit hypocritical since there are all those others that helped them. Overall, the lack of magic was really what bothered me with this book. Also the very convenient powers the other gods had was a bit laughable. Marcia's power is tracing magic. What good would that do for anything other than to keep track of other immortals. Why would one of them have a power to make blades that can cut divine flesh? Also what was The First's powers exactly? None of these powers have any reason to exist other than for plot convenience. Especially given that The Tree is the one that provides these powers. Assuming The Tree's whole purpose is to help others, what's the point for giving aways these weird powers? And Khiran with his powers of shape shifting, teleportation and manipulation sounds like he is the most OP of them all. How come The First finds him weak?
It really was a disappointing read and the ending was really abrupt. It would have been nice to at least have an epilogue because the way it ended leaves much up to interpretation and the story was never really good at giving you enough for you to interpret things for yourself. It's really anyone's guess what the new Tree means and what they plan of doing with it.
I also didn't really enjoyed Anna not having defined powers. The entire time it was indicated that she would have something but it is never fully realized. The ending was far more dissapointing than I anticipated. Khiran going through depression was very realistic and I didn't really mind that. But then there is a new peach and Anna and Khiran are the only ones that eat it? A bit hypocritical since there are all those others that helped them. Overall, the lack of magic was really what bothered me with this book. Also the very convenient powers the other gods had was a bit laughable. Marcia's power is tracing magic. What good would that do for anything other than to keep track of other immortals. Why would one of them have a power to make blades that can cut divine flesh? Also what was The First's powers exactly? None of these powers have any reason to exist other than for plot convenience. Especially given that The Tree is the one that provides these powers. Assuming The Tree's whole purpose is to help others, what's the point for giving aways these weird powers? And Khiran with his powers of shape shifting, teleportation and manipulation sounds like he is the most OP of them all. How come The First finds him weak?
It really was a disappointing read and the ending was really abrupt. It would have been nice to at least have an epilogue because the way it ended leaves much up to interpretation and the story was never really good at giving you enough for you to interpret things for yourself. It's really anyone's guess what the new Tree means and what they plan of doing with it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2024
I’m emo but happy
October 13, 2025
omg 😭💔 I love this duology so so freakin much. I think this is definitely my favorite duology of all time 🤯
Our world is so immersive and so full of life and culture, traveling the world through this book was so much fun. We visited so many countries and lived through all these crazy world events. I loved that so much.
I love Anna and Khiran. They are actually the type of love I want in every single book I read. They are so precious and love each other till their last breaths. They will do anything for each other. Khiran is such a fun character, he has some humor and can shapeshift!! He is ALWAYS there for Anna. and sweet Anna is just a super sweet, kind person. She wants to help everywhere she can and has so much love to give.
The ending of this book about gave me a heart attack, I was so scared of where the story was heading. The fighting scenes were really fun to read. The way Khiran was acting at the end was scaring me so bad!! It was like covering your eyes when you watch a horror movie, only, I couldn't do that!!😭💔😂
This has got romance, history elements, magic, friendship, heartache... what more could you want???
July 13, 2025
I think this gets somewhere between a 4.25 - 4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me so rounding up! This was a lovely conclusion to this duet & I just really enjoyed it.
PLOT
Anna & Khiran are on the run from other gods who are unhappy with Anna’s existence & how it affects Khiran. This book has
- meddling gods
- immortality
- romance
- historical fantasy fiction
- low spice
PROS
- Loved the last chapter.
- I love the historical fiction aspect of this book. It’s super interesting to travel the world in different time periods & I liked how it was done here.
- I adore this love story. I love the commitment, I love the love. It was just truly such deeply held love that just felt honest.
- Really enjoyed the Jiro storyline.
- Meeting & getting to know other gods was really fun.
CONS
- Despite most of the “action” of this series being in this book it felt slower.
- Something happened toward the end that was the cause of some conflict that I don’t think actually made much sense so it took me out of the ending, more details in spoilers
⚠️ SPOILERS ⚠️
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
No really
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
- After the peach tree burned down, Khiran changed forms. Which I didn’t understand because he hadn’t been using magic for 6 years since on the run & still had his “preferred” look. So how did his brown hair/green eyes work without magic but then not when not immortal? This didn’t make sense to me at all.
PLOT
Anna & Khiran are on the run from other gods who are unhappy with Anna’s existence & how it affects Khiran. This book has
- meddling gods
- immortality
- romance
- historical fantasy fiction
- low spice
PROS
- Loved the last chapter.
- I love the historical fiction aspect of this book. It’s super interesting to travel the world in different time periods & I liked how it was done here.
- I adore this love story. I love the commitment, I love the love. It was just truly such deeply held love that just felt honest.
- Really enjoyed the Jiro storyline.
- Meeting & getting to know other gods was really fun.
CONS
- Despite most of the “action” of this series being in this book it felt slower.
- Something happened toward the end that was the cause of some conflict that I don’t think actually made much sense so it took me out of the ending, more details in spoilers
⚠️ SPOILERS ⚠️
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
No really
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
- After the peach tree burned down, Khiran changed forms. Which I didn’t understand because he hadn’t been using magic for 6 years since on the run & still had his “preferred” look. So how did his brown hair/green eyes work without magic but then not when not immortal? This didn’t make sense to me at all.
February 22, 2025
“There are different kinds of death,” he murmurs, his palm cradling her jaw. His thumb traces the line of her cheek, his eyes dark with nightmares that carry her name.”
˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚
5 stars - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It's very rare that I consume two books in under 24hrs, however this was very easy to accomplish as I could not put this duology down.
Pits & Poison was even better than Peaches & Honey, which sounds impossible, but I feel like R.Raeta has done the impossible. It is so beautifully written that the plot develops so nicely that I'm struggling to find a fault within it.
Raeta has the ability to make my heart hurt and fill it up again by just reading the relationship between Anna & Khiran. As a book community, we should really consider putting these two up their with the popular it couples that tend to show up on your fyp constantly. They deserve a lot more recognition.
˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚
“I’m certain the opinions of strangers weigh less than the joy you would be robbing yourself of if you let yourself fear them.”
This is not just a story about romance but about acceptance, too. Anna, who faces insecurities with her skin and has faced so much scrutiny that as we often do, she shuts herself away. I thought it was so beautiful to see her eventually through (no easy feat) become more confident within herself and accepting of her Vitiligo. Which adds more depth and understanding within this story.
It's often hard to find books that address these issues and leans on the male character as to why they feel more confident, I feel like it should be the woman who goes on a journey of self love and accepts herself because she wants to. Love and support should be there but not a huge factor as in life it's often hard to love ourselves and sometimes someone loving us is simply not enough.
I am, of course, going to do a reread at some point, I feel like this is going to be a series I will never be sick of.
Edited ~ 11.03
˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚
5 stars - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It's very rare that I consume two books in under 24hrs, however this was very easy to accomplish as I could not put this duology down.
Pits & Poison was even better than Peaches & Honey, which sounds impossible, but I feel like R.Raeta has done the impossible. It is so beautifully written that the plot develops so nicely that I'm struggling to find a fault within it.
Raeta has the ability to make my heart hurt and fill it up again by just reading the relationship between Anna & Khiran. As a book community, we should really consider putting these two up their with the popular it couples that tend to show up on your fyp constantly. They deserve a lot more recognition.
˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚
“I’m certain the opinions of strangers weigh less than the joy you would be robbing yourself of if you let yourself fear them.”
This is not just a story about romance but about acceptance, too. Anna, who faces insecurities with her skin and has faced so much scrutiny that as we often do, she shuts herself away. I thought it was so beautiful to see her eventually through (no easy feat) become more confident within herself and accepting of her Vitiligo. Which adds more depth and understanding within this story.
It's often hard to find books that address these issues and leans on the male character as to why they feel more confident, I feel like it should be the woman who goes on a journey of self love and accepts herself because she wants to. Love and support should be there but not a huge factor as in life it's often hard to love ourselves and sometimes someone loving us is simply not enough.
I am, of course, going to do a reread at some point, I feel like this is going to be a series I will never be sick of.
Edited ~ 11.03
September 5, 2026
I’m honestly in awe of this book, and I’m so happy it lived up to everything the first book promised. It didn’t just continue the story, it gave it the depth and emotional weight I was hoping for.
This was such a beautifully written and heartbreaking story. The mythology, the gods, the tangled relationships, and all the lies surrounding them come together in a way that feels incredibly layered and intentional. The story has this constant feeling that there’s something bigger underneath everything, and I loved how it slowly came together. Every revelation added something new without taking away from the emotional side of the story, and by the end, I was completely wrecked.
The romance was also everything I wanted it to be. There’s so much longing, vulnerability, and emotional complexity between the characters, and their journey feels just as important as everything happening around them. Nothing about it feels rushed or easy, which made every little moment hit that much harder.
This is definitely a slow-paced story, so I can see it not working for everyone. But the pacing felt intentional and beautifully handled to me. The story takes its time, lets the emotions build, and trusts you to stay with it.
And now I’m left with a very sore heart and absolutely no idea what to do with myself. I need a hug.
This was such a beautifully written and heartbreaking story. The mythology, the gods, the tangled relationships, and all the lies surrounding them come together in a way that feels incredibly layered and intentional. The story has this constant feeling that there’s something bigger underneath everything, and I loved how it slowly came together. Every revelation added something new without taking away from the emotional side of the story, and by the end, I was completely wrecked.
The romance was also everything I wanted it to be. There’s so much longing, vulnerability, and emotional complexity between the characters, and their journey feels just as important as everything happening around them. Nothing about it feels rushed or easy, which made every little moment hit that much harder.
This is definitely a slow-paced story, so I can see it not working for everyone. But the pacing felt intentional and beautifully handled to me. The story takes its time, lets the emotions build, and trusts you to stay with it.
And now I’m left with a very sore heart and absolutely no idea what to do with myself. I need a hug.
July 25, 2024
4 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“He speaks against her mouth, lips brushing over hers with every syllable. “I would give you the world, Anna.”
Pits & Poison: These Godly Lies marks the conclusion of a brilliant duology that tells the story of an immortal love that bloomed throughout different lifetimes.
Without spoiling much of the story, being able to live forever does not mean you are spared from feeling sorrow and grief, or having to make sacrifices, or being able to live your happily ever after eternally when there is a bigger threat that casts a shadow over your happiness.
Anna and Khiran's love was powerful and deliciously angsty. I appreciate the respect and trust they had in each other and it truly proves just how deeply in love they are with one another.
The author created a distinctive fantasy romance story intricately layered with myths of gods and a divine tree.
The only reason I had to deduct a star was due to parts of the book feeling just a little bit stagnant.
Overall, I highly recommend this if you're looking for a unique story with magic and a romance that spans more than 800 years.
Content warning: violence, grief, deaths.
“He speaks against her mouth, lips brushing over hers with every syllable. “I would give you the world, Anna.”
Pits & Poison: These Godly Lies marks the conclusion of a brilliant duology that tells the story of an immortal love that bloomed throughout different lifetimes.
Without spoiling much of the story, being able to live forever does not mean you are spared from feeling sorrow and grief, or having to make sacrifices, or being able to live your happily ever after eternally when there is a bigger threat that casts a shadow over your happiness.
Anna and Khiran's love was powerful and deliciously angsty. I appreciate the respect and trust they had in each other and it truly proves just how deeply in love they are with one another.
The author created a distinctive fantasy romance story intricately layered with myths of gods and a divine tree.
The only reason I had to deduct a star was due to parts of the book feeling just a little bit stagnant.
Overall, I highly recommend this if you're looking for a unique story with magic and a romance that spans more than 800 years.
Content warning: violence, grief, deaths.
May 11, 2024
Eta: arc was provided by the author! Lmao better late than never
Woe is me, and all that.
This book was not for me, and I am at terms with that. Maybe I was meant to be enamored but simply put, I was not. I liked the first book despite it's slow progress because it was progress nonetheless—of Anna's growth, of their romance blooming. This book? They're on the run, and yet I felt none of the urgency. It was slow, just like its predecessor, but I felt none of the heart. Khiran and Anna were sweet enough, but I can only bring myself to care, to TOLERATE, so many gentle smiles and gazes brimming with adoration.
I just did not care. Happy for them tho ig
Anyway. It's not you, it's me, and all that jazz. I've no doubt others will enjoy this book. I remain unfazed—unfortunately it felt like a chore getting through this.
And the ending that it was coming towards—not even building up because I felt nothing that built up to anything, really—was just... it was okay. I don't know.
Woe is me, and all that.
This book was not for me, and I am at terms with that. Maybe I was meant to be enamored but simply put, I was not. I liked the first book despite it's slow progress because it was progress nonetheless—of Anna's growth, of their romance blooming. This book? They're on the run, and yet I felt none of the urgency. It was slow, just like its predecessor, but I felt none of the heart. Khiran and Anna were sweet enough, but I can only bring myself to care, to TOLERATE, so many gentle smiles and gazes brimming with adoration.
I just did not care. Happy for them tho ig
Anyway. It's not you, it's me, and all that jazz. I've no doubt others will enjoy this book. I remain unfazed—unfortunately it felt like a chore getting through this.
And the ending that it was coming towards—not even building up because I felt nothing that built up to anything, really—was just... it was okay. I don't know.
July 31, 2024
⤷ ꒰ 2.5 ☆ ꒱
the first book was good. and then there’s this…?
the first book was good. and then there’s this…?
![Profile Image for vxmpslibrary [hiatus].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1786018920i/123295506._UX200_CR0,33,200,200_.jpg)
January 10, 2026
.4 stars.
.my thoughts.
An amazing conclusion to the series I must say.
I don't actually have much to say, because I finished it a day ago [now weeks ago] and my mind now comes with nothing, but I loved it so much, I felt so much sadness longing from this book that I might have just sobbed.
Author knew what she was doing when she added Jiro just like Piers. I love Anna and Jiro once more, they gave me found family moments and when Jiro returned back to her only made me feel teary eyed more.
I can not lie when I say I loved Jiro and Khiran more, since it started on a rocky ground with mistrust since years. The way he would come around and the conversation no matter how small it was, brought a small hope that they would get along.
I loved Silas. I loved him in the previous book so it is this that here I loved him more. He was such an amazing friend to Anna helping her in need that made me smile. Him and Cassian are also so cute together.
Anna and Khiran have my heart, the way they travelled together and he showed her the world, and even didn't used his magic so he knew that she was safe because of it is standard. I loved them together because they were ready to sacrifice each other for one another. The feeling of love blossomed here, and I also loved the references of Pakistan and India's festivals and clothing [because wow hey!]
The actual war scene was yes, a bit expected, but at the same I expected something more. And there were some loose strings that confused me, yet I didn't really mind as long as the story kept going on the right track.
Overall, yes I would recommend this duology, I loveddd it so much and I'm so happy that I finally read it after seeing it appear in my feed. There is grief, love, regret.
rtc. wth I'm emo stop.
When she pulls away, his hair is dark and softly curled. His eyes, those eyes she would recognize on any face in any lifetime, smile back at her—blue on the verge of green.
.my thoughts.
An amazing conclusion to the series I must say.
I don't actually have much to say, because I finished it a day ago [now weeks ago] and my mind now comes with nothing, but I loved it so much, I felt so much sadness longing from this book that I might have just sobbed.
"Luck is fluid. It changes. Not knowing the destination only means the where doesn’t matter. Not yet.”
Author knew what she was doing when she added Jiro just like Piers. I love Anna and Jiro once more, they gave me found family moments and when Jiro returned back to her only made me feel teary eyed more.
I can not lie when I say I loved Jiro and Khiran more, since it started on a rocky ground with mistrust since years. The way he would come around and the conversation no matter how small it was, brought a small hope that they would get along.
I loved Silas. I loved him in the previous book so it is this that here I loved him more. He was such an amazing friend to Anna helping her in need that made me smile. Him and Cassian are also so cute together.
“I’m younger. I’ve seen less. Endured less.”
“You’re wrong,” he murmurs, bringing his cup back to his lips. “But I can forgive you for not seeing how brightly you shine.”
Anna and Khiran have my heart, the way they travelled together and he showed her the world, and even didn't used his magic so he knew that she was safe because of it is standard. I loved them together because they were ready to sacrifice each other for one another. The feeling of love blossomed here, and I also loved the references of Pakistan and India's festivals and clothing [because wow hey!]
I want to show you every corner this world has to offer and watch your face light up in wonder.
The actual war scene was yes, a bit expected, but at the same I expected something more. And there were some loose strings that confused me, yet I didn't really mind as long as the story kept going on the right track.
Overall, yes I would recommend this duology, I loveddd it so much and I'm so happy that I finally read it after seeing it appear in my feed. There is grief, love, regret.
rtc. wth I'm emo stop.
May 7, 2024
I was given the incredible opportunity to read this (masterpiece) early. After swallowing this book in two big gulps (life got in the way), I can’t really find words great enough to explain just how beautiful this story was and how dearly I’ll miss Anna and Khiran.
— ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ stars and an extra ✶ for good measure !!!
R. Raeta spins words like they’re magic, like they’re glitter and gold, even when they’re painful and heartbreaking and burn tears out your eyes. The high quality of the first book has not been lost through the second one. At times I caught myself holding my breath, be it from anxiously anticipating what happens next or the literal beauty of the writing.
In this sequel we get to see more of the world (mundane and magical), we dig deeper into Khirans story, and many of the other gods. In the limited pages we get, the new characters are given so much life, fleshed out enough for me to truly love or hate. Amongst all those things, I’m so grateful that we get to see the heroines power remain in her empathy, kindness and compassion. That humanity prevails, and these qualities still exist amongst all the cruelty and hardship.
I couldn’t have asked for a better ending to this tale.
I believe this duology will forever remain imprinted on my soul.
— ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ stars and an extra ✶ for good measure !!!
R. Raeta spins words like they’re magic, like they’re glitter and gold, even when they’re painful and heartbreaking and burn tears out your eyes. The high quality of the first book has not been lost through the second one. At times I caught myself holding my breath, be it from anxiously anticipating what happens next or the literal beauty of the writing.
In this sequel we get to see more of the world (mundane and magical), we dig deeper into Khirans story, and many of the other gods. In the limited pages we get, the new characters are given so much life, fleshed out enough for me to truly love or hate. Amongst all those things, I’m so grateful that we get to see the heroines power remain in her empathy, kindness and compassion. That humanity prevails, and these qualities still exist amongst all the cruelty and hardship.
I couldn’t have asked for a better ending to this tale.
I believe this duology will forever remain imprinted on my soul.
December 8, 2024
PERFECT ENDING TO A PERFECT DUOLOGY. Full RTC
August 6, 2026
” “Won’t,” she agrees, because choosing him has only ever felt natural, never forced. “And can’t.” Because shielding him from hurt, from pain, was as instinctual as breathing. She could have hung back, could have held her breath, but her heart would have burned and her lungs would have starved. “Would you do any differently?”
“No,But we’ve already established that I’m a fool when it comes to you.”
“Then let us be fools together.”
I honestly loved this series so much!! Like the plot and the romance ( especially the romance) and the historical facts and they way the author wrote about war and and pain power and how it changes with time but yet still the same and how she shows u the blessing and the curse of immortality ugh it was so good i adored it in the first book and here too but i was a bit frustrated here tho!!
the only thing i didn’t like is how they kept running like we discovered the truth about everything early in this book okay i just wished that they run a but yess but also i wanted them to kinda unit with the others and face the evil but they just kept running and it got me so frustrated bc like for how longgg yk? And also i didn’t get what Anna gift was like immunity? But why didn’t she play a bigger rule in the final battle? It felt like the others were doing all the work and she was kinda useless which also frustrated me a bit.
But overall i still enjoyed this series alot and yes thing could have been better in this book but still it’s gonna be 4 stars because based on my enjoyment it was good and i binged the whole thing in 3 days which is so fast for me lmao 🙊 but the romance was more than PERFECTTTT!!!! Khiran and Anna are my new obsession their loveeee is so strong and big for this world and Anna heart and kindness were unmatched they way she went through hell and met the most awful people but still saw the goodness in so many and weren’t effected by all the evil that she saw ughhhh loveee her and him smmmmmmmmmmmm🤌🏻🤍 also the book give me alot of history topics to study in my free time so also grateful for that heheh🙂↕️
Conclusion i think everyone should read this series plsplsplsplsplspspspslsps🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
“No,But we’ve already established that I’m a fool when it comes to you.”
“Then let us be fools together.”
I honestly loved this series so much!! Like the plot and the romance ( especially the romance) and the historical facts and they way the author wrote about war and and pain power and how it changes with time but yet still the same and how she shows u the blessing and the curse of immortality ugh it was so good i adored it in the first book and here too but i was a bit frustrated here tho!!
the only thing i didn’t like is how they kept running like we discovered the truth about everything early in this book okay i just wished that they run a but yess but also i wanted them to kinda unit with the others and face the evil but they just kept running and it got me so frustrated bc like for how longgg yk? And also i didn’t get what Anna gift was like immunity? But why didn’t she play a bigger rule in the final battle? It felt like the others were doing all the work and she was kinda useless which also frustrated me a bit.
But overall i still enjoyed this series alot and yes thing could have been better in this book but still it’s gonna be 4 stars because based on my enjoyment it was good and i binged the whole thing in 3 days which is so fast for me lmao 🙊 but the romance was more than PERFECTTTT!!!! Khiran and Anna are my new obsession their loveeee is so strong and big for this world and Anna heart and kindness were unmatched they way she went through hell and met the most awful people but still saw the goodness in so many and weren’t effected by all the evil that she saw ughhhh loveee her and him smmmmmmmmmmmm🤌🏻🤍 also the book give me alot of history topics to study in my free time so also grateful for that heheh🙂↕️
Conclusion i think everyone should read this series plsplsplsplsplspspspslsps🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
September 14, 2026
I definitely liked book one more but this ending was good!
I love the plot to this duology. It's so unique and one I definitely won't forget!
I do think this dragged a bit sadly and I was bored for a large chunk of this but the ending did make up for it.
I love the plot to this duology. It's so unique and one I definitely won't forget!
I do think this dragged a bit sadly and I was bored for a large chunk of this but the ending did make up for it.
September 1, 2026
“I would give it all up, Anna. My immortality, my gifts, all of it. If it meant you would be safe. If it meant we could greet every morning without fear of what the day might bring.” His hands slide forward, arms wrapping around her waist. Anna mimics the motion, pulling him closer, closer, until his face is cradled in the crook of her neck and her hands tangle in his hair. His words are a whisper over her heart. “I would give it all.”
Sigh 😔😔😔😔😔 can i have more of them? Because I can't say goodbye but i loved it, i loved everything; i loved Khiran and anna✨ they are my babies and my world like i couldn't stop thinking about them and their love and how they expect their feelings to each other and the writing made it more beautiful and intriguing to the point I'm highlighting the whole book, sigh again i loved the writing and how lyrically is was to my ears, i absolutely loved it❤️🔥😔
I loved how the author but took history and made a story around, it made it feel like we are in the story as some of us lived during these periods.
The romance was SOMETHING, and i ate it slowly and happily, it was tender and sweet; their moments was so magical and special to my heart, i wanna re-read it again now🥹🤍
Sigh 😔😔😔😔😔 can i have more of them? Because I can't say goodbye but i loved it, i loved everything; i loved Khiran and anna✨ they are my babies and my world like i couldn't stop thinking about them and their love and how they expect their feelings to each other and the writing made it more beautiful and intriguing to the point I'm highlighting the whole book, sigh again i loved the writing and how lyrically is was to my ears, i absolutely loved it❤️🔥😔
I loved how the author but took history and made a story around, it made it feel like we are in the story as some of us lived during these periods.
The romance was SOMETHING, and i ate it slowly and happily, it was tender and sweet; their moments was so magical and special to my heart, i wanna re-read it again now🥹🤍
August 2, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ rounding up
🌶️ one gentle scene
This duology is so soft. Soft romance, soft grief. Just soft.
Just under 300 pages it is exactly what I tries to be.
Lots of pretty prose
And a happy ending
🌶️ one gentle scene
This duology is so soft. Soft romance, soft grief. Just soft.
Just under 300 pages it is exactly what I tries to be.
Lots of pretty prose
And a happy ending
September 3, 2026
These Godly Lies is a beautiful novel about love and resilience.
In These Godly Lies The First sends other God's to chase down Anna and Khiran for the stolen peach Khiran took that gave Anna her immortality.
I loved the continued romance between Khiran and Anna, as well as her friendship with Silas and Cassius. I also found the other God's to be equally interesting and unique.
This novel wraps up the duology beautifully. If you loved the first you'll adore the sequel.
In These Godly Lies The First sends other God's to chase down Anna and Khiran for the stolen peach Khiran took that gave Anna her immortality.
I loved the continued romance between Khiran and Anna, as well as her friendship with Silas and Cassius. I also found the other God's to be equally interesting and unique.
This novel wraps up the duology beautifully. If you loved the first you'll adore the sequel.
June 7, 2024
I think the first book was stronger. Much of this book followed the same pattern: run, hide, be discovered. It isn't until 80% into the book that the plot turns into something more. So between that and the fact that the conclusion feels a bit rushed, I think 4 to 4.25 stars is appropriate here.
Despite that, this book still succeeds in several ways:
- the emotionally impactful writing is nearly as strong in this book as the first book
- the emotional and romantic bond between MCs is lovely and full of heart
- despite the final conflict being too quick, the villains (and one in particular) are imposing threats that hang over the entire story
- the conclusion is emotionally satisfying and appropriate for the characters
Despite that, this book still succeeds in several ways:
- the emotionally impactful writing is nearly as strong in this book as the first book
- the emotional and romantic bond between MCs is lovely and full of heart
- despite the final conflict being too quick, the villains (and one in particular) are imposing threats that hang over the entire story
- the conclusion is emotionally satisfying and appropriate for the characters
September 15, 2024
Not me sobbing at 5 am over this series and couple. I loved it so much. Shut up and read it.
May 8, 2024
“I would give it all up, Anna. My immortality, my gifts, all of it. If it meant you would be safe. If it meant we could greet every morning without fear of what the day might bring.”
This is simply put, a masterpiece. I was given the opportunity to read an advanced copy and my heart is so full. Pits and Poison sets the example for successful sequels. It delivers the same eloquent prose we saw in book one continuing with Anna and Khirans story where we left off in California. We see their love grow deeper, are introduced to more gods, more magic, more action, and more heartache that left me breathless.
The characters we see are incredibly well written each having their own unique motivations and personalities with depth and purpose. R.Raeta has an amazing way of eliciting empathy and understanding for wounds that linger and run deeper than the average person can understand.
Compared to other books I have read with immortal or nearly immortal beings Khiran truly feels as if he has lived forever. He feels shaped by time itself while also feeling unchanged in his ways and his love for Anna as it grows even deeper. The intimate moments we see are so beautiful. To call them “spice” would be to insult them. They’ve been introduced with purpose and each one moves their relationship. (And my tears)
And last but not least we all have something to learn from the lessons that are taught in this book about humanities many failures. It’s both illuminating and heartbreaking but gives me hope for change as well. By far my favorite quote in light of recent global events:
“Power isn’t always loud; sometimes it’s quiet. Subtle. You have the ability to sway the course of history with the right face and some well placed words. Maybe you aren’t a soldier, but not all battles are won by brute force alone.”
This is simply put, a masterpiece. I was given the opportunity to read an advanced copy and my heart is so full. Pits and Poison sets the example for successful sequels. It delivers the same eloquent prose we saw in book one continuing with Anna and Khirans story where we left off in California. We see their love grow deeper, are introduced to more gods, more magic, more action, and more heartache that left me breathless.
The characters we see are incredibly well written each having their own unique motivations and personalities with depth and purpose. R.Raeta has an amazing way of eliciting empathy and understanding for wounds that linger and run deeper than the average person can understand.
Compared to other books I have read with immortal or nearly immortal beings Khiran truly feels as if he has lived forever. He feels shaped by time itself while also feeling unchanged in his ways and his love for Anna as it grows even deeper. The intimate moments we see are so beautiful. To call them “spice” would be to insult them. They’ve been introduced with purpose and each one moves their relationship. (And my tears)
And last but not least we all have something to learn from the lessons that are taught in this book about humanities many failures. It’s both illuminating and heartbreaking but gives me hope for change as well. By far my favorite quote in light of recent global events:
“Power isn’t always loud; sometimes it’s quiet. Subtle. You have the ability to sway the course of history with the right face and some well placed words. Maybe you aren’t a soldier, but not all battles are won by brute force alone.”
January 31, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
May 13, 2024
“ Only she could make feeling exposed feel like a relief.”
♾️ ⭐️ This duology will remain with me forever. Anna and Khiran’s love story makes you feel things on a deeper level than most authors are able to accomplish. Even the side characters are brilliantly written. Eira remained a favorite and I was surprised with how much I adored Kaia ( “ Only three souls will ever know it was heartbreak that made the earth split.) I loved being able to see more of the magic aspect in this story. Do I wish we had another book coming about Anna and Khiran? Abso-freakin-lutely. Did Rachelle wrap this duology up in such a heartbreakingly beautiful way? Duh, she can do no wrong. Excited to see what she has in the works.
“ It’s a strange thing to love the heart that invites pain under their roof.”
“ It’s hard wearing our differences with pride when the world looks at them with contempt.”
“ Didn’t you hear us praying?” 😭
♾️ ⭐️ This duology will remain with me forever. Anna and Khiran’s love story makes you feel things on a deeper level than most authors are able to accomplish. Even the side characters are brilliantly written. Eira remained a favorite and I was surprised with how much I adored Kaia ( “ Only three souls will ever know it was heartbreak that made the earth split.) I loved being able to see more of the magic aspect in this story. Do I wish we had another book coming about Anna and Khiran? Abso-freakin-lutely. Did Rachelle wrap this duology up in such a heartbreakingly beautiful way? Duh, she can do no wrong. Excited to see what she has in the works.
“ It’s a strange thing to love the heart that invites pain under their roof.”
“ It’s hard wearing our differences with pride when the world looks at them with contempt.”
“ Didn’t you hear us praying?” 😭
August 23, 2026
5⭐️ speechless.
Review of advance copy
Finished this one with a lot of thoughts. I really enjoyed parts of it, while others left me wanting quite a bit more; definitely a different experience from the first. Full review coming soon.
3.5 stars 🩶
3.5 stars 🩶
March 17, 2025
4.5/5
"For four minutes and thirty-eight seconds, Alaska is reshaped by fissures and landslides in what will become known as the most powerful earthquake recorded in North America.
Only three souls will ever know it was heartbreak that made the earth split."
The start of the book felt kinda rocky and took me a while to get over. Then I couldn't put it down.
I was so anxious reading certain parts of Anna's story - I remember now why I stay away from suspense novels.
I think in the end every character ended up where they needed to be. I'll miss them, but will remember them for a long time.
I adore how beautifully written this novel feels and how I sometimes just needed a minute to feel the weight of the words settle within me.
"For four minutes and thirty-eight seconds, Alaska is reshaped by fissures and landslides in what will become known as the most powerful earthquake recorded in North America.
Only three souls will ever know it was heartbreak that made the earth split."
The start of the book felt kinda rocky and took me a while to get over. Then I couldn't put it down.
I was so anxious reading certain parts of Anna's story - I remember now why I stay away from suspense novels.
I think in the end every character ended up where they needed to be. I'll miss them, but will remember them for a long time.
I adore how beautifully written this novel feels and how I sometimes just needed a minute to feel the weight of the words settle within me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,267 reviews