Review: Ever Blessed by Olivia O’Flynn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ – Queendoms, crumbling gods, and a debut that absolutely delivers
Okay, I’m just going to say it: Ever Blessed is one of those debuts that makes you pause and go, “Wait, this is her first book?” Because Olivia O’Flynn came out swinging with this one. It’s rich, layered, emotional, and so unapologetically queer in the best way.
Set in a world where divine magic (called Ever) is slowly failing, we follow two fantastic women—Elva, a warrior princess stuck in a political marriage, and Innes, a witch trying to hide her dangerous bond with the Ever itself. Both of them are caught in crumbling kingdoms, angry gods, and the kind of heavy choices that leave no one unchanged.
Honestly, this book just hit. Here’s why:
Elva and Fynton’s dynamic surprised me, in a good way. It’s not your typical enemies to lovers (thank god). Instead, we get this slow-build relationship based on some tense awkward moments that flows into mutual respect and shared responsibility. Their chemistry felt real, not rushed, and I loved how it unfolded over time rather than being instant sparks. It felt earned, and that made it even better.
The next coupling centers around Innes. Sapphic romance? Yes, please. I was genuinely excited to see this pairing, and the way their story tackled fate, secrecy, and emotional vulnerability made it feel fresh. Their bond isn’t dramatic for the sake of drama.... it’s tender, complicated, and beautifully balanced against the chaos of the world around them.
The magic system? The Ever is such an intriguing concept, magic as both a gift and a burden, and the way it’s woven into every aspect of society and identity feels thoughtful and balanced
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Plus, I adored that queerness was just naturally part of this world. No fuss, no explanation. Just there. As it should be.
Oh and can we talk about queendom? This was the first time I’ve read a book that used the term so confidently and consistently, and honestly, I was living for it.
Also, a personal shoutout to Avi—Elva’s bodyguard and walking golden retriever. He’s loyal, soft-hearted, and added a much-needed warmth to some of the heavier moments.
Olivia’s writing style is detailed without being dense. There’s a lot of mythology and politics to chew on, but it never drags. I appreciated the dual POVs too, it gave the story more scope and helped explore different parts of the world without feeling overwhelming.
In the end, Ever Blessed is about more than gods and kingdoms. It’s about love in all its forms -messy, complicated, defiant love - and what it means to hold onto that when the world is falling apart.
This is an easy 4.5 star read for me. Honestly, I’m already excited for book two. If you like Penn Cole, Rebecca Yarros, or want a romantasy that actually feels real while still bringing the grit, this one belongs on your shelf.