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Selfish Myths #4
Transcend
ADULT 2ND EDITION (fully revised): Substantially rewritten with explicit adult content and changes to worldbuilding and character development. Reviews before October 2025 refer to the original edition and may describe elements that no longer exist in this version.
Spicy Mythology Romantasy · Narcissus & Oizys · Frenemies to Lovers · Divine Rivalry · Sharp & Sexy Banter · One Bed · Fated-But-Fighting It · It's Always Been You
THEY’VE HATED EACH OTHER FOR THREE THOUSAND YEARS.
He’s Narcissus, vain and possessive, destined to love no one but himself. She’s a prickly goddess who refuses to bow to his ego.
They’re divine rivals with a history of pining, grudges, and denial. But when a reckless trespass into the dark realm of the gods leaves them stranded, things turn hot fast.
Magic crackles. Tempers flare. Sparks ignite.
And if their weapons don’t crash together first, their furious lips just might.
As rivalry twists into forbidden lust, every stolen touch becomes a dangerous game, every argument laced with temptation. Lost in enemy territory, they must fight not only destiny but the flames of their own obsession.
In the midst of an immortal war between deities, they may discover the most perilous battle of all—the one waged against their hearts.
Full of heart-pounding fantasy romance, Dark Gods: Selfish Myths is a multi-couple adult romantasy series that must be read in order. Perfect for readers who want: hate-fueled attraction, bite-me banter, and tension sharp enough to start a second war.
SPICE: Explicit sexual content and language. For readers 18+
FOR CWs: Please check the author's website.
Spicy Mythology Romantasy · Narcissus & Oizys · Frenemies to Lovers · Divine Rivalry · Sharp & Sexy Banter · One Bed · Fated-But-Fighting It · It's Always Been You
THEY’VE HATED EACH OTHER FOR THREE THOUSAND YEARS.
He’s Narcissus, vain and possessive, destined to love no one but himself. She’s a prickly goddess who refuses to bow to his ego.
They’re divine rivals with a history of pining, grudges, and denial. But when a reckless trespass into the dark realm of the gods leaves them stranded, things turn hot fast.
Magic crackles. Tempers flare. Sparks ignite.
And if their weapons don’t crash together first, their furious lips just might.
As rivalry twists into forbidden lust, every stolen touch becomes a dangerous game, every argument laced with temptation. Lost in enemy territory, they must fight not only destiny but the flames of their own obsession.
In the midst of an immortal war between deities, they may discover the most perilous battle of all—the one waged against their hearts.
Full of heart-pounding fantasy romance, Dark Gods: Selfish Myths is a multi-couple adult romantasy series that must be read in order. Perfect for readers who want: hate-fueled attraction, bite-me banter, and tension sharp enough to start a second war.
SPICE: Explicit sexual content and language. For readers 18+
FOR CWs: Please check the author's website.
442 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2025
About the author
Natalia Jaster
17 books1,678 followersNatalia Jaster is a romantasy author who routinely swoons for the villain.
She lives in a dark forest, where she writes spicy fantasy romance tales about rakish jesters, immortal deities, and vicious faeries.
Wicked heroes are her weakness, and rebellious heroines are her best friends.
AMAZON: www.amazon.com/Natalia-Jaster/e/B00OE...
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/nataliajaster
NEWSLETTER: www.nataliajaster.com/newsletter
TIKTOK: www.tiktok.com/@nataliajasterauthor
WEBSITE: www.nataliajaster.com
She lives in a dark forest, where she writes spicy fantasy romance tales about rakish jesters, immortal deities, and vicious faeries.
Wicked heroes are her weakness, and rebellious heroines are her best friends.
AMAZON: www.amazon.com/Natalia-Jaster/e/B00OE...
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/nataliajaster
NEWSLETTER: www.nataliajaster.com/newsletter
TIKTOK: www.tiktok.com/@nataliajasterauthor
WEBSITE: www.nataliajaster.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 26, 2020
This series by Natalia Jaster just got BETTER AND BETTER with every book. Each time I read the next in the series, I thought yep right, this one is definitely going to be my favourite but then I'd read more! Starting with Touch (Andrew and Love💘) and then moving through Torn (oh my, I loved Anger so much and I am such a sucker for an angsty, unrequited-love-and-then-miss-what's- right-in-your-face tale), on to Tempt (still not convinced this isn't my favourite because well...Malice, am I right?! 🔥) and finally of course Transcend, which is not only Sorrow and Envy's tale, but also the finale to the Selfish Myths series that we all needed 🖤💜.
To recap, the series revolves around a group of young (by mythological standards!) Gods and Goddesses, who each control a human emotion - love, anger, malice, wonder, sorrow and envy. They in turn are supervised and controlled by the Fates. But the more time they spend together and in the human realm the more our heroes/heroines begin to challenge the rules they have been raised to abide by and also their growing feelings for each other..
Transcend is so beautifully written, and has all the angsty, will they won't they, lust vs love components that I love. And of course Envy is totally yummy😍😈
I've said it before and I'll say it again -Natalia's writing is exquisite, as is the world building and the character development is just sublime. If you adore fantasy romance, slow burn leading to steamy scenes, diversity in your MCs and real life relevance to boot, this is the book (and the series!) for you.
Love love love 💗.
ALL THE STARS ✨✨✨✨✨
To recap, the series revolves around a group of young (by mythological standards!) Gods and Goddesses, who each control a human emotion - love, anger, malice, wonder, sorrow and envy. They in turn are supervised and controlled by the Fates. But the more time they spend together and in the human realm the more our heroes/heroines begin to challenge the rules they have been raised to abide by and also their growing feelings for each other..
Transcend is so beautifully written, and has all the angsty, will they won't they, lust vs love components that I love. And of course Envy is totally yummy😍😈
I've said it before and I'll say it again -Natalia's writing is exquisite, as is the world building and the character development is just sublime. If you adore fantasy romance, slow burn leading to steamy scenes, diversity in your MCs and real life relevance to boot, this is the book (and the series!) for you.
Love love love 💗.
ALL THE STARS ✨✨✨✨✨
March 15, 2020
"What does that feel like?"
It feels like the line between pleasure and pain is non-existent. It feels both like coming home and saying goodbye to a good friend. It feels like savouring words and swallowing them whole at the same time.
That's what this series feels like.
ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review
4.5 shining stars!
"What's your pleasure? What's your pain?"
Answer to both is...reading this book.
Natalia Jaster comes back with the last installment of Selfish Myths series and I couldn't be sadder to see it go. But out it goes with fireworks, or should I say - with stars falling.
I have been in love with Envy since the very first appearance of his stylish bisexual ass. In "Touch", he's been a sparse, and yet very prominent presence - and I wanted to know more, more, more!
In "Transcend", my expectations were not only met, but rewarded tenfold. So to sum up what I loved about this book, let me arrange a swift list:
♡ love story between two bisexual characters
♡ Natalia's poetic prose game is as strong as ever
♡ seeing the whole gang together, all their scenes were precious and golden
♡ only Natalia can drive me to tears with a few simple sentences like "What does that feel like?" or "...you're every emotion I've ever felt" (what a love confession *sobs*)
♡ an extremely rewarding ending to the series - I liked how the main conflict of the series was resolved
♡ learning Envy's and Sorrow's backstories - not going to lie, when I first learned of Envy and Sorrow, it felt somewhat out of the blue, as if they were simply thrown together for the sake of pairing everyone off - and yet, with "Transcend", Natalia digs deep into them as characters and their connection is explored beautifully; it's so much more than first meets the eye and how they progress from two stars shining in the same sky to fuck buddies to Everything™ is...well, everything :)
♡ Sorrow - I was intrigued by Sorrow but only superficially at first; here, she's the kind of female character we don't get to read about often and that I can't help but love - irrevocably and unapologetically: "I’m condescending, and crude, and gruff. I don’t blush. I don’t pine."
♡ "His stench is immaterial, a ploy for the weak who think being a dickhead increases the sex appeal of heroes. If anyone asks her, the more despicable one behaves, the uglier one gets. A chiseled jaw and full lips haven’t a prayer of amending that." SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK
TL;DR: do yourself this tremendous favour and start reading Natalia Jaster's books!
This series has been an amazing journey, just as "Foolish Kingdoms" before it. I truly cannot wait for the next series Natalia writes - I don't know what it'll be but I do know it will be AMAZING.
It feels like the line between pleasure and pain is non-existent. It feels both like coming home and saying goodbye to a good friend. It feels like savouring words and swallowing them whole at the same time.
That's what this series feels like.
ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review
4.5 shining stars!
"What's your pleasure? What's your pain?"
Answer to both is...reading this book.
Natalia Jaster comes back with the last installment of Selfish Myths series and I couldn't be sadder to see it go. But out it goes with fireworks, or should I say - with stars falling.
I have been in love with Envy since the very first appearance of his stylish bisexual ass. In "Touch", he's been a sparse, and yet very prominent presence - and I wanted to know more, more, more!
In "Transcend", my expectations were not only met, but rewarded tenfold. So to sum up what I loved about this book, let me arrange a swift list:
♡ love story between two bisexual characters
♡ Natalia's poetic prose game is as strong as ever
♡ seeing the whole gang together, all their scenes were precious and golden
♡ only Natalia can drive me to tears with a few simple sentences like "What does that feel like?" or "...you're every emotion I've ever felt" (what a love confession *sobs*)
♡ an extremely rewarding ending to the series - I liked how the main conflict of the series was resolved
♡ learning Envy's and Sorrow's backstories - not going to lie, when I first learned of Envy and Sorrow, it felt somewhat out of the blue, as if they were simply thrown together for the sake of pairing everyone off - and yet, with "Transcend", Natalia digs deep into them as characters and their connection is explored beautifully; it's so much more than first meets the eye and how they progress from two stars shining in the same sky to fuck buddies to Everything™ is...well, everything :)
♡ Sorrow - I was intrigued by Sorrow but only superficially at first; here, she's the kind of female character we don't get to read about often and that I can't help but love - irrevocably and unapologetically: "I’m condescending, and crude, and gruff. I don’t blush. I don’t pine."
♡ "His stench is immaterial, a ploy for the weak who think being a dickhead increases the sex appeal of heroes. If anyone asks her, the more despicable one behaves, the uglier one gets. A chiseled jaw and full lips haven’t a prayer of amending that." SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK
TL;DR: do yourself this tremendous favour and start reading Natalia Jaster's books!
This series has been an amazing journey, just as "Foolish Kingdoms" before it. I truly cannot wait for the next series Natalia writes - I don't know what it'll be but I do know it will be AMAZING.
October 22, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ What an amazing end to a series! I love Envy and Sorrow so much! The way I am so invested with all of the characters in this series is just unreal! Although I am sad that the series is over, it truly was an epic adventure!
Envy and Sorrow were true Frenemies to lovers. The tension, the yearning, the banter....!!!! This story was decadent and painful yet utterly delicious! I was fully immersed and I thought that it was the perfect conclusion to this epic & spicy mythology romantasy!
Well done, Natalia! 👏🏽 This series further proves the fact that, if you write it.... I'm reading it!! 🫶🏼🖤
Envy and Sorrow were true Frenemies to lovers. The tension, the yearning, the banter....!!!! This story was decadent and painful yet utterly delicious! I was fully immersed and I thought that it was the perfect conclusion to this epic & spicy mythology romantasy!
Well done, Natalia! 👏🏽 This series further proves the fact that, if you write it.... I'm reading it!! 🫶🏼🖤
February 7, 2021
1) Touch ★★★☆☆
2) Torn ★★★☆☆
3) Tempt ★★★★☆
"After thousands of year, people are still relearning the same lessons, drawing the same conclusions. It's an endless cycle, both ancient and an anomaly."
This was such a good conclusion to the Selfish Myths series, with my second favorite couple in this series (the other one being Malice and Wonder)! Natalia Jaster has really improved since the first book which was already good, and I loved reading those books. The only reason I'm not giving Transcend the same rating as the previous book is that I felt the development of their relationship was kinda rushed. Natalia Jaster writes as beautifully as always, but I had the impression of being told how their relationship evolved instead of seeing it.
However, our two main characters, Envy and Sorrow, were more than interesting enough to make me like this book and they had really great moments. This series include a HEA for every couple, and it's sweet, but the plot in this last book was a bit lacking too.
Overall, Selfish Myths is a great series that has ups and downs, but is definitely worth reading. Natalia Jaster is definitely a new favorite author (I don't need to give only 4 and 5 stars to have a new favorite author), and I'm ready to cat up on her other complete series, Foolish Kingdoms!
2) Torn ★★★☆☆
3) Tempt ★★★★☆
"After thousands of year, people are still relearning the same lessons, drawing the same conclusions. It's an endless cycle, both ancient and an anomaly."
This was such a good conclusion to the Selfish Myths series, with my second favorite couple in this series (the other one being Malice and Wonder)! Natalia Jaster has really improved since the first book which was already good, and I loved reading those books. The only reason I'm not giving Transcend the same rating as the previous book is that I felt the development of their relationship was kinda rushed. Natalia Jaster writes as beautifully as always, but I had the impression of being told how their relationship evolved instead of seeing it.
However, our two main characters, Envy and Sorrow, were more than interesting enough to make me like this book and they had really great moments. This series include a HEA for every couple, and it's sweet, but the plot in this last book was a bit lacking too.
Overall, Selfish Myths is a great series that has ups and downs, but is definitely worth reading. Natalia Jaster is definitely a new favorite author (I don't need to give only 4 and 5 stars to have a new favorite author), and I'm ready to cat up on her other complete series, Foolish Kingdoms!
April 29, 2020
Seeing anything less than a four star on an indie author's novel (especially an author whose works I tend to adore) breaks my heart. But I pride myself on honesty. This had its moments, most of which involved the character Sorrow (her struggles deserved more than being the tail end of a series), while Envy and his motivations were more akin to pride; his jealousy was mostly surface/aesthetic level, rather than embodying a true envious nature. As with most of my three stars, here are the lists:
-Pros/Interesting
*Pointing out all the couples are walking romance novel cliches: Forbidden love= Love/Andrew, Unrequited love=Anger/Merry, Second chance=Malice/Wonder, and last but not least, Hate to love=Sorrow/Envy
*Sorrow's internal conflict: she cuts herself after causing humans (and Wonder) sorrow or sadness, signifying her guilt for what she is; Sorrow really drew the short stick, imagine watching your friends bask in the joys of love and happiness, while you're stuck lamenting on suffering
*The phrase "What's your pleasure?" Have they summoned Pinhead?
*Mention of their love being a consensual team up of pleasure and pain (Envy and Sorrow) brought to mind the personification of BDSM. And, don't laugh, whoever you are who stumbles upon this review, but also a Power Rangers battle.... I apologize... I'll show myself out.
*"Call me a selfish myth" Roll credits!
*The writing style changes, depending on the characteristics of the love interests; this is very rough/action packed, and not just because of the battle of outcast deities vs. fate court
*Questioning whether the characters falling in love is hypocritical: they're fighting for free will, while letting a predestined prophecy define their infatuation
*The word "carved" describing Sorrow's cutting brings to mind a butcher to a meat block. Strangely powerful
*Sorrow selling them to the Court to lessen the pain she knows they'll make her inflict upon her friends broke my heart; either way she can't win, and she's got the most to lose
Cons/Huh?
*Lots of retreading from the last two books and their love stories. Hopefully this isn't your first go round in a four book series
*Envy and Sorrow were the least fleshed out in the last three novels, only gaining a snarky line or two towards the end of Tempt. Not to mention, they're emotions aren't the easiest to digest.
*Repetition of the phrase pleasure and pain. We got it and enjoyed it the first time, five times is (two of which were two pages apart) is hammy
*Tons of the same PHI 101 rhetoric
* Hold your tomatoes, but... Envy and Sorrow's bickering and sexual tension got a bit old. The cringe hurt so much (even the back blurb), I began to think this was actually a parody of urban fantasy cliches. I was ready to DNF at 150 pages because that's all we'd gotten so far: rehashing PHI arguments and just plain arguing. This may have cured me of my "hate to love" adoration
*Elements of this novel felt uncomfortably familiar... the two main love interests end up adrift from their goal/comrades, sequestered away in a water land/lagoon one of them practically grew up in. And through this time, they grow closer, opening up/learning to love. Umm... Dare, is that you? Also, the main cynical love interest wandering past the rooms of the other lovers, describing what they're engaging in is definitely copy/paste Dream. Last but not least, Sorrow (to me anyway), was a morose Aire, while Envy is a less inhibited/raunchy Aspen from Lie, which might be my least favorite Natalia Jaster book. So, was she ripping off her own works?
*I was more invested in the side characters (AKA, the MC's of the previous books), because they were fleshed out through tidbits before their novels were published. But all we got for Envy and Sorrow before this was they'd slept together and bickered a lot. And while we did eventually find out their backstories, it was info dumped more than halfway through. The impact of their love wasn't as great. At least for me.
Judging by the overall rating, I'm aware I'm in the minority. If you enjoyed this book, go you. Don't spit on someone's opinion either way. But now I'm not sure I want to go through another quartet by this author...
-Pros/Interesting
*Pointing out all the couples are walking romance novel cliches: Forbidden love= Love/Andrew, Unrequited love=Anger/Merry, Second chance=Malice/Wonder, and last but not least, Hate to love=Sorrow/Envy
*Sorrow's internal conflict: she cuts herself after causing humans (and Wonder) sorrow or sadness, signifying her guilt for what she is; Sorrow really drew the short stick, imagine watching your friends bask in the joys of love and happiness, while you're stuck lamenting on suffering
*The phrase "What's your pleasure?" Have they summoned Pinhead?
*Mention of their love being a consensual team up of pleasure and pain (Envy and Sorrow) brought to mind the personification of BDSM. And, don't laugh, whoever you are who stumbles upon this review, but also a Power Rangers battle.... I apologize... I'll show myself out.
*"Call me a selfish myth" Roll credits!
*The writing style changes, depending on the characteristics of the love interests; this is very rough/action packed, and not just because of the battle of outcast deities vs. fate court
*Questioning whether the characters falling in love is hypocritical: they're fighting for free will, while letting a predestined prophecy define their infatuation
*The word "carved" describing Sorrow's cutting brings to mind a butcher to a meat block. Strangely powerful
*Sorrow selling them to the Court to lessen the pain she knows they'll make her inflict upon her friends broke my heart; either way she can't win, and she's got the most to lose
Cons/Huh?
*Lots of retreading from the last two books and their love stories. Hopefully this isn't your first go round in a four book series
*Envy and Sorrow were the least fleshed out in the last three novels, only gaining a snarky line or two towards the end of Tempt. Not to mention, they're emotions aren't the easiest to digest.
*Repetition of the phrase pleasure and pain. We got it and enjoyed it the first time, five times is (two of which were two pages apart) is hammy
*Tons of the same PHI 101 rhetoric
* Hold your tomatoes, but... Envy and Sorrow's bickering and sexual tension got a bit old. The cringe hurt so much (even the back blurb), I began to think this was actually a parody of urban fantasy cliches. I was ready to DNF at 150 pages because that's all we'd gotten so far: rehashing PHI arguments and just plain arguing. This may have cured me of my "hate to love" adoration
*Elements of this novel felt uncomfortably familiar... the two main love interests end up adrift from their goal/comrades, sequestered away in a water land/lagoon one of them practically grew up in. And through this time, they grow closer, opening up/learning to love. Umm... Dare, is that you? Also, the main cynical love interest wandering past the rooms of the other lovers, describing what they're engaging in is definitely copy/paste Dream. Last but not least, Sorrow (to me anyway), was a morose Aire, while Envy is a less inhibited/raunchy Aspen from Lie, which might be my least favorite Natalia Jaster book. So, was she ripping off her own works?
*I was more invested in the side characters (AKA, the MC's of the previous books), because they were fleshed out through tidbits before their novels were published. But all we got for Envy and Sorrow before this was they'd slept together and bickered a lot. And while we did eventually find out their backstories, it was info dumped more than halfway through. The impact of their love wasn't as great. At least for me.
Judging by the overall rating, I'm aware I'm in the minority. If you enjoyed this book, go you. Don't spit on someone's opinion either way. But now I'm not sure I want to go through another quartet by this author...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2020
I’m conflicted with Transcend. I really wanted to like this book, being the conclusion and all, but there were just too many inconsistencies and issues for me to even fully enjoy it. Don’t get me wrong, it did have its moments and strengths, however I’m sad to say that it got weighed out by the general plot.
I loved the premise of the book. Two ex lovers on bad terms expected to fall in love and work out their resentment towards one another. That’s exactly the thing that I love in stories, romance with a rocky start and the drama that comes with it. While Envy and Sorrow had some bickering and spiteful arguments in the beginning to build the ground I feel like the story just, I don’t know, not exactly ignored the relationship development, but didn’t really bother much with it. I was told they went from hating one another to having great conversations and experiences together. Keyword: told. This was just summarized between overly long and detailed tangents or descriptions of surroundings, making the story seemingly stand still while they were in their hiding spot. Because nothing really was going on when the story didn’t show us the relationship development the plot became a bit dull for me and the tangents uninteresting to follow along.
The moments that actually were written out between Envy and Sorrow though, they were great and actually made the story move along a bit. There were just way too few written on actual page interactions and too much summarizations that it was difficult to see them moving from one point to another in their relationship. I did however appreciate the drama and struggles they went through. I even appreciated the story’s depth and metaphorical twists to the main conflict in the story, however I felt here that it went a bit overboard to the point of ridiculous and didn’t always make sense.
The big fight and goal in this series has been free will and equality for humans but yet again, as in previous books, there are zero humans involved in the actual issue. Still, we are expected to see the big issue? Sure, Andrew was human so I guess his involvement counts for something and it did in the first book, but other than that humans are nowhere near what transpired in these stories. The whole conflict because of this just felt so forced to me, like it never really fit or was missing a chunk of puzzle pieces. And the solution to it all? Makes zero sense to me. The betrayal for no reason (the war was going to happen just as it did no matter what so what was the whole point in what she did?), and then the stars falling and everything is then just solved because of that? It was basically solved because the book told me so without giving a full satisfying conclusion or reason to it. I don’t know, since I never really got behind the conflict the way it was written as it was, maybe it just went over my head.
Overall, I give Transcend three stars. It had its sweet moments, especially seeing every couple it involved. Although, even there it went overboard with list of every character and what they were doing/saying in their own stereotypical demeanor, one after the other. If one was mentioned there was some rule I do not agree with that everyone else also had to be mentioned like a queue. Despite that there were cute moments and I loved the HEA in the relationships. I am as mentioned above not satisfied with the conclusion, but the romance was at least a good bandage for the wounds.
I loved the premise of the book. Two ex lovers on bad terms expected to fall in love and work out their resentment towards one another. That’s exactly the thing that I love in stories, romance with a rocky start and the drama that comes with it. While Envy and Sorrow had some bickering and spiteful arguments in the beginning to build the ground I feel like the story just, I don’t know, not exactly ignored the relationship development, but didn’t really bother much with it. I was told they went from hating one another to having great conversations and experiences together. Keyword: told. This was just summarized between overly long and detailed tangents or descriptions of surroundings, making the story seemingly stand still while they were in their hiding spot. Because nothing really was going on when the story didn’t show us the relationship development the plot became a bit dull for me and the tangents uninteresting to follow along.
The moments that actually were written out between Envy and Sorrow though, they were great and actually made the story move along a bit. There were just way too few written on actual page interactions and too much summarizations that it was difficult to see them moving from one point to another in their relationship. I did however appreciate the drama and struggles they went through. I even appreciated the story’s depth and metaphorical twists to the main conflict in the story, however I felt here that it went a bit overboard to the point of ridiculous and didn’t always make sense.
The big fight and goal in this series has been free will and equality for humans but yet again, as in previous books, there are zero humans involved in the actual issue. Still, we are expected to see the big issue? Sure, Andrew was human so I guess his involvement counts for something and it did in the first book, but other than that humans are nowhere near what transpired in these stories. The whole conflict because of this just felt so forced to me, like it never really fit or was missing a chunk of puzzle pieces. And the solution to it all? Makes zero sense to me. The betrayal for no reason (the war was going to happen just as it did no matter what so what was the whole point in what she did?), and then the stars falling and everything is then just solved because of that? It was basically solved because the book told me so without giving a full satisfying conclusion or reason to it. I don’t know, since I never really got behind the conflict the way it was written as it was, maybe it just went over my head.
Overall, I give Transcend three stars. It had its sweet moments, especially seeing every couple it involved. Although, even there it went overboard with list of every character and what they were doing/saying in their own stereotypical demeanor, one after the other. If one was mentioned there was some rule I do not agree with that everyone else also had to be mentioned like a queue. Despite that there were cute moments and I loved the HEA in the relationships. I am as mentioned above not satisfied with the conclusion, but the romance was at least a good bandage for the wounds.
October 6, 2020
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
First of all, I feel awful, because I have had this book for a while and it was read, but I for some reason thought that I had posted a review. And I hadn't. So I apologize profusely to Jaster for that.
Now, onto the review. I really enjoyed this one. Maybe not as much as the first book in the series, but definitely one of my favourites. Not so much for the romance between Envy and Sorrow but for the way that the story wraps up the series. As always, Jaster writes really intense descriptions and creates strong visuals of the world that these characters inhabit. And after 4 books, she does a nice job of weaving all of the different "homes" these characters inhabit together so that you can picture them clearly. The romance here is one that is based on more time together because Sorrow and Envy have had a relationship of sorts for some time, and so it's more about them finding the love and uncovering it from all the other feelings and duties that surround them.
This is a very good conclusion to the story. I have to admit that when the war started to percolate in the other books I wasn't sure how it would look or even happen. I was surprised with the way this became such an important part of the series, and I wasn't convinced that I would like it. In the end, the war worked. The way the story wrapped up also worked. I won't say more because I'd risk spoiling it.
All in all, a very good read. I still insist that you have to read these books in order and this one more than any of the others ....
I do like her other series better. Maybe it's the fairy tales that work for me, as they emotional myths are very close to astrology and not as much my area of interest. Daughter on the other hand adores that and is looking forward to the whole series because of it.
First of all, I feel awful, because I have had this book for a while and it was read, but I for some reason thought that I had posted a review. And I hadn't. So I apologize profusely to Jaster for that.
Now, onto the review. I really enjoyed this one. Maybe not as much as the first book in the series, but definitely one of my favourites. Not so much for the romance between Envy and Sorrow but for the way that the story wraps up the series. As always, Jaster writes really intense descriptions and creates strong visuals of the world that these characters inhabit. And after 4 books, she does a nice job of weaving all of the different "homes" these characters inhabit together so that you can picture them clearly. The romance here is one that is based on more time together because Sorrow and Envy have had a relationship of sorts for some time, and so it's more about them finding the love and uncovering it from all the other feelings and duties that surround them.
This is a very good conclusion to the story. I have to admit that when the war started to percolate in the other books I wasn't sure how it would look or even happen. I was surprised with the way this became such an important part of the series, and I wasn't convinced that I would like it. In the end, the war worked. The way the story wrapped up also worked. I won't say more because I'd risk spoiling it.
All in all, a very good read. I still insist that you have to read these books in order and this one more than any of the others ....
I do like her other series better. Maybe it's the fairy tales that work for me, as they emotional myths are very close to astrology and not as much my area of interest. Daughter on the other hand adores that and is looking forward to the whole series because of it.
April 20, 2020
I expected this to be an epic conclusion and Natalia Jaster did not disappoint.
I'm going to keep this review nice and simple, but this NA fantasy series has absolutely blown me away. The way that Jaster not just handled this final book in the series but the way she made everything intertwine and connect and create so much meaning is something that truly astounded me. I enjoyed watching Sorrow and Envy fall for one another, something that's been building up for, well, centuries for them, and watching it finally come to fruition was magical.
But I think what really got me for this book was the way that Jaster wrote about love and what love means, as well as the relationship with free will and fate. The way she wrote what it means to love, how there isn't one type of love or one way to love and it's a culmination of all these different factors, such as these gods' and goddesses' monikers and emotions they wield, is something that hits pretty hard once the realization dawns on you. And the way she incorporated each book's title into what it means to love was both meaningful and meta and I don't think I'll ever be over it.
These eight characters have become so important to me and the things they've learned and in turn taught me was an experience I'll most likely never move on from. Natalia Jaster is a NA fantasy master, with such a whimsical prose that made me truly feel like I was reading a mythology, and I wish I could live in her words. What a wonderful way to end an epic series.
I'm going to keep this review nice and simple, but this NA fantasy series has absolutely blown me away. The way that Jaster not just handled this final book in the series but the way she made everything intertwine and connect and create so much meaning is something that truly astounded me. I enjoyed watching Sorrow and Envy fall for one another, something that's been building up for, well, centuries for them, and watching it finally come to fruition was magical.
But I think what really got me for this book was the way that Jaster wrote about love and what love means, as well as the relationship with free will and fate. The way she wrote what it means to love, how there isn't one type of love or one way to love and it's a culmination of all these different factors, such as these gods' and goddesses' monikers and emotions they wield, is something that hits pretty hard once the realization dawns on you. And the way she incorporated each book's title into what it means to love was both meaningful and meta and I don't think I'll ever be over it.
These eight characters have become so important to me and the things they've learned and in turn taught me was an experience I'll most likely never move on from. Natalia Jaster is a NA fantasy master, with such a whimsical prose that made me truly feel like I was reading a mythology, and I wish I could live in her words. What a wonderful way to end an epic series.
October 8, 2025
“This infernal egomaniac, who has no clue he’s got her heart and temper clenched in his fist.”
I can’t believe this series is over! They honestly ended on such a bang with this one. It’s feisty, spicy and the way Envy turns into a total sap is beautiful.
I loved how although there’s so much animosity between the pair, they were destined long before they found the prophecy. They were like rubber bands, no matter how far they traveled they’d bounce back to one another. They were inevitable. They were just too stubborn to admit it.
Envy was honestly so enjoyable. He’s sarcastic, full of himself and so freaking loyal to his crew. I love how at the beginning he’d put himself on a pedestal, but at the end (honestly it happens about a third of the way through the book) he would usurp himself and put Sorrow there. He turns into such a sap for her and honestly I’m so here for it. I love how character and how he evolves, how he expresses his emotions. I love how he’s the first to fall. How he asks her to teach him pain.
“She hates this god, and she’s needs him, and she wants him, and she can’t stand him, and she’s wild for him.”
Sorrow lives up to her name. Up until she truly gives into Envy. He’s the only one that gets to see the true Sorrow and the vast amount of emotions she does carry beyond sadness. I love how she learns pleasure from him, in more ways than one. At one point you want to strangle her but how she comes back to Envy is perfect. And I do like how she makes him work for it, she does not make his life easy.
I love how together they complete the prophecy and help bring a new era. This crew is amazing, and Envy and Sorrow’s story is no different.
As always the whole crew is there in the beginning and for the battle in the end, I love how they’ve all grown and how their own relationships have developed. And of course Malice exceeds expectations, he’s just too good a character.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
“Don’t you know that you’re every emotion I’ve ever felt?”
I can’t believe this series is over! They honestly ended on such a bang with this one. It’s feisty, spicy and the way Envy turns into a total sap is beautiful.
I loved how although there’s so much animosity between the pair, they were destined long before they found the prophecy. They were like rubber bands, no matter how far they traveled they’d bounce back to one another. They were inevitable. They were just too stubborn to admit it.
Envy was honestly so enjoyable. He’s sarcastic, full of himself and so freaking loyal to his crew. I love how at the beginning he’d put himself on a pedestal, but at the end (honestly it happens about a third of the way through the book) he would usurp himself and put Sorrow there. He turns into such a sap for her and honestly I’m so here for it. I love how character and how he evolves, how he expresses his emotions. I love how he’s the first to fall. How he asks her to teach him pain.
“She hates this god, and she’s needs him, and she wants him, and she can’t stand him, and she’s wild for him.”
Sorrow lives up to her name. Up until she truly gives into Envy. He’s the only one that gets to see the true Sorrow and the vast amount of emotions she does carry beyond sadness. I love how she learns pleasure from him, in more ways than one. At one point you want to strangle her but how she comes back to Envy is perfect. And I do like how she makes him work for it, she does not make his life easy.
I love how together they complete the prophecy and help bring a new era. This crew is amazing, and Envy and Sorrow’s story is no different.
As always the whole crew is there in the beginning and for the battle in the end, I love how they’ve all grown and how their own relationships have developed. And of course Malice exceeds expectations, he’s just too good a character.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
“Don’t you know that you’re every emotion I’ve ever felt?”
October 22, 2025
The gang is back together with one final push in the epic battle of fate versus free will. There’s one more step to enacting this infamous legend and this time, it’s up to Envy and Sorrow to fulfill their destiny. If only they weren’t at each other’s throats all the time!
What is supposed to be an epic rivalry is actually two souls who see each other for who they truly are, and love them because of, and in spite of it all. Their lessons on pain and pleasure are wonderfully explored and written with such emotional depth that you can’t help but feel each lesson right along side them.
The yearning and tension between these two is thousands of years in the making. And when it reaches its peak, explosive is the only way to describe it. Envy is a giver, and let me tell you, he puts that sharp, silver tongue to good use time and time again!
Of course, their path is not an easy one, as they work through betrayals, both past and present. But, they all come together in the end as only a true family can and the results are deeply satisfying.
This was the conclusion they fought for every step of the way and I couldn’t imagine this series ending differently!
What is supposed to be an epic rivalry is actually two souls who see each other for who they truly are, and love them because of, and in spite of it all. Their lessons on pain and pleasure are wonderfully explored and written with such emotional depth that you can’t help but feel each lesson right along side them.
The yearning and tension between these two is thousands of years in the making. And when it reaches its peak, explosive is the only way to describe it. Envy is a giver, and let me tell you, he puts that sharp, silver tongue to good use time and time again!
Of course, their path is not an easy one, as they work through betrayals, both past and present. But, they all come together in the end as only a true family can and the results are deeply satisfying.
This was the conclusion they fought for every step of the way and I couldn’t imagine this series ending differently!
October 6, 2025
The series has come to an end and I am going to miss this crew of myths! Transcend is Book 4 and the conclusion to the Dark Myths series.
If you are a fan of Fantasy Romance with Frenemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Fated But Fighting It, One Bed and so much more, this one is for you!
In the series conclusion, we get Envy and Sorrow’s story, who throughout the series have been at each other’s throats as all good frenemies to lovers stories begin. Though these two have rolled around in the sheets in the past 😏
But as the whole crew is traveling in enemy territory, they get ambushed and Envy and Sorrow are separated from everyone else and must lay low to recover…together…alone, as they try to get back and stop The Court.
I love the lyrical way that Natalia writes and it really immerses me into the story hanging on every word. The BANTER, these two really know how to hurt each other because they actually see each other deep down. Envy being so full of himself and his looks but Sorrow does not let him go to his head. They are halves to the same coin and I just ate up their dynamic. Boy when they finally stop fighting with their tongues and put them to different uses, their chemistry is off the charts and burns up the pages.
But their story is full ups and downs, betrayal, hurt, love and so much more as the fight for humanities free will. I am going to miss the whole crew and it was a beautiful ending to their story.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you are a fan of Fantasy Romance with Frenemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Fated But Fighting It, One Bed and so much more, this one is for you!
In the series conclusion, we get Envy and Sorrow’s story, who throughout the series have been at each other’s throats as all good frenemies to lovers stories begin. Though these two have rolled around in the sheets in the past 😏
But as the whole crew is traveling in enemy territory, they get ambushed and Envy and Sorrow are separated from everyone else and must lay low to recover…together…alone, as they try to get back and stop The Court.
I love the lyrical way that Natalia writes and it really immerses me into the story hanging on every word. The BANTER, these two really know how to hurt each other because they actually see each other deep down. Envy being so full of himself and his looks but Sorrow does not let him go to his head. They are halves to the same coin and I just ate up their dynamic. Boy when they finally stop fighting with their tongues and put them to different uses, their chemistry is off the charts and burns up the pages.
But their story is full ups and downs, betrayal, hurt, love and so much more as the fight for humanities free will. I am going to miss the whole crew and it was a beautiful ending to their story.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
March 23, 2020
This book took me longer to read than the other books in the Selfish Myth series (just a little under a week). However, this was not because I wasn’t enjoying it – quite the opposite – I really didn’t want it to end ever! I have made no secret of my love for this series – it has become one of my all-time favourites. So reading Transcend, the final book, was a somewhat bittersweet experience. It felt very fitting to end this series with Sorrow and Envy, they are the most jaded of all the characters (except perhaps for Malice) so seeing them fall for each other was simply quite beautiful.
I am totally getting ahead of myself though! Before I start my review, I just want to state for disclosure’s sake that I am a (very lucky!) member Natalia’s ARC Team but this in no way has influenced my rating. All opinions are strictly my own and have not been influenced in any way.
When the last book Tempt ended, we were left with our favourite archers getting ready for war. Not just any battle, a magical battle against the Fate Court itself. This small band of merry misfits have all found their soulmates, all except for Sorrow and Envy.
Sorrow is a snarky soul, all corners and edges. She hides her huge heart behind a wall of sarcasm and quick wit. Envy is a rakish cad, vain and full of himself. He has had many lovers but none of them have ever broken past his veneer of conceit.
During the time they were ensconced in a forbidden library, their compatriots Wonder and Malice discovered a possible way to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. A prophesy that states if two deities can choose love over lust, it could break their immortal stalemate with the Fate Court. What a pity it is down to Sorrow and Envy to fulfil this prophesy.
Neither of them have any intention of falling in love with each other. They have already chosen lust at one point, which did not end well for either of them. There was absolutely no way they would ever deign to lower themselves in such a way.
And yet.
Neither of them could have foreseen that in the midst of war the two of them would end up alone in an enclave of dark, mythical waterfalls. Forced to spend time together, their carefully constructed facades begin to crumble. It is only a matter of time before real feelings begin to emerge.
However, the war is not far away and these two deities could have the misfortune of finding themselves on opposing sides…
Oh boy, where to begin with these two? I didn’t think anyone could topple my favourite couple Wonder and Malice but Sorrow and Envy definitely gave them a run for their money!
I have a soft spot for snarky characters and Sorrow stole my heart right away. Envy took a bit longer but it was soon very clear that his arrogant mask hid a vulnerable and open heart. These type of characters are like catnip to me – I am always going to be drawn to them.
I was a bit worried that the plot might end up overshadowing the romance but I shouldn’t have worried. The romance is given a lot of depth and fits so well into the over-arching narrative. It was very smart to finish off this wonderful series with this oh-so-unlikely pairing.
On the surface, they seem like complete opposites that would never work. Yet their differences just make their growing feelings all the more satisfying. They have a lot to overcome, most particularly their own prejudices against each other. In a way, this almost like like a Pride and Prejudice retelling (good thing I am a huge fan of that story too!) When they do finally open up to each I was internally squeeing (or maybe not so internally – I got a few looks for my long-suffering other half heh).
There was a lot of plot to get through too and this was handled deftly and in a satisfying manner. All the previous couples got moments to shine and it was great seeing them all back together. I am definitely going to miss this bunch (although, do I perhaps smell a spin-off with a certain young archer who plays quite a significant role? *hint, hint*)
All in all, this was a fantastic way to end the series. Sorrow and Envy are well-deserving of a place in my favourite couples list. They bounce off each other so well and their shared history and previous involvement definitely makes for an interesting courtship.
Even though they have known each other for a long time, they have never really gotten to know each other. Being forced to spend time together alone forces them to open their hearts and realize feelings that might have always been there, simmering under the surface.
It was amazing seeing them come together (with a little help and encouragement from their friends!) I am going to miss this messy duo and the rest of their group so much but I’m glad to have gotten to know each and every one of them (and hey, there is always re-reads!)
I am totally getting ahead of myself though! Before I start my review, I just want to state for disclosure’s sake that I am a (very lucky!) member Natalia’s ARC Team but this in no way has influenced my rating. All opinions are strictly my own and have not been influenced in any way.
When the last book Tempt ended, we were left with our favourite archers getting ready for war. Not just any battle, a magical battle against the Fate Court itself. This small band of merry misfits have all found their soulmates, all except for Sorrow and Envy.
Sorrow is a snarky soul, all corners and edges. She hides her huge heart behind a wall of sarcasm and quick wit. Envy is a rakish cad, vain and full of himself. He has had many lovers but none of them have ever broken past his veneer of conceit.
During the time they were ensconced in a forbidden library, their compatriots Wonder and Malice discovered a possible way to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. A prophesy that states if two deities can choose love over lust, it could break their immortal stalemate with the Fate Court. What a pity it is down to Sorrow and Envy to fulfil this prophesy.
Neither of them have any intention of falling in love with each other. They have already chosen lust at one point, which did not end well for either of them. There was absolutely no way they would ever deign to lower themselves in such a way.
And yet.
Neither of them could have foreseen that in the midst of war the two of them would end up alone in an enclave of dark, mythical waterfalls. Forced to spend time together, their carefully constructed facades begin to crumble. It is only a matter of time before real feelings begin to emerge.
However, the war is not far away and these two deities could have the misfortune of finding themselves on opposing sides…
Oh boy, where to begin with these two? I didn’t think anyone could topple my favourite couple Wonder and Malice but Sorrow and Envy definitely gave them a run for their money!
I have a soft spot for snarky characters and Sorrow stole my heart right away. Envy took a bit longer but it was soon very clear that his arrogant mask hid a vulnerable and open heart. These type of characters are like catnip to me – I am always going to be drawn to them.
I was a bit worried that the plot might end up overshadowing the romance but I shouldn’t have worried. The romance is given a lot of depth and fits so well into the over-arching narrative. It was very smart to finish off this wonderful series with this oh-so-unlikely pairing.
On the surface, they seem like complete opposites that would never work. Yet their differences just make their growing feelings all the more satisfying. They have a lot to overcome, most particularly their own prejudices against each other. In a way, this almost like like a Pride and Prejudice retelling (good thing I am a huge fan of that story too!) When they do finally open up to each I was internally squeeing (or maybe not so internally – I got a few looks for my long-suffering other half heh).
There was a lot of plot to get through too and this was handled deftly and in a satisfying manner. All the previous couples got moments to shine and it was great seeing them all back together. I am definitely going to miss this bunch (although, do I perhaps smell a spin-off with a certain young archer who plays quite a significant role? *hint, hint*)
All in all, this was a fantastic way to end the series. Sorrow and Envy are well-deserving of a place in my favourite couples list. They bounce off each other so well and their shared history and previous involvement definitely makes for an interesting courtship.
Even though they have known each other for a long time, they have never really gotten to know each other. Being forced to spend time together alone forces them to open their hearts and realize feelings that might have always been there, simmering under the surface.
It was amazing seeing them come together (with a little help and encouragement from their friends!) I am going to miss this messy duo and the rest of their group so much but I’m glad to have gotten to know each and every one of them (and hey, there is always re-reads!)
March 25, 2020
Note: I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.
The first book I ever read of Natalia was Touch, it's the first book in the Selfish Myths series and I was in complete and utter awe. Touch was the first time that I have ever come across writing that was so unique not only in the story but the actual writing itself. Natalia has a way with words that is part lyrical part storytelling and part something else that I can't even name. The words just come alive, the details are so vivid and the wording envelopes me, I feel like her books are truly special, that's the way I felt with every book in the series and Transcend is no different. Transcend is full of magic, mythology, and wonder, and I loved every single second of it.
In Touch there is Love and Andrew's romance in a winter forest, in Torn, we meet Merry and follow her romance with Anger in an outcast city that is full of misfit gods and we follow Wonder and Malice through a magical library as they come together. Well in Transcend, the couple that had the hardest time, Envy and Sorrow, finally truly get to know each other in a beautiful grotto. The setting for all these places isn't that magical but the lush descriptions that Natalia gives makes it easier to envision. I loved the grotto and how natural things seem but also how wondrous, it was one of my favorite things about this book.
Envy and Sorrow, these two really had a difficult time admitting things to themselves and each other. While unlike the other couples who recently met, Envy and Sorrow have known each other for almost their entire lives and with that comes not only history but quite a bit of baggage. Then they realize that while they had their rendezvous before that was just about sex they really didn't know each other, they just had preconceptions based on what they thought they knew of each other. It was really interesting seeing them fall for each other, to see them finally see each other without any interruptions. I will admit that from the other books, I didn't see them as a romantic couple but now it's very clear. Natalia made me realize that envy and sorrow are closely related emotions and I never really thought about it that way before, how perfectly matched they are.
All the books in the series are part of an overall story arc, the best class of archers and their mates are all trying to make a change, a change that would redefine the gods' world as they know it. Transcend is really the perfect title for the final book because transcend is defined as "be or go beyond the range or limits of (something abstract, typically a conceptual field or division)." and that is exactly what every single immortal in this rebel band, they changed, grew and now they want to see that change in their world and they went about trying to do it.
I only had one problem, there is a scene near the end, during the confrontation something happens, there was foreshadowing (by the way I love that Andrew is a big book nerd and was referencing things throughout the entire book, haha) and I knew the event was coming but I still don't understand the significance. Other than that Transcend was perfect, I was engulfed in the story and did not want to put it down.
Transcend was magical and witty, snarky and sassy, adventurous and steamy, and so much more. It really is the perfect ending to the series and I am sad to see the characters go but I am looking forward to what Natalia writes next and I hear it's about faeries, so I'm excited and am impatiently looking forward to it.
October 20, 2025
🌜🦋🪻🌿🪼
This is the 4th and final book in the Dark Gods: Selfish Myths series, and what an exquisite journey I've been taken on!
It was so worth the 3 book wait to get see Sorrow and Envy's story unfold! The snark, the banter, the seething, the flashbacks, the yearning, the painnn! This is how you do rivals to lovers!
My reviews from the previous books are just me gushing over every part of this series, with so much praise for these characters, their world, and the authors incredible writing.
I don't want to sound too repetitive to my other reviews, but I'm just gobsmacked by how magnificent this series has been!
The imagery has been one of the most atmospheric and otherworldly experiences I've ever had while reading - with settings of a tranquil snowy forest, a magical celestial city of outcast gods, a mystical great library, and an enchanting lagoon.
Not only are the love stories of each book so heartachingly beautiful, but it's been such a surreal experience to watch these characters discover love for the first time - as these Gods do not have the ability to fall in love, being the one emotion they cannot feel...
No characters fall in love quite like the ones this author writes. This entire series has transfixed me to my very soul!
Natalia Jaster has created the most unique and vivid world, with a phenomenally captivating narrative like nothing I've ever read. These books are wicked and bold and dynamic and absolutely thrilling!
I first discovered this author through her book 'Trick' from her Foolish Kingdoms series (my favourite series of all time!) and I grabbed the chance at applying for the arc of the next book with only 400 followers to my small booksta account at the time.
I'm now on her arc team for her releases, and I just can't wait for all and anything that's to come!
This author has completely transformed my reading journey and passion for reading, as well as inspiring me to share my love for books on my bookstagram.
Thank you so much Natalia Jaster for having me along for this series 🥹
♡ my favourite quotes ♡
"Has anyone ever told you how ravishing you look when you’re p*ssed off?"
"You don't know the God of Envy well, if you think the word forbidden will discourage him."
"What The Fates is wrong with you?"
- "What's wrong with me is you! It's always been you!"
"I've never stopped watching you."
"Don't you know that you're every emotion I’ve ever felt?"
p.s My Natalia Jaster shelf is officially overflowing 🤭🎭🪽
This is the 4th and final book in the Dark Gods: Selfish Myths series, and what an exquisite journey I've been taken on!
It was so worth the 3 book wait to get see Sorrow and Envy's story unfold! The snark, the banter, the seething, the flashbacks, the yearning, the painnn! This is how you do rivals to lovers!
My reviews from the previous books are just me gushing over every part of this series, with so much praise for these characters, their world, and the authors incredible writing.
I don't want to sound too repetitive to my other reviews, but I'm just gobsmacked by how magnificent this series has been!
The imagery has been one of the most atmospheric and otherworldly experiences I've ever had while reading - with settings of a tranquil snowy forest, a magical celestial city of outcast gods, a mystical great library, and an enchanting lagoon.
Not only are the love stories of each book so heartachingly beautiful, but it's been such a surreal experience to watch these characters discover love for the first time - as these Gods do not have the ability to fall in love, being the one emotion they cannot feel...
No characters fall in love quite like the ones this author writes. This entire series has transfixed me to my very soul!
Natalia Jaster has created the most unique and vivid world, with a phenomenally captivating narrative like nothing I've ever read. These books are wicked and bold and dynamic and absolutely thrilling!
I first discovered this author through her book 'Trick' from her Foolish Kingdoms series (my favourite series of all time!) and I grabbed the chance at applying for the arc of the next book with only 400 followers to my small booksta account at the time.
I'm now on her arc team for her releases, and I just can't wait for all and anything that's to come!
This author has completely transformed my reading journey and passion for reading, as well as inspiring me to share my love for books on my bookstagram.
Thank you so much Natalia Jaster for having me along for this series 🥹
♡ my favourite quotes ♡
"Has anyone ever told you how ravishing you look when you’re p*ssed off?"
"You don't know the God of Envy well, if you think the word forbidden will discourage him."
"What The Fates is wrong with you?"
- "What's wrong with me is you! It's always been you!"
"I've never stopped watching you."
"Don't you know that you're every emotion I’ve ever felt?"
p.s My Natalia Jaster shelf is officially overflowing 🤭🎭🪽
April 13, 2020
Ethereal, romantic and definitely a book not to miss if you love this series.
Transcend is the final book of the Selfish Myths series and it definitely wraps up the series nicely! Jaster does a great job with wrapping up the free will vs fate argument and it's really interesting to see how it goes.
Envy and Sorrow are the main characters in this one, and it's really intriguing to see how they react and bounce off each other - there's no love lost between the two of them. Their relationship is a slow burn but it's hot when it gets started.
I absolutely adore Natalia Jaster's writing but unfortunately, I am not a huge fan of this series overall- the writing while beautiful is a bit overly wordy and fluffy, which is definitely what the series is all about, however it takes a while to get to the point and for you to understand what and why things are happening. I also wasn't a huge fan of Envy and Sorrow's story progression as it felt kinda contrived because of the plot device, however I can definitely see why it works for the story. I easily could have put this down and not picked it up again which isn't a great sign.
Absolutely loved the side characters and seeing them pop up again - I almost think this series could have been one book shorter.
I'd definitely recommend this for anyone who loves a fantasy story with a big love element to it - this one is a bit ethereal and spiritual with the deities aspect so if you like that, then definitely check it out.
Jaster's Foolish Kingdoms series remains one of my favourites, so I'm super excited to see what she does next!
*I received a free copy of this book for review, however my thoughts and opinions are my own.
Transcend is the final book of the Selfish Myths series and it definitely wraps up the series nicely! Jaster does a great job with wrapping up the free will vs fate argument and it's really interesting to see how it goes.
Envy and Sorrow are the main characters in this one, and it's really intriguing to see how they react and bounce off each other - there's no love lost between the two of them. Their relationship is a slow burn but it's hot when it gets started.
I absolutely adore Natalia Jaster's writing but unfortunately, I am not a huge fan of this series overall- the writing while beautiful is a bit overly wordy and fluffy, which is definitely what the series is all about, however it takes a while to get to the point and for you to understand what and why things are happening. I also wasn't a huge fan of Envy and Sorrow's story progression as it felt kinda contrived because of the plot device, however I can definitely see why it works for the story. I easily could have put this down and not picked it up again which isn't a great sign.
Absolutely loved the side characters and seeing them pop up again - I almost think this series could have been one book shorter.
I'd definitely recommend this for anyone who loves a fantasy story with a big love element to it - this one is a bit ethereal and spiritual with the deities aspect so if you like that, then definitely check it out.
Jaster's Foolish Kingdoms series remains one of my favourites, so I'm super excited to see what she does next!
*I received a free copy of this book for review, however my thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 8, 2020
After reading Foolish Kingdoms and Selfish Myths, it’s clear that Natalia Jaster excels at ending a book series! Transcend tied up Selfish Myths with star dust and a magical bow on top. I think this was my favorite of the bunch. Envy and Sorrow had a bumpy ride to their HEA, but it was so worth it at the end. I loved learning the history of these characters, and seeing how that shaped them into who they were (on their own, and together). The unknown influence they both had on each other had me so invested in seeing them slowly lower their walls. That slow burn was so good! It was also great seeing them teach each other new emotions and experiences.
The “free will vs fate” plot was fun to delve into fully. I really enjoyed seeing how it unraveled and eventually got resolved. I think that plot was so interesting and clever to use as a link for all the books. And the epilogue was a sweet addition that felt perfect for the end too.
These gorgeous covers need a shout out too, because they depict the characters so well! I love when I can refer to the cover of a book for a representation of the characters I'm reading.
As a side note, I couldn’t help but notice that my favorite of this series has a common factor with my favorite in the Foolish Kingdoms series. Both Dare and Transcend involve the MCs being isolated in a mesmerizing and magical place. Where they discover the beauty of nature while discovering the beauty within each other. A trope I didn’t know I had a thing for until reading Natalia’s books lol
Go read these books if you haven’t. The prose and characters will suck you in every time!
*ARC provided by the author
The “free will vs fate” plot was fun to delve into fully. I really enjoyed seeing how it unraveled and eventually got resolved. I think that plot was so interesting and clever to use as a link for all the books. And the epilogue was a sweet addition that felt perfect for the end too.
These gorgeous covers need a shout out too, because they depict the characters so well! I love when I can refer to the cover of a book for a representation of the characters I'm reading.
As a side note, I couldn’t help but notice that my favorite of this series has a common factor with my favorite in the Foolish Kingdoms series. Both Dare and Transcend involve the MCs being isolated in a mesmerizing and magical place. Where they discover the beauty of nature while discovering the beauty within each other. A trope I didn’t know I had a thing for until reading Natalia’s books lol
Go read these books if you haven’t. The prose and characters will suck you in every time!
*ARC provided by the author
March 31, 2020
Jaster's works are a performance made literature. Within the pages of the Selfish myths series you will not only discover Gods in a way you haven't seen them before, but, a questioning of emotions and freewill. Jaster doesn't just retell myths, she reinvents them.
Now he knows what pain feels like. And maybe one other emotion- a persistent feeling that's been shadowing him like a pest, that's been creeping up on him since he first lost his mind and touched her.
Envy and Sorrow as a pair tear at me. This novel is a dress down to pain, a sonnet to pleasure. All the deities across the series are gorgeously flawed, perfectly and imperfectly matched to each other. As each pairing across the series bares a resemblance to a greek myth, a story -if you will- as old as time, this creates a comforting, dreamlike quality to the series. It is familiar, yet self aware. It is a discussion of fate versus free fill. A take down of piety and the belief of righteousness. If fate meddles in our lives are we free, if God's can feel as mortals do then are they not the same. I believe these books are a poem written to emotions themselves.
Envy and Sorrow, emotions (Gods) that appear opposite. They have haunted each other. Destroyed each other. known pleasure with each other. They desperately want to be indifferent, but stranded together in the heavens, weaponless and injured they learn the others souls. I found myself within these pages, as I feel within this book, this series, is a key to humanity. Emotions bleed from the pages, and I bled with them, cried and laughter and loved with the characters.
Now he knows what pain feels like. And maybe one other emotion- a persistent feeling that's been shadowing him like a pest, that's been creeping up on him since he first lost his mind and touched her.
Envy and Sorrow as a pair tear at me. This novel is a dress down to pain, a sonnet to pleasure. All the deities across the series are gorgeously flawed, perfectly and imperfectly matched to each other. As each pairing across the series bares a resemblance to a greek myth, a story -if you will- as old as time, this creates a comforting, dreamlike quality to the series. It is familiar, yet self aware. It is a discussion of fate versus free fill. A take down of piety and the belief of righteousness. If fate meddles in our lives are we free, if God's can feel as mortals do then are they not the same. I believe these books are a poem written to emotions themselves.
Envy and Sorrow, emotions (Gods) that appear opposite. They have haunted each other. Destroyed each other. known pleasure with each other. They desperately want to be indifferent, but stranded together in the heavens, weaponless and injured they learn the others souls. I found myself within these pages, as I feel within this book, this series, is a key to humanity. Emotions bleed from the pages, and I bled with them, cried and laughter and loved with the characters.
March 28, 2020
Transcend is the perfect ending to this incredible series. I would definitely recommend the Selfish Myths books - which starts with Touch.
As with the earlier books in the series, Transcend focuses on a couple in this case it's Sorrow and Envy. Sorrow is a girl, or rather, goddess after my own heart. I love her so much, she is the perfect combination of snark and vulnerability. And the perfect match for Envy. Now I don't want to say too much about the plot for fear of spoiling Transcend of the earlier books.I confess I did not want the series to be over so I read Transcend slowly and savoured each line of this incredible book.
Natalia has the most wonderful writing style, it is so enchanting, she really brings these deities to life as well as building a magnificent world - the Peaks - both the world-building and character development for each of the main eight character in this series is perfection. I am already missing Love & Andrew, Merry and Anger, Wonder and Malice and of course, Sorrow and Envy.
Selfish Myths is one of my all time favourite series and I will be rereading all of the four books, although I am sad that this series is over I am oh so happy I can return to this world and I am sure i will discover new things upon each reading. I would definitely recommned Transcend and the rest of the books in this series.
As with the earlier books in the series, Transcend focuses on a couple in this case it's Sorrow and Envy. Sorrow is a girl, or rather, goddess after my own heart. I love her so much, she is the perfect combination of snark and vulnerability. And the perfect match for Envy. Now I don't want to say too much about the plot for fear of spoiling Transcend of the earlier books.I confess I did not want the series to be over so I read Transcend slowly and savoured each line of this incredible book.
Natalia has the most wonderful writing style, it is so enchanting, she really brings these deities to life as well as building a magnificent world - the Peaks - both the world-building and character development for each of the main eight character in this series is perfection. I am already missing Love & Andrew, Merry and Anger, Wonder and Malice and of course, Sorrow and Envy.
Selfish Myths is one of my all time favourite series and I will be rereading all of the four books, although I am sad that this series is over I am oh so happy I can return to this world and I am sure i will discover new things upon each reading. I would definitely recommned Transcend and the rest of the books in this series.
October 21, 2025
✨𝒜𝑅𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌✨
📖: Transcend (Dark Gods: Selfish Myths Book 4)
“𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘧*𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
In the final installment of the Dark Gods: Selfish Myths series, we explore the tension-fueled animosity spanning millennia. As the war between deities comes to a head, what will be left standing in the wreckage?
Tropes:
👀Dual POV
🏺Greek mythology retelling
⚠️Frenemies to lovers
🤝Deities with benefits
💫Fated but fighting it
🗣️Immortal banter
🫂Forced seclusion
🛌One bed. Zero self-control.
🌶️: Open door
It’s been such a ride meeting and watching these characters develop throughout the series. Sorrow and Envy are polar opposites in nature. When this unlikely pair are forced to work together, they must face the reality of their history while collectively fighting for the right to love and live freely.
Natalia masterfully balances their loathing and longing. And when the brewing tension snaps, it’s glorious and cataclysmic. With its epic banter, vivid imagery, and scalding spice, Transcend is a feast for the senses and stunning conclusion to the Selfish Myths series!
So grateful to the author for the review copy opportunity. This is my honest and voluntary review.
📖: Transcend (Dark Gods: Selfish Myths Book 4)
“𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘧*𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
In the final installment of the Dark Gods: Selfish Myths series, we explore the tension-fueled animosity spanning millennia. As the war between deities comes to a head, what will be left standing in the wreckage?
Tropes:
👀Dual POV
🏺Greek mythology retelling
⚠️Frenemies to lovers
🤝Deities with benefits
💫Fated but fighting it
🗣️Immortal banter
🫂Forced seclusion
🛌One bed. Zero self-control.
🌶️: Open door
It’s been such a ride meeting and watching these characters develop throughout the series. Sorrow and Envy are polar opposites in nature. When this unlikely pair are forced to work together, they must face the reality of their history while collectively fighting for the right to love and live freely.
Natalia masterfully balances their loathing and longing. And when the brewing tension snaps, it’s glorious and cataclysmic. With its epic banter, vivid imagery, and scalding spice, Transcend is a feast for the senses and stunning conclusion to the Selfish Myths series!
So grateful to the author for the review copy opportunity. This is my honest and voluntary review.
September 30, 2026
What the fuck is going on. I feel like I started this book smack dab in the middle. And the women narrator is a tad much. She sounds so angry and sharp. But the worst is this writing. This book is rated damn near 5 stars. I’d expect way better writing than what I got. Holy shit people raise your standards. I literally purchased 3 books by this author at once. Now I’m regretting it. The whole opening scene - what the fuck is going on? Is she swimming? Why is the love interest there already??? There’s 2 narrators but since they only narrate their own chapters, I literally can’t tell who’s speaking. This writing is so so so bad. Now they are doing things with targets? There’s an attack? She was skinny dipping so now she’s naked talking about targets and enemies. How how how is this rated so high. Now she’s talking about being caught picking her nose. Lmao in the middle of a fight I assume. Oh they’re under water. She’s rolling her eyes at Envy under water. And shooting her bow. Under water. Lmao
March 27, 2020
I loved this series and each of the misfit couples. As always, it's bittersweet to finish a series as awesome as this one, especially with Natalia Jaster's amazing writing. I liked reading the culmination of the fight between fate and free will and how Envy and Sorrow fought against their own myth but were able to fall in love with each other to win the war for their side. Their banter was fun to read, and I enjoyed reading about their pasts and what they thought about each other as they grew older.
The ending was happy, with everyone going off to separate places but still able to come back together and be the family they are. Plus Faith is seen in the epilogue reading about the myths of each of the couples and knowing that what they'll be doing now is bestowing a blessing instead of forcing emotions and it means a happy eternity for everyone.
The ending was happy, with everyone going off to separate places but still able to come back together and be the family they are. Plus Faith is seen in the epilogue reading about the myths of each of the couples and knowing that what they'll be doing now is bestowing a blessing instead of forcing emotions and it means a happy eternity for everyone.
October 22, 2025
“Real pleasure doesn’t exist unless pain comes with it. You can’t savor one thing unless you know what it’s like to be deprived of another. Loss is inevitable. When we hurt, those comforting moments—those delights, as you say—are more meaningful. They’re treasures, but only when we understand and experience the opposite. Otherwise the pleasure is pointless.”
I can now officially state that Sorrow is my favorite character in the Selfish Myths series. I related so much to how she sees the world and really just loved her origin story. I felt like I truly got lost or maybe found in her mind. If you love mythology, epic love stories, and an immersive world you need to pick up this series. 🥹
“Don’t you know that you’re every emotion I’ve ever felt?”
“You take care of the world’s sadness. For once in your witchy life, let someone do the same for you.”
I can now officially state that Sorrow is my favorite character in the Selfish Myths series. I related so much to how she sees the world and really just loved her origin story. I felt like I truly got lost or maybe found in her mind. If you love mythology, epic love stories, and an immersive world you need to pick up this series. 🥹
“Don’t you know that you’re every emotion I’ve ever felt?”
“You take care of the world’s sadness. For once in your witchy life, let someone do the same for you.”
October 26, 2025
Transcend
What an epic finale to this steamy mythical series about fate and free will. I loved it!!
Envy and Sorrow’s story was everything! I loved the dynamic between these two the hate, the love, the push and pull, all of it!!
Envy was a proud vain deity who loved to be the center of attention. I enjoyed watching Sorrow match him with her indifference and compassion.
They were the perfect balance to each other and I loved how they each taught the other something new and magically allowing them to grow into the best version of themselves!
If you love tropes like hate to allies to love, slow burn, spicy first then feelings later, bullying on both sides, tons of tension, banter, steamy, Greek mythology inspired, touch her/him and xx vibes, fated, and so much more then don’t miss this one!
What an epic finale to this steamy mythical series about fate and free will. I loved it!!
Envy and Sorrow’s story was everything! I loved the dynamic between these two the hate, the love, the push and pull, all of it!!
Envy was a proud vain deity who loved to be the center of attention. I enjoyed watching Sorrow match him with her indifference and compassion.
They were the perfect balance to each other and I loved how they each taught the other something new and magically allowing them to grow into the best version of themselves!
If you love tropes like hate to allies to love, slow burn, spicy first then feelings later, bullying on both sides, tons of tension, banter, steamy, Greek mythology inspired, touch her/him and xx vibes, fated, and so much more then don’t miss this one!
October 27, 2025
In the words of Natalia, this is the book of “If Finnick Odair was a god”
Tropes:
🏹 Frienemies to Lovers
🏹 One Bed
🏹 It’s Always Been You
🏹 Hate to Love You
🏹 Fated Mates
We have been teased with Envy and Sorrow’s tale throughout the whole series, and we get an explosive, fantastic ending to a great series! There was so much banter and angst that sent the obvious chemistry through the ROOF! 🥵 I loved how much Envy was like Narcissus, and Natalia encompassed that character so incredibly well, it made me laugh out loud at times. Their backstory…phew. Fighting their fated mates pull? Yes. If you’re a lover of Greek mythology and like the 🌶️, you’ll want to pick up this series!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you, Natalia, for sending me a copy of this book!
Tropes:
🏹 Frienemies to Lovers
🏹 One Bed
🏹 It’s Always Been You
🏹 Hate to Love You
🏹 Fated Mates
We have been teased with Envy and Sorrow’s tale throughout the whole series, and we get an explosive, fantastic ending to a great series! There was so much banter and angst that sent the obvious chemistry through the ROOF! 🥵 I loved how much Envy was like Narcissus, and Natalia encompassed that character so incredibly well, it made me laugh out loud at times. Their backstory…phew. Fighting their fated mates pull? Yes. If you’re a lover of Greek mythology and like the 🌶️, you’ll want to pick up this series!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you, Natalia, for sending me a copy of this book!
March 31, 2020
I requested an ARC of this book, and these opinions are my own.
This is the final book in the series, and while I am sad to see it end, I am happy I was able to take this journey with the characters. To me, Sorrow and Envy seem the most real, the closest to actual mortals than the others. Their fears are not without merit, and when they finally realize how they are linked - just like pleasure and pain - it's a glorious moment.
Seeing the rest of the characters and how they've grown throughout the series was a nice bonus, as was learning more about their celestial home - the Peaks.
Overall, another great series, and I look forward to the next one!
This is the final book in the series, and while I am sad to see it end, I am happy I was able to take this journey with the characters. To me, Sorrow and Envy seem the most real, the closest to actual mortals than the others. Their fears are not without merit, and when they finally realize how they are linked - just like pleasure and pain - it's a glorious moment.
Seeing the rest of the characters and how they've grown throughout the series was a nice bonus, as was learning more about their celestial home - the Peaks.
Overall, another great series, and I look forward to the next one!
October 22, 2025
Having the opportunity to experience the magnificent story of Sorrow and Envy was a real heart-stopper. The entire time, the story keeps you on edge, yearning for them to kill each other or kiss passionately. You wish with every fiber of your being that they would venture into love. The fervor with which they gazed at each other and possessively declared their love for each other was epic. A sensational ending to the saga.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2025
I am utterly in awe with what Natalia Jaster has created in this series, hitting the end is bittersweet. I've laughed, I've cried, its been a hell of a ride.
After finishing Transcend just a few minutes ago I'm a wreck - but in the best way possible. I'll be adding a full review soon, but for now take my word for it - PERFECTION. If you haven't picked up books 1-3 yet, go, binge! And if you're about to pick up book 4, come sit with me, I have tissues and popcorn.
After finishing Transcend just a few minutes ago I'm a wreck - but in the best way possible. I'll be adding a full review soon, but for now take my word for it - PERFECTION. If you haven't picked up books 1-3 yet, go, binge! And if you're about to pick up book 4, come sit with me, I have tissues and popcorn.
March 29, 2020
So I skipped the 2nd and 3rd books in this series for various reasons, but I'm so happy I read this one. Not only was I not confused, but the found family and themes of love in this were so ON BRAND for me. Plus, Envy and Sorrow and their pain/pleasure connection was beautiful and so well done and ugh, I loved this.
August 3, 2021
Yet another series by Natalia Jaster to check off as a new fave!! I adore this series and its characters so much. There were some things in this book that I wish had happened a little differently, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it! One thing I can always count on is her characters always have the happiest ever afters, after going through hell. :*)
October 30, 2025
Loved this series as a whole and also this last book. While Love and Andrew have the best story I loved almost every page of Envy‘s and Sorrow‘s story as well.
Except one thing: While I enjoy spice one act in a MF spice scene I can’t enjoy: 🍑 fu**ing.
Maybe if the FMC had an enema before but..
At least he doesn‘t stick his 🍆 back into her 😺 afterwards. Small blessings.
Except one thing: While I enjoy spice one act in a MF spice scene I can’t enjoy: 🍑 fu**ing.
Maybe if the FMC had an enema before but..
At least he doesn‘t stick his 🍆 back into her 😺 afterwards. Small blessings.
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