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These Godly Lies
Not yet published
Expected 28 Jul 26A god stilled the hands of time for Anna in These Immortal Truths. Now, those stolen hours come due in These Godly Lies, the stunning and sweeping conclusion to the Peaches & Honey duology.
“She assumed they had forever. She knows better now.”
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—and her stolen immortality—is discovered, Anna and Khiran must abandon the home they have built together if they hope to escape the wrath of the all-powerful god they call The First. But they can’t hide forever, and fighting means certain death—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.
“She assumed they had forever. She knows better now.”
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—and her stolen immortality—is discovered, Anna and Khiran must abandon the home they have built together if they hope to escape the wrath of the all-powerful god they call The First. But they can’t hide forever, and fighting means certain death—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.
Audible Audio
Expected publication July 28, 2026
About the author
Rachelle Raeta
8 books30 followersRachelle Raeta was born and raised in Northern California where she spent her youth participating in 4-H and fighting for her life trying to ride (a particularly stubborn) horse past the apple tree. These days, she loves writing heart tugging stories that use magical elements to highlight the human ones. When she isn’t agonizing over word choices, she’s usually reading, drowning in home projects, or playing with yarn. She is a Trigiminal Neuralgia survivor and believes in living your best life day by day.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 19, 2026
This unique story of true love through time and immortality is so beautifully written. The main characters are running from an immortal enemy who knows how to destroy them. Anna is the only immortal without magic and has never given up her human heart. Very heart touching moments. Some of the tropes are protect her at all costs, found family, fighting oppression, learning forgiveness. I really enjoyed this audiobook.
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 19, 2026
Huge thanks to Macmillan Audio for the ALC of this audiobook.
Olivia King has a beautifully soothing voice that I thought was perfect for Anna, she sounded like someone who could be timeless. And someone who had lived quite a few lifetimes as a mother, nurse, and general caretaker. Flawless performance, highly recommend.
I have mixed feelings about this finale to a series I loved so much. Given the ending of the first book I expected the cat-and-mouse situations the were in at the beginning of this book, but felt the whole book just ended up as a repeat of misfortune after misfortune with the inevitable ending looming the whole time. Lots of suspense, and very well written suspense, but it did feel a bit repetitive.
Olivia King has a beautifully soothing voice that I thought was perfect for Anna, she sounded like someone who could be timeless. And someone who had lived quite a few lifetimes as a mother, nurse, and general caretaker. Flawless performance, highly recommend.
I have mixed feelings about this finale to a series I loved so much. Given the ending of the first book I expected the cat-and-mouse situations the were in at the beginning of this book, but felt the whole book just ended up as a repeat of misfortune after misfortune with the inevitable ending looming the whole time. Lots of suspense, and very well written suspense, but it did feel a bit repetitive.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This started out really slow, which I was not too surprised about because of the first book. However, it was just too slow, and it felt like nothing was really happening until the very end.
I did enjoy their time of peace in the home they made with one another. I thought the family they created was a sweet touch, and Jiro made that especially interesting. And like always, I loved seeing the touches of culture that came with Khiran coming and going, bringing different dishes from around the world.
I think the side characters in this story were really strong. I loved Ira and Silas.
Anna has the biggest heart, and walking through this story, you really get to experience the heartache and devastation she feels because of it. I think Rachelle Raeta writes that beautifully.
I struggled not only with the pacing of this book but with several other things. One issue was that in the first book it was emphasized constantly that they were immortal and that death could not touch them. In this book, they were suddenly scared of death all the time because of The First and his followers. That felt like a bit of whiplash. I remember being completely shocked at someone’s death and so confused, questioning if it had really happened. After that, it started to feel repetitive that they could die and would live life on the run, always looking over their shoulder.
The ending also felt chaotic and rushed. Maybe it was because I listened on audio, but I had to go back several times just to make sure I understood what was happening, and even then I was still confused at times. I have always thought the magic of the gods was a strong point in this series, so I was expecting more when it came to Anna’s powers. There was such a good setup, and I feel like it was just missed.
The plot twist at the end was something I actually ended up liking, except for how it affected Khiran. I thought that was how things would end, and then suddenly it was undone, which I did not care for.
Personally, this book was a bit of a disappointment, especially after really loving the first book so much. I just did not love where it went, but I do think others would likely enjoy it. That said, even though I did not love the direction, Rachelle Raeta continues to impress me with her beautiful writing style. She writes a stunning slow burn love story with so much heart. You feel so much when you read her work!
I also want to mention that the narrator, Olivia King, did an incredible job. I will definitely be looking for more audiobooks narrated by her. Fantastic performance.
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to experience another great audiobook.
I did enjoy their time of peace in the home they made with one another. I thought the family they created was a sweet touch, and Jiro made that especially interesting. And like always, I loved seeing the touches of culture that came with Khiran coming and going, bringing different dishes from around the world.
I think the side characters in this story were really strong. I loved Ira and Silas.
Anna has the biggest heart, and walking through this story, you really get to experience the heartache and devastation she feels because of it. I think Rachelle Raeta writes that beautifully.
I struggled not only with the pacing of this book but with several other things. One issue was that in the first book it was emphasized constantly that they were immortal and that death could not touch them. In this book, they were suddenly scared of death all the time because of The First and his followers. That felt like a bit of whiplash. I remember being completely shocked at someone’s death and so confused, questioning if it had really happened. After that, it started to feel repetitive that they could die and would live life on the run, always looking over their shoulder.
The ending also felt chaotic and rushed. Maybe it was because I listened on audio, but I had to go back several times just to make sure I understood what was happening, and even then I was still confused at times. I have always thought the magic of the gods was a strong point in this series, so I was expecting more when it came to Anna’s powers. There was such a good setup, and I feel like it was just missed.
The plot twist at the end was something I actually ended up liking, except for how it affected Khiran. I thought that was how things would end, and then suddenly it was undone, which I did not care for.
Personally, this book was a bit of a disappointment, especially after really loving the first book so much. I just did not love where it went, but I do think others would likely enjoy it. That said, even though I did not love the direction, Rachelle Raeta continues to impress me with her beautiful writing style. She writes a stunning slow burn love story with so much heart. You feel so much when you read her work!
I also want to mention that the narrator, Olivia King, did an incredible job. I will definitely be looking for more audiobooks narrated by her. Fantastic performance.
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to experience another great audiobook.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
This is one of those books that quietly undoes you.
These Godly Lies isn’t loud or overwhelming in its emotion—it’s slower than that, deeper. It settles in your chest and lingers. The second book expands the world so beautifully, but what stayed with me most was how intimately it understands its characters—their pain, their longing, the way love and grief can exist at the same time without canceling each other out.
The romance is a true slow burn, but it never feels like waiting. It feels like becoming. Like two people learning how to carry themselves—and each other—through everything they’ve endured. There’s something incredibly tender about the way it unfolds, especially in the quiet moments where nothing big is happening, but everything is changing.
I read both books in about a day, and I don’t think I ever fully came up for air. I cried more than I expected to, not just from heartbreak, but from recognition. The kind of emotion that feels a little too close, a little too real. The characters don’t just go through things, you feel the weight of it with them. Their hurt, their resilience, their small, hard-won moments of peace.
What struck me most is how the story explores what it means to keep going after everything. To love after loss. To hold onto yourself when it would be easier to disappear into someone else or into the pain.
The themes are woven in so seamlessly that they never feel separate from the story—they are the story. And because of that, they stay with you.
The narration added another layer entirely. It brought so much depth to the emotion, especially in those quieter, heavier moments. The way certain lines were delivered made them land even harder, like you could feel the weight behind every word. It elevated the experience in a way that made the story even more immersive.
And the ending… it didn’t just resolve things, it felt like a release. Like something finally exhaled after holding its breath for so long.
This series didn’t just entertain me, it moved me. And I think it will stay with me for a long time.
This is one of those books that quietly undoes you.
These Godly Lies isn’t loud or overwhelming in its emotion—it’s slower than that, deeper. It settles in your chest and lingers. The second book expands the world so beautifully, but what stayed with me most was how intimately it understands its characters—their pain, their longing, the way love and grief can exist at the same time without canceling each other out.
The romance is a true slow burn, but it never feels like waiting. It feels like becoming. Like two people learning how to carry themselves—and each other—through everything they’ve endured. There’s something incredibly tender about the way it unfolds, especially in the quiet moments where nothing big is happening, but everything is changing.
I read both books in about a day, and I don’t think I ever fully came up for air. I cried more than I expected to, not just from heartbreak, but from recognition. The kind of emotion that feels a little too close, a little too real. The characters don’t just go through things, you feel the weight of it with them. Their hurt, their resilience, their small, hard-won moments of peace.
What struck me most is how the story explores what it means to keep going after everything. To love after loss. To hold onto yourself when it would be easier to disappear into someone else or into the pain.
The themes are woven in so seamlessly that they never feel separate from the story—they are the story. And because of that, they stay with you.
The narration added another layer entirely. It brought so much depth to the emotion, especially in those quieter, heavier moments. The way certain lines were delivered made them land even harder, like you could feel the weight behind every word. It elevated the experience in a way that made the story even more immersive.
And the ending… it didn’t just resolve things, it felt like a release. Like something finally exhaled after holding its breath for so long.
This series didn’t just entertain me, it moved me. And I think it will stay with me for a long time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
✨AUDIOBOOK REVIEW✨
These Godly Lies by Rachelle Raeta
Narrated by Olivia King
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔹SYNOPSIS 🔹
These Godly Lies continues the story of Anna and Khiran as they navigate the dangers of her stolen immortality. Set against a backdrop of historical conflict and mythic undertones, the story deepens both the emotional and political stakes as the peaceful life that they have built together is discovered by those who would seek to destroy them.
🔹MY SPOILER FREE TAKE 🔹
First of all: I WILL LISTEN TO ANYTHING OLIVIA KING READS. Anything. She could read my Chem 1A textbook from college and somehow make it sound like the most interesting thing ever. Her narration is just THAT good. She brings so much feeling and atmosphere to every scene and completely elevates the experience. Her voice is like butter.
I absolutely loved returning to Anna and Khiran’s story. This installment felt a little more relationship-focused than book one, with more attention on the connection between the characters and a little less emphasis on the larger historical events (though they’re definitely still present).
This duology is SO fabulous and criminally underrated in my opinion. There’s something about the blend of sweeping romance, danger and history that just works so well for me. I literally still think about this series at least once a week.
I had a slight preference for book one overall, but this was still such a wonderfully satisfying conclusion and a love story for the ages. A very solid 4.5 stars for me.
AND I’m genuinely so happy seeing Rachelle Raeta get the opportunity to be traditionally published and reach a wider audience because these books absolutely deserve more readers. This duology is easily going down as one of my favorites.
These Godly Lies by Rachelle Raeta
Narrated by Olivia King
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔹SYNOPSIS 🔹
These Godly Lies continues the story of Anna and Khiran as they navigate the dangers of her stolen immortality. Set against a backdrop of historical conflict and mythic undertones, the story deepens both the emotional and political stakes as the peaceful life that they have built together is discovered by those who would seek to destroy them.
🔹MY SPOILER FREE TAKE 🔹
First of all: I WILL LISTEN TO ANYTHING OLIVIA KING READS. Anything. She could read my Chem 1A textbook from college and somehow make it sound like the most interesting thing ever. Her narration is just THAT good. She brings so much feeling and atmosphere to every scene and completely elevates the experience. Her voice is like butter.
I absolutely loved returning to Anna and Khiran’s story. This installment felt a little more relationship-focused than book one, with more attention on the connection between the characters and a little less emphasis on the larger historical events (though they’re definitely still present).
This duology is SO fabulous and criminally underrated in my opinion. There’s something about the blend of sweeping romance, danger and history that just works so well for me. I literally still think about this series at least once a week.
I had a slight preference for book one overall, but this was still such a wonderfully satisfying conclusion and a love story for the ages. A very solid 4.5 stars for me.
AND I’m genuinely so happy seeing Rachelle Raeta get the opportunity to be traditionally published and reach a wider audience because these books absolutely deserve more readers. This duology is easily going down as one of my favorites.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ALC. The narration by Olivia King was emotional and engaging in all the ways you want an audiobook to be, especially when it came to Anna’s character and emotional journey.
I read the first book a couple of years ago and absolutely loved it, so the second I saw this one on NetGalley, I requested it immediately. While the story started off a little slower than I expected, it really picked up toward the end and delivered an emotional payoff that made it worth the journey.
One of my favorite parts was the blend of historical fiction with Jiro’s storyline. His perspective was just as compelling as the romance between Anna and Khiran. There’s something so heartbreaking and beautiful about an 800-year love story that still feels full of longing, devotion, and protectiveness. Khiran spending centuries guarding Anna from The First after giving her the immortal peach added such a bittersweet layer to their relationship.
Anna herself is such a gentle and tender FMC, and I loved the way she took Jiro in during such a difficult historical period. Those quieter moments between them really grounded the story emotionally.
The ending definitely pulled at my emotions. I do think it felt a little abrupt, but it was still bittersweet and impactful. Overall, this is a soft, emotional slow-burn story that can feel very slow at times, but the audiobook narration truly elevated the experience and captured the heart of the story beautifully.
I read the first book a couple of years ago and absolutely loved it, so the second I saw this one on NetGalley, I requested it immediately. While the story started off a little slower than I expected, it really picked up toward the end and delivered an emotional payoff that made it worth the journey.
One of my favorite parts was the blend of historical fiction with Jiro’s storyline. His perspective was just as compelling as the romance between Anna and Khiran. There’s something so heartbreaking and beautiful about an 800-year love story that still feels full of longing, devotion, and protectiveness. Khiran spending centuries guarding Anna from The First after giving her the immortal peach added such a bittersweet layer to their relationship.
Anna herself is such a gentle and tender FMC, and I loved the way she took Jiro in during such a difficult historical period. Those quieter moments between them really grounded the story emotionally.
The ending definitely pulled at my emotions. I do think it felt a little abrupt, but it was still bittersweet and impactful. Overall, this is a soft, emotional slow-burn story that can feel very slow at times, but the audiobook narration truly elevated the experience and captured the heart of the story beautifully.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
**Possible Spoilers**
These Godly Lies, the second book in the duology following These Immortal Truths, continues Anna’s story as we move through her history once more—but this time, everything feels more contained. While the first book spans over eight centuries, this one unfolds in less than one, giving it a very different emotional pacing.
Like the first, I’d still place this firmly in historical fiction & magical realism over romantasy. The prose remains just as poetic and lyrical—beautifully written in a way that makes you want to linger in each moment.
Where the first book thrived on longing—over 700 years of yearning with only fleeting time together—this installment shifts that dynamic. Here, the romanticization of history is replaced with a tangible, present relationship with Anna and Khiran. It’s more grounded, more immediate… but for me, it lost a bit of the aching magic that made the first book so unforgettable.
I still really loved this story and the continuation of Anna’s and Khiran's arc, but the ending felt a little too neatly tied up. When gods struggle, the story becomes more compelling; and while I understand why the author chose to end things the way she did, the all-around happiness felt slightly disappointing. I wanted a bit more mess, a bit more consequence. (But I tend to like books without a happy ending).
Still, a beautiful and satisfying conclusion to the duology—just not quite as haunting as the first.
These Godly Lies, the second book in the duology following These Immortal Truths, continues Anna’s story as we move through her history once more—but this time, everything feels more contained. While the first book spans over eight centuries, this one unfolds in less than one, giving it a very different emotional pacing.
Like the first, I’d still place this firmly in historical fiction & magical realism over romantasy. The prose remains just as poetic and lyrical—beautifully written in a way that makes you want to linger in each moment.
Where the first book thrived on longing—over 700 years of yearning with only fleeting time together—this installment shifts that dynamic. Here, the romanticization of history is replaced with a tangible, present relationship with Anna and Khiran. It’s more grounded, more immediate… but for me, it lost a bit of the aching magic that made the first book so unforgettable.
I still really loved this story and the continuation of Anna’s and Khiran's arc, but the ending felt a little too neatly tied up. When gods struggle, the story becomes more compelling; and while I understand why the author chose to end things the way she did, the all-around happiness felt slightly disappointing. I wanted a bit more mess, a bit more consequence. (But I tend to like books without a happy ending).
Still, a beautiful and satisfying conclusion to the duology—just not quite as haunting as the first.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sigh. I truly, TRULY love this duology.
Rachelle is a wizard when it comes to breaking our hearts. This story is so moving. This is my second time reading this masterpiece and it's still as good as the first time.
I love the character progression, and the relationship between the FMC and MMC. The devotion Khiran shows her is so refreshing, especially in this world of growling and brooding MMCs with daddy issues. Our FMC Anna also continues to develop in this book. She stands up for herself, deals with her loss and grief and finds a way to overcome. She finally realizes what a gift she can be to the world.
I loved the bad guy in this book. The fear our characters experienced was palpable, even though we didn't truly see the big bad much. Rachelle paints such a beautiful picture of each of her characters, it's hard to separate yourself from the story. The side characters and the betrayals were devastating. The complex motivations of each and every character has you rooting for them even when they make bad choices. The tension in this book builds steadily throughout, the pacing is perfect, and the conclusion was so heart wrenching and beautiful. I can't even describe it.
The audiobook narrator is FANTASTIC as well. Her voice is so melodic and her use of accents really is impressive. I love her work! I will listen to anything Olivia narrates!
Thank you Netgalley for the gifted ALC! This book duology has my whole heart!
Rachelle is a wizard when it comes to breaking our hearts. This story is so moving. This is my second time reading this masterpiece and it's still as good as the first time.
I love the character progression, and the relationship between the FMC and MMC. The devotion Khiran shows her is so refreshing, especially in this world of growling and brooding MMCs with daddy issues. Our FMC Anna also continues to develop in this book. She stands up for herself, deals with her loss and grief and finds a way to overcome. She finally realizes what a gift she can be to the world.
I loved the bad guy in this book. The fear our characters experienced was palpable, even though we didn't truly see the big bad much. Rachelle paints such a beautiful picture of each of her characters, it's hard to separate yourself from the story. The side characters and the betrayals were devastating. The complex motivations of each and every character has you rooting for them even when they make bad choices. The tension in this book builds steadily throughout, the pacing is perfect, and the conclusion was so heart wrenching and beautiful. I can't even describe it.
The audiobook narrator is FANTASTIC as well. Her voice is so melodic and her use of accents really is impressive. I love her work! I will listen to anything Olivia narrates!
Thank you Netgalley for the gifted ALC! This book duology has my whole heart!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A beautiful end to a beautiful love story.
I enjoyed These Immortal Truths when I listened to it as Peaches and Honey, I was so excited to be given an advanced copy of the audiobook of These Godly Lies from Netgalley. It was very easy to fall back into the story of Anna and Khiran. The love that is shared between these two characters is pure and absolutely beautiful. It is so heartwarming to read about this kind of love.
Total "I will love you across every lifetime" vibes. I didn't know what to expect from this book, but I was enraptured from the beginning. The span of time covered in this book is only about 20 years, and brings everything full circle that we had learned in the first book. Khiran and Anna go on an adventure throughout the world while trying to hide from the Firsts attention. There is survival, running, facing fears, bravery, and courage. There is heartbreak and love at every turn. This series provides such an interesting view on humanity. We get the good and the bad. But it gives hope and love and human goodness in the face of adversity.
Olivia King does an excellent job narrating this story. Her cadence and timing, and voices for each character really bring the book to life. Her voice pairs very will with Rachelle Raeta's writing style.
I enjoyed These Immortal Truths when I listened to it as Peaches and Honey, I was so excited to be given an advanced copy of the audiobook of These Godly Lies from Netgalley. It was very easy to fall back into the story of Anna and Khiran. The love that is shared between these two characters is pure and absolutely beautiful. It is so heartwarming to read about this kind of love.
Total "I will love you across every lifetime" vibes. I didn't know what to expect from this book, but I was enraptured from the beginning. The span of time covered in this book is only about 20 years, and brings everything full circle that we had learned in the first book. Khiran and Anna go on an adventure throughout the world while trying to hide from the Firsts attention. There is survival, running, facing fears, bravery, and courage. There is heartbreak and love at every turn. This series provides such an interesting view on humanity. We get the good and the bad. But it gives hope and love and human goodness in the face of adversity.
Olivia King does an excellent job narrating this story. Her cadence and timing, and voices for each character really bring the book to life. Her voice pairs very will with Rachelle Raeta's writing style.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
These Godly Lies is the high-stakes, deeply emotional conclusion to the Peaches & Honey duology that I was hoping for. While These Immortal Truths was a lovely, meditative start, this finale brings the urgency and narrative momentum needed to tie everything together.
What really hit home for me was the series' grounded, almost biblical sense of consequence. It leans heavily into themes of forbidden knowledge and the heavy price paid for trying to escape one's destiny, much like a modern, broken take on the Garden of Eden. Seeing the personal toll this took on Anna and Khiran, and the genuine impact of their choices on the family and friends around them, including the heavy loss of characters we’ve grown to care about, gave the whole book a layer of gravity that I found incredibly moving.
The pacing is much tighter, and the emotional payoff feels earned. From a retail perspective, this is a definitive "must-stock." The production quality is gorgeous, with the deluxe finish and custom sprayed edges serving as the perfect "treasure" to house such a heavy, beautiful story. It’s rare to find a sequel that not only maintains the atmosphere of the first book but ups the ante this effectively. I’ll be recommending this to anyone who enjoyed the slow-burn journey of book one, but wants a finale that isn't afraid to pull at the heartstrings.
What really hit home for me was the series' grounded, almost biblical sense of consequence. It leans heavily into themes of forbidden knowledge and the heavy price paid for trying to escape one's destiny, much like a modern, broken take on the Garden of Eden. Seeing the personal toll this took on Anna and Khiran, and the genuine impact of their choices on the family and friends around them, including the heavy loss of characters we’ve grown to care about, gave the whole book a layer of gravity that I found incredibly moving.
The pacing is much tighter, and the emotional payoff feels earned. From a retail perspective, this is a definitive "must-stock." The production quality is gorgeous, with the deluxe finish and custom sprayed edges serving as the perfect "treasure" to house such a heavy, beautiful story. It’s rare to find a sequel that not only maintains the atmosphere of the first book but ups the ante this effectively. I’ll be recommending this to anyone who enjoyed the slow-burn journey of book one, but wants a finale that isn't afraid to pull at the heartstrings.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4 ⭐️ | These Godly Lies by Rachelle Raeta
There is something so hauntingly beautiful about the way Rachelle Raeta writes immortality. These Godly Lies felt atmospheric, emotional, and quietly devastating in all the right ways. The story carries this constant sense of longing and inevitability, especially between Anna and Khiran, whose relationship felt aged by centuries but still deeply intimate and tender.
I think what stood out most for me was the exploration of what it truly means to survive for hundreds of years while still trying to hold onto love, hope, and humanity. The world feels rich with mythology, divine politics, and tension without losing the emotional core of the story. While the pacing slowed for me in a few spots, the character work and emotional stakes kept me invested the entire time.
I advanced listened to the audiobook through Macmillan Audio, and Olivia King’s narration added so much depth to the story. Her performance captured both the softness and exhaustion that Anna carries after eight centuries of existence, while also elevating the quieter emotional moments between the characters. At just under 12 hours (11 hours, 56 minutes), this was such an immersive historical fantasy listen.
And that ending definitely leaves you sitting there for a minute thinking about everything these characters sacrificed just to survive.
There is something so hauntingly beautiful about the way Rachelle Raeta writes immortality. These Godly Lies felt atmospheric, emotional, and quietly devastating in all the right ways. The story carries this constant sense of longing and inevitability, especially between Anna and Khiran, whose relationship felt aged by centuries but still deeply intimate and tender.
I think what stood out most for me was the exploration of what it truly means to survive for hundreds of years while still trying to hold onto love, hope, and humanity. The world feels rich with mythology, divine politics, and tension without losing the emotional core of the story. While the pacing slowed for me in a few spots, the character work and emotional stakes kept me invested the entire time.
I advanced listened to the audiobook through Macmillan Audio, and Olivia King’s narration added so much depth to the story. Her performance captured both the softness and exhaustion that Anna carries after eight centuries of existence, while also elevating the quieter emotional moments between the characters. At just under 12 hours (11 hours, 56 minutes), this was such an immersive historical fantasy listen.
And that ending definitely leaves you sitting there for a minute thinking about everything these characters sacrificed just to survive.
April 22, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC audio for this book!
Narration: 5 ⭐️
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Olivia King narrate this story. She did such an amazing job with all of the characters and storytelling - I will be looking for more of her audiobooks!
Plot: 3.5⭐️
As far as the plot - I’d say 80% of the book is a cozy novella; not much happens but it’s sweet and heartfelt and all of the side characters are lovely. Something I also loved was the cultural diversity throughout the storyline. If it were just a novella I’d been content, but the story started so strong with Jiro then drifted into a lot of fluff. I felt like I was waiting for something to actually happen to tie things together. At some point I found myself toward the ending and then everything happened at once. It felt so rushed and chaotic I had to rewind the last few chapters multiple times to grasp what was happening.
Narration: 5 ⭐️
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Olivia King narrate this story. She did such an amazing job with all of the characters and storytelling - I will be looking for more of her audiobooks!
Plot: 3.5⭐️
As far as the plot - I’d say 80% of the book is a cozy novella; not much happens but it’s sweet and heartfelt and all of the side characters are lovely. Something I also loved was the cultural diversity throughout the storyline. If it were just a novella I’d been content, but the story started so strong with Jiro then drifted into a lot of fluff. I felt like I was waiting for something to actually happen to tie things together. At some point I found myself toward the ending and then everything happened at once. It felt so rushed and chaotic I had to rewind the last few chapters multiple times to grasp what was happening.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
𝘼𝙪𝙙𝙞𝙤 𝙍𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝘿𝙖𝙩𝙚: 7-26-2025
𝘼𝙇𝘾 𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
𝙎𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙚: 🌶️
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨: Romantasy
Forbidden Love
Gods & Power
Historical
🎧🄰🄻🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆: The narration of this exquisite story truly captured its essence. It's rare for me to enjoy both the audio and the written format, but with this tale, I found myself equally enchanted by both.
Having fallen in love with the first book, I anticipated that this sequel would also resonate with me, and it certainly did. Although historical fiction isn't usually my preference, R. Raeta's beautiful prose made me appreciate that aspect of the narrative.
The journey was filled with heart-wrenching loss and an ending that left me yearning for more. While immortality has its constraints, the power of love triumphs over all challenges.
🎧𝙶𝚒𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚊𝚗 𝙰𝙻𝙲 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 & 𝚕𝚎𝚏𝚝 𝚖𝚢 𝚑𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚝, 𝚗𝚘𝚗-𝚒𝚗𝚏𝚕𝚞𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚍 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠. 𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 netgalley & R. Raeta 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚘𝚙𝚙𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚞𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚢.
𝘼𝙇𝘾 𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
𝙎𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙚: 🌶️
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨: Romantasy
Forbidden Love
Gods & Power
Historical
🎧🄰🄻🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆: The narration of this exquisite story truly captured its essence. It's rare for me to enjoy both the audio and the written format, but with this tale, I found myself equally enchanted by both.
Having fallen in love with the first book, I anticipated that this sequel would also resonate with me, and it certainly did. Although historical fiction isn't usually my preference, R. Raeta's beautiful prose made me appreciate that aspect of the narrative.
The journey was filled with heart-wrenching loss and an ending that left me yearning for more. While immortality has its constraints, the power of love triumphs over all challenges.
🎧𝙶𝚒𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚊𝚗 𝙰𝙻𝙲 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 & 𝚕𝚎𝚏𝚝 𝚖𝚢 𝚑𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚝, 𝚗𝚘𝚗-𝚒𝚗𝚏𝚕𝚞𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚍 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠. 𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 netgalley & R. Raeta 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚘𝚙𝚙𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚞𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚢.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an advanced listener copy from NetGalley.
I read book one quite awhile ago as an indie book and wasn’t able to get my hands on book two after that. I was so excited to finish this duology. I absolutely love Olivia King’s voice and how she brought Anna to life. Rachelle’s writing and prose are just perfection. I really enjoyed the beginning of the book with Anna at her home in California. I just love Anna and Khiran’s love. The book had a little bit of a pacing issue for me. A lot of it moved very slow and then the paced picked up and then I felt like it was over. I did like the ending but I was worried for a bit about Khiran. It is a beautifully written duology and the audio is fantastic. It’s a story I will recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillion audio for allowing me to listen to this ahead of publication.
I read book one quite awhile ago as an indie book and wasn’t able to get my hands on book two after that. I was so excited to finish this duology. I absolutely love Olivia King’s voice and how she brought Anna to life. Rachelle’s writing and prose are just perfection. I really enjoyed the beginning of the book with Anna at her home in California. I just love Anna and Khiran’s love. The book had a little bit of a pacing issue for me. A lot of it moved very slow and then the paced picked up and then I felt like it was over. I did like the ending but I was worried for a bit about Khiran. It is a beautifully written duology and the audio is fantastic. It’s a story I will recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillion audio for allowing me to listen to this ahead of publication.
May 27, 2026
NetGalley ALC Review
Thank you Macmillan Audio for giving me the opportunity to continue this series.
I read the first book in this series, so I was a little worried about how I was going to feel about listening to the second, but I think the voice fit perfectly with how I imagined Anna’s would. The only thing that bothered me was the voice she used for the boy Anna helps in the beginning. He sounded very bored and monotone every time he spoke.
While I did enjoy learning more about where the peach came from and the others that have had a peach, this book was very slow. Not much happened until the last 20%. I wouldn’t say the first book was fast paced, but it definitely brought out more emotion than this one.
I enjoyed this series, but felt it could have been wrapped into one book.
Thank you Macmillan Audio for giving me the opportunity to continue this series.
I read the first book in this series, so I was a little worried about how I was going to feel about listening to the second, but I think the voice fit perfectly with how I imagined Anna’s would. The only thing that bothered me was the voice she used for the boy Anna helps in the beginning. He sounded very bored and monotone every time he spoke.
While I did enjoy learning more about where the peach came from and the others that have had a peach, this book was very slow. Not much happened until the last 20%. I wouldn’t say the first book was fast paced, but it definitely brought out more emotion than this one.
I enjoyed this series, but felt it could have been wrapped into one book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5*** This sequel is a worthy continuation of the first book. The writing and prose is similarly contemplative and beautiful. The pacing was a bit slow at the start but enjoyable. The main plot, however, did get slightly repetitive- our leads repeatedly tried to run and the gets discovered. But then the ending came very fast and abrupt, though it ultimately ended in a satisfying way.
The narration was beautifully done. The narrator had great range and a nicely nuanced performance.
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan for the ALC for my honest thoughts.
The narration was beautifully done. The narrator had great range and a nicely nuanced performance.
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan for the ALC for my honest thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.
At first I was very confused about this book and what was going on, but then I realized it was because this is a second book and I had not read the first one. Even with me not reading the first one I did really enjoy this book. It is a great take on eternal love and the lengths that someone who truly loves you will go to. The Narrator did an amazing job bringing these characters to life.
At first I was very confused about this book and what was going on, but then I realized it was because this is a second book and I had not read the first one. Even with me not reading the first one I did really enjoy this book. It is a great take on eternal love and the lengths that someone who truly loves you will go to. The Narrator did an amazing job bringing these characters to life.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Raeta's writing is near-poetic and is a pleasure to both read and listen to. She unwound me with this story, which is told over time with the character development and plot like the work of a gentle surgeon. I've only read this and These Immortal Truths and truly hope for more.
#TheseGodlyLies #NetGalley #MacmillanAudio
Thank you, Macmillan Audio, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#TheseGodlyLies #NetGalley #MacmillanAudio
Thank you, Macmillan Audio, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2026
I absolutely loved this book! I wont lie, as the book began to wrap up I was so scared Khiran wouldn't make it. It was going to break my heart to see things end for him that way after all he'd been through. While he was able to live somewhat of a life The First put him through a lot! The punishments, staying away from Anna for so long to keep her safe, and then taking Eira from them!? But the end? I loved it! I hope Anna and Khiran are happy and thriving!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2026
First, let me start by saying that I got the ALC from NetGalley. Second, I am normally NOT a historical romance reader BUT this is done so well that I devoured this book. I inhaled book one and book two about took me out. I love the glimpses you see with how Anna has helped as much as possible and some of the problems she has to overcome over the centuries. This is so under hyped it’s criminal.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed These Godly Lies. Anna and Khiran’s story drew me in, and I loved how their bond and the magic of the world unfolded. The romance, the stakes, and the mythology kept me hooked—I didn’t want to put it down.
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