“Come with me, Lyssena, and I shall become your god.”
In a village ruled by rituals and gods who never answered, Lyssena had always obeyed. She was prepared for the marriage her family arranged, until the man she was promised to revealed himself as cruel and eager to break her. Cornered and alone, Lyssena lit the fifth flame. The one that should never burn, the one for the god with no name. And something answered. Erevos was not a god of mercy. He was the dark beneath the altar, the shadow in the silence, the monstrous thing the other humans refused to worship. He heard her scream, and now she belonged to him. But claiming her was not so simple. Because Lyssena was a songbird who learned long ago how to sing behind bars.
A lush, dark monster romance filled with dread and devotion. A Prayer to No God is perfect for readers who want their love stories dripping in shadows and sealed in blood.
3.5⭐️ & 2.5🌶 This author had a concept and ran with it, falling for a venom type creature. I'm all for the monster smut books. This was not your usual shadow daddy.
The FMC Lyssena is being given away to a knight from another area. She's lead a sheltered life. Women are seen and not heard in this world of subservience. You can not look a man in the eye without repercussions. There are 5 gods in this world. The 5th god's name has been lost. The gods must be prayed to everyday. Her knight in shining armor is anything but that. When she prays to the gods for help, it comes in an unusual form.
I loved the interactions between Erevos and Lyssena. The wonder on both of their sides as they begin to learn more about the other was very sweet. The differences in the separate worlds. The devotion they show each other in small ways is very cute. While there is some spice, this is a more plot centered tale. Overall, this is a cute tale filled with new experiences. I would definitely read the next book in this series.
Tropes and triggers: demonic creatures, ancient magic, patriarchal society, first time/love, he falls first, close proximity
The story was unique and had a lot of potential, but the execution was incredibly flawed. The characters had no depth, the writing style left them completely devoid of emotion and motivations. It was written as if everything happened to them, and they just accepted it and floated through life.
I was never convinced of any chemistry between the MCs because no emotions were developed. It also felt like an incredibly plain and simple, probably too simple, story with 3 named characters only really..and one of them only developed in the last 5%.
Now, I don't mark a book down for a lack of spice. But if the book is marketed as spicy and fails to deliver, I have to comment on it. There was 1 single scene of spice and for a book that is marketed as inspired by venom and is a monster romance and has THAT cover, one measly scene feels quite poor.
Lastly, the cover says book 1, but this does end with quite a tied together story so perhaps there will be more stories in this world, but I imagine they will be interconnected as the MCs in this had their story wrapped up.
Overall, this was quite a disappointment and I don't think I'll be reading any more.
okay damn i’m actually really glad i got an ARC for this book (thank god for fb groups). yes i absolutely fuck with Venom… and no he’s not even a hear me out at this point, so this book was right up my street.
i really enjoyed the premise and i think Nicole did well drawing you in and i was attached so fast (i really didn’t even question the speed of the relationship timeline). my only qualm is that i wanted more😭 what i wouldn’t have given for this book to have been dragged out more!! there’s so much to discover, not just with Erevos and Lyssena’s relationship but with the entire Void, so i could’ve easily read a couple 100 more pages of this. i’m so glad we get to see more of Rolam in the next book and maybe my prayers will be answered (pun intended).
🌶 1/5 😊 5/5 💙💙💙 Honestly did enjoy reading the book but did feel the cover art and description was slightly misleading as I felt there was really only a very small amount of spice. The book itself was well written and a very fluffy type of romance in my opinion it didnt go that dark but didnt get any spice until over halfway in and at that point there was hardly any book left. The two main characters were definitely more than willing and described as "mating like rabbits" but only wrote out one scene of this occurring! Like I mentioned, I did enjoy it but dont think I would read it again or would have read it in the first place if it was more accurately described.
Title: A Prayer to No God Author: Nicole A. Sterling Genre: Monster Romance Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice: 🌶️ Main Characters: Lyssena + Erevos Book Type: Standalone
This was the sweetest monster romance I’ve read in a while. I absolutely loved Erevos and how he took care of Lyssena. He made her human items he knew she needed and learned to create a device to help her breathe in his world.
The spice is minimal but the story makes up for it and I highly recommend if you’re looking for a sweet monster romance read.
Overall, an enjoyable read if one enjoys strong storytelling narration, a gothic-like atmosphere, and unique world-building.
I would read this again, listen to the audiobook, and am definitely interested in continuing the series.
THOUGHTS ✦
The other realm was easily the most interesting part of the story to me. The idea of it being alive, shifting, consuming, and almost existing as its own entity felt genuinely unique and carried some of the book’s strongest moments. Sterling’s writing style is also very vivid, making the settings and visuals easy to imagine. The gothic atmosphere and shadow magic were some of my favorite parts of the reading experience.
There is romance, and things were done to build and earn it, but the romance itself does not feel like the main focus of the story, which is completely okay.
There was very little dialogue and few scenes between the FMC and MMC. I do understand that the MMC is an entity, not human, and he’s learning how to navigate this change alongside the FMC, so the awkwardness in their conversations made sense. It just felt like there were more descriptive internal thoughts than actual dialogue between the characters.
Also, if you’re expecting pure monster smut… this really is not that kind of book. There are spicy scenes, but they’re minimal compared to how heavily the monster romance aspect is marketed. The exploration and navigation of the other realm take center stage far more than the romance or spice. Though I will say, the “Venom”-type character definitely could’ve used his tongue more. The reader does get a few scenes of that, just not many.
Since it leans more toward a “cozy” dark monster romance, there isn’t much conflict or a clear antagonist. The story feels more like a journey through this strange realm than a fully developed fantasy conflict. The ending also felt abrupt, though it seems the story will continue.
What I enjoyed most was how much the book felt like a dark fairytale. Reading it felt like being told a strange, eerie story about another realm and the characters trying to navigate it.
This book feels like stepping into a candlelit nightmare wrapped in devotion, blood, and terrifyingly tender obsession 👀🖤🔥
Forbidden ritual? Ancient shadow monster MMC? A heroine praying to the ONE being she was never supposed to call??
Yeah… this completely consumed me.
The atmosphere in this book is absolutely INCREDIBLE. Every page feels heavy with dread, ritual, silence, and the constant feeling that something ancient is watching from the dark.
And honestly?? I was obsessed from the very first flame.
Lyssena was SUCH a compelling FMC.
You can feel how deeply trapped she’s been her entire life—not just physically, but emotionally. She’s spent years surviving by obeying, enduring, and making herself smaller to survive the world around her.
Which makes the moment she finally lights that forbidden fifth flame feel SO powerful 👀🖤
Because it isn’t just desperation.
It’s rebellion.
Then Erevos appears…
And WOW. That man/monster is DARK in the best possible way 🔥
He doesn’t feel human pretending to be monstrous. He feels ancient. Otherworldly. Like something that existed long before prayer or mercy.
But what made him so fascinating is that despite all the horror surrounding him, his devotion to Lyssena feels almost reverent. Possessive, yes—but also deeply worshipful in a way that creates this incredibly intense emotional dynamic between them.
And honestly?? The contrast between his monstrous nature and the tenderness underneath absolutely DESTROYED me.
The romance itself feels beautifully unsettling because Lyssena isn’t instantly healed or fearless around him. She’s still someone who learned to survive inside cages, and watching Erevos slowly understand that emotional damage made their connection hit even harder.
The gothic horror atmosphere throughout the book is also PERFECT. Blood rituals, forgotten gods, shadows beneath altars, whispered devotion—it all blends together into something haunting and strangely beautiful.
✨ If you love: • gothic monster romance • ancient shadow gods • dark devotion + possessive worship • emotionally damaged heroines • lush atmospheric horror romance
This one is haunting, intimate, terrifying, and weirdly tender in the most addictive way 🖤🔥
This book really was everything I wanted from a monster romance, and then some.
It immediately hooked me. A long forgotten, forbidden god, a desperate heroine betrayed by family and faith, and a deep warmth that kept me turning pages. The relationship alone between the two of them is what absolutely sold me.
Erevose strikes a PERFECT balance between terrifying and absolutely adorable. He's possessive, protective, an actual monster, and so thoroughly devoted that I can't decide if it's unsettling or romantic (which let's be fair, is exactly how we like it.) Every single interation between him and Lyssena carried an emotional weight, and we got to watch her slowly heal and discover her own worth after a lifetime of being controlled and diminished. It was incredibly satisfying to go on the journey to happiness with her.
One of the best aspects of this novel was actually its exploration of faith, power, and freedom. It didn't just use its dark fantasy setting as decoration, the setting acctively shaped the characters, their choices, and even the obstacles that they faced. Everything was rich with history and mythology, and I wanted to dive so deeply into the world itself that I would never come out.
The book held very dark themes, and yet it balanced those themes with vibrant, bright warmth and tenderness. Beneath the shadows there was forbidden devotion, and the romance itself is a story about being chosen, cherished, and then finally finding a place where you are valued for who you are. And it wasn't justo n the FL's side either, which was absolutely my favorite bit.
If you enjoy obsessive monsters, dark fantasy worlds, protective demons, emotional healing, and romance that balances danger and devotion, this book is ABSOLUTELY worth reading. And, if you, like me, have a thing for Venom, it needs to be the next thing you read. Stat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Not me seeing if I have a fifth candle to light 👀 Y’all if a demon made of shadows came to my rescue, I’d be kneeling in thanks, too…okay?!
🖤Dark & Fluffy Monster Romance 🖤Demon x Human 🖤Touch Her & ☠️ 🖤He’s Patient With Her 🖤His “Little Songbird” 🖤Obsessive, Possessive Love 🖤Touch-Starved MMCs & First Times
Lyssena has always obeyed the rules of her village, governed by rituals and gods who never answered. She was prepared for an arranged marriage, until the man she was promised to revealed his cruel nature. In the face of her family’s betrayal, Lyssena lights the fifth flame – the candle that she was always told never to burn, the one for the god with no name…and something answered.
Erevos.
Erevos is not a merciful god, but rather the darkness beneath the altar, the silent shadow, and the monstrous the humans refused to worship. He heard her scream, her devout cry, and now she belongs to him…
Talk about the coziest and sweetest dark monster romance! A demon who wants his human to choose him and is prepared to do everything to keep her?! I mean, learning what humans need to survive and creating all of that in his realm, removing threats to his human from existence, and giving her the space to heal from her trauma? I. Am. Done. For. And. Need. My. Own. Erevos. ASAP. Not to mention that Erevos’ form undergoes changes in response to Lyssena to be everything she needs AND is a quick learner 👀 Cut. The. Show. And his only “friend” in the realm, Rolam? Talk about a demon who deserves his second chance at happiness and I volunteer as tribute. Cannot wait for the next story!
A literal shadow daddy demon that resembles Venom? A one-way ticket to The Void, please!
I wasn't expecting such a cute and cozy romance, even if the title clearly said “fluffy monster romance.” In my mind, Nicole was just exaggerating, but I’m so glad I was surprised.
The plot of the book is really straightforward, which leaves your attention free to focus on the MCs, and this is where Nicole A. Sterling truly shines. The contrast between Lysenna, the FMC, and Erevos, the MMC, couldn’t be bigger since she’s human and he’s a demon, but they are perfect for each other. I loved how the author wrote the characters in a way that allows both of them to grow so much in the presence of the other.
Lysenna blooms from being a repressed young woman, bound by misogynistic laws and strict religious obedience, into a woman who learns to speak her mind, develops the critical thinking needed to question the choices she makes, and learns how to live without the constant fear of punishment.
Meanwhile, Erevos expands his knowledge and skills (which are very impressive, by the way), fueled by his endless curiosity and love of learning. He uses them to provide Lysenna with the life she deserved all along and hopes she’ll choose in the end, while also accepting the changes, both exterior and interior, that come from being close to her. Oh, and did I mention how hilarious he is? Especially when the topic of teeth comes up.
Overall, witnessing their relationship grow and his devotion to her multiply was just as satisfying and adorable as watching Joey Tribbiani interact with his plush penguin, Hugsy.
I received an ARC of this book and I'm giving my opinion freely.
This is the sweetest, coziest piece of dark monster smut I've ever read! Yes, I know some of those words feel out of place in that sentence, but trust me - they're all true. Nicole A. Sterling is a fairly new author, but you'd never guess that from the quality of writing, world building, and character development seen in Book 1 of her new series.
She sets the stage by giving you insight into the FMC's childhood. Everything seems light, bucolic, and serene - which of course is a set up. Turns out that our lucky lady has been sold to a villainous knight in an act of betrayal by her family. In an fit of despair, she calls upon the one god she's not supposed to - the god with no name. He (who is actually a demon that resembles Venom) shows up immediately to save the day via gruesomely murdering the FMC's husband-to-be and dragging her off into The Void.
It is in The Void where our lovebirds start to build their relationship. All he wants to do is care for and protect her, his little songbird - and she's pretty much just thankful she gets some autonomy instead of being sold to the highest bidder. So many moments are sweet, tender, and innocent - as they learn how to be with each other in the home they are creating together (literally creating, as they can form shadows into material things).
I adore this book and can't wait to read the next one!
Tropes
Demon x Human Cozy Inhospitable world Virgins x2 Power imbalance Obsessive MMC
"You think a cage is not a cage because the bars were kissed before they closed?"
When she woke, he had not wanted her to be lost. Her world had betrayed her; he would not.
He had existed through centuries. He had endured the slow erosion of time that claimed even demons less careful than himself. He had never feared.
- Erevos was not a god of mercy. He was the dark beneath the altar, the shadow in the silence, the monstrous thing the other humans refused to worship. He heard her scream, and now she belonged to him. But claiming her was not so simple. Because Lyssena was a songbird who learned long ago how to sing behind bars. - I was thoroughly warned that this monster demon romance would contain fluff, yet I didn't expect FLUFF. Ohmygod Erevos is the king of cuteness aggression overload. I don't think I have a more favorite trope than the monsters, human or not, are soft and vulnerable with one person - their chosen one. Give me all the yearning and lingering looks please. A Prayer To No God is a fast paced romance with Venom-like monsters made of shadows, and a fmc on a journey to find herself, and to take up space.
Perseverance, strength, love, and acceptance. I adored this story, and can't wait to get my grabby little hands on the sequel!
Prefacing this by stating I was blessed with an Advance Reader Copy of APtNG. Thank you, Nicole!!
This book was a thrilling way to show what happens if you scream into the void in times of duress, and that void then answers with fierce reverence and loving obsession.
Lyssena & Erevos' tale bridges the gap of finding oneself after years of religious trauma (known or not), and that finding of yourself coming from a place of adoration from beyond, and learning ones worth when you never knew it was there. I loved how we, as readers, were able to witness Lyssena's process of understanding her place in life in the human realm, and then seeing her compare that to the place she held in Erevos' life.
"Devotion was a strong theme, and rightfully so... Don't we all want a bit of monstrous love like this: A fierce guardian who would go beyond the realm of what we believe is possible, just for our happiness? I feel that the theme definitely went both ways (though Lyssena herself takes awhile to realize her own worth amidst this.) Erevos, as a character, was wonderful to watch develop further as he comes into the awareness of his own growing feelings as well.
This was an absoloutely decadent treat to read, and I can't wait for the next book! What a surprise at the end; it's rare to see a good monster-lover fiction take the beautiful twists and turns that this book did. <3
Such a fantastic start to a new monstrous duology!
I absolutely loved the lore behind no one praying to the fifth god to the point of the fifth god not even having a name! From the beginning this made me a fan of the “fifth god” because there was mystery around him but also because he is the underdog god, and I am a sucker for a good underdog 😉
I loved that she was rebellious at two different points in her life by praying to the fifth god, and in doing so, gained Erevos’ interest and then protection. The backstory of how he came to know of her and how this lead to a bit of a stalker-type situation was the right amount of surprise and aww. He definitely fell first for his little songbird and I loved that.
I also really loved the lore behind the demons, namely that they bartered in emotions and didn’t feel any of their own. I further loved that the two demons who we got to know DID feel things for human women; hence this duology 😊
I was right there with Lyssena as she learned how religiously restrained her community, and thus she, was. While I was sad she went through everything she did in the name of “religion” and “faith”, I did enjoy her coming into her own and realizing how women were the ones often harmed, bartered, and controlled within their society. I further loved that the longer she was away from her brainwashing society, she began to feel special and different and saw it not as a detriment, but a good thing! Having been raised to be pliant and quiet, I loved watching her value what made her unique in The Void.
Of course, she was definitely made to feel special and valued for her uniqueness in part by how Erevos treated her. I loved how sweet he was for her, but how monstrous he could become to protect her. He made her a mask so she could breathe in The Void, he gave her a pet shadow so she could craft stuff on her own, and it was important to him that she had freedom of choice in every aspect, especially given how she had no freedom in her home realm. He was the fluffiest, darkest demon monster and I ate every bit of him up!
Lastly, I’m going to need Rolam’s story STAT! Scarred physically and emotionally? I’m calling dibs. He’s mine.
Thank you to Nicole A. Sterling for the eARC! The opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
Iconoclastic. That's the best word I can use to describe everything about this book - from the romance, the characterization of the hero and heroine, and its anti-patriarchal, anti-traditionalist stance. I loved it.
This is the third consecutive monster book I've read this month where the monster - a demon - is totally opposite of what we expect him to be. In fact, he is more god-like in his compassion, gentleness, and respectfulness than the gods the humans in this book were fervently praying to. Oh, the way he treated the FMC like a cherished, revered queen...his appearance truly seemed irrelevant. It was more than made up for by his exceptional powers which he used to fashion a world for the FMC where she could be everything she could not be in the human realm - valued, respected, and free.
Lastly, the world-building in this story was truly exceptional. It's a fantastical world I've never before encountered, and I had a great time visualizing every detail described about The Void. Knowing that this book is only the first in a series, I look forward to coming back and learning more about this shadowy world and its inhabitants.
I was granted a free review copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A Prayer to No God by Nicole A. Sterling is a masterclass in atmospheric, high-stakes dark romance that completely consumed my attention from the very first page. Sterling crafts a bleak yet beautifully vivid world where the gods are silent, leaving Lyssena trapped in a horrific arranged marriage. When she takes the ultimate gamble and lights the forbidden fifth flame, the introduction of Erevos—the nameless, monstrous deity who answers her call—shifts the story into a gripping psychological dance. I was instantly captivated by the contrast between Lyssena’s quiet resilience and Erevos’s terrifying, possessive nature.
What makes this book truly stand out is the exquisite balance between dread and profound devotion. Rather than a standard damsel-in-distress trope, Lyssena is a resilient heroine who knows how to survive, making her dynamic with the shadow-dwelling Erevos feel intensely earned and complex. Sterling’s writing is lush and dripping with gothic tension, weaving a romance that feels both deeply unsettling and fiercely romantic. If you are a reader who craves stories sealed in blood, shrouded in shadows, and anchored by unforgettable characters, this dark monster romance is an absolute must-read.
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ & 1.5🌶️. Oh monster oh monster, how I have missed you. And this was a shadow daddy matter bending god to boot.
Does he loosely remind me of venom? Yes. But the character of our MMC Erevos is so much more and becomes an absolutely curious sweetheart. The similarities end with those teeth and eyes.
I will admit there was a few themes I found a little less savoury in the way he knew her from a child. But I guess because he’s an ageless god type creature it’s not weird for him? But that’s the main issue I had and why it’s not a 5 star read for me personally.
I did enjoy the storyline and the world building was interesting. I want to find out so much more in this world. A monster whose body is shaped by the emotion he feeds on you say? Lust = aubergine?!?! YES!
More lust sprouting peen please.
I cant wait for Rolams happy ending in ‘A Sin To A Demon’ and he can also collect pearls for me anytime he likes. I would happily chat interior design at those tea parties too…
This book was kindly sent to me by the author for an opportunity to read in advance and review. This review has been left honestly and voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Wow, I can not say enough about how delightfully surprised I was to find this newer author! I will definitely be checking out everything she puts out - this was THAT good!
“For those with a crush on Venom. I, too, wanted to get railed by him. This is for you.” - I mean comeeee onnnn with an introduction like that you know it’s going to be a good time.
I can’t be the only one who loves a soft sheltered FMC learning how screwed up the world is, no clue what that tropes called but holy character development this one was ✨flawless✨ I loved reading Lyssena grown and learn!
And do not get me started on Erevos, he is the perfect MMC, terrifying yet an absolute marshmallow for the FMC. *chefs kiss* melted my heart CONSTANTLY - has me over here sobbing at my husband to offer me honey 🍯🙃😂
“You taught me that fear can be faced. That darkness is not always cruelty. That power does not have to mean harm.”
M/F Can be read as a standalone Storyline based with smut sprinkled in for a fun level of spicy without sacrificing anything. 🌶️🌶️ World building was next level! Character development was soooo satisfying That tongue though 👅😏🥵 He literally grows a whole.. just for her 👀
This is for all the girls who have a crush on Venom and want to teach him all the joys of life and spice! Lyssena is an oppressed girl in a village where women are viewed as less than to everyone. She keeps her eyes down, her voice low and even and prays as hard as she can to the gods in hopes they answer. Her family seems to love her until they sell her off to the highest bidder; an evil, violent knight who can’t wait to break her. That’s when Everos comes to save her. He’s a giant beast made of shadow, ready to take her away and treasure her as he’s been waiting to.
I enjoyed how straight forward Everos was. He was a little clueless about things but happy to learn and provide. He really helps Lyssena come out of her shell and gain her confidence. I liked how they were both inexperienced in the ways of romance, with shy Lyssena having to guide them a bit. I loved how Everos would try and anticipate what she needed and provide it for her. They were very cute together. I think the story was just meant to be centered around them, once he saves her there isn’t much going on other than home making and discovery. Which is fine if you’re looking for a sweet, calm demon read!
4.5 stars from me! Thank you, Nicole, for letting me read your book :)
This was totally not what I was expecting. I anticipated mostly spice and while there was spice, there was far more fluff and it was a sweet little novel. My only problem is that there’s not ENOUGH of the novel!! It’s 270ish pages and I absolutely flew through it.
Lysenna is the only daughter and is eagerly awaiting her wedding. She’s set to marry Kaan, and her only wish is that he is kind. On her wedding night, she comes to realize that things are really, really wrong. She prays to the god with no name and what happens next? You’ll have to read itttt ;)
Erevos is based off of Venom, a marvel villain. This is a great little read if you’re at all into getting with the villain. It’s just so fluffy, dude. I love himmmmmm.
One of the only downfalls, is that I could read about these two forever. Lysenna and her healing journey, and Erevos and his learning how to feel.
I want more, and I want more now, but I also want Nicole to pat herself on the back for this one. Kudos!!
ARC Review Swoon worthy! We have Lyssena who is a sweet and obedient daughter however on the day it's supposed to be her engagement everything she knows about her life turns out to be a lie. Out of sheer desperation,she prays to a god that has no name, a god that one isn't supposed to pray to.
"Erevos was a demon born of shadow. He fed on devotion and the fractured souls of those who had been left behind." Thus this story embarks on Lyssena who questions her life and purpose as well as Erevos who learns desire.
This story is dark , beautiful and somehow sweet. The writing is lush and atmospheric and the lore of this world is super interesting.
I had a superb time reading this. This book completely drew me in and there were plenty of moments where I swooned, squealed and giggled. The spice scene was 🤭🤌. If you love monster romance, atmospheric writing and looking for a fun time , I highly recommend this !
Many thanks to Nicole for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC. It was SUPERB!
*I received this ARC from the author, thank you Nicole!!*
Okay, okay. I know what you’re thinking. What’s wrong with you Jenna? Let me tell you, SO. MUCH. But this is not one of those things lol.
This book was inspired by Venom 😌 (If he’s not your hear me out, why are you here?) and our main character embodies him perfectly. I love a good monster romance.. yes exactly for that reason. Again, why else are you here? 😭 BUT! I will say, this book is not pure smut. There’s real plot and actual romance. Yes, I’m serious. ACTUAL romance. If you’re looking for all the spice, it’s not here. I think it’s worth it though. I highly enjoyed reading about this large demon god who has never had a single feeling in the centuries he’s been alive, fall for a human girl and learn about humanisms and what humans need to survive. And just, the way he cares for her. Plus the devotion??! Come 👏🏻 On 👏🏻 It’s otherworldly. Men could only dream of being so perfect. (They’ll never succeed)
I don’t know, but I think I need my own Erevos now 🙂↕️👀🖤 Definitely give this a read.
First of all, this was my first monster romance, so I went into this completely blind… and now I fully get the hype. Consider me converted.
I always knew I had a thing for Venom, but this book unlocked something in me because Erevos? Absolutely feral. That man/demon was HOT!
But besides the obsession with Erevos, the storytelling itself was incredible. The writing felt immersive and calming at the same time, like I could completely disappear into the world. The imagery was beautiful, the pacing was perfect, and the dual POV worked so well.
What I especially loved was how the FMC’s situation felt. A woman trapped in a life that was slowly destroying her, clinging to beliefs and expectations that never truly served her… and then comes this terrifying, obsessed demon who sees her completely. I ate that up.
The obsession, the tension, the emotional moments, the atmosphere… everything just worked for me. I genuinely did not want this book to end, and I already need book two immediately.
I have been clawing at my cage for this book before I even officially got it. I am so thankful to have arc read it. This book has had me hooked since the very first page.
Lyssena thinks her life is perfect and filled with love by her family, but that was just some of the bars to her carefully crafted cell. She truly is the perfect girl, telling no lie and praying to all four gods like she’s been told to. When her life suddenly takes a twist, she sees all the lies she has been fed. With a last effort for survival, she prays to the one god she’s never even heard of, let alone knew the name to. To her surprise, the darkness hears and comes to her rescue. Erevos has never tasted devotion before like she has to offer, and he doesn’t plan to let his little songbird to feel such pains ever again.
I was feening for this book and definitely need more. I think this book has the most highlights from me that I have ever done. I got it in ebook form, and a physical copy is not a need, but a must!
I was so pumped to read this, who doesn’t have a little monster crush on Venom! 🤭 A Prayer to No God was so cute and fluffy while also holding space for the dark and dangerous!
We start out in a small, super religious village when we meet Lyssena. she follows the rules, does as she’s told and never questions or lies. So when she’s betrayed by the few people she thought would protect her, she does the only thing she can think of and prays to the fifth God whom no one knows his name! Cue Erevos. Our monstrous shadow daddy with sharp teeth and a long tongue. He rescues her and sets out to provide for her everything she could ever want while doing anything necessary to keep her as his. He is so cute and slightly clueless and watching them fumble and figure their relationship out was precious. I should mention, he is also a VERY quick learner. 😉
So if you’re looking for a monster romance that’s more light than dark, a mmc who’s willing to do whatever it takes and a beautifully described world, this is your book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!! The moment I got the ARC for this book, I sat down and read it in one sitting. WHAT A BOOK! Lyssena is a sweet girl, bound by rules and very religious. The whole village there gave cult vibes, and I was curious to see what life would look like for her. She looks innocent and kind, but oh my, when she meets Erevos MY GIRL WAS NO INNOCENT MAIDEN! The book has these dark vibes and settings, but it was so funny, I laughed out loud so many times. The relationship between the MCs was so sweet and beautiful. I love how they learned one another, and tried to understand. I did hope for this book to be longer tbh, and also ROLAM!!! I need his book right now. Erevos was that hot shadow daddy, that was sinfully charming. The way he adjusted AIR for her to breathe, omg. I want to join their cult pls and thanks A true 5 star read, and I hope to get more of the void in the next book
This was a totally gripping read and a fab gothic romance. Filled with all things rituals, forgotten gods and shadows beneath the altar, I was hooked. Ok, I was hooked on the idea of 'Venom' being the monster in this one and I was definitely there for the reading ride ;P Lyssena has such a traumatic and suppressed life that you can't help but root for her to get some help from her daily prayers. Monster Everos was her surprising answer and, while he was possessive, he was definitely devoted to her, tenderly obsessive and a fierce guardian. Their journey actually started off rather sweet as they got to know each other and explore the differences in their worlds. There is some spice in here but it really isn't about that (which I still would have been on board for ;P). This is more of a plot driven read. I really enjoyed it and cannot wait for the next book to come out. Good fun!
I started this book not really knowing what to expect and found it to be one of the sweetest, most amazing books I’ve read in a long time! The world and its characters were written so well and the interactions between the two main characters was *chefs kiss*. This is one that will stick with me and I am already dying for the next book (a following of a side character I believe). 100% recommend, even if you have not yet dipped your toes into monster romance like me.
I did want to mention that the content warning at the beginning had me a little worried, but found that the story in itself was beautiful and not at all triggering for me. While I can agree it’s better safe than sorry to list possible warnings for readers (good job on that Nicole), I didn’t find any of them to be as intense as I was expecting, so don’t let them deter you from enjoying this world!
The way Ervos was so soft and gentle with her, and just wanted to protect the sweet girl! 🥹 I was obsessed from the moment he stormed into her house and offered her a choice, something she had never been given.
“She must feel welcomed. No, not welcomed. Chosen” 😭 excuse me while i sob.
The FMC wasn’t a complete pushover - She was strong and had a personality while she was discovering how her upbringing a lie and actually not good. AND SHE WASNT SKINNY!!
“She was a splash of colour, a living contrast in a place carved entirely some shadow, and somehow that made her feel more seen, more alive”
I will never not love an FMC that will crawl for his girl 🥹✨ Especially one who’s big and a demon like Ervos.
✨ 4.5 stars out of 5. ✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3.75 stars. ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. I came for VENOM (bc who wouldn't) and stayed for the beautifully written wholesome story. This was so sweet and fluffy, the cover was lowkey misleading.
It's not dark or toxic at all, and other than the hero being a shadow demon, it's all very domestic and cute. No third act break up or huge stakes or drama, just two souls saving each other. Some parts are kinda emotional too!the hero is so obsessed with the heroine, it's so refreshing! They are both virgins lol.
Though beware, the smut is limited compared to other monster romances, so don't read it for that. Read it for the most well written and lyrical prose I've ever read in monster romance, for the witty humor and articulate crafted dialogue. And for the "you came." & "you called" trope.