What do you think?
Rate this book
A Prayer to No God: A Dark and Fluffy Monster Romance Novel
“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.
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.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
May 26, 2026
I'm really struggling to rate this.
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.
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.
June 2, 2026
Loved the concept but it did fall flat for me.
May 23, 2026
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
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
June 5, 2026
When you want filthy Venom but get a virgin human male. 💔
May 4, 2026
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).
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).
May 24, 2026
✨BOOK REVIEW✨
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.
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.
June 16, 2026
I have been so looking forward to this and I was absolutely NOT disappointed. Nicole does an amazing job of pulling you into Erevos’s world.
I loved their relationships progression. Erevos REALLY tries to make her happy. He has limited human interactions so he doesn’t always hit the mark. But he tries.
They are both inexperienced and Lysenna teaches him to kiss. They learn together and it’s hot but also kinda cute.
Erevos, a shadow demon that has been attached to Lyssena since she was a child. He is protective of her, yet he kept his distance until she called for him in her darkest moment. He came to her and brought her home, finally.
Lysenna, is so sweet and kind. She just wants to be married to a good man like her father, and have the love her patents have. She ends up married, but not to the Knight she was dreaming about. She married herself to the dark god instead of the terrible man she was sold to.
My heart broke for her when she realized how deeply her family betrayed her.
Rolam, I NEED his story. He has such a heartbroken feel to him. I loved how he was able to help Lyssena and Erevos. Rolam has more experience with humans so he was able to be a friend to Lysseana and help her understand Erevos and his ways.
I loved their relationships progression. Erevos REALLY tries to make her happy. He has limited human interactions so he doesn’t always hit the mark. But he tries.
They are both inexperienced and Lysenna teaches him to kiss. They learn together and it’s hot but also kinda cute.
Erevos, a shadow demon that has been attached to Lyssena since she was a child. He is protective of her, yet he kept his distance until she called for him in her darkest moment. He came to her and brought her home, finally.
Lysenna, is so sweet and kind. She just wants to be married to a good man like her father, and have the love her patents have. She ends up married, but not to the Knight she was dreaming about. She married herself to the dark god instead of the terrible man she was sold to.
My heart broke for her when she realized how deeply her family betrayed her.
Rolam, I NEED his story. He has such a heartbroken feel to him. I loved how he was able to help Lyssena and Erevos. Rolam has more experience with humans so he was able to be a friend to Lysseana and help her understand Erevos and his ways.
May 26, 2026
Very Fluffy and Happy Feely
🌶 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.
🌶 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.
June 3, 2026
It was definitely fluffy but felt like it wasn’t spicy enough for my monster romance moods. Didn’t scratch the venom itch sadly 1.5🌶️
May 27, 2026
2.5 ⭐️ The plot was tenuous at best. I didn’t feel anything between the characters so their romance felt bland. I did like the premise for the novel but it fell flat. I didn’t start to like it until the last 15% or so. Everything just felt very 2D and listless. Even the spicy scenes didn’t hit.
I feel like with more work this writer will produce some excellent work though.
I feel like with more work this writer will produce some excellent work though.
June 10, 2026
A venom inspired Hades and Persephone. Yes please! I was ready to be devoured by this book and I was. The tension between the two main characters will have you kicking your feet and squealing. The way he helped her heal and the way she helped him explore the pleasure of flesh and emotions was exquisite.
Lyssena calls to Erevos (the forgotten god) to help once her family has sold her to a horrible knight. Erevos worships Lyssena as a god herself and does whatever he can to get her to stay. His growing love for her was a beautiful thing to watch and Lyssena’s growing confidence and exploration with Erevos was wonderfully done.
A fantastic read.
Lyssena calls to Erevos (the forgotten god) to help once her family has sold her to a horrible knight. Erevos worships Lyssena as a god herself and does whatever he can to get her to stay. His growing love for her was a beautiful thing to watch and Lyssena’s growing confidence and exploration with Erevos was wonderfully done.
A fantastic read.
June 5, 2026
Not sure what I actually read at the end 🤣🤣 but was a nice quick read and a palate cleanser for me.
May 24, 2026
Shadows. Devotion. Deliverance.
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.
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.
May 23, 2026
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 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.
May 23, 2026
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!
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!
May 24, 2026
This was so good. I would say this is a slow burn but with care. It’s a beautiful story. This is more of a romance than a dark romance. Which I loved. The relationship between the two is grown. The writing is not childish (ty for this). The author is not shy about showing true emotion that is realistic for the age of the FMC. She is 23 and speaks as if she is 23. Why do I admire this so much? Because it is realistic. She is curious and even though she is shy she does still ask her questions to learn. He is also curious about her and does the same.
I truly loved how he was so kind and wonderful. The way he treated her with respect and love was so beautiful to read.
You will read about two different beings that were taught what to expect/how to live, to learn how to live freely with one another.
I truly loved how he was so kind and wonderful. The way he treated her with respect and love was so beautiful to read.
You will read about two different beings that were taught what to expect/how to live, to learn how to live freely with one another.
May 25, 2026
Exciting start to a new series
Been on the countdown for this book for months! And it doesnt disappoint.
Interesting mix of Venom, religion and dimensions. Get to meet another demon who will get his own book 🤞
Great story, just the right length in pages and spice mixed in.
He has watched her and comes when she calls for help, he is the only one who answers. She is now in the void, wrestling with idea of gods, attraction and who she is.
Couldn't recommend more!
Book quote:
“I will always take care of you. I will always choose you, and my greatest desire is for you to choose me in return"
Been on the countdown for this book for months! And it doesnt disappoint.
Interesting mix of Venom, religion and dimensions. Get to meet another demon who will get his own book 🤞
Great story, just the right length in pages and spice mixed in.
He has watched her and comes when she calls for help, he is the only one who answers. She is now in the void, wrestling with idea of gods, attraction and who she is.
Couldn't recommend more!
Book quote:
“I will always take care of you. I will always choose you, and my greatest desire is for you to choose me in return"
May 9, 2026
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 👀
“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 👀
May 6, 2026
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.
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.
May 11, 2026
A Prayer to No God was the cutest read I’ve read in 2026!
The love between Lyssena and Erevos were so adorable. I definitely loved the build-up between the two. Also, Erevos’s love for Lyssena!? You should definitely read if you like obsessive monsters. 😉
Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was not confused while reading, the book was adorable and well-written. It wasn’t bland or made me feel like I was pulling through lazily.
Love-Dynamic: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lyssena and Erevos are so cute together. The way Erevos acted while saving Lysenna (read for context), was so sweet and you could tell Erevos was already dedicated to him.
Overall, this is a highly recommended monster romance! 💝
The love between Lyssena and Erevos were so adorable. I definitely loved the build-up between the two. Also, Erevos’s love for Lyssena!? You should definitely read if you like obsessive monsters. 😉
Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was not confused while reading, the book was adorable and well-written. It wasn’t bland or made me feel like I was pulling through lazily.
Love-Dynamic: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lyssena and Erevos are so cute together. The way Erevos acted while saving Lysenna (read for context), was so sweet and you could tell Erevos was already dedicated to him.
Overall, this is a highly recommended monster romance! 💝
May 7, 2026
This is for those who truly enjoyed Venom and even fantasized about him🖤 this fluffy monster romance was my first to have fluffy in it. Erevos is by definition a sweetheart. Going out of his way to adjust his life to learn things for his human. Learning with each other, discovering things about each other and growing as one. Lyssena has learned the hard way of being groomed by her parents and discovered herself along the way. Guiding her through this was her newly found love, her God—Erevos. I highly recommend reading this book and giving it a chance. It will make you laugh and your heart turn into a puddle.
June 9, 2026
🙏 👥🕯👅😈
📚: A Prayer To No God
「✍️」 Nicole A. Sterling
🔌: @nicoleasterling
📄№: 283 ᵖᵃᵍᵉˢ
ᖇEᐯIEᗯ:
18% into the book and in love with Erevos. Lyssena's devotion is admirable, even if the other gods didn’t listen.
This doesn't feel like your average monster romance. It was more fluffy and focused on the characters learning about each other, which I enjoyed. Both characters are virgins, and while there is spice, there isn't a whole lot, but what is there is very nice! (Understandably so, as mentioned, virgins.) That deer has seen some things! (IYKYK)
This book is like if Venom was sweetheart cinnamon roll, and wanted to create a world where you belong with him so he can learn more about you. When the monster isn't really a monster, and will literally do anything you ask. The story had heartbreak in the form of misplaced devotion and disappointing family dynamics. The emotions portrayed landed, had good world-building, and who wouldn't want a god or demon to answer your pleas/prayers? I wish it had delved deeper into why he was so fascinated by her. I loved how safe she felt, and how that opened her up. The Void seems so interesting, loved everyone we met there. The shadow bending was a definite favorite. I want that in real life!
ＭＹ ＦＡＶＯＲＩＴＥ ＱＵＯＴＥＳ：
"🄻🄾🅅🄴 🅃🄷🄰🅃 🅃🄴🄰🄲🄷🄴🅂 🅈🄾🅄 🄷🄾🅆 🅃🄾 🄱🄴 🄰🄻🄾🄽🄴 🄸🅂 🄽🄾🅃 🅃🄷🄴 🄺🄸🄽🄳 🅃🄷🄰🅃 🅃🄴🄰🄲🄷🄴🅂 🅈🄾🅄 🄷🄾🅆 🅃🄾 🄱🄴 🅂🄰🄵🄴."
"ɴᴏ ᴏɴᴇ ᴘʀᴀʏᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜɪꜱ ɢᴏᴅ. ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ ᴡᴀꜱ ɴᴏ ɴᴀᴍᴇ ꜰᴏʀ ɪᴛ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ʙᴏᴏᴋꜱ. ɴᴏ ꜱᴛᴀᴛᴜᴇ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛᴇᴍᴘʟᴇ. ᴏɴʟʏ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰɪꜰᴛʜ ꜰʟᴀᴍᴇ, ᴋᴇᴘᴛ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴏꜰ ʜᴀʙɪᴛ— ᴏʀ ᴘᴇʀʜᴀᴘꜱ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴏꜰ ꜰᴇᴀʀ— ꜰᴏʀ ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇʏ ʜᴀᴅ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴅᴀʀᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ɴᴀᴍᴇ."
"𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘥, 𝘴𝘰 𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦. 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬, 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘥𝘨𝘦𝘴, 𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴, 𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘥."
"𝚂𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚋𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚎𝚏 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗𝚢, 𝚘𝚏 𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚔 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚢."
“𝕴 𝖆𝖒 𝖓𝖔𝖙 𝖒𝖆𝖉𝖊 𝖔𝖋 𝖍𝖆𝖗𝖛𝖊𝖘𝖙𝖘 𝖔𝖗 𝖑𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙, 𝖓𝖔𝖗 𝖔𝖋 𝖈𝖔𝖎𝖓 𝖔𝖗 𝖕𝖗𝖆𝖞𝖊𝖗. 𝕴 𝖆𝖒 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖉𝖆𝖗𝖐 𝖇𝖊𝖓𝖊𝖆𝖙𝖍 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖆𝖑𝖙𝖆𝖗. 𝕴 𝖆𝖒 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖊𝖈𝖍𝖔 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖓𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖗 𝖋𝖆𝖉𝖊𝖘.”
“𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚜𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞, 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚊,” 𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚊𝚒𝚍. “𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚜𝚎𝚝 𝚊 𝚙𝚛𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚘𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚋𝚕𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚕𝚊𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚜𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚜 𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚕𝚒𝚙𝚜. 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚌𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚍 𝚒𝚝 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚜𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚔𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚕 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚕𝚢.”
“🅈🄾🅄 🅃🄷🄸🄽🄺 🄰 🄲🄰🄶🄴 🄸🅂 🄽🄾🅃 🄰 🄲🄰🄶🄴 🄱🄴🄲🄰🅄🅂🄴 🅃🄷🄴 🄱🄰🅁🅂 🅆🄴🅁🄴 🄺🄸🅂🅂🄴🄳 🄱🄴🄵🄾🅁🄴 🅃🄷🄴🅈 🄲🄻🄾🅂🄴🄳?”
ꜰʀᴏᴍ ʜɪꜱ ᴘᴀʟᴍ, ʜᴇ ᴅʀᴇᴡ ꜰᴏʀᴛʜ ᴀ ᴘɪᴇᴄᴇ ᴏꜰ ꜱʜᴀᴅᴏᴡ, ᴘʟɪᴀʙʟᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴍᴏᴏᴛʜ, ᴅᴀʀᴋ ᴀꜱ ɪɴᴋ ʙᴇꜰᴏʀᴇ ɪᴛ ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜᴇꜱ ᴘᴀʀᴄʜᴍᴇɴᴛ. ʜᴇ ʜᴇʟᴅ ɪᴛ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴛᴏ ʜᴇʀ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱʜᴀᴘᴇ ʜᴏᴠᴇʀᴇᴅ ᴀʙᴏᴠᴇ ʜɪꜱ ʜᴀɴᴅ, ɴᴏᴛ Qᴜɪᴛᴇ ᴀʟɪᴠᴇ, ʙᴜᴛ ɴᴏᴛ ɪɴᴇʀᴛ ᴇɪᴛʜᴇʀ. “ꜰᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ,” ʜᴇ ꜱᴀɪᴅ. “ɪᴛ ᴡɪʟʟ ʙᴇɴᴅ ᴛᴏ ʏᴏᴜʀ ꜰɪɴɢᴇʀꜱ. ᴛᴡɪꜱᴛ ɪᴛ, ꜱʜᴀᴘᴇ ɪᴛ, ꜰᴏʟᴅ ɪᴛ ᴜɴᴛɪʟ ɪᴛ ʙᴇᴄᴏᴍᴇꜱ ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴍᴀᴛᴛᴇʀꜱ ᴛᴏ ʏᴏᴜ. ɪᴛ ᴡɪʟʟ ɴᴏᴛ ʙʀᴇᴀᴋ ᴜɴʟᴇꜱꜱ ʏᴏᴜ ᴀꜱᴋ ɪᴛ ᴛᴏ.” ꜱʜᴇ ʀᴇᴀᴄʜᴇᴅ ᴏᴜᴛ ʜᴇꜱɪᴛᴀɴᴛʟʏ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴀꜱ ʜᴇʀ ꜰɪɴɢᴇʀꜱ ᴄᴜʀʟᴇᴅ ᴀʀᴏᴜɴᴅ ɪᴛ, ᴛʜᴇ ꜱʜᴀᴅᴏᴡ ᴍᴏᴠᴇᴅ ɪɴ ᴀɴꜱᴡᴇʀ. ᴇʀᴇᴠᴏꜱ ɴᴇᴀʀʟʏ ɢʀᴏᴀɴᴇᴅ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʟᴇᴀꜱᴜʀᴇ ᴏꜰ ʜᴇʀ ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜɪɴɢ ʜɪᴍ, ʙᴜᴛ ʜᴇ ᴅɪᴅɴ’ᴛ. ʜᴇ ᴅɪᴅɴ’ᴛ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ꜰʀɪɢʜᴛᴇɴ ʜᴇʀ. “ᴀ ᴅɪꜱᴛʀᴀᴄᴛɪᴏɴ,” ʜᴇ ᴀᴅᴅᴇᴅ. “ʙᴇᴄᴀᴜꜱᴇ ꜱɪʟᴇɴᴄᴇ, ᴡʜᴇɴ ʟᴇꜰᴛ ᴀʟᴏɴᴇ, ʙᴇᴄᴏᴍᴇꜱ ᴛᴏᴏ ʟᴏᴜᴅ.”
"𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘴𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸."
📚: A Prayer To No God
「✍️」 Nicole A. Sterling
🔌: @nicoleasterling
📄№: 283 ᵖᵃᵍᵉˢ
ᖇEᐯIEᗯ:
18% into the book and in love with Erevos. Lyssena's devotion is admirable, even if the other gods didn’t listen.
This doesn't feel like your average monster romance. It was more fluffy and focused on the characters learning about each other, which I enjoyed. Both characters are virgins, and while there is spice, there isn't a whole lot, but what is there is very nice! (Understandably so, as mentioned, virgins.) That deer has seen some things! (IYKYK)
This book is like if Venom was sweetheart cinnamon roll, and wanted to create a world where you belong with him so he can learn more about you. When the monster isn't really a monster, and will literally do anything you ask. The story had heartbreak in the form of misplaced devotion and disappointing family dynamics. The emotions portrayed landed, had good world-building, and who wouldn't want a god or demon to answer your pleas/prayers? I wish it had delved deeper into why he was so fascinated by her. I loved how safe she felt, and how that opened her up. The Void seems so interesting, loved everyone we met there. The shadow bending was a definite favorite. I want that in real life!
ＭＹ ＦＡＶＯＲＩＴＥ ＱＵＯＴＥＳ：
"🄻🄾🅅🄴 🅃🄷🄰🅃 🅃🄴🄰🄲🄷🄴🅂 🅈🄾🅄 🄷🄾🅆 🅃🄾 🄱🄴 🄰🄻🄾🄽🄴 🄸🅂 🄽🄾🅃 🅃🄷🄴 🄺🄸🄽🄳 🅃🄷🄰🅃 🅃🄴🄰🄲🄷🄴🅂 🅈🄾🅄 🄷🄾🅆 🅃🄾 🄱🄴 🅂🄰🄵🄴."
"ɴᴏ ᴏɴᴇ ᴘʀᴀʏᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜɪꜱ ɢᴏᴅ. ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ ᴡᴀꜱ ɴᴏ ɴᴀᴍᴇ ꜰᴏʀ ɪᴛ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ʙᴏᴏᴋꜱ. ɴᴏ ꜱᴛᴀᴛᴜᴇ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛᴇᴍᴘʟᴇ. ᴏɴʟʏ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰɪꜰᴛʜ ꜰʟᴀᴍᴇ, ᴋᴇᴘᴛ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴏꜰ ʜᴀʙɪᴛ— ᴏʀ ᴘᴇʀʜᴀᴘꜱ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴏꜰ ꜰᴇᴀʀ— ꜰᴏʀ ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇʏ ʜᴀᴅ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴅᴀʀᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ɴᴀᴍᴇ."
"𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘥, 𝘴𝘰 𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦. 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬, 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘥𝘨𝘦𝘴, 𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴, 𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘥."
"𝚂𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚋𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚎𝚏 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚗𝚢, 𝚘𝚏 𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚔 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚢."
“𝕴 𝖆𝖒 𝖓𝖔𝖙 𝖒𝖆𝖉𝖊 𝖔𝖋 𝖍𝖆𝖗𝖛𝖊𝖘𝖙𝖘 𝖔𝖗 𝖑𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙, 𝖓𝖔𝖗 𝖔𝖋 𝖈𝖔𝖎𝖓 𝖔𝖗 𝖕𝖗𝖆𝖞𝖊𝖗. 𝕴 𝖆𝖒 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖉𝖆𝖗𝖐 𝖇𝖊𝖓𝖊𝖆𝖙𝖍 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖆𝖑𝖙𝖆𝖗. 𝕴 𝖆𝖒 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖊𝖈𝖍𝖔 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖓𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖗 𝖋𝖆𝖉𝖊𝖘.”
“𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚜𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞, 𝙻𝚢𝚜𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚊,” 𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚊𝚒𝚍. “𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚜𝚎𝚝 𝚊 𝚙𝚛𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚘𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚋𝚕𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚕𝚊𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚜𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚜 𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚕𝚒𝚙𝚜. 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚌𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚍 𝚒𝚝 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚜𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚔𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚕 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚕𝚢.”
“🅈🄾🅄 🅃🄷🄸🄽🄺 🄰 🄲🄰🄶🄴 🄸🅂 🄽🄾🅃 🄰 🄲🄰🄶🄴 🄱🄴🄲🄰🅄🅂🄴 🅃🄷🄴 🄱🄰🅁🅂 🅆🄴🅁🄴 🄺🄸🅂🅂🄴🄳 🄱🄴🄵🄾🅁🄴 🅃🄷🄴🅈 🄲🄻🄾🅂🄴🄳?”
ꜰʀᴏᴍ ʜɪꜱ ᴘᴀʟᴍ, ʜᴇ ᴅʀᴇᴡ ꜰᴏʀᴛʜ ᴀ ᴘɪᴇᴄᴇ ᴏꜰ ꜱʜᴀᴅᴏᴡ, ᴘʟɪᴀʙʟᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴍᴏᴏᴛʜ, ᴅᴀʀᴋ ᴀꜱ ɪɴᴋ ʙᴇꜰᴏʀᴇ ɪᴛ ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜᴇꜱ ᴘᴀʀᴄʜᴍᴇɴᴛ. ʜᴇ ʜᴇʟᴅ ɪᴛ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴛᴏ ʜᴇʀ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱʜᴀᴘᴇ ʜᴏᴠᴇʀᴇᴅ ᴀʙᴏᴠᴇ ʜɪꜱ ʜᴀɴᴅ, ɴᴏᴛ Qᴜɪᴛᴇ ᴀʟɪᴠᴇ, ʙᴜᴛ ɴᴏᴛ ɪɴᴇʀᴛ ᴇɪᴛʜᴇʀ. “ꜰᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ,” ʜᴇ ꜱᴀɪᴅ. “ɪᴛ ᴡɪʟʟ ʙᴇɴᴅ ᴛᴏ ʏᴏᴜʀ ꜰɪɴɢᴇʀꜱ. ᴛᴡɪꜱᴛ ɪᴛ, ꜱʜᴀᴘᴇ ɪᴛ, ꜰᴏʟᴅ ɪᴛ ᴜɴᴛɪʟ ɪᴛ ʙᴇᴄᴏᴍᴇꜱ ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴍᴀᴛᴛᴇʀꜱ ᴛᴏ ʏᴏᴜ. ɪᴛ ᴡɪʟʟ ɴᴏᴛ ʙʀᴇᴀᴋ ᴜɴʟᴇꜱꜱ ʏᴏᴜ ᴀꜱᴋ ɪᴛ ᴛᴏ.” ꜱʜᴇ ʀᴇᴀᴄʜᴇᴅ ᴏᴜᴛ ʜᴇꜱɪᴛᴀɴᴛʟʏ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴀꜱ ʜᴇʀ ꜰɪɴɢᴇʀꜱ ᴄᴜʀʟᴇᴅ ᴀʀᴏᴜɴᴅ ɪᴛ, ᴛʜᴇ ꜱʜᴀᴅᴏᴡ ᴍᴏᴠᴇᴅ ɪɴ ᴀɴꜱᴡᴇʀ. ᴇʀᴇᴠᴏꜱ ɴᴇᴀʀʟʏ ɢʀᴏᴀɴᴇᴅ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʟᴇᴀꜱᴜʀᴇ ᴏꜰ ʜᴇʀ ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜɪɴɢ ʜɪᴍ, ʙᴜᴛ ʜᴇ ᴅɪᴅɴ’ᴛ. ʜᴇ ᴅɪᴅɴ’ᴛ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ꜰʀɪɢʜᴛᴇɴ ʜᴇʀ. “ᴀ ᴅɪꜱᴛʀᴀᴄᴛɪᴏɴ,” ʜᴇ ᴀᴅᴅᴇᴅ. “ʙᴇᴄᴀᴜꜱᴇ ꜱɪʟᴇɴᴄᴇ, ᴡʜᴇɴ ʟᴇꜰᴛ ᴀʟᴏɴᴇ, ʙᴇᴄᴏᴍᴇꜱ ᴛᴏᴏ ʟᴏᴜᴅ.”
"𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘴𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸."
June 1, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️½
An ancient void demon spent years watching her, crossed dimensions to save her, consumed the prayers of an entire kingdom, bound her soul to his... and then casually informed her that he had a cock.
That pretty much sums up my experience with this book.
The premise is fantastic. A society worships several gods, except for one forbidden, nameless god whose name cannot even be spoken. Women are treated as second-class citizens, raised to obey, pray, and never question. As a child, the FMC prays to the forgotten god anyway, and years later, at her lowest moment, he answers.
The worldbuilding and mythology were easily the strongest parts of the story. The idea that prayers and devotion are feeding an ancient entity who is not a god at all, but a demon, was genuinely interesting. The reveal that there is no god answering these prayers, only a creature growing stronger from worship, felt imaginative and surprisingly unsettling.
Unfortunately, I found myself far more invested in the theology than the romance.
The idea of the MMC is fascinating, but not particularly developed. He spends much of the book silently watching the FMC, which fits his otherworldly nature, but I never felt like I truly knew him. For an immortal void demon who has been obsessed with her since childhood, I wanted more. More history. More motivation. More insight into what made her different from every other worshipper.
The romance itself felt undercooked. I understood why she found comfort with him. Her family betrayed her, her society failed her, and he was the one being who consistently chose her. But comfort is not the same thing as love. By the end, I still wasn't entirely convinced either character was in love. He was fascinated by her. She was safe with him. The emotional connection never fully developed beyond that.
As for the spice... monster romance readers may want to temper expectations. There is very little of it, and what is there felt surprisingly ordinary considering the setup. For a book marketed as monster romance, there wasn't much that actually felt monstrous.
In the end, this worked better for me as a dark fairy tale than a romance. The atmosphere, mythology, and central concept kept me turning pages, and I finished it in a single day. I just couldn't shake the feeling that there was a much bigger, deeper story hiding underneath the surface.
A very memorable premise. An enjoyable read. I only wish it had explored its own ideas a little further.
An ancient void demon spent years watching her, crossed dimensions to save her, consumed the prayers of an entire kingdom, bound her soul to his... and then casually informed her that he had a cock.
That pretty much sums up my experience with this book.
The premise is fantastic. A society worships several gods, except for one forbidden, nameless god whose name cannot even be spoken. Women are treated as second-class citizens, raised to obey, pray, and never question. As a child, the FMC prays to the forgotten god anyway, and years later, at her lowest moment, he answers.
The worldbuilding and mythology were easily the strongest parts of the story. The idea that prayers and devotion are feeding an ancient entity who is not a god at all, but a demon, was genuinely interesting. The reveal that there is no god answering these prayers, only a creature growing stronger from worship, felt imaginative and surprisingly unsettling.
Unfortunately, I found myself far more invested in the theology than the romance.
The idea of the MMC is fascinating, but not particularly developed. He spends much of the book silently watching the FMC, which fits his otherworldly nature, but I never felt like I truly knew him. For an immortal void demon who has been obsessed with her since childhood, I wanted more. More history. More motivation. More insight into what made her different from every other worshipper.
The romance itself felt undercooked. I understood why she found comfort with him. Her family betrayed her, her society failed her, and he was the one being who consistently chose her. But comfort is not the same thing as love. By the end, I still wasn't entirely convinced either character was in love. He was fascinated by her. She was safe with him. The emotional connection never fully developed beyond that.
As for the spice... monster romance readers may want to temper expectations. There is very little of it, and what is there felt surprisingly ordinary considering the setup. For a book marketed as monster romance, there wasn't much that actually felt monstrous.
In the end, this worked better for me as a dark fairy tale than a romance. The atmosphere, mythology, and central concept kept me turning pages, and I finished it in a single day. I just couldn't shake the feeling that there was a much bigger, deeper story hiding underneath the surface.
A very memorable premise. An enjoyable read. I only wish it had explored its own ideas a little further.
May 24, 2026
I don't like using the star rating, but ⭐⭐⭐½ (rounded up for goodreads)
Author Nicole A. Sterling provided e-ARC for honest review 🙏✨
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.
IG REVIEW POST
Author Nicole A. Sterling provided e-ARC for honest review 🙏✨
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.
IG REVIEW POST
May 23, 2026
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 🖤🔥
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 🖤🔥
May 23, 2026
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.
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.
May 31, 2026
This was such a fun, cute read! Overall it was such a cozy, fluffy story with some dark elements and a very descriptive world. I enjoyed the explanations of how Erevos created with shadows and how things worked in the void. It was vividly descriptive and easy to imagine. It was a quick read and didn't drag. I loved the lore that was introduced but most of this story is dedicated to the characters, both of which I loved! The growth of both of our MCs was the main focus in this story and it was magical.
Lyssena is a sheltered, quiet girl with no thought that things could be different. I absolutely loved watching her grow and learn, the slow way that she built her confidence and surprised herself was that things could be different. I absolutely loved watching her grow and learn, the slow way that she built her confidence was delightful. It was a slow progression and I felt like that was perfect for her character, especially after everything she had learned and been through. Erevos is our resident demon god who comes to Lyssena when she calls and whisks her away to a new world. He is the embodiment of overprotective, touch her and be eliminated from existence (very venom coded as well). But he is an absolute cinnamon roll for her and her alone, which is my absolute weakness in books. While she is learning from him he is learning just as much from her, and I loved seeing his POV as he transformed into something he never thought he could be. They are just wonderful and honestly so many swoon worthy quotes.
Ultimately there is no big complicated plot or saga, just a fun cozy romance between a demon and his songbird. It was entertaining and I absolutely enjoyed the fluff, there were some giggles and feet kicking from these two. I would love to hear more about their future, and that epilogue was adorable. I will be reading more from this author!
Lyssena is a sheltered, quiet girl with no thought that things could be different. I absolutely loved watching her grow and learn, the slow way that she built her confidence and surprised herself was that things could be different. I absolutely loved watching her grow and learn, the slow way that she built her confidence was delightful. It was a slow progression and I felt like that was perfect for her character, especially after everything she had learned and been through. Erevos is our resident demon god who comes to Lyssena when she calls and whisks her away to a new world. He is the embodiment of overprotective, touch her and be eliminated from existence (very venom coded as well). But he is an absolute cinnamon roll for her and her alone, which is my absolute weakness in books. While she is learning from him he is learning just as much from her, and I loved seeing his POV as he transformed into something he never thought he could be. They are just wonderful and honestly so many swoon worthy quotes.
Ultimately there is no big complicated plot or saga, just a fun cozy romance between a demon and his songbird. It was entertaining and I absolutely enjoyed the fluff, there were some giggles and feet kicking from these two. I would love to hear more about their future, and that epilogue was adorable. I will be reading more from this author!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice:🌶️🌶️.5/5
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!
Spice:🌶️🌶️.5/5
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!
May 23, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy
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
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
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews