A Kingdom of Wild and Power

Kingdom of Gods #4

by J.F. Johns

Coming summer 2026


The gods are here.
And they want blood.

Mal Blackburn has uncovered truths that were buried for a lifetime; secrets that reshaped her past and shattered her future. Now crowned the God-Killer, she may be the keeper of the most dangerous secret of all. Beside her husband, Ash Acheron, she must learn to survive a world remade by gods and war and perhaps return to places she swore she would never see again.

Alina Acheron burns for revenge. With princess Mareena Noor, Kai Blackburn, and Dawn at her side, she might finally have the strength to claim it. But vengeance is never simple. Old grudges fester, secrets refuse to stay buried, and even the ghost of the one she loved may stand in her way.

Arden Briar and Ylva set out on a journey that will alter their fates forever, while princess Rio Hawthorne fights to save her people from the tightening grip of the witches.

Bryn Wynter searches for his younger brother, though the path ahead may cost him himself. And as the witches draw ever closer to their final battle, the world stands on the brink of ruin.

Blood will be spilt.
No one is safe.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy

674 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2026

About the author

J.F.Johns is 32 years old and was born and raised in Spain. She studied English Literature Creative Writing at ARU in Cambridge, UK.
In 2017, her novel “Eternal Darkness” won the “Indie Book Awards”. It was also a finalist for best cover.
She is an animal lover and spends her free time playing with her adopted dogs and cats, drinking too much coffee and reading.
She believes in the art of dramatic sighing and eye rolling. She works as a ninja at night, but has been told several times that she’s not very good at her job.
You can follow her on Instagram or Tiktok; @jfjohnsbooks
Or visit her website; www.authorjfjohns.com
Email: jfjohnsbooks@gmail.com

UPCOMING BOOKS;
A Kingdom of Sand & Ice(book2): Date to be confirmed.

Reviews

[chev ۫ ꣑ৎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars ★★★★★
in three words
adventurous, endgame, exciting

Okay, my head is reeling when I am writing this review. There are so many povs, which allows you to understand each character better. And wow I was not prepared for how good the worldbuilding is. It is fast and leaves you asking for answers.

this is not a tale of heroes but villains 🖤🌙

got my heart pumping fast. And you wouldnt be disappointed with the layer of complexity that each character has.

Overall, great series.

(also Johns is so talented, she absolutely made me feel a myriad of emotions while reading this book.)




ִֶָ˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚ part two of the series ˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
I have gotten an arc for the same series, thank you author JF Johns!

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you J.F. Johns and NetGalley for the gifted arc! This is definitely my favorite of the series so far. This book really delved into the theme of the making of a villain for multiple characters. It’s a great study of the complexity of characters, and how their circumstances shape who they become. Each character exists in a grey area and are in this constant tug of war between being good or being evil, with decisions pushing them in either direction. No one is who they were in the first book.
This is a series where you absolutely shouldn’t get attached to anyone 😭 this author is not afraid of killing off characters—literally no one is safe, BUT I think it really raises the stakes in this series.
The Mal/Ash/Thanatos storyline has taken an interesting turn, so I’m looking forward to see where that goes in the final book. Truly, I don’t think any character is in a necessarily good place right now though. The final book has A LOT to wrap up

[ChipmunksandDandelion (Cinnamon&Pine) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This is not the tale of heroes, but of villains.”

As I knew it would be after reading the first three books, this was devastating. Every chapter filled me with dread because I knew that sooner or later, someone would suffer. In this world, everyone is hurt and hurts others in turn. No one can forgive, no one can forget. Betrayal is the rule rather than the exception, and honor often feels like a death sentence.

What affected me most was the tragedy of missed opportunities and crushed hopes. Time and again, characters stood on the brink of something better, only for fate, pride, or circumstance to tear it away. I lost a considerable amount of sleep over this book and kept thinking about the future possibilities, when I finished it.

The mythology remains one of the series' greatest strengths. The author continues to weave familiar myths into something uniquely their own, creating an epic fantasy, which is grand in scope and astonishingly complex.

This is also the first time a book has made me cry over the same character's death three separate times. I genuinely did not know a story could inflict that much emotional damage.

Now all my hopes rest with the final book. I am not expecting a happily-ever-after, but I would like some measure of peace or at least hope for these beloved characters. As for certain others, I am rooting for a thoroughly unpleasant ending.

And, if possible, I would very much appreciate a pedigree chart of the gods.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A complex and emotionally devastating epic fantasy that kept me awake far later than it should have and makes me beg for the finale!

[Cher Van Der Woude · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review – A Kingdom of Wild and Power
4.5⭐

With A Kingdom of Wild and Power, we’ve reached book four in the Kingdom of Gods series, and honestly… this world just keeps getting better. It’s such a perfect blend of fantasy, romantasy, and mythology that I’m fully obsessed at this point.

I’m genuinely sad, and a little confused, that more people aren’t reading this series. How is this so under‑hyped? It deserves all the love. These books are emotional, clever, chaotic in the best way, and filled with characters who stay with you long after you finish.

This fourth installment raises the stakes again. We jump between multiple POVs across different kingdoms and even the underworld, while the fight against the witches and the Gods becomes more intense. Every character is on their own mission, sometimes fighting witches, sometimes gods, sometimes their own kingdom, all trying to reshape the world in their own way.

One of the things I adore most about this series is how it explores the making of villains. Not just one, but several. No one is simple, no one is predictable; everyone lives in these deliciously dark grey areas. The story constantly pushes you to rethink what’s right, what’s wrong, and how far someone will go when power and survival collide. Don't forget nobody is safe, don't get too attached to some of the characters. I also love the mythology… still one of the most fascinating parts. And those diary entries? Tabitha, please. I’m suffering. They make everything even more addictive, you just need to know more about every character, every secret, every thread of this world.

And then that ending… I am absolutely feral waiting for the final book.

[Marie-Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 ⭐

I am so happy I got the ARC because I couldn't wait any longer for this book! This 4th book has a loooot of characters, POVs, and storylines. It can get confusing at times, but I ended up being so glad we got everyone's story. I also really appreciated the recap at the beginning, it made it much easier to jump back into this world.

I keep saying it in every single review for this series, but what I adore most is the complexity of both the characters and their relationships. As you dive into each storyline, you truly see how circumstances and hardships shape people. Will they choose forgiveness and love, or resentment and vengeance?

I also love that anything can happen in this series. ANYTHING. Characters are constantly evolving. Relationships are changing. Goals are being redefined. Villains are made. The stakes keep getting higher and higher. Nothing is ever truly safe, which makes this series incredibly compelling but also absolutely heartbreaking.

I love this series so much, and I'm so sad the next book will be the last one. But I also can't wait to see how everything wraps up!

Thank you Netgalley and J.F. Johns for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion 🫶🏽

[Gwen Cousins · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY SHIT like holy shit i feel like that’s the only thing i could possibly say that encapsulates how i feel about this book. i finished this book 4 hours ago and im still thinking about it. how do i move on?? how do i continue my day? I am literally at a loss for words to explain how deeply i feel about this book. Inject it directly into my veins. This is one of the best book series I have ever read in my entire life. I have absolutely nothing bad to say, this book made me feel every single human emotion possible. Anger, sadness, grief, love, laughter, all of it and it was just beautifully done.

[BigAzzReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars. Always five stars with this series. Ten. Twenty. Infinite stars!

I don’t know how J.F. Johns manages to do it, but every single book is better than the last. This one is the best one yet and they’re all five star reads. God tier. I’m being honest when I say this is the best series I’ve ever read.

I’m telling you, it’s so underrated that it hurts. PICK UP THIS SERIES RIGHT NOW!!

Grab your tissues with this one. Don’t be afraid to feel your feelings and just trust that everything is going to work out the way it’s supposed to. That’s what I’m telling myself, anyway 🫠

I loved this book. I was afraid to finish it. I’m afraid for the next and final installment. But I need retribution! I need to see how this all ends! I need to out my soul at peace because I very much feel like the majority of these incredible characters right now. As always, incredible job. Amazing.

**A huge thank you to NetGalley and J.F. Johns for providing me a free eARC. This is my honest review**

[Alieke · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5/5

This series is such a rollercoaster and I love every minute of it. I love all the characters and I'm so invested, I can't wait until we have the next book because I GOTS TO KNOW.

The female characters honestly scare me a little bit because they're so badass. The way they handle their battles is insane. They don't want pity and just get back up every single time.

All of their stories are so tragic but I've got so much hope for their futures.

[Xan · Rating 4 out of 5]

‧₊˚✧ 4.25 ✧˚₊‧
I am here yet again to scream about my beta read, courtesy of J.F. Johns. A Kingdom of Wild and Power is the fourth book in The Kingdom of Gods series. I do recommend this series as a whole, and I cannot wait for the last book to release.

You can feel the stakes rising as we go along in the series, the same can be said about book four. It did take me a bit to get back into this world again, that might have to do with me not being able to read this as fast as I wanted. But just the end alone, bumped this book from a four to a four point twenty-five.

Over the course of this series I notice I have a different favourite every book. The turn fell into Bryn's lap this book, and I really do hope to see him again in book five. That whole arc was a rollercoaster, thing happened and they were unexpected, exactly how I like them.

But this book is women-centric, and delivers on fierce female characters. I instantly clocked this voice in Mal as interesting, turns out I was right but that also scares me, so I am scared and excited for book five. Next to that I want justice for Wren. I loved her so much and then THIS? Jazmin please have mercy!

If there's one advice I want to tag onto this whole series: don't get too attached to a character, because Johns WILL let them suffer. Next to that? Go read this, to me it is so worth it, so it could be your next hit too!

[Shannai · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️♾️

beta read: May 2026:

No because i literally cried while finishing the last few chapters on the tube, and I feel sick, and emotionally destroyed, Jazmin, what did you put in this book?!

This book quite literally broke me and I don't mean that lightly; I literally had to take a break from reading and just collate my thoughts and emotions. I thought I cried when reading AkoLaA, but nothing could have prepared me for how emotionally gut-wrenching this was.

No one is safe, and even when you think that they may, there is always something that is lurking, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Jazmin has done incredible with this series; it's addictive, the world building and stakes reach higher levels and more is put on the line, as Mal, Kai and Alina all fight their own battles with the varying situations that they're in. Mal especially, she has become the God killer, and yet, it is still not enough to break the curse she is faced with. And Mal's arc with Ash, and Thanatos deepens, and went in a direction I never could have anticipated, but it makes so much sense, given how alike they are.

I will never, ever be able to move on the from the losses in this book, god, I thought book 3 ripped my heart out, but nope, Jazmin is not afraid to kill of characters. My advice to anyone reading is to not get attached to anyone, because nobody is safe.
 
Truly, I don't know what to expect for the final book, the stakes and emotional intrigue is at an all-time high. I can't believe that we are near the end to what is a phenomenal series that I have loved from the beginning and have had the absolute honour and pleasure of beta reading. Thank you endlessly Jazmin for the opportunity as always. 

beta read: May 2026: I don’t think I’m emotionally prepared for this

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Major spoilers in my review.

First, I want to say thank you to the author for sending me the ARC. I've been a huge fan since I read Kingdom of Shadow and Ash and I'm excited to see Mal through this journey.

I appreciated the recap in the beginning of the book. I wish more authors provided these, especially in series as deep and detailed this one. It makes a world of difference, even if I just read the previous book. That being said, I do feel like it was a little short. I know recaps should be short but I feel like I could have benefited from just a smidge more information. Maybe it's just a user error but there were a few times where I had to pause on the book to remind myself who is who and why they did what and how we got it. It's a very intricate story and wires can get crossed easily.

This also might be a me thing but I just got so stressed reading this book because it was just one bad thing after another. I know it's all build up for the final book but it was hard to get excited about reading the next chapter when I just knew it was not going to get better any time soon. Everyone died, animals were being tortured, women being raped, bad guys always winning, etc. It was hard to push myself to finish, even if the book is really good. There's only so much this soft heart can take I guess.

I'm so put off by Ash. Like I know he loves Mal but he's more than happy to sacrifice her for the baby. I really don't trust him but I'm conflicted by the small moments where he shows affection for Mal. But it's still not enough for me.

I LOVE Thanatos. But I don't understand what he has to lose by being honest with Mal/ Melinoe. He can handle her temper so why withhold info. I trust him more than Ash though

Alina has gone off the deep end. She's been crazy, I know but this is a while other level. And Mareena is giving villain vibes. I was shipping them so hard like 2 books ago but now I want them and whatever evil plan their concocting to go away.

Love Kai, love Dawn. Happy they finally were honest about their feelings this book. Hopefully there's not a third act break up or "misunderstanding" in the next book.

LIVID about Arden and Ylva/Wren. Happy they came together in the end, but wish they had more time together before they died. Ylva was a smart and clever character, a more patient, less chatty version of Wren. I like what she did with the tools she had.

Bryn's story was boring. I'm sorry to say it. I know they can't all be highly intelligent war hungry warriors. But he got on my nerves. He's seen and gone through some pretty traumatic and terrible things. But so has everyone else. I know it's apart of the story. Some people rise to the occasion when facing adversity and some run... Guess he's one of the runners.

Loved Kaige, I enjoyed how we saw more of his struggle with feeling isolated throughout his life but also still see his loyalty and dedication to his family despite all he's been through.

And the ending!? Why?! After everything Mal's done to protect everyone, she just gives up?! I mean, girl me too, but she is supposed to be better than me.

Can't wait to see how this journey ends. Really hope the last book is less of a downer than this one. But then again, it does make for a better story. And I will still eat it all up.

I continue to recommend this series to anyone that will listen. Might have to start giving it disclaimers though.

[HonestlybookedJulie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going into this, I hadn’t read the earlier books in the series. I actually started with book four before realising where I was in the sequence. I went back to try and catch up with book one, but quickly realised I wouldn’t have enough time to read three full books plus this one before the release deadline for the review. In the end, I made the decision to stop trying to catch up and just continue with book four, and I’ll be going back to read the series properly afterwards.

Even without that context, I really enjoyed this. The writing style is strong, immersive, and easy to fall into. The worldbuilding stands out in particular, with gods existing on earth, layered politics, and a scale that feels rich and well developed. It was fast-paced and consistently engaging, with a solid emotional core throughout.

The multiple POV structure works well and adds depth to the story, even if there were moments where I could tell I was missing connections from the earlier books. That said, this is very much on me rather than the book itself, and I do think the series is designed to be read in order for the full impact of the character arcs and plot development.

Overall, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this coming in so far into the series. It’s immersive, character-driven, and very readable, and it has definitely pushed me to go back and read the earlier books properly.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC review.

[Alessandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars ⭐️
thank you to netgallery and jf johns for the ARC, it was put to good use quickly. this series is a favourite for me and i genuinely dont understand why there isnt more hype about it. this book is the definition of morally grey, there is no black and white. each chapter left me with dread because i just didnt know what was going to happen. it definitely lives up to the notion ‘this is the story of villians.’ i genuinely don’t know how its going to end, bring on book 5.

may the shaddows guide your way

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

she did it again, another masterpiece. 😭 another masterpiece that ripped my heart out with no mercy LOL

I am so honored to have had the pleasure of beta reading for J.F. Johns yet again for book 4! This was as usual such a fantastic read. I absolutely love to follow the journey of the characters i’ve spent 3 books loving and mourning and crying over, and this book was no exception! Jazmin absolutely has the most amazing talent for making you love every character she writes, but don’t get too attached because she’s also not afraid to merk every single one you care for LMAO.

I cannot recommend this series enough, at this point I definitely don’t have too many comments that wouldn’t be spoilers so I will just leave it at this: this is absolutely a god tier series. it is so wildly under-hyped, and I can’t wait for it to absolutely blow up and get all the hype it deserves!! and I am so happy that I got to be a part of the beta reading team every step of the way before it happened!!

if this isn’t on your TBR, prepare to make it 4 books heavier!! (soon to be 5, I can’t WAIT for the last book!!)

thank you so much Jazmin for bringing me on to the beta reading team and continuing to allow me the honor of reading my fav series early every book, and giving my feedback, it is truly so special to be a part of!! its so bittersweet coming up on the final book of the series, but after that ending I am SO ready! <3

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶

[Berta Dorka · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, my thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. It was an honour to read this book before publication—I had already been counting down the days until I could finally start it. 😊

The book opens with a plot recap, a map, a list of the surviving members of the ruling houses, and a family tree. Honestly, I couldn't help but smile. One of the series' greatest strengths is also its greatest challenge: its complexity. The story is rich in ideas and layered meanings, but precisely because of that, it can be difficult to fully appreciate unless you're willing to invest the effort to untangle everything. Matters are further complicated by characters having multiple names and by a narrative that not only follows several storylines simultaneously but also moves back and forth through time.

I felt rather proud of myself whenever I could identify everyone by name, although I can't honestly claim I completely grasped all the relationships between the gods. A reread of the entire series would certainly help—but I'm not quite ready for that, knowing the emotional depths I would have to revisit.
(At times, I wondered whether all these interconnections amounted to unnecessary complication—I've seen books fail because of exactly that. So far, though, I remain convinced that they serve a purpose. The plot is sprawling and grand enough to support them, although the "everyone is somehow related to everyone else" aspect could eventually become counterproductive.)

I would also like to highlight how meticulously the story is constructed. Events in the very first book only reveal their true significance much later. Sadly, that level of planning is not a given; even popular authors often stumble into inconsistencies and logical gaps.

As with the previous instalments, this was not a quick read. The thematic depth and constant shifts in perspective simply do not allow for speed. I was prepared for that, so it came as no surprise.

From the very beginning, the series has been defined by the way our perspective keeps expanding. Let me illustrate. Imagine looking into a room filled with smiling people and perfectly arranged furniture. Then you step back and realise it was actually a dollhouse sitting inside a child's bedroom. You step back again, and the frame widens once more—and so on. You think you understand the world's rules, only for something to happen that appears to contradict everything you knew, while in reality it merely belongs to an even larger whole. (Well, this illustration turned unexpectedly philosophical. 😅)

This structure constantly sustains the reader's attention, though it also feels like playing with fire. One inconsistency regarding who can or cannot reappear after physical death could easily bring the whole construction crashing down. Jazmin handles it impressively well, but she is certainly walking a fine line. 🙃

With each book, the atmosphere has grown increasingly sombre and dark, and this instalment often felt genuinely oppressive. Previously, it was as though clouds occasionally drifted across the sky: sometimes it rained, sometimes the sun shone. Here, however, the sky remained overcast throughout, casting everything in a dim half-light, with only fleeting glimpses of brightness breaking through.
In practical terms, this means that the playful and light-hearted threads that previously offered relief—Wren and Arden, or Kai and Dawn's bickering—are now either absent or appear only briefly. Their absence may well be what creates the heavy atmosphere permeating the entire novel.
If I've compared this series to Game of Thrones before, then I certainly will again. In addition to the atmosphere described above, increasingly difficult and dark themes come to the forefront. Alongside them, erotic scenes have become more numerous and considerably more detailed. Interestingly, they were almost absent from the first book and have steadily increased since then. Perhaps this reflects the natural maturation and evolution of relationships, or perhaps it is a deliberate attempt to evoke a more GOT-like atmosphere.

I still haven't entirely decided whether these scenes are becoming too prominent, but for me, they haven't crossed that line yet. There are plenty of books where such scenes stop serving the story and become the story. Thankfully, that is not the case here.

Two aspects left me with lingering questions.
The first concerns the excerpts from Tabitha's journal that open each chapter. I understand their function: they help create smoother transitions between storylines. However, by the fourth book, I felt they increasingly repeated ideas already expressed. Given that Tabitha, the author of these writings, is already dead and cannot respond to present events, this repetition is understandable. Still, I worry that by Book Five these introductions may lose their momentum, despite their structural importance.

The second issue is Hell and its various levels.
In my previous review, I noted that our earlier journey through Hell with Mal felt like a rapid guided tour through beautiful but lifeless locations. Now these levels return—proving their earlier introduction was not without purpose—and yet something still feels missing.
The levels remain strangely impersonal. With so many characters inhabiting this world, couldn't someone cross our path on one of these planes? The descriptions suggest vast, monumental spaces, yet I never truly felt their grandeur. When Mal once again encounters the rulers of Hell's various levels, moving between them often seems so effortless that they lose much of their weight and significance. And that raises another question: why do these levels feel so deserted—or are they merely perceived that way?

To end on a positive note—because if this weren't an excellent book, I certainly wouldn't have written this much about it. 😊
This remains an exceptionally high-quality, remarkably intricate series that asks profound questions. The inventiveness characteristic of every previous instalment is still very much present. Yes, there are many borrowed inspirations—Greek mythology being an obvious example—but the story nevertheless feels fresh and original. In a genre overflowing with formulaic romantasy novels, it stands out dramatically.

I particularly loved the developments involving Mal and Ash, especially regarding their personalities and different facets of themselves. Mal's storyline alone deserves an essay from a psychological perspective: her inner conflict becomes externalised, manifested in a way that makes his struggle with herself tangible and visible.

The ending was excellent as well. It was not entirely unexpected, but it fit beautifully with the dark prophecies foreshadowed throughout the earlier books.

The character development—or, perhaps more accurately, the character distortions—is exceptionally well executed. The events leave genuine scars on the characters' souls, avoiding the superhero effect where protagonists survive endless trauma only to continue as though nothing happened.

In summary, this instalment didn't resonate with me quite as strongly as the previous ones, so I'm giving it four stars. I still wholeheartedly recommend the series whenever I can, and I'm eagerly awaiting the final book. 😊

And finally, thank you to everyone who contributed to bringing this work to life. 💛


Review updated:
That four-star rating kept nagging at my conscience… Even though I still wouldn't rate this instalment a perfect five stars on its own, I'm bumping it up anyway. Let this be a sign to every eager reader out there: this is a series absolutely worth diving into. 😊

[Nova McCormack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is either going to be a quick overview or an entire essay... I guess we’re about to find out which one!

Honestly, just organizing my notes for this read was a challenge. I had so many emotions, thoughts, and rants that even I was overwhelmed by them. But that is exactly what this series does. It is overwhelming, all-consuming, and it pulls so many emotions out of me that I have no choice but to let them all out. That is why this series stays with me. That is why I think about it long after I close the book. These characters feel more real to me than most, and I will never stop screaming about this world until everyone else gets on board and starts screaming with me.

Since this is book four, I can’t really dive into the story without risking spoilers... so instead, let me tell you what you’re getting yourself into.

The imagery in this world is incredible. I feel like I have this entire world cataloged and mapped out in my mind. The landscapes, kingdoms, and places are so deeply ingrained that I can picture every corner, feel the atmosphere, and completely disappear into this world.

And what amazes me most is that we still aren’t done. This world is so vast and continues to expand. There are still new characters to meet, new lands to explore, more people to fall in love with, and more villains to absolutely loathe. There are so many unique twists and unexpected turns that you never get the chance to become comfortable. Just when you think you understand where things are going, J.F. Johns reminds you that she does not do predictable. She does not take the easy route, and she absolutely does not pull punches.

At this point, everyone has been changed by what they have endured. Everyone is on their own journey, carrying their own losses and their own pain, while trying to hold onto whatever pieces of themselves remain. They have lost friends, loved ones, their homes, and parts of who they were along the way, yet they continue moving forward, never knowing what tomorrow will bring. This book carries such an emotional intensity as we watch these characters slowly harden their hearts. They have survived unimaginable things, and they are all dangerously close to their breaking points.

Yet even in their brokenness, these characters continue to fight. They burn with determination, with vengeance, and with a fire that refuses to be extinguished. Most importantly, there is still love. This story is rooted in love, loyalty, and honor. We still get to watch connections form, including some very long-awaited ones (Kage!!!), and we are given those tiny slivers of hope that feel like they are just barely within reach. We still see the light. We see people finally choosing themselves, realizing that this is all they have, that every moment matters, and that they need to embrace it fully.

This was a heavier book. We are at a point where everything seems lost, and I honestly still don’t know who will make it out or what the cost will be. I cried (like, sobbed uncontrollably), I swore, I screamed, and my heart felt every single thing these characters experienced. But this is the part I love, because when they are at their lowest is when we truly get to see them rise from the ashes. We get to see them forged through steel and bone and breath, finally becoming the people they were always meant to be.

And thus my obsession continues. I couldn’t help but fall seamlessly back into this world, and it just reminded me why I love it so much. It’s a world filled with heartbreak, hope, chaos, and magic, and it’s a place I never truly want to leave.

[Katerina Karavapori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will NEVER get over this series, it has etched itself in my heart and has genuinely rewired my brain in a way very few other series have. It is totally up there with my all time top 5 ones. I'm not sure, four books in, if there is much else left to say? I urge you to not sit on this series, it's an absolute masterpiece!

Fearing I'm repeating myself (without really being able not to) here are the standout elements:

- The premise and world. If the point of reading is to escape reality and if romantasy in general has blown up the way it has because as adults we still love the feeling of getting lost in a whimsical, fairy tale (appropriately adapted for grown ups, ahem!) twice removed from reality, then I'm happy to report that HERE WE ARE, THIS IS THE ONE!!! This series is full of lore, with many aspects inspired by mythology, the concept of the different kingdoms, ruled by different houses, inhabited by different tribes/races/creatures with distinct elements relating to weather and magic, four books in and we have the addition of the underworld, I honestly can't get enough of it. The stakes are high and the gore/brutality is relentless, J F Johns does NOT hold back!

- Then we have the characters. They all feel incredibly considered and fully realised and as we dive deeper into the story and the narrative develops, the feeling of knowing them becomes inseparable from the reading experience and as a reader, you can't help but love some, hate some but either way find yourself fully invested in their arcs and journeys. The multiple POVs are integral to this, as well as propelling the action and plot, it's really well done. There are some excellent examples of female rage, strong women who will stand of for their cause and who will stop at nothing to defend what they believe. And your heart will end up a PULP because these characters are going through the ringer. I have very rarely been so intimidated to pick up a book to continue a series, I honestly don't know how much pain I can take!

- Which brings me to the writing. I have enjoyed EVERY SINGLE WORD!!!! The writing is elegant, whimsical, lyrical and flows seamlessly. The whole body of work feels tight, well edited and every word intentional and never out of place. I put on a Dramatic Violin playlist and just lose myself in this story. J F Johns is an incredibly talented storyteller and I hope she gets all the recognition I believe she deserves! Tabitha's entries at the beginning of each chapter are brilliant and tie in so well with how the story progresses.

A Kingdom of Wild and Power is a brilliant continuation of the story and holds it's own against the other books in the series. We have amazing character arcs, plot twists, I have no idea how this whole thing is going to end, and I'm not sure I'm ready to part ways with these characters. I can't really say much about the actual plot without giving things away, so I will simply advice you RUN and see for yourself. A huge thank you to J F Johns, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for this review copy, all opinions are my own.

[MoonWillowArchives · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Kingdom of Wild and Power sent me on such a trip! I have been so invested in this series since I read a Kingdom of Shadow and Ash, each book has only enhanced my love of the books before it, I fly through them not even realizing I spent 6 hours awake reading when I should have been sleeping🤣

Mal, I feel in every book takes only bigger and bigger chances and has abandoned all sense of self preservation. She will do whatever she needs to do to protect the people she loves, and to serve the bigger picture. But can she stay true to the course? With all the scheming coming to light? I am DYING to know what happens to our god-killer. Ash is still aloof and I still cannot tell which team he is playing for anymore. How many secrets can he be keeping, and when will they all catch up to him? Every chapter with Ash in it unravels so much more of the world around you and the things you never saw along the way.

Dawn and Kai are traveling together trying to find a way to defeat Hagan, finding themselves still battling what they feel for one another. The constant wondering if the disdain will ruin any chance for the both of them, and will one be able to convince the other what they feel is real? They find themselves with Alina and all face some honestly insane challenges. Alina is getting more and more intense, facing horrific things and unraveling layer by layer who she was as a Fire Princess. What will she be remade into, and how will this all shape who she will become in the end? Mareena still seems super suspect, and I have NO idea if I like her or not. There is always something she is not saying and I've felt since we first met her that she is hiding something we will never see coming.

Arden and Ylva, their journey was definitely not one I envied. They have faced so many hurdles, and the hurdles just do not stop coming. They push forward and endure; they keep trying and holding onto hope. Truly holding onto each other is what is getting them through and I love them. By the end of this book, their story, I was FLOORED....I am still not recovered.

Thanatos, most the time I adore him. But more and more I question his motives with our girl Mal. Why is everyone always hiding something, or scheming?!

All the God's are reining so much pain and trouble to everyone, I don't think one group was left unscathed due to these horrible, selfish people. There was honestly not one single part of this book I didn't love or hate for various reasons. I was so completely invested in every person, every new secret unlocked, I raced to the end of the book. Only to realize there is a BOOK FIVE ☠️ I have no idea how I am going to wait to find out what happens to all these characters and ultimately what each of them decide, and who will fulfill their goals.

Each of these books have such AMAZING plot twists and most of them you do not see coming. It is such a great read, and I could not put it down! A Kingdom of Wild and Power was a phenomenal read and I highly suggest you give the Kingdom of God series a chance, it is so underrated and so worth the ride!

I cannot wait for the final book!! Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC and share my opinions with others. 🙂

[Nichole · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, thank you to J.F. Johns and the team for the gifted ARC!

I honestly didn't think anything could beat the first book because nothing compares to experiencing this world for the first time. But wow... A Kingdom of Wild and Power came really, really close.

This series continues to prove that one of its biggest strengths is its characters. If you're looking for layered, morally gray characters, you won't be disappointed. This book really dives into the making of a villain, and not just for one character. It explores how love, grief, trauma, revenge, and impossible choices shape people into who they become. Every single character is fighting their own battle, trying to do what they believe is right or because they live in the chaos, even (and often preferably) when it comes at the expense of someone else.

No one is who they were in the first book. Watching everyone slowly change has been fascinating and honestly heartbreaking. Every POV feels unique, every character has their own mission, and somehow Johns makes it all feel connected without ever losing me.

The Mal, Ash, and Thanatos storyline has taken such an interesting turn, and I have absolutely no idea where it's headed. I have a million guesses, but I don't know. I just know I'm obsessed.

This book stressed me out in the best way possible.

Every chapter filled me with dread because I knew someone was about to lose something. Time after time, characters would inch towards happiness, peace, revenge, or redemption, only to have it ripped away. I kept thinking, "Please let this one thing work out." It never did. Or if it did, it came with an even bigger cost.

The mythology continues to be one of my favorite parts of this series. Johns takes familiar myths and twists them into something that feels completely fresh. The world is massive, the politics are messy, the relationships are complicated, and every secret somehow creates three more questions.

I'm honestly baffled that more people aren't talking about this series. There are very few books that can pull this many emotions out of me. I was angry. I was hopeful. I was terrified. I was heartbroken. I was cheering for characters I probably shouldn't have been cheering for.

And those last few chapters...

I literally cried.

I finished this book emotionally destroyed. And then I read it again because I needed to try to get all those little details.

I can't believe the next book is the end. Part of me is terrified to pick it up because I know no one is safe. The other part of me needs retribution. I need answers. I need to know how this all ends.

Please be kind to my heart, J.F. Johns, but I trust wherever you take us next.

[Ozlem · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books, if not best book series I have read in a very long time!

Thank you to Net Gallery for this arc!

A Kingdom of Wild and Power is beautiful, emotional and brutal. From multiple villain arcs, to raw, unpredictable love, everything about this book is real fantasy perfectly captured. From dragons and wyverns, to witches, fae, princes and princesses, gods and the underworld, court battles and forbidden romance, this is a series that keeps on giving.

Perfect for fans of Throne of Glass and From Blood and Ash. From character development, to romance, plot and pacing, everything about this series is what I love about reading.

*spoiler warning*

“You were right, we are the villains”

I’ve never experienced multiple villain arcs executed so well. From a series that started as an enemies to lovers, arranged marriage for the sake of our kingdoms, has become a world absorb in chaos, war and Gods. Every character has been perfectly balanced in experiencing their own plot line, with character arcs very well executed. Everyone is so far detached from who they were in the first book, you genuinely feel every emotion and struggle they’ve been put through.

Each POV was woven together perfectly, with each one equally as important and powerful.

“Ash Acheron would be her downfall”

The development of Ash, Thanatos and Mal has been one of the highlights for me in this book, it is everything! From the slow burn, to the lies, drama and suspense, it’s everything I could ever ask for and more. I had very conflicted feelings towards Ash throughout this book and almost that feeling of absence he portrayed. Where Ash would sacrifice Mal for their baby, Thanatos would sacrifice everything for Mal. I have no idea how this will all pan out and end however I am secretly rooting for Thanatos.

Do not get attached to anyone, everyone is at risk and J. F. Johns seems to have no issues with axing characters off, get the tissues ready!

A special mention to my poor girl Alina, she’s really getting put through it. Please let her be happy in the final book!

Mixed feelings on Dawn and Kai. Whilst I loved Kai and he quickly became one of my favourite characters early on, it felt like he was quite retracted from this book and his only focus was Dawn and nothing else.

Was heartbroken to see the fall of another, but absolutely loved reading the character development of Kage. It’s always fun and interesting to explore the quiet, contained characters.

I loved this book and was terrified to finish it, I cannot wait for the next book but selfishly do not want this series to end.

[Selena · Rating 4 out of 5]

✧˖°. ⤷ Thank you to netgalley, J.F. Johns for the ARC. Honest thoughts as always, from me to you ♡

☁️ author: J.F. Johns
☁️ genre: epic fantasy / dark fantasy
☁️ mood: devastating / epic / mythology-drenched / emotionally relentless

🌙 Mini Synopsis:
The gods have arrived and they want blood. Mal Blackburn, now crowned the God-Killer, must navigate a world remade by war and divine power alongside her husband Ash — while carrying the most dangerous secret of all. Across the kingdom, alliances fracture, old grudges resurface and beloved characters are pushed to their absolute limits. In this world, no one is safe, betrayal is the rule rather than the exception, and honor often feels like a death sentence.

🍃 thoughts
I ran to this book. When I saw the ARC drop for book four I scrambled to catch up on the series and I have absolutely zero regrets. This installment is everything I have come to expect from this series and then some — stunningly written, sweeping in scope, and completely devastating in the best and worst way. Every chapter filled me with a quiet dread because I knew, having loved this series for three books now, that sooner or later someone was going to suffer. And they did. Repeatedly. I lost sleep over this book and I would do it again.

What wrecked me most was the tragedy of it all, the missed chances, the crushed hopes, the moments where characters were so close to something better only for fate or pride or plain bad timing to pull it out from under them. Nobody in this world gets to heal cleanly. Nobody gets to forget. And that weight just builds and builds until by the final pages you are absolutely gutted.

The mythology continues to be the backbone of everything that makes this series so special. J.F. Johns takes familiar myths and reshapes them into something that feels entirely their own — epic in scale, staggeringly complex, but never losing sight of the deeply human stories underneath it all. These characters are so easy to love, even the ones who make you want to throw the book across the room, and I could not recommend this series more.

🌸 favorite things
♡ The mythology — familiar but completely reimagined into something uniquely and beautifully its own
♡ The emotional devastation — heartbreaking in a way that only the best fantasy can be
♡ The characters being so richly written that even the ones you love to hate have you completely invested in their fate 🖤

[⊹ ࣪ ˖ Nikkireads ⊹ ࣪ ˖ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Kingdom of Wild and Power by J.F. Johns was absolutely phenomenal.

This whole series is a masterpiece, but this book truly took everything I already loved and made it even bigger, darker, and more emotional. The world building, the mythology, the kingdoms, the magic system, the gods, the dragons, the wyverns, the strong female leads… all of it was so beautifully written and completely consuming.

This book continues to follow so many powerful characters as their paths become more dangerous, more emotional, and more deeply connected. Alina Acheron’s story is still full of revenge, strength, and impossible choices, but this never feels like only one character’s journey. Every character has weight in this story. Every storyline matters. And at the center of so much of the mythology, power, and heartbreak is Mal.

Mal’s POV is still one of my favorite parts. Getting to explore more of her past, the Underworld, the gods, and the deeper mythology surrounding this world added so much depth to the story. Every chapter with her had me locked in, and the reveals surrounding her storyline were absolutely jaw-dropping.
The multiple POVs were woven together beautifully. Every perspective felt intentional, each one adding another layer of heartbreak, tension, and emotion to the story. Sometimes too many POVs can feel overwhelming, but J.F. Johns handles them so well. Each character had a purpose, and every storyline felt important.

I also loved the romance in this book. It brought such tenderness into a story full of revenge, war, betrayal, and pain. The relationships are layered, emotional, and written with so much care.

And of course, J.F. Johns knows exactly how to rip your heart out. If you love a character in this series, do not get too comfortable, because no one ever feels completely safe. The emotional damage is real, but it is also what makes these books so unforgettable.

This book had everything I love in fantasy: revenge, powerful women, gods, betrayal, hidden histories, devastating reveals, morally complicated characters, dragons, wyverns, magic, heartbreak, and the kind of world that completely pulls you in.

A Kingdom of Wild and Power was epic, emotional, brutal, and beautifully written. This series just keeps getting better, and I am fully obsessed.

Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley for this ARC!

[Paige Wuerdemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would love to say a massive, massive thank you to J.F .Johns, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for the ARC of A Kingdom of Wild & Power.

Before even picking this one up, everyone needs to run and read the rest of the series: A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash, A Kingdom of Sand and Ice and A Kingdom of Light and Air. I've recommended this series to many of my friends because it seriously needs to be devoured by others.

I needed time after that ending before I was able to sit down and write my review because I am totally UNWELL after that. I'm left hoping that Johns is not going to keep us in limbo long after that (pretty please with a cherry on top).

I've absolutely fallen in love with this series since accidentally stumbling upon it in July of last year. Words cannot describe how adept J.F. Johns is in weaving aspects of multiple mythologies together to create the Kingdom of Gods series. I'm left absolutely baffled to how flawlessly this is done. To the point that I'm actually saddened that I am not hearing about more people picking up this series. It is SEVERELY UNDER-HYPED and that is totally undeserved. I swear she sprinkles drugs into every word written because I am ADDICTED.

Each chapter pulls you in with her complex characters just trying to survive. The characters face assumptions and challenges of morality, power and the choices that end up shaping who they are. Things are never as it seems and we're brought on a journey with the extraordinary world building that has gone into this series. Also the fact that she's given us multiple POVs in a way that never pulls from the story or from the end goal.

Be prepared to feel every emotion while reading this series: anger, grief, sadness, love and laughter. Be prepared to be broken and hopefully put back together by the end of this series.

I am on the edge of my seat waiting on A Kingdom of Darkness and Flames.

[kyra k.]

J.F. Johns has done it again! I think this book is tied with the first one for my favorite so far in the series. Honestly, each book just keeps getting better and better. The character growth and the journeys everyone has gone on is incredible. I have a deep love for most of these characters and the love just continues to grow. One thing I will say is that Johns does not hold back and I shall warn anyone reading this to be careful who you get attached to. On that note, ouch, the deaths in this book hurt so freaking bad, and I am very upset of them. Now for the characters: Mal, omg, I love her and I just want her to be safe and happy, but I am scared that won't happen; Alina, she continues to be a badass and she lets nothing slow her down; Dawn is growing on me, especially as her and Kai's relationship evolves; speaking of Kai, I am absolutely loving his growth and the way he has changed especially over the last two books; Kage, oh my sweet baby Kage, I also just want him to be happy; Bryn, I am excited to see more of him in the next book (hopefully) and I really hope he gets a happy ending as my heart just continues to break for him; I have nothing nice to say about Ash so that's all he's getting (:/); Wren, oh how I love her and how she never shies away from who she truly is; and okay if I keep going this will get too long. I do have feelings about other characters, but this doesn't need to be insanely long. I think the characters are just as important as the plot and honestly I love the way the point of view jumps around and we get to see everybody, even the villains of the story. All this to say, I am gnawing at the bars of my enclosure for book 5 and I am both ready and terrified to get the conclusion to this massive story and world.

Hugh thank you to J.F. Johns for the e-arc of this book!

[Nadi | Tales and Talons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well… J.F. Johns has done it again.

I genuinely think this is the darkest book in the series so far. The emotional damage? Absolutely relentless. There were multiple moments where I found myself glaring at my e-reader, wondering how one author could keep putting these characters (and me) through this much suffering.

So obviously we love that.

This is book 4 out of 5, and by now the series has become incredibly layered. There are so many moving pieces, intertwining storylines, and character arcs that all demand your attention. Let’s just say my ever-growing character cheat sheet has become a necessity at this point 🤭. I love following such a large cast and watching each of them face impossible choices, heartbreaking losses, and the consequences of those decisions.

One thing has become abundantly clear: do not get too attached to anyone. J.F. Johns has absolutely no interest in protecting your emotional well-being.
No one feels safe, the consequences are very real, and every chapter had me wondering who was going to suffer next (spoiler: EVERYONE). That also made the quieter moments of hope and friendship mean so much more.

I will say that this is probably a series best read close together. Since book three especially, the story has grown in complexity, and after a break it definitely takes a little while to reconnect all the threads. I know this won’t be for every reader, but for me, this is exactly what makes it so special.

This series continues to pull me in. It’s epic, emotionally devastating, beautifully written, and rewards readers who are willing to invest in its world. I am so attached to these characters, despite knowing that’s probably a terrible life choice, and I’m equal parts excited and scared to see how it’s all going to wrap up.

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op & the author for this eARC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

No no no… WHAT?? WAIT. WHAT????

First of all, I’m so happy I got an ARC and was able to read this a month early. Thank you. 🥹

Now…

WHAT DO YOU MEAN????

I kept waiting for the “psych! None of this actually happened” moment, but no?? Like… what do you mean??? WHAT DO YOU MEEEAAANNNN????

Author, I’m genuinely trying not to lose my mind right now because you did NOT just do that to my favorite characters. Right? RIGHT??? 😭

Okay… deep breath.

As always, the writing was amazing. 10/10. Even though I’m mad at the author right now, she’s genuinely one of the best in my opinion.

I went into this book fully expecting to get my heart broken, and somehow I still wasn’t prepared for it.

It’s honestly a wonder how much I’ve come to love these characters. They’ve already been through hell (some of them literally 🫠), and every time I think, “Surely they’ve suffered enough,” the universe says nope and throws even more pain at them.

There were moments where I genuinely had to force myself to keep reading because I hated seeing these characters get hurt. Like please… can they be happy for once?? Just a little?? Give them a happy ending, I beg 😭

No, but seriously, I don’t think I’m going to be okay for the next two days. How am I supposed to get over what happened?? I can’t.

And the ending???

Yeah. I’m done.

Honestly, I should give this book zero stars for making my babies suffer and dragging me down with them. But unfortunately it’s way too good for me to lie.

That said, this isn’t my favorite book in the series. The final book better deliver the happiest ending known to mankind because at this point these characters have earned it. 🥲

Do I even want to continue after this emotional damage?

…Sigh.

Yes. Yes, I do. 🥴

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you again to J.F. Johns and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for sending an ARC my way for my honest review.

A Kingdom of Wild and Power is the penultimate book of the Kingdom of Gods series and boy am I not ready for all of it to end. When I signed up on NetGalley it was to have the opportunity to share my thoughts and opinions about books (which I dearly love) but also to get away from all the tiktok/instagram repetitive recommendations, which at times can be very disappointing.

Thanks to NetGalley, I've stumbled upon A Kingdom of Shadow and Ash first, with its stunning cover and promising synopsis : I was sold. I got lucky enough to have my request approved, and, now that I am 4 books into the series I can honestly say this is a gem in my eyes. I can't wait to read the next book even though I'll be beyond sad to see it all end, but in the end I'm sure it will all have been worth it.

Again, I love Johns's writing, and I deeply like the turn that the story is taking. More villainy, more sad twists, more deaths. I'm VERY curious on how this will all end, but I have trust. (I also need to mention that maybe I don't hate Ash that much anymore, it has become too strong of a word now. Let's say that I now.. pity him?)

I'm not rating it 5 stars this time, only because this one didn't keep me on the edge of my seat as much as the previous ones. This one feels like it's building up tension and plot to end it all with the next book, so it's great but I don't feel like it's going to be the book of the series that we love the most. In other words, a necessary book but not the most exciting one of the series. So 4 stars it is! (still great, in my opinion)

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, J.F. Johns, for this gifted ARC!

This will be spoiler free, but if you haven't read the first three books of this series and are intending to, maybe skip my review if you don't want general vibes of this fourth book.

I have not been disappointed by a single book in this series so far, and this one was no different. I loved every minute of it and it did not feel like it was almost 700 pages. It felt like it flew by, I even took my time with it, it took me a little over a week to read this and I am so sad that it's over. This was beautifully sad, filled with rage, vengeance, and grief. There were so many emotions, especially when I got to the last 30% of the book, the tears I shed were many.

There were moments of hope, even more revelations for the inner workings of the plot, and so much grief. There is only one more book left in this series and I just am holding my breath for if my heart is going to completely break or not in the end. The way that J.F. Johns can weave a story like this, a dark story with so much war and death and sadness, but still have moments of hope that keep you going is just a huge talent. This book really propels the story towards the final installment, you can see how all the pieces and players are coming together and I think the finale is going to be epic. I just can't wait. If you haven't picked up this series yet I just can't recommend it enough. This releases July 15th!

*This ARC was given directly by the author, J.F. Johns, all opinions are my own.*

[Brittany F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A Kingdom of Wild and Power is yet another incredible installment in this series. Normally, there are a handful of quotes in a book that stand out enough for me to highlight, but with J.F. Johns's writing, it feels impossible to narrow them down. Nearly every sentence carries weight, whether through beautiful prose, emotional impact, or a revelation that leaves you thinking long after you've finished the chapter.

One of my favorite aspects of this series is its exploration of how villains are made (multiple villains). The characters are not simple, and the story continually challenges assumptions about morality, power, and the choices that shape a person.

The mythology surrounding the gods remains one of the most fascinating parts of the story. There is still so much left to uncover, and while the depth of the lore can occasionally be difficult to keep straight, it also keeps you on the edge of your seat. Especially some interesting diary entries, Tabitha!

I also continue to love the multiple POVs. So much so I love new chapters and hate them equally when I'm pulled somewhere else.

Fans of epic/high fantasy, intricate mythology, morally complex characters, and sprawling multi-POV stories will find plenty to love here. J.F. Johns continues to build something truly special in this series.