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The Gods of Atalantis
On the legendary island of Atalantis, it is said that our world was created from the love of two gods, the Sun Father and the Sea Mother.
These gods chose to live as humans, reincarnating at the end of each life, so they could dwell among their mortal children and revel in their love forever.
Mireia, a girl from a small fishing village, has her life turned upside-down when she is selected as a candidate to be the new Sea Mother. She must leave behind everything she knows and travel to the Great Citadel, to undergo a series of tests that will determine whether she truly is the next incarnation of the goddess.
But how can Mireia be certain of her own identity, especially when she crosses paths with another girl who is convinced that she is the real Sea Mother? And who will be chosen as the Sun Father, the boy Mireia is supposedly destined to fall in love with?
These gods chose to live as humans, reincarnating at the end of each life, so they could dwell among their mortal children and revel in their love forever.
Mireia, a girl from a small fishing village, has her life turned upside-down when she is selected as a candidate to be the new Sea Mother. She must leave behind everything she knows and travel to the Great Citadel, to undergo a series of tests that will determine whether she truly is the next incarnation of the goddess.
But how can Mireia be certain of her own identity, especially when she crosses paths with another girl who is convinced that she is the real Sea Mother? And who will be chosen as the Sun Father, the boy Mireia is supposedly destined to fall in love with?
612 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 18, 2026
This is one of those delightful books that can be either read in one sitting or slowly so it lasts longer. The world building is fantastic, Atlantis feels both historical and fantastical without being bogged down with reams of lore and info dumps. Scenes such as the feast with the presentation of different dishes really nail the variety of cultures and also remain in the mind of the reader long after.
The characters are also on point. My favourites were Jasana and Sahet. Both very different characters but I loved their focus and strength. The main characters, Mireia and Kena, are both so well thought out but its the side characters that really shine and bolster the main two. I also enjoyed the intrigue to the point that some parts made me gasp out loud.
It is a vibrant and beautiful world with some necessary ugly parts, which what makes it feel so alive. I especially enjoyed the decision at the end because I really hope that Mireia and Kena achieve it. But it won't be easy which makes me want to read the next book even more.
The characters are also on point. My favourites were Jasana and Sahet. Both very different characters but I loved their focus and strength. The main characters, Mireia and Kena, are both so well thought out but its the side characters that really shine and bolster the main two. I also enjoyed the intrigue to the point that some parts made me gasp out loud.
It is a vibrant and beautiful world with some necessary ugly parts, which what makes it feel so alive. I especially enjoyed the decision at the end because I really hope that Mireia and Kena achieve it. But it won't be easy which makes me want to read the next book even more.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Can books be on your TBR list before they're published? If so, The Gods of Atalantis had been on my TBR for at least a year. There has been a lot of hype around this book, and I'm here to tell you that the hype is real.
The Gods of Atalantis is, unsurprisingly, a story about Atlantis. The island has many gods, but the central two are the Sea Mother and Sun Father, who exist as both the sea and sun, but also as humans who are reincarnated generation after generation. We primarily follow Mireia, a girl from a tiny fishing village, as she is scouted as the potential reincarnation of the Sea Mother. She undergoes a series of trials to determine if she is really a goddess, but the person least convinced is herself.
Atalantis (in my opinion) has a lot of Disney vibes, but that's an oversimplification; the themes are a bit heavier, the action a bit more violent (within reason!), and the characters are certainly deeper and more complex than what you'll find in a classic 60-minute Disney film. The vibes are cozy, approachable, and fun, with a literary follow-through that packs a punch. Some of the ~vibes~ I got included Aladdin, Moana, Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, Atlantis (obviously!), Mulan, and (a DreamWorks production) The Road to El Dorado.
Something the author does really well is balance the characters' strengths and weaknesses. Part of this is the baked-in yin and yang of the Sea Mother and the Sun Father; they are meant to complement each other. But even within themselves, they have flaws that are realistic and human. Mireia can be selfish and short-sighted. We can be disappointed in her decisions, but we understand her. It's almost frustrating, in a familiar, relevant way, to want to shake her shoulders like she's our friend and say, "Girl, get a grip!" There's a real groundedness to the characters and the choices they make.
Another personal favorite thing that Emily does is the absolute flavor of the characterization. The Sea Mother tends to swell with pride, or suffer a torrent of emotions, or have a sinking feeling, or bubble with excitement. The Sun Father might beam at her with a glimmer in his eye. He might light up when she makes him laugh, or he might give her a fiery look when she's on his nerves. I live for it!
My spicy take: give this to your kids instead of Harry Potter. It's for a slightly older audience (the protagonist's adventure starts at 13, rather than 11), but Atalantis has all the coming-of-age, epic adventure, brand-new-world flavor that scratches a very particular Millennial itch—for those of us who want to recreate that experience without the tarnish of the HP brand, this is a really excellent place to reroute that energy. You get a young, scrappy protagonist from humble origins being whisked away into a world which is much more grand and magical. A group of children arrives at the palace on boats, and the protagonist finds themselves facing tests which begin at "Sorcerer's Stone" difficulty (think find the flying key) and quickly escalate to "Goblet of Fire" difficulty (think underwater task and hedge maze). Atalantis, being for a slightly older audience, takes its reader more seriously. Beyond learning how to use magic, we learn the essence of magic—what magic is, and why we should care.
CONTENT NOTE: one of the very integral themes of the book has to do with slavery. Some people might choose not to engage with that subject matter. The slavery has nothing to do with skin color (everyone in the cast is a person of color, and the author makes a point to tell us that you wouldn't be able to tell these groups of people apart just by looking at them)—it is based on geography (the Hacenians didn't originate on Atalantis) and technology (the Hacenians don't have magic and therefore are not "advanced"). It reads as a commentary on the delusional foundations of slavery: those seeking power over others will find any justification for the subjugation of others. The protagonist is half-Hacenian and quickly decides to do her best to end the practice of slavery. So the message is good, but be prepared to have those conversations. This is also only Book 1, so we don't yet know how these issues will be handled. In the meantime, there is offensive language regarding the Hacenians (barbarians, dogs, and half-breeds, etc.) that some might be sensitive to.
I'm not entirely sure how to articulate this, but this feels like what YA ought to be. Atalantis is something I would have adored as a teen. It has the potential to be one of those epic series that you grow up alongside.
Safe to say this is as enthusiastic recommendation from me! 👍
The Gods of Atalantis is, unsurprisingly, a story about Atlantis. The island has many gods, but the central two are the Sea Mother and Sun Father, who exist as both the sea and sun, but also as humans who are reincarnated generation after generation. We primarily follow Mireia, a girl from a tiny fishing village, as she is scouted as the potential reincarnation of the Sea Mother. She undergoes a series of trials to determine if she is really a goddess, but the person least convinced is herself.
Atalantis (in my opinion) has a lot of Disney vibes, but that's an oversimplification; the themes are a bit heavier, the action a bit more violent (within reason!), and the characters are certainly deeper and more complex than what you'll find in a classic 60-minute Disney film. The vibes are cozy, approachable, and fun, with a literary follow-through that packs a punch. Some of the ~vibes~ I got included Aladdin, Moana, Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, Atlantis (obviously!), Mulan, and (a DreamWorks production) The Road to El Dorado.
Something the author does really well is balance the characters' strengths and weaknesses. Part of this is the baked-in yin and yang of the Sea Mother and the Sun Father; they are meant to complement each other. But even within themselves, they have flaws that are realistic and human. Mireia can be selfish and short-sighted. We can be disappointed in her decisions, but we understand her. It's almost frustrating, in a familiar, relevant way, to want to shake her shoulders like she's our friend and say, "Girl, get a grip!" There's a real groundedness to the characters and the choices they make.
Another personal favorite thing that Emily does is the absolute flavor of the characterization. The Sea Mother tends to swell with pride, or suffer a torrent of emotions, or have a sinking feeling, or bubble with excitement. The Sun Father might beam at her with a glimmer in his eye. He might light up when she makes him laugh, or he might give her a fiery look when she's on his nerves. I live for it!
My spicy take: give this to your kids instead of Harry Potter. It's for a slightly older audience (the protagonist's adventure starts at 13, rather than 11), but Atalantis has all the coming-of-age, epic adventure, brand-new-world flavor that scratches a very particular Millennial itch—for those of us who want to recreate that experience without the tarnish of the HP brand, this is a really excellent place to reroute that energy. You get a young, scrappy protagonist from humble origins being whisked away into a world which is much more grand and magical. A group of children arrives at the palace on boats, and the protagonist finds themselves facing tests which begin at "Sorcerer's Stone" difficulty (think find the flying key) and quickly escalate to "Goblet of Fire" difficulty (think underwater task and hedge maze). Atalantis, being for a slightly older audience, takes its reader more seriously. Beyond learning how to use magic, we learn the essence of magic—what magic is, and why we should care.
CONTENT NOTE: one of the very integral themes of the book has to do with slavery. Some people might choose not to engage with that subject matter. The slavery has nothing to do with skin color (everyone in the cast is a person of color, and the author makes a point to tell us that you wouldn't be able to tell these groups of people apart just by looking at them)—it is based on geography (the Hacenians didn't originate on Atalantis) and technology (the Hacenians don't have magic and therefore are not "advanced"). It reads as a commentary on the delusional foundations of slavery: those seeking power over others will find any justification for the subjugation of others. The protagonist is half-Hacenian and quickly decides to do her best to end the practice of slavery. So the message is good, but be prepared to have those conversations. This is also only Book 1, so we don't yet know how these issues will be handled. In the meantime, there is offensive language regarding the Hacenians (barbarians, dogs, and half-breeds, etc.) that some might be sensitive to.
I'm not entirely sure how to articulate this, but this feels like what YA ought to be. Atalantis is something I would have adored as a teen. It has the potential to be one of those epic series that you grow up alongside.
Safe to say this is as enthusiastic recommendation from me! 👍
May 18, 2026
So, to start with, I'm supposed to say I received an advance copy of Gods of Atalantis in return for honest reviews, but that’s not quite true; in fact, I begged for one, because I was already intrigued by the snippets, prompts and ador(k)able artwork from the book I had seen on social media. I had been looking forward to its publication for a long time, and it’s safe to say I wasn’t at all disappointed.
This is, at its core, a tale of turmoil: the island of Atalantis is governed by a political system in which religion and several crowns attempt to coexist, and the story begins at a particularly momentous time: the selection of the human reincarnations of the Na’qal people’s greatest gods, the Sea Mother and Sun Father, from hundreds of teenagers. The system of selection seems to be largely a matter of faith, having apparently worked exactly as intended for millenia, but its fragility becomes apparent quite quickly when it is struck by a metaphorical hurricane, in the form of Mireia, a forthright and indomitable girl from a humble fishing community. Almost immediately, the gathering storm looks ominous for the frail cohesion of Atalantean society, and for the happiness of Sun Father candidate Kena.
This political complexity is just the beginning of an incredible exercise in world-building. Emily’s imagination seems boundless as she colours her tale with carefully constructed languages, a highly believable magic system, amazing technology, countless rich cultural details, and even a fictional game which plays a major role in the plot and feels wonderfully historically accurate for an ancient indigenous civilisation. But even more striking is how such dense detail, and those deep and often dark political themes, sit comfortably within a narrative which is warm, human, funny and endlessly cute, in perfect balance.
This is only the first book in a trilogy, but already the storyline is relentless and draws the reader along a twisting and tumultuous path. It’s not long before we begin to wonder if the prophesised doom of Atalantis really is nigh, and whether the faith of the Na’qal in their divine rulers - indeed, in their entire belief system - is justified. This first installment poses many, many questions and provides very few answers, leaving me anxious to get my hands on the second! The havoc that hurricane-girl Mireia seems about to unleash upon Atalantis will probably feel well overdue to many; her adventures filled me with both exhilaration and anxiety as very few stories can, and didn’t let up until the very final page.
I’m totally in love with The Gods of Atalantis. It’s a book I’d be proud and excited to gift to a relative or friend in their mid-teens, or young adults, but I’d also heartily recommend it to older readers.
This is, at its core, a tale of turmoil: the island of Atalantis is governed by a political system in which religion and several crowns attempt to coexist, and the story begins at a particularly momentous time: the selection of the human reincarnations of the Na’qal people’s greatest gods, the Sea Mother and Sun Father, from hundreds of teenagers. The system of selection seems to be largely a matter of faith, having apparently worked exactly as intended for millenia, but its fragility becomes apparent quite quickly when it is struck by a metaphorical hurricane, in the form of Mireia, a forthright and indomitable girl from a humble fishing community. Almost immediately, the gathering storm looks ominous for the frail cohesion of Atalantean society, and for the happiness of Sun Father candidate Kena.
This political complexity is just the beginning of an incredible exercise in world-building. Emily’s imagination seems boundless as she colours her tale with carefully constructed languages, a highly believable magic system, amazing technology, countless rich cultural details, and even a fictional game which plays a major role in the plot and feels wonderfully historically accurate for an ancient indigenous civilisation. But even more striking is how such dense detail, and those deep and often dark political themes, sit comfortably within a narrative which is warm, human, funny and endlessly cute, in perfect balance.
This is only the first book in a trilogy, but already the storyline is relentless and draws the reader along a twisting and tumultuous path. It’s not long before we begin to wonder if the prophesised doom of Atalantis really is nigh, and whether the faith of the Na’qal in their divine rulers - indeed, in their entire belief system - is justified. This first installment poses many, many questions and provides very few answers, leaving me anxious to get my hands on the second! The havoc that hurricane-girl Mireia seems about to unleash upon Atalantis will probably feel well overdue to many; her adventures filled me with both exhilaration and anxiety as very few stories can, and didn’t let up until the very final page.
I’m totally in love with The Gods of Atalantis. It’s a book I’d be proud and excited to gift to a relative or friend in their mid-teens, or young adults, but I’d also heartily recommend it to older readers.
May 14, 2026
Priests and priestesses would burn incense, smoke za’alu, and meditate for days on end just to try to come close to the same level of spiritual escape that Mireia felt when she was in the sea. There were times when Mireia could hardly tell where her own human body ended and the sea’s body began.
This is such a brilliant book and I’ve already recommended it to several of my friends who love mythology, history, and magic. It is not the sort of thing I usually pick up, but I got curious after seeing some of the author’s posts on social media. Parts of it even reminded me of stories from The History of Egypt podcast, and I loved the way the villages, cities and temples were described. It was just enough detail to imagine this magical maritime superpower, without getting overloaded by descriptions. I think the author must’ve spent a fair amount of time studying the bureaucracies and religions of the ancient world, because many aspects of this book seemed believably rooted in actual history.
I was a bit wary at reading the book’s description, because I am not usually a fan of books built around competitions. I didn’t really care for those parts of The Hunger Games, Divergent, Battle Royale or even some moments in A Court of Thorns and Roses. This story felt completely different though. The challenges were more about myth making and revealing who the characters really were, and they only make up a small part of the story.
Without spoiling anything, I really enjoyed how often the story sat in a grey area. Sometimes doing the right thing made everything worse. Sometimes a character had to decide whether sharing information would help or cause more harm. The teenagers sometimes realised the adults around them understood more than they expected, and other times the adults were simply wrong. I also appreciated that the characters hopes and dreams felt grounded in the world they belonged to. Discussions of colonisation, class, ethnic backgrounds, and slavery are done with sensitivity and careful consideration. Atalantis may be a fantasy world, but the main character never felt like a modern girl randomly dropped into ancient history. Her motivations come from her family, her people and her relationships, and that made her choices feel real and believable. I really couldn’t put this book down. It was absolutely transporting (which is saying something, because I read a good chunk of it in an emergency room), so I do encourage you to read it. If you ever had a dream that you were a reincarnated Atlantean priestess, an ancient scholar, an Egyptian princess, or a Mermaid, this book is for you. Emily Klotz’s work greatly deserves our attention.
This is such a brilliant book and I’ve already recommended it to several of my friends who love mythology, history, and magic. It is not the sort of thing I usually pick up, but I got curious after seeing some of the author’s posts on social media. Parts of it even reminded me of stories from The History of Egypt podcast, and I loved the way the villages, cities and temples were described. It was just enough detail to imagine this magical maritime superpower, without getting overloaded by descriptions. I think the author must’ve spent a fair amount of time studying the bureaucracies and religions of the ancient world, because many aspects of this book seemed believably rooted in actual history.
I was a bit wary at reading the book’s description, because I am not usually a fan of books built around competitions. I didn’t really care for those parts of The Hunger Games, Divergent, Battle Royale or even some moments in A Court of Thorns and Roses. This story felt completely different though. The challenges were more about myth making and revealing who the characters really were, and they only make up a small part of the story.
Without spoiling anything, I really enjoyed how often the story sat in a grey area. Sometimes doing the right thing made everything worse. Sometimes a character had to decide whether sharing information would help or cause more harm. The teenagers sometimes realised the adults around them understood more than they expected, and other times the adults were simply wrong. I also appreciated that the characters hopes and dreams felt grounded in the world they belonged to. Discussions of colonisation, class, ethnic backgrounds, and slavery are done with sensitivity and careful consideration. Atalantis may be a fantasy world, but the main character never felt like a modern girl randomly dropped into ancient history. Her motivations come from her family, her people and her relationships, and that made her choices feel real and believable. I really couldn’t put this book down. It was absolutely transporting (which is saying something, because I read a good chunk of it in an emergency room), so I do encourage you to read it. If you ever had a dream that you were a reincarnated Atlantean priestess, an ancient scholar, an Egyptian princess, or a Mermaid, this book is for you. Emily Klotz’s work greatly deserves our attention.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC reader here!
Before we start - a note on the origins of this book. This book is the second release from Hook & Quill Press which is a collective of indie authors who started their own independent press. So if you are looking to support independent authors and start-up publishing house, this checks both boxes. This is also book one in a three book planned series.
Now onto the good stuff.
The very first thing that struck me with this book was the world building. There are maps, there are not one, not two, but three writing systems and an entire language to go with it. Tolkien would approve. The culture is also unique. You can still see influences pulling from many ancient civilizations such as Greek, Edgyption, Minoan and even a little Mesoamerican tossed in there for flavor. However, this is a culture all its own with unique Gods, religion and customs. If you are trying to scratch your itch for classic mythology but are tired of the same old Greek Gods being used over and over...this is for you.
Ok plot. I'm not going into deep spoilers here but the general plot follows the belief that two of the most prominent Gods, The Sea Mother and Sun Father, are reborn into human form upon the deaths of their old human bodies. The search is on for the new young Gods! Who will it be? Should be pretty easy to find Gods in human form right? Right!? Turns out it's a tad more complicated than we were led to believe.
The prose is easy to read and accessible. I was never bored while reading. I genuinely enjoyed the characters and all the political mechanization and plotting behind the selection process.
This book is decidedly YA but not the kind of YA that is trying to be 'adult' if you catch my drift. No sex, no cussing (unless you count fantasy cusses), some mild fantasy violence but no gore. They do touch on themes such as racism and classism but it is not done in the overly preachy heavy handed way that can pop up in YA once in awhile.
I really did like it and will be buying the book when it comes out on paper. Maybe if I am lucky I can ARC the next installment (wink).
Before we start - a note on the origins of this book. This book is the second release from Hook & Quill Press which is a collective of indie authors who started their own independent press. So if you are looking to support independent authors and start-up publishing house, this checks both boxes. This is also book one in a three book planned series.
Now onto the good stuff.
The very first thing that struck me with this book was the world building. There are maps, there are not one, not two, but three writing systems and an entire language to go with it. Tolkien would approve. The culture is also unique. You can still see influences pulling from many ancient civilizations such as Greek, Edgyption, Minoan and even a little Mesoamerican tossed in there for flavor. However, this is a culture all its own with unique Gods, religion and customs. If you are trying to scratch your itch for classic mythology but are tired of the same old Greek Gods being used over and over...this is for you.
Ok plot. I'm not going into deep spoilers here but the general plot follows the belief that two of the most prominent Gods, The Sea Mother and Sun Father, are reborn into human form upon the deaths of their old human bodies. The search is on for the new young Gods! Who will it be? Should be pretty easy to find Gods in human form right? Right!? Turns out it's a tad more complicated than we were led to believe.
The prose is easy to read and accessible. I was never bored while reading. I genuinely enjoyed the characters and all the political mechanization and plotting behind the selection process.
This book is decidedly YA but not the kind of YA that is trying to be 'adult' if you catch my drift. No sex, no cussing (unless you count fantasy cusses), some mild fantasy violence but no gore. They do touch on themes such as racism and classism but it is not done in the overly preachy heavy handed way that can pop up in YA once in awhile.
I really did like it and will be buying the book when it comes out on paper. Maybe if I am lucky I can ARC the next installment (wink).
April 30, 2026
Review based on advanced copy from the publisher
For fans of fantasy, mythology, worldbuilding, and epic slow-burn romances, The Gods of Atalantis is the perfect read (take it to the beach this summer! But mind any stray magic crystals in the sand…they seem to be notoriously unstable. Surely nothing will go boom by the end of the trilogy...).
Klotz’s prose is exquisite. I was immediately captivated by the lush worldbuilding—the language, culture—not to mention the inherent questions surrounding power structures and the place of religion in society. Mireia and Kena are, purportedly, the Sea Mother and and Sun Father reincarnated, but the conflict lies in whether or not Mireia is in fact the true Sea Mother (and really, there is some skepticism regarding whether the gods exist at all). As the story continues, we see cult fanaticism, brewing troubles between monarchies, and the overarching power of religion in society—for better or worse (though, as we come to know Mireia, one can only imagine she’ll use her influence for better).
But the heart of the story is in the evolving relationship between Mireia and Kena. Both of these characters are just incredibly likeable in very different ways (gods, the banter between them!), and you simply can’t help but root for them. From the initial, reluctant meet-cute to their heartwarming reliance on each other in the end, it’s apparent that these two belong together, whether or not they know it just yet!
Every character in this novel has their own, unique personality. The dialogue flows effortlessly, and when I tell you I had more chills than I could count in those last twenty-five pages…just you wait for the ending.
The Gods of Atalantis is the first in a trilogy, and Klotz reveals just enough that you can’t wait to see how all the threads come together in the end.
A truly epic, unique tale. While the island of Atalantis itself may recede in the tides of memory, these characters’ stories will remain with you long after—a love story for the ages, and one that echoes throughout time.
For fans of fantasy, mythology, worldbuilding, and epic slow-burn romances, The Gods of Atalantis is the perfect read (take it to the beach this summer! But mind any stray magic crystals in the sand…they seem to be notoriously unstable. Surely nothing will go boom by the end of the trilogy...).
Klotz’s prose is exquisite. I was immediately captivated by the lush worldbuilding—the language, culture—not to mention the inherent questions surrounding power structures and the place of religion in society. Mireia and Kena are, purportedly, the Sea Mother and and Sun Father reincarnated, but the conflict lies in whether or not Mireia is in fact the true Sea Mother (and really, there is some skepticism regarding whether the gods exist at all). As the story continues, we see cult fanaticism, brewing troubles between monarchies, and the overarching power of religion in society—for better or worse (though, as we come to know Mireia, one can only imagine she’ll use her influence for better).
But the heart of the story is in the evolving relationship between Mireia and Kena. Both of these characters are just incredibly likeable in very different ways (gods, the banter between them!), and you simply can’t help but root for them. From the initial, reluctant meet-cute to their heartwarming reliance on each other in the end, it’s apparent that these two belong together, whether or not they know it just yet!
Every character in this novel has their own, unique personality. The dialogue flows effortlessly, and when I tell you I had more chills than I could count in those last twenty-five pages…just you wait for the ending.
The Gods of Atalantis is the first in a trilogy, and Klotz reveals just enough that you can’t wait to see how all the threads come together in the end.
A truly epic, unique tale. While the island of Atalantis itself may recede in the tides of memory, these characters’ stories will remain with you long after—a love story for the ages, and one that echoes throughout time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It's been my tremendous privilege to read this before it gets released to the world, and I CANNOT WAIT for more folks to discover it! I'm very selective in what YA I read (I'm far, far from the target audience at this point in my life), but this book is something special, and there is so much for everyone to enjoy.
First, the worldbuilding is phenomenally complex, rich, and nuanced without feeling heavy or overwrought. Rather, Klotz has very thoughtfully created a world that feels lived-in, vibrant, and cohesive in a way that allows the storytelling to flourish. Every new piece of this world you get to explore leaves you eagerly wanting more.
Second, the characters are packed with personality and deeply human and believable motivations. Mireia and Kena genuinely read as teenagers in both their charms and their flaws, and they don't exist in a vacuum - every character that steps onto the page feels lifelike and full, no matter how grand or insignificant or relatable or strange. Despite the focus on Mireia and Kena's trials and tribulations coming to embody their roles and senses of self, you are never left to forget that they are just a part of a massive system, an epic weave of forces vying for power or change.
And Icozoue ... DAMN but I love Icozoue. 🤣💜
Finally, there is a perfect emotional balance to this story. For every moment of deathly seriousness and grave importance, there are moments of quiet domesticity, playful banter, teenage melodrama, and just plain human silliness. This is where it best compares to work like Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Dragon Prince, that impressive ability to juggle dramatic world-altering stakes with the humor and heart of real life.
This book is a chonker, but it's well worth the investment of time, and you'll be hungry for the next book the moment you finish it. I highly recommend it for teens and adults alike!
First, the worldbuilding is phenomenally complex, rich, and nuanced without feeling heavy or overwrought. Rather, Klotz has very thoughtfully created a world that feels lived-in, vibrant, and cohesive in a way that allows the storytelling to flourish. Every new piece of this world you get to explore leaves you eagerly wanting more.
Second, the characters are packed with personality and deeply human and believable motivations. Mireia and Kena genuinely read as teenagers in both their charms and their flaws, and they don't exist in a vacuum - every character that steps onto the page feels lifelike and full, no matter how grand or insignificant or relatable or strange. Despite the focus on Mireia and Kena's trials and tribulations coming to embody their roles and senses of self, you are never left to forget that they are just a part of a massive system, an epic weave of forces vying for power or change.
And Icozoue ... DAMN but I love Icozoue. 🤣💜
Finally, there is a perfect emotional balance to this story. For every moment of deathly seriousness and grave importance, there are moments of quiet domesticity, playful banter, teenage melodrama, and just plain human silliness. This is where it best compares to work like Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Dragon Prince, that impressive ability to juggle dramatic world-altering stakes with the humor and heart of real life.
This book is a chonker, but it's well worth the investment of time, and you'll be hungry for the next book the moment you finish it. I highly recommend it for teens and adults alike!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
When I tell you this was like no book that I've read in recent memory, I mean it. You can tell it's written by someone that has exceptional mastery over the English language (holy glaze ik but it's true).
The worldbuilding was so well-done. Atalantis truly felt like a real place, from all of the societal norms to the diverse curse words. I especially loved the creation story!
The characters are all distinct, and while you may not agree with their choices, you understand why they made them. I kept having to remind myself that Mimi is a 13-year-old. But the actions that she took, especially near the end, were so admirable. I LOVED Kena, and I hope we see more of him and his backstory (though I suspect it will be tragic) in the next book.
And I feel like all of the characters that she writes feel so grounded in reality. Like we all know the kind of person Emily's referring to when she writes Utepec.
I will be in the Icozoue x Xa'aba camp for all eternity, I am the captain of the fan club, if you want to usurp my place, you have to artfight me.
I can't talk about this book without mentioning how gripping it is. I read the first 50% in one day, and then I had to forcibly temper myself. The prose just sings and you never want to stop listening. And the climax of the story was so well done (although I think there were maybe two climaxes??), it matched the pacing perfectly.
I love that, though this is obviously the start to a book series, it still had a satisfying denouement and ended on a hopeful note (thank you for not cliffhanging me 😔🫶).
The worldbuilding was so well-done. Atalantis truly felt like a real place, from all of the societal norms to the diverse curse words. I especially loved the creation story!
The characters are all distinct, and while you may not agree with their choices, you understand why they made them. I kept having to remind myself that Mimi is a 13-year-old. But the actions that she took, especially near the end, were so admirable. I LOVED Kena, and I hope we see more of him and his backstory (though I suspect it will be tragic) in the next book.
And I feel like all of the characters that she writes feel so grounded in reality. Like we all know the kind of person Emily's referring to when she writes Utepec.
I will be in the Icozoue x Xa'aba camp for all eternity, I am the captain of the fan club, if you want to usurp my place, you have to artfight me.
I can't talk about this book without mentioning how gripping it is. I read the first 50% in one day, and then I had to forcibly temper myself. The prose just sings and you never want to stop listening. And the climax of the story was so well done (although I think there were maybe two climaxes??), it matched the pacing perfectly.
I love that, though this is obviously the start to a book series, it still had a satisfying denouement and ended on a hopeful note (thank you for not cliffhanging me 😔🫶).
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
ARC - Completed
I'll get straight to it, the book is in fact good. Mireia is a complex young woman in a living breathing word that doesn't stand around waiting to be guided by her influence - God or not.
Spoiler Free: Our cast are fully realized people, something that I think is often swept under the rug when an author isn't up to the task. Mireia is no damsel, but she is also not an infallible prodigy either. She is thirteen years young, has a lot of growing to do and it shows. That said, if you give Klotz the chance to cook, I believe you will be pleasantly surprised by the development she is able to wrangle out of her little hurricane girl.
Now, no novel is without its flaws and I will not convince you that our dear author has managed to become the first to escape that truth. Sometimes Mireia can't help but earn a good eye roll and a tossing up of a hand or two when she gets a little too egocentric. It can also feel at times that people are just a bit too flexible with her. Lastly, I think that at about the last fourth of the book the pacing and character development hasten until the end. All in all, these flaws do not heavily impact enjoyment and I do look forward to the next installment.
I'll get straight to it, the book is in fact good. Mireia is a complex young woman in a living breathing word that doesn't stand around waiting to be guided by her influence - God or not.
Spoiler Free: Our cast are fully realized people, something that I think is often swept under the rug when an author isn't up to the task. Mireia is no damsel, but she is also not an infallible prodigy either. She is thirteen years young, has a lot of growing to do and it shows. That said, if you give Klotz the chance to cook, I believe you will be pleasantly surprised by the development she is able to wrangle out of her little hurricane girl.
Now, no novel is without its flaws and I will not convince you that our dear author has managed to become the first to escape that truth. Sometimes Mireia can't help but earn a good eye roll and a tossing up of a hand or two when she gets a little too egocentric. It can also feel at times that people are just a bit too flexible with her. Lastly, I think that at about the last fourth of the book the pacing and character development hasten until the end. All in all, these flaws do not heavily impact enjoyment and I do look forward to the next installment.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
NO SPOILERS:
The Gods of Atalantis is a beautifully crafted story with passion and love baked into every line.
It's a world rendered in gorgeous detail with exquisite prose, from tiny fishing village to the grandest cities . An incredibly rich and deep lore underpins the adventure, seemlessly blended into the everyday and the events of the tale. All the while, wonderful characters drove the story forward with perfect clarity.
An ever charming, at times tragic, funny and/or dangerous cast keeps you on your toes from start to finish. Everything isn't okay in Atalantis and our two young protagonists are thrust into the middle of religious and political intrigue of which they are barely aware and for which they aren't certainly not prepared.
A beautiful story, wonderfully told with each element flowing together like magic. I forgot I was reading, struggled to put it down when i had to, it was on my mind when i woke up and I can't wait to return to Atalantis for rereads. The story flows like Kaana magic from start to finish. So hard to put down!
The Gods of Atalantis is a beautifully crafted story with passion and love baked into every line.
It's a world rendered in gorgeous detail with exquisite prose, from tiny fishing village to the grandest cities . An incredibly rich and deep lore underpins the adventure, seemlessly blended into the everyday and the events of the tale. All the while, wonderful characters drove the story forward with perfect clarity.
An ever charming, at times tragic, funny and/or dangerous cast keeps you on your toes from start to finish. Everything isn't okay in Atalantis and our two young protagonists are thrust into the middle of religious and political intrigue of which they are barely aware and for which they aren't certainly not prepared.
A beautiful story, wonderfully told with each element flowing together like magic. I forgot I was reading, struggled to put it down when i had to, it was on my mind when i woke up and I can't wait to return to Atalantis for rereads. The story flows like Kaana magic from start to finish. So hard to put down!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Gods of Atalantis is a beautiful and engaging story, with rich and thorough worldbuilding and a truly excellent in-universe mythology. But honestly, the best part for me comes down to the most important thing: the characters. Everyone you meet feels so thoroughly detailed and engaging, and held absolutely delightful relationships with each other. Mireia, the main POV character, was such an easy MC to root for, even when she was making, perhaps, some questionable choices. Kena is adorable, and holds the perfect mix of "already terrific" with "and we see some impressive growth" to make him very satisfying to engage with. Even the villains (no spoilers!!) are intriguing and delightful. A truly phenomenal read!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the wonderful privilege of beta reading The Gods of Atalantis, and I can say with great confidence that it was one of the best books I read that year. Normally, I am not a fan of Young Adult books, but Klotz did such an excellent job capturing the personalities and choices of the teenage main characters in a realistic way. Not only that, but her mastery of the English language is incredible to behold, and she did a phenomenal job with the worldbuilding. Atalantis was alive on every page, in every small and large cultural and linguistic depiction.
May 1, 2026
Fantastic debut novel 5*
A delightful coming of age story about two young people selected to be the reincarnation of their gods. They're expected to marry too, though the protagonist is less than thrilled about that part! Conflict arises between Mireia and her friend who thinks she is the god's avatar. There are some interesting twists toward the end and a well developed magic system. My favorite part was the bit where they try to resist truth spells.
I would recommend this for fans of Percy Jackson and Legend of the White Snake!
A delightful coming of age story about two young people selected to be the reincarnation of their gods. They're expected to marry too, though the protagonist is less than thrilled about that part! Conflict arises between Mireia and her friend who thinks she is the god's avatar. There are some interesting twists toward the end and a well developed magic system. My favorite part was the bit where they try to resist truth spells.
I would recommend this for fans of Percy Jackson and Legend of the White Snake!
April 26, 2026
I was privileged to get an ARC of this new book published by Hook & Quill Press.
An island speeds towards ruin.
Two kids fall in love among the way.
Or is there something more about them..?
Fabulous world building and a story that pulls you in.
Great YA read! Looking forward to more from Emily Klotz—like the next installment of this series!
An island speeds towards ruin.
Two kids fall in love among the way.
Or is there something more about them..?
Fabulous world building and a story that pulls you in.
Great YA read! Looking forward to more from Emily Klotz—like the next installment of this series!
May 23, 2026
A beautiful work of fantasy, complex yet not overly complicated, technically "YA" but with enough political intrigue to keep this adult reader engaged. Gods of Atalantis breathes fresh life and vivid color into a very old story. I am definitely coming back to find out what happens to the young Sea Mother and Sun Father.
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