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The Divine Bargain
Not yet published
Expected 20 Sep 26Long before the Olympians carved their names into history—before heroes, hymns, and myths rose like flames from embers—there were the Primordials.
The first gods. Time. Chaos. Creation itself.
And beneath them lived the first mortals, born into a world still deciding whether humanity was worth saving at all.
Sorcha is one of those mortals. A doeme, a slave bred for obedience—her body is owned, her mind conditioned, her soul treated as currency by men who wear godhood like a crown and believe dominion is their birthright. She was never meant to survive this world. Only to endure it long enough to break.
And so she clings to a single truth: Chaos—the god of the void, of endings, of oblivion—is the only force that promises an end to suffering.
But even that end is not hers to claim.
Because when Chronos—the god of the beginning, the middle, and the end, untouched by mercy and unmoved by desire—saw her, something within him shifted. In that moment, he defied the first and greatest law of divinity. To save Sorcha, Chronos makes a forbidden bargain—one soul exchanged for one life. The cost fractures eternity itself. Time warps. The future splinters.
And Sorcha becomes bound to a fate she cannot outrun.
And when she finally comes face-to-face with the god who altered creation for her, she learns the most devastating truth of all:
Her life was never truly hers.
This is not a retelling, but a lost myth—of love blooming where it should not, of power bending where it was meant to remain absolute, and of a mortal woman forced to decide whether fate is something to endure or something to defy.
The first gods. Time. Chaos. Creation itself.
And beneath them lived the first mortals, born into a world still deciding whether humanity was worth saving at all.
Sorcha is one of those mortals. A doeme, a slave bred for obedience—her body is owned, her mind conditioned, her soul treated as currency by men who wear godhood like a crown and believe dominion is their birthright. She was never meant to survive this world. Only to endure it long enough to break.
And so she clings to a single truth: Chaos—the god of the void, of endings, of oblivion—is the only force that promises an end to suffering.
But even that end is not hers to claim.
Because when Chronos—the god of the beginning, the middle, and the end, untouched by mercy and unmoved by desire—saw her, something within him shifted. In that moment, he defied the first and greatest law of divinity. To save Sorcha, Chronos makes a forbidden bargain—one soul exchanged for one life. The cost fractures eternity itself. Time warps. The future splinters.
And Sorcha becomes bound to a fate she cannot outrun.
And when she finally comes face-to-face with the god who altered creation for her, she learns the most devastating truth of all:
Her life was never truly hers.
This is not a retelling, but a lost myth—of love blooming where it should not, of power bending where it was meant to remain absolute, and of a mortal woman forced to decide whether fate is something to endure or something to defy.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 20, 2026
About the author
C.L. Shivers
3 books66 followersPassionate about dark fantasy and deeply layered storytelling, C.L. Shivers crafts immersive worlds filled with intrigue, romance, and unforgettable characters. With a background in psychology and a love for exploring complex emotions, her stories weave together raw human experiences and rich, atmospheric settings. Dive into her world and discover the magic hidden within the darkness.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 1, 2026
This read was full of passion, rage, defiance and ultimately understanding.
I have never connected with a book so deeply.
The Divine Bargain tells the story of so many women. Women who are dehumanized by society, by depraved men and even their own mental prisons.
This book is for anyone who has been degraded by people who were meant to care for them.
For anyone who has had to accept the lesser of two evils.
For anyone who has sacrificed themselves to protect someone they love.
For anyone who is scared to trust.
For anyone who struggles to cope.
This book is for those who refuse to accept their fate!
In a world draped in tradition and luxury Sorcha’s life is not her own. She is forced to live under the weight of a society that sees her as a possession, forced to smile in the presence of brutality, expected to remain obedient to those who only wish to dominate her.
There is no one to turn to. She cannot seek comfort in her master, there is no love to be found in the men who pay for her company and there is no hope of reprieve from the other women who only see her as a threat.
But he sees her…..
He watches her as minutes turn to hours and hours into years. He watches as her fragile human life slowly starts to slip through time. Will she see him for what he truly is? Will she trust him? Or will she fear him as she fears mortal men?
This story is such a beautiful example of how trauma presents itself even in the smallest ways. A story of self acceptance and trust.
C.L. Shivers clearly writes from the heart. The world building, the pacing, the emotion and even the poetic details of this book are so impactful. This is truly a book I will find myself reading again and again just to experience this feeling again 🖤
I have never connected with a book so deeply.
The Divine Bargain tells the story of so many women. Women who are dehumanized by society, by depraved men and even their own mental prisons.
This book is for anyone who has been degraded by people who were meant to care for them.
For anyone who has had to accept the lesser of two evils.
For anyone who has sacrificed themselves to protect someone they love.
For anyone who is scared to trust.
For anyone who struggles to cope.
This book is for those who refuse to accept their fate!
In a world draped in tradition and luxury Sorcha’s life is not her own. She is forced to live under the weight of a society that sees her as a possession, forced to smile in the presence of brutality, expected to remain obedient to those who only wish to dominate her.
There is no one to turn to. She cannot seek comfort in her master, there is no love to be found in the men who pay for her company and there is no hope of reprieve from the other women who only see her as a threat.
But he sees her…..
He watches her as minutes turn to hours and hours into years. He watches as her fragile human life slowly starts to slip through time. Will she see him for what he truly is? Will she trust him? Or will she fear him as she fears mortal men?
This story is such a beautiful example of how trauma presents itself even in the smallest ways. A story of self acceptance and trust.
C.L. Shivers clearly writes from the heart. The world building, the pacing, the emotion and even the poetic details of this book are so impactful. This is truly a book I will find myself reading again and again just to experience this feeling again 🖤
June 14, 2026
4.5 stars
This is dark so definitely check your triggers.
I want to thank the author for giving me the chance to read this one early.
Wow, what a beautifully written dark fantasy. The author does an incredible job bringing this story to life with beautiful scenery descriptions and amazing character growth. This is my first book within the greek mythology genre and I think it was amazing and I cannot wait to read more. Plot twists, protective MMC, feminine rage. YES PLEASE.
I will forever love C.L. Shivers writing. Don't sleep on this one.
This is dark so definitely check your triggers.
I want to thank the author for giving me the chance to read this one early.
Wow, what a beautifully written dark fantasy. The author does an incredible job bringing this story to life with beautiful scenery descriptions and amazing character growth. This is my first book within the greek mythology genre and I think it was amazing and I cannot wait to read more. Plot twists, protective MMC, feminine rage. YES PLEASE.
I will forever love C.L. Shivers writing. Don't sleep on this one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
C.L. Shivers does it again by giving us such a unique and powerful story that shook me to my core. Not only is this world painted so vividly by her writing, but these characters pack a punch.
Following our main character, Sorchas, journey was impactful, emotional, and gut-wrenching, but most importantly, it was empowering! There were so many scenes where I felt her pain, her rage, but also her healing journey that brought out all the emotions!
She finds herself in a world where survival is the only thing that matters, and she’s only looked at as possession. However, her world takes a dramatic shift, and she finally gains control over her situation. In doing so, she’s placed in the hands of a divine being who has been closely observing her every move!
She must now face him and figure out his motives, whether she can trust him, his world, but most of all his family!
Now Blade was everything and more when it comes to an MMC. Caring, protective, but most of all patient. His connection to her is so strong, but he also understands what she went through and that only time can heal extreme wounds.
I’m super excited to see how his character develops in the next book and gain a deeper understanding of his world and his powerful siblings.
Now this book was a bit slower paced and focused heavier on the characters and their journey, but the world building, the writing, and the unique story around these divine beings and this Greek mythology twist made up for the pacing!
I can’t wait to see how this story progresses and I just know I’m going to absolutely love these characters as well as some of these side characters!
C.L. Shivers does it again by giving us such a unique and powerful story that shook me to my core. Not only is this world painted so vividly by her writing, but these characters pack a punch.
Following our main character, Sorchas, journey was impactful, emotional, and gut-wrenching, but most importantly, it was empowering! There were so many scenes where I felt her pain, her rage, but also her healing journey that brought out all the emotions!
She finds herself in a world where survival is the only thing that matters, and she’s only looked at as possession. However, her world takes a dramatic shift, and she finally gains control over her situation. In doing so, she’s placed in the hands of a divine being who has been closely observing her every move!
She must now face him and figure out his motives, whether she can trust him, his world, but most of all his family!
Now Blade was everything and more when it comes to an MMC. Caring, protective, but most of all patient. His connection to her is so strong, but he also understands what she went through and that only time can heal extreme wounds.
I’m super excited to see how his character develops in the next book and gain a deeper understanding of his world and his powerful siblings.
Now this book was a bit slower paced and focused heavier on the characters and their journey, but the world building, the writing, and the unique story around these divine beings and this Greek mythology twist made up for the pacing!
I can’t wait to see how this story progresses and I just know I’m going to absolutely love these characters as well as some of these side characters!
June 16, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Let me start off by saying C.L. Shivers I absolutely love and adore you! The way you write is so unbelievable and so unique. I never feel lost in your story telling!
* feminine rage
* morally gray fmc
* tragic love
* dark fantasy
* greek gods
The Divine Bargain ✨🪽
from the moment I picked up this book I hated putting it down to do anything else in the real world!
It’s written so beautifully but yet so dark (so definitely check your trigger warnings) You have your twist and turns, your plot twist (FOR SURE) and just all around such beautiful story.
(I cried multiple times)
I am a sucker for a FMC with feminine rage and our fmc Sorcha is full of it!
She is such a force, she’s so stubborn (like me) and she endures so much and I feel so connect with her!
Not thinking you aren’t good enough or you shouldn’t deserve anything good only the worse, someone who is scared of love because it can only ever hurt you in the end.
Blade our MMC oh my gosh is he literally everything! Just the man he is, is absolutely beautiful! He wants to understand her so bad but also doesn’t want to be like the other men that she’s use to, he wants to give her space and he’s so patient with her (which I absolutely love) he would do anything for her and not even bat an eye! He never judges her for what she’s been through or how much rage she has. He gives her time, and lets her know she is free, that she doesn’t owe him absolute anything!
I honestly cannot wait for book 2!! I just know it’s going to be so good! Oh my I hope it’s filled with everything this book had and more! You never fail to amaze me beautiful woman🤍
Let me start off by saying C.L. Shivers I absolutely love and adore you! The way you write is so unbelievable and so unique. I never feel lost in your story telling!
* feminine rage
* morally gray fmc
* tragic love
* dark fantasy
* greek gods
The Divine Bargain ✨🪽
from the moment I picked up this book I hated putting it down to do anything else in the real world!
It’s written so beautifully but yet so dark (so definitely check your trigger warnings) You have your twist and turns, your plot twist (FOR SURE) and just all around such beautiful story.
(I cried multiple times)
I am a sucker for a FMC with feminine rage and our fmc Sorcha is full of it!
She is such a force, she’s so stubborn (like me) and she endures so much and I feel so connect with her!
Not thinking you aren’t good enough or you shouldn’t deserve anything good only the worse, someone who is scared of love because it can only ever hurt you in the end.
Blade our MMC oh my gosh is he literally everything! Just the man he is, is absolutely beautiful! He wants to understand her so bad but also doesn’t want to be like the other men that she’s use to, he wants to give her space and he’s so patient with her (which I absolutely love) he would do anything for her and not even bat an eye! He never judges her for what she’s been through or how much rage she has. He gives her time, and lets her know she is free, that she doesn’t owe him absolute anything!
I honestly cannot wait for book 2!! I just know it’s going to be so good! Oh my I hope it’s filled with everything this book had and more! You never fail to amaze me beautiful woman🤍
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Divine Bargain was such a dark and beautiful work of art. I'm always a sucker for gods and goddesses in fantasy, and I loved the way C.L. Shivers approached them here. Even while drawing from some of the oldest mythological concepts, the story felt fresh and uniquely its own.
The real standout for me was the writing. C.L. Shivers has a remarkable way of painting a scene, and the imagery throughout this book was absolutely stunning. While the pacing was slower than I typically prefer, it allowed the emotional journey to unfold naturally. Our FMC's healing felt earned, and I appreciated that her growth wasn't rushed.
And Blade? Give me more Blade. Tall, dark, mysterious, and somehow the king of green flags all at once. He was easily one of my favorite parts of the story.
If you enjoy atmospheric fantasy, beautiful prose, and character-driven journeys, this is definitely one to check out.
The real standout for me was the writing. C.L. Shivers has a remarkable way of painting a scene, and the imagery throughout this book was absolutely stunning. While the pacing was slower than I typically prefer, it allowed the emotional journey to unfold naturally. Our FMC's healing felt earned, and I appreciated that her growth wasn't rushed.
And Blade? Give me more Blade. Tall, dark, mysterious, and somehow the king of green flags all at once. He was easily one of my favorite parts of the story.
If you enjoy atmospheric fantasy, beautiful prose, and character-driven journeys, this is definitely one to check out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was insanely written! Highly recommend you read the triggers as it will not be an easy read for everyone.
This author is incredible at her descriptions of scenery and the characters emotions. It is so beautifully written and it was written in a slower pace that allows real deep emotional character building. I loved how it slowly developed and it felt like her character earned everything she got.
The MMC is incredible! He’s caring and soft but only for her. But the best thing about him is how patient and supportive he is considering her background and how the last thing he wants is her to feel anything she previously felt.
I loved the mythology within the book and how well it is carved into the book. I am so excited to see how this book can develop further.
This book was insanely written! Highly recommend you read the triggers as it will not be an easy read for everyone.
This author is incredible at her descriptions of scenery and the characters emotions. It is so beautifully written and it was written in a slower pace that allows real deep emotional character building. I loved how it slowly developed and it felt like her character earned everything she got.
The MMC is incredible! He’s caring and soft but only for her. But the best thing about him is how patient and supportive he is considering her background and how the last thing he wants is her to feel anything she previously felt.
I loved the mythology within the book and how well it is carved into the book. I am so excited to see how this book can develop further.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Divine Bargain is dark, gritty and full of emotion.
This book is for those that have been broken.
It is for those that are healing.
It is for those that want to take back what is rightfully theirs.
It is for those that want to stand up and rage.
C.L Shivers has a way of writing real characters in poetic ways, and Sorcha is no exception. She is a woman forgotten, used and abused, and you will find yourself wanting to reach for her through the page.
Chronos, this man has green flags galore and I need more of him. He yearns, he is patient, and he wants more than anything for Sorcha to be happy.
"I would do anything to see her heart soften, even if only for the briefest moment."
This book is for those that have been broken.
It is for those that are healing.
It is for those that want to take back what is rightfully theirs.
It is for those that want to stand up and rage.
C.L Shivers has a way of writing real characters in poetic ways, and Sorcha is no exception. She is a woman forgotten, used and abused, and you will find yourself wanting to reach for her through the page.
Chronos, this man has green flags galore and I need more of him. He yearns, he is patient, and he wants more than anything for Sorcha to be happy.
"I would do anything to see her heart soften, even if only for the briefest moment."
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am unwell! First, please check your triggers!
Sorcha is found and taken into slavery of the body kind. Her owner and abuser is foul but she manages to land with the prince for several years. Until that too comes crashing down for his betrothal. Our girl goes through so many horrible things and the Gods will come into play to hopefully give her a freaking break. The ending had my flabbers gasted, Sorcha has so much to learn about trust & love.
Sorcha is found and taken into slavery of the body kind. Her owner and abuser is foul but she manages to land with the prince for several years. Until that too comes crashing down for his betrothal. Our girl goes through so many horrible things and the Gods will come into play to hopefully give her a freaking break. The ending had my flabbers gasted, Sorcha has so much to learn about trust & love.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews