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The Forgotten #1

A Forgotten Goddess

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An abandoned Egyptian goddess follows her visions to Ireland, and finds more than she ever bargained for...

An abandoned Egyptian goddess follows her visions to Ireland, and finds more than she ever bargained for...

Bat Sitru used to be a goddess. Well, technically she still is. But with no followers, no temples, and only the overly mischievous cat-goddess Bastet as a friend, it's difficult to lay claim to the title.

When her visions—once faded—return to her, they point to a land in the north, one of green slopes, mist, and rainbows. She is shown a hope for comfort and home, something that has long been missing from her existence.

Once there, she begins to wonder if her visions have led her wrong. She's cold, damp, and her new landlords, the O’Loinsigh brothers, are not particularly welcoming. On top of that, she is confronted by a dead leprechaun on the rear stoop, a dagger that sucks the life of immortals, and territorial gods.

As past secrets collides with the present, will Bat be able to carve a place for herself in this new land? Or will this goddess be forgotten once more?

Please note: A previous, and shorter, version of this story was released in the anthology Shamrocked. This is also a slow-burn RH.

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 20, 2018

138 people are currently reading
268 people want to read

About the author

Cecilia Randell

26 books170 followers
Cecilia Randell is the pseudonym for a lady author that has not quite worked up the courage to give you all her real name. She loves a good story, and often finds herself thinking "what if...", so decided to put some of her 'what ifs' down in words for others to, hopefully, enjoy.

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5 stars
108 (44%)
4 stars
75 (31%)
3 stars
49 (20%)
2 stars
7 (2%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for ⇝ b ⇝.
1,418 reviews62 followers
October 10, 2019
This was unlike many RH out there. It was whimsical and beautiful. It’s not really action packed, didn’t focus on the romance much, but I really enjoyed it. We get the mix of Egyptian and Irish mythology/folklore. It was fascinating to see the merging of two different cultures and their gods.

I highly recommend this to people who want to read a slow burn and myths. This is the first type of RH that’s done something this. It was truly captivating.

Our characters aren’t stereotypical archetypes. Bat is an ancient forgotten goddess who’s still learning the new ways of this period. She has a naivety about her that makes her endearing. At the same time she isn’t weak, but gentle.

The O’Loinsigh brothers aren’t typical either. They’re not abrasive or cocky like most heroes you read about. They had a softness about them and wisdom, but it’s all subtle.

The chemistry our characters have isn’t magnetic or fiery. It’s like the feeling of a gentle breeze against your skin on a beautiful day.

This book made me appreciate stories about the softer side of people. It also made me fall in love in how our author merged these two mythologies into a great story.

I only have two things that kept me from giving me five stars. First, I wish there was a glossary. Irish mythology/folklore isn’t seen in popular culture that often. At least not the aspects that were mentioned in this book. Second, while I do appreciate the subtleties of this book, I do wish there was a bit more action.


Plot: ♡♡♡♡
Heroes: ♡♡♡♡
Heroine: ♡♡♡♡♡
Chemistry:♡♡♡♡♡
Steam: slow burn
Cover:♡♡♡
Writing:♡♡♡♡♡
Profile Image for Tiera McMillian.
1,160 reviews47 followers
October 22, 2018
This was an entertaining read, if not a bit confusing. You can definitely tell the author has done a ton of research on Irish lore and mythology. Some of those names even I had not heard of, so it was a tad difficult to keep things straight at times but I am ecstatic when I feel like I learn something about the lore I have always loved.

Our FMC Bat, though not my usual sarcastic, sword wielding heroine, was incredibly interesting. A forgotten, diminished naive millennia old goddess. I found that I really connected with her character. For someone who has been around so long it was really interesting to see a naive, caring, character and not someone drunk on power and jaded by her life. I thought the different aspects of the goddess and her trying to reconcile her past selves to the self she now wanted to be really endearing.

The plot line itself was a little slow at times and I found myself frustrated in the lack of faith people have in her just because she no longer has followers. Each of the characters have such a rich background that it was hard in the first book to really showcase each of them and their stories. I am really looking forward to the next book whenever that comes out. I cant wait to see where this is headed and who is the master behind all the minions.
Profile Image for Arenia.
352 reviews26 followers
July 25, 2023
Okay wait this was SO GOOD. Another case of terrible cover but really enjoyable story.

I absolutely LOVE Bat, and I love the little emails to Bastet in the chapter openings. She’s a wonderful mix of powerful, aloof, naive, and yet knowledgeable. The author did such a good job balancing all of this out; I’ve read many stories where the characters are supposed to be these l almighty beings but just come across like regular people.

The guys are also great, and I’m really hoping Finn ends up with them in the next one. I like the slow burn and appreciate that Bat recognizes her attraction but isn’t giving way to body betrayal or jumping straight on them.

Also loving the word building here and the use of different gods. I know the author took some liberties with the myths so if you’re a stickler for accuracy, then perhaps this isn’t for you. As someone only loosely aware of the Irish and Egyptian gods, however, I enjoyed it.

Definitely looking forward to the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Jessica Robbins.
2,598 reviews50 followers
July 12, 2019
This series sure starts with a bang as we meet Bat an Egyptian Goddess who has essentially been forgotten over time. She decides to go on vacation after she receives some vague visions but she is in for quite a few surprises when she arrives. Her landlords are three hot brothers with secrets that cannot decide if they want to allow her to stay or not. A murder puts a spin on things and they get closer as the investigation goes on. Full of intrigue, fantasy, and fun as the story pulls you taking you on a ride until the very last page. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
Profile Image for Mello ❣ Illium ✮Harry✮ ☀Myrnin☀ Torin Ichimaru.
1,544 reviews104 followers
January 17, 2022
Loved It

I've come across another Cecilia Randall series to get hooked on. Funny enough, I didn't recognize the author's name right off and almost passed this book up. I ended up deciding to try it because I wanted to see what happens when an Egyptian goddess goes to Ireland and gets caught up in things and finds a new life for herself. I loved it and that was mostly due to Bat. She is just so adorable. I fell in love with her instantly and rooted for her the entire book.

I loved Dub, Mell and Shar right away, too. They're good guys and I truly believe they will love Bat so much. I can't wait for them all to come together. I wonder if Finn will be a part of it at some point as well.
Profile Image for Kayla Pipkin.
782 reviews38 followers
December 20, 2018
This story is based on Irish and Egyptian mythology.
Something I'm not really familiar with and feel like it might have hindered me when reading
You can tell research was done on this subject.

Bat-our leading female character-is a naive dwindling goddess from Egypt.
And there are three male characters who find solace in different ways with her.
The premise of the story is Bat is diminished by her lack of followers and pushed aside by the other gods and goddesses in the Egyptian pantheon.
Because of such, she finds a new sense of purpose in Ireland-after having a vision.
It is here she finds others she relates to and finds comfort in.
After discovering a leprechaun murdered, she decides to place herself in a role of finding his killer and sorting some wrongs within the community.

I was a little confused when I first started this book-for about the first half.
Wasn't exactly sure what was going on and what the plot of the story line was.
It is definitely a slow going book.

This is a reverse harem story, but it is slow burn.
The romance is not the framework for the story, but takes more of a backseat to the fantasy aspect.

It is definitely an original story line.
I have not read a reverse harem (or even non-RH) with Irish and Egyptian mythology/folklore being the highlight of the story.
It was interesting to see and to learn something new.

Overall, it is an interesting read.
I was slightly confused, but by the end I was enjoying it.
I think if you are able to work your way through it, you will also enjoy it.
Profile Image for Cinnabelle listens.
31 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2018
I have been following Cecilia Randell since I read A Girl Named Blue a few months ago. I found her style simple and easily accessible. Sorry, no great work of literary fiction here, just simple storytelling. With the chaos that is the world today sometimes it is easier and more soothing to read something simple and uncomplicated to forget that life can be a s**t show.

The premise is that an early Egyptian goddess, Bat, who is diminished by her lack of worshipers and scorned by the rest of the Egyptian pantheon decides she needs a renewed interest in life goes on vacation to Ireland. There she finds gods, goddesses and immortals very present in the everyday lives of the humans that surround them. On the first night of her visit she becomes embroiled in a murder mystery. By the time she solves the mystery and rights some wrongs, she has found that she still has a role to play in the world.

The story is written in the framework of the romance subgenre of Reverse Harems but the romance is not front and center. Instead I would call this a Reverse Harem Fantasy with a slow burn romance. No sex in the first book of the trilogy. As the romance is incidental to the story, the sex isn't a necessary part of the plot or character development.

5-stars for an original premise (combining Irish and Egyptian myth) and an easy comfortable read at the end of the hard day.
Profile Image for CoullCat.
158 reviews3 followers
September 28, 2018
A Forgotten Goddess is a glorious melding of Irish folklore and legends and Egyptian Mythology. Randell has managed to breath new life into the myths, even if she has moulded some of them to fit with the story.

Bat is sweet and at times her naivety about the world is downright hilarious but, as she says in the book, she is a Goddess and therefore should not be underestimated. The three brothers are the perfect counterpart to Bat’s inner strength and sweetness. All three have, or are, warriors with their own special brand of magic. The side characters are just as intriguing as the main characters, and true to Irish form, their histories are just as multilayered and confusing as anything else to do with fae legends.

Randell has certainly done her research into both Irish and Egyptian mythology and it shows in the strength of the characters and the writing. That’s not to say that at times it can’t get a tad confusing, I’ve never been the best at keeping Irish legends in the proper order. There are a few editing errors, which do become more prominent in the second half of the book which lets the story down a bit. I also wish that Randell had made Bastet appear in this book and can only hope that she makes an appearance as the series progresses.

This is a slow burn RH with no cliffhanger. If you’re a fan of either or both Irish or Egyptian mythology and don’t mind a sweet rather than sassy MC, then I suggest giving A Forgotten Goddess a go.
Profile Image for OneDayI'll.
1,592 reviews42 followers
February 13, 2022
Forgotten and found

Bat is a forgotten goddess, in a land overrun with deities. Once a great force, her powers faded after she completed her main mission. Now, she's basically a long lived human with some quirks. So, her friend sends her on a vacation from her tedium. Her desert dwelling self is now shivering in cold, wet Ireland. And her vacation just became a murder mystery.

Spoilers ahead.
I don't know why I haven't read this before now. I love her Blue series and I adore mythology. This was delightful. Bat is sweet, and oddly naive for a fertility goddess. Her mangling of idioms, Gaelic names and general confusion of the modern world is adorable. This may have a mystery, that revolves around a murder, in a small town setting, but is no means a cozy mystery. Bat sees things that the others haven't, or have ignored. She also sees the potential in the area, the brothers and the beings locally. I am so curious about that last scene. And so tickled about her tribute lol.
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews55 followers
October 14, 2018
Loved it - Ireland needs Egypt!

What a great read! A goddess that is almost human decides to travel to Ireland from her native Egypt. Although liberties were taken there is still enough truth in the legends to meet most purists demands. Plus the characters are fabulous ranging from the hesitant but determined heroine to the larger than life heroes. The little notes she pens to her best friend, Bast, are another great touch.
Leaving Egypt was hard, now hours of travelling behind her she is in a cold, wet town (in Ireland) looking for the place that she has booked a room in. Why did her visions want her to come? How will an ancient goddess fit into today's life. A dead body, a soul stealing dagger, a vengeful purpose and more supernaturals than you can shake a stick at. Will her Idiot's guide be enough to deal with the challenges ahead of her and the three brothers that own the pub she is boarding at?
Profile Image for Penny.
863 reviews11 followers
January 17, 2019
I don’t usually read books on Gods as I tend to get bored easily but I found myself really enjoyng this story. The combination of Irish mythology and Gods and the Egyptian Gods was an intriguing concept and something different to the usual Gods we read about. Cecelia Randell has done a good job of mixing mythology while putting her on twist on things to better suit the story and the characters she has created. I am intrigued to find out where the story will go and what happens in the next couple of books.
The MC Bat is and Egyptian Goddess who is no longer worshiped and is long forgotten, Bat is a sweet, caring and passionate Goddess. The MMCs are three Fae brothers who seem to be the perfect guide to help Bat navigate the modern world and that of other Immortal beings while also giving her the feeling of love and a home that she yearns for.
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,091 reviews119 followers
October 7, 2018
This book was a pleasant surprise. I started reading this book hoping for a juicy RH read, but I what I got was a book of old deities, folklore and a murder mystery that a awesome Egyptian is ready to solve. Although I was hoping for sometime else entirely this book was just as good as any. It does have the opening of many lovers but also the story does not follow them as such, it is all wrapped around their past, the murder, and meeting of new friends. So if your looking for one of those kinda RH with steamy scenes, and a for sure RH outcome this might not be for you. But if your ready for a wonderful story with a even more wonderful cast of likeable and even loveable characters, then this read is right up ur alley.
Profile Image for Lillium.
168 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2019
I loved this book. I love mithology, so I understood most of the terms and got the gist of it when I didn't. Still, I would use 4.5 stars, but having to choose I will pick 5 instead of 4. I found the heroine refreshing, the men were awesome and the interaction between them felt real and not hurried or insta-fabricated although there is ovbiously something there from the start.
The only thing I didn't love is that the end was a bit anticlimatic? They resolve the situation so easily that I feel a bit robed of the experience. It feels rushed even if it really is not... there is just no real action.
Still, I loved it and I will get my hands on the next one as soon as posible!
Profile Image for Jen  Johnson .
189 reviews
November 12, 2018
AWESOME

It was great, my two favorite histories Egyptian and Irish. I couldn't ask for more. The story kept me interested and flowed well. I'm excited to read the next one to see where this new world leads. I would totally recommend this to anyone who enjoys the Far and stories of redemption and Love.
50 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2019
I just loved this book. The way the characters behaved, you could actually see them. The 4 main characters, Bat the goddess and the 3 brothers were nicely fleshed out for me and made the book believable. You could actually see this being real (and who is to say it wasn't). It was hard to have to put the book down. I will definitely be searching the other books.
Profile Image for Rae.
165 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2018
Pleasantly surprised

When I downloaded this book on ku, I was just looking to kill time. I had no real expectations of it. I was so surprised, I enjoyed it very much. I look forward to reading more of Bat's adventures and her loves.
Profile Image for SLS Sparks.
434 reviews13 followers
May 1, 2019
Wonderful start

A great start to a series. I e enjoyed reading it and look forward to reading the second one. I cant wait to see more of the romantic side to appear with the main characters.
Profile Image for Liz Etnyre.
752 reviews2 followers
June 6, 2019
Really liked this one! Something rather appealing to the concept. Good introduction to the characters and I'm interested in how they move forward. (Main 'mystery' is resolved - more or less. Not a cliffhanger anyway.) 4.5 stars. Will read on in this series.
Profile Image for Chelsea.
122 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2020
This was such a great read if you're looking for a lighthearted story. It has it's dark moments but for the most part it's funny and whimsical. An Egyptian goddess in Ireland was a story I never new I needed.
Profile Image for DaeLorean.
91 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2022
A great story but NOT a book of romance

It was difficult to follow some of the lines of this book due to the names and descriptions but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Leaving a star off because this book is not a romance book.
Profile Image for Samantha.
120 reviews
October 30, 2018
Enjoyable Read

I really enjoyed this one. Once I started, I got pulled into the story. Looking forward to the next book!
8 reviews
May 7, 2019
So good

After finishing the first book I immediately bought the next two. Loved Bat and her not men. Thank you for a great story.
313 reviews5 followers
May 14, 2019
A Forgotten Goddess

Brilliant book, I had trouble putting it down. Already got the next in the series and will definitely look into more from this author
Profile Image for Connie Webster.
142 reviews1 follower
July 20, 2019
I loved this book. The irish background and the characters drew me in and I was entranced. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
378 reviews2 followers
February 5, 2022
Fascinating first in a series that blends mythology from Egypt and from Ireland. Character development is excellent along with terrific pacing of the story line. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Jack-Jack.
368 reviews
Read
July 18, 2022
The fact that they knew exactly who she was from the begining was a big turn off. The mystery was immediately gone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
348 reviews1 follower
September 13, 2022
Very enjoyable

Nice mix of different mythologies. Soft confident power without slot of fanfare. Satisfying ending setting up for new beginning.
Ready for next one
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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