Gods of the Dead

Immortal Stream: Children of the Gods #5

by Crea Reitan

What happens when the dead start to go missing only to reappear with an apparent vendetta against me? When a centuries abandoned island that used to be home to a ruthless vampire colony starts to show signs of life? When the sun is throwing a temper tantrum because her boyfriend broke up with her and starting fires all around or peaceful camp?

Not least of all, I’ve messed with the balance of life and death and the world is beginning to get a little darker. You’d think because I’m a god, the god of gods, that my actions should be immune to consequences. Apparently that isn’t a thing and now I have a whole lot of riddles to unwind and issues to solve before death gets out of hand.

But that shouldn’t be a problem, right? I am a god. And I have my small harem to help me.



**This is a full-length, new adult paranormal reverse harem with development of a variety of different sexual orientations and situations that will be further expanded on and explored as the series unfolds. This book contains plenty of WTF moments, friendship, betrayal, blood, allusions of past abuse, magic, gods, angels, jealousy, explicit sex scenes, and MM moments. This is book 5 in the series. Should not be read as a standalone and does end with a bit of a cliffhanger.

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2021

About the author

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. When she can't fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center - and utterly swoon-worthy! Don't ask her how many book boyfriends she has...

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don't even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

Reviews

[K. Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot believe there are so many questions answered, and soooo many more added. . . This series is so good! > . . Well done!

[Carol Rupprecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I love about Crea's Immortal Stream series is that it always has so much going on, yet not at the same time. The books in this series aren't short ones by any means. With a lot of book series that I read, most with three books in the series, the books always seem on the shorter side to me, and I can finish them within a few hours. With Crea's books, even being at book 5 out of however many she decides to make this series, there still doesn't seem to be an obvious decrease in the thickness of her books. What I've noticed is that she loves to provide details and doesn't often leave anything out. The stories stretch on because she gives us her all with them. Another great thing that she does is that she has so many subplots going on at once and different point of views from not only the main characters but also several side characters throughout the series. Some may think this would be too overwhelming, but Crea does it in a way that is understandable and easy to follow along with. Her characters are ones that a reader clings to, wanting to know what happens with them next, even if they aren't a huge part in the main plot of the story.

In this particular book, it is clear that Lena made a huge boo boo by saving Yndea from dying. Although we know she would do anything for Yndea, it's good to know that there are consequences for everyone, even the Uhnupte. Gods always see themselves as untouchable but there were several instances in this story that things were proven wrong. Some I enjoyed seeing, Mady, I'm looking at you. And others were just painful to read about, mainly because of the destructive results they had on those around them. In the end, Lena's choice was rebalanced, but not in a way she was prepared for. Not that I would wish for Yndea to die, but I do hope that Lena takes her decisions more seriously in the future. She may not fully comprehend her role as the Uhnupte yet, and her powers aren't active at all times, but she will need to be more aware of all of the situations around her and the possible side effects that will come from the decisions she makes.

Relationships were a huge focus in this book as some pairings grew closer. Lena and her guys are still pretty much at a stand still, but I do think they are taking a very mature outlook on everything they have going on together, focusing on themselves and not adding any other craziness to the mix quite yet. Even Yndea has a bit going on herself, and I can say that I'm so happy to see her happy. She went through some serious negative feelings in previous books, and now she is enjoying her life, her love, and her family. The bond between her and Sam is practically unbreakable. I'm not quite sure about Ember yet, but he may be worked into their relationship in later books. Either way, I could see her being happy with or without him. Right now, he's up in the air. But no worries, not all relationships are lovey dovey or stable in this book. Alyx and Brett are still a mess and Alyx, as a God only focusing on herself, is clueless that she is basically making Brett go even deeper into his trauma and really putting a damper on their relationship. Even the Sun, who I have no idea how she even plays into the story quite yet since we don't know much about what happened to her before she came to the camp, is a miserable, sobbing ball of fiery chaos. She was more annoying than anything, so hopefully she either gets herself together or leaves. "No one likes a sulking mess, lady."

I'm eager to see what the next book brings us. Fingers crossed Silas is reunited with Locke and Cadeyrn with her spirits and earth abilities. There wasn't a lot of focus on them this time around but I feel they are the ones who really deserve to get back to the way things were.

[Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gods of the Dead is book 5 of the Immortal stream children of the gods series and not to be read as a standalone.

These books are more of a saga then a series, it’s plodding along at a leisurely narrative and I can see there easily being a 15+ books, there is always something going on. We have the main Lena plot but there’s also lots of little subplots branching off, some are resolved quickly but others continue and multiply.

It’s been a year since the last book. Overall things are going well at camp but in Hell the long dead have started to go missing, when they eventually turn up it looks like they are after Lena, but why?

There is a lot going on throughout, Atti is still trying to get back in with Lena while Delete refuses to let him near.
Locke hasn’t returned from Underhill and Silas is getting worried. Brett and Alyx’s relationship reaches breaking point, Cad has lost his druidness, Niyati clearly doesn’t want to be stuck with Lena, Maden is terrorising everyone and keeps getting killed in weird and wonderful ways and Yndea is loving life in hell with Sam and their son, Nik.

I hate to say it but some of the characters annoyed me during this book, Delete especially, there is jealous and possessive type then then is Delete being unnecessarily extra, he’s still adamant his and Lenas attraction to each other is based on the bonds so they don’t go further than kissing. Despite this Delete refers to Lena as HIS and won’t let Atti or anyone else near her. The whole thing with Hevn just made me GRR and I’m confused over Atti, Atti is her phektyn, he messed up but they need to sort it out at some point, I really liked him until he disappeared with Mady but I’m still rooting for him and Lena.
And Evander, that was just cruel, I was really starting to like him.

These books are like a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle, the previous books were the corners and sides and we have moved on to the fiddly middle pieces, I’m getting angry because things aren’t fitting together as I want them, but I know in the end it will all be worth it when the picture is finally complete.

[Karissa Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think what I love the most about Crea’s books and especially this series is that there are so many things going on...so many story lines that have my mind going 20 different directions. I constantly have questions and theories running through my mind and each chapter just adds to it. Sometimes we get answers, other times we don’t. I’m still so freaking curious about Morey and his past. Same with the 5 gods that kinda hang around him. I need to know their connection to him. Just like Delete and Atti which we see less of Atti in each book. I was a fan of him right away until Mady showed his cray and he disappeared on Lena. Rude. Will Delete and Atti ever have it out and settle what their issue is? At this point, I’m not sure if Lena’s 3 will turn into 4 or more. Oh and Brett?! I’m always wondering where that’s going because I never liked Alyx to begin with. There’s also Ember. What’s with that! The more interactions Yndea has with him, the more I’m like “Yes, let’s add him!” See what I mean about all these thoughts and questions??? I absolutely love it though. I love reading stories that make you think and leave you guessing as long as you get some kind of answers along the way. I’m really curious to know how many books this series is going to be because I feel like there’s still so much that needs to play out and things that need to be revealed. I cannot wait for the next book and to see what chaos ensues with the next issue that arises!

[Sue Harbers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Throughout Gods of the Dead Lena and her group are at camp trying to balance out everyone’s needs and different personalities, which is keeping her extremely busy. There’s a whole lot of diva behavior happening in this installment! There’s a nice focus on Lena’s romantic relationship with Morey, Delete and Deveus and I’m hoping to see more headway where that’s concerned in the next book because they seem to be handling the situation right. Yndea, Nik and Sam all are doing well but I’m very curious about Emy and the (re)introduction of Yn’s past coming back into play. There was a fair bit of action as mystery necromancer finds their way into the story and you’ll never see who it is coming!

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't exactly pinpoint what it is, but Gods of the Dead is one of my favorite book in this series, since the very first book of Lena's adventures. The writing is great, there is a great mix of humour, action and more dramatic moments. In Gods of the Dead, we read about necromancy, the nephilim species, a mysterious island who was once hosting a vampire colony and also a lot of heartache... On the bright side, we keep seeing Yndea's life in Hell with her husband and family of demons. I would have like to see more developments in Lena's relationships with Delete, Deveus and Morey though. All in all, it's a great book even with the many unanswered questions that I just can't wait to have responses to.

[Chelsea Okamoto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow……. I was sucked right into this book and it never let go until the end. I love that there are so many connections running through the story and there are always more questions. Some get answered but some are pushed off until the future at some point. The book flows nicely and you get so invested in these characters that it feels like you know them on a deeper level. Absolutely fabulous!! Highly recommended read! 💜🖤

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed me and kept me reading until the very end and then I needed more. It moves along at a wonderful pace making for an extremely enjoyable read. The characters are so real that you feel as though you know them and no matter what you want to be there for them. The story is amazing and needs to be read. This is a must read, no doubt about it.

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!
It actually took me a couple of days to read , which means that it's a really thick book! Which is perfect for all the bookworm and bookaddicts.

There is a lot that happens and to keep track of but the action all connects and relates back to the key story.

There's also a lot of focus on the relationships between the characters (not just the main characters).

I can't wait for the next book to see how things further unvail.

[BLT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 picks right up and gets you back into the swing of things. Lena is still leaning, sometimes the hard way and sometimes with a little help from her friends. We meet some new people and loose some fan favorites; the emotions are high and low but throughout it all you are glued to the pages.
There are definitely some "FINALLY" moments that you cheer for (yay).
Another great book in a fun series.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

More drama in Lena’s new life

Can I just say how I love how all of Crea’s books are long enough to hold my attention for days rather than 2 hours like some other books? I know when I pick up a book of Crea’s, that I will find myself lost in a whole other world for days.

Anyways, this book brought up some more drama in Lena’s life and Yndea’s as well. The background of a lot of these different immortals are still shrouded in secret but we learn a little bit more with every book. Enough to capture our attention but not enough to make things obvious, just enough for us to formulate our own theories and possibilities.

The thing I was most excited about, Lena finally rode the Delete train!! 🤭😂 Delete has been a favorite character of mine since book 1 but having to read about him wanting to wait to further their relationship until he was certain the bond had nothing to do with his genuine feelings for Lena drove me bonkers. I had been impatiently waiting for him to lose control and he finally did 🤤

I am still amazed by the complexity of each of the characters, the interwoven world of all the different immortals and how the author has added enough of her own twists to make it uniquely her own. I cannot wait for the next book and the next box set with all that juicy exclusive content.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 was unsettling to me. Not because of the Dead and Death in general. Though, I can imagine that this isn't pleasant.

But there were characters I liked, that suffered unfairly, and there is no solution or satisfying ending in sight.

Examples are Silas and Cad. They are no main characters, but because of the POVs in past books, I did get attached. Same with the POV in this book. His fate this time was the most unfair, though I get the lesson and it is true. Lena messed with the balance, and therefore it had to be restored. Unfortunately, it hit someone, who didn't do anything wrong and wasn't supposed to die.

Of course, another character, who has an unfair fate, is Ember. I hope, that this is addressed too sometime later.

Otherwise, the book is fairly boring again. With a repeat of events, with no real development or changes. Or even really new news. I didn't like that things are addressed, but there is no follow up. Like Morey telling Lena about the symbols, he knew Mady has knowledge of. She planned on talking to him, but she didn't. And of course, when she wanted to go through with it, he isn't reachable anymore.

I do like it, that each incoming situation is solved in each book. So, it really is like an episode of a series with no true cliffhanger. Though, there is some sort of cliffhanger, because the overall plot is never completely solved. Like what happened with Locke?

Again, I hope, in the next book we will get some good developments. While I love the series and enjoy the twists and turns, I dread to read further and reaching the atm final book. The series isn't finished at all. I know book 10 will be up in March. But even that will not be the last one. And I'm not good with waiting.

But I can't literally not stop to read now… I'm involved with the story. And a bit obsessed. But that is another part of the problem. Hopefully, there are more books planned for the year. It always depends on Crea's muse.

[Louise Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with the previous book in the series this book is told from Lena and Yndeas perspectives (in first person) and the male perspective of Evander (written in third person). I am writing this review after just finishing this book and all I can say is WOW!!!! There were some big twists in this book, one I kinda had an inkling of and the other I didn’t see coming and the other totally shocked me. The story was brilliant and I loved continuing the stories of the FMCs. I was really sad at learning one of the characters back story but it was also nice to see some vengeance laid out. Overall, this is another great installment in this series and I really enjoy following the story of not just the main characters, but the secondary characters as well. I would recommend giving this book a read.

[Lindsay Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow… not gonna say anything specific, but MF Death is a real a$$hole! 😩
But the book, wonderful! Not nearly as much action as the earlier books, but I LOVED seeing the day-to-day of Lena and her Gods/onama at the camp, as well as Yndea and Sam in Hell. Watching both their intimate relationships and their friendships grow helps to develop their characters and allows us so much more insight to their actions. And FINALLY, Yndy is starting to endear herself to me; she really was meant to be a caretaker, both for Nik and her demons.
And our little quad… so good… I can’t wait as more walls continue to crumble. Only a few more to go before it’s perfection. On to #6 and the bonus content!

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series continues on and we see the characters change and grow, the writer makes it easy to track all the characters without any confusion and we meet a few more new characters as well. Well executed this series just gets better and better and I love seeing the characters grow and evolve, bring on the next in series

[Margarida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great continuation of this series although it feels like so much longer has passed then it actually has, which I guess makes sense with how the world works
Can't wait to get to know more of the world in future books

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Umm

So an entire book for it to turn out to be that one person? I kind of get the story building. But it just seems like this keeps stretching with north real goal in mind.

[Taylor Loewe · Rating 4 out of 5]

wasn’t expecting that!

Spice: 3/5

Definitely wasn’t expecting that ending! A plot hole from the very beginning I was just forgetting about is now tied up. Beautifully planned!