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Gods of Misfortune #2
Regi's Goddess
Regi and Dante landed on one of the Empire's border planets while the exalteds try to understand the involvement of the gods. Regi's people are xenophobic, so he's determined that his crew will make a good impression. The alternative is unthinkable, especially with so many Kowri suggesting that the gods would rather see the outsiders dead rather than show them respect.
Dante wants to avoid the brewing political fight. He has never enjoyed politics—not on Earth, much less around aliens he barely understands. Give him a stable and alien horses to learn to ride instead. But when a certain goddess of poisons is involved, he will be dragged into the conflict whether he wants to be there or not. With Dante's life in danger, Regi cannot remain neutral. He won't take a stand on the conflicts between the Coalition and the Empire, but for Dante he will challenge the universe itself.
Dante wants to avoid the brewing political fight. He has never enjoyed politics—not on Earth, much less around aliens he barely understands. Give him a stable and alien horses to learn to ride instead. But when a certain goddess of poisons is involved, he will be dragged into the conflict whether he wants to be there or not. With Dante's life in danger, Regi cannot remain neutral. He won't take a stand on the conflicts between the Coalition and the Empire, but for Dante he will challenge the universe itself.
165 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2022
8 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Lyn Gala
48 books1,167 followersLynsey "Lyn" Gala started writing in the back of her science notebook in third grade and hasn’t stopped since. Westerns starring men with shady pasts gave way to science fiction with questionable protagonists which eventually gave in to any story with a morally ambiguous character. Even the purest heroes have pain and loss and darkness in their hearts, and that’s where she likes to find her stories. Her characters seek to better themselves and find the happy ending (or happier anyway), but it’s writing the struggle that inspires her muse. When she isn’t writing, Lyn Gala teaches in New Mexico.
She first cut her teeth on fanfic: gen, slash, het, and femslash. She prefers to focus on plot: mysteries and monsters and disasters, oh my, but sex can and does happen. Some of her stories focus on power exchange, bondage or bdsm. In her worlds, tops and bottoms are all mature, consenting adults. In fact, stories where they aren't squick her badly, so don't expect to find abuse stories in her journal.
She first cut her teeth on fanfic: gen, slash, het, and femslash. She prefers to focus on plot: mysteries and monsters and disasters, oh my, but sex can and does happen. Some of her stories focus on power exchange, bondage or bdsm. In her worlds, tops and bottoms are all mature, consenting adults. In fact, stories where they aren't squick her badly, so don't expect to find abuse stories in her journal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 4, 2022
I do love me some Lyn Gala style sci-fi. Still no romance, which is a little disappointing, but the set up is there and I will say I'm quite enjoying the journey and am looking forward to more. One thing I will say is that the Kowri are . Hopefully there won't be a long wait for book 3.
January 21, 2023
The longest 165 pages I read in the recent years, not counting Owlflight by Mercedes Lackey.
If you want to get your masters in Kowri theology and politics, then by all means start from the beginning. There is nothing but talk.
If you want action, then start around 45-50%. But even then, while on the run, all the MCs are talking is gods and politics.
Not impressed with this installment :(
2.5 stars
If you want to get your masters in Kowri theology and politics, then by all means start from the beginning. There is nothing but talk.
If you want action, then start around 45-50%. But even then, while on the run, all the MCs are talking is gods and politics.
Not impressed with this installment :(
2.5 stars
October 1, 2022
Dull first half, then a rush of adventure until the end. The adventure was too similar to regular old non-sf action stories of people chasing other people with guns to be interesting to me.
I like the author and heard she’s had a tough pandemic. That may be why this is far from her best work and also suffers from middle-volume-of-a-trilogy blahs.
I like the author and heard she’s had a tough pandemic. That may be why this is far from her best work and also suffers from middle-volume-of-a-trilogy blahs.
December 23, 2022
a delightful instalment
This is the second instalment in this series, and I enjoyed every moment. I do hope that more is to come.
ETA read it again. It's still great.
This is the second instalment in this series, and I enjoyed every moment. I do hope that more is to come.
ETA read it again. It's still great.
January 21, 2025
4.75 stars. Middle books in a trilogy are often the "saggy middle" authors deal with mid-story in standalone novels, but this one doesn't suffer much in its pacing. I enjoyed how Gala laid out Regi's difficulties, versus Dante's difficulties, and how she managed most of the alien as opposed to human philosophies and other differences. I really enjoyed the ending chapters, and am looking forward to book 3.
All that said, I think she gave up trying to differentiate time between Regi's point of view and Dante's. For instance, she uses "years" in their discussion of their ages, but using "years" as if they were the same measurement. Given orbital mechanics just in our solar system, that's never gonna be true. However, given how much I'm invested in this universe now, I will pretend along with the author. :)
All that said, I think she gave up trying to differentiate time between Regi's point of view and Dante's. For instance, she uses "years" in their discussion of their ages, but using "years" as if they were the same measurement. Given orbital mechanics just in our solar system, that's never gonna be true. However, given how much I'm invested in this universe now, I will pretend along with the author. :)
October 16, 2022
Aaaaand the cartoon villains are back. I guess the first book was too good to be true?
By the way, don't you also enjoy thinking about civil rights and Supreme Court decisions while fighting for your life? Because Dante sure does! He wants you to know they're important and it's exactly as subtle as it sounds. (Also unintentionally hilarious if you consider that this was probably written before a certain recent Supreme Court decision.)
I also noticed that the book contains quite a bit of padding. The actual actions are surprisingly short:
And oh god the daddy issues. The less said the better. Dante seems to have aged down since the last book because he comes across like a terrible brat sometimes.
All in all it's honestly very disappointing because the first book in the series was so strong.
By the way, don't you also enjoy thinking about civil rights and Supreme Court decisions while fighting for your life? Because Dante sure does! He wants you to know they're important and it's exactly as subtle as it sounds. (Also unintentionally hilarious if you consider that this was probably written before a certain recent Supreme Court decision.)
I also noticed that the book contains quite a bit of padding. The actual actions are surprisingly short:
And oh god the daddy issues. The less said the better. Dante seems to have aged down since the last book because he comes across like a terrible brat sometimes.
All in all it's honestly very disappointing because the first book in the series was so strong.
September 25, 2022
Regi and Dante landed on one of the Empire's border planets while the exalteds try to understand the involvement of the gods. Regi's people are xenophobic, so he's determined that his crew will make a good impression. The alternative is unthinkable, especially with so many Kowri suggesting that the gods would rather see the outsiders dead rather than show them respect.
Dante wants to avoid the brewing political fight. He has never enjoyed politics—not on Earth, much less around aliens he barely understands. Give him a stable and alien horses to learn to ride instead. But when a certain goddess of poisons is involved, he will be dragged into the conflict whether he wants to be there or not. With Dante's life in danger, Regi cannot remain neutral. He won't take a stand on the conflicts between the Coalition and the Empire, but for Dante he will challenge the universe itself.
Review:
This is a follow up to "Regi's huuman". I think the length of the story makes it a longer novella and to me this indicates that these series would once again be told in the series of episodes. which is fine by me, but as I mentioned in my review of the first book I do worry that episodical structure may eventually lead to something without high stakes happening in each of them and the resolution will be self contained.
I don't think this book gave me any reason to worry just yet. The plot event that takes place does raise the stakes nicely and it made me worry for the main characters a bit, which was good. I also thought that the interactions between two main characters did build up to the relationship a little bit slowly, but nicely. At the end of the story they even call their outing a date ( it is not the real date yet, but they are going to spend time alone for the spoiler reason :)).
Not only we were seeing obvious signs of the beginning of the relationship, both Dante and Regi have more fleshed out personalities in my mind after I read this book. We learn more about their past, about the scars they carry and about dreams they had. I liked both of them after the first book, but now I like them more.
This author always seems to pay attention to the settings of the imaginary worlds that she creates and I really appreciate it . Kowri society is very xenophobic and very religious as blurb tells you. We already saw in the first book that their multitude of gods gives trouble as blessings to the people touched by them before anything else, and the second book develops this theme even more.
Goddess Diashi who paid Regi and Dante some of her divine attention last book certainly made their lives harder so far. I suspect we will eventually see some of good fortunes for them as well, as the story progresses (besides finding each other), but this is just me speculating here.
““This is not a place for you, exalted.” Merbol held his hands low in apology. That was universal Kowri-speak for Please-go-away-so-the-gods-do-not-see-what-we-are-about-to-do. Since the gods were so much larger than corporeal life, they could no more perceive Merbol or Ter or Hrole than the average Kowri could see ants crawling through the fallen leaves of harvest season. However, Regi had her attention. Regi cast a light upon his life, and his goddess could use that to perceive those around him. Since gods often chose to assist their exalteds by gracing them with bad luck to guide their lives toward a favorable outcome, that posed a certain danger. Furthermore, his goddess had few exalteds. The Lord of justice—Gavd—had thousands upon thousands of chosen ones, and even a god could not see all Kowri space at once.”
I have to reiterate I very much appreciate that author tries to develop the societies she imagines in depth, however where Kowri's society is concerned, I am not sure whether I like how that society was ruled. Some of the exalteds ( people chosen by Gods) may be good people, but I felt like that their discussions about what to do next were massive waste of time. Maybe their political system is based on the reality too.
Grade: B
Dante wants to avoid the brewing political fight. He has never enjoyed politics—not on Earth, much less around aliens he barely understands. Give him a stable and alien horses to learn to ride instead. But when a certain goddess of poisons is involved, he will be dragged into the conflict whether he wants to be there or not. With Dante's life in danger, Regi cannot remain neutral. He won't take a stand on the conflicts between the Coalition and the Empire, but for Dante he will challenge the universe itself.
Review:
This is a follow up to "Regi's huuman". I think the length of the story makes it a longer novella and to me this indicates that these series would once again be told in the series of episodes. which is fine by me, but as I mentioned in my review of the first book I do worry that episodical structure may eventually lead to something without high stakes happening in each of them and the resolution will be self contained.
I don't think this book gave me any reason to worry just yet. The plot event that takes place does raise the stakes nicely and it made me worry for the main characters a bit, which was good. I also thought that the interactions between two main characters did build up to the relationship a little bit slowly, but nicely. At the end of the story they even call their outing a date ( it is not the real date yet, but they are going to spend time alone for the spoiler reason :)).
Not only we were seeing obvious signs of the beginning of the relationship, both Dante and Regi have more fleshed out personalities in my mind after I read this book. We learn more about their past, about the scars they carry and about dreams they had. I liked both of them after the first book, but now I like them more.
This author always seems to pay attention to the settings of the imaginary worlds that she creates and I really appreciate it . Kowri society is very xenophobic and very religious as blurb tells you. We already saw in the first book that their multitude of gods gives trouble as blessings to the people touched by them before anything else, and the second book develops this theme even more.
Goddess Diashi who paid Regi and Dante some of her divine attention last book certainly made their lives harder so far. I suspect we will eventually see some of good fortunes for them as well, as the story progresses (besides finding each other), but this is just me speculating here.
““This is not a place for you, exalted.” Merbol held his hands low in apology. That was universal Kowri-speak for Please-go-away-so-the-gods-do-not-see-what-we-are-about-to-do. Since the gods were so much larger than corporeal life, they could no more perceive Merbol or Ter or Hrole than the average Kowri could see ants crawling through the fallen leaves of harvest season. However, Regi had her attention. Regi cast a light upon his life, and his goddess could use that to perceive those around him. Since gods often chose to assist their exalteds by gracing them with bad luck to guide their lives toward a favorable outcome, that posed a certain danger. Furthermore, his goddess had few exalteds. The Lord of justice—Gavd—had thousands upon thousands of chosen ones, and even a god could not see all Kowri space at once.”
I have to reiterate I very much appreciate that author tries to develop the societies she imagines in depth, however where Kowri's society is concerned, I am not sure whether I like how that society was ruled. Some of the exalteds ( people chosen by Gods) may be good people, but I felt like that their discussions about what to do next were massive waste of time. Maybe their political system is based on the reality too.
Grade: B
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2025
This story got intense, and I enjoyed it. It’s short enough to be read in one or two days, and it wasn’t really the kind of intense that made me anxious for the characters. I was flat out amazed at the way some of the Kowri behaved given what I knew of their beliefs…I guess two of their beliefs essentially get put into conflict with one another in this book so that the Kowri have to choose between them. Some of them chose in a way that surprised me. But it’s interesting to write this out, because while I was reading I never actually thought it through the way I just did now, and essentially that’s the crux of this book, which is also interesting. It’s not really the choices of the main characters that drive the plot in this one. I guess you could say it was Regi’s choice (if you could call it that, since it could also be said that Regi was herded during the last book) in the first book that continues to have repercussions throughout this story, and it’s the minor characters individually and en mass that truly drive the plot in this one. The focus on Regi and Dante is all character and relationship building.
I was surprised to find Dante is only 20 years old. Frequently he says and sometimes does something a bit impulsive or rash, so I can see it there. But generally he responds with a great deal of maturity and insight and restraint…always after saying or doing something that metaphorically raises the eyebrows of the aliens he’s with, he pulls back and moderates whatever it was so that the involved alien understands. (Except Regi. He trusts Regi, so sometimes with Regi he doubles down on whatever he said in the first place, but the trust goes both ways, so they continue to argue and work it out). I would have guess Dante to be mid-20s or so, I think. Young, but to or past the point of full brain development.
As I read and write, three of these are out. I’m not sure whether this is a completed trilogy, or if there will be more. I bought it assuming it was a completed trilogy, and since I used some sort of Kindle double or triple points deal, and I do reread books, I don’t have too great an issue with that. I do think they may have been a bit overpriced for the length compared to others I’ve bought. I don’t know if they’d be cheaper on some other platform, and I’m assuming they are offered on some other platform since they aren’t available on KU. I’m only putting this in here as some of the other reviews I read for the first in this series mention whatever people paid when only one of these was out. I don’t know that I’d want to buy one of these without having more available. They are short, and do feel like parts one and two of a longer book, even though each part is fully self contained and doesn’t end on a cliffhanger.
That said, I love how Lyn Gala explores culture, language, and differences between people, and the way that all of that points back to something about humans and humanity.
I was surprised to find Dante is only 20 years old. Frequently he says and sometimes does something a bit impulsive or rash, so I can see it there. But generally he responds with a great deal of maturity and insight and restraint…always after saying or doing something that metaphorically raises the eyebrows of the aliens he’s with, he pulls back and moderates whatever it was so that the involved alien understands. (Except Regi. He trusts Regi, so sometimes with Regi he doubles down on whatever he said in the first place, but the trust goes both ways, so they continue to argue and work it out). I would have guess Dante to be mid-20s or so, I think. Young, but to or past the point of full brain development.
As I read and write, three of these are out. I’m not sure whether this is a completed trilogy, or if there will be more. I bought it assuming it was a completed trilogy, and since I used some sort of Kindle double or triple points deal, and I do reread books, I don’t have too great an issue with that. I do think they may have been a bit overpriced for the length compared to others I’ve bought. I don’t know if they’d be cheaper on some other platform, and I’m assuming they are offered on some other platform since they aren’t available on KU. I’m only putting this in here as some of the other reviews I read for the first in this series mention whatever people paid when only one of these was out. I don’t know that I’d want to buy one of these without having more available. They are short, and do feel like parts one and two of a longer book, even though each part is fully self contained and doesn’t end on a cliffhanger.
That said, I love how Lyn Gala explores culture, language, and differences between people, and the way that all of that points back to something about humans and humanity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2025
In which Regi, Dante and the rest of the crew find themselves inside the Kowri empire. Regi is Kowri, so that is good, but Kowri tends to kill outsiders, so that is bad.
Our two guys are soon surrounded by dangerous men and even more dangerous animals, all guided by some very capricious gods. It's stressful, but also a bonding experience:
Our two guys are soon surrounded by dangerous men and even more dangerous animals, all guided by some very capricious gods. It's stressful, but also a bonding experience:
Dante smiled. “I think you’re saying you like me, too.”
“Of course I like you. You are challenging and confusing and you accept the Kowri parts of me in ways that Coalition members never have and accept the Coalition parts of me in ways that Kowri never will. But that is why I am telling you that if the enemy finds us, allow them to target me. I would rather give you a chance to continue being brave and challenging and odd. I don’t want to die knowing that you are fated to die next to me.”
Dante blew out an explosive breath. “After we both survive this, I'm sending you for therapy and possibly antidepressants.”
June 13, 2023
I think I went into this with my hopes too high. I felt a bit detached from the characters, i didn't *feel* them the way i needed to. A little more robotic in the events, instead of understanding a characters reasoning for a decision. The first half was a bit more reasoning, but the second half was largely politics and a final action sequence which didn't feel real. I wonder if it's because of my text to speech, because this is my first Gala book that felt so distant.
Also, as others have pointed out, no romance. It's just two special dudes that no one believes.
I'm also a bit miffed that Gala said a 20 year old is an adult except for drinking. In this context, we're more concerned with the development of a species, not the laws around it, and human brains don't finish developing until 25. So he is very much a juvenile by Regi's standards.
Also, as others have pointed out, no romance. It's just two special dudes that no one believes.
I'm also a bit miffed that Gala said a 20 year old is an adult except for drinking. In this context, we're more concerned with the development of a species, not the laws around it, and human brains don't finish developing until 25. So he is very much a juvenile by Regi's standards.
September 22, 2023
Regi's Goddess by Lyn Gala: Sci-fi Drama. Social Politics. Friendship. Actions. Celestial magic. Duel Third Person POV. Alien World. Animals. Assassination Attempts. Investigation.
A great read. I love the investigation elements, the action/adventure scenes, and animal and god lore and magic. Overall, though I really like the characters and the developing friendship between Dante and Regi and the situations they survive together. It's definitely more plot driven than character driven, though, which adds to the story. I hope there's more.
How Much did I like it? 4 Stars
Ideas - World Building: 5 Stars
Ideas - Plot: 5 Stars
Character Depth: 4.5 Story
Character Interactions: Expert
Animal Characterisation: Above Average
Non-human Characterisation: Above Average
Warnings: Mild Violence.
Execution (proofreading): 4.7 Stars (3 dialogue punctuation and spacing errors).
A great read. I love the investigation elements, the action/adventure scenes, and animal and god lore and magic. Overall, though I really like the characters and the developing friendship between Dante and Regi and the situations they survive together. It's definitely more plot driven than character driven, though, which adds to the story. I hope there's more.
How Much did I like it? 4 Stars
Ideas - World Building: 5 Stars
Ideas - Plot: 5 Stars
Character Depth: 4.5 Story
Character Interactions: Expert
Animal Characterisation: Above Average
Non-human Characterisation: Above Average
Warnings: Mild Violence.
Execution (proofreading): 4.7 Stars (3 dialogue punctuation and spacing errors).
September 4, 2023
This book was even more engaging than the first. Having Dante's POV as well as Regi's helped ground us in the familiar, and the plot-driven story of alien politics and action included both humor and personal development. Huuman Dante turns out to be beloved of the totem animal of Regi's cold-season goddess, but that throws his people for a loop. Until now, outsiders have been forbidden on their planets (and their powerful technology has made that enforceable.) Certainly, outsiders have no place in their temples. So what to do about Regi and Dante, carrying proof of the goddess's favor?
Dante's Texas roots (interpreted as his personal huuman god) add some fun moments. The two MCs grow closer, but this is still a buddy saga at this point, not a romance. I can't wait for book 3.
Dante's Texas roots (interpreted as his personal huuman god) add some fun moments. The two MCs grow closer, but this is still a buddy saga at this point, not a romance. I can't wait for book 3.
January 21, 2025
Here's to reading just the middle book in a trilogy. I like Lyn Gala but her combination of soft, fuzzy characters and harsh universe can be a bit too expensive for me at times. Aka I like romance, which would soften the politics/religion centered conflict of this book but alas, even the second book was not satisfying in this regard. Gala is great at approachable sci-fi IMAO so I still recommend this.
December 18, 2022
3.5
Still above average, but not as good as the first book. Some lengthy explanations were boring, the villains too stupid, and some of the internal dialogues were out of place with all the rest happening. I also think that the number of translation misunderstandings should be lower to be able to enjoy all of them. I like the fact that Regi and Dante are coming nearer, but not in a rush.
Still above average, but not as good as the first book. Some lengthy explanations were boring, the villains too stupid, and some of the internal dialogues were out of place with all the rest happening. I also think that the number of translation misunderstandings should be lower to be able to enjoy all of them. I like the fact that Regi and Dante are coming nearer, but not in a rush.
March 18, 2024
I would love to read more of this pair, but that ending might be as tidy a resolution as they could reasonably expect to find with the history of the Kowri. I hadn't expected the twist, but it was also not completely out of left field, and I kinda loved the unambiguous (to me!) reactions of the gods. I adore Dante's pragmatic view of the whole situation.
November 9, 2022
exceptional world-building and characters
As always Lyn Gala builds wonderfully vibrant characters and exceptionally imaginative worlds. I adore Regi and Dante. This is such a wonderful series.
As always Lyn Gala builds wonderfully vibrant characters and exceptionally imaginative worlds. I adore Regi and Dante. This is such a wonderful series.
July 5, 2024
I will put a 5star, but it was a 3.5 for me.
It's still not a romance novel, it's just a bridge intermission of action from the first setup to the next. But I'm glad she wrote it, and I really do want to read the next one in case it becomes a romance. Interesting world.
It's still not a romance novel, it's just a bridge intermission of action from the first setup to the next. But I'm glad she wrote it, and I really do want to read the next one in case it becomes a romance. Interesting world.
September 26, 2022
This author is my everything 🥰 (...even with no actual romance in this one yet.)
October 11, 2022
Book two was as good if not better than the first one. We follow along as Regi and Dante try to figure out what is it that Regi's Goddess wants from them while trying to disentangle themselves from the local politics!
I can't wait for the next book!
I can't wait for the next book!
January 3, 2023
Well that got a lot more action packed. We still have no better idea the gods plans but we at least get confirmation that Dante is also exalted.
February 19, 2023
See my web site for my review of “Regi's Goddess.”
October 31, 2023
Not what I expected, but still good stuff.
December 30, 2023
This is also more of an adventure than a romance book. I din't mind, it is fun.
I hope the author will be back with more soon.
I hope the author will be back with more soon.
February 11, 2025
Science fiction. Hints of a romantic friendship. Enjoyed the world building of Kowri people and their gods. A little slow to start followed by a lot of action at the end.
June 4, 2025
I got a bit bored by all the religion and politics talk. Not enough action, not enough romance. And the villains didn't make much sense.
August 7, 2025
This one wasn't as exciting, but still alright
November 22, 2023
Love love loved this book! Really interesting world-building. A thoroughly engrossing read. Heads up that, like the first book, it isn't a romance. It's about two male MCs, and is almost certainly going to lead to romance in a future book (should enough people purchase this one to make it financially viable to continue the series), but we haven't gotten there quite yet.
Sales of this book were screwed over by an error on the part of a giant website I'm not going to name. The site didn't link this book to the previous one in the series, which resulted in a Rube Goldberg machine-like series of events that eventually lead to poor sales, through no fault of the author or the book itself. Please buy this book, or take it out from the library. If your library doesn't have a copy, put in a request that they get it. I really want more of this series!
Sales of this book were screwed over by an error on the part of a giant website I'm not going to name. The site didn't link this book to the previous one in the series, which resulted in a Rube Goldberg machine-like series of events that eventually lead to poor sales, through no fault of the author or the book itself. Please buy this book, or take it out from the library. If your library doesn't have a copy, put in a request that they get it. I really want more of this series!
June 11, 2023
***reread June 2023***
Please, I need it, I need the next one!
***original review***
Always a joy and always a treat. Perfect mixture of linguistics, cultural discussion, foreign lands and sci-fi elements. Thank you to the goddess of storytelling, for another great adventure I am already looking forward to continuing! I will roast a chicken in your honor this eve and burn sage at sundown.
May you inspire Lyn Gala to continue writing such beautiful works. 😊
Please, I need it, I need the next one!
***original review***
Always a joy and always a treat. Perfect mixture of linguistics, cultural discussion, foreign lands and sci-fi elements. Thank you to the goddess of storytelling, for another great adventure I am already looking forward to continuing! I will roast a chicken in your honor this eve and burn sage at sundown.
May you inspire Lyn Gala to continue writing such beautiful works. 😊
November 10, 2025
Outstanding! Lyn Gala is the queen of world building! She never fails on creating unique, well developed cultures and characters, huuman or alien, you can’t help but love. I’m loving the relationship development between Regi and Dante.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews