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Dying Gods #3

Wake the Gods

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Even after visiting the Oracle, Adrienne still can’t quite believe the prophesy. But whether she believes it or not, there is no denying the strange power building within her, or the bond forming between her and her men.

Now, after making her daring escape from Knossos, Adrienne’s enemies have only grown more dangerous, and everything she has come to love is at risk. Faced with a power-hungry god and a greedy queen, Adrienne has a decision to make. A decision that will change the very course of history.

Will Adrienne learn how to wake the power within before it’s too late?

420 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2023

124 people are currently reading
324 people want to read

About the author

Elisha Kemp

15 books133 followers
Elisha Kemp is an author of young adult and new adult fiction who writes in a range of genres, including fantasy, paranormal, contemporary and romance.

Elisha Kemp loves creating worlds you can get lost in and characters you can fall in love with.

She lives with her partner, two human-shaped wolf pups and black cat by the beach in New Zealand.

Her ideal day would be a powder day on the slopes, then relaxing by the fire with a red wine and a good book.

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5 stars
270 (31%)
4 stars
328 (37%)
3 stars
193 (22%)
2 stars
62 (7%)
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11 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
Profile Image for Helen 2.0.
472 reviews1,665 followers
May 24, 2023
Uggggggggghhhhhh…


A disappointing finale to what started as a promising series.

I really, truly love the world that Elisha Kemp has created here, as well as the diverse cast of relatable characters and the slowburn romance. But none of these elements came to fruition in the end. It was all pushed to the side to make room for so much, and I mean so much sex.

The sex was hot. That’s not the problem. I like smut, but not when it crowds out all the plot and character development in a story.

I also didn’t really see what the final conflict had to do with any of the characters’ arcs, and so when the heroes defeated the big villain, it was not as satisfying as it could have been. No one really had to overcome their flaws to win in the end.

I was just left with so many questions. If the author writes a spinoff book about Brita, I’ll definitely read it, if only because none of the Crete side of the story was even addressed in the main trilogy. But I’m definitely not as happy with how the series panned out as I’d hoped I would be.
Profile Image for Jordan Fischer | julietfoxreads.
695 reviews178 followers
March 26, 2023
Wow, THAT is how you end a series. While Wake the Gods felt a lot less like historical fiction than the previous two books, I was SO invested in the characters that I kind of loved the mythological turn. And that ending! I was SO stressed out reading that I had to take some (short) breaks, but I was so happy with where things ultimately ended up (especially after reading the SUPER spicy bonus chapter).

In this one, Adrienne finally starts to believe that she might be more than just a normal girl stuck in the past. We find out more about each of the guys' powers as well - I loved trying to figure this out as I went and parallel them to the aspects of Greek mythology I already know. The story begins with Adrienne and the guys trying to thwart a plot begun by Minas Crete, but it ends up being much more epic when they have to stop a dangerous god from ending Minoan civilization. It's intense and chaotic, but I loved every minute.

I'm SO into all the guys. I loved Jadi first - he's so conscientious and empathetic. I liked Kit even more in this one as some horrible things happen to him, and he learns some difficult truths about himself. His sacrifice at the end made me ugly cry. I was initially unconvinced that I would be into Asterion - he's so gruff, and he was NOT nice to Adrienne at the beginning. However, he's completely loyal and caring under his stoic exterior - and he's the dirty talker, so... I couldn't get enough of adorable Nerites. I LOVE a golden retriever MMC, and he's literally described as a golden retriever puppy - it's true. He was initially kind of annoying (though, in a very funny way), but he ends up being so endearingly devoted to Adrienne AND the other guys.

Adrienne's character growth throughout this series is impressive. As I said in my review of the first book, I'm surprised that I ended up liking her so much, as she's the typical fantasy teenage chosen one-type. Despite that profile, she has realistic flaws (her fainting regularly at the sight of blood is hilarious), makes a number of mistakes, and truly learns from them. She doesn't overthink things, but she also isn't overly impulsive. It's refreshing.

I was SO excited to read that Elisha will be writing more in this world - I cannot wait for Brita's story! And OMG a prequel about Jadi and Asterion? Basically, I'll be reading literally anything she writes at this point. READ THESE BOOKS.
Profile Image for Lolina ⋆ .
1,141 reviews240 followers
August 23, 2024
Well, that was an interesting way to end this 💀☝️.



One of the things that I loved most about this series was how detailed it was. However, I feel like it was also its 'downfall'—and I say that lightly because I still liked this book. But the fact that there were only three books in the series shocked me.

The abrupt ending of this story just felt so crazy to me 💀. I was so upset because there was no way I became THIS invested in this story and these characters for it to just end like that. There was so much going on that it made it hard to believe that everything would be wrapped up in one final book, and I was so right to be worried 😭.

Basic character development and relationships were yet to be explored, and answers to BIG questions were just glossed over/ ignored- there was just SO MUCH that didn't happen.

I really do love these characters and their dynamic with one another, but they deserved for their story to feel complete 😭. Not even an epilogue is crazy work 💀.

I'm definitely disappointed with how the series ended, but I still enjoyed it overall.
Profile Image for Martina.
366 reviews19 followers
October 16, 2025
I freaking loved this book!
I really enjoyed everything, every aspect of it... there's only one tiny problem: it left me hanging and with (minor) questions I'll probably never have answers to.
I know this was the end of their story, it was an incredibly happy ending and the war plot left hanging will be solved in the book about Brita, but I honestly wanted more of all of them.

Don't mind me and this awful review, I'm just fussing about the emotions I wanted to be outed and the (ulterior) (explicit) scenes I wanted with the 5 of them, and Adrienne's unfulfilled fantasies..

Ps. I loved how the hunger for sex in this series was motivated and seen as almost sacred because of Astarte and all the mythology.

Pps. The book needed a better review, I might do that later, for now I just want to repeat I WANTED MORE.
Profile Image for Abi.
297 reviews23 followers
March 5, 2023
March 4th:
That was incredible.
Look, I won't be able to properly articulate how much I loved this series so I'm just going to jot down some main thoughts:
-The plot was so fun
-The characters were all so unique and distinguished and all had great character arcs (something really important for RH or why-choose books)
-Nerites and Kit's brotherly relationship??? I live for it. I about cried during that one scene ("I've got you."- that's the sound of my heart breaking). Nerites is still my favorite, but I love them all.
-The different gods all had different and unique motivations. We love.
-There's a bonus short story that you can read after you finish this that's basically just lengthy a happily-ever smut scene and it's everything
-There's plans for a book focused on Brita and Sira's F/F romance!!
-This setting, overall, is just so enthralling. Everything was thoroughly researched and the creative liberties the author took only added to the vividness of the story's world
-The fact that the author has been able to write and publish these books so quickly without any hinderance to the quality is so impressive to me. Elisha Kemp is such an icon.
-I'm so obsessed with these books. Basically, just go read them.

Feb 12, 2023:

The way I would swear an oath to Poteiden (or Astarte??) for an early copy of this.

Feb 28:
I randomly saw the date today (like 20 mins ago) and dropped EVERYTHING to go open kindle unlimited to start reading this.
I have snacks and a cozy blanket. I'm ready.
Profile Image for Jenna (Bookstagramer).
301 reviews8 followers
June 8, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
❤️❤️❤️❤️/5
🌶🌶🌶.5/5


I became aware of this series at Apolly Con, and when I heard it was historical time travel with RH and Spice, I nearly lost my ever loving mind!

This series was almost perfect! I mean, it hit every check mark I thought I would. The character development was spot one as well as the romance. The plot was so there and wouldn't change anything with that.

There are only a few small things I would add..
1. I would love more of an ending. Like what is their future look like?
2. I would love to see if there is a time where it does miss her old like or even talk about some of that with MMCs.
Profile Image for Krista.
1,121 reviews31 followers
July 1, 2023
2.5 stars. For some reason this book did not excite me at all and it's just my personality disorder that made me finish a series that I started :(

Stories about the gods don't interest me in general but what I liked in the 1st 2 books was not present in the 3rd. Namely Adrienne with her discovery of this new world, inner POV and Brita.

We see a full circle with the guys acceptance of each other:
He’s the first man I’ve been able to call my friend, and I’m happy for him. I also want to push him aside and take his place.

We meet the new guy, he's fun and innocent but it's still hard for me to click with him:
“I liked the lightning.” Nerites tears off a piece of bread and cheese, then hands it to me. “Nothing says ‘I’m a goddess’ like a well-placed lightning bolt.”

Spoilers ahead:

The story centers around their return to Thera, sexy times, their discovery of Brita's betrayal, angry times, discovery of Val something (a god), fighting him and hopefully his defeat would keep the volcano from erupting and ruining the Minoan culture? I would be more interested in an epilogue about the future and how it was affected by their actions.

Then recovery time, sexy times, sexy times, sexy times. Oh god, the amount of times I rolled my eyes at the ridiculous things they say. The guys keep demanding that she speak what she wants during sex instead of nodding. But they just said it all for her! What is she going to do but just nod!

And several times it was "gushing" as they exited her- that was over used and why say that if it's not followed up with some self-care?? Overall, I didn't feel like this story was as strong as the others.
Profile Image for Tati Alvarez.
Author 9 books201 followers
February 19, 2023
I have never read a why choose romances that captured my attention as deeply as Wake the Gods. The entirety of the Dying Gods series is absolutely brilliant. Not only does Kemp do a great job at getting us invested in the romance, I found myself LOVING the plot and worrying alongside these characters.

When writing four love interests, it can be hard to balance out each one and give them the time they deserve with the MC. That wasn't a problem in this book and the groups scenes are fire!

I'm incredibly sad this has come to and end, but excited for Brit's story next!
Profile Image for Nadia Powell.
253 reviews3 followers
January 7, 2025
DNF 40%. I’m so annoyed because I LOVED the first book. The FMC is annoying. The plot feels long and drawn out, so I just couldn’t finish it.
Profile Image for Ines.
1,326 reviews47 followers
February 20, 2023
I push my exhausted body toward it, casting a silent prayer to any god or goddess who will listen. To any god or goddess who isn't a megalomaniac or my father. I'm most likely praying to no one, I realize.

"Wake the Gods" is the third and final book in Adrienne's story, and that of her men. It's clear the author isn't done with this world yet though, and I'm so happy with that! I loved some of these characters, but my adoration for the world this story takes place in is out of this world. The worldbuilding is so wonderfully done that I'm extremely happy to know there will be more.

That being said: "Wake the Gods" is an awesome finale to the "Dying Gods" series. It builds up to a massive end-scene that I never could have imagined but loved from start to finish. Looking back at these characters to how they end up versus how they started, it is clear they all went through a lot of personal growth to get to their happy ever after. Adrienne's four men are all so completely different, it is clear they complement each other. I don't believe I'd ever be able to pick a favorite, because I believe they are needed together to bring out the best in themselves.

I already recommended this series in the past, but now that Adrienne's story is finished I hope a lot more people will find and enjoy it.
Profile Image for Kaitlyn.
50 reviews24 followers
February 27, 2023
Wake the Gods is an action-packed ending to an incredible story and an intro to (what I'm predicting will be) an equally fantastical continuation. We finally see Adrienne accept that she is a goddess, and (to my relief) she merges her mortal and immortal personas, so the Adrienne we grew to love does not change drastically. It was fun to finally see Adrienne use her power with intent and not just on accident. The chapters continuously shifted perspectives between Adrienne, her lovers, and Brita, and I devoured the guy's chapters. I felt their perspectives covered most of the plot progression and action, and they experienced the most growth; their internal struggles were very poignant. Ultimately, the relationships between Adrienne and her men and among the guys themselves progressed so much, and I love how they end up. Everyone's emotions are strong in this book as the inevitable confrontation Velchanos approached and war loomed; it made for a very angsty and compelling read.

I like Adrienne and her evolution, but felt she was too focused on her problems and her men. The sex scenes were very steamy, but they overshadowed the looming war with Crete, which I was annoyed to see Adrienne so unconcerned about. I was even more baffled as to why Asterion was so preoccupied with Adrienne when his sister and people faced oppression. I saw the betrayal Asterion experienced in this book was more of a divide-and-conquer move against the Minas Crete, but he did not see it that way. Thankfully, it all works out in the end, but I would have liked to see our main characters more committed to helping Crete (after taking care of Velchanos) and working directly with Brita. The final battle with Velchanos was very cool! I loved that defeating the god was a team effort between Adrienne and her men, and they completely kicked his ass. Even though Adrienne’s story has wrapped up, there are still plenty of stories to tell in Kemp’s world. I am excited to read Brita's story and see her (hopefully) get her to get a happy ending, and I can't wait to see how Adrienne and her men will feature in future books.
960 reviews
August 13, 2023
Skimmed

Rating: 2/5 ⭐
Genre: Portal Fantasy / Historical romance
Type: Series
Age: Adult
Spice: 3/5 Open door / Closed Door
Romance: 3/5 ❤️
World building: 3/5 🌎
Plot: 2/5 📖
Writing: 2/5 📝
Characters: 3/5 👥
Cover: 2/5 📓

Tropes / Featuring:
🕰️ Time Travel
🔱 Mythology
💕💕 Polyamory Relationships
🔮 Prophecy
💖 Fated Mates

Summary:

✔️ I liked the story and the characters

❌ I was disappointed, the first half was boring nothing happened and the big "fight" was too easy. And we didn't even see the outcome, how or if the future was changed? Also, I missed discovering the culture, that was a big thing in the first two books.

Would I read more by this author? ✔️

Would I recommend? ✔️

TW / CW:
34 reviews
Read
March 14, 2023
This is most definitely a continuation of the previous 2 books, so PAUSE! Go read these those 2 babies before picking it up.

This book is like a can of pringles, I dare you to pick it up and read just one chapter. Go on.. try.

41 chapters later, here we are and I miss Adrienne and her pledged already. These guys are complex, dynamic characters who grow with Adrienne as she discovers her inner power and attempts to change the course of history as she knows it. Elisha Kemp has an excellent writing style, allowing the reader to really immerse themselves not only in this world but into the hearts and minds of every narrator. While the 2nd book in the series had moments where the scenes dragged just a bit too long, this installment kept things moving at just the right speed.

THE. SPICE! 10/10. Kicks off hot and ends even spicier. You will not be disappointed.

Overall, very happy with the resoution for this unlikely group and looking forward to the next adventure!
Profile Image for Isabelle.
447 reviews35 followers
April 17, 2024
Whilst it has felt like a long, plot filled series to get through I also feel sad that is has ended. I really love the world the author has created, all of it is just so vivid in my imagination and so well thought out.
Admittedly that there is so much happening in the plot that there isn't as much romance as I would have liked, but then when the characters are all trying to survive and stop all the death and destruction, I guess it is hard to take the time out to romance each other! But I did love how well the characters meshed, they complimented each other really well whilst also all having their individual personalities.
I think I still preferred the MMCs over the FMC, she was okay but less memorable to me and I did prefer one of the side characters, Britomartis, more too.
Overall I did love this series, and would 100% recommend it to anyone looking for a whychoose/RH, a creative mythological world, an action filled plot and with the added spice.
Profile Image for Blair Warner.
794 reviews50 followers
February 21, 2023
Elisha Kemp the amount of effort that you put into this series really shows. When I started the first book in the series, I really wasn’t sure if I was going to like it. But every single book has captured my attention and kept it the entire time. Every single time one of her books has releases I never fail to read it in one sitting. They are that good. With ADHD that can be a hard thing for me to do at times. But these make me hyper focus and I want to always know what is going to happen next. Mythology and history are something that fascinate me and I really cannot wait to read the next spinoff series she had planned. I’m sad this part has ended but am so excited to see what she has in store for us next
Profile Image for Watts of Reading .
144 reviews3 followers
February 28, 2023
"The Dying Gods series" is a spellbinding story that grips readers from the very first page and leaves them yearning for more at the end. With its vivid descriptions, well-crafted characters, and an intriguing plot, this series is one that I highly recommend to anyone looking for an epic adventure.

"Wake the Gods," the final book in the series, is a masterful conclusion that ties up loose ends and leaves readers satisfied. The author's writing style is immersive, making it easy for readers to imagine the characters and their surroundings as they are drawn into the story.

As a reader, I am thoroughly impressed by Elisha Kemp's ability to create a series that is both captivating and entertaining. I am now a dedicated fan and will be eagerly anticipating any future works from this author.

Profile Image for Kimberly Garner.
1,336 reviews29 followers
February 18, 2023
Another fabulous book in this series. I have enjoyed this book so much, the history, the angst, the twists and turns are great. What these characters go through is incredible, and the story is told beautifully, and I have stated this before, but the care and research that the author had to do for this series, really shows, The knowledge is not something that is just basic level google. This is indepth, and it's lovely to read. The book is intense, and I literally could not put it down.
Profile Image for Caylee T..
963 reviews13 followers
February 17, 2023
Again the struggles Adrienne and her men go through were intense & thrilling.
I was so happy things worked out for them and that her men were finally able to get to place that benefited everyone.
I loved this story from start to finish because secretly, I’ve always been extremely interested in gods and goddesses of old & exploring the worlds people lived in previously.
Amazing job!
Profile Image for Karesha Burgess.
122 reviews
March 1, 2023
This book is the finale to this series and it’s seriously all you could hope for in final . I really enjoyed the why choose aspect of this story and then throw in mythology. Ms. Kamp knows how to weave a story and continue with explaining the world, backgrounds and people. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a different take on the why choose romance genera.
Profile Image for Katie Wells.
278 reviews2 followers
June 20, 2024
The final book in this time travel trilogy is definitely the BEST one, in my opinion! If I felt like I couldn't put the others down, it was like I was glued to this one. Again, I'm going to try to do this without spoilers.

Adrienne has basically been handed the fate of the world and has the power to change how everything plays out. But, understandably, that's pretty overwhelming and she's not exactly sure what to do with the whole "being a goddess" thing. Good thing she has her men to help her! Except -- they've got their own problems! A lot of problems, in fact. War, missing ships, exile, youthful naivete. There is a lot of chaos going on in this book! But honestly, it mirrors Adrienne's own internal chaos so well, as she is torn between the different paths she could take.

Again, I think my favorite parts were the development between the characters. Jadi, Asterion, Kit and Nerites are all so lovable in their own ways, and I just devoured chapter after chapter from their different points of view. I think Asterion and Nerites are my favorites, if I had to pick. But watching them all finally figure out their dynamic was the absolute best. 10/10.

I'm definitely looking forward to getting more of Brita in Minas!!!
183 reviews2 followers
March 1, 2023
This was a great continuation of the Dying God's series. I cannot wait to read more!

I received an Advance Reader Copy for an honest review.
Profile Image for M L Cherry.
547 reviews
March 16, 2023
Slightly unsatisfying but still sweet. I feel like there are plot holes that are miles wide but the gang is still loveable.
Profile Image for Beth Gilbert.
150 reviews
August 9, 2025
3.5 :( I’m so disappointed to say that this just didn’t hit for me. The longing plot as to why Adrienne is in this world and for her to ‘remember’ over the three books was concluded very anti climactic and skimmed over too much. When the big conflict happened i was like: ‘is that it?’

I also felt like we lost Adrienne a little bit, I wanted more development, to say she was supposed to be a goddess, her men had to save her? It just felt a little meh. However, I did think the men, especially kit had some great development and he showed his courage and put aside his pride and THAT was so good, this enabled all the men to develop a deeper bond together. I loved Nerites and he definitely carried this book, I wanted more humour like we did the first book but it just didn’t deliver. I did like the realistic sex scenes as I find a lot of books just aren’t realistic so that was refreshing 😌 but overall, I won’t be continuing the series despite there still being some plot holes but Adrienne’s story has come to an end for me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mamie Diemer.
361 reviews
February 5, 2024
An amazing ending to this trilogy! I’m so sad to see it end! I love that this wrapped up Adrienne and her pledged’s storyline. Yes, the get their HEA and yes, the definitely have to fight for it. There are still some loose ends but those are probably going to be tied in the future in a spin-off. There is a little more history explained and battles are fought. I’m about to be in the biggest book hangover ever because I am NOT ready to say goodbye to these characters 🥺
Profile Image for Margareth.
34 reviews
July 23, 2024
This feels like a WET DREAM. I skipped so many pages and chapters. Honestly kinda disappointed i think this 3rd book is just filled with a LOT of smut, (it’s litteraly like their daily/night rountine) and lack of adrienne being a goddess really.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews

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