Wild Reverence by Rebecca RossMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
🌅When this book hits bookshelves, run, don’t walk to get it. Then, crack it open. From the very first page, like a spell, this novel will pull you in, like it pulled me under with its dreamlike prose and aching romance, the kind of story that lingers like an echo long after you’ve closed the book. Set in the same world as Divine Rivals, it works beautifully as both a standalone and a prequel, giving depth to the mythology of gods, mortals, and the fragile bonds between them.
The plot unfolds through two perspectives: Matilda, a young goddess bound by duty, and Vincent, a mortal boy haunted by nightmares. Their connection begins almost accidentally—born out of protection and longing—and slowly grows into a love story marked by yearning, sacrifice, and an ever-present awareness of its fragility. Alongside them, the tapestry of gods and realms expands: we glimpse their powers, jealousies, and vulnerabilities, each detail making this world feel richer and more perilous. I especially appreciated how the story doesn’t rush into action but takes time to lay the groundwork, offering a patient, layered exploration of its characters before thrusting them into deeper conflict.
Ross’s writing is nothing short of enchanting. Her ability to capture raw emotion in a single line left me rereading passages again and again:
“A tether formed between us. Invisible but undeniable. A cord wound from my rib to his.”
These moments make the romance feel timeless and haunting, while also grounding it in the very human desire for touch, trust, and belonging. The yearning here is palpable—every glance, every vow, every stolen moment feels weighted with inevitability.
This is a slow-burning fantasy romance, with a strong focus on atmosphere and character development rather than constant plot twists. Personally, I loved how it allowed the emotional stakes to build gradually, but readers looking for fast-moving action may find the first half slow.
The novel is also unafraid of darkness. There are moments of loss, violence, and grief woven through the magic, reminding us that love—even divine love—is never without cost.
What struck me most was how this book reframes the world of Divine Rivals with a fresh perspective. Knowing where the larger saga eventually leads makes certain scenes more poignant, while new readers will still find a fully immersive story on its own. The epilogue in particular is stunning—tying past and future together in a way that feels both inevitable and revelatory. I was smiling from ear to ear. What a satisfying way for this story to end!
A gorgeously written, emotionally devastating fantasy romance that combines the grandeur of myth with the intimacy of a love story. If you’ve ever been drawn to tales of doomed devotion or gods who can’t help but crave what they shouldn’t, this book will sweep you away. A HUGE thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my unbiased, honest review. I truly appreciate this opportunity!
Solid 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Wish I could give it more)
Follow along & like! All reviews posted here on
The plot unfolds through two perspectives: Matilda, a young goddess bound by duty, and Vincent, a mortal boy haunted by nightmares. Their connection begins almost accidentally—born out of protection and longing—and slowly grows into a love story marked by yearning, sacrifice, and an ever-present awareness of its fragility. Alongside them, the tapestry of gods and realms expands: we glimpse their powers, jealousies, and vulnerabilities, each detail making this world feel richer and more perilous. I especially appreciated how the story doesn’t rush into action but takes time to lay the groundwork, offering a patient, layered exploration of its characters before thrusting them into deeper conflict.
Ross’s writing is nothing short of enchanting. Her ability to capture raw emotion in a single line left me rereading passages again and again:
“A tether formed between us. Invisible but undeniable. A cord wound from my rib to his.”
These moments make the romance feel timeless and haunting, while also grounding it in the very human desire for touch, trust, and belonging. The yearning here is palpable—every glance, every vow, every stolen moment feels weighted with inevitability.
This is a slow-burning fantasy romance, with a strong focus on atmosphere and character development rather than constant plot twists. Personally, I loved how it allowed the emotional stakes to build gradually, but readers looking for fast-moving action may find the first half slow.
The novel is also unafraid of darkness. There are moments of loss, violence, and grief woven through the magic, reminding us that love—even divine love—is never without cost.
What struck me most was how this book reframes the world of Divine Rivals with a fresh perspective. Knowing where the larger saga eventually leads makes certain scenes more poignant, while new readers will still find a fully immersive story on its own. The epilogue in particular is stunning—tying past and future together in a way that feels both inevitable and revelatory. I was smiling from ear to ear. What a satisfying way for this story to end!
A gorgeously written, emotionally devastating fantasy romance that combines the grandeur of myth with the intimacy of a love story. If you’ve ever been drawn to tales of doomed devotion or gods who can’t help but crave what they shouldn’t, this book will sweep you away. A HUGE thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my unbiased, honest review. I truly appreciate this opportunity!
Solid 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Wish I could give it more)
Follow along & like! All reviews posted here on
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