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tinaturnsthepages's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
✨Love Triangle Done Right
✨Memory Magic
✨Bonded Souls
✨Mental Health Representation
This is easily one of my new favorite series. If you're in your Romantasy Era, this is one you're going to want to pick up right now. Written during 2020, it's so beautiful how the author channels that time of uncertainty into a story that provides a kind of healing that you didn't know you needed. The characters are complex but relatable, there's a love triangle that leaves you wondering how Cece will choose, the banter is witty, the flirting is sensational, the spice is just right, and the last page will leave you wanting to pick up The Memory Curse immediately. Bed time be damned, keep reading.
✨Memory Magic
✨Bonded Souls
✨Mental Health Representation
This is easily one of my new favorite series. If you're in your Romantasy Era, this is one you're going to want to pick up right now. Written during 2020, it's so beautiful how the author channels that time of uncertainty into a story that provides a kind of healing that you didn't know you needed. The characters are complex but relatable, there's a love triangle that leaves you wondering how Cece will choose, the banter is witty, the flirting is sensational, the spice is just right, and the last page will leave you wanting to pick up The Memory Curse immediately. Bed time be damned, keep reading.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Death of parent
Minor: Self harm
kmartbooks's review
3.5
This story centers on Cecilia, a memory witch whose journey to complete the Gauntlet and release the Lost God's power is incredibly dangerous, especially as a nearby kingdom threatens war. Pairs of memory mages and their emotionally bonded guardians work together to retrieve the memories and assassins/spies/soldiers known as hunters protect the kingdom.
Cecilia is a compelling protagonist. Her desire for autonomy and freedom from her circumstances makes her easy to root for, while her layered personality adds depth to her character. The forbidden feelings between Cecilia and her guardian, Rainer, are a mix of sweetness and frustration, as their deep bond is constantly tested by duty and unspoken feelings.
The arrival of Xander, a charming and flirtatious hunter, introduces an intriguing dynamic to the pair's story. Initially, Xander's admiration for Cecilia and belief in her capabilities offer a refreshing change of pace. However, the rapid development of their romance feels rushed (instant-love) and him waxing poetical about his feelings left me incredibly suspicious about his true intentions. Neither Rainer nor Xander seems deserving of Cecilia, adding a little bit of frustration for me. Girl, you deserve better than these dummies. Cece also seems a little wishy-washy about some of her convictions with Xander, which is disappointing.
The world-building in The Lost God is interesting, featuring fallen gods and a lost magic system among the secrets and betrayals the characters face. The magic, which allows the sharing of memories, is particularly intriguing to me and feels very unique. I loved the scenes of Cece sharing (or being shared) the memories to be better able to recall them. Though it operates within a softer magic system without rigid rules, making it occasionally difficult to grasp fully.
The quest that Cecilia and Rainer embark on is fascinating. They navigate through enemy territory, encountering memory-stealing mages and assassins, magical forests, and visits from meddling gods. Each obstacle they face brings them closer to the Gauntlet's pinnacle and the ultimate sacrifice. This journey tests their resolve and their bond and things get complicated quickly.
I do not enjoy reproduction as a plot device. I like it even less than insta-love. This trope often feels manipulative and reductive, and it detracts from the character's agency by reducing their value to their reproductive capabilities. It’s a disappointing trope in an otherwise richly developed story.
The Lost God is a captivating read with a strong, relatable heroine at its core. Basically, I adore Cece. I enjoyed its blend of romance and adventure.
Thanks to R&R Booktours for the opportunity to read and review. This review is honest and voluntary. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series and watching these characters' growth.
Cecilia is a compelling protagonist. Her desire for autonomy and freedom from her circumstances makes her easy to root for, while her layered personality adds depth to her character. The forbidden feelings between Cecilia and her guardian, Rainer, are a mix of sweetness and frustration, as their deep bond is constantly tested by duty and unspoken feelings.
The arrival of Xander, a charming and flirtatious hunter, introduces an intriguing dynamic to the pair's story. Initially, Xander's admiration for Cecilia and belief in her capabilities offer a refreshing change of pace. However, the rapid development of their romance feels rushed (instant-love) and him waxing poetical about his feelings left me incredibly suspicious about his true intentions. Neither Rainer nor Xander seems deserving of Cecilia, adding a little bit of frustration for me. Girl, you deserve better than these dummies. Cece also seems a little wishy-washy about some of her convictions with Xander, which is disappointing.
The world-building in The Lost God is interesting, featuring fallen gods and a lost magic system among the secrets and betrayals the characters face. The magic, which allows the sharing of memories, is particularly intriguing to me and feels very unique. I loved the scenes of Cece sharing (or being shared) the memories to be better able to recall them. Though it operates within a softer magic system without rigid rules, making it occasionally difficult to grasp fully.
The quest that Cecilia and Rainer embark on is fascinating. They navigate through enemy territory, encountering memory-stealing mages and assassins, magical forests, and visits from meddling gods. Each obstacle they face brings them closer to the Gauntlet's pinnacle and the ultimate sacrifice. This journey tests their resolve and their bond and things get complicated quickly.
I do not enjoy reproduction as a plot device. I like it even less than insta-love. This trope often feels manipulative and reductive, and it detracts from the character's agency by reducing their value to their reproductive capabilities. It’s a disappointing trope in an otherwise richly developed story.
The Lost God is a captivating read with a strong, relatable heroine at its core. Basically, I adore Cece. I enjoyed its blend of romance and adventure.
Thanks to R&R Booktours for the opportunity to read and review. This review is honest and voluntary. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series and watching these characters' growth.
rgrace89's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
chapterswithnic's review
adventurous
challenging
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
"Only you can decide who fear will make you, the seer had said. Cecelia let it make her a warrior."
This story had me in the first half, and sort of had me trailing off in the second half as the pace changed drastically. It went from well-paced to SUPER fast-paced. I do feel as well that as time went on the dialogue felt more YA than I'd necessarily enjoy.
The magic system was easy to understand
I think Cece was so badass in the beginning. The fight scenes had me clapping (in my head), especially the one on horseback with Xander. Epic wasn't even the word. One of my favourite scenes to read about, all whilst flirting with Xander. Hilarious and wanted a million more of these.
I loved everything about the Gods. The interactions with Cato were great, and the brief introduction to Samson and Grimon had me liking them immediately. I think Samson would be a hilarious God to know more about. Novella on him would be READ.
I did really like Xander at the beginning but the insta-love between him and Cece left more to be desired. I wanted more of his quips and cockiness before we were hitting all the "i-love-yous". I feel like I've been poisoned against him as that seems to be where the story started heading in the end- with Grimon planting the seed.
I don't mind a love triangle now and again but I want all the undecidedness to happen BEFORE the lock in. Not after. At that point it just feels like cheating to me, and in this case she is married. It's wild. It's even pointed out in the books that Rain waited for her to no longer be available before deciding he WAS willing to risk it all for her. BRUH. TOO LITTLE TOO LATE.
Maybe I'm just not as forgiving as Cece is. Maybe she should just run away with Samson? I would.
If you love a quest-based fantasy, with gods, magic, whocanitrust vibes, with the love triangle becoming the main arc of the story then I'd pick this one up immediately.
sammiep16's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bookwyrms_shelf's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this one. Cecelia has spent her life preparing for completing the Gauntlet with her bonded Guardian, Rainer. As they approach the end of their daunting task, they're faced with more danger than ever before.
Facing soldiers from their enemy nation, Rainer is captured and Cecelia is found by Xander, sent by her father to help them reach the final Gauntlet. As a hunter, Xander has skills that will undoubtedly help them stay safe, but he also drives a wedge between Cecelia and Rainer.
Secrets and lies make their way to the light as they continue their journey. Betrayal, jealousy, and a realization of something more outside of the world she's always known will drive her decisions in the coming days. Love or power? Which will win?
Facing soldiers from their enemy nation, Rainer is captured and Cecelia is found by Xander, sent by her father to help them reach the final Gauntlet. As a hunter, Xander has skills that will undoubtedly help them stay safe, but he also drives a wedge between Cecelia and Rainer.
Secrets and lies make their way to the light as they continue their journey. Betrayal, jealousy, and a realization of something more outside of the world she's always known will drive her decisions in the coming days. Love or power? Which will win?
emeliaisreading_'s review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Title: The Lost God by Sheila Masterson
Genre: Fairytale Fantasy
Pub Date: April 10, 2023
Memory Witch
Soul Bonds
Elemental Magic
Deadly Trials
Witty Banter
Epic Betrayals
Love Triangle
My Review:
The Lost God was an engaging adult romantasy filled with witty banter, steamy encounters, and dramatic plot twists! If you're looking for a witchy read with drama and tension, look no further!
The way Ceces hunter talks to her is perfect, I love when the MMC is head over heels🔥🥵 I'm not the biggest fan of the love triangle trope but it's done well in this case, and I understand why it's there. I'm not sure what I hope for Cece in book 2, The Memory Curse, but I'm looking forward to reading it!
Thank you so much, R&R Book Tours and Sheila Masterson, for the digital review copy. ❣️
Genre: Fairytale Fantasy
Pub Date: April 10, 2023
Memory Witch
Soul Bonds
Elemental Magic
Deadly Trials
Witty Banter
Epic Betrayals
Love Triangle
My Review:
The Lost God was an engaging adult romantasy filled with witty banter, steamy encounters, and dramatic plot twists! If you're looking for a witchy read with drama and tension, look no further!
The way Ceces hunter talks to her is perfect, I love when the MMC is head over heels🔥🥵 I'm not the biggest fan of the love triangle trope but it's done well in this case, and I understand why it's there. I'm not sure what I hope for Cece in book 2, The Memory Curse, but I'm looking forward to reading it!
Thank you so much, R&R Book Tours and Sheila Masterson, for the digital review copy. ❣️
pandorasboxofbooks's review
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0