Amanda M. Helander’s Divine Mortals is a spellbinding fantasy romance brimming with divine meddling, high-stakes court intrigue, and a love story that refuses to be simple. At its heart is Mona Arnett, a young woman burdened with the rare ability to divine soulmates. She has spent her life avoiding her own fate—until a royal summons forces her into the tangled politics of the kingdom. Tasked with finding the perfect queen for the ailing king, Mona instead uncovers an unsettling truth: she is his destined match. But as she becomes entangled with the king’s sharp-witted advisor, Delmar Whitman, the lines of duty and desire blur in dangerous ways.

Helander’s prose is rich and immersive, drawing readers into a world where gods watch and scheme from above, playing with mortal lives like pieces on a chessboard. Mona is a compelling protagonist—strong-willed, intelligent, and full of sharp humor—yet grappling with a gift that feels more like a curse. The romance simmers with tension, weaving a love triangle that feels natural rather than contrived, as each relationship is shaped by fate, free will, and the weight of expectation.

The novel strikes a balance between slow-burn longing and fast-paced political maneuvering, making it a treat for fans of romantasy. The pantheon of gods adds a delightful twist, their capricious interventions reminiscent of Greek mythology, and their presence elevates the stakes at every turn. While some moments lean into predictability, the chemistry between characters and the strength of the world-building keep the pages turning.

With echoes of Sarah J. Maas and Carissa Broadbent, Divine Mortals will captivate readers who love their romance tangled with prophecy, power, and just a touch of chaos. A stunning debut—one that leaves you eager for the next chapter.

4.5/5 stars

This was a fun read and I loved the world-building. My main complaint was the pacing as it never felt consistent. I also didn't realize it was part of a duology and my jaw was on the floor with the way it ended.

My other complaint is that I definitely think this should have been marketed as "new adult" as it is too mature for me to comfortably recommend to teens. If I view it as a "new adult" romantasy, it is a solid read and I would recommend it to anyone that likes books such as Divine Rivals or Once Upon a Broken Heart. 3.5/5⭐.

This book promised romance, fantasy, and political intrigue; and while the author did give us all of these things, it fell flat. The pacing after the second act felt off, and I wasn't as invested in the story as I wanted to be. The concept was interesting, but the romance between characters felt a little hollow.

Such an unique storyline and wonderful worldbuilding kept me reading this book to see the fate of the characters and the kingdom. I can't wait to read the sequel. I was disappointed though to find that one or two spicy scenes that changes the maturity level of the book and limits our promotion to some of our patrons. There is so much to love about this book otherwise. Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing Company for this Advanced Readers Copy of Divine Mortals by Amanda Helander!

This is a fun romantasy with some surprising twists, which I appreciated. Some of the communication issues between Mona and Whitman got old, but I enjoyed their relationship almost as much as I enjoyed the dynamic between Mona and Bernadette. I look forward to reading the next installment, since this one kind of ends on a cliffhanger.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher!
I absolutely loved this book! The world building, the premise, the cast of characters-all top notch. And Mona may be one of my favorite characters ever. Can’t wait for the conclusion of this duology!!

As a main character, Mona was unlikable and unreliable for the bulk of the story. While unlikable narrators can often be fun and engaging, Mona just felt petulant and reading her complaints began to get a bit tiresome. If the character development had progressed a bit faster, this could have been an engaging read, but by the time Mona was actually interesting to read, the book had mostly lost me.

Grief, fantasy, and romance all come together in this fantasy story. This book just kind of fell flat for me and while it deals with an interesting premise I just kind of fell out in the middle of it. The conclusion felt rushed and I wish it wrapped up a bit better.

I struggled with Divine Mortals. I wanted to love this book, I really did. The premise was amazing, but the execution fell short. I couldn't connect with the characters and the plot felt disjointed. But, I did like the concept and there were parts of it that I really enjoyed.

While I was unable to finish this book due to family emergencies, I love the concept! I will be giving it another try when I am ready to.

3⭐️ only until I come back to it.

I was really excited to read this book and I did enjoy it, but I was hoping for a bit more world building. I had questions that I didn't get answered and I hope that the 2nd book answers more questions for me. I look forward to the next story!

The author said she had to change the book to YA from New Adult, and I do think that weakened the book itself. It would've been a much more interesting New Adult. But, I get it, get your bag girl. Also, If I never read "chaise longue" one more time, I'll die happy

"Divine Mortals" by Amanda Helander is an enthralling fantasy novel that intricately blends mythology with a modern twist. The story captivates readers with its imaginative world where gods walk among mortals, and destinies are intertwined.

Helander's storytelling is rich with vivid imagery and dynamic character development. The plot is engaging, filled with unexpected twists that keep readers invested. The interplay between divine elements and human emotions is handled beautifully, adding depth to the narrative.

While a few pacing issues arise, the novel's creativity and compelling characters more than compensate. "Divine Mortals" is a strong addition to the fantasy genre, offering a refreshing take on mythological themes. It’s a recommended read for those seeking a captivating and well-crafted fantasy adventure.

One of the book’s standout strengths is its sensitive handling of grief. The author portrays the complex relationship between guilt and grief with empathy, exploring how these emotions can profoundly shape a person’s life and choices.

While the plot initially grabbed my attention and kept me engaged through the middle of the book, it began to feel somewhat predictable as the story progressed. The pacing seemed to falter towards the end, with events becoming a bit chaotic and the conclusion feeling rushed

A really enjoyable and captivating read with a strong lead character who you really invest in and a world you can't help falling head first into.

This was a delicious romantasy book with unforgettable characters! Mona quickly became one of my favorite female main characters. She is perfectly imperfect and I love that about her. The romance was exceptionally well written and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

I wonderful addition to most YA and new adult collections. This title was immediately purchased for collection.

Great story! Great writing! My first Amanda Helander story. I will be seeking out more. I've read several fantasy/romantasy books lately that feel very similar to one another but not Divine Mortals. Fresh story, well written.

This was a unique story with great world building. It had enough twists and turns to keep me interested and anticipating the sequel.