I adore a good Hades/Persephone retelling and this one was no exception to that rule! I loved the world building and characters. Twists and turns, loveable side characters and a morally grey FMC?! Sign me RIGHT up! I"m looking forward to continuing on with reading this series and seeing where Elysia's story goes. The cliff hanger?! EXCUSE ME?! I definitely recommend this book!

The premise of this book drew me in. I liked the idea of magic that must be hidden or else you will die, as I have read other books with this plot and liked most of them. Starting this book, I had such high hopes for it.

Most of my expectations were met or were exceeded, however, I will say that this book was longer than it needed to be. There were times where I found myself getting bored and wondering when the next thing would happen that would grab my attention and would pull be back into the story and wouldn't be filler content. There was so much filler content, meaning words used to describe things, feelings, what is happening, but nothing was actually happening if that makes sense? I'm pretty sure I started skimming at some point when I got really bored just to get to the next plot point or event. The descriptions were great for world building, but not so much for keeping my interest in the story itself.

The world building and plot were well done and there was plenty of information added to this book so that the reader could get an idea of what had happened prior to the start of this story, and the history of why magic must be hidden. I will just note that I think a little more information on the magic system would be fantastic and would really round it out.

Elysia was an ok FMC, but I wasn't emotionally invested in what happened to her, as much as I should have been. She's definitely got a depressingly terribly back story which explains why she acts the way that she does. On the other hand, Topp was a good MMC, where you couldn't tell if you could or should trust him or even like him, which was very intriguing and always made me wonder what he would do next.

Now the next point, the reason why I rated this as 4 stars instead of 5, is the dang miscommunication. I will never like miscommunication in a book and will stand by it when I say that adults need to act like adults and learn how to communicate, and everything will be so much easier. Even the slow pacing and extreme, unnecessary length of the book didn't bother me as much as the miscommunication. I get it to a degree, not saying anything because you don't really trust them, but if they just talked about it, then the book would not have dragged on for so long and the issues would have been solved a lot faster.

The ending was fantastic, the last portion of the book had be on the edge of my seat waiting for everything to be out in the open and for everything to pop off like I knew it would, and it sure did, and left on one heck of a cliffhanger. I will be waiting (im)patiently for the next book in the series, because I really want to know what happens next. I'm hoping there will be less filler content, and more plot to keep my interest.

Thank you to Caitlyn Battelle, Twelfth House Publishing, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book. This is my honest opinion.

What a fantastical premise!

With the future promise of some Hades and Persephone Greek mythos, just a little twisted.

If strong, scrappy, tortured and quick-witted heroines are your vibe, then Elysia is sure to delight. Caitlyn Battelle weaves a poignantly grim world of precarious circumstances, political machinations, outlawed magic, mystique and the scramble to survive with some entertaining banter and a pinch of the morally grey thrown in. It was giving darkly desolate steampunk/gaslamp moodiness and I’m intrigued.

This isn't a stand-alone novel, you will be left with more questions than resolutions. Instead, go into Undead Gods with the mindset that everything you read is foundational construction, setting the stage for something quite special to come. This one is all about the journey and not a rollicking steamy romance— yet. Hold tight, persevere through the early stages of some intricate world-building and appreciate the deep dive into this richly evolved fantasy scape.

The characters are developed just enough to wet one’s appetite and leave you craving the next instalment. I like to be kept guessing and there were times when I was taken by surprise and others in which I was comfortable in the knowledge of the projection. Either way, the storytelling is flowery and unique in style and I personally enjoyed it— even if it airs on the ambiguous.
I’m unsure how I feel about some characters as of yet, the MMC (I’m assuming) doesn't make an appearance until close to the end and at present hasn't left me with the best impressions. Regardless, I look forward to establishing a more in-depth affinity with these complex characters and their stories in the future and am curious as to how relationships will evolve— like I desperately need to know!

This book was neither here nor there for me personally.

Some of the writing style and pacing of the book had me struggling to connect with the story and the characters. I do feel like this might be up other readers alleys than mine.

That being said, I do know some of my friends and other book enthusiasts who would enjoy this and would suggest to them.

Oh my gosh, this was such a good book. I love how everything happened. The relationship between the two main characters is one that I truly enjoyed. The trouble they both have and yet is hard for them to figure out. There is some triggers that you need to make sure won't be upsetting to you, but man, this was such a great book. I am really hoping there will be another book to take this world further. I would love to have more of these characters.

📚𝔸ℝℂ ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 📚
𝑼𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒈𝒐𝒅𝒔 by Caitlin
𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒆:10/1/24
𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒆:Fantasy romance
𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆:1 open door scene
𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔/𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕:
💀Dual POV
💀Dark, moody gaslamp vibes
💀Hidden identities
💀Feminine rage
💀Queer-normative world
💀Stabby FMC
💀Magic disappearing
💀Sexy death gods
💀Hot ax wielding princes
💀Miscommunication DONE RIGHT
💀Secrets & betrayal
💀Twist on touch her and unalive
💀Cliffhanger
GET👏THIS👏ON👏YOUR👏TBR👏NOW. I'm thrilled to have found a new debut indie author to obsess over because this book was amazing. The writing was superb which really transported you into the story and I could not put this book down. I found it so hard to pick one quote since I highlighted nearly the whole book because everything was pure gold. Everything from the world building to the side characters was flawlessly executed. The humor had impeccable timing that left me smirking often.
Elysia was such a tortured FMC who had to do unsavory things at the behest of her father. She made lying look as effortless as breathing as she bartered in secrets. Her entire life was spent in invisible chains and we got to witness her evolution. The feminine rage burned so bright that it was hot enough to extinguish all around her.
Topp is the prince MMC who hides so many things beneath the pretty boy exterior. His secrets haunt him as he has to do the king's bidding. His character was fascinating to observe as he straddled the line of morally grey and do gooder. His motivations were altruistic at times although misguided.
Every single side character was fleshed out so well with amazing personalities (both the good and evil ones). Their temperaments really jump off the page and you could feel the realness in their reactions and emotions. The plot weaved and bobbed and made you question everything and who to trust. So many twists and turns and unexpected revelations.
I am on pins and needles after the explosive cliffhanger and I need book 2 right now.

Thank you Caitlyn Battelle for this ARC!! I enjoyed this one a lot!!

This story starts off rather slow, but definitely keeps you intrigued as it builds up for all the mystery and tension!

I actually really loved how clever and headstrong all the characters were! There was such a great mix of people you rooted for, people you wanted to root for but they gave you reasons not to, and people you just absolutely despised no matter what. Added to the mix, the raccoon was also such a cute yet chaotic gremlin of a character that I absolutely adored!

I had seen that this story was "Hades and Persephone inspired" and went in expecting what one typically expects of any story that says it is something like Hades and Persephone: opposing lovers, light and dark vibes, yearning, realm hopping between somewhere decayed and somewhere thriving, etc. However as I read this story, I found it wasn't quite what I expected. Before I could say I was disappointed, I remembered and realised that it was advertised as "inspired" and not "Hades and Persephone vibes." What I had expected was the vibes, but what I got (and what was rightfully advertised) was inspiration. There were definitely elements that were reminiscent of Hades and Persephone, but not set in obvious tones that you'd usually read. That being said, I definitely saw the hints of inspiration Caitlyn Battelle was dropping and (hopefully rightly) assume the Hades and Persephone vibes are coming in book 2!

I really enjoyed this story and I am so looking forward to book 2!! I mean, how could I not with that ending and all the new threads just waiting to be unravelled!!!!

Overall I loved the atmosphere of this book! The world building was amazing and I felt fully immersed in it. I also loved the writing, it was the perfect balance of just enough details, inner thoughts, and dialogue. I was very interested in the romance and wished that we got more of it, but I am hoping that that is coming in the second book. The other relationships were very fun to see explored in this book, each character had their own unique personalities that were fun to see how they fit in to Elysia's life. I loved Elysia's personality throughout because she felt very realistic and we got to see her motivations & inner struggles fleshed out throughout the book.

Also that ending though?! I really did not see that coming & it is making me very excited for the next book!

Undead Gods was a book I was looking forward to from the moment I came across Caitlyn's first post about it! Then, it was a waiting game until it was in my hands, and now that I have finished, I honestly do not know what to do with myself...

The world-building was extensive, which I personally enjoyed as I want to feel fully immersed in the world the author creates and I absolutely felt like I was dropped right into the dreary grey world of Kava.

The forbidden magic, lies, deceit, and treachery brought with it so much intrigue that I was never entirely sure what was going to happen next.

The end left me utterly reeling, and I can't wait to see what other books Caitlyn brings to life.

This book was an absolute whirlwind, and I was pulled in from the very first page. Every chapter had me on edge, constantly wondering what would happen next. The world-building was top-notch, drawing me into a vivid setting that felt alive and teeming with energy. The plot twists kept me guessing, and the pacing was so gripping that I lost track of time while reading.

Elysia’s character was a force of nature, bold, layered, and unapologetically complicated. Her journey was one of the most thrilling I’ve followed in a long time, full of moments that had me questioning everything. The interactions between the characters felt natural, with the kind of sharp, clever exchanges that kept the story flowing effortlessly.

The magical elements added a unique depth to the story, and I’m eager to see how they evolve in future installments. Just when I thought I knew where the plot was heading, it took a completely unexpected turn that had me on the edge of my seat.

Without a doubt, this is one of the most exciting reads I’ve come across. Five stars, and I’m already counting down the days until the next book!

This book made me feel all sorts of feelings. I am reeling at that ending!

I was sucked in within the first few chapters. As with any fantasy, especially the first in a series, there was a lot of background and world-building at the start, but that didn't take away from the developing story. The world of Kava and Relaclave was dark, mysterious, frightening, and delightfully written. Magic has disappeared from the kingdom of Kava - but has it really? There are those that still maintain their magic, but they are hunted down and executed by the king.

Elysia, a daughter of the Crown, is feisty, scrappy, and trauma-ridden. Her motives aren't always noble, but she tries to do what's right for her and her kingdom. Topp, the Crown Prince and Elysia's beloved, has his own dark motives that start clashing with Elysia's. They both want to find the tuth about the magic disappearing, and find a way to return magic to Kava, but they go about it in very different, and deadly, ways.

The supporting characters are all delightfully written, and Beatriz is *chef's kiss*. They all bring their own elements to the table, and round out a ragtag cast of shadowy assassin, party-girl with darker intrigue, a Doorman to a pleasure house, childhood friends that see more than Elysia thinks, and *Lina*. I'll save that one for you to find out yourself.

Despite the solid world-building, the story did not feel slow at all; it moved at a steady pace, and revealed information at the right spots.

That ending though - I am irritated that I have to wait and find out what happens to Elysia after that cliffhanger! When is the next book coming out!?

Thank you to Caitlyn for the eARC of this book! All of my thoughts are my own.

✨NetGalley ARC Review✨

Before I get into my review I wanted to say thank you to Caitlyn Battelle, Twelfth House Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Undead Gods!!!

Now onto my review. First thing I want to mention is the book is written in 3rd person POV, which is not my favorite style of writing. If you’re not a fan of 3rd person POV’s this might not be the book for you. Second thing I would like to mention is that I was so close to DNFing this book, which would have been disappointing because I was so intrigued by the synopsis. The beginning was hard to get through. It was really slow and felt kind of repetitive. Mostly about Elysia’s secret and about how controlling her dad was. However around chapter 14 it seemed to pick up. I feel like if we could have been inside the characters heads rather than from a 3rd person POV it would’ve been so much better. The story was a little hard to follow (at least for me). I felt like it jumped a lot. I will say that I was surprised by some of the characters. Characters that I had written off as nothing more than background characters. All in all I am giving this book 3 stars. I liked it but didn’t love it. I’m glad I given the opportunity to read it and I’m also glad that I decided to keep reading.

I knew I was going to enjoy this book, but I had no idea I was going to love it as much as I did. I flat out devoured this book! And when I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it and wishing I could be reading it. Caitlyns writing style is nothing short of phenomenal!

Elysia is such a relatable character. She's fierce and a total badass, but she's still human and falls prey to wanting nothing more than to be loved. Her sister is even more intriguing, and I hope we find out more about her in the next book. Don't even get me started on Aidan... he was only in a couple of scenes, and I'm completely obsessed! Each character was so well written and fleshed out. The story itself was an absolute page turner! And that ending 🤯 How dare you?! I seriously can't wait to see what comes next!

“Welcome to Kava, where the undead Gods neither hear nor care.”

Beautiful and brilliant debut novel by Caitlyn! This book had me hooked from the beginning. All the dark, moody and perfect things you want in a fantasy novel. The world building, secrets, adventures and betrayals will keep you wanting more.

I laughed out loud for some of this banter it was so fun! And the world building was great! And was unlike anything I’ve read before! Kind of gave me steampunk vibes!

Every character in this book felt so complex and I just wanted to get to know them more!

There was a couple times the writing felt a bit awkward and difficult to understand but not enough to stop me from reading! Was definitely a fun read! 😊

I really enjoyed this book, especially after all hell broke loose and everything started hitting the fan. If you like cat and mouse chases between lovers, turned enemies, then this book is for you! So. Much. Conflict.😮‍💨 My feelings are all over the place right now. I don’t know what’s going to happen and this is one of those books where there’s really no sense in me attempting to guess because I’ll probably be wrong. I LOVED it!

I think Powerless fans would enjoy this!

It has all of this: 👇
🖤 Hades and Persephone Inspired Romantic Fantasy
✨Dark and Moody Gaslamp Vibes
🔪 Practical But Stabby FMC
✨ Magical Deal
🩸 Twist on Touch Her & ☠️
✨ Forbidden Magic
🥷 Hidden Identity
🤐 Secrets & Betrayal
⚔️ Lovers to Enemies to ???

This miscommunication here is front and center, but it makes so much sense given the GRAVITY of the situation and what’s at stake. I wanted to punch the Prince so many times, but like on another note, he’s kind of sexy and I’m not even mad. I can sympathize with Topp and everything he has been through. I look forward to his character growth in the next book! His soft spot for cute little woodland creatures is freaking adorable! 🦝

Elysia is a bada$$ with nothing to lose! She may be the WORST at poison making, but she’s cunning and likely stronger than we realize. Her upbringing and the abuse of her powers by those that should love her is awful! I’d have trust issues, too. You have to keep that in mind when you see the reckless way she behaves.

I can’t wait to see what kind of deal she brokers with His (dark and broody) Sexy…I mean…Deadliness! 😉

The side characters here are all mostly lovable once you get past their harsh exteriors. It’s a tough world and they are doing their best to survive. Caitlyn did such a wonderful job giving them all depth. I care about them all.

This book ends on a BRUTAL cliffhanger, so be prepared. The action was swift and wild and I cannot wait for the sequel!

Okay. The world building in this?? Absolutely PHENOMENAL. I loved learning each detail about every little nook and cranny of Kava. I adored Elysia’s relationships with her friends, even as she had to deceive them. My heart ached for Topp, who was doing his best to save himself and protect the woman he loved at the same time.

Elysia grew up in a country that lost its magic. Other countries still had magic, but she is stuck in a Silent Hill-esque world, where it’s constantly raining ash and the sun never shines. The king is always on the hunt for any sliver of magic found within the people there, snuffing them out. But Elysia was born with magic. And her father works closely with the king. Better yet? She’s in love with the crowned prince. Throughout this story we meet interesting side characters that have all helped her in some way, from training her, to helping hide her secrets, or simply just helping her escape and then murder someone. She makes her way through underground tunnels, secret pleasure houses, and eventually, her dream world come to life, the land of the dead. Will she make a deal with the god of death though?

The ending of this was absolutely epic. I cannot WAIT for the next book. I’m on the edge of my seat just anticipating where the story will go next.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Yes you counted that right 6 stars! If it was possible I would award this book with more stars than possible!
If you didn't get it from the amount of stars I absolutely loved this book! Thank you Caitlyn for choosing me as a reader through Netgalley!

This book follows Elysia Parker who lives in Kava, the land where magic just disappeared with no reason. However there are still people left with some magic, but when discovered they are hunted and killed. Elysia, who possesses magic herself, grows up in the palace because of her parents and has been in a relationship with the crown prince. Her father knows about her magic and abuses his knowledge of her powers and threatens to reveal it to the king if she doesn't do his bidings. Elysia is done with the secrets and feeling like a puppet of her father and goes on an search to find likeminded people, figure out where the magic went, and try to restore the land back to its former glory!

Can she keep her magic a secret? Is the prince trustworthy? Will she win over the favor of the Undead Gods?

I also adored the writing style! And I'll share one favorite quote:
"Today was a day for gaining secrets and bringing grown men to their knees."

This book contains all my favorite things! Magic, secrets, court intrigues, strong and sassy FMC, betrayal and lies. What else does a girl need?!

Undead Gods is a compelling moody debut romantasy that had me entranced and violently flipping through pages to see how the book ends. The world that Caitlyn Battelle has built is unique and beautiful in its own dark and grimy way. The writing is stunningly atmospheric, transporting you straight to the soot-covered and grey-skyed land of Kava - a land that has been stripped of its magic and seemingly abandoned by the gods. I fell in love with Elysia: the badass, stabby heroine for whom duelling is a love language. I was on the proverbial edge of my seat reading about how Elysia navigates possessing magic that refuses to hide in a land where it is forbidden.

The worldbuilding is wonderfully immersive but that comes at a price: the book starts off a tad bit slow. I love love love worldbuilding so this was not an issue for me personally but if you are finding the beginning to be unfolding too slowly, I urge you to stick with it. Trust that the story that is unfolding is worth the wait because it 100% is!! I am so happy I read this book and I am DESPERATELY waiting for the next instalment.

Thank you so much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for an e-copy of this book. This is my honest review.

4.5 stars!!

I really struggled to get through this one. To me it didn't really get interesting until the last bit of the book and the new character introduced. The main character was hard to relate to and it felt like the story was very drawn out and could have been simplified more. I will read the second book because I was intrigued by the story as a whole.

(All opinions are my own. Review to be published on publication date)