I received a copy of this book for a free and unbiased opinion.
This book is hard to place in any genre- when I read the blurb, I thought this would be straight forward fantasy, but it isn’t. There is a strong romance component to the story which is essential to the overall story and forms the overriding arc
Emma, a young woman from a wealthy family with a mother desperate to climb up the social hierarchy, becomes obsessed with the dark side. She goes to the local village hellmouth and comes back a different person- Rua.
Rua is primarily the main point of view character, and I loved her struggle in trying to regain her memories, understand what had happened , trying to fit the straitlaced image of a noble woman all the while dealing with the worst mother of all times. The gothic elements come out when Rua deals with her mother and the rest of New York’s society as well in her reluctant romance with Finn. The chapters with her mother trying to assert her authority were chilling and frightening and were some of the highlights of the book.
I wasn’t so keen on the chapters from Finn’s point of view, and just wanted to get back to Rua but it helps slowly unpeel the mystery of who Rua is and the overall mythology of the story.

3.75/5 ⭐️
I want to preface by saying that I’ve been following this author over on TikTok for a couple years and it’s so cool to see her journey from writing to debating about indie publishing to now traditionally publishing her story. I’m so thrilled for her and honored to have the chance to watch her journey.

That being said, I was a little underwhelmed with this story. I think there was a lot of potential, the ideas were intriguing, but the fantasy elements dragged it down and I wish someone helped push her writing.

To start with the writing, it’s good, it’s on the cusp of being great. There were moments that captured me. However, it felt like we were trapped in the mundane. The details that should’ve been engaging instead felt like any other day and shrugged off. And it wasn’t helped with the fact I felt like I could see the author’s hand with every plot detail. The plot wasn’t moved forward by the characters. The plot happened to them. They lacked agency. The characters told us they made decisions, but not really. There was no moments of debate. No pressure or hesitancy. It just felt like the characters trying to convince us they really made that choice when it’s obvious the author did it for them. In addition, there was too much repetition. Especially with the internal monologue. For example, courting Richard’s daughter would be good for my reputation…this is how I got to America…courting Richard’s daughter would be good for my reputation…I helped an orphanage…courting Richard’s daughter would be good for my reputation…😓 I kid you not, this happened another 5 more times just in one chapter. It’s the same thing when it comes to Rue telling us how she must impersonate Emma.

With the writing, these are sort of minor details I think the author could work on, which in turn will help her next story excel. It’s just when you get all these elements and have them occur so often, it made it hard for me to keep reading and not continuously sigh with exasperation. I wish she had someone point these things out and helped her to grow her skill set. Cause I think she has major potential. This a great story. There’s diamonds in this book. It’s just coated in a lot of dirt that I wish a critique partner or developmental editor had helped her to clean up and learn and grow.

But moving back to the fantasy. I think that was the story’s weakest aspect. In all honesty, it dragged the story down from 4 to 3.75. If it stayed as just a gilded age romance, it would probably still have the same writing issues, but I probably would’ve enjoyed it more. And yeah I know romantasy is having its moment, but if this was just a gilded age romance, it could’ve been marketed to the Bridgerton girlies or Bucaneer fans or even fans of the show The Gilded Age.

The historical romance aspect of this story was solid. It was enjoyable. It would’ve been more enjoyable though if the fantasy forgotten gods element was gone and instead it was just a headstrong girl who doesn’t want to be puppetted by her social climbing mother and an Irish guy trying to achieve the American dream. That’s dynamic. There’s conflict. There’s drama built in that. The fantasy part throw the train off the rails and hindered the historical romance. It made characters like Rue contradictory. It added details that awkwardly took up time and was underdevelopment that instead could’ve been altered just slightly to fit the historical romance. For example, the servants still could’ve gossiped about the family being upstarts and the daughter being expelled and the mother/daughter drama without them gossiping about her being a Satan worshipper and the whole lost in the woods and threat to send her to an asylum. So many of the existing scenes could’ve stayed, it’s just the little details would’ve been altered.

In the end, it was an okay story. Maybe I would’ve liked more a few years ago or a few years from now? However, all that I said above, all that combined, made it a sort of a struggle to get through. There were moments I enjoyed. However, I was also dragging my comatose body through each chapter. Still, I would recommend this to friends and followers. I think there are people who like historical romances and romantasies that will find this entertaining. I however, think a few tweaks and maybe a critique partner that helped push the author, and this story could’ve been excellent. I will continue to follow this author’s career, and hopefully she’ll continue to grow.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for providing an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.

I don't think this book was poorly written, but for me the story never got off the ground. I didn't even particularly like Rua, and I admit that I really felt little empathy for all her tribulations. Finn then really seemed to me to be the prototypical indecisive man, not exactly the hero he was supposed to embody. So I'm sure there will be people who will enjoy the novel, but it left me pretty indifferent.

Io non credo che questo libro fosse scritto male, ma per me la storia non ha mai decollato. Rua non mi stava nemmeno particolarmente simpatica e ammetto di aver provato veramente poca empatia per tutte le sue tribolazioni. Finn poi mi sembrava veramente il prototipo dell'uomo indeciso, non esattamente l'eroe che avrebbe dovuto incarnare. Quindi sono sicura che ci saranno persone che apprezzeranno il romanzo, ma a me ha lasciato parecchio indifferente.

I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

I confess, I went into this thinking it's a time travel story of sorts only to find that it wasn't. Instead, we are given a spin on Irish mythology thrown into the late 19th century Manhattan. Rua wakes up with no memory other than her name. What she does know is that she is not Emma, daughter to a new rich and socially ambitious Harrington family. Emma's parents insist that Rua is their daughter Emma though and she is dragged along into the gilded age high society.

The Harringtons are unforgiving and an absolute nightmare for Rua who is trying to navigate a world she doesn't know as well as keep up the act of being Emma. The odds were against her from the start though as society has already labeled her an oddity before she even got there. Rua has a very strong character though which makes her a likeable main character and one that won't bend to the cruel situations she faces. Although a little slow to start, the mystery around Rua's missing memories and the odd things that happen around her were built up nicely and made this a really great read. I was at times surprised at how cruel most of the other characters were and the plot took a few dark turns.

This story is also told in a dual point of view, one of my favourites. Our second point of view belongs to Finn, an Irish lord who has come to Manhattan trying to establish his name so that he may continue his charity projects. He is in many ways Rua's opposite and yet they are both outsiders trying to find a foothold in society. There's an early connection between the two with a lot of push and pull as they both have their own agenda to follow and don't want to let the other get in the way. I enjoyed both main characters and how things unfolded with them. Given the circumstances, I thought the romance aspect was well paced.

As a whole, I thought this was a really great standalone fantasy with a few popular tropes mixed into a unique backdrop. The only true downside is that the ending was disappointingly anti-climatic. It felt as though a chapter or two were missing to truly bring closure. Not every little detail needs to be wrapped up when ending a story, but I felt as though only one single thing had been resolved. I do believe that all questions have been answered so there aren't any particular loose ends, but I just wanted to know a little more about what comes next. There were a few atrocious incidents throughout the novel and there weren't any consequences. The main characters, especially Rua, also boxed themselves into a situation that's not hard to get out of and I just feel like we didn't really get to see how she overcomes the odds against her beyond the main conflict.

Although I wish the ending had more, I've come to find that stories are hard to wrap up and they are often the weak link which is why I try not to affect an anti-climatic ending such as this one to get in the way of my enjoyment. It was a fun book and the ending wasn't as bad, thus making this still a very nice fantasy to pick up.

***Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ebook.

The Gods Time Forgot by Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez is a novel that was brimming with promise—fated lovers across time (me: let's goooo), Irish mythology (sick, rarely done!), and the intrigue of amnesia (who is she???). With such an engaging concept, the story had all the ingredients to be a memorable read. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite deliver on its potential, leaving me feeling disconnected, unimpressed and just overall very apathetic to the whole thing.

The plot centers on Emma Harrington, who mysteriously disappears into a "Hell mouth," only to be replaced by Rua, one of the Morrigan. From the start, Rua has no memory of who she is, though she knows she isn’t Emma. While the idea of a character grappling with a forgotten identity could be intriguing, the execution was hollow and not set up well. Rua’s sudden, strong opinions on societal views of women felt forced and unrealistic. I couldn’t shake the question: where were these thoughts and feelings coming from? It was as if the author wanted to make a statement but didn't provide the foundation for Rua’s character to naturally express them.

The romantic angle, centered around Finn (who is somehow linked to Rua’s past as the Cú Chulainn figure), also faltered. Their relationship—built on a forgotten past and an undeniable attraction—lacked depth. I found myself wondering who Finn truly was and what made their connection so important. Without this backstory, their reunion felt flat, and the emotional stakes just weren’t there. It also took 75% of the story to even figure out who he is; and it's just brushed over.

One of the biggest disappointments for me was the missed opportunity to explore Irish mythology. The author could have gone deeper into the rich history and symbolism of the Morrigan, the Cu Chulainn myth, and the overall setting. Instead, we get brief mentions of Meadowsweet flowers and stolen kisses by a pond, which left me craving more substance and context. The mythology felt like a backdrop rather than an integral part of the story.

The pacing was another issue. I found myself trudging through the plot, uninterested and uninspired. And then, the ending—well, it was a letdown. After all the build-up, the resolution felt rushed and underwhelming. Finn goes into a warrior rage, destroys one hell mouth cave, and the two characters share a kiss, happy to be together. But what about the bigger picture? The Morrigan sisters? The unresolved murders? The potential for deeper conflict or a more substantial conclusion? These questions were left unanswered, leaving the reader feeling unsatisfied.

In conclusion, The Gods Time Forgot had all the makings of a compelling story but fell short in execution. The characters lacked depth, the mythology was underutilized, and the pacing left much to be desired. It was a book I desperately wanted to enjoy, but ultimately, it didn’t resonate with me as I had hoped. I personally think if what you wanted is an old school (dance cards and gowns) a couple of passionate kisses (zero spice, no open/closed door scenes) and nothing too terrible (at least in graphic descriptions...There are a few murders oops) maybe this is the story you're looking for? It wasn't for me.

📖 Genre: Historical Fantasy / Romantasy / Enemies-to-Lovers
🖋 Author: Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez
⭐️ Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
🔥 Tropes: Enemies-to-Lovers, Amnesia, Forbidden Romance, Ancient Magic, Historical Fiction


Talk about a wild ride! The Gods Time Forgot blends the mystique of Irish mythology with the glittering but gritty world of Gilded Age New York, creating a captivating historical romantasy. With its amnesia plot, secrets, dangerous chemistry, and explosive revelations, this debut novel is a must-read for fans of Outlander and A Fate Inked in Blood.

Imagine living in a mysterious world where your memories are stolen, and you’re suddenly thrust into a society you don’t remember—surrounded by people who think you’re someone else. And the one person who makes you feel anything at all is a handsome lord who seems oddly familiar... but who also feels like your worst enemy. Yup. Sounds like a dream (or nightmare), right? Let’s dive in.


In Manhattan, 1870, Rua wakes up with no memory, just her name and a deep sense of loss. When the powerful Harrington family mistakes her for their missing daughter, Emma, she goes along with it, hoping this ruse will lead her to answers about who she really is. But as Rua dips her toes into high society, she begins to realise that Emma’s life was filled with secrets, and the answers she seeks might not be as simple as she hoped.

Enter Finn—the Lord of Donore—a man who’s new to New York’s elite circles. He’s trying to fit in, make connections, and climb the social ladder, but he can’t help but be intrigued by the mysterious Emma. But wait, doesn’t she seem... familiar? Unsettlingly so? The tension between them is electric, even as they both try to avoid the undeniable pull of their growing attraction.

As Rua’s memories begin to return, she discovers that her past is more strange, magical, and dangerous than she ever imagined. As ancient Irish magic rises to the surface, she and Finn must unravel a mystery that could change everything, including their future.

What I Loved: A Captivating Blend of Magic, History, and Romance

✅ Gilded Age Setting with a Touch of Magic – The historical backdrop of 1870s New York is rich and detailed, giving us a glimpse into the glamour and grit of the era. But then you throw in Irish mythology and dark magic… and it’s like watching the best of both worlds collide!

✅ Rua – A Mysterious and Complex Heroine – Rua is the kind of character who feels broken yet strong, vulnerable yet brave. Her journey of rediscovery is a slow-burn delight, and watching her piece together her identity is fascinating. The magic that starts to creep into her memories and the way she begins to unlock her true power are some of the best parts of the book!

✅ Finn – The Conflicted, Handsome Lord – Finn starts off as a man trying to navigate high society but gradually reveals more layers. The tension between Finn and Rua is palpable, as is the slow-burn chemistry that simmers beneath their interactions. He’s not just the typical brooding love interest—he’s someone with his own mysteries and insecurities, which makes him a fantastic counterbalance to Rua’s journey.

✅ Enemies-to-Lovers with an Intriguing Twist – The relationship between Rua and Finn is complex, especially since they both start off on opposite sides of a mysterious situation. Enemies-to-lovers fans will adore the slow development of their relationship, which is both suspenseful and intensely romantic.

✅ The Magic and Mythology – I’m obsessed with how Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez weaves Irish mythology into the plot. From the magical forces to the ancient deities and rituals, the supernatural aspect isn’t just an afterthought—it’s a vital part of the story that gives it depth and danger. The dark magic surrounding Rua’s past is thrilling, and I loved the way it was tied into the unfolding mystery.

What Could Have Been Better?
Some Characters Felt Underdeveloped – While Rua and Finn are very well fleshed out, there are a few secondary characters (like those in Rua’s “new” family) who felt more like plot devices than real people. I would’ve loved to see more depth added to them, especially since some are key to the twists in the narrative.

The Gods Time Forgot is a gorgeous debut that blends historical fiction with magic, mystery, and romance. Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez has crafted a world where secrets and betrayal are just as common as forbidden love, and I found myself hooked from the first page.

The tension between Rua and Finn kept me eagerly turning the pages, and the slow reveal of Rua’s past (and the ancient magic hidden within her) made this a book I couldn’t put down. If you’re a fan of historical romances with a supernatural twist—especially those that draw on mythology and magic—this one is for you.

Just my two cents, I feel like books shouldn't be pitched with "for fans of such and such" since usually the descriptions aren't correct or they create false preconceptions and expectations, especially if a well beloved book is used. In the case of The Gods Time Forgot, Outlander and A Fate Inked in Blood aren't accurate descriptions, this book is better! Gonzalez does an amazing job at slowly building up the tension, not just between the love interests but with the gradual remembering of their past lives and what it means for their futures. Pretty much right from the beginning, this book felt special and new! It does have elements of some of the book titles used as promotions but it's not a rehashing of those at all, unlike with some other books. Gonzalez's take is fresh and different and I was enraptured right from the beginning and couldn't wait to see what happened to Rua! My only qualm is the ending. We have this beautiful build up for a big confrontation and it didn't happen and the book just ended. I can't find anything to suggest this is the first book of a series but the ending is not enough to keep me from giving this book 5 stars! I will be raving about it to library patrons when they ask for suggestions!

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Beautifully written, but the pacing felt off. The beginning pulls you in straight away with the mystery of who Emma/Rua is, but the middle of the book drags on with the same ball scenes one after another, and no clear plot or character development. That bit would have benefitted from more of Rua actively trying to figure out the mystery of her origins, instead of just going with the flow and trying to fit in, The ending then felt quite abrupt, all of the revelations conveniently remembered and quickly summarized to end the story.
So in the end this wasn't exactly my cup of tea, especially since I expected more of a fantasy focused story, but historical fiction fans might enjoy this more.

This book suffered from mismatched expectations. Marketed as a romantasy, it leaned far more into historical fiction, with fantasy elements barely appearing until the final stretch. The setting was immersive, but the repetitive ballroom scenes and Rua’s heavy-handed social critiques dulled the experience. I typically love historical fiction, but this didn't hit the mark for me. The romance was another letdown. The synopsis suggested a straightforward love story between Rua and Finn, yet a surprise love triangle altered the dynamic. Readers who love that trope may enjoy it, but those who don’t won't be as impressed

Pacing was uneven, with most of the book focused on societal expectations and a rushed conclusion cramming in all the plot and fantasy elements. Ultimately, this wasn’t the right book for me, but those who enjoy slow-burn historical fiction with light fantasy might appreciate it more.

Thank you, NetGalley and Alcove Press, for the ARC.

This is a wonderful fantasy book. Dark and alluring. It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
I am very grateful to the publisher and Netgalley for sending this my way.

This book has a lot to offer; Irish mythology, romance that would make you swoon, 1870s era and setting, historical romance, slow burn, amnesia leading to confusion. It is good however the pace was rather haphazard and the ending felt very abrupt.

DNF @ 33%

Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The Gods Time Forgot pairs a synopsis that promises so much with a story that doesn't deliver almost any of it. Romantasy, historical settings, and the amnesia trope are all things I love to read. All these can be found in the book, but the balance makes them hard to appreciate.

"Romantasy" seems to have gathered quite a few definitions, but every single one acknowledges the fantasy element. When reading this book, it was easy to forget that fantasy was supposed to be part of this story. What could've been an interesting use of magic was left behind so the romance plot could be pushed forward. I'm sure this would be a great way to introduce someone to fantasy, but it's not what I'm looking for.

The other issue I had with this book was the multi-POV element. While several POVs in one book was something I didn't love before, it's grown on me over time. However, the POVs in this book feel so similar that it was hard to tell there was more than one. Whether a book is in first person or third, different characters POVs should always feel a little different. I didn't get that in this one.

I also found that a lot of the dialogue felt stiff and unnatural. It was hard to stay in the story with how forced it seemed sometimes.

On a more positive note, the descriptions in this book were beautiful. Outside of the dialogue, there is prose that hooked me. I just wish I had found the actual story as wonderful as the descriptions.

Although I didn't enjoy this book, it isn't one I'd never recommend. I know there are so many specific things that bother me that plenty of other people love. The historical setting was fantastic and I'm sure so many people will love this romance. If you're new to fantasy, or if you like romance-heavy romantasy, this is still a book I'd tell some people to read.

Review on Goodreads (sophreadingbooks https://www.goodreads.com/sophreadingbooks) expected 4/08/2025
Review on Instagram (sophiesreading https://www.instagram.com/sophiesreading/) expected 4/22/2025

Looking back on my reading experience of this book and what I think will likely happen for other readers as well, I keep coming back to “expectations vs. reality.” No one is done any favors when a book is set up as one thing, but then turns out to be very different. There are two primary areas where this happened: the marketing of this book’s genre and the book summary’s explanation of the romance.

So, first off, the genre expectations. This is marketed as a romantasy title. As we discussed in my subgenres post from a few weeks ago, this would mean the book is first and foremost a romance novel but situated within a fantasy setting. Now, the summary does explain that this book is also set in a particular point in history, so it can only be expected that an exploration of life in this place and time will make up a portion of the book. The problem here is that this actually took up the majority of the book! I got over the half way mark in this book before even remembering that this had been promoted as a romantasy…and other than a few throwaway lines here or there, there had been zero actual fantasy elements involved. I enjoy historical fiction, so it’s perhaps not surprising that I got as far as I did before this became apparent. But for readers who go in with the expectation of a romantsy novel, I think there will be disappointment.

Even on the historical front, I did struggle to really enjoy this book. There were a lot of ball room scenes and society scenes that simply began to feel repetitive, with many people behaving as the worst versions of characters from Bridgerton. Not only these settings, but the fact that every single time, these events would result in Rua making some “shocking” statements about how messed up all of these restrictions were. But more often than not, it just came across as Rua saying the most brain-numbingly obvious fact in the most abrasive manner possible. I think there are ways to write characters who defy societal expectations and thus draw attention to its flaws, but Rua was like a bull in a China shop in all of the worst ways.

The second problem came down to the romance and, again, how it is marketed in the book summary. As you can see above, the summary clearly pairs Rua with a character named Finn. Several paragraphs give us a brief overlay of their story together. But then I picked up this book and discovered, oh wait, it’s another love triangle and a character named Annette (who is NOWHERE TO BE SEEN in the book summary) is going to play a role in the romance. Again, poorly managed expectations don’t benefit anyone! Some readers really enjoy love triangles, but looking at this book description, they’d have no idea that this was a straightforward MF love story. Conversely, other readers (like me) don’t enjoy love triangles and try to avoid them. I know myself well enough to know that almost all love triangles set back my reading experiences fairly significantly, so I try to avoid requesting/reviewing those titles, as I don’t love writing critical reviews, especially when I know this aspect of it is totally subjective.

The story also struggles with its pacing. As I said above, the first half to 75% is largely focused on Rua’s experiences living in this society. But then the last quarter is a mad whirlwind, trying to wrap up all of the plotlines. It is here, too, where the fantasy elements finally really show up.

All of this to say, this book wasn’t for me, but that’s because I wasn’t the correct reader for it! (Well, I could get behind the historical stuff, but I just wasn’t expecting it as much when I went in.) I think there are readers out there who will enjoy this one, but I do think it would have been in this book’s best interest to be more straightforward about the romance tropes at its heart as well as the primary genre focus of the story.

Rating 6: Unfortunately, this one didn’t work for me. There was less fantasy than I was expecting, and I felt blindsided by yet another love triangle.

Link will go live on The Library Ladies on April 9

New York's Gilded Age, 1870's. Rua and Finn first meet at an Upper Manhattan party where both feel they've met before in another time. But have they?
Mixing New York's high society with Irish mythology The Gods Time Forgot is an exciting journey of two people forced to attend a life that doesn't fit them, looking for a way out.
Beautiful storytelling, a great cast of characters, some clean romance, a hint of time travel, set in wonderful surroundings. An absolute treat. Meadowsweet.

Thank you Netgalley and Alcove Press for the ARC.

I had the opportunity to read The Gods Time Forgot by Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez through NetGalley, and I’m so glad I did! This book is a mesmerising blend of Irish mythology, high-society intrigue, and dark magic, all set against the opulent backdrop of 1870s Gilded Age New York.

From the very beginning, I was completely drawn into Rua’s story. She wakes up with no memories and is mistaken for a missing socialite—a setup that immediately had me hooked. Rua is such a fierce and witty protagonist, and watching her navigate the glittering (yet often ruthless) world of Manhattan’s elite was an absolute delight. Then there’s Finn—mysterious, brooding, and impossible to ignore. Their chemistry was everything I love in a slow-burn romance—full of tension, longing, and that irresistible “we shouldn’t, but we can’t resist” dynamic.

One of my favourite aspects of the book was how seamlessly it wove Irish mythology into the historical setting. The blend of folklore and high society drama felt fresh and unique, making the story stand out from other historical fantasies. If I had one small critique, it would be that the fantasy elements weren’t as developed throughout the book as I had hoped. Much of the mythology-heavy content was packed into the ending, and I would have loved to see more of that magic woven into the earlier parts of the story.

That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It’s beautifully written, immersive, and perfect for fans of romantasy with a historical twist. I’ll definitely be looking out for whatever Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez writes next!

This is an interesting book. Rau is a very strong character, and I love the fact that she defies standards that society kept trying to place on her. Finn is also fun. He wants to make it in society and knows how to do it, yet he keeps being drawn to Rau and he is not quite sure why. What held me up was the pacing of this book. The flashbacks/memories didn’t always seem to fit and took me out of the story. Just overall the flow kept me from enjoying this book as much as I truly wanted to. It also took such a long time for the flashbacks to truly affect the story and bring Rau and Finn closer to realizing the truth.
Thank you to Alcove Press and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

While I thought this was a great concept and a unique setting, the inconsistent pacing made it difficult to get immersed in. While not a long read, I struggled through the first ~60% to get into the action. I also would have liked to see more fantasy in this.

Thanks to the publisher, the author and NetGalley for a free eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This was a solid debut by the author. It's hard foraying into the publishing world, even harder to come up with a unique fantasy. This was a quick read - it was not bad but I kept waiting for more fantasy. The story was slower throughout and then quite rushed in the conclusion. I appreciated the Irish mythology, and enjoyed the MCs as character and their relationship. The story did have promise but unfortunately was not as tightly written to deliver on the promise.

2.5* rounded down.

I had a lot of trouble rating this novel. On the one hand, I read it and it wasn’t hard to finish. There was a story here and I was interested to see where it would go. On the other hand, it went nowhere interesting and I was left disappointed.

I expected a novel with depth; it draws on rich mythology and it weaves it in well. Then, it does absolutely nothing with it. It was disappointing. I was hoping it would be more than a romance with a bit of mythology background; I was expecting it to be more than that. On a positive note, the characters were written very well and felt alive.

We meet Rua when she crawls out of a hole in the forest and remembers nothing except her own name. There are flashbacks starting right at the beginning of the novel. Along with Rua, we get bits and pieces of another life. Yet, when she’s found, she’s assumed to be someone else entirely. She steps into that life to survive and tries to find out who she actually is throughout the novel. Except, it’s very obvious right from the beginning who she is; there are very few surprise details. I thought this was a plot device, so that the details of the real story would make sense as they emerge, but then there was only a a silly story that emerged that didn’t seem to have any depth; it was just a romance.

I have nothing against romance. I just didn’t think I was reading one. Perhaps, I misinterpreted the summary and my expectations were off. I wanted to know more about the mythology and there was just nothing there to share. I ended up reading a novel about a fish out of water trying to survive in New York’s high society.

There was a lot of time devoted to Rua, pretending to be Emma, trying to make friends and not anger Emma’s mother. She goes to parties, she gets fitted for a new wardrobe, she dances at balls. She is generally disliked because Emma had a poor reputation and there is nothing she can do to fix it. It dragged and it didn’t further the plot, just moved us forward in time.

The background characters are horrible socialites who play silly pranks all so they can catch the eye of a man. Said man, Finn, our love interest, is tall and handsome and wealthy. Yet, he is introduced to us as an undesirable immigrant from Ireland. He worries over-much about his reputation because he’s Irish and the Americans are racist. Yet, all the women want to marry him. He’s the catch of the season and his business partner is throwing his daughter at him. It’s confusing.

Finn is devoted to himself, but he can’t help but be drawn to Rua. It’s insta-love and he continues to court reputation-ruining disaster every time he steps out on a limb to help her. I rolled my eyes a lot. It’s nice that he’s decent and doesn’t want a young woman terrorized but it would be a lot better if I didn’t know he was yelling at himself for risking his reputation to do the right thing a lot. His motivations felt realistic, but when he goes against them because she’s gorgeous, it feels silly. Rua continues to be a jerk to him and everyone else and he is more intrigued by her the more she snaps at him.

The timing and transitions between the flashbacks and what is happening to Rua-as-Emma were confusing. I found myself flipping back to see if I’d missed something. All the society requirements dragged on and on and I kept hoping for less filler and more story. What about the flashbacks?
Rua starts out with few memories and ends with the memories we’ve been getting via flashbacks throughout the book. This seems simple and obvious, but you don’t learn anything new with the memories. You get various memories of the same general thing: Rua and her sister or Rua and a man that looks suspiciously like Finn. And then, finally, in the last chapter, you find out that’s all there was to know. There isn’t a big secret that shocks anyone; just an evil sister and a love that crosses all boundaries.

There’s no growth or change. It’s just the same person as she gets flashbacks and falls in love. This didn’t work for me. If you go in hoping for a romance with a bit of mythology for spice, maybe it would work better. I didn’t enjoy it.

I tried, I really did… I wanted to like this book so bad. The idea is great, the carachters are interesting and the setting is really different. But everything is so slow… the pacing and the writing of the author are great I was reading super fast and had barely realized time passing, I would start reading and 20% would fly easily, however every time it seemed like nothing was happening, the chapters were kinda boring and when I started getting excited about something finally happening it would be a giant twist for 2 or 3 pages and then back to the monotony of it all. I had with this book the same feeling I had when I read my first cozy fantasy not knowing what to expect and then finding it boring, but with this book I knew it wasn’t cozy so I was expecting at least a little bit of adventure or action. Even so I wanted to give it 3.5 stars because I liked the story as a whole, but close to the end about 5 chapters left things were not resolved in a way that scared me that this could be a series and I missed that information somehow, but noooooooooooo everything just got resolved very fast on the last 3 chapters and the very ending (like literally the last five paragraphs of the final chapter) was very anticlimactic and frustrating. Just because of the ending I decided to give it 3 stars…