I was so lucky to get an early copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. I wanted to love it. I found out about the book through the author on TikTok before it was even written and fell in love with it from her first video.
However, I have spent the last week trying and failing and dreading picking up my Kindle to read this book.
I will definitely be picking up a copy after its release on April 8, 2025, but for now, I have to DNF the book. I got 16% in, and the first 5 chapters read.
I find the writing to be almost disjointed. The story started off with such a bang with the FMC Rua coming to in a hellmouth, but then it started to fall flat, for me personally.
I know it's written in 3rd person, but I truly felt like I was being told Rua was doing this and had done this, or Finn was doing this but had done this. I'm highly aware I only read 5 chapters, but it was enough to take me out of the story.
I'm giving it my obligatory "I like the idea but not the story" 3 star rating because I like it, it's not great (the bit I read), but i love where it was going.

It was an interesting read, loved the premise. I enjoyed Rua as a character, however I’m not a big fan of Bridgestone style books so the 1800s setting was a little hard to digest. However, I would recommend this to fantasy lovers who are also into those kind of vibes.
Thank you for allowing me an ARC of this book.

I'm not really sure how to describe my thoughts on this book. I was really vibing with it, but it just kind of unraveled over time and near the end I was skimming and then really just unsatisfied with the ending. I absolutely love the setting and the male main character but I did need more from the relationship and the pacing fell apart near the end for me. all that said I definitely will still read from this author I loved the vibes and the writing can only get better from here.

Unfortunately this is a DNF for me, I was getting bored very early on and nothing was hooking me in. The writing feels clunky and the plot feels super slow - it's a shame because the premise sounds great. I try to not give up on ARCs but I couldn't keep myself interested, I've actually got bored and read two other books in the meantime, so I'm just not pushing through with it anymore.

The Gods Time Forgot is set in 1870 New York, where a woman emerges from the woods covered in dirt, blood, and in a completely different body. With no memory of her past or who she truly is, she feels an inexplicable pull toward an Irish Lord, Finn, who also senses a similar connection but has no idea why.

While the story didn’t completely blow me away, it definitely held my attention and I loved the inclusion of Irish mythology in a romantic fantasy setting was a refreshing change, and the historical backdrop created a fascinating atmosphere that added to the intrigue.

This book was exceedingly interesting. It was an historical fantasy surrounding Irish lore. I read it very quickly and really enjoyed the main characters, Rua and Finn. I felt that their characters per properly developed, and I loved their story. I did feel at some points the story dragged but otherwise the tension and romance between Finn and Rua was very alluring and kept me holding on to each sentence. I really did not see the plot twist coming at the end but was pleasantly surprised on how it ended. I do appreciate a true fantasy standalone, the end was a bit rushed for me, but I do feel like it had to start picking up at some point and it felt well placed, too early I felt that we would have skipped stuff. Overall, I enjoyed the writing, and I thought it was pleasantly unique and a captivating read.

Thank you NetGalley and Alcove for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I followed this book since the very beginning when it was just a draft that Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez was discussing on TikTok! I had high expectations and they were definitely met! I loved the writing and the story was extremely interesting; I really enjoyed all of the main characters.

The God’s that time forgot is an engaging story or mystery, romance, and Irish mythology. Set in 1870 Manhattan our main character Rua appears remembering only her name and that she’s not who everyone thinks she is.

At its core this story has everything I’d want in a Historical fantasy setting. And the mystery of finding out what happened definitely kept me reading.

That being said, this book just was not what I wanted it to be. I found a lot of Rua’s character to be inconsistent, the pacing to be off and the ending to be abrupt and lacking.

I felt like the whole time was spent in the tension between Rua and Flossie. I would have loved to spend more time with Rua digging through her past and trying to discover what happened.

That being said while I felting the plot lacked, I thought the banter was top tier. Some of Rua’s one liners were incredible.

I truly think this story had a whole lot of potential, just sadly lacked in execution.

Rua wakes up as Emma even though she knows that's not who she is. She has memories that surface of an Irish Goddess that confuse and intrigue her. As she navigates 1870s New York City as the Harrington's daughter, she's drawn to the mysterious Lord of Donore who seems so familiar to her.

Thoughts 💭
There was a lot going on in this story! Irish mythology of Morrigan meets the 1870s Gilded Age. Rua knows she's not Emma but has little choice but to go along with it when she wakes up in her body after Emma is missing for days. She still doesn't know who she is or her purpose and, therefore, doesn't fit in with the expectations of women at the time. She's drawn to Finn, the Lord of Donore, and they have a fun dynamic to read about. I think this story had a lot of potential, but the wrong things were emphasized. For example a lot of time was taken to describe the social engagements of the time like balls and the cattiness of the society and the women in particular but less time was spent on the mythology (which I knew less about and found more interesting) . The ending was satisfying but abrupt. I think a few tweaks would have made me rate this higher as the bones were good.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book was next on my list to review and I thought I had previously downloaded the file, but when I went back to check, I found out it had been archived so I can't redownload it now and thus will not be able to review before publication (and no, reading in NetGalley reader isn't an option). I'm leaving a three star placeholder and ,may come back and update if I read later, but I don't understand why the publisher archived this title a month before publication which is a prime time for people to post reviews! Thanks anyway, I guess?

I really like the premise and setting for this story-who doesn’t love the Gilded Age? The main character is interesting and likeable, but somewhat at odds with her society (so relatable). The interactions between the main characters are great and I loved the banter. The only drawback is that the ending feels a bit incomplete/rushed.

Thank you to the publisher Alcove Press and @netgalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

This book had a lot of promise but fell short in the execution. The characters lacked depth for me and the ending felt WAY too abrupt. But overall, a really enjoyable read!

3.5 ★

Bridgerton + irish mythlogy = this book!

Let’s set the scene! This book takes place in the Gilded Age in New York (the 19th century for anyone who is curious). We follow Rua who is a complex and intriguing FMC. She is caught in the whirlwind that is high society because of a mistaken identity. This part of the storyline was so interesting to me. I LOVE anything that includes a good ballroom scene! Then we have Finn, The Lord of Denore. He feels this unmistakable pull towards Rua, but can’t pinpoint why. Kelsie really treated us dual POV girlies! As a reader I loved getting glimpses into the hazy memories between Finn and Rua. They leave you guessing and rushing to turn to the next page.

The BANTER was the highlight of this entire book. I am such a lover of good banter, it can really make or break a book for me. I agree with the majority that the books ending left much to be desired. Unfortunately it felt very rushed and I was left a little disappointed. Thankfully it didn’t ruin the overall reading experience considering I had been so intrigued the whole way through. Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez definitely knows how to write a book that keeps your attention!

* I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and Alcove Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity! *

This book was good, but not great and I'm not sure if this is a it's-me or you situation.

The premise has some of my favorites things - Mythology, re-incarnation, historical fantasy - but it just wasn't the book I ... wanted? expected? I don't know. I think a lot of that has to do with Rua's plotline being so much bleaker and less badass than I desperately wanted her to me. She was trapped in an impossible situation, but I just found it so bleak that I needed to keep stopping to read something that didn't make me want to sob (in frustration, desperation, hopelessness).

The book is so well written. The Golden Age New York is captured so well that it seems to jump off the page with the setting and society intrigue making a beautiful backdrop. The romance and chemistry between Rua and Finn is my favorite part - their banter and interactions were sparkling stars in the gloom of the rest of the story with their longing and angst captured so well. The Irish folklore is such a new take and while I am only glancing familiar with it I think it was a welcome starting point and interwoven really well.

Overall, I just don't know what to do with this book and see where it slots in for its perfect reader. After reading some other reviews, it seems like this is more New Adult romantasy and now everything makes more sense. Generally not my genre or favorite tropes so yeah this is more of a me than you problem.

This book had a strong start. I enjoyed the first chapter, particularly the sense of disorientation and the mystery of Rua's true backstory. This atmosphere was heightened because I was experiencing all of these things alongside Rua, who has lost her memory, and, despite what everyone believes/is insisting to her, knows that she is not Emma Harrington. The brief flashbacks were intriguing and I was eager to learn more.

Unfortunately, the plot from the first few chapters on did not deliver. Instead of the Irish mythology and magic that I was hoping for, a much stronger emphasis was put on the Gilded Age social world. None of the characters besides Rua felt fully developed. Although Finn has his own POV chapters and a hint of a mysterious backstory, this is never expanded on. It seems that he has something to hide/isn't exactly who he is representing himself as to New York's upper crust, but ... this idea is not really mentioned again outside of the obvious. I don't know what his life was like before he came to New York. In addition, all of the villainous characters are one-dimensional and so cartoonishly evil that it was kind of difficult to take them seriously.

Although I understood that I was meant to sympathize with Rua and the impossible societal constraints that she was trapped in, I felt that she continuously made bad decisions and undermined herself. I was more interested in her maid's character, Mara, and how she became entangled with the Irish goddesses--a character even questions how/why an American maid would have such an in-depth knowledge of Irish mythology--but again, this aspect becomes an afterthought. The main antagonists were barely in the book, to the point where I would almost consider Rua and Finn to be more of an obstacle to their happiness.

Although opening with a character with memory loss was compelling because I knew no more than Rua did, once the pieces started to come together, I felt that it took Finn and Rua much too long to figure everything out and start having the necessary conversations. I also thought the ending was pretty abrupt and seemed like more of a way to avoid writing a big confrontation scene that would have felt much more climactic. Overall, I was expecting more magic, more mythology, and more character development.

3.25 Stars
Emma Harrington disappears into the woods, re-emerging 2 days later with no memories of who she was or where she’s been. The only thing she knows for sure is she isn’t Emma. Her name is Rua, but the resemblance between Emma and Rua is uncanny, and Rua finds herself masquerading high society as the wealthy but scorned heiress Emma Harrington.

Finn is an Irish Lord, new to town, and trying to make a name for himself. All he needs to do is stay clear of the scandalous Emma Harrington, but he can’t. He is inexplicably drawn to her and can’t shake the feeling they have met before…

Thoughts…

I’ve been struggling to settle on a rating for this one. I loved the concept of this story. It's set during the early years of the Gilded Age in New York, with Irish mythology woven through the story of Rua and Finn. The description for this is quite literally the trifecta for me, but I found the fantasy and historical elements underwhelming and the inaccuracies distracting. The romance, on the other hand, was top-notch! I loved all Rua and Finns interactions. Their banter was great, and the author did a great job with the tension, angst, and longing.

In the end, I needed more fantasy. The crumbs that are dropped throughout the story just weren’t enough for me personally. What we do get is really concentrated at the end, which felt very rushed and abrupt. I think if you are looking for just the romance, then you might enjoy this one.

Thank you to the publisher Alcove Press and @netgalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

The Gods Time Forgot by Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez is a captivating blend of historical romance and fantasy that transports readers to the opulence of 1870s New York City, intertwined with the mystique of Irish mythology. The narrative follows Rua, a resilient protagonist who emerges from a mysterious cave with no recollection of her past, only to be mistaken for Emma, a prominent debutante. As Rua navigates the intricacies of high society, she encounters Finn, a determined Irish immigrant striving to ascend the social ladder. Their paths intertwine in unexpected ways, leading them on a journey filled with intrigue, romance, and supernatural elements.

Gonzalez masterfully captures the essence of Gilded Age Manhattan, juxtaposing its glittering facade with the underlying societal challenges of the era. The infusion of Irish folklore adds depth and richness to the storyline, offering readers a fresh perspective on familiar mythological themes. The chemistry between Rua and Finn is palpable, with witty banter and a slow-burning romance that keeps readers engaged. But could have been more. Their relationship never feels true to us as a reader.

The pacing feels a little uneven, particularly in the middle sections where the plot progression slows. Also the historical inaccuaries are quite annoying.. Despite these shortcomings, the novel delivers an immersive experience that seamlessly blends romance, fantasy, and history.

Fans of historical romance with a touch of fantasy will find this novel both enchanting and thought-provoking. Gonzalez's storytelling prowess shines through, making it a worthwhile addition to any reader's collection.

It was a good novel but the ending was very disappointing... it just ended... you didn't even realize the ending was coming and all of a sudden it's done... it felt VERY unfinished.

The description of the story intrigued me, but it overall fell flat for me.

My overall reading experience of this book was quite pleasant. I really did love the main characters, and I was invested in their personal growth throughout the story (I know in theory this should go without saying but some of my recent reads have left me apathetic...). The Gods Time Forgot follows Rua - a young woman who wakes up with no memory of her past or how she got to her place in upper class Gilded Age society. As she tries to uncover her personal history, she meets Finn, a man with his own mysteries even he doesn't understand. I think many readers will love this book and will connect to the romance. Rua feels very real as a character. You can relate to how flawed she is and the anger she struggles to control. However, some elements of this story were not effective for me and resulted in my 3/5 star review.

The ending felt completely rushed and very anti climactic. I was left thinking, "Wait, was that the end?" I am not sure if there will be other installments of the story. And I can see how it could be extended, but I don't know if enough loose ends were tied for it to feel like a complete ending, or enough suspense was left to warrant a sequel. There is a looming threat to Rua throughout the entire book that leads the reader to believe the stakes are high and hope that it does happen, just to see how our main characters handle it. But that threat is completely set aside at the very end for a more disappointing ending in my opinion. I also found the plot to be repetitive. Rua and Finn had the same conversation a number of times.

I also think that a lot of elements of this story were not explored all the way, if not abandoned completely. Gilded Age NYC is such a cool setting, and I do think the author was effective at creating this atmosphere. Still, I would have loved to get more sensory imagery to really show the differences between a luxurious estate, a clustered ballroom, the streets of the working class, or the orphanage. I feel like we were almost there, but I do think this is a personal wish on my part. The writing style of the prose is less sensory and more focused on characters' inner thoughts.

A more personal issue I had was the extreme amount of girl hate in this story. I wish that Rua had any female friends or a close relationship with a woman. A book drawing from a myth based on sisterhood could examine relationships between women in such a nuanced way, but it did not push itself to do that. It was very "Rua versus everyone except for the man she loves" which is a very popular theme in YA, it just isn't for me. I do understand that she needs to feel "othered" by society, therefore the amount of animosity she is met with makes sense. But for me I just felt a bit uncomfortable how every other woman is either a conniving, greedy, or vindictive shrew. Or they are a catty and vapid mean girl. I just feel like there was a way to give other female characters depth, while not excusing their treatment of Rua. They felt a bit one dimensional in that way.

Although many elements of this book fell flat for me, I truly did enjoy reading it. I didn't find myself wanting to put it down in favor of a different book and I was invested on what the characters would do next. The plot hinges on Finn and Rua learning about their pasts and finding their way to each other, and that really helped me connect to the world at large. I really rooted for their love and it felt natural. I am a firm believer that YA can be enjoyed by anyone no matter if they have aged out of the genre. I think that stands for this book. I am 24 now and I did like this book enough to give it 3 stars. I do think if I had read this when I was in high school I would have probably liked it more, as I am a more critical reader now. I applaud the author for writing a romantasy that crosses into a bit of historical fiction. I think it is impressive to have magic fused with historical fiction. In a way it can be harder to combine the two, rather than building a fantasy world where anything is possible. I can tell that the author really loves these characters and put a lot of thought into how she would incorporate them into our world. For me, that was successful.

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.