Not really for me. I thought with the book comparisons it would be very different but I got completely different vibes. I think I would have to go into this with a completely different mindset and expectation. Now if one of my students liked books in this lane I would definitely recommend it. It just started off with a more witchy feel than fae.

I wanted to like this one... I really did. But it felt really drawn out and I couldn't connect with the characters. I liked the plot and the world building, but the rest fell flat. The scheming/meddling gods, the deception, the betrayals... I loved all that. If you like meddling gods and reluctant heroes... you'll like this one.

This story had me hooked from the beginning. Mona has the magical ability to “read” people’s soulmates. So when she is summoned to the castle to tell the king who his soulmate is, and when she finds out it is her, she lies which brings on a lot of interesting drama. A lot happens in this book, and while a lot of it wasn’t flushed out thoroughly (needed more about the Flood world) or was simply told to readers in a sentence (the gods and goddesses and what they represent), the tale itself was engaging enough to keep me captivated. I do feel like it could have ended sooner and the last quarter of it was literally just tying up loose ends. Recommended for fantasy readers, although not in the same category of Yarros or Maas. A note for those listening to the audio: I liked the narrator but it would have been better if the male voices could have sounded more masculine. Several times I was thrown off by who was actually talking, thinking it was a female character instead of the male. 3.5 stars rounded down but I am looking forward to the sequel.

I enjoyed this fantasy novel for the most part. The worldbuilding is interesting and the characters are fairly well fleshed out. Mona is a deeply flawed character, which at times makes her frustrating, but I felt that rather than making truly unlikeable or unsympathetic it made her seem more human, because the causes of the behavior was so clearly rooted in trauma and past experience. She also shows character growth over the course of the book. I also really enjoyed a couple of the side characters. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator’s performance was really excellent. My main criticism is that the romance didn’t feel authentic to me, there was not as much chemistry or buildup between them as I would have liked. There was clearly lust, especially on Mona’s part, but love? It didn’t feel earned, it felt like it was added in as a complication and we were just supposed to go along with it.

Overall it’s a three stars from me. I’ll probably read the sequel, if I can remember this book well enough whenever it comes out.

I loved this read. The world building was amazing and I really enjoyed the characters to which the narrator did a wonderful job matching. I absolutely cannot wait for book 2!!

Amanda Helander’s Divine Mortals delivers intense, high-stakes moments that kept me completely hooked. Her ability to build tension and emotion in these scenes is one of the book’s greatest strengths. The action feels raw and gripping, making it hard to put the book down.

However, when the pace slows, the story tends to drag. While the quieter moments provide insight into the characters and world, some sections feel stretched out, making me eager to get back to the more intense parts. Despite this, Helander’s writing is strong, and her characters are compelling enough to keep the story engaging. Divine Mortals shines brightest in its moments of urgency, and fans of mythology-driven fantasy will find plenty to love.

Absolutely delightful story. This is a fresh, new take on the storyline and I found myself fascinated with the story. The narrator is also engaging and easy to listen to.

**ARC review of Audiobook**

In a world where magic is governed by Runes, Mona possesses a rare gift: the ability to divine soulmates without them. Haunted by her brother's death, she lives a secluded life until the Master of Practitioners arrives with a desperate plea. The King needs his soulmate found, and Mona, reluctantly drawn back into the world, agrees to help. The quest takes an unexpected turn when Mona discovers the King's destined partner is none other than herself. Unwilling to believe it, and knowing her claim would be met with disbelief, she keeps her secret. This sets in motion a thrilling story of murder, mystery, and self-discovery, laced with witty banter that keeps the pages turning.

The intricate plot unfolds beautifully, culminating in a cliffhanger that leaves you breathless and eager for the next installment.

Audiobook Note: The narrator's performance is captivating. Her distinct voices for each character bring the story to life, making for an immersive and thoroughly enjoyable listening experience.

This book took me on a trip. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but it was not the events that came to pass. I was intrigued by the magic system and the way that the main character, Mona, came to gain said magic. It was a nice take on how a society was granted magic and opposed to it just being available. I really liked that the main character had baggage and it was represented. Mona is touched by the gods, and has unique abilities. Most noteably she can divine a person soul mate. This ability garners the attention of the royal court. She is supposed to help the king find his soul mate to continue the royal line and save the kingdom. Everything at the castle is not what it seems though. Mona with the help of some of the other royal magicians must work to solve a few different mysteries. Then there are the budding feelings between Mona and the Master magician, which could present a problem. There is also the question of the gods' ability to help fix what is broken or if Mona have to be the savior for the kingdom. There was action and adventure, mystery, romance, a badass heroine, a greatbplot, and a fantastically world. This book was a good and easy read and I am eager to get my hands on book 2!

A fun fantasy with a stubborn, sassy FMC - my favorite kind! I enjoyed it and look forward to the second book!

The first part of a duology, the second is set for 2025. Mona is the most likable unlikable female character and I fell for her right away. An agoraphobic seer, she has a special talent for predicting people's soul mates. When she's asked to predict who should marry the king, the unfortunate answer is HER. Which is going to interfere majorly with her need to stay within the four walls of her own home...not to mention the crush she's developed on...not the king.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Hyperion for this audio digital ARC.*