This was a wildly cool book. This was well written and dark, strange in the best way. My YA patrons will love this one - it's definitely a contender for the teen book club pick.

I really wanted to like this book. The cover alone sucked me in and the description was intriguing. The concept for the book was nicely done. The gods escaped from their own world a thousand years ago and are re-incarnated again and again in ours, mostly through family lines. The why and the how of it are well thought out, but there are a lot of questions that are left unanswered and WOW can they hold a grudge! Some of the characters were built extremely well, others not so much. Death? Wonderfully weird and creepy. The Librarian? Ugh, the god of knowledge sounds like a 5th generation inbred hill-billy that legit says "I ain't know he was gon' grab her.' which is extra notable because nobody else in this Podunk town speaks with a lick of accent.

I was not a fan of Gem. They start off the book coming off pretty bad-ass, I don't care what anyone thinks, I'm going to be myself. They then morph through phases of whiny, needy, and wishy-washy, with some strong willed thrown in. Overall, for a supposedly strong MC they are rather dependent on everyone else around them.

Things start getting muddy around mid-way through the book when all these extra characters start getting thrown in as the sleeping gods wake up. Enough so that one of the other gods sends Gem a text listing who all the players are and what they can all do. You also start getting random weird things thrown in that make absolutely no sense, but probably will in the second book? Inconsistencies start showing up now, too, like "There are no cis-gods" then later "The most heterosexual boy in the world..." Finally, I know that cliff-hangers are a big thing from one book to the next, but don't even get me started on the ending!

I struggled with what to rate this book. There are parts that I liked and thought were well done and there are parts that I obviously hated. I want the second book in the series to tie everything together and make it all make sense, so I am rounding up rather than rounding down. 2.5 stars from me.

This was a pretty good book! It wasn't really for me but the writing was very good and I could see the audience for it.

First and foremost what got me interested was that cover. It feels artistic and powerful.
One of the main things I love about this book is the character development and dialogue. I find myself cracking up all the time and falling in love with these characters as they develop. Especially the main character Gem with their snarky responses and relatability. He’s such a charming character but has that raw vulnerability and messiness that we can all relate to as we stumble through this cycle called, Life.
And to find out they are a god in a new cycle in life for sure reminds me so much of ‘The Arcana Chronicles’ by Kresley Cole is an absolute plus.
I for sure loved how unique this book was. It was an experience. The representation of the LGBTQUIA+ community was absolutely glorious. Especially with the main character being Trans and dealing with polyamorous relationships. I’ve never read book with these topics being front and center. It was eye opening and refreshing to get to know these character. And the dialogue! Perfection. I cracked up a bunch of times and was biting my nails to the beds with seeing how this book was going to wrap up. And I’m thirsty! For the sequel.
Would I recommend this book?
Absolutely! Character driven, LGBTQUIA+ representation and Gods fighting. Who can ask for more?
5 stars.

Thanks to the folks at NetGalley for a ARC of this book. My review is honest reflection of my feelings towards this book.

This was such a cool and unique read! Not only do we get a reincarnated gods storyline, but also a morally gray and somewhat villainous main character that you can’t help but find yourself relating to and rooting for.

I loved the indigenous and POC representation as well as the queer representation. Not only is our main character the town’s queer awakening, they’re also trans and the story features multiple trans characters as well. I loved the dynamic between everyone and how Gem fueled their anxiety and anger into becoming a better reincarnation than their previous selves. I loved the romance with Willa Mae and the longing for Enzo and how despite how at odds everyone was with each other, there is always a common enemy. I loved the full cast of characters, the banter, and the story itself. I mean, come on. A cast of young adults in high school who don’t fit in who happen to be gods in their latest reincarnations after settling on Earth after leaving their previous home? How does that not sound like the coolest story ever?

There were a few times I did find myself trudging along and itching to get back into the action and it felt a little slow, but overall I really enjoyed the story itself. It leaves you on a bit of a cliffhanger after taking you on a wild ride and I found the concept to be unique and captivating. I can’t wait to see what direction this story continues in.

For all of those who were (or still are) angry at the world and at the inability to figure out their place in the world, this book is for you.

I adore books with the secret identity trope, so I was thrilled to receive an early copy of GODLY HEATHENS by H.E. Edgmon. The book follows Gem, a nonbinary teen who discovers they’re really the god of another world. But this discovery comes with a not-so-good revelation: all the other gods in the pantheon hate them and are determined to get rid of them. Gem has to regain their lost memories, find a hidden weapon, and decide how to solve their problems, all while dealing with being a teenager and the family issues, mental health challenges, and young love they’re faced with, too.

The book had a lot of amazing representation, which made me super happy! The author and main character are indigenous; nearly every character in the book is queer; and the mental health issues depicted in the book are more than accurate. The plot was intricate and intense & I loved seeing how the characters worked together. Gem’s memories alongside their current life were fascinating to consider and the author managed to bring a sense of omniscience to the character while also keeping them a true teenager.

I did feel that the plot itself got a little muddied and confusing once I hit the halfway mark, which is why it's not a full five stars for me.

This book has such an interesting story, gods living in the bodies of teenagers. It was great! It started out slow but really picked up towards the middle and by the end I could not put it down. I love Gem and all of their messy horrible decisions. I cant wait for the next book to see how that final scene plays out!

Thank you to Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Godly Heathens is a unique fusion of myth and modernity that takes readers on a wild ride through the lives of gods in a small town in Georgia. The book introduces us to a morally grey, Native and trans main character, offering a fresh perspective in the world of fantasy fiction.

The story's backdrop is captivating as it explores the age-old battles of these divine beings within the seemingly mundane setting of a small town. The clash of myth and reality is both thought-provoking and imaginative, making it an intriguing read for a younger audience who enjoy reimagined myths.

"Godly Heathens" is an ambitious and imaginative tale that opens the door to an exciting world of possibilities, and while I may be sitting with my feelings on this one for now, it undoubtedly has the potential to grow into a series worth following.

I want to thank netgalley and the publisher for this eArc

3.5 stars rounded up.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Godly Heathens is a queer fantasy following Gem, a high school student who soon comes to find they're actually a reincarnated God. But Gem isn't the only one, and they soon come to understand they haven't always been a benevolent God in their past lives. Everyone and everything comes into question when the other gods start coming after them.

This story is overflowing with amazing representation that I think we need in YA literature. Gem is a nonbinary Seminole teen living in the South, so there's tons of themes surrounding race, religion, belonging to the LGBTQ+ community, mental illness, and more. I think a lot of readers would love to see themselves represented in this story.

The writing style and dialogue weren't something I vibed with the whole time. But it didn't stop me from generally enjoying my read of this book. I was a tad worried at the start that it wouldn't be for me, but I was wrong. The final twist and the ending truly hooked me, and I will probably pick up book two because I'd love to see where this insane story is going. I really enjoyed the talk of feeling pushed to be the bad guy even when you want to do better and all that came with that. It was my favorite part.

“They wonder if you are their god or their monster? Let us show them you have always been both.”

Gem Echols has dreams so dark and terrifying and real that they can’t tell anyone, not even their best friend. That’s why Gem finds it so surprising when Willa Mae, the new girl in town, knows all about these recurring not-quite-nightmares. As Gem’s dreams start to bleed into reality, Willa Mae reveals the truth about who Gem really is — for better or worse.

Y’all…this BOOK. When I say Godly Heathens had me in a chokehold, I need you to understand that you are grossly underestimating just how hooked that I was to this story. The characters in this book are layered and messy and genuinely messed up. Like morally gray does not even begin to cover what is going on here. And that ending? I’m left starving for the sequel before Godly Heathens is even released.

This was an easy five stars for me — I was invested, I was laughing, I was angry af at these characters while also rooting for them. Godly Heathens is out on November 28th and you def need to go preorder your copy!!

This was all over the place (but in a fun way) I loved the role that gender was explained as in reference to them being gods and only wish for more depth and story for the gods. I’m hoping in the sequel we’ll get more answers. I loved Enzo and Gem a lot (they were both so funny and messy - I love people who are unapologetically themself) . The writing was easy to get into and the dialogue was great. It’s a quick read and I found myself I wishing the book was longer! I look forward to the sequel

Do you like chaotic disaster gays who have never made a good decision once in their life? Because buckle up buttercup, have I got the book for you.

Gem has never met a bad decision they can’t make worse. And I love this for them. And for me, because Gem’s trainwreck of bad decisions was amazing and this book was a ride.

Gem’s got a plan. That plan’s name is Enzo. Or rather, getting out of the small town and making it to Brooklyn to meet up with their bff/crush Enzo is the plan.

Unfortunately for Gem (and fortunately for us readers waiting for disaster to strike), that plan has a major flaw. Namely that Gem’s a reincarnated god and a bunch of other reincarnated gods would very much like to kill them. Permanently.

Turns out their past self did a whole bunch of murder and the other gods are pretty miffed about it. Or so Willa Mae, the cute new girl in town, says. Also she’s his soulmate. Probably.

Godly Heathens had me laughing, crying, cringing, and biting my nails as I raced to the last page.

In case it wasn’t obvious, I had an amazing time with this and I’m so excited to see where things go in the sequel because holy cliffhanger, Batman!

I really enjoyed The Witch King duology so I was excited to read more of Edgmon’s work. Godly Heathens contains a predominantly queer cast, polyamory, and indigenous rep.

Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the eARC, all thoughts are my own.

Thank you for this free ARC, the opinions that follow are my own.

Really enjoyable YA! I loved the rep in this book and the premise kept me interested during the times where my focus drifted a little.

I don’t think I was the intended audience for this book, but I think had I read it when I was younger I would have felt deeply seen.

🩶🖤 Godly Heathens ARC Review 🖤🩶

Thank you so much to HE Edgmon and Wednesday Books for the opportunity to read and review this book!

Godly Heathens is a queer fantasy novel and book one in The Ouroboros series. Gem is a nonbinary trans teen who has been struggling with nightmares for weeks. Dreams of demons and gods that leave Gem feeling restless and out of control. When a mysteriously beautiful stranger shows up knowing all the details of their dreams, Gem realizes that something bigger is going on.

This book was a fantastic read! I really enjoyed Hem and their relationship with Willa Mae. I loved the mythology and world building in this story. It was an engaging world of magic across timelines. The only thing I struggled with was the age of the characters - their history and mannerisms implied they were older, so I had to keep reminding myself that they were in high school

Overall this was a solid four star read for me! Fun story, great characters - will absolutely read the next in the series! This book does have some darker themes including homophobia, and mentions of self harm, so please check triggers if you’re sensitive. This book does have some romantic stories, and a few on page make out scenes, so overall one flame for spice

If you’re a fan of fantasy reads with strong queer characters, great banter and beautiful mythology, then absolutely pick this one up!

Please note: review will be posted on Amazon upon publication

Excellent book. Definitely will be re reading this book on audio once it’s released I think I will enjoy it more in that format. I’m a big fan of H.E. Edgmon’s work!

This was really fantastic! "Godly Heathens" kind of reminds me of Percy Jackson meets X-Men--but make it darker, queerer, and set in the smalltown American south. You'll love this book if antiheroes and morally grey characters are your thing!

Gem, our protagonist, is a nonbinary teen struggling with mental health in the tiny town of Gracie, Georgia. When they discover they're the reincarnation of the Magician, god of magic, soon other gods begin to awaken in the form of other students at their high school--gods who want Gem dead... for good reasons.

"Godly Heathens" stays on point with its themes (mental health, colonization, agency, and facing the worst of yourself) and builds up to an incredible cliffhanger. This is probably one of my best YA reads this year--I'll definitely be yelling excitedly about this one and waiting eagerly for the sequel.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc! Opinions are my own.

Non-binary Seminole teen Gem Echols dreams of a beautiful demon that seduces them into performing atrocities at night, and being the self-aware vehicle of queer sexual discovery for other teens in their quiet Georgia town by day. That is, until a pair of teens show up in town; one claims they and Gem are reincarnated soulbound deities, and the other immediately tries to kill them both. Gem soon discovers not only is it all true, but their closest friends and companions are also reincarnated deities, whose lives seem to get more out of balance with each iteration.

Edgmon serves up some solidly delicious teen angst here, even before the main characters discover they are the reincarnated human forms of gods from another world, stranded on Earth. Gem's mental health has always been precarious, and Edgmon threads the needle in the first part of the book of Gem's own skepticism about the very real magic in their life deftly.

It all sounds a bit like it could take a page from Rick Riordan, if the characters weren't so thoroughly morally grey and traumatized by lifetimes of violence and fury. No easy endings or quick moral platitudes here, the book ends on a cliffhanger where Gem chooses between a series of what seem like only-bad-choices (and probably chooses absolutely the worst option) making for some absolutely delicious drama.
(Viewpoints are my own and do not reflect my institution.)

It's a no for me.

I loved the representation in this book. But the actual plot of the story and the characters just didn't grab my attention and I cannot get myself to enjoy the writing of it, The plot needed more buildup earlier on for me, the characters felt very two dimensional. I wish the publishers/NetGalley would post trigger warnings before you receive the ARC because I probably wouldn't have requested this one based on the triggers.

Sadly, a DNF at 25%.

I loved the world building of this book and the chaos brought about by reincarnating Gods into teens. My only issue was the middle of the book dragged a bit, but not for too long. All the characters were unique and the representation presented was great to see.

A great read overall.

Definitely a twisting tale, this was a wild ride from start to finish. Reincarnation was a fascinating aspect of this story. A unique take and fun to boot.