Thank you NetGalley for the advanced reading copy.

I absolutely adored this book. It was great to dive into an earlier time period of Rebecca Ross' novel, one when the gods walked and interacted among the humans and more of them were still around. I would highly recommend this book.

This story tells a tale of a godling half underling and Skyward. Her growth and journey into her power and love.

It was a good tale.
Satisfying ending
In the end she achieved what all the gods could not

To be honest, I went into this book with a lot of reservation. The Letters of Enchantment was such a perfect and beautiful duology that I wasn’t sure I even wanted more. Since the originals ended in such a satisfying way, I was worried this spin-off wouldn’t live up to my expectations.

But I’m happy to say that Wild Reverence surprised me! I ended up really, really loving it. I didn’t expect to care so deeply about Matilda and Vincent, but by the end, I definitely shed many tears for them. As always, Rebecca’s writing is so beautiful and lyrical. I feel like she has this gift of making you feel warm and cozy while also making you feel very emotional. While this book leans more into the gods and goddesses of the world, I think it still carries the same emotional weight and dreamy tone as the original duology. And I definitely think that Rebecca has managed to expand the world and tell a distinct story without losing what made the originals special.

Beautiful.

Thank you NetGalley for the eArc!

Thank you to NetGalley and Saturday Books for sending me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

(I was trying to avoid spoilers but I do end up touching upon some plot points as well as the end of the book so beware!!)

2.5 stars rounding down.

Ugh. I know I’m going to be in the minority here, but believe me when I say how upset I am that I did not like this book. What gets me the most is that I’ve read the author’s A River Enchanted and absolutely loved it so I know she’s a good writer, but this just wasn’t it for me.

I’ve been trying to figure out why I didn’t like the book, and I think, if I had to pick, one of the issues was putting it in first person POV. I have no problem with 1st person in other books, but it’s almost like author thought 1st person would allow the readers to get to know the two main characters (Matilda and Vincent) better except that I still feel like I didn’t actually get to know them that well. I couldn’t connect with them. A lot of times, it felt like we were dwelling on unimportant things but then other stuff, stuff I’d like to read about (like Matilda delivering letters between the gods) was just glossed over! Why?! Matilda’s and Vincent’s POVs also sounded very similar. If they hadn’t been physically in different locations so often, it would be very easy to confuse which character was talking.

Tied into the POV issue, the entire first half of the book just feels like Matilda is just *telling* us about her life. “This is what I did. This is how I felt.” I know you can’t write a book that is 100% showing, but this book definitely felt like almost 100% telling. Honestly, the way the book is presented to the reader, it felt like I was reading a slightly more descriptive script for a miniseries. I honestly think this would really work on the screen.

But having Matilda just tell us a lot of stuff, and not giving us Vincent’s POV until about halfway through was not a great way to get the story’s momentum going. The summary of the book focuses on Matilda and Vincent’s relationship, but they are only physically near each other for not even a week when you compile the time together. If this is a romance, I want to see the couple spend time together!! Every time Matilda gets near Vincent, she gets called away again by another god in the Underling or Skyward realms.

Going back to the miniseries comment, her whole escapade trying to help Vincent defeat his uncle—and honestly just the whole book—felt very episodic. But because the writing felt so flat to me, I never once felt like the characters we are supposed to care about were in danger. There was no tension, no urgency in the text to make you scared that the good guys might lose. Every new obstacle felt more like “Ugh, again?” than “Oh no!” It didn’t help that the few battle scenes we got were not super described very well and were over fairly quickly. Matilda’s never fought in a war before—I would’ve liked more of her descriptions of fighting and thoughts on that.

And because Matilda and Vincent don’t actually spend a lot of time physically near each other, they spend the majority of their POVs thinking about each other. But because they hardly know each other, I had trouble feeling that yearning within the text that I felt in A River Enchanted. It doesn’t help that most of Vincent’s experience with Matilda is just from dreaming about his idea of her, and Matilda’s experience with Vincent is from reading summaries of those dreams (that another goddess gave her). It just….it sounds great in theory (“He dreamed about her before they met!”) but if their subsequent meetings only encompass like three days because Matilda is busy doing other things, I find their yearning thoughts kind of hard to believe.

I did like what world-building we got and wish it had been developed/shown more. Some of the events that happen in the gods’ realms ended up being cut short because of the book being in 1st person. I would’ve liked a more in-depth answer as to why Enva put everyone to sleep on her wedding night and how they came to eventually wake up. (The answer given—that Enva didn’t want to marry Dacre—doesn’t quite work when he’s the head god of Underling. What was his reaction when he woke up? Did he think everyone just fell asleep? Was he mad at Enva? We never find out because the characters that were there, like Bade, also don’t know and therefore can’t tell Matilda anything. It just felt like the author needed an impediment in Matilda asking Bade for help—that he would be in a magical sleep—and didn’t quite think the whole situation through.)

I also found it a little weird and kind of creepy that Matilda first meets Warin as a kid and then ends up sleeping with him as an adult. I know the gods age a lot slower but that was still kind of creepy. (And I know Warin is meant to be a creepy bad guy, but I would’ve gotten that without her meeting him first as a kid.)

And then the ending. You can see the ending coming from ten miles away. You know Matilda is going to get called back into the Gatekeeper’s service for 7 years, and that she won’t be able to see Vincent until then. You can see it coming, but you know she’s going to end up with Vincent after all that. So why did we have to sit through several chapters of Matilda in the wastelands and people trying to set Vincent up with another lady if we’re only going to get the bare minimum of a reunion between the two???? The ending dragged on so much and then finally, she comes to his cottage. We get him feeding her dinner before sleeping together and that’s it. A few lines in the epilogue from someone else’s POV about how they spent *years* together but we don’t get to see it??? What is the point of framing this book as a romantic fantasy if the main couple are barely together on the page?? After an entire book of situations trying to keep the two apart, I think the readers were owed way more than what we got.

So yeah, I really really wanted to like this book and was super excited to get an ARC but it just didn’t land for me. :(

Rebecca Ross has crafted something truly enchanting with Wild Reverence. This book effortlessly blends the captivating allure of mythology with a tender and compelling love story, earning a solid 4.5 stars from me.

From the very first page, Ross immerses you in the rich and dangerous world of the under realm, where gods wield deadly power and alliances are as fragile as glass. Matilda, the youngest goddess with her seemingly modest messenger magic, is a wonderfully sympathetic protagonist. Her quiet strength and the secret she fiercely guards create an immediate sense of intrigue. Watching her navigate the treacherous politics of her divine family while harboring a hidden vulnerability is utterly captivating.

Then there's Vincent, the mortal lord haunted by a decade-old unanswered plea. His initial cynicism and world-weariness provide a fantastic contrast to Matilda's inherent grace. The way their connection, born in dreams, unexpectedly blossoms in the waking world is beautifully portrayed. Ross masterfully builds the tension and tenderness between them, making their burgeoning love feel both destined and hard-earned. The tagline, "True love is more divine, than any ruthless god," is not just a catchy phrase; it's the very heart of this story.

The world-building is richly detailed, painting a vivid picture of the under realm and the mortal realm. Ross seamlessly weaves in elements of mythology, creating a believable and fascinating pantheon with its own intricate rules and power dynamics. The plot moves at a satisfying pace, balancing the development of the central romance with the overarching conflict within the godly realm. There are moments of genuine suspense and emotional resonance that will leave you completely invested in Matilda and Vincent's fate.

The only reason this isn't a full five-star review is that, at times, the sheer number of godly characters and their shifting alliances could feel a little overwhelming. While each character has their own distinct flavor, keeping track of everyone and their motivations occasionally required a bit more focus. However, this minor complexity doesn't detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the story.

Wild Reverence is a beautifully written and deeply romantic fantasy novel. Rebecca Ross has crafted a world and characters that will linger in your mind long after you turn the final page. If you're a fan of mythology-infused fantasy with a strong and heartfelt love story at its core, this book is an absolute must-read. I eagerly await the next installment!

This book was just beautiful. To be back in the world of the Divines was wonderful. meeting Matilda and Vincent was a love story that I will want to recall again and again. I will forever sing the praises of Rebecca Ross’ prose and storying telling. I was sad to end this book but can’t wait to read it again.

I've got to say I loved every moment of the book Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross! I haven't read Divine Rivals or Ruthless Vows yet, but I can't wait to start reading them. The writing style is smooth and reads quickly. I am glad to report that this book worked as a stand-alone book. The characters were fleshed out and believable. I cried, laughed, and was cheering for the characters as we went.

The youngest goddess Matilda has many secrets and finds herself in the dreams of a mortal boy. They find their lives entwined together for better or worse. Fate has been weaving their stories together... will they find love or sadness?

5 out 5 stars

The best book I’ve read so far this year! Rebecca Ross created such a vivid world that I felt like I was actually there. The writing is gorgeous, the characters are written in a way that you genuinely care about them, and the story pulled me in. I kept wanting to read more but didn’t want it to end! It's one of those books you just want to live in for a while.

Rebecca Ross has once again crafted pure magic with Wild Reverence. Her lyrical prose swept me away from the very first page and carried me through a world so vivid, it felt like stepping into a dream woven with starlight and storm. The emotional depth of the characters, the intricacy of the lore, and the haunting beauty of every sentence left me utterly spellbound. This book is a masterpiece of atmosphere and heart—an ode to love, legacy, and the quiet strength that shapes us. I devoured every word and was left aching in the best way. Ross doesn’t just tell stories; she enchants.

"Wild Reverence" by Rebecca Ross is a beautifully crafted novel that intertwines themes of nature, love, and self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of a richly imagined world, the story follows the journey of its protagonist, who embarks on a quest that tests her resilience, courage, and connection to the wild.

Ross's writing is lyrical and evocative, painting vivid images of the natural landscapes and the characters that inhabit them. The protagonist’s relationship with the environment plays a crucial role in her personal growth, making the natural world not just a setting but a character in its own right. This connection to nature is mirrored in the emotional depth of the character's relationships, particularly with family and friends, which are beautifully explored throughout the narrative.

The character development is particularly strong, as readers witness the protagonist's evolution from innocence to wisdom, driven by her experiences and the challenges she faces. Ross crafts a cast of supporting characters that are well-developed and relatable, each contributing to the protagonist's journey and the overarching themes of the story.

The pacing of the narrative is engaging, with a balance of introspective moments and plot-driven action that keeps readers invested. The themes of reverence for nature and the importance of following one's heart resonate deeply, making "Wild Reverence" a thought-provoking read that encourages readers to reflect on their own relationships with the natural world.

Overall, "Wild Reverence" is a poignant and enchanting novel that captures the beauty of life, love, and the profound impact of the wild. Rebecca Ross shines in her ability to weave together an exquisite tale that celebrates the interconnectedness of all living things, making this book a must-read for fans of literary fiction and nature lovers alike.

4.5 stars. Beautiful, lush, and immersive story. Rebecca’s prose truly transport you into the fantasy setting. The world itself was incredibly unique and very easy to understand. There are three realms in this world: underling, skyward, and mortal. God and goddess get their powers from constellations. We are following Mathilda the herald of the gods through the years and her struggles trying to navigate the policial and treacherous world of the gods.
It does take a while to get to the love story, but once you do it’s full of yearning! Vincent first meet Mathilda in his dreams and it’s enamored by her from a young age.
I was very hesitant about the moral x immortal romance, but it really delivered a beautiful love story!
I truly loved getting to learn more about the world Divine Rival is set in! I would classify this book as a sequel to that series.

Rebecca Ross has once again woven a heartachingly beautiful story with the magic of her words. She takes us back hundreds of years prior to the events of Letters of Enchantment to when many divines still lived in their realms above and below, and walked among the mortals.

In this tale, there are dreams and letters, bargains and betrayals. Underlings and Skywards, Death and Fate. And a messenger goddess of both realms who dares to love a mortal lord amidst the wars and schemes of both man and divine.

This story could easily stand on its own, but also bridges the past to the familiar world in Letters of Enchantment. Both forgotten and familiar stories and characters of the past are found within, tracing their threads through Matilda and Vincent's story. Their friendship and slow burn love takes center stage and endures through many trials. Matilda is such a strong FMC and Vincent's strengths complement hers well. But it is also the love of family, particularly found family, that shined so brightly to me.

I love Rebecca's work every time, but especially Letters of Enchantment. It holds such a special place in my heart. So getting the opportunity to read Wild Reverence early was truly such a joy and I genuinely loved everything about this story.

The magic felt ancient, mysterious, and fascinating. It reminded me of how it felt immersed in her Elements of Cadence duology and even a bit of Sisters of Sword and Song or The Queen's Rising. I loved seeing all the divines in their prime and how some of their lost myths actually played out. I even gained a love and understanding for *that* goddess when I had very mixed feelings about her throughout Letters of Enchantment. I loved the subtle glimpses of the unknown or forgotten ways the past seeped into the future. All in all, I found this to be the perfect prequel.

P.S. A special note for the lovers of enchanted letters like me: the epilogue is everything.

Thank you so much NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Saturday Books for this digital ARC.

I was talking to my cousin about favourite genres and books before she borrowed some, and she mentioned she didn’t love fantasy. I said that I did, but I always felt I had to be committed as so many of them come with long series and books that come out every 1-2 yrs between.
With so many novels and genres I want to read, I find that commitment … a lot.

But there is nothing like writing that take in a magical realism form that give you the purest escape. Lands far away full of evil and good, love and hate. And with a battle that lets the reader feel like they won something by the end of the book. That they relate not to the fantasy but to the characters that hold the same emotions or feelings.
It’s why when a fantasy book works for me (or an author), they become the current obsession.

And with the newest Rebecca Ross coming out in the fall, I suspect THIS will be the newest obsession on here.

It’s a prequel of sorts (no you don’t need to read Divine Rivals first) but it feels like a standalone. The characters you met in DR haven’t been introduced yet so I would suggest if you ARE going to do a re-read of the duology, then read this first and then do your reread.

For me: I loved it. A world that felt at times like Game of Thrones and at other times like Disney’s Zeus. It weaved death and Gods within the mortal world with the connection between love in all forms.

Guess I need to pick up DR again and see if any of my fav characters show up there

Do you ever start a book and feel like it’ll be a five star read not even halfway through? This was how it felt reading this book.

Wild Reverence has become a new favorite fantasy book for me. As soon as I started it, I knew it would be a book that would steal my heart. It was enchanting, fascinating, romantic, and heartbreaking. This book was perfect to me. An actual masterpiece.

It was one of the most beautifully written books I’ve ever read. The writing was so poetic. I hung on to every word. Every chapter had me hooked right from the beginning. The writing was immersive and truly made me forget I was reading. The storytelling was also captivating and beautiful. I felt all the emotions while reading and wish I could experience this all over again.

Matilda and Vincent, oh how I adore and love them both. They were both amazing main characters and have become one of my favorites ever. I was rooting for them from their first encounter. They have my whole heart. Their love was so pure and sweet. I loved their love story and their journey. And his nickname for her?? My heart!! There were moments between them that made me smile. Will never get over Vincent and Matilda.

There are so many quotes that will be living rent free in my mind. This book is everything to me. I’m obsessed. Definitely one of my top favorite reads of 2025. Will be thinking about this book forever.

Thank you Saturday Books for the arc!

Rebecca Ross has done it again! Wild Reverence was prose filled, romance driven, and magical in all of the best ways. Matilda was a character worth rooting for--A god who saw the good and bad in both the eternal vs. mortal world. Her proposal to marry Vincent had me kicking my feet and giggling. I loved these two together! The epilogue was also beautiful, and the addition of how the magical typewriters came to be tied everything together so beautifully.

The only reason I rated this book 4 instead of 5 stars was due to not being as interested in the conflict as I would have wished (and how I have been with her other books). Thank you for the opportunity to read this book early! I have placed my preorder and cannot wait for my hard copy to come in September.

Wild Reverence by @beccajross

I don’t think I’ll be able to eloquently describe how perfect this story was but I will do my best. This story was absolutely stunning, deeply romantic, and so moving. Gorgeous writing as always with Rebecca. I tried so hard to take my time with this and truly savor it. It was so fun to see the little hints from the Divine Rivals duology. I cannot wait to get my beautiful physical copies later this year. This is the kind of story that makes me feel so grateful to be a romance and fantasy reader, and inspires me in my own writing. 💛

Thank you @netgalley and @stmartinspress @saturdaybooks for the arc!
Pub date: 9/2/25

The moment I got the email that I was auto approved for this book, I couldn’t pass. It was downloaded to my kindle so quickly. Ross is a beautiful writer. The four other books I’ve read by her are stories about the importance and beauty found in words, songs, and stories. Wild Reverence is no different.

I loved learning more about the gods we hear glimpses about in Divine Rivals. Matilda and Vincent’s story is so beautiful and heartbreaking. The love between a mortal and goddess you know is going to be heartbreaking and Ross makes it her own and is just so beautiful.

I loved the little nuggets we get that tie back to Divine Rivals. I loved learning about the Underworld and Skyward realms. I loved the medieval settings. The battle scenes were written well and everything was so vivid. I’m so excited to be able to purchase this when it comes out.

I will admit, at first the story was a little slow but I’m so glad I stuck it out. I love Matilda and Vincent. Seeing her learn all about her magic and growing into everything she can do was amazing.

But my favorite part of this story was the ending. Without any spoilers, read Divine Rivals before you read this story…

I only wish we got to see more of Matilda and Vincent together and see their relationship grow more.

I fear I am somewhat at a loss for words but I will try to articulate my thoughts about this book and at least what to expect. Huge thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for making this a Read Now option!

This is essentially a “prequel” to Divine Rivals but you could probably read the books in any order or just this one. It is technically a standalone! There’s a satisfying conclusion and you can end at this book if you want. It’s set in the same world as Divine Rivals, except we follow the gods that rule the Underling realm and Skyward. If you haven’t read Divine Rivals, that’s ok! The world building in this is AMAZING and you will not be lost.

At the beginning, we follow Matilda when she is a god-child living in the Underling realm. Matilda has to grow up quicker than most and by the time she’s a young adult, she’s forced into the shrewd games the gods play. Vincent is a mortal and often meets Matilda in his dreams yet they have not met each other in the waking world. As they grow older, their lives continue to become more intertwined.

This is genuinely one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read. The magic was so creative, I was in AWE. I will write a more detailed review closer to pub date but, what you can expect from Wild Reverence:

✨ New Adult
✨ Standalone
✨ Gods and goddesses of the Under realm and Skyward
✨ Mortal x Immortal love
✨ Strings of fate
✨ Games played by gods
✨ Unique magic and amazing world building

Absolutely Stunning!

Wild Reverence was everything I wanted and more. I loved it! The writing was pure magic—so vivid and lyrical, it felt like I was being transported into another world. I’ve always loved stories about gods and mortals, and this one hit all the right notes.
The story swept me away from the very first page. Rebecca Ross’s writing is absolutely magical—lush, lyrical, and dripping with emotion. I’m a sucker for stories involving gods and mortals, and this one delivered that dynamic in the most beautiful way.

The romance? *swoon* I was completely swept up in the romance. The characters were rich and layered, and their connection gave me all the feels. It’s the kind of romance that lingers with you long after you close the book.
The plot had everything—heart, stakes, wonder, and depth. Every twist pulled me deeper into a world I didn’t want to leave. This book was more than just a fantasy—it was an experience. It was one of those books that you never want to end, and when it does, you're just sitting there hugging it.

If you're looking for a story that’s both epic and intimate, full of mythology, emotion, and a love that transcends, Wild Reverence is it. Rebecca Ross has outdone herself. Highly recommend to anyone who loves poetic storytelling, swoon-worthy romance, and tales where the divine meets the deeply human.