Unfortunately this was a like and not a love for me. Although I absolutely adore Rebecca Ross’s writing and I believe she truly nailed the mythology aspects of this book - I really struggled to connect to the story and the characters. The characters themselves though were fantastic. I loved how distant and detached the gods felt from the mortal characters, which made the moments of love and vulnerability so much more powerful. I also enjoyed the romance here too. I do wish we got a bit more earlier on, so it didn’t feel so immediate once it happened, but it made sense plot wise. This feels a bit more of a melancholy read but I appreciated the journey of it all. And I want the best for Matilda 😭.

Thank you so much to Saturday Books for my ARC!

3.5/5

Thank you so much for approving my ARC request... I actually felt like I won the book lottery.

I have heard very high praise for Rebecca Ross' Divine Rivals; it's been on my TBR for quite some time, but this was my intro to her world, and it did not disappoint. This book was beautiful. I had absolutely no clue what to expect, but somehow it exceeded any expectations I could've had. Words truly fail me at this point, as I stayed up wayyyy too late finishing this. It was worth it.

I loved the writing, the magic, the romance, and the deep dive into the lore. I love but hate the way this made me cry my eyes out at 2am. I loved Matilda and her strength. I was so glad this was an adult book, as I was concerned the writing would be too young adult to truly enjoy. There was no 'weak' character in this book. Our FMC was bold and fleshed out, and our side characters were just as much. I am almost scared to read Divine Rivals because this was so perfect.

Thank you NetGalley for the advance reader copy.

WOW okay cool I will never be the same after this book. Rebecca Ross's prose is a river; sweeping, lush, can soothe you and sweep you away in an instant. Wild Reverence is no exception. Ross builds out the world she established in the Letters of Enchantment duology, and it's a cool. one. Matilda and Vincent are both stunning characters, and their journeys as individuals and as a couple broke my heart and mended it a million times over. I will never shut up about this book, probably ever.

The only thing I will say is this: some readers have said that this works as a standalone and that you do NOT have to read Divine Rivals before this book. With respect, I disagree!!! The marketing says that this book is "set in the same world as Letters of Enchantment," but if we're being honest - this book is a straight-up prequel. You certainly don't have to, but I think you'll get a lot more enjoyment and - dare I say - magic out of Wild Reverence if you read Divine Rivals first!

Thing I loved: The writing was beautiful, I found myself highlighting a ton. There were a lot of characters but they were easy to keep track of. This book is great for lovers of Greek mythology. Some critiques: The overall pace was slow. It also felt repetitive with the main character constantly bouncing from one world to the next. There is also very little connection to the Divine Rivals duology. Not a bad thing, but some readers might be disappointed about that. Overall I enjoyed it.

Love this author. Love this world. Love how emotionally invested I get in this beautiful lyrical writing.

I enjoyed this book. The epilogue totally threw me, otherwise it'd have been 4.5 stars. I think it is tied into previous stories the author has written (since this book is showing as book 0/prequel to the other two on Goodreads but I didn't realize that when I read it), but since I hadn't read them, it just left me feeling like it was unfinished (not a cliffhanger but more like huh?). When I first started, I felt like I wouldn't be able to keep track of the characters, but it all worked in the end. There was A LOT that happened in this book - maybe could have been two books? But at the same time, I feel like there were some characters I wanted to see how they ended up/wanted more of their stories through the years. I realize that they weren't the main characters though, so it is ok not "knowing" everything. Good growth of mfc, sort of growth of mmc (he seemed kind of blah compared to her, but I think some of that is by design.) I liked the magic/abilities of the mfc and the general world building. I wanted the mmc to have some more meat to his story. The main characters were apart so much that his sections were by far less interesting (again - I get why, but still...give the guy something!) Thanks for the ARC opportunity NetGalley and the publisher.

Thank you to Rebecca Ross, Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an arc.

Wild Reverence, like many of Rebecca's other works, brought me to tears multiple times. While reading Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows I had wanted to know so much more about the gods and their impact. This book hit all those questions and desires beautifully. I can't express how much I love Rebecca's writing style and the words that she puts on the page. It was honestly everything I could have hoped for as another aspect within the universe of Letters of Enchantment.

This book is wonderful. It gave me another perspective to the divine rivals story. The plot was very addicting which made it hard to put down. The mortal X immortal trope was done wonderfully.

This was my most anticipated read of the year, and I am so happy that it did not disappoint in the slightest. Rebecca Ross's writing is always so incredible, and that is definitely true for Wild Reverence. It catches you in the first page and doesn't let go - the pacing was incredible, the plot was well-rounded, and I felt truly immersed in this world.

I was curious how Rebecca would further flesh out the world that she created in the Letters of Enchantment duology, and she truly did so in a way that made everything feel fresh. I didn't feel like there were chunks of the book that were rehashing what we already learned, and that is a feat within itself. I think using Matilda as the main character, and therefore having a goddess's perspective instead of the mortals we have followed so far, was the exact thing that was needed to achieve this, and I will never doubt Rebecca again on her choices on main characters.

The romance was definitely a slow burn - and a true slow burn, which I think is severely lacking in romantasy novels currently. I want the tension to build, the yearning to occur, so that the emotional payoff of the romance coming to a head will be satisfying. That was the case here, and I couldn't be more thrilled about that. I loved the clear emotional tension between the two, and this book broke me and put me back together in the BEST way.

Overall, an incredible book, and I could not recommend it any more. Thank you SO INCREDIBLY MUCH to NetGalley, Saturday Publishing, and Rebecca Ross for the opportunity to read this eARC - I could not be more grateful if I tried.

It took me forever to read Wild Reverence because I kept hoping something would happen and it just didn't? The book is incredibly slow and while the writing is beautiful, I was bored. I still feel like for over 500 pages, there are several parts of the plot that were never resolved. Or maybe they were and I was so bored, I glossed over it, I don't know. I like a little more action in my fantasy than this book had and I probably should have stopped reading it and called it a day.

This is an ARC review. I want to thank Rebecca Ross and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me the chance to read this book ahead of release day!

Matilda is a herald who shows to be quite more than that to the Gods. She is a formidable opponent thanks to Bade who was bound to teach her and protect her. Everyone needs a Bade in their life. he is loyal to a fault and although doesn’t say it in words to Matilda he says it louder with his actions.

All the Gods seem to have some serious issues and made me dislike them at some point due to their actions. Besides Bade and Matilda. Matilda’s father and Warin are the absolute WORST! I wished for long drawn out deaths for both of them many times during this book.

This book had my complete focus from beginning to end. It gave such great insight into love no matter God or mortal and that there’s no weakness to fall in love with who you love.

First and foremost, thank you to Rebecca Ross, St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for the digital ARC and giving me the opportunity to read and leave an honest review. There are no words to express my gratitude and excitement to receive this story early.

“Wild Reverence” is a story that settles deep into your heart, catapulting you into a lush, vibrant and captivating world. Ross’s world building is nuanced, infused with beauty and emotion that are hallmarks of her storytelling. Her lyrical prose enchants, weaving vivid imagery that is effortless to get lost in. By the second chapter, I was completely enthralled, her words holding me captive until the final page.

What truly shines in this novel is its characters. The dynamics within the relationships, the betrayals, and the characters’ arcs all add an addictive depth to the story’s contours. Opening with their childhood provided a perfect counterbalance to the rest of the novel, introducing the world and its conflicts across Matilda and Vincent’s lifetimes. The reveals of the magic, the world, and the side characters felt organic and seamlessly woven into the narrative. Ross also created a powerful conflict between perceived strengths and weaknesses, with Matilda in particular constantly torn between her heart and her mind as she navigates her magic.

The novel’s magic was another standout element. The inclusion of constellations lent the story a dreamlike quality, while the characters’ magical traits breathed life into every page. Ross’s creativity in showing how the Gods’ magic shapes the world was immersive and all-encompassing, drawing me in from beginning to end. I adored the meddlesome nature of the Gods and how their interactions with the mortal realm played out like a game within their immortality. This only made Matilda’s humanity stand out even more strikingly.

I loved how the romance was gentle, thoughtful, and delicate—perfectly in step with the ethereal storytelling. Their love was rooted in acceptance, allowing the characters to grow, change, and love without the weight of unrealistic expectations, each embracing the realities of their circumstances. The drama belonged primarily to the plot, letting their relationship develop maturely and with tenderness.

Though I was completely enamored with “Wild Reverence”, a small critique I have concerns the pacing of the romance. While beautifully written, I found myself constantly reminded that their adult relationship unfolds over just a few weeks. Many of Ross’s stories share a similar theme—an underlying reason bringing the two main characters together quickly. In this case, their entwined fates made the dynamic heart-wrenching and beautiful; however, I would have appreciated a bit more time for Matilda and Vincent to interact as their feelings deepened.

Overall, despite my small critique, I continue to be in awe of Ross’s creativity and lyricism. She truly knows how to weave a story that is breathtaking and unparalleled in its beauty and emotional depth. A five-star read for its immersive qualities, immaculate writing, and the powerful emotions it evokes.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

Truly such a magical and breathtaking book. Although I never read Divine Rivals or Ruthless Vows, it didn’t put me off from understanding this book. I loved reading Matilda’s story and all that came with it. The godly politics, the romance between her and Vincent: it was all wonderful!

Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross sweeps readers into a world where divinity and mortality intertwine, and where every star in the night sky carries the weight of power, ambition, and longing. As a prequel to one of Ross’s earlier works, it’s surprisingly welcoming to newcomers—never once leaving you adrift in unfamiliar lore while still delivering the richness and scope of a fully realized pantheon.

From the lofty courts of the immortals to the mortal realm’s tangled politics, Ross builds a layered mythology that feels ancient yet fresh. The rules of her world—where gods can steal power from one another through rare and dangerous acts, and where constellations mark not just the heavens but the hierarchy—are as fascinating as they are ruthless.

At the heart of it all is Matilda, an immortal goddess whose perspective serves as the perfect guide into this intricate tapestry of rivalries and allegiances. Her voice grounds the grandeur, revealing the human ache beneath immortality. Across from her is Vincent, a mortal whose life has been marked by her presence since boyhood. Their romance is equal parts fragile and defiant, threading tenderness through a story otherwise brimming with treachery and ambition.

Ross doesn’t shy away from complexity—every character, whether beloved or reviled, arrives with distinct motivations and histories. Mortal feuds mirror divine scheming, reminding us that the hunger for power is not reserved for the gods alone. Subplots spiral around the main arc like constellations clustering near a bright star, adding depth without losing momentum.

For readers who like:
-Mythology and gods
-Found family
-Political intrigue

Final Verdict
At its core, Wild Reverence is about the forces—both cosmic and human—that shape our choices, the defiance it takes to stand against them, and the rare connections that prove stronger than fate itself. It’s lush, romantic, and sharp-edged, a book that lingers like the echo of a half-remembered dream.

Grateful to NetGalley, Saturday Books and Rebecca Ross for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

2.5 ⭐

Thank you to St Martin’s Press and Rebecca Ross for the e-arc of Wild Reverence.

i believe i wasn't in the right mindset to read this book. actually, apart from my obvious reading slump, i was so excited to read this knowing how much i loved divine rivals and ruthless vows, but i ffelt like a cow inside a tornado reading this one.

i felt like for more than half the book, there were so many elements i genuinely didn't know what was going one, and i don't know if the last few chapters were able to ultimately redeem the rest of it enough for me to rate it higher than three stars.

i had to write in a paper the dramatis personae we're given at the very begining so that i wouldn't have to go back and forth because there were so many god-like characters and realms i just couldn't keep up.

i hope you still give this book a try, specially if you enjoyed the rest of the series.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
I was skeptical that I could return to this world without Iris and Roman and still feel the same magic, but I was pleasantly surprised to find myself entranced from the first page! Matilda’s story was nothing less than enchanting. I really wasn’t expecting to be so invested in a whole new character, and thought I’d be begging for scraps from Enva and Dacre, but as it turned out, all I wanted was scenes with Matilda and Vincent. The yearning on both sides was immaculate. Rebecca Ross really knows how to write a love story with the perfect balance of angst and desperation - it’s just enough that you feel their need for each other without it feeling forced or annoying.

That being said, my personal impatience to see Matilda and Vincent reunited on the page doesn’t mean I wasn’t enjoying the other storylines. I found the court politics in both the Skyward and Underling courts very engaging, and I think the games of allies and power mongering added a layer of raised stakes that helped move the plot along without losing the reader’s interest.

I think it’s important I mention the tropes because Wild Reverence utilized some of my favourites: Found Family, Fake Marriage, Friends to Lovers, Secret Powers, Fated for Each Other, and Meddling Gods!

Rebecca Ross has once again written a beautiful story of love and magic. This book pulled me out of a major reading slump, but I fear it may cause another because I loved it so much!

**I will be posting this review on my socials on release day since it has some mild spoilers about the tropes**

So many pieces to this puzzle, and it all came together beautifully!

It was well paced for how long it was, seeing Matilda grow and come in to her own was magical, and her romance with Vincent *chefs kiss*.

No notes, absolutely loved it!

4.5 Stars.
I am really struggling to rate this. I only ~liked~ Divine Rivals, but it wasn't anywhere near my top book of the year when it was released. This? Top tier and blows Divine Rivals out of the water. The Gods, the politics, the pantheon, trickery and betrayal, the history all of it.
However i can't give it a full 5 stars because there's this tiny, nagging feeling like a single puzzle piece slipped away before the picture was complete. I can't name it, but i can feel it missing. Alas, this book was still phenomenal and in my opinion the authors best work.

( I also never in my dreams thought i would receive this arc, so many thanks to St. Martins Press & Netgalley for the oppertunity )

Thank you to NetGalley for this review copy. Rebecca Ross has done it again. This book is simply amazing. The prose is beautiful as always and the story is so lovely. I love Matilda and Vincent’s story through time and learning more about the gods, their powers, and all their scheming. Matilda with Bane were also an amazing relationship and I love how it grew and flourished. 5 stars.

Wild Reverence swept me into a mythic world where gods and mortals collide across realms, where messenger magic means life or death, and dreams become lifelines. From the moment Matilda tumbles into Vincent’s room with that letter, I was hooked on the way this love unfolded: mysterious, earned, and full of longing. There’s an aching tension in the bond they share, like fate itself woven between them, and scrolling through the layers of divine politics and personal sacrifice only deepened the emotional charge.

The writing felt lyrical and immersive in a way that doesn’t demand attention, it invites it. Ross’s prose bridges the emotional and the epic, grounding sweeping stakes in intimate, vulnerable moments. I found myself pausing to feel what these characters carried, their fear, hope, and the anticipation of being truly seen. Looking back, I realize that’s exactly why I lingered between pages, even when the world felt complex or sprawling.

If I could tweak one thing, it would be moments early in the book where I missed a clearer foothold, some guideposts in the magic system or societal structure could have helped me settle in faster. But once I found my rhythm, I never wanted to leave.