3.25 stars
This book was okay. It was more fantasy than romance, and I was hoping it’d be more romance than fantasy. It’s just my personal taste in books. I really did not like the ending at all. If I would have read this before reading Divine Rivals, I wouldn’t have picked up the next book.

This is a bummer of a review for me to write, because I was really looking forward to this one. I loved Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows, and hearing this was a prequel that set up the system of gods/goddesses/etc was really compelling to me. Unfortunately, although much of the writing is as poetic and lyrical as we've come to expect from Rebecca Ross, the book is overloaded with characters and information which doesn't allow the reader to become immersed in the main story between Matilda and Vincent.

It's a really fantastic concept that is unfortunately executed not nearly as well as I hoped. Some of the dynamics between the gods and goddesses are quite fun, and I really liked Bade. I just wonder if maybe it would have been served better as a duology with the gods/goddesses being introduced in the first book, and then Matilda/Vincent's story into the epilogue taking off in the second book. I so rarely advocate for this, but I think there was too much going on, which took away from the central story.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Another INCREDIBLE story from the brilliant mind of Rebecca Ross! I fell in love with this author after reading A River Enchanted and A Fire Endless because she does such a stunning job of bringing the settings to live, giving so much character to the landscapes of the worlds she builds. I'm happy to report that this book was no different!

Not a book setting stan? (What are you, a regular person? haha) The characters in this story are so intriguing, I found myself instantly bought into Matilda's life and story (which isn't always the case for me!). I'm a sucker in general for a story about gods/goddesses, but the addition of this specific ranked magic system was perfect and made the story all the more gripping as the characters aren't without their own weaknesses.

Finally, the way this love story was written has cemented its place on the top of my list of favorite books of 2025 (and maybe even of all time). I related so much to the long-distance that Matilda and Vincent had to endure (even though my experience had much less to do with magical goddess duties), which created an even deeper investment in devouring this book to see how it would all weave together in the end. I'm a sahm of four with unbelievably limited free time and I finished this book in less than 48 hours. I literally couldn't put it down. If that's not a stellar endorsement, I don't know what is!

TL:DR Read this book. Once you've done that, go read everything else that Rebecca Ross has ever written and then just keep doing that for as long as she releases books.

Thank you so much to netgalley and the publishers for ARC access!!!

A miraculous read that will leave your heart full and yearning for more.

Those who have read the Divine Ritual duology, will have some semblance of the divine characters in this novel. It is not necessary to read them before reading this.

Wild Reverence had me hooked from the first page to the last. The storyline was unique, compelling, and never lost my interest.

This is a story about gods, mortals and the journey an immortal named Matilda takes with her mortal friend, Vincent. We learn about each character and the trials they face over time. A must read for lovers of unique fantasy, a slow burn love, and the obstacles life throws your way.

I thought nothing could compare to what I felt for Iris and Roman.

I was wrong.

Wild Reverence is a beautiful beginning for a familiar world. Though it takes place many years before the events of Divine Rivals, there are still familiar faces, myths made flesh. That was my favorite part of this novel, I think - diving below the surface of the tales we learned in Oath, finding out just how human the gods can be. (As an incredibly obsessive mythology nerd, gaining more insight into the pantheon touched on in Divine Rivals was like injecting caffeine directly into my bloodstream. I needed to know more IMMEDIATELY.)

Matilda and Vincent stole my breath away. I was raised on Cassandra Clare’s Infernal Devices trilogy, so I’ve always have a soft spot for lovers doomed simply by the passage of time. This book felt like a warm cup of tea, and their relationship was much of the reason why. Childhood infatuation growing as they did, blooming into true, persevering love - and wonderfully written, to boot. Matilda’s humanity being the perfect key to Vincent’s armor, making them both more human and more divine. Their story has earned its place on the bestseller lists (and it will get there easily, I guarantee that).

This is a prequel to the Letters of Enchantment duology, yet could very well be read as a standalone. It is in the same world and gives a glimpse to the gods of the world but any significant tie to the prior books is really just in the epilogue. The writing is as soulful as the duology but the characters and how they connect are even more complex. Perhaps for the reason that Matilda, the female main is a goddess and connected to gods above and below, this story takes on an almost mythical feel that made me connect to it even more than Divine Rivals or Ruthless Vows. This was a nice read from both the perspective of wanting to revisit the world of Letters of Enchantment and just enjoying a slow-burn romantic fantasy and the ending is an actual ending without a cliffhanger.
I received access to this eARC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, St. Martin's Press - Saturday Books) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

First and foremost I want to thank Rebecca Ross, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for allowing me to review this book in advance! I had my fingers and toes crossed for this ARC and it absolutely blew my mind 🥹

This book was so original and I was instantly hooked! It starts with Matilda the FMC born from Zenia an Underling Goddess, whose constellation points end up being 6 (deeming her to be a middle court goddess). She is a herald yet her full potential is not revealed instantly. The kicker, Matilda is half Underling, half Skyward.

Matilda is drawn to the mortals, and is growing quickly in her god-child stage. So much unravels and it lays a strong foundation for the plot! The yearning in the book is off the charts and it absolutely tugged at my heartstrings!

So many characters thus so much information! You must pay attention while you read this book so you don't get lost; you really gotta use your brain!

I loved this, and again I can't stress how original and unique this story is!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5

(4.5/5) I can always count on Rebecca Ross for an enchanting read with an achingly beautiful romance.

Rebecca Ross' Letters of Enchantment duology is one of my favorites, so I couldn't wait to get my hands on Wild Reverence. I ended up loving this book. To say I went in with extremely high expectations would be an understatement.

I LOVE Rebecca Ross' writing style—at this point, I'd likely be enchanted by her grocery list. Her writing itches a part of my brain that makes me want to speak more eloquently. You can tell how much care and intention goes into her books, which I deeply appreciate.

The YEARNING in this book was delightful, especially to see the slow burn development between these two over the years. Even though not all readers will consider this a slow burn, I do because their relationship transforms over time. I also didn't realize this was adult, so when the (not super explicit) spice came I was HOWLING with excitement.

The reason I go back and forth with giving this book 5 stars is due to how much was packed into this book. I love what we got, but I really wanted more. A key example is how things wrapped up with Bade—I LOVE what we got, but I wanted more moments with these two since I adored their dynamic.

That epilogue was *chefs kiss.* I really hope Rebecca Ross continues to write in this universe because I don't think I'll ever be sick of this universe.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Incredible! Coming from a girl who doesn’t typically love prequels, this was perfection. Hands down my favorite Rebecca Ross book to date.

The friendships, the betrayals, the sacrifices, the character development, the unfiltered love, the DEPTH. 🥹😭

This book was so unique and well thought out. There are many storylines unwinding at once that kept me glued to the pages. I fell in love with not only our FMC and MMC but so many of the side characters. They were all so three dimensional and Rebecca did a great job bringing them all to life. They are the kind of characters you will miss when you’re done reading and think about long after.

The way it wrapped into Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows was done so intricately and beautifully as well.

Highly recommend!

3.5 stars

Rebecca Ross proves that she can expand on a pre-existing world by writing a prequel that both stands on its own and enriches the existing lore.

The two things that stood out the most to me about this book were how well-written it was and how much it reminded me of a Greek retelling. The writing was lyrical and rich in a way I haven’t experienced since reading Circe by Madeline Miller.

I liked Matilda as a vehicle for this story because she’s caught between three worlds. Because of this, she’s able to present a full, layered narrative. She was extremely relatable, representing adolescence and the struggle to find your identity in a world that doesn’t understand you. Throughout the book, we see her overcome prejudices and obstacles as she continues to grow and evolve. I think a lot of readers will relate to her on a deeper level.

Rebecca Ross was very intentional in her writing, knowing when to hold back information and when to drop breadcrumbs. For the most part, it worked really well. I found myself picking up on subtle hints that led to satisfying payoffs later in the story. However, the pacing was slower than I would have liked. The first half moved at a glacial pace, and I wished we had jumped into the core plot sooner. Once we got there, I was fully locked in, but it took until around the 60% mark for that to happen.

While I can see many readers enjoying the romance between Matilda and Vincent, it didn’t quite land for me. Despite this being a 500+ page book, very few of those pages are spent developing their romantic relationship. While the yearning is definitely there, it doesn’t feel like we—or they—earned their star-crossed lovers story. That said, the letters they wrote to each other contain some of the most romantic lines I’ve ever read in my life.

If Rebecca Ross had spent more time developing the romance and tightened the pacing, this would have been a 5/5 banger. Despite the issues I had, this was still a pretty solid read.

Thank you so much to Saturday Books for gifting me an early copy ahead of the official release!

4.5 stars, rounded up!

"And I knew the stars that belonged to her. I had memorized them. I could close my eyes at night and point in their direction. I could trace them on my palm."

When I heard that Rebecca Ross was writing another novel in the Letters of Enchantment world, I was curious what story she would choose to tell. This story is one of divine gods, both Underling and Skyward, and the mortal realm forever caught between. But more than that, it is a story of knowing someone at their soul and being known in return.

Matilda is the combination of both Underling and Skyward, an unknown in the world she was born into. The beginning of this story explores her childhood and experiences that shaped her. But it also shows her fascination, as a child, with the dreams of a mortal: Vincent. When dreams become reality, a love between realms develops and provides the framework for the rest of this story.

Some of my favorite parts of this book involved the different realms and the gods within them. The aspects of their magic, especially Fate and Death, were so intriguing. As Matilda's powers became known, I was curious as to how it would affect the plot and her personal journey. Although this book is a standalone, there are different portions throughout that make it feel like interconnected stories brought together for a bigger purpose. I greatly enjoyed the five act layout, and the way that Rebecca Ross chose to include an epilogue that directly ties in to Divine Rivals. Such a fantastic way to lead into the other books! Wild Reverence releases on September 2, 2025. I would highly recommend reading this book when it releases. If you haven't read The Letters of Enchantment Duology: I would suggest starting with this story if you prefer a chronological timeline, or reading the duology first if you like to look for easter eggs in interconnected books.

Thank you Saturday Books/ St. Martin's Press (via Netgalley) for gifting me with an eARC, all thoughts expressed are my own.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC! All thoughts are my own.

DNF @20%

This was not capturing my attention as much as the original duology did. I was honestly quite bored, which seems to be an uncommon opinion. I do think if you're interested more in the backstory of the gods in this world, you'll love this book. Definitely give it a shot when it comes out if this intrigues you!

I loved Divine Rivals, and I was excited to receive this book as an ARC. i LOVED this book, and I want to keep reading morem It gave me more than I thought I was going to get, and I loved every bit of it.

I wanted to be a herald, I wanted to fight, and I wanted to be her. I wish I could climb into this story, and be apart of it.

I would recommend this for anyone who is looking for a cozy read!

5 stars | A breathtaking prequel that shattered me in the best way

Wild Reverence is nothing short of extraordinary—lyrical, tender, aching with beauty. A love story of mythic proportions rooted in heartbreak, hope, and longing. This adult romantic fantasy explores the fragile threads that bind mortals and gods, and the quiet resilience of a girl who dares to love.

Matilda, the herald of the gods, is one of the most compelling heroines I’ve read. We follow her across decades—her lonely childhood in the Underworld, her fierce devotion to duty, and her forbidden, slow-burning connection with a mortal boy named Vincent. Their relationship begins with dreams, deepens through letters, and blossoms into a love that feels ancient and eternal.

The romance? Utterly devastating. Poetic. And earned. The yearning in this book is on another level. Lines like “We were doomed, she and I. But if we were doomed, let us fully embrace it” made my heart cave in on itself.

And then there’s the world-building—lush, vivid, and rich with lore. We learn more about the gods, their rivalries, their power, and the heartache that comes with immortality. Ross expands the Divine Rivals universe with such seamless depth that I now want to reread the duology through this new lens.

There were moments when I had to pause just to feel. Vincent’s POV was the softest punch to the heart. The writing? Highlight-worthy. Dreamlike. Soul-stirring.

Found family
Mortal x goddess
Forbidden love
Dreambonded soulmates
Lore-heavy + character driven
Marriage of convenience
The letter. If you know, you know.

This book has earned a permanent place on my favorites shelf. A hauntingly beautiful reminder that even gods can fall in love, and mortals can be remembered for it.

Read it slowly. Let it wreck you. You won’t regret a single page.

Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this e-arc!

I wish I had more stars to give! This book was full of such rich atmosphere and romance, I really enjoyed it.

This book was pure atmosphere. The writing was so lyrical and immersive, I felt like I was wandering through forests and ancient ruins the whole time. It had that quiet, magical feel where not a ton happens plot-wise, but you’re still totally pulled in. The romance was soft and slow in a way that really worked for the vibe, and the whole story felt like a love letter to nature and healing. I do think it moved a little too slowly in places and could’ve used a bit more urgency, but if you’re into poetic fantasy that’s more vibes than action, this one’s a stunner.

One of the most romantic books I've ever read.
This book is thiiiick - over 500 pages - and yet it felt like it went by so quick, because I literally could not put it down. Rebecca Ross is a true storyteller and you can feel the passion she puts into her words. It was beautiful. It was magical. It was romantic. It had some wonderful found family aspects. It had more lore than I expected and yet it didn’t feel overwhelming. Set in the same world as Divine Rivals (DR), so you’ll enjoy a few cameos from some of the Gods, as well as a lovely epilogue that foreshadows some very magical typewriters. It will give you a different perspective of the world we’ve all grown to love! 10/10 I will definitely read again and you should, too. This is how prequels are done!

After finishing the Letters of Enchantment duology, I found myself yearning for more from the rich, magical world Rebecca Ross had created. This book delivered exactly that. As someone who adores stories woven with gods, goddesses, and mythology, I might be a little biased, but the worldbuilding here was nothing short of spectacular. Ross has a true gift for atmosphere; the setting felt vivid and immersive, pulling me in from the very first page.
That said, I did find myself wishing for a bit more development between Vincent and Matilda. While their shared history as children was sweet, when they reunited I found myself not fully buying into their romance. A slower, more layered reconnection would have made their relationship feel even more impactful.
The pacing also lagged slightly in the middle, and there were moments where the narrative lost a bit of momentum. However, the final 15% more than made up for it. The ending was beautifully written, and the epilogue’s ties to Divine Rivals were an absolute highlight, subtle yet deeply satisfying for fans of the original series.
Overall, this was a fantastic read and a worthy addition to the world Ross has so masterfully created. If you loved Letters of Enchantment, this book will feel like coming home.

Book: Wild Reverence
Author: Rebecca Ross
Publisher:St. Martins Press/Saturday Books
Release Date: September 2, 2025
Length: 544 Pages
Overall Rating: 5 Stars

This is a 6 Star read and another stunning book where I am drawn into this world and never want to leave. This riveting book that is a phenomenal masterpiece which is a prequel to the series. Read this beautiful novel in one day, with it being one of those rare unforgettable books yar stays with you as you can’t stop thinking about! The magic system, character development and plot twists are absolutely incredible! I was thrilled to get the arc for this epic book I am absolutely obsessed! I loved this book so much and I highly recommend everyone to read this magnificent read!

This is another stunning book and as I was drawn into this world and never wanted to leave. This riveting book is a phenomenal masterpiece which is a prequel to the series. Read this beautiful novel in one day as I could not put it down! It is one of those rare unforgettable books that stays with you as you can’t stop thinking about it. The magic system, character development and plot twists are absolutely incredible! I was thrilled I got the earc for this epic book I am truly obsessed!

Romantasy✔️
Mythology✔️
Slow Burn✔️
Fake Marriage✔️
Friends to lovers✔️
Fantasy✔️
Magic System✔️
Banter✔️
Prequel✔️
Character Develop✔️
World Building✔️
Vengeance✔️

Thank you St. Martin’s Press/Saturday Books and Netgalley for this eARC. I voluntarily agreed to do an honest, fair, review and blog. All words, thoughts, ideas are my own.

Wild Reverence is easily one of my favorite books of 2025. What a beautiful and enduring story of love, magic, and divinity.
Both Matilda and Vincent were excellent main characters with distinct personalities and flaws. Even though I initially felt that their love developed quite quickly, I loved watching them choose each other again and again, even if it meant enduring pain and sacrifice.
The setting and worldbuilding were absolutely beautiful. Rebecca Ross has a true talent for weaving words into tapestries, and Wild Reverence is no different. From the first page, I was fully immersed in the realms of the Skywards and the Underlings. Furthermore, Rebecca Ross was an absolute genius in the way she included crumbs of Divine Rivals within her story, laying the foundation for another beautiful, unforgettable story.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the absolute honor of reading and reviewing an eARC of this book!