Rebecca Ross delivers a breathtaking prequel to Divine Rivals with Wild Reverence, weaving a tale of gods, mortals, and the threads of fate that bind them. Set 600 years before the events of the Letters of Enchantment duology, this standalone novel introduces Matilda, a young goddess with messenger magic, and Vincent, a mortal whose dreams have long been touched by the divine. ​


The world-building is rich and immersive, with realms that feel both fantastical and deeply human. Ross's prose is, as always, lyrical and evocative, painting vivid images of the natural landscapes and the characters that inhabit them. ​


The romance between Matilda and Vincent is a slow burn, filled with yearning and emotional depth. Their connection is both tender and intense, making their journey all the more compelling. ​


For fans of Divine Rivals, Wild Reverence offers a deeper understanding of the world's mythology and the origins of its magic. However, it also stands strong on its own, making it accessible to new readers. ​


Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If you know me, then you know I’ve been a fan of Rebecca Ross’s books for years so I was so excited to read Wild Reverence in advance thanks to St Martin’s Press, Saturday Books, and NetGalley. Let me just tell you, this book did not disappoint! I will never get tired of Rebecca’s writing, it always feels so enchanting.

This book is so romantic as it follows star-crossed lovers, one a goddess and one a mortal man. I’m obsessed with Matilda and Vincent’s story and know my fellow readers will love them too. I was constantly smiling over their interactions. There was so much yearning and anytime they so much as touched I’d be kicking my feet. There was even a “Who did this to you?” moment that had me enthralled.

Besides romance, this book is full of epic action and climactic battles, with magic and politics webbed throughout. It had everything I’d want in a fantasy novel!

I also really enjoyed the exploration of the gods in this book. Readers will be somewhat familiar with these gods and their stories from Divine Rivals, but having this expanded view of their world was so intriguing. The gods are conniving and quick to betray each other, which Matilda experiences throughout her life with them. I did love Matilda’s unique relationship with Bade, the god of war. He helps train her and acts almost as a father figure.

Also, in true Rebecca Ross fashion this book had me emotionally ruined. I was fighting back tears while reading between my classes. Despite the tears I loved this book from the very first page to the epilogue and can’t wait for all of you to read it!

Thank you for St Martin's Press and NetGalley for granting me an e-arc of one of my most anticipated reads of the year! (I was actually among the first 1000 who were approved to read now which was exciting).

Reading this book was, however, a love hate relationship. I spent 19 days reading it and I am not proud of it. 85 chapters later, here we are with a potential reading slump when the year was going so well for me.

The prose of this book was so beautiful and the characters held a lot of depth for me, especially Matilda who is my favorite but I need to be honest when I say that I feel the story could have been a little shorter. The fantasy is heavy, along with a length novel...it just made for a daunting read. I was reluctant to pick it up every time even though the story was interesting most of the time. I still enjoyed Matilda's character arc from an underestimated goddess in both realms to one of the most powerful yet graceful. It was interesting how she had claimed she doesn't care for mortals yet she did before she was brave enough to acknowledge it to herself, especially her love and loyalty to Vincent under the pretense of answering a prayer when it was clear it was something else. I found her powers as a herald to be moderate as best...but what came after? Now that was very interesting and something to be envied for definitely.

If I had to choose a quote to end this review with, it would be this one:
"We were doomed, she and I.
One day, I would perish, and she would live on, endless as the stars.
But if we were doomed, then let us fully embrace it."

WILD REVERENCE by Rebecca Ross is a stand alone adult fantasy novel set in the Divine Rivals world from her previous series. As soon as the email hit my inbox, I requested this eARC. I'm a huge fan of this author, and was so excited to read her next book. Friends, it was fantastic! The world building was phenomenal, the magic system so unique and creative, and I fell in love with many of the characters. Before I gush on more, let me share the setup.

The story revolves around two main characters:

We meet Matilda when she is first born, a young goddess of the underling realm. Her mother, Zenia, goddess of winter, fire, and cunning, takes her to the goddess of death, who reads Matilda's horoscope. To Zenia's surprise, Matilda is a Herald, a goddess who will be able to cross between realms to deliver messages between the mortal realm, the underling realm, and the skyward realm. As we follow her journey, we see Matilda grow up in the underling realm. When she is in her early teens, one of her mother's allies, the goddess of dreams, starts sharing scrolls that have mortal dreams written on them. There's a boy who dreams about Matilda, even though he has never met her. She is fascinated by him. After a terrible betrayal by a former ally, Matilda must escape to a different realm to avoid being killed.

Young teen Vincent of Beckett is the third son of a powerful man when we first meet him in the mortal realm. For some reason, he has stressful, anxious dreams about drowning in the river that surrounds his castle home. But then he meets a young woman, a girl with red hair, who helps him out of danger. He's intrigued by this young goddess and wishes he could have more time with her.

When he needs her help the most, Vincent calls to Matilda, but he doesn't receive an answer because she has escaped to a different realm. Many years later, after he's set aside his thoughts and feelings for Matilda, she comes back into his life. She has a message from Death that he refuses to read. Matilda, feeling terrible that she failed to answer Vincent's prayer all those years ago vows to help him in his struggle to protect his home.

Will Vincent ever forgive Matilda for failing him when he needed her help? Will Matilda be able to avoid the gods and goddesses who want to kill her and take her magic for their own? Will Vincent successfully protect his home, with Matilda's help? Read this excellent book and find out.

What I loved most:
- The world-building was so engrossing and so well done. The constellations representing gods and goddesses and the way that they can either be snuffed out if a mortal kills a god or taken by one god if they kill another god was so brilliant and added such depth to the story. The different realms, how they felt, smelled, looked... it was transporting.
- There's such a deep understanding of the history of the characters that this book conveys which helps set up what happens later. But rather than slow the story down, it made the plot deeper, more complicated, and more steeped in lore.
- Matilda and Vincent's romance was beautiful to read in these pages. It was slow burn, and sweet, and passionate.
- Speaking on Matilda and Vincent, I found them each to be such well-drawn and crafted characters. They've both suffered deep loss, and both go through a transformative journey in these pages that left me emotional in the best way
- The secondary characters were also very well crafted. We get found family, fake allies, dutiful servants and knights. The list goes on and on.
- The villains are complicated and varied in this story. Most of them you could call morally grey. One of them is just evil, a jealous menace that I couldn't stand. But even he had mixed motivations, which makes for a great villain
- The themes of loyalty, duty, allowing oneself to be vulnerable all resonate in this deeply rich narrative
- The Divine Rival and Ruthless Vows Easter eggs.

What didn't work:
- Honestly, I can't think of a single thing that needs improvement. This story beguiled me in the best way. Bravo!

WILD REVERENCE is a deeply satisfying read brimming with lush lore, adventure, romance, and otherworldliness, with a strong cast of characters. I highly recommend it. Run, don't walk, to purchase this fantastic novel!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Saturday Books for providing me with an eARC of this book for my honest feedback.

OMG Rebecca - you’ve done it again! The magic that is woven with these words is top notch. I loved meeting new characters, and learning more about others that were in DR/RV!

Ohhh. Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross is such a beautiful, heartfelt, magical story. I've never read the Letters of Enchantment series by Ross, but this poetic and romantic tale set in the same universe, prior to the events of Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows, is something special. Protagonist Matilda, herald of the gods, child of two distinct separate realms, is compassionate and brave, determined and resilient. Her sorrows and joys and victories and griefs are so vividly painted and Ross breathes life into Matilda, Vincent, and the worlds they inhabit; their love story and journey is wrought with the kind of yearning and longing that made me wish I could wrap up both characters in a hug and keep them safe forever. Ross's imagination left me spellbound and I found myself completely swept away by this tale of immortals and gods, humans and humanity, and what happens when a goddess loves a mortal man with all her being.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys epic love stories, world-building and magic systems that embrace the fantastical and whimsical, and incredible adventures of heart and soul. Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and St. Martin's Press for this ARC!

Oh. My. Stars. If you thought Rebecca Ross's previous books were enchanting, prepare to be absolutely spellbound by the Advanced Reader Copy of Wild Reverence! From the very first page, I was utterly consumed by the lush world-building – it felt so vibrant and alive, I could practically smell the damp earth and hear the rustling leaves.
And the characters? Forget about it! They leaped off the page with such depth and complexity. The protagonist is fierce and flawed in the most captivating way, and the supporting cast is equally compelling, each with their own secrets and motivations that kept me guessing. The relationships! Oh, the relationships! Ross masterfully weaves threads of connection that are both heartwarming and heart-wrenching.
But let's talk about the magic. It's not just a plot device; it's woven into the very fabric of the story, feeling ancient and potent. The way Ross describes it is simply breathtaking – visceral and evocative. The plot itself is a masterclass in pacing. Just when I thought I had it figured out, another layer would unfold, keeping me on the edge of my seat until the very last word. I devoured this ARC in a single sitting, completely unable to tear myself away.
Honestly, Wild Reverence isn't just a good book; it's an experience. It's the kind of story that lingers in your mind long after you've finished reading, leaving you yearning to return to its world. If this ARC is anything to go by, Rebecca Ross has crafted an absolute masterpiece. Five stars doesn't even feel like enough! Prepare to be utterly and completely captivated. This is going straight to my all-time favorites shelf!

If I was going to have someone write my love story, it would be Rebecca Ross. ♡

Wild Reverence is a prequel to Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows, and it ties into that world so seamlessly. I loved reading more of the mythology of the gods as well as the lore of the different realms: Underling, Mortal, and Skyward. There were several tales of love interwoven here, but the love story between Vincent and Matilda—star-crossed yet destined, yearning with a quiet ache, reverent and rebellious—was [literally] dreamy, and the ending made me cry then scream (first with anger then with joy) then cry again.

I don’t own a lot of physical books, but the Letters of Enchantment duology are two of them. When I heard about Wild Reverence, it was added to my TBR immediately! I was lucky enough to get an ARC, which confirmed why this book was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC, and I can’t wait for my preorder to arrive!

4.25 ★ thank you to Wednesday books for an ARC! Divine rivals is one of my all-time favorite books and I truly believe that everything Rebecca Ross writes is magic. This story is a prequel to the DR duology and the epilogue! I loved how it all connected. Vincent and Matilda had such beautiful moments and I love the concept of watching a love story unfold between a mortal and immortal. I think, at times, the world building was a lot, the pacing was slow, or I was slightly bored. Generally, I thought it was great. Divine Rivals is still my favorite but the writing and story in this one was beautiful.

Beautifully written with a robust lore, Rebecca Ross' Wild Reverence is equal parts mythology, fantasy, and romance, with a dash of mystery thriller thrown in. I really enjoyed learning more about the gods who serve as the unseen foundation for the Letters of Enchantment duology, but also appreciated how separate this book felt from that set. It did make me want to revisit Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows, though, now that we know more about the lore of the story!

Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross

WR takes place in the world of Divine Rivals/Ruthless Vows. The chapters are from the alternating views of Matilda (the herald of the gods) and Vincent (a mortal who has dreamt of Matilda since he was a boy). The books of largely focused on the relationships between the gods, their fickle and backstabbing nature, and Matilda’s involuntary journeys through the Underlings, Skyward, and the Mortal Kingdom.

Although it was a little stressful at times, I liked how Matilda was swept away into dreams,up/down into the lands of the gods, dragged into rivers, carried away by the wind, pulled by mortals’ prayers and gods’ summoning, etc. Nothing felt static. Also, though deities were immortal, their lives were still threatened by plots of betrayal and advancement by other gods would sought to steal their stars and thereby absorb their powers. Gods and mortals alike did not feel safe, though different goals/treasures were at stake.

WR gives context and answers some questions that readers may have had in DR/RV. Namely, how did the typewriters send messages between people? (Or at least give us some hints!!!) Why did Enva and Dacre get married?

Overall, I thought this was well written and a different kind of dive into the DR/RV world. It’s a prequel set in the world but way before we meet Iris and Kit.

It took me a few chapters to get into this one, but once I did, I was allllll in. Matilda and Vincent’s love story spans both time and immortal realms, making them literal star-crossed lovers. I was excited (and secretly terrified) to reenter the Letters of Enchantment universe, knowing that there isn’t always a traditional HEA, but Ross did an excellent job creating a story that both kicks off Divine Rivals and stands as it own narrative.

5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Wow, wow, wow!! I think this is one of the most beautiful books I’ve read in a really long time. I am always blown away by Rebecca Ross’s writing and sheer ability to spin words into worlds. She writes with lyrical magnetism, drawing you in and keeping you gripped into the story. So many lines of this book I just had to stop and appreciate! This book feels like starlight and ancient scrolls, completely captivating me with its magic!

I am utterly obsessed with Vincent and Matilda, and I cannot wait for everyone to meet them in September! Without giving anything away—Rebecca heard us asking for men who yearn, and SHE DELIVERED!! Being back in the Letters of Enchantment universe and seeing the threads woven between this story and Iris and Roman’s was such a fun experience!

I am aching to get my hands on a physical copy and to annotate all of these delicious words!!!! Thank you thank you thank you to Net Galley, St. Martin’s Press, and Saturday Books for this advanced copy!!!

Rebecca Ross delivers another breathtaking story with her dreamy storytelling and poetic prose. I loved how the world of the gods was explored and expanse of time in which the story evolves over.

The love was otherworldly, the longing ached my heart, the sadness brought tears to my eyes, and the betrayals wounded me. Ross’s writing had me feeling every single emotion of her characters. I absolutely envy every single person that will be able to read Wild Reverence for the first time.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Saturday Books for a chance to read and give a honest review an advanced copy of this book.

Wow, Rebecca Ross has done it again. This book was an incredibly beautiful prequel to the Letters of Enchantment duology. The way her prose sets the most beautifully descriptive scenes is unmatched! I can still vividly see many scenes from the book in my mind, even after having finished the book. Matilda and Vincent's story is beautiful, and I cannot wait to tell all my friends to read it! I also loved how Ross ended up tying together the stories together in a really clever way. Overall incredible book, thank you so much for the ARC!

Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Release date: September 2, 2025

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Saturday Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC. Set several hundred years before the events of Divine Rivals, Wild Reverence follows the story of Matilda, herald of the gods. In the ruthless world of the gods Matilda struggles to trust those around her and find her vulnerability until she meets Vincent. Although, they meet as children in Vincent's dream they are inevitably drawn back together again and again.

Wild Reverence is a beautifully written and emotional love story. The immersive world building and intricate mythology are intriguing and bring the story to life. The best part of the novel is easily the story between Matilda and Vincent. The tension, emotion, and love between them kept me in a chokehold for the entire book. I laughed, cried, and rooted for them the entire time. The story follows both Matilda and Vincent from the time they are children into adulthood. Their character development from innocence to gaining wisdom and learning to be vulnerable with each other is relatable and incredibly well written.

If you loved the beautifully written prose, immersive world building, and couldn't get enough of Iris and Roman in Divine Rivals then you absolutely need to read Wild Reverence. It can also stand alone and is a wonderful introduction into the world. I know I will be thinking about Matilda, Vincent, and this story for a long time to come. Now, off to reread Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows to find all of the easter eggs.

wild reverence | rebecca ross

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Dear Matilda, I wrote.
I let the words flow for her.
And when the ink dried, I gave my very heart to the fire."

•••••

A young goddess born to carry messages from realm to realm - and a mortal who finds her in his dreams.

Matilda and Vincent... oh how I love you!

It was a slow burn, true love situation, between this book and I. It started off lovely, with beautiful writing and an easy going build. Around 50% the story really captured me, and by the end I was riveted... caught-in-the-web, head over heels in love!

I was nervous I wouldn't get that Rebecca Ross feeling that the Letters of Enchantment and Elements of Cadence series gave me... you know what I mean - those deep hearted, chest squeezing, melt into a puddle feelings? But I did. I had allllll the feelings!

It was the same - but different.

Wild Reverence takes us back in time in the world of Divine Rivals, and focuses on the Gods and Goddesses and their different realms. It has a strong mythology vibe, and I absolutely ate it up. This is a slower paced book. It happens when reading about the lives of immortals - that a story spans many years. I really enjoy a slow, well crafted story, so this worked for me!
You don't have to read the Letters of Enchantment duology before this standalone, but I think you'll enjoy it a tiny bit more if you do.

I'm telling you, I was ACTUALLY swooning in my seat over the words in this book. I'm convinced Rebecca has just a little magic in her veins... the way she creates such lyrical and atmospheric scenes on the page. And she is the absolute GOAT at writing dreamy, heart pounding love letters.
I am going to annotate the heck out of this book when I get my hands on a physical copy!

STUNNING.

"I would like to think my story began long ago when I came into the world as a pale, silent boy, destined to one day die. But it truly begins here, in this moment when my dreams grew bones and teeth and skin in the waking realm. The moment I met Red."

"We were doomed, she and I. One day, I would perish, and she would live on, endless as the stars. But if we were doomed, then let us fully embrace it."

_____
{a gigantic thank you to Rebecca, Saturday Books, and NetGalley for the advanced copy!! Out 5/20/25}

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!