WOW!!!!! This story was incredible. Rebecca Ross never misses. I LOVED the way it connected with divine rivals and getting the background of the characters. The magic and world building was chefs freaking kiss. I felt so lucky to have received an e arc of this one, BEAUTIFUL story that kept me awake reading for 3 nights.

Will update with social media links soon

I absolutely loved the original two Letters of Enchantment books, so I was delighted to receive an early copy of Wild Reverance!

To start off, I want to say that I've been in a reading slump for the past few months, and sadly this book hit some of the aspects of mainstream YA fantasy that has been irking me. I struggled with the beginning of the story, but I'm glad I stuck with it.

Being notoriously terrible at re-reading blurbs before I start a book, I was surprised that the main character was not Enva. Matilda's story begins right at her birth, so I was scratching my head for the first few chapters before sinking into the narrative. By the time Enva showed up, I was sufficiently invested in the characters and it felt right to be seeing Enva and Dacre's story as significant but ultimately a sub-plot to Matilda's adventures. Since most of the characters are gods either of the under realm or sky realm, I was underwelmed with the stakes - it's hard to be TOO worried about these characters when they are all immortal and difficult to injure or kill. But Matilda met mortal Vincent through reading about his dreams when they were both children, and the evolution of their relationship is the force that moves the story.

Because of my preconceptions from the first two books, I was expecting a feel-good romance; not necessarily enemies-to-lovers, but a story where two characters have a satisfying development of their relationship 'on-screen'. Let me say, this is not that!! haha. Other readers who enjoy angst, longing, and two characters that just seem destined to be pulled apart will also enjoy this story.

I would have liked to see more of the development and understanding of Matilda's powers, but I believe how the gods' powers work was intentionally left mysterious to evoke that sense of 'this isn't information for humans to know'. I also would have appreciated a bit more humor mixed into the book, but I guess we can't have everything haha.

I couldn't find this information when I briefly browsed the internet while reading, so I'll share here: the book ends decisively with a satisfying epilogue that ties back into the first two books! There aren't any cliffhangers, and I walked away feeling confident that there won't be a follow-up book. This is important info to have for people who hestitate to read unfinished series. :)

4.5 Stars for another spellbinding story by Rebecca Ross ✨.

Wild Reverance is an epic love story that can have you giggling on one page, then sobbing in the next. Rebecca Ross has done it again with the story of Matilda and Vincent. A romance between a goddess and an ill-fated mortal. From the first meeting as children, these two forged a connection only to be separated by tragic events.

When they reunite, they’re much older, changed, and yet are still drawn to each other in every. single. scene. There are even more handwritten LETTERS exchanged. There are so many callbacks that make you think of Iris and Roman 🥹. This book will have you gripped until the end.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for the eARC.

Wild Reverence is an enchanting NA fantasy romance standalone that precedes the Divine Rivals duology and gives backstory to the gods of this world. Through her immersive writing and lyrical prose, Rebecca Ross beautifully ties everything together in this Letters of Enchantment prequel with rich world building, divine lore and unique celestial magic system. The premise of this story follows a young goddess who heralds words and messages for the gods between the realms, the mortal boy who befriends her in dreams, and how their fate intertwines to rewrite the blood-soaked ways of the gods.

This is a story of love, betrayal, secrets and sacrifice all wrapped around a beautiful and heartbreaking childhood-friends-to-lovers forbidden romance about a goddess who loved a mortal. Matilda and Vincent’s story was filled with passion, yearning, tension, vulnerability and some Arwen x Aragorn epic love vibes. I especially loved Bade’s character arc, the epilogue and mentions of the enchanted typewriters!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a copy of this ARC!

The following review was posted to Goodreads on August 14, 2025:

“4 ⭐️

Wow, what a fabulous prequel! I read divine rivals earlier this year and was unaware that this book was actually a prequel to the duology before starting it. Immediately I recognized the world and some of the names of the gods and got so excited! It absolutely did not disappoint.

Rebecca Ross’ writing style is just beautiful - I highlighted over 20 quotes in my initial read. I did find the story a bit slower at the start, and I had a hard time emotionally connecting to Matilda (FMC) for a while but I blame that primarily on the fact that she (and many of the initial characters) are gods who aren’t supposed to be likable or relatable. Having our FMC and MMC first meet in dreams was so creative, however, and I absolutely adored Vincent (MMC) from the start. He was a walking, breathing and yearning green flag. I also loved Matilda’s father figure in this story - that was a surprising development that made my heart melt into a puddle.

Ross wove together the most precious & heartfelt love story. We even had a fake relationship/marriage and, as that’s one of my favorite tropes of all time, that only added to my love for the book. I found this book to be plot & character driven with very little (and not terribly graphic) spice, so I would rate it a 1🌶️ on my spicy scale. I will also say that, the way that the ending of this story ties into Divine Rivals had me squealing and kicking my feet. It was such a satisfying ending. This book was perfection, and an absolute must-read for any lovers of the original duology. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Rebecca Ross for this ARC of Divine Rivals!”

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7805232674

This was a fantastic read! My only critiques can be found in my review above, but simply put, I found the beginning to be a bit slow and had a hard time emotionally connecting to the FMC for the first third of the book. Thank you again to both Netgalley and Rebecca Ross allowing me to read and review this ARC!

This was such a wonderful read that had me hooked from the start. It was so interesting to learn more about the divine in this world and how the worlds of the skyward, mortals, and underlings intersected. Matilda was an engaging protagonist and I enjoyed how headstrong and opinionated she was. Vincent was a great MMC - the yearning! Perfect for fans of the series who want to delve back into the realm and new readers looking for more context before beginning Divine Rivals alike!

Here’s another review that made me want to shout from the rooftops and even write a long song for. That’s how deeply this book hit me.
I didn’t just read Wild Reverence — I lived inside it. From the first page, I felt that quiet, undeniable pull that only a truly special book has, the kind that makes you forget the world around you. Rebecca Ross took me on a journey that was at once intimate and epic, and I came out of it both breathless and strangely healed, like I’d been walking through someone else’s myth and found pieces of myself along the way.

The world Ross built is spellbinding — lush, layered, and alive in a way that few fantasies manage to be. There’s myth woven into every shadow and whisper, gods with motives as flawed and raw as the mortals who worship them, and a history that feels so real I caught myself wondering what hidden door I’d have to find to step into it myself. The late nights I spent turning these pages didn’t feel like reading; they felt like crossing into another realm and watching its secrets unfold.

But what truly gripped me wasn’t just the atmosphere or the sweeping mythology — it was the people who lived within it. Matilda in particular. Her journey from grief and betrayal into strength and selfhood was devastating and beautiful. She’s the kind of heroine who doesn’t just win battles; she claws her way through heartbreak, through choices that cut her open, and somehow keeps moving forward. Watching her decide not only who she wanted to be, but who she refused to let others make her into, broke me in the best way.

And then there’s Vincent. Their connection — fragile, hesitant, but laced with a kind of inevitability — was one of the most genuine romances I’ve read in a long time. This isn’t the kind of love that arrives wrapped in perfection. It’s built out of longing glances, unspoken truths, and the unshakable sense that two people have found in each other what the world would rather they never discover. I couldn’t stop rooting for them, not just because of how much they needed each other, but because of how much they deserved each other.

What makes this book stand apart is how Ross balances the divine and the human. The story is full of gods, myths, and battles larger than life, yet at its core it’s about something achingly real: love, survival, betrayal, trust, and the courage it takes to keep reaching for light in the middle of so much darkness. That blend of magic and humanity is what gave me chills.

By the end, I wasn’t ready to let go. I sat with the book closed on my lap for a long while, just holding it, letting it sink in. It’s not often that a story leaves me with that kind of ache — the kind that’s equal parts loss and gratitude, because it means you’ve just experienced something extraordinary.

Wild Reverence isn’t just one of the best fantasies I’ve read this year; it’s one of those rare books I know I’ll revisit again and again, each time catching something I missed the first time. It’s powerful, romantic, and unforgettable — a story that left me changed in ways I can’t fully put into words.

A very huge thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press | Saturday Books for sharing one of the year’s most anticipated novels’ digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts. I couldn’t be more grateful to have read this early.

I cried, multiple times actually. I enjoyed the world of Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows, but I adored Wild Reverence from the very beginning. To be back in that world, well before the time of Iris and Kitt, was delightful. Soaking in all of the Gods history and make connections to the other novels brought me so much joy. That epilogue? Hell yeah. Super happy with this book. As much as I wish there was more, I also think that this was a great unexpected addition to the duology.

Rebecca Ross is my favorite author of all time, this is might even be my newest favorite book. To say I was beyond thrilled to receive a digital ARC of Wild Reverence from Net Galley would still be an understatement. :)

My only critiques are:
1. Warin was annoying (intentional, great writing) but I could only imagined him as Quagmire from Family Guy (annoying af), very happy when/how his ending happened
2. The chapters being labeled in Roman numerals is truly like gibberish to me because I don’t actually know roman numerals

Rebecca is an absolutely phenomenal writer…so unique! After this book, she’s officially an auto-buy author for me. Ahhh, it’s everything I dreamed it would be: amazing, beautiful, and all the things I hoped for.

This is a divine story about gods and mortals. Matilda is a young herald goddess when she first crosses paths with the mortal, Vincent. They don't see each other again until she tumbles through his window to deliver a message and here is where their story begins to unfurl.
Through their journeys, I fell in love with the main characters. I enjoyed reading along to see what was going to happen next.

Wild Reverence is a well-paced book that had me reading into the wee hours at night. It's a great companion piece to the Divine Rivals duology. I hope there'll be more to read about this world in the future.

Thank you, St. Martin's press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Where to even start with this book, it was so beautifully written and the story was so achingly sweet. I really enjoyed getting to know Matilda and Vincent and how they came together. I love that Ross did not try to humanize the gods because they aren't human and are not concerned with human morality, and I feel like if she humanized them it would have taken away from the story. The small easter eggs we get if you've read the Letters of Enchantment duology were so well done, but I do not think you need to read the duology first in order to get just as much out of this book. If I had to describe this book in one word it would be emotional, there was just so much raw emotion in this book it made me feel so deeply about this world and about these characters. I'm sad that it's over because I want to live in that world still.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Is love worth it even if it can’t last? A question I found myself pondering as a suffered through the myriad of emotions I felt while reading this book. I really loved this book. Matilda and Vincent had such a beautiful connection. Ross took her time weaving the story of Matilda’s life which made the payoff much sweeter. Each character was complex and added to the depth of the story. Bade and Nathaniel were two of my favourite more minor characters and I miss them already! The subtle links to Divine Rivals further enriched the story and I may just start a reread… Unlike the stories of some gods, this fantasy romance will not soon fade into obscurity for me.

Unfortunately I wanted to love this so much but I just couldn’t get into it. I’m hoping I’ll be able to pick it back up at a later date and try again but as of now I just do not find it enjoyable.

First off I love that this book is set in the same world as Divine Rivals! The writing style in this novel is so well done. It’s fantasy without being too overly complex which is a delicate balance! I very much enjoyed this novel. The epilogue was so fun!

I have a confession to make and it’s that I haven’t read Divine Rivals yet. I girlbossed too close to the sun and didn’t think I’d get approved for this ARC. But I can confidently say that you do not need to read the original duology to read this book!

I ADORED this book (and am even more excited to pick up the original series now). We follow Matilda, a god-child who’s trying to navigate the realms while not truly belonging to either of them and having to stay on the move and keep secrets to protect herself and those she cares about while figuring out exactly what her purpose is. The writing is beautiful and I was immediately intrigued by the magic in this book and how the hods interact with it and each other. The book does start a bit slow as Ross builds up characters and introduces us to the overlaying themes—starting with Matilda as a child–but I didn’t feel like it was dragging or unnecessary.

Truly this book was so intriguing and full of wonder. I adored the world and characters who all felt so well rounded and real. Not many fantasy books lately have hooked me as quickly and deeply as this one did and I am obsessed, truly. My only regret is finishing it on vacation so I can’t go back and read Divine Rivals right away.

Thank you so much to author Rebecca Ross and publisher St. Martin’s Press | Saturday Books for providing me with an ARC of Wild Reverence in exchange for an honest review. Publication date is September 2, 2025 and I can’t wait for everyone to experience this story!

4.5/5 ✨ (rounded up to 5!)

The beginning and middle had a few tiny slow spots, which is the only reason I took off half a star.

Oh, how Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows completely stole my heart earlier this year 💞 so when I saw there was a prequel, I knew I had to read it. One thing I love is that this can be read either as a prequel or as the third book. Personally, I’m so glad I read it after the first two because it gave me so much extra background and helped certain moments click but, either order works!

I don’t want to spoil too much before release day, but if you loved Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows, I can almost guarantee you’ll fall in love with this one too. The magic, the gods and goddesses, the scenes between the different realms it’s all so beautifully crafted and just ✨magical✨

The backstory is captivating, and I enjoyed learning more about Enva and Dacre especially Enva’s music. The glimpses into other gods, goddesses, and realms added so much depth. And the way the story moves between present and past? ***Chef’s kiss*** 😙 I am such a sucker for that narrative style.

Our FMC, Matilda, is brave, strong, and full of heart. Our MMC, Vincent… I adored him in every single scene. The love he holds for the people in his life, and the sacrifices he’s willing to make 😭 don’t even get me started 💚

After the Matilda and Warin forest scene when Vincent shows up? SOBBING. Their love is unstoppable and powerful, and I couldn’t get enough.

The supporting characters like Bade, Nathaniel, Enva, and some other divine surprises all added so much more to the world.

And the epilogue??? Absolute perfection. It had me gasping, holding my breath, and grinning like an idiot as we learned more about the origins of some very special typewriters 😉

Read this one, my friends. And read the entire series. These books have a permanent place on my top reads of the year list, and I truly think they’re something special 💚💛🖤

Well. I absolutely loved Wild Reverence.

This book sunk into my soul. I adored the characters, the setting, the way it felt like coming home. I couldn’t put this down, and every time I had to return to real world responsibilities, all I could think of was getting back to reading this book. I’m not kidding when I say it completely took over my life for the three days it took me to finish. It felt like a dream, and having finished it I am not sure it wasn’t. Every page has been steeped in magic, and you can feel it in every word.

Wild Reverence somehow simultaneously fits perfectly into the world of Divine Rivals and feels like opening the door to a brand-new world. The way Ross expanded on her mythology while keeping the core we already knew is masterful. I adored getting more background and stories on the gods we only get a peak at during the Letters of Enchantment duology, and there were plenty of easter eggs that showed the connecting threads throughout.

There was a large cast of characters, but each one felt essential to the story and added depth to the world. Bade was by far my favorite of the gods. There is something about a grump with a heart of gold that always gets me. I adore found family, so the bond between Matilda and Bade was everything. I also loved Vincent! He was courageous but wasn’t afraid to be vulnerable and fight for what he wanted. The slow burn romance between Vincent and Matilda was beautiful and sweet. Their story was tender love, magic, heartbreak, and longing. I was fully invested in them, and every twist and turn had my heart racing. This book just kept going until the end- it felt like a roller-coaster the entire time (minus a small lag in the middle but honestly, I appreciated the chance to breathe).

Wild Reverence is a warm cup of tea and soft blanket by a fire. It had all the charm and magic I’ve come to expect from Rebecca Ross, and it surpassed my high expectations. If you want to be swept away by a Greek-tragedy-style romance with enchanting characters, then I highly recommend you pick this one up!

I received a digital ARC from NetGalley and SMP. All opinions are my own

FIVE STARS!! Absolutely loved this prequel! The lyrical prose, the magic system, the characters, the conflict and resolution - everything was written so beautifully. There were so much lore about the Letters of Enchantment universe and I love how the epilogue sets up for Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows. This book has a satisfying ending and it feels like a full circle to see Matilda grow up to be the most amazing and powerful goddess!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the e-ARC!

This book was my most anticipated read for 2025, and it did not disappoint! Wild Reverence is set in the world of the Letters of Enchantment duology and can be read as a prequel or a standalone. It explores when the gods of Skyward and Underling were prevalent and thriving, following the herald goddess Matilda, both coming into her powers and falling for a human, Vincent.

Rebecca Ross's writing is so beautiful and majestic, especially when describing the character's love and devotion for one another. I became fully immersed in their story, wanting to live in this world and savor every moment. I found the gods' powers and realm fascinating and loved all the nods to the original duology. I loved it so much, I immediately reread Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows the same day!

This book deserves the number of stars in Matilda's constellation! Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this gifted arc. All opinions are my own.

Rebecca Ross can do no wrong. This one is lyrical, immersive, and so emotionally satisfying. Her prose makes me want to underline every other sentence.