This is such a unique series. I liked this one, but since I ahd listened to books 1 and 2 , I wish I had listened to this one as well. Still a great story,
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

This was my first Rebecca Ross book, and wow—her writing style is like stepping into a dream you’re not sure you want to wake up from. Mystical, lyrical, and just a little dangerous.

"Wild Reverence" reads like a fairy tale that's been through a few battles—equal parts enchanted forest and ancient Greek battleground. You've got your gods and goddesses being their messy, vengeful selves, humans trying to survive it all, and of course, love that feels fated and tragic at the same time.

The love story between Matilda and Vincent was absolutely the highlight for me. And without spoiling anything: I was thrilled with a certain bold narrative choice Rebecca Ross made near the end. Sometimes the hardest decisions are the right ones—and I respect that she went there.

I did hit a few bumps: occasional awkward word choices and a few weaker bits in the plot. But honestly? Nothing that broke the spell.

If you haven’t read the Letters of Enchantment duology, don’t stress. This stands alone beautifully—you’ll be swept up, spellbound, and just maybe a little wrecked (in a good way).

REBECCA ROSS!!!! You were already a favorite author of mine, but after reading Wild Reverence, I don't know how I lived my life without it. Wild Reverence had some of the best pining and anguish I've experienced from a romantic fantasy. This was everything I want when I read a book!! I have been chasing a high like this for awhile now, and I'm so honored I was able to read this early. Matilda's story was enthralling, Vincent's background and growth was a joy to witness. Wild Reverence adds so much richness and lore to the Letters of Enchantment series, I don't think I'll ever truly stop thinking about the events of this story. The world building was perfection, I loved learning more about all the gods and goddesses, their magic system tied to constellations, and I will hold this book near and dear to my heart for years to come. Wild Reverence will absolutely make it to my top reads of this year and I can't wait to be blessed with Rebecca's writing again!

Thank you Saturday Books, St. Martin's Press, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!

God I love this book. Rebecca Ross knows how to write the most beautiful, breathtaking stories. And while I'm sure we are all Ross fans at this point, if you haven't read, I highly recommend.

4.5 stars

This is beautifully written yet brutal. And when I say brutal, I mean straight brutal. These gods and goddesses are no benevolent rulers. They aren't your typical Greek gods sleeping around and playing petty games with each other. No. These gods sleep with one eye open because they'd just as soon murder each other for power as have a family dinner together. It's bananas.

Still, the romance is beautiful, the characters are well-drawn, and the plot is compelling (even if the book feels a tad long). If DIVINE RIVALS and RUTHLESS VOWS are set in a WWI/II-era alternate reality, this is set in medieval times. It quite broadly expands the pantheon of gods and goddesses introduced in the original duology. And oh, how this story tugs at your heartstrings. I sobbed through probably the last fifty pages, and I don't regret it one bit because the payoff is worth it in the end.

I think it's an interesting choice to market this as adult, given that it's a prequel and the source material is YA. Still, it's understandable, considering the way the story is structured and the previously mentioned brutality. I suspect this will have crossover appeal in both directions, though sensitive YA readers should be aware that the intensity/violence in this installment is a step above DIVINE RIVALS and RUTHLESS VOWS (but the level of detail in the sex scenes and the amount/type of profanity is similar).

And speaking of the source material, there are a few aha moments here that readers familiar with the series will appreciate.

All in all, I enjoyed being back in this world.

*I received a free Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*

This book was such a beautiful read and I wanted to savor every moment of Matilda and Vincent's story. The love and war dynamics that filtered through the entire story keep one true to the previous duology that was a part of this world. I felt the hopelessness turn to hopefulness and the way the characters bloomed. Rebecca Ross has become one of my favorite authors and the way her stories and emotions play across the page always bring color to my world when I read her.

Thank you to NetGalley and Saturday Books / St. Martin’s Press for the e-ARC!
~On sale September 2, 2025~
📖✨🕊️🌌🪶
Wild Reverence follows Matilda, a sky‑realm herald who bridges the worlds of gods and mortals, and Vincent, a mortal boy whose childhood connection to her grows into something timeless. Their fates gradually entwine across time.

~As a fan of the Divine Rivals duology, I was ecstatic to receive the ARC of Wild Reverence, it’s set in the same richly mythic world and even includes a lore drop that feels like a beautifully crafted gift to long-time readers.

Writing & Style
Rebecca Ross’s prose is stunning, lyrical, strong, and evocative. This novel reads like a myth come alive in the mature sweep of Divine Rivals.

Characters
There are many characters, with a helpful cast list at the beginning. I worried the Kindle format might make it hard to reference, but I never once felt lost.

~The story builds slowly, but intentionally. That measured rhythm sets the stage perfectly. Without it, the depth of world-building might’ve been lost.

~I wholeheartedly recommend Wild Reverence! It’s an elegant, immersive mythology that feels both familiar and refreshing. I’ll definitely be buying a copy on September 2, 2025.

Welcome back to the world of Roman and Iris, before an age of typewriters and electric lights…..

When I think of what truly makes a novel memorable, plot line, a creative cast of characters, and a captivating world come to mind. Rebecca Ross does all that and more, enchanting her readers with something that I so rarely see in books- heart. She spins this tale with emotions so deep, that you will be left hollowed out when the story ends, wanting to read it once more just for the chance to fall in love with her characters again. You will truly be homesick for somewhere that doesn’t exist.

This is an absolute MUST READ. It is a beautiful take on fantasy and myth- a truly epic love story. The intertwined lives of Matilda and Vincent reveal the harrowing sacrifice of being in undying love. The world creating is so refreshing and new, mixing Arthurian landscape with a timely tale of old gods and their scheming machinations. You may even see some characters you remember from Ross’ previous books, but will now experience them through a new lens. Take heart reader…..

Thank you #netgalley for this truly remarkable story. #arcreader

A novel saturated with incredibly, immersive world-building with strong, dynamic, and intriguing characters, covering three realms: the underlings, the mortal, and the skyward realms. Matilda is a half-Underling, half-Skyward being, a young goddess who is a herald of the gods and can traverse all realms to deliver messages. Vincent, a mortal, starts to dream about her, and she ends up falling for him. When war breaks out in the mortal realm, they form alliances within their respective realms and encounter betrayals and make some sacrifices.

I think what makes this story strong is at its core, it’s a story about family and how one’s upbringing shapes your worldview. It also speaks a lot about the human condition in terms of war as a result of power struggles and greed, how one can still find love in times of strife, and how things can be morally grey or justified depending on your perspective.

Special thanks to St. Martin's Press, Saturday Books, and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest, independent review.

Having really enjoyed Divine Rivals, I was both excited and a little nervous going into Wild Reverence -- a prequel set in the same universe. Thankfully, Rebecca Ross has once again delivered a stunning, lyrical story that both expands and deepens the magical world she introduced in the original series.

One of the things I loved most about Divine Rivals was the way Ross used language, not just as a storytelling tool but as a central, almost sacred, theme. That love for language continues beautifully in Wild Reverence, especially through the main character, Matilda. A goddess and a herald, Matilda carries messages across realms, and watching her discover her powers and navigate her responsibilities was one of the most compelling parts of the book.

The concept of realm-walking is utterly fascinating, and Ross brings it to life in vivid, immersive detail. Whether Matilda is traveling through dreams or stepping into the haunting Wastelands -- the place where souls go to die -- there’s magic to each moment in this book. Ross’s writing is elegant and atmospheric, with a tone that feels appropriate for the earlier era in which this prequel is set. It's distinct from Divine Rivals, but intentionally so, and it works perfectly for the story being told.

I also really appreciated the expansion of the mythos. Learning more about Dacre and Enva was exciting, but I loved that this wasn't their story. This is Matilda’s story. A new, complex, powerful goddess with her own unique voice and arc. Her journey felt entirely her own while still tying beautifully into the broader tapestry Ross has created. The politics among the gods added another layer of tension and intrigue, especially the idea that divine power can be stolen. Gods and goddesses never feel safe and they never have true allies. As a result, it made the connections Matilda made with Bade -- the God of War -- and Vincent -- a mortal man -- all the much more powerful.

While the romance in Wild Reverence takes more of a backseat, I didn't mind at all. It had the feeling of an "invisible string", always present, always felt, but never overshadowing the core of the narrative. It was subtle, soft, and quietly powerful.

In short, Wild Reverence is a stunning prequel that honours everything I loved about Divine Rivals while offering a fresh perspective and a whole new level of depth. If you're drawn to lyrical writing, rich mythology, and stories that explore the power of words, you’ll find so much to love here.

Feels so good to be back to the Rebecca Ross universe. This was such a beautiful love story that spanned time, realms, dreams, and nightmares.

I absolutely love the way RR writes, everything is so vivid and magical. I can truly picture everything she is “showing” us. There are so many lush descriptions and beautifully written lines, you feel like you are inside the story.

I did find that it lagged for a good 1/3 of the story but it is so worth sticking through.

You will love the main AND side characters. You will love the story. You will LOVE being back in this magical universe from a mythology perspective. It follows a goddess and a mortal man who fall for each other before they even know each other.

It’s a perfect cross between A River Enchanted and Divine Rivals. Thank you, NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Saturday Books for the eARC!

Born to an Underling mother and an Unknown Skyward father, Matilda was born to be a Herald to the Gods and travel between all three realms. But it's the connection forged in the dreams of a young human boy that will change the course of her fate.

Read if you love:
-Tragic Love Stories
-Star Crossed Lovers
-Epic Tales
-Found Family
-Fate
-Power

Oh. My. God. The chokehold this book had on me. Not only was it beautifully written, but it was so compelling. I was immediately drawn to Matilda. Torn between worlds and caught up in the politics of both. But it was Vincent that broke my heart. There is something about a tragic, stoic, duty-bound MMC that makes me a little feral. I loved that Vincent wanted Matilda for who she was and not what she could do for him. And the found family dynamic between Matilda and Bade was so moving.

While this book connects to The Letters of Enchantment series, the tone and writing are a little different, so don't pick it up thinking it's Iris and Roman 2.0. Matilda and Vincent was their own characters with their own stories.

A massive thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Saturday Books, and NetGalley!

Divine Rivals fans, you’re going to love this one! 💌✨This is a good prequel and look into the Divine Rivals world among the gods.

To be honest, Wild Reverence started really slow with a bit of info overload. But once it picked up, I couldn’t put it down. The world is rich and complex, filled with gods, mortals, constellation magic, and lyrical writing. I really liked Matilda. I just wanted her and Vincent to get there happily ever after, especially after all she went thru. But I felt that their reuniting was rushed. I would’ve liked to have them spend more time together. They went thru so many hardships and struggled to stay together. I needed a longer, more satisfying ending.

The epilogue was a nice touch for Divine Rivals fans.

Overall, it’s a great story.

If you loved Divine Rivals, but wished to know more about the deities, this book is for you! I loved every second of reading it. The world building was lush and gorgeous. It was so interesting seeing into the lives of the gods. Matilda and Vincent were so romantic! I loved their whole dynamic, it filled all the things I look for in a fantasy romance. Overall this book was beautiful, romantic, and full of hope and longing. I would recommend this to everyone!

This one was a bit hard to get into at first, maybe because I haven't read the Divine Rivals series, which might have helped since it’s set in the same world. I didn’t feel super captivated while reading and found myself getting distracted. The epilogue left me more confused than anything, and overall, the ending didn’t feel as satisfying as I was hoping for. However, it was not a bad book by any means.

Thank you Saturday Books and St Martins Press for the gifted eARC.

After a string of “not for me” books, it was time to grab the one book I felt most assured would not disappoint - my most anticipated 2025 read and the upcoming release from my favorite author. Wild Reverence absolutely lived up to my very high hopes!

Set in the same world as Divine Rivals, but many years before, Wild Reverence introduces us to a young goddess, Matilda. Born in the under realm, but destined to travel between worlds, our heroine is seeking her place amongst powerful and ruthless gods. In the mortal world a boy named Vincent dreams of a beautiful girl with red hair that helps him through his nightmares.

There is so much I could say about this gorgeous book, but I have to reign myself in to avoid any bit of spoilers! The world building is so rich, the characters well formed, the romance is beautiful, and the story itself had me wanting to flip pages as fast as possible while also trying to soak in every sentence written in Ross’ signature lyrical style.

As this book is adult, the style reminded me more of Ross’ Elements of Cadence duology and the length of the novel allows the reader to really dive into the world that we were introduced to in the Letter of Enchantments duology. Although you do not have to have read any of Ross’ previous novels to enjoy this book, I would recommend reading Divine Rivals/Ruthless Vows first as there is a small amount of crossover that will be very fun for DR/RV fans!

Unsurprisingly this is my favorite book of 2025 and I’ll absolutely be rereading it either in hardcopy or audio come September!

Before there were letters written on magical typewriters, before the story of Iris and Roman, before the long sleep of the Underlings, there was the birth of Matilda, a herald, and both a Skyward and an Underling. Born into a world where no one can be trusted, Matilda must grow quickly. Add to that her growing interactions with the mortal realm, and Matilda faces a life of navigating challenges and tough decisions throughout. This is a story that can be read as a stand alone, or add it to the Letters of Enchantment (Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows) to add new layers and depth to those stories.
Wild Reverence is a book filled with depth and beautiful writing. The magical world and complex characters create an immersive experience that tugs at your mind and your heart. It explores what it means to wait for the one you love. It delves into the rocky relationships one can have with parents and family. It considers what it means to trust others, to trust yourself. It’s a story of growing into yourself.
Wild Reverence is one of those books that I wish I could read for the first time again and again. Instead, I will be counting down until release day when I can hold the physical book in my hands and read it again that way. Thank you NetGalley and Saturday Books for the digital advance copy for review.

Gorgeous. Beautiful. Emotional. Poignant.

The way Rebecca Ross writes touches something in my soul. It was so wonderful to be back in the Letters of Enchantment world.

For me, I didn’t have a great grasp on the Underling/Skyward gods and goddesses at the start of Divine Rivals. They were these larger than life myths that Iris and Roman’s story intersected with and that was my focus, but this book really cracks that world wide open and we get to know these powerful beings and the way they function on a more human level.

Once I got through the initial world-building and I had a solid visual of the setting and had a glimpse of who Matilda was going to grow into as our FMC, I flew through this story. I loved the relationship and bond between Matilda and Vincent. It was so beautiful and Vincent is MMC goals for sure. I love the magic system, the ties to constellations and the ways mortals can communicate with gods.

The tie-ins to Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows are also so good it’s going to make you want to immediately re-read because you want to live in this magical world Rebecca has created a little longer.

I can’t wait for this to be out in the world because it’s a story that stays with you! Thank you to SMP for the early copy!

When I first heard that “Wild Reverence” was a prequel set in the same universe as one of my favorite duologies EVERRRRR (“Divine Rivals”), I was over the moon with excitement. While I thoroughly enjoyed Rebecca Ross’s beautiful writing and lush ambience, I can’t lie that I was disappointed in the events that took place in this book.

Our main characters are Matilda and Vincent. Matilda is a goddess destined to carry messages across realms. Vincent is a mortal man who has spent his life dreaming of Matilda before ever meeting her. Their relationship was beautiful and made me actually believe in soulmates. I loved when they were together and happy.

…Which brings me to my main complaint: they were hardly together and happy! It was challenge after challenge after challenge… I was left thinking “WHAT NEXT?!?!?!?” Waaaaayyyy too often for my liking. I would have enjoyed it more if we actually got to explore their relationship and see them develop together rather than so many different plot points and conflicts. For almost a 600 page book, they really didn’t get enough time together IMO.

Bonus points to the epilogue though - I absolutely loved how it set up the prose for “Divine Rivals”.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Saturday Books, and NetGalley for a copy of this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I loved Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows so was excited to read Rebecca Ross’s newest book, Wild Reverence. Matilda is navigating her role between 3 worlds while discovering her powers as a goddess and how to save the people she cares about. Readers will also finally learn the origin of the magic typewriters from Divine Rivals.