I just finished Anderson’s book, and I have questions and thoughts about it. The novel has some excellent plot points.
Dark Academia
School for witches/magic
Family dynamics
Student/Teacher
Prejudices
Warring factions
Butttt, the execution was poor. Overall the world building isn’t totally successful.

A major tenet of this book is that humans are somehow beneath witches, and to be despised as a result. Why does this not make sense? Early on it’s discussed that not every member of a family will necessarily be born a witch. How are some skipped in a bloodline, and how people treat others in their family that aren’t born witchy? Are they met with the same disdain that Vic and the servants are treated with? Also, the Order’s ranks have decreased considerably. Am I to believe that all of the non-witch humans should be considered beneath a few thousand Order members?

How an individual becomes “Made” is not explained until about 30% in, and even then it’s glossed over and not given any depth. It would have lent more gravity to the distinction and created less confusion if it came a little sooner, especially since Made witches were a source of controversy within the Order.

Assumptions are made that had me questioning if I’d missed something in the previous pages, but nope. Like conduits. Suddenly Vic knows items are conduits when it’s never explained to her prior. The book made leaps that were at times confusing.

There are a plethora of annoying contradictions. In one instance Vic goes into the library and suddenly when she arrives back to her room the ENTIRE castle has left/been evacuated without her hearing anything or realizing it? While I understand the building is massive, I’m not buying it.

The characters were hit or miss for me. Henry was bit whiny, Vic had minimal to no personal growth from start to finish, Xan was a pretty standard brooding protector, Sarah was a highlight, and Max was just Max (which is neither good nor bad in this situation). Did I care for any of them? Not particularly.

Using personal archive entries was a great plot device, as it gave greater context the Order and its doctrines. I found myself looking forward to them. The monsters were creative, but the illustrations were unnecessary. I actually found it took away from their descriptions.

Last item, what in the heck does the book title have to do with the actual story? Maybe it just sounded sinister and interesting, so they went with it?

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

We who have no gods is a refreshing romantasy debut with a focus on dark academia and witch lore. The world building was fantastic and the history and politics surrounding the Acheron Order was well developed. This series scratched my Harry Potter itch while also providing a mysterious, strong and hot love interest that was reminiscent of Xaden Riorson from Fourth Wing.

Victoria Wood has followed the same mantra all her life: Keep her head down and protect her little brother Henry. After their mother's death when she was 16, Vic has had to make several sacrifices including attending high school and college in order to make ends meet. Margaret Wood was a very powerful witch who before her death foretold that her son Henry would inherit her magical abilities. Unfortunately for Vic, she's a normal human woman.

When a member of the Acheron Order confronts her and Henry and demands Henry's presence at Avalon Castle to attend their semesterly classes, Vic decides to tag along. Unfortunately, Vic's status as a human and not a ' born witch' earns her the ire of the other students and elders alike. Her talent at sparring however does not go unnoticed by the Chief Sentinel Alexandros 'Xan' Garistos. Xan's duty along with the other sentinels is to protect the Order from the monsters that lurk from the world of the dead that pierce through the veil that separates the living from the dead. Vic begins to help as an assistant sparring coach, while trying to track down her mother's legacy and solve the mystery of her disappearance & death. A war is looming between two rival witch factions that could threaten the fabric of the world and unleash several different types of monsters that prey on humans from across the veil. Vic finds herself in the middle of two rival factions and must uncover the truth about her mother to truly be able to pick a side.

This novel was unique because of Vic's powerlessness. Unlike other Romantasies, Vic is not the chosen one who is destined to hold the power to win the war. Instead, it's her brother. Themes of family, sacrifice and identity were thoroughly explored. Victoria was always dealt the short stick in life and finally builds the courage and selfishness to put her needs first at the Avalon Castle. The horror elements were done well, and I was truly on the edge of my seat.

It's clear this is a multi-book series, and I'm intrigued to see how the author connects breadcrumbs including the mystery of Vic and Henry's parentage in the second book. I also can't wait to see more of the slow burn between Vic and Xan.

*advanced copy from NetGalley for review*
I do love a dark academia/magic school book! This is a fun one with a unique premise but plenty of recognizable tropes from the famous books in the genre.

I loved the quote/framing background introducing each chapter with some "historical context". I found this easy to read and get sucked into and the characters generally likeable. Even when I guessed what some plot points would be in advance, I really enjoyed watching it play out!

A few things kept this from being 5 stars for me- the romance fell a bit flat for me with the immediate/inexplicable attraction on both sides. And generally I prefer books that aren't so obviously set up to be the first in a series. I like more of a stand-alone plot but this book screams for sequels and doesn't really stand on its own.

I loved this book it was so good! I loved the fantasy elements and the characters! It was such a unique concept, and I can’t wait to read more from this author!

I struggled to get into this book. From the outset I felt something was off about the writing style that I can't put my finger on. The characters seemed developed, but then I didn't find that I believed any of their motivations or actions.

The book has some unique ideas, such as the way magic fits into our modern world, and also some familiar ones, such as the training school for magic users. I often like the random quotes from old books at the start of each chapter, but in this case it was too much. They felt like a big info dump and not a teaser.

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House for the opportunity to review this ARC.

Oh thank the gods! Or in this case - don’t since they have none. I thought I was in a book rut. With book after book just not hitting the mark and then… this book. Which was flawless. The plot was intriguing, full of mystery and a dangerous world that wasn’t too straightforward, but that also had just enough details for peak curiosity. I loved that Vic, our FMC, was not gifted or chosen - her strengths came from her values and the work she put into them. She lived as a protector and when put into this academy of witches, was the snarky powerless human who could still kick their asses. I loved her wit and internal strength! I loved how clever she was and that her experiences and thoughts flowed so naturally. Her interactions with the other members of the order were interesting and multi-faceted, and I adored watching the push and pull between her and Xan.
Overall I loved this book and am excited to see where this story goes. This is definitely one that I will recommend and rave about!

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for this advance reader’s copy!

We Who Have No Gods is an exciting, dark academia story of witches at war. Thrown into the middle of this are Vic and her younger brother Henry, who has inherited witchy powers of his own from his mother, a former member of the order that has recruited Henry.

I am always glad to see powerful, independent women in fantasy. Vic is a force to be reckoned with, even as a mere human in the middle of a witch college. She’s an easy character to root for, and her fast-made friend Sarah adds some comedy along the way.

I loved the excerpts about the Order at the beginning of each chapter, and they did a great job of explaining pieces of the magic system while the reader and Vic are still trying to find their way.

This book has everything that fantasy and romantasy readers love - a cool magic system, a side of romance, a great friend, some tough enemies, and a lot of action. This is a good read for fans of The Fourth Wing and Zodiac Academy. I was excited to find out this isn’t a standalone and I will be (im)patiently awaiting the next book!

This review will not be posted anywhere else until after the publication date, as requested in the Advance Reader’s Copy note. After that date, you can find the review at my Instagram and Goodreads profiles linked in my bio.

Though some grammatical editing is needed, overall I enjoyed the story. I can’t wait for the next installation, as the ending left many questions unanswered and ready for a sequel or series!

I absolutely loved this book! It had me on the edge of my seat the whole time! It reminds me of a mix of Harry Potter and zodiac Academy. The world building was very intricate, but not complicated and the tension between Victoria and Alexander gave me butterflies! This is everything I want and a fantasy novel. The only thing that I didn’t like was the cliffhanger because it means that we have to wait for the next book! But I definitely will be rereading this a time or two and recommending it to friends. I give it a five out of five stars!

This book was good. A bit convoluted but entertaining. When I was not reading it, I was thinking about it. That's a good sign, no?

The author did a good job of describing the atmosphere and conveying the darkness and tension of the story.

Vic and Henry received a mysterious visitor with an invitation for Henry only. But as an older sister, Vic was not going to leave her baby brother alone and she will try to keep him safe. That's what she have done since her mother's death.

After arriving to Avalon, Vic quickly learned she was not welcomed but she was determined (or stubborn) to find her place in a magical world among witches, and in the process learn about her mom’s past life as a witch.

The story between the MMC and FMC was frustrating in a good way. You can feel the tension building up and the push and pull between them.

Something that did give me pause was the name of the MMC -Xan - and his abilities - witch expert in shadows-. Sounds familiar!?

However, was not a deal breaker for me. The story and themes were different from other fantasy books I've read.

I enjoyed how the book was broken down, into three parts. And although there were some inconsistencies in how the chapters were presented (some have images/illustrations others did not), I'm confident that this will be addressed before officially launching the book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Liza Anderson, and Ballantine Books for the Arc!

Read this in one sitting and could not, for the life of me, put it down!

The story follows Vic, a woman no magical power of her own, who risks everything to protect her younger brother after he’s recruited to join the Order after years of running from the truth of what their mother left behind. Even without magic, Vic is fierce, loyal, and incredibly determined—a protagonist who feels grounded and real. Her evolving relationship with Xan, the intimidating but complex head Sentinel, brings an emotional tension to the narrative that goes far beyond romance, keeping me hooked.

The book has this moody, gothic dark academia vibe that made it hard to put down. Avalon Castle felt like a character in itself—creepy, magical, full of secrets. .

What I appreciated most was how the story wasn’t just about magic—it was about family, identity, and figuring out where you belong even when the world says you don’t fit. Definitely recommend if you’re into fantasy with heart and a little bite.

EASILY one the the best modern fantasy books I've read. Can't wait to see more from this author!

This book didn't seem to be marketed as a romantasy, but that's what it ended up feeling like. I came for the academia, and left once I realized the main character was more interested in drooling over a man than literally anything else. What a frustrating group of characters. What an annoying plot.

A training school for Witches. An Order of witches who’s main purpose is to keep the realm of the dead away from the realm of the living. Of course I am going to want to read it!

Or MC Victoria (Vic) has been taking care of her brother Henry since he mom left for work one day and never came back. She would do anything for her brother and that is how she finds herself in a school for witches of the Acheron Order or witches. Unfortunately the Acheron Order is in a battle with the head Sentinel of Avalon Castle (Xan) and suddenly Vic finds herself in the middle of a power struggle between Xan and an elder of the Acheron Order named Max.

The story is dark, atmospheric with a significant level of creepy. I also got a dark academia feel with gothic vibes. There is a real sense of mystery and a real feeling of unease while reading. You really do not know who you can trust (Max vs Xan).

The writing is well done. The world building is detailed with thorough descriptions of the magic system and the creatures that exist in the world. So it’s easy to paint the picture in your mind. I truly enjoyed the political aspects and power struggle involved in the world of the witches as well as the history providedl. It brought the story up to a whole other level adding layers of complexity that I found intriguing.

I really enjoyed this read! I was immersed in the world and enjoyed watching Vic evolve, grow and change throughout the story. As soon as I finished this book I started looking to see if there would be a book 2!

Absolutely Phenomenal – A Wild, Heart-Pounding Ride from Start to Finish!
This book devoured me. It was bold, breathtaking, clever, emotional, and packed with nonstop energy. If you're into deep, brooding "Shadowhunter" vibes with a twist of cunning magic and high-stakes survival, buckle up, you’re in for a ride. I haven’t rated a book six stars in months, and this one? This one reached into my chest, grabbed my heart, and refused to let go.
Let’s start with the setup. The story kicks off with our fierce FMC, Vic, on the run with her younger brother Henry, fleeing a secret society of witches. Their mother’s dying words were a warning: Run. They’re coming for Henry. And run she did—for years. At just 16, Vic became her brother’s protector, mother, and guardian all in one. But time ran out. When Henry chose to stop running, Vic reluctantly agreed to drop him off at the academy… but walking away wasn’t an option. Henry was all she had left, and that fierce, unshakable bond? It cut deep.
Walking into that castle wasn’t in her plans—but neither was becoming the only human ever admitted to the witches’ academy. Instantly targeted and bullied, Vic didn’t flinch. She’s stubborn, battle-worn, and refuses to be broken. Her strength isn’t just physical—it’s raw, emotional, earned. She’s loyal, protective, and sharp as hell. If you love a capable, no-nonsense heroine who’s been forged in fire, Vic’s your girl.
And then there’s Xan. Grumpy. Brooding. Sinfully sexy. Think shadowy, dangerous, and just soft enough to make your heart ache. He’s your next book boyfriend, no question—total “shadow daddy” material, and surprisingly tender beneath all that edge. Their chemistry? Electric.
The world-building and magic system were smooth and immersive—easy to follow without ever feeling simple. You’re dropped into a complex world, but never left behind. Every detail feels intentional, every twist earned.
If you're hunting for your next fantasy obsession—something with depth, danger, heat, and heartbreak—add this to your TBR now. Just be warned: the wait for this book (not out until January 2026) might destroy you. I’m already suffering.
P.S. Henry? Ugh. The kid was ungrateful, cold, and frankly, left a bitter taste in my mouth. Vic deserved better from him after everything she gave up.

I really enjoyed this debut! It had an interesting twist on witches (something that you typically see in vampire stories) which I thought was creative and made the world building richer.

The romance took a back seat but I expect it will ramp up in future books. I loved the dark academia setting as well.

I had some issues with things that felt “missing” from the story. For example, Vic and Henry never mention their father or possible fathers ever in the story. We have to assume Max or Aren could be one or both of their fathers but that fact that it was just never mentioned felt odd. Similarly, the ending felt a bit random. We don’t really see much of Henry and then randomly the last few lines show him in a setting with no explanation.

I think this is a good debut and I’d continue to read this series but I think it could do with a bit more refining in the editing space. Some details were missing that I think would only make the story stronger.

Overall, a solid debut.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I would like to thank Ballantine and Liza Anderson for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.8 Stars rounded to 4 Stars

"Vic Woods and and younger brother Henry are in danger. They have been since they mother disappeared out the door never to be seen again, leaving only a cryptic warnings in her wake. Her brother was a witch like she was, he was being hunted, and she had to keep him safe.

That past catches up to them and soon a reluctant Vic and and excited Henry find themselves in the world of the Acheron Order and staying in Castle Avalon an academy that will help Henry hone his new abilities. Vic is shunned and ostracized by all but a few and more than one person on her side is also urging her to leave and never come back. It would help if these warning weren't from a ridiculously handsome Sentinel named Xan who keeps Vic on her toes toes and questioning everyone's motives even her own.

As she makes both enemies and allies in this mysterious realm, Vic becomes caught between the dark forces at play, with her mother at the heart of it all. What's stranger is that Vic begins to be affected by the academy—and Xan—in ways she can't quite understand. But with war between witches threatening the fabric of reality, Vic must decide whether to risk her heart and life for a world where power is everything."

Mystery! Suspense! Magic! Monsters!
This book was good and on its way to great. I was fully invested in Vic's story from the beginning and my curiosity at how this world worked and what exactly was going on kept me turning page after page. Vic is a reluctant MC. She doesn't really know where she belongs, she doesn't know how to belong and that doesn't really get even completely solved in this book, (not a bad thing), as that's just her role but I think we can all relate to having to trudge through areas of our lives, as a teen and as an adult of just feeling like you don't fit your surroundings. She handles this well and doesn't feel whiney or even too antagonistic, it's just enough to feel like she's been through some shit and is just trying to figure it out.

I loved the monsters (the Orcans) and the imagery they evoked. It was right on the line of fantasy/horror. I'm invested in where the story is going and to find out what her mom was hiding, which seems like it's going to be a lot to unravel. The ending was *chef's kiss*

My only gripe is the romance. There's all this sexual tension going on for the whole book and when something finally happens it's...lackluster at best. It wasn't bad but not exactly what I was expecting form this imposing shadow-daddy and fierce leading lady. Maybe I'm just being picky though.

Overall a great fun and interesting read. A lot of cool ideas going on.
I would continue this series.

I really loved this book! I felt like the plot was plotting the whole time and it kept me interested and engaged steadily throughout. I enjoyed the dark urban setting, and felt the writing did a great job of describing the world without trying to spoon feed the reader. The magic and the lore of the were intriguing, especially the difference between Born and Made witches. The push and pull of the Order and the Brotherhood was gripping and I loved that everything seemed pretty gray for most of the story. Its so delicious when there is not a clear good/bad side, at least at first. There was not a lot of world building but I feel like that made sense with the plot, and we are kind learning with our main character. My favorite part by far is Vic. It was so refreshing for our female lead to not be the "chosen" one from the gate who is loved by everyone. She is super relatable, flawed, but still heroic in her own way. She really has to earn her place and power, while also making up for the gaps in her education and knowledge. I love that she reacts to events emotionally and in a way that I feel is plausible for a character with her history and trauma. She was easy to root for, even when the plot kept me guessing so much that I didn't know what to actually root for! I thought her relationship with her brother was classic sibling love with fighting but also loving each other the absolute most. My only real gripe about the story was the Main Male Character. His physical description was a bit eye rolling, and felt really tropey/formulaic. We have this MMC who is obnoxiously tall (stated manyyy times), incredibly ripped while still somehow super agile, and surprise, he is a shadow daddy to boot. Not to mention he also finished his magical training in months rather than years. I felt like he should have had just a couple of those stand-out qualities and he would have felt more real. He did grow on me though with his relationship with Vic. I loved their slower development, while not becoming different people after developing feelings. The ending was at first a complete shock but in hindsight makes perfect sense. The breadcrumbs of it are clear in hindsight and make it really believable. I really hope we get more to this story as there seems to be so much more to tell. Overall, fantastic job and I am so grateful I was able to read this!

Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this ARC!
4.5/5 Stars

Liza Anderson's debut creates a magical world that doesn't feel overplayed, stale, or like it has nothing new to offer. I was hooked from beginning to end. Action packed, gothic fantasy that delivers on world building and establishing a main character, Vic Wood, who is relatable, headstrong, and poised to take action as the series develops. Features a slow burn romance that doesn't take over the story but helps add a little flavor to the mix. While there were subtle hints scattered throughout of the direction the ending was heading toward, I still sat there open- mouthed reading the last bit. A war is coming, and I can't wait to see how this plays out.

Trigger Warning: action scenes contain gory descriptions

Review will be posted on Instagram account and StoryGraph at launch date.

I could not put this book down! I was hooked from the beginning and was invested in getting to know the characters more. The subtle clues were so good and the slow burn was so intense. This book sets up a whole new world and idea on how the world works. Is there a secret witch society? Who knows, all I know is that I cannot wait for more books by this author. It was beautifully written and the story was excellent. Read this book if you love a fantasy novel and a main character who is stronger than everyone else, but has no idea.

This was a dark and twisty read. The world building was interesting and it presented a unique take on witches and their history. I enjoyed the depth of the small passages at the start of each chapter.