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.

Rating: 3.5 stars (rounded up)
Pub date: Jan 27 2026

*Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the eARC of this book.

This was a stunning book - especially as a debut!

The plot and story itself is intriguing - a training school for witches, where one human without magic has made it past the doors and taken up training. From the start, the magic system is described in great detail, and I admired how it was not an 'info-dump;' rather, the details were explained throughout the story (primarily in the beginning) through archive excerpts at the beginning of each chapter, conversations, and the main character's experiences. The system itself is incredibly fascinating, from distinctions between witches, which contributes to the major conflict in the story between organizations, to the monsters (Orcans) and means of wielding/practicing magic itself. The magic system was unique and not a copy-and-paste of others I have read.

Just as the magic system was described excellently and kept me intrigued, the main character (Vic) was thoroughly developed, and I came to love her as a character. Her motivations, history, and thoughts, along with her backstory, were rich with detail.

Anderson's writing (in terms of technical skill) was impressive from her descriptions to her dialogue. I loved the humor and romance aspects that were integrated into the book, as well!

I also absolutely loved the ending of the book, and, assuming that this novel is the start of a series of some sort, it did a fantastic job of leaving me on the edge of my seat and wanting more.

I do wish that some characters and relationships were given more attention and description relative to how well-developed Vic's character was. While we got glimpses into some other characters and their histories, I would have loved to have gotten more details. I also would have loved more details about the Orcans/monsters, as sometimes I couldn't get a good picture of what they looked/were like with the given descriptions. I also struggled a bit with the pacing. The start of the book hooked me in as it jumped right into conflict and turmoil for Vic and started immediately explaining the fascinating magic system. The last fifth or so of the book also picked up the pace quickly and was gripping. However, I struggled with a 'lull' for a majority of the middle of the book; paradoxically, things were changing/happening, yet I wanted 'more.' I wanted more gripping events or action, or at least a faster pace. The beginning and end of the book were redeeming, but I did struggle to get through the middle with as much enthusiasm and eagerness. It almost seemed like the events/conversations were redundant, so perhaps that explains the paradox of things still 'happening' yet the pace feeling so much slower.

My review will be published on my Goodreads account and Instagram page (dedicated to book content and reviews) on May 23rd, 2025.

Rather than following the usual hero’s journey, Liza Anderson shifts the focus to the sibling destined to protect them. The story wonderfully captures the experience of living in the shadow of someone, offering a fresh perspective on family dynamics and personal identity.

I couldn’t put this book down. I loved the twists and turns that kept the plot unpredictable and gripping.

Thank you Liza Anderson and Ballantine Books for giving me an arc to review.

I really enjoyed this book a lot and it was a fun and easy read. Vic was a nice contrast to typical tropes and almost felt like a reverse Harry Potter. I also thought the magic system was well thought out and written. My only complaint with the book was that it felt almost too short/rushed in points. I wanted to experience more of the life in the castle and see Vic build up her relationships with Xan, Sarah, and May more. Overall, it was a solid book and would definitely recommend this to others who enjoy urban fantasies!

We Who Have No Gods was such a solid intro novel for what promises to be an awesome series! I found myself so hooked on the characters, the world building, and the lore of this magical world.
Adult Harry Potter vibes with a touch of horror, monsters, suspicious parents, and magic. SLOOOWWWW BURNNN romance that was so delicious!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will anxiously await the next one because CLIFF HANGER!!!!! 5 stars!

How do you find where you fit in when you've been on the run most of your life? How do you find who you are when you've always been your brothers protector? How do you fit in with witches when you have no magic? Vic will find a way.

This was a great beginning into this series, I love a strong FMC and someone who is willing to see their flaws. A small personal favorite of mine was the use of Filipino folk lore, I was incredibly surprised to see it depicted in this book!

I will be anxiously awaiting the rest of the series! I NEED to know where this goes.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for sending me We Who Have No Gods prior to release date.
We Who Have No Gods is a page turner with the bones and concept of a good fantasy series that gets lost along the way. We meet Vic, a hard working, no nonsense waitress and guardian to her younger brother, Henry. After their mother disappeared eight years ago, leaving them with only a warning that someone would be coming for Henry, Vic has made his safety priority one. When they are finally found, it is revealed that their mother was a witch, belonging to the Archeron Order and Henry is as well. It is now time for Henry to move to Avalon Castle and become the Order's newest recruit. Vic, not willing to leave Henry, and inundated with even more questions surrounding her mother's life, is coming too.
This was an interesting and fresh take on fantasy and academia. I found the book well written and greatly appreciated and enjoyed the blurbs of information we got before each chapter, giving further insight into the Order. However, I felt it greatly lacked character development and the flow was clunky at times. The chase/fight scenes were hard to follow and visualize and the romance in the book seemed forced. It felt rushed. I feel it could have greatly benefited from a slower pace, allowing the reader to really get to know Vic and build those relationships.
Overall, I think this is a fast read, the concept is strong and unique, and it is entertaining. I would hope to see in book two more development.

I plan to post my review on GoodReads after publication date, the week of February 2nd. Thank you again for the advanced copy and congratulations to Liza Anderson on her debut.

This is my first Arc, thank you Netgalley!!

Vic has one goal, and that's to protect her brother Henry. When a secret society shows up and whisks him away to magic training she of course follows him. Unfortunately, Vic is as human as they come and she's about to enter a world where she does not belong.

Writing: 7/10
World building: 8/10
Characters: 8/10
Plot: 8/10
Spice: 🌶️/5
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

For the writing, I gave that an 7 out of 10. I enjoyed the writing immensely. For the most part, I think the writing was phenomenal. There are a few places where there are repeated sentences or repeated words, but I will let it slide since this doesn’t release for another 6 months. I think everything was described really well, and I thought it was very engaging. It left me wanting to keep reading until I finished the whole thing. My only critique is that it was written in third-person but felt like first-person. In that sense, it was a bit disjointed. Normally, I prefer third-person writing, but I think first person would have been more appropriate.

For the plot, I gave that an 8 out of 10. The plot was fantastic. I was truly on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was going to happen next. It wasn’t entirely unpredictable in some instances, but when things did happen, it left you validated rather than dissatisfied. It first began as a relatively straight - forward plot but quickly expanded into something much more engaging that I hope carries through to the next books.

For the characters, I gave that a 7 out of 10. I think Vic is such an interesting and complex character. As an eldest daughter who also had to help raise their siblings, I connected with her in a lot of ways. She has spent the last 8 years taking care of her brother and picking up responsibilities that should never have been hers. During those years, she would normally have been figuring out who she is and who she wants to be. Instead, she’s spent that time in fight or flight mode, on the run from people she doesn’t know. Once Henry makes the decision to go to Avalon Castle, she stays with him because that’s all she knows. Later in the book, she’s told she needs to leave the castle because she’s not a witch and doesn’t belong there. However, she then realizes she has no purpose outside of Henry. She spent her whole life being a parent to her brother and now she is starting late in life the work of figuring out her place in the world. Vic does remain at the castle while she figures out what she wants to do, but she also feels that the castle is not as safe as the Elders keep telling her and decides to keep watching out for Henry.

Despite her faults, I do love that she is tough but also a girl’s girl. She likes fighting and drinking. She’s loud and unapologetic, and she could have easily been a pick-me. However, she makes really good friends while she’s there and I love that for her.

One thing I do want to mention with the romance subplot. This book is not spicy. Vic and the love interest do have a lot of tension, and a few make-out scenes but nothing beyond that. There is a part at the end where they are getting hot and heavy, but it was a little embarrassing that they “finished” with clothes on and they’re adults. Something to keep in mind that it did leave me with second - hand embarrassment.

Tying back into the writing, this is told in third-person, but we’re solely focused on Vic. All other characters are seen through her lens and so we don’t get the depth that I think we should have with other characters. This is why I think it would have been better written in first - person, but that’s the main critique. I know that keeping other characters vague is what gives us the surprise factor at the end of the book, so it does work. I just feel that first-person would have been more appropriate for the context of the story.

For the world-building, I gave that an 8 out of 10. I think it was very well thought out. It’s not explained in great detail how the magic works but that fits the story. Vic is a non-magical person, so she can’t see the “threads” that witches manipulate to work the magic. She’s attended classes and has her friends that explain the mechanics to her, but she doesn’t necessarily see what they do. However, I do feel it will be heavily expanded in the next book.

I liked the idea of the Order essentially existing to keep the balance between the world of the living and the dead. It does remind me a bit of The Mortal Instruments series where they hunt demons, and I loved that series as a teenager. The biologist in me loves that we got to learn the classifications of each monster, how they come through the Veil, and how to get rid of them. It could have easily been wishy-washy, but it wasn’t and I appreciated that.

The Order is described as being this old money organization, and we know old money means rich white people. It does hint a bit at the discrimination and sexism that has taken place at the Order and continues to happen, but it wasn’t really expanded besides this hate towards Vic for being in the castle but not having magic. There is this idea that the Order is tasked with protecting humans from the monsters across the Veil but they hate humans. This book is about 300 pages, so it’s not a long time to sit with this idea. I’m hoping we can expand more in the second book to have some sort of social commentary about old institutions and their lack of inclusivity.

Overall, I gave this 3.75 stars. I really enjoyed this book. I have no expectations going into it. I don’t usually gravitate to dark academia, but I think this was more dark academia light so I enjoyed it more.

Wow—what a debut! This dark fantasy delivers a gripping blend of immersive worldbuilding, compelling characters, and just the right touch of horror. From the first page, the story sinks its claws in and doesn’t let go. The plot is always moving, keeping the reader engaged with a steady, deliberate pace that never feels rushed or aimless.

The magic system is both fascinating and coherent, rooted in rules that feel intuitive yet fresh. The societal structure draws on familiar real-world dynamics, which makes the fantasy elements feel even more grounded and believable. One especially clever device is the historical blurbs at the start of each chapter—snippets of lore, documents, or in-world history that enrich the reading experience and deepen the setting. These details create an atmospheric texture that really brings the world to life.

The distinction between Born and Made witches adds a layer of complexity to both the world and the plot. The way magic subtly alters perception (like how only certain people can see magical elements, or how a witch’s shine in their eyes reveals their power) is inventive and haunting. The dark urban setting adds mood and mystery, without ever resorting to heavy exposition.

What really stands out is the moral ambiguity—the conflict between the Order and the Brotherhood doesn’t fall into neat binaries. There’s a delicious grayness to the story where good and evil aren’t immediately clear, which makes the character dynamics all the more engrossing. And the tension between the protagonists and antagonists is intricately woven, making for a rich and layered narrative.

For a debut, this is an astonishing achievement. Readers will be left hungry for book two.

This book is perfect for:
• Fantasy readers who crave dark, immersive worlds with rich lore and morally complex characters.
• Fans of urban fantasy who enjoy modern, gritty settings with supernatural twists.
• Those who loved “The Ninth House” by Leigh Bardugo, “The Atlas Six” by Olivie Blake, or “A Deadly Education” by Naomi Novik.
• Readers who enjoy stories that include in-world documents or lore-building as part of the narrative.
• Anyone who loves a mix of magic, political tension, and a touch of horror—but isn’t afraid to dive into morally gray territory.

Trigger warnings are important here—this book doesn’t shy away from darker elements, so sensitive readers should review content warnings before diving in.

Oh. My. Gods. This book completely consumed me! Vic is such a relatable main character—tough, loyal, and way out of her depth, but she never backs down. And Xan?? The broody, morally gray Sentinel with serious “I hate everyone but her” energy? Swoon. Their tension crackles off the page, and every scene between them had me holding my breath. The vibes are gothic, the stakes are high, and the slow-burn tension?? Chef’s kiss.

The worldbuilding is insane. This isn’t just a romance it was amazing! If you love enemies-to-lovers tension, immersive magic systems, and “touch her and die” MMCs, you NEED this book on your shelf yesterday.

This was my first ARC. The book name and cover are what initially drew my attention.
I felt a connection with the main character, who at times frustrated me to no end, but I’m glad. The character kept true to who she was throughout the book but had subtle growth that was genuine. During times of stress she still reverted to her base instincts even with her growth showing it in its true non-linear form.
The magic system was unique from other books and had a good foundation, I wish there had been a bit more depth given between the order of witches but I’m hoping that will come with the next book!
The end kept me on edge and not wanting to stop, and the cliffhanger at the end was not one I saw coming!

It was fun, suspenseful, hooking you in from the start. The characters are easy to love and it makes you want to read it all the more. I was sometimes even so scared I didn’t want to read further, that’s what makes a good book.

Wow! This was the first thought entered my mind to describe this book. This has absolutely everything I love in a fantasy book plus a little horror. Make sure you check your trigger warnings before you commit to this, but I loved it. Thank you Netgalley for this e-arc.

Oh. My. God. I genuinely think this is one of the best written and refreshing modern fantasies I have read in a very long time. Lately, the genre is saturated in regurgitated storylines and sloppy seconds, but this book is seriously incredible with few setbacks. And the fact that this is a debut novel???? Insane. I gave this 4.5 stars.

We Who Have No Gods is a dark academia, gothic fantasy (This is absolutely NOT NOT NOT a romantasy) about Victoria Wood, a human whose brother, Henry, possesses magical powers. Vic is your classic big sister, caring for and protecting her little brother since their mom's death. When Henry receives a not-so-subtle summons to The Archeron Order at Avalon Castle, Vic decides to go with him, because what could go wrong with a human in a school of witches?? Whie they are at Avalon, Vic meets people from her mother's past and begins to peel back the layers of the life she thought they had and the cause of her mother's abrupt death. Additionally, this is NOT a high school-like academy. It is actually typically attended by individuals who have finished college or are of that age. Most attendants are in their mid-to-late twenties.

This book captured my attention from the first page. Vic's story is captivating and tumultuous- we learn that humans are adamantly banned from any knowledge of or access to the Order, so Vic being granted permission to stay is a BIG deal. This lays the foundation for the recurring conflict of introducing new ways in a very old, traditional environment and the resistance met with that. There is very real, radical passion on both sides. Because of this, Vic is treated horribly by most everyone there, with a few favored exceptions - her brother included. Vic is an observational character with a lot of backbone - although sometimes I do think she gets a little big-headed. The plot has stellar movement and pacing and I LOVE that it's written to be real, not pretty (EMPHASIS ON THIS). The creatures, the violence, the gore, it is all described so realistically (as realistic as a creepy creature can be, I guess). This book is such a refreshing approach with raw physicality and I can't get over it. It also has the perfect villains - although I do think Aren's initial manipulation could've been integrated a little bit better- I still love it all. Vic's journey, Henry's journey, their mom's past, the Acheron Order leadership, the many diverse conflicts (physical, social, and mental).

ALSO, the romantic element is TRULY a SUBplot. I feel like a lot of modern fantasy is propped up on a cliché romantic plot, but this was just high magic, high in character development, high in world building and realism, high in exposed and unembellished violence. It does not stand on the shoulders of romance- rather, the romance is a background addition to the primary story being told- It could have used a little more emotional development though, I think.

Honestly, this entire book reminds me of the Mortal Instrument Series with more gore and less embellishment, and maybe better?? (I know that's bold, don't come for me). I would say that this is a (new) ADULT read only because of the gore, not the romance. But I also know that Liza Anderson intends to potentially spice it up as the series progresses since this book focused on world/plot establishment. Albeit a little predictable at times, I love love loved this book. The only potential setback (that is not really even a setback) is ONE character/ability combo that I think is becoming overdone across the board in fantasy- I won't spoil it for you. But honestly, it didn't even bother me that much because it is done differently and I was also just so invested in the book by that point.

The execution of this story is unreal and I am EAGERLY awaiting the second book of this series like a dog by the front door. I am so extremely confident that this book is going to be a BIG DEAL. Liza Anderson, please quit your job and write the next book immediately, I cannot be kept in suspense.

Where do I preorder????

Thank you Ballantine Books and Liza Anderson for this homerun of an ARC and debut novel. I am so stoked for the journey you are about to go on. 

*This review will also be posted to Fable, Amazon, and Instagram, in addition to Goodreads. Links will be added as posts are made*