What Monstrous Gods by Rosamund Hodge

Title: What Monstrous Gods

Author: Rosamund Hodge

Narrator: Amber Lee Connors

Release Date: March 5, 2024

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Publisher: print, Balzer + Bray; audio, Harper Audio

Source: audio, Spotify

TW: death, death of parent, blood, pandemic/epidemic, torture, body horror, religious bigotry, abortion

Synopsis

A rich and romantic new standalone fantasy loosely inspired by the classic Sleeping Beauty fairy tale, from the New York Times bestselling author of Cruel Beauty! Perfect for fans of These Violent Delights and The Shadow Queen.

Centuries ago, the heretic sorcerer Ruven raised a deadly briar around Runakhia's palace, casting the royal family into an enchanted sleep—and silencing the kingdom's gods.

Born with a miraculous gift, Lia's destiny is to kill Ruven and wake the royals. But when she succeeds, she finds her duty is not yet complete, for now she must marry into the royal family and forge a pact with a god—or die.

To make matters even worse, Ruven's spirit is haunting her.

As discord grows between the old and new guards, the queen sends Lia and Prince Araunn, her betrothed, on a pilgrimage to awaken the gods. But the old gods are more dangerous than Lia ever knew—and Ruven may offer her only hope of survival.

As the two work together, Lia learns that they're more alike than she expected. And with tensions rising, Lia must choose between what she was raised to believe and what she knows is right—and between the prince she is bound to by duty...and the boy she killed.

Thoughts

I found this story incredibly deep and captivating. From the very beginning, the intricate politics and diverse cults within the world caught my attention. The world-building was perilous, religious, and absorbing, creating a setting that felt both fantastical and profoundly real. The characters were mysterious, each with hidden layers that gradually unfolded, and the plot was replete with twists and turns, culminating in a delightful surprise ending.

One of the standout elements for me was the romance. It was a slow-burning, ever-present element that distinguished itself from typical fictional love stories. The romance added an emotional depth to the narrative that kept me enthralled from the first page to the last. The detailed and powerful depiction of the world and religion, coupled with morally grey characters—especially the nuns—added to the richness of the narrative.

Lia, the main character, was wonderfully portrayed. Her unwavering devotion was tested when her goddess rejected her for killing Ruven, leading to a profound crisis of faith. I found her journey deeply moving; her experiences shaped every aspect of her life. As she recognized the cruelty of the gods, her character grew in complexity and depth. She turned to sorcery to fake the required miracles, even relying on Ruven, which added another layer of intrigue to her character.

The brutal world in which the story is set was one I would have liked to spend even more time in, especially because of its compelling characters. Ruven, in particular, was a fascinating "villain." His interactions with Lia over religion and morality were some of the highlights of the book. Their complex relationship added a significant amount of tension and depth to the story.

While the book may not appeal to everyone due to its emphasis on personal belief over romance, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The focus on faith, morality, and personal growth provided a refreshing perspective that made the story stand out. I am eagerly looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.

Additionally, I must commend Amber Lee Connors for her exceptional narration. She truly brought the characters to life, especially Lia. The emotion she poured into the characters made my heart break for them, and the moments between Lia and Ruven were achingly sweet. Her narration added an extra layer of depth and emotion to an already compelling story.

Overall, "What Monstrous Gods" is a richly woven tale that combines deep, engaging world-building with complex characters and a plot full of unexpected twists. It's a book that resonates on multiple levels, making it a memorable read that I highly recommend.