Tuesday Reviews: Undead Gods by Caitlyn Battelle

 

WELCOME TO KAVA, WHERE THE UNDEAD GODS NEITHER HEAR NOR CARE… 

Elysia Parker lives each day in fear it will be her last.

The magic the gods carelessly gifted mortals disappeared years ago, and Elysia Parker is all too familiar with what happens when someone is found to be harboring magic in her land. Death. 

Cursed but hiding in plain sight within Kava’s royal court, Elysia has her eyes on the crown and its prince. But an unexpected change in her magic throws her carefully laid plans into chaos. In love with the man who could order her death, she searches for an answer to her curse before it’s too late.

From underground tunnels to pleasure houses and rebels who demand payment of the highest kind, Elysia will journey to the death realm and back to find her answers.

But is she willing to face the harsh demands of the truth?  

Inspired by Hades and Persephone, Undead Gods is a dark, moody fantasy filled with magic, danger, and a love that may be the heroine's downfall. Follow Elysia Parker into the soot drenched world of Kava as she navigates secrets, betrayal, and ultimately, finding herself amidst a world of lies.

In Undead Gods, Caitlyn Battelle spins a captivating tale set in the decaying realm of Kava, where magic is both coveted and condemned. Elysia Parker, a royal with a hidden magical gift, finds her secret increasingly difficult to maintain, especially as her forbidden romance with Crown Prince Topp Blatz intensifies and the mysteries of Kava unravel.

Battelle’s world-building is rich and immersive, blending intricate details with a dark, atmospheric setting. The story strikes a great balance between vivid descriptions, engaging dialogue, and Elysia’s internal struggles. Although I’m eager for more clarity on how Elysia’s magic works, the enigma adds to the book’s allure.

The secondary characters, particularly the banter between Gage and Maya, are a highlight. Gage’s chemistry with Elysia occasionally feels more charged than her romance with Topp, and Adrian adds an extra layer of intrigue.

Despite a slow start, Undead Gods is a compelling introduction to the series, and I’m looking forward to seeing where Battelle leads us next!