It is not often that I have read a cozy YA fantasy book, but it will not be the last time. I enjoyed the essential world-building and plot scaffolding that led to the story's main events inside the castle. I liked the curious mythology of the world and would love to learn more about the Flood.

However, I had a hard time connecting to the main character. I found it hard to understand her as she seemed to be almost two characters simultaneously: someone who did not feel she was worthy of good things but who also had a giant self-centered ego. This made her a unique character to unravel.

I hadn't realized this would be a series. I am intrigued, and I would read the next book in the series to see what sort of antics Mona gets up to.

Thank you to NetGalley, author Amanda Helander, and the publisher for the opportunity to read, rate, and review this story.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4/5 stars.

Overall, I did enjoy it. I liked how it had a twist on the normal fantasy elements of gods and mortals, but it definitely felt like the first book in a duology with how much it was working on setting up the next book. I think the world building could have been a bit better (like...how did the Flood happen? Why is it called that? why are the gods animalistic? how did the demon tribes end up there?) but I mean...I still devoured this. I also love Mona and Byer's friendship they develop, and Mona is (although somewhat like a typical fantasy upper-ya character) is still refreshing to read as a character who is unapologetic about themselves.

Will I be reading the next one? Yes...because I need to know what happens.

I really enjoyed this book I was a little disappointed when I got to the end and realized it maybe a series. I wish that the publisher or author was upfront about that before you start the book...

"And when the time comes, you will make yourself proud."
Divine Mortals is a fun romantasy with a charming yet imperfect protagonist, Mona Arnett. The seven gods could not make me put this down. The only small regret I have is that the author needed to make this YA to appease the publisher. But the same publisher got this into my hands as an ARC, so my complaints are more grumbles than outrage. There were several twists in here that I didn't see coming, and the banter was always serving. I am pleased to have read this, and I cannot wait for the next book to see what Mona does next.
Massive thanks to NetGalley and Disney Hyperion for this ARC!

I saw that this book was comped to Violet Made of Thorns, which is a favorite of mine, but it definitely fell short. I liked the religion and mythology in this book, but I didn't really care about any of the characters, or about any of the greater plot points going on.

The plot was enjoyable and intriguing. It’s about a magician that’s been blessed by a god to be able to foretell who people’s soulmates are. She is brought into the kingdom to help solve a mystery while she fights to maintain her credibility with her magic. There’s some spice considering it’s a YA book. I’m assuming that this is a series since the ending seems up in the air and it leaves you hanging. I’m interested to find out what happens next.

Mona Arnett might be blessed by the gods but, lately, she’s feeling anything but blessed.

Mona has the unique ability to divine soulmates, and while she’s never divined her own soulmate, many have come to her seeking their own happily ever after. With the king’s health deteriorating, there is a country wide search to find the king a queen and secure the throne. When Mona’s soulmate reading for the king turns up her own name, Mona wants nothing less than a royal wedding. Especially when she starts falling for the king’s closest advisor and friend…

Decent story, but predictable at many parts. It did not make me demand the second book when I was finished, but if I saw it in the library, then I might still pick it up and read it. Just wasn't my cup of tea. I ended up giving it 3 stars, but it felt like your average story. I did like the plot twist in there, but again it was slightly predictable simply because of the number of times certain information was brought up in the story.

“Mona can name anyone's soulmate—but she'll do anything to avoid being matched with her own. Especially when she learns he's the king.”

Divine Mortals is the first book in a new YA duology (think ages 14-18).. Book #2 will be out in 2025. Trigger warnings? Yes. See the author’s note on goodreads or on her website. Spice, again, young YA, so while there is some SC there is no space.

This was a quick YA that I really enjoyed. I cannot wait for book 2 to come out. A very special thank you to the author, Disney publishers, and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Gifted by the gods, Mona can divine anyone's soulmate. This leads her to discover she is fated to fall for the king but resists her future at all costs. Can you change the ways of fate?
Amanda Helander uses wit and humor to answer this question flawlessly in this debut fantasy for young adults. This is the start of a spellbinding series.

I loved this story and the world building; it was very easy to slip into. Mona is a boss and the romance was not the focus, which I appreciated. Can't wait for the second in this duology, and more from this author!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC copy.

The first part of a duology, the second is set for 2025. Mona is the most likable unlikable female character and I fell for her right away. An agoraphobic seer, she has a special talent for predicting people's soul mates. When she's asked to predict who should marry the king, the unfortunate answer is HER. Which is going to interfere majorly with her need to stay within the four walls of her own home...not to mention the crush she's developed on...not the king. It's so good!

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Disney Hyperion for this e-arc.*

An interesting premise to say the least but the characters were not developed very well. The world and mythology were interesting but the rest of the story did not hold up well. One minute our main character is confident and outspoken, the next she is shy and scared of her own shadow.

"This debut romantasy, marketed as perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros, promises sizzling romance, cutthroat competition, a lush fantasy world, and an unforgettable heroine." — Lies. Unfortunately, this description did not match the book at all. I would say this book is better suited for younger adults looking to ease into the fantasy genre, but I found it to have more of a passive tone than the action-packed one suggested. While not all fantasy books need to be filled with action, the challenges in this story seemed to be resolved too easily, with answers that felt rushed or superficial. Additionally, the characters lacked depth and could have been more dimensional.

Actual rating 3.5 stars

This was an engaging read with an interesting concept. Mona is a favored mortal of the gods. With that, she has the ability to determine someone’s soulmate. The king is very ill, without an heir, and Mona must use her ability to help find his soulmate. Mona has to overcome her fears and threats against her life to help secure the future of the kingdom.

While the story moved quickly, I do think the romance between Mona and the MMC was a little flat. I didn’t feel too much of a connection between them. I was also surprised at the sexual content as this is marketed as YA. I would categorize it as NA. I was also hoping to understand the world and magic system a little better.

I’m still interested enough in the story to read book 2 and find out more of what happens.

Thank you NetGalley and Disney Publishing for the arc.

Divine Mortals was such a compelling, messy, gorgeous read! Mona is fresh and complex you want her to win in the end.

I couldn't put this down! Stories about trying to circumvent "fate" and forge your own path in life are a great antidote to all the focus on "chosen ones" of the past few decades. Mona is a strong, memorable character, and the plotlines are so creative. This is one you're going to want to read in one sitting.

DNF. When I saw this book was recommended for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros, I was instantly intrigued. Unfortunately, this book did not hold up to my expectations. I had a difficult time understanding the main character, Mona. Her actions and thoughts were contradictory. I didn't feel a strong connection to her character. I also found her narration confusing. At one point, she addresses the readers with a question. Since I DNF, I'm not sure if that became a reoccurring thing? The writing just wasn't up to my romantasy standards. I thought the whole Gods world was interesting. It's a bummer I couldn't get into the story. Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Hyperion for the ARC.

I enjoyed this quite a bit. Any chance I get to learn about another country's mythology is also fun. The magic system was not confusing which also helps. Loved the character growth throughout the book. Can't wait to see where this book goes.

Thanks for this ARC. I truly tried to enjoy this book, but it was a miss for me. It felt like a chore to get through to the end.