Blood of Gods and Girls
by Katja Kaine
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Pub Date 2 Jul 2026 | Archive Date 30 Jul 2026
Penguin Random House UK Children's | Penguin
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Description
A young woman on the run from her fate must face her past to save her future. This fierce fantasy of blended cultures is the perfect read for fans of For She is Wrath, We Hunt the Flame and Children of Blood and Bone.
When she bleeds, the Kingdom falls.
At five years old, Nisha was selected to be the Mortal Goddess – a vessel for the great Goddess Shantavi. But on her twelfth birthday, Nisha escaped the temple before she could be sacrificed at the hands of the Immortal King.
Now the Kingdom searches for its new Mortal Goddess and their eye has fallen on Ratna, the only family Nisha has left.
Helped by a Golden Eagle Warrior and the only boy she has ever loved, Nisha must learn to embrace her power in order to liberate her people.
It’s time to take the Kingdom back.
'With immersive worldbuilding and a heroine that burns off the page - this is YA at its most powerful' Annaliese Avery, author of The Wycherleys
'Bold, defiant and adventurous' Sebastien Castell, author of the Court of Shadows series
'This is a gorgeous, gripping adventure, and a vivid exploration of power and control, myth, storytelling, and magic. Both tender and angry, Blood of Gods and Girls immerses you in its richly imagined world and doesn't let go' Sarah Brooks, author of The Cautious Traveller's Guide to the Wastelands
‘A thought-provoking feminist fantasy set within a richly developed, immersive world. Brave, brilliant and beautifully written, Nisha and the Mortal Goddess stayed with me long after I turned the last page’ A J Clack, author of Lie or Die
'Brimming over with myth and magic' Charlotte Bond, author of The Fireborne Blade
Katja Kaine's debut is vivid, thought provoking and powerful. Five shining stars. Sue Cunningham, author of Cloud Nine
'A beautifully written, fierce and intoxicating tale that explores the irresistible cost of becoming more than mortal. I enjoyed every minute' CL Miller, author of The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9780241707739 |
| PRICE | £18.99 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 320 |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 2 members
Featured Reviews
Reviewer 1422803
A stunning introduction to a Singapore-inspired world that feels both fresh and ancient. The story centers on Nisha, a former "Mortal Goddess" who escaped a sacrificial fate at age twelve, only to be pulled back into the temple's shadows when her young sister, Ratna, is chosen as the next vessel. Kaine’s world-building is the standout here, from the "gilded luxury" of the temples hiding dark secrets to the sweeping snowy mountains and cities carved into canyons, every setting feels immersive and alive.
The characters are equally compelling. Nisha is a resilient protagonist whose journey of reclaiming her power is powerful and relatable. I particularly loved the dynamic between her and the matriarchal Golden Eagle warrior, whose presence added a fantastic layer of female strength to the narrative. The romance with the "hunky holy man" provides great tension, as he represents the very institution Nisha fears and hates, creating a complex emotional web that goes beyond a standard fantasy romance.
The only reason I’m giving this four stars instead of five is that the pacing can be quite dense in the first half as the intricate magic system and political lore are established. While the details are beautiful, they occasionally slowed down the momentum of Nisha’s escape. However, the themes of feminine rage, justice, and the cost of being "more than mortal" are handled with such skill that is a must-read for your 2026 TBR list.
Many thanks for the ARC!