DNF’d.

I really loved Wicked Onyx by Debbie Cassidy - it’s a 10/10 acc to me and I definitely recommend it - but Lost and Stolen Gods just wasn’t the right fit for me.

I read almost 50% of the book, and there were some things I did enjoy. The fantasy world draws inspiration from Hindu mythology, and even if you’re unfamiliar with the mythological beings, the story does a good job explaining their powers. It also has a strong opening, and the physical copy is beautiful - especially the page edges.

What didn’t work for me was the romance between the leads. This romantasy includes a “binding,” which is similar to a mate bond, as well as a forced proximity setup, since the bound characters are required to stay in the same room and share a bed. For me, these elements felt a bit artificial and uncomfortable.

I think I would have enjoyed it more if the relationship had developed more naturally, or if the binding had felt more organic rather than being tied to the game.