Book: Godbound by Masha Sova
Reviewed by Karina's Magical Reads
Rating: 5/5
I absolutely loved this story and the emotional ride it took me on!
If you love a story that immerses you into a world full of Magic, Lore and deadly trials that grabs on and doesn't let go, this is the story for you. This is an epic fantasy that follows Raylane who is betrothed to the King of the Realm. Life as she hoped would be changes in a blink of an eye when something tragic happens and the King's brother is involved, but she doesn't know if she can trust him when the truth she feels is making it clear she's been set up. What she never expected was to wake up cursed and now fearful for her future and life. She attempts to speak to Ryker, her betrothed King, but he refuses to listen and doesn't help stop her future banishment to a district of the realm where women who are cursed with The Crimson Tether, which curses her with the touch of Rot. This branding happens when a pure woman has intimate relation in any way with a man out of wedlock. Raylane has no idea how this has happened to her, as she cannot remember anything and the King's brother denies knowing how it happened, even tho he wakes in her chambers. Events begin to transpire and the Kingdom is about to select a new Archpriest or Archpriestess to usher in a new era of a Godbound who carries out the will of their god over the realm.
Raylane is desperate to clear her name and save her life and the hope to save those women already abandoned by society. Through sheer desperation she pledges her life to the trials to select a new Archpriest or Archpriestess, and becomes the GodBound champion to the Godess, Calista (Goddess of Rot & Decay) with whom has cursed her. Calista accepts Raylane as her trials champion, and with that sends her a GodBeast to stand with her during the trials, as all the other champions also receive. Where the others receive Dragons and other Monsters, Raylane's GodBeast is a mysterious man with powerful presence and shadows named Kaelzar. The trials begin and her life will never be the same again.
This book drew me in and never let go. I absolutely loved the Lore, the Magic system and the deadly trials in this story. The writing is immersive and beautiful, it keeps you engaged with the story. This book speaks to Feminine Rage and the need to protect those who cannot protect themselves. If you cross The Scarlett Letter with The Games Gods Play and a bit of something more, then you get this amazing book. There is such a strong pull of found family, but also a yearning and slow burn of love. The pacing flows nicely and the storyline keeps you highly engaged. This book is one of my favorite Fantasy stories of the year and highly recommend it.
Thank you to the Author and BookSirens for this ARC opportunity. This review is my own thoughts and opinions