Review of The Gods Time Forgot by Mikaela
From the moment I stumbled upon The Gods Time Forgot, I felt a magnetic pull—perhaps it was the intrigue surrounding ancient Celtic mythology combined with a gothic, historical backdrop that enticed me. As someone who often finds solace in the pages of dark fantasy, I was eager to dive into this enigmatic tale set in Manhattan, 1870. Unfortunately, what I hoped to be a captivating journey turned into a frustrating expedition marked by unmet expectations.
The story revolves around Rua, a mysterious young woman with fragmented memories, who is swept into the life of the wealthy Harrington family, supposedly as their missing daughter, Emma. It’s a premise ripe with potential, and the initial thrust thrusts you right into the heart of the story—no fluff, just action. I appreciated this narrative style at first; it mirrors Rua’s own confusion and creates an immediate sense of urgency. However, as the story unfolded, I found myself grappling with a sense of disillusionment.
Rua’s character resonated with me initially; her struggle to reclaim her identity, living under the scrutiny of society’s expectations, felt poignant. Yet, as the plot progressed, her rebellious spirit often veered into territory that was more vexing than relatable. Decisions that appeared reckless or nonsensical dulled my connection to her, making me question her motivations. Finn, the brooding Lord of Donore, embodies the archetypal “poor, rich guy,” which should have made for rich character development. Instead, he quickly devolves into a static figure, caught in indecision for far too long. His internal conflict stretched beyond a comfortable threshold, leaving me yearning for resolution that never quite arrived.
The pacing throughout the book felt uneven, particularly in how it built up to its climax. Just as the stakes reached a tantalizing height, the resolution fell flat—almost non-existent. The final confrontation, instead of being a fierce showdown, felt like a whisper of a breath. I found myself left with too many questions and a gnawing sense of disappointment. It felt as though the true exploration of ancient secrets and dark magic lurked just out of reach, overshadowed by unnecessary ballroom antics.
While I recognize that the book had commendable elements—the rich atmosphere and a tantalizing premise—its execution left much to be desired. The writing, while occasionally vivid, often felt bogged down by repetitive plotting and underdeveloped subplots that failed to deliver on their promise. I wished for more depth in the use of Celtic mythology and for Rua’s dreams, which held so much potential, to play a more significant role in the narrative.
In summary, The Gods Time Forgot held the promise of a gripping tale but faltered in its delivery. If you’re someone who enjoys darker fantasy but values characters with depth and coherent plot arcs, this might not resonate with you as much. Conversely, those seeking a light read with an element of mystery might still find enjoyment within its pages. Unfortunately, my experience was overshadowed by a sense of lost potential, leaving me hoping for a more cohesive retelling in a future revision.
Thank you, Mikaela, NetGalley, and Alcove Press, for providing this eARC. My review reflects my honest reaction, rooted in my personal reading experience.