Wild Reverence
Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross is a breathtaking fantasy romance set before the events of Divine Rivals. In this review, I share my thoughts on Matilda’s journey as a rare godchild, her love story with Vincent, and how Rebecca Ross deepens the world of gods and mortals in this stunning prequel.
Author: Rebecca Ross
Release Date: September 2, 2025
Genre: Fantasy, Fantasy Romance
Publication Type: ARC from NetGalley
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ (4.25/5)
Rebecca Ross
Book Review: Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross (Divine Rivals Prequel)
I picked up Wild Reverence because I had already enjoyed Rebecca Ross’s Divine Rivals. Since this book is set in the same world but before the events of Divine Rivals, I was curious to see how the author would expand on the mythology of the gods and their influence over mortals. I'm so glad I wasn’t disappointed. This story gives readers a deeper look at the realm of the gods, their social hierarchy, and how they interact with the mortal world.
Exploring the World of Wild Reverence and Its Gods
One of the most fascinating parts of Wild Reverence is how it unpacks the dynamics between the Skywards and the Underlings. The gods value power above all else, doing as they please without much care for trust or love – even among themselves. That lack of connection felt sad at times. I could almost imagine how exhausting it must be to always be on guard.
Their relationship with mortals was equally complex. Mortals are seen as “lesser” beings, but necessary – since prayers and worship fuel divine power. Still, most gods don’t care about the ripple effects of their actions in the mortal realm, which makes the story feel layered and thought-provoking.
Matilda’s Journey in Rebecca Ross's Wild Reverence
We follow Matilda, a godchild born of both Underling and Skyward blood. Among the gods, this is a rare occurrence. I didn’t expect the story to begin with her birth and trace her growth into adulthood, but the way it was told made perfect sense. Seeing her childhood and the experiences that shaped her explained why she became the woman she is later in the story.
Matilda’s love story with Vincent, a mortal boy, begins in a dream. Their connection starts innocently, as curiosity and friendship, but is soon complicated by the adults and gods around them, who hold very different views about relationships between mortals and deities.
Honestly, I didn’t care much for the romance itself. For me, Matilda was the true star of the book. Her love for Vincent drove her actions, but what I really appreciated was her personal journey – her search for meaning and fulfillment in a world that seemed to value only power. That struggle felt relatable, almost like our own human experience: stumbling through life, unsure of what we’re doing, and simply doing our best to find happiness.
In the end, the book reminds us that it isn’t power that makes life fulfilling. The gods have power in abundance, but still live empty lives. Instead, it’s love, loyalty, family, and even music that bring true meaning.
Favorite Moments from Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross
✨ Vincent’s Love Letters - His letters to Matilda were beautifully sincere and filled with yearning. It also felt nostalgic and romantic – especially in today’s age where we mostly rely on texts and emails. This detail tied in nicely with Divine Rivals, where Iris and Kit shared letters through a magical typewriter.
✨ Bade’s Story Arc - I didn’t expect to enjoy Bade, the god of war, but he ended up being one of my favorite characters. His depth surprised me.
✨ Matilda’s Conversation with the Goddess of Fate - After enduring punishment and rushing back to aid Vincent, the Goddess of Fate questioned her: “Why would you chain something so trivial? You could spend your time, your passions, on something far more rewarding than mortal battles that come and go as frequently as the tides.”
Matilda replied, “I have never seen it as a chain.”
That moment was heartwarming. Her love for Vincent wasn’t a burden, it was her strength.
Final Thoughts on Rebecca Ross's Wild Reverence (Rating + Comparison to Divine Rivals)
Overall, I really enjoyed Wild Reverence. I’m giving it 4.25 out of 5 stars.
Plot-wise: I loved it even more than Divine Rivals.
Characters: Matilda was a standout. I actually liked her more than Iris from Divine Rivals. On the other hand, I preferred Kit (from Divine Rivals) over Vincent as a male lead.
If you’re a fan of fantasy romance, morally complex gods, and heroines who carve out their own paths, Wild Reverence is absolutely worth reading. And if you’ve already read Divine Rivals, this prequel makes the world even richer.