*I received a free copy of When the Gods Forget from Selfpublished via Author. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased *
When the Gods Forget by Kennedy Daly Series: The Forgotten Gods #2
Published by Selfpublished on February 26, 2019
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 356
Format: eARC
Source: Author
Teagan Ronan thought she had lost everything she cared about last year. The losses she experienced, and the circumstances surrounding them, threatened everything she had been taught to believe and shook her faith in her place in the Shedim. Josh Brody helped her pick up the pieces of her shattered heart over the summer and she has sworn she will do everything she can to deserve him. But as school resumes and familiar faces return, so does an old threat. Now Teagan needs to contend with an archdemon stalking her steps even as she begins her in-field training.
Damien Conroy has spent the last eight months training with the Watch’s internal affairs unit. He’s learned things that none of his peers know, and he’s made deals to protect the ones he loves. When he returns to finish his last year of school and finds Teagan stubbornly attached to Josh Brody, it takes all of his self-control not to confront her. Before he can focus on regaining her trust, he has to pass his Defender trials without the aid of his powers or he will be forced into the mage classes and lose his chance at the vengeance he has chased for years.
As their squads begin their first real life trials and an archdemon stalks them, Teagan and Damien will discover that the Shedim have a long and complicated past that is hiding even more than they had guessed.
In When the Gods Forget, my questions from the previous book weren’t really answered. In fact, I came away with even more questions. However, the story was just as action-packed and emotional as its predecessor.
Highlights:
- Characters
Teagan is brave, reckless, tenacious, strong, and loyal. I adored her even more in When the Gods Forget because she’s a survivor. She’s endured so much and yet she never gives up. She needed to do a bit of soul searching in this installment and even though she made a few rash decisions – which I can forgive due to her age – I was proud of her for being true to herself and doing the right thing. As for Damian, well he can be a hothead and Teagan pushes his buttons better than anyone. But he’s loyal as well, steadfast, stubborn, and a survivor. I did scratch my head at times over his waffling where Teagan is concerned but this was consistent with his character. And although I hated how he achieved it, I understood his logic behind his actions when things came to a head. - Action
The Shedim fight demons and other baddies. Daly is quite adept at describing the action. She places us square in the battle, facing off with the demon, feeling the rush of adrenaline (which makes falling asleep difficult), and the fear. She also doesn’t shy away from conveying the violence and gore. - Suspense
As I mentioned, Daly only added to my list of questions about what’s going on and what’s coming next with When the Gods Forget. However, she kept me engaged not only with what is currently happening – wondering how things are going to go with this mission or argument – but also continuing to theorize about who is behind the negative things going on with the Council, the Shedim, and who’s out to get Damian?!? Daly once again has me anxiously awaiting the next – and final – book. - Secondary Characters
The secondary characters continue to play important roles in the story. Daly does well with character development, furthering her trend from book 1. She gives us just enough to like characters but still wonder about their weird behavior or whether or not they can be trusted.
When the Gods Forget is an exciting and well-written sequel. Much happened and it all has me hoping for an epic ending where my questions will be answered and my curiosity satisfied. And a happy ending for Teagan and Damian. 😉
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
About Brandee @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
Brandee is a mom of 3 and a soon-to-be empty nester. She is also an avid reader, a genre omnivore, and a compulsive one-clicker - but she's in recovery. Besides being a reader, she's also a writer and hopes to divide the vast quantities of spare time she'll soon have between reading and finally publishing her first book.
Oh yeah, this sounds like a well-written transition book the way it gave you new questions, but a solid story that left you in high anticipation. I’ll have to mark this series for later. 🙂
Twitter: ailynk
interesting cover, that purple really bring out the eyes. but why didn’t you floved it like the first one?
Twitter: Northwomn
This sounds so good. Do you think there will be another book in the series? Wonderful review. It seems to mix several genres.
Twitter: kimbacaffeinate
Nice review Brandee. This sounds well written and I love when you are fully engaged both in the story and the overall arc.
For some reason this one is giving me Covenant series vibes (Jennifer L. Armentrout) but that’s probably just the fighting demons aspect. It sounds like this is a good middle book – answering some questions while also providing a good lead-in to the finale. Glad you enjoyed this one, Brandee!
Love when an author has really great secondary characters, too 🙂 Always makes me happy.