The Gods Time Forgot | By Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez

 

 

 

 

Book Review | Urban Romantasy

The Gods Time Forgot
Irish mythology collides with Gilded Age New York in this sweeping debut enemies-to-lovers historical romantasy, perfect for fans of Outlander and A Fate Inked in Blood. Manhattan, 1870. Rua knows only two things: her name, and that she has no memories. So when the wealthy Harrington family mistakes Rua for their missing daughter, Emma, Rua goes along with the charade, hoping for answers about who she really is. As she tries to blend into a society she doesn’t remember, she’s drawn to a firmly off-limits the Lord of Donore, a newcomer to Manhattan society who is somehow familiar to Rua. Finn is new to this side of the Atlantic and knows that the best way to fit in as Lord of Donore is to make friends in high places and play by the rules of society. He knows he shouldn’t become involved with a mysterious, recently missing debutante, but he’s intrigued by Emma Harrington, and Finn has an uncanny feeling that this isn’t the first time they’ve met.  With societal pressures mounting on both sides, Rua is determined to discover the truth about the missing Harrington daughter and her own past. But when her memories begin to return, they’re of a world far stranger than New York and traced in dark magic. As ancient secrets unfurl in Rua’s memory, Rua and Finn are forced to uncover the mystery of their past and try to save their future. In this gritty and glittering romantasy, nothing and no one is as they seem.         (Goodreads)

 

 

My thoughts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Narrative and Plot

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Gods Time Forgot follows Rua, the protagonist, and Finn, both of whom have mysterious pasts. The alternating perspectives create intrigue, and the atmospheric, almost period-drama tone paired with historic New York enhances the narrative even further.

 

Initially, the story is fast-paced, but after a point, it becomes repetitive as the same conflict is revisited multiple times. It meanders for a while before picking up speed again, though the ending feels a bit underwhelming.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Characters and Conflicts

 

 

 

 

 

 

We follow Rua, though we know very little about her. She is also living the life of Emma Harrington who is a victim, which makes her easy to root for.  Snippets from the past offer hints about where the story is heading.

 

 

 

 

 

The blend of history and Irish folklore creates a whimsical, atmospheric world, and I was absolutely here for it. The slow-burn romance and angsty moments were enjoyable to read. However, for a story with such a strong setup, I wanted a more impactful ending.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The conclusion didn’t fully pay off considering the buildup. Perhaps there are limitations when retelling a folk tale without offending cultural sensitivities. However, I’m not familiar with the area of topic. So I’m willing to give the benefit of the doubt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It’s definitely a page-turner and worth the time. If you enjoy mysterious historical fantasies during winter days, give this one a try. You won’t be disappointed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

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