Undead Gods by Caitlyn Battelle

Tracy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Series: Undead Gods #1

Release Date: September 18, 2024

In Kava, magic is dead and forbidden, and the land is dark and gray, its inhabitants trapped in a soot filled land, with so many ill and dying from a disease that seems tied to the soot. Elysia Parker, born with magic, hides her abilities and secretly helps her father, who works for the Crown, tracking down other magic users. She also keeps her secret from Topp Blatz, the Crown Prince, her lover and the man it is assumed she will marry. But as the story unfolds it becomes clear that Elysia’s magic is changing and she needs help – but that help will come with a price that may be more than she can pay.

I appreciated that this book was written in third person and found the blurb compelling, promising a magical, forbidden world. However, the first half was wordy and slow, making it feel like a slog to get through and making staying interested difficult, as little seemed to happen for a long stretch. The premise of a world where magic is lost is intriguing, and while the characters have potential. Elysia is a morally -gray, mysterious, with a lot of secrets. Secrets, the author holds onto for much of the book—almost too long, making it hard to connect with Elysia. The world-building shows promise, and there are moments of excitement as the plot builds, and the cliffhanger sets up the next book. Overall, the author has a great story, but the overly descriptive style and slow pace made the early chapters a challenge that I found overwhelming and confusing at times.