Rebecca Ross returns to the enchanting world of her Letters of Enchantment series with “Wild Reverence,” a prequel that serves as both an intimate love story and an expansive exploration of divine politics. This 2025 release takes readers ten years before the events of “Divine Rivals” and “Ruthless Vows,” offering a fresh perspective on the complex mythology Ross has crafted while delivering a romance that feels both timeless and urgently contemporary.
A Tale of Two Realms United by Dreams
“Wild Reverence” introduces us to Matilda, the youngest goddess of her clan, blessed with humble messenger magic but burdened by secrets that could destroy her. Born in the firelit domain of the under realm, she exists as a bridge between worlds—literally and figuratively. Her counterpart, Vincent of Beckett, is a mortal lord who has dreamed of her since childhood, their connection forged in the liminal space between waking and sleeping.
The premise immediately hooks readers with its innovative approach to the “mortal meets divine” trope. Ross doesn’t simply present us with gods who dabble in human affairs; instead, she creates a complex ecosystem where divine politics directly impact mortal lives, and where love between the two worlds comes at an almost insurmountable cost.
Character Development That Transcends Expectations
Matilda: A Goddess Finding Her Voice
Matilda emerges as Ross’s most nuanced protagonist yet. Unlike typical all-powerful deities, she begins the story as someone who carries messages but struggles to make herself heard. Her messenger magic—initially perceived as humble—becomes the very power that could rewrite divine law. Ross crafts her with layers of vulnerability beneath divine strength, making her relatable despite her immortal nature.
The goddess’s internal conflict between duty and desire drives much of the narrative tension. Her relationship with her murdered mother’s memory and her complex bond with Bade, the god of war who serves as her salt-sworn ally, adds depth to her character that goes beyond the romantic plot.
Vincent: More Than a Mortal Love Interest
Vincent of Beckett proves to be far more than the typical human caught in divine affairs. Ross gives him agency and intelligence that matches Matilda’s own, making their partnership feel genuinely balanced. His role as a lord protecting his people while navigating family betrayal creates stakes that feel immediate and personal.
The way Ross handles Vincent’s transition from dreamer to active participant in his own story showcases her growth as a writer. He never feels like a passive recipient of Matilda’s power; instead, he becomes an equal partner in their shared destiny.
World-Building That Breathes with Life
Ross expands her mythology significantly in “Wild Reverence,” introducing the Divine Courts system and the complex hierarchy of divine magic based on constellation patterns. The three realms—Skyward, Underling, and Mortal—feel lived-in and authentic, with their own customs, politics, and power struggles.
The author’s attention to detail in crafting divine society particularly shines. The concept of gods stealing each other’s powers, the significance of the wasteland, and the role of eithrals and their scales creates a mythology that feels both ancient and fresh. Ross avoids the trap of over-explaining her world-building, instead letting readers discover the rules organically through character interactions and plot developments.
Romance That Balances Yearning with Agency
The central romance between Matilda and Vincent succeeds because Ross treats both characters as complete individuals first, romantic interests second. Their fake marriage plot device could have felt contrived, but instead becomes a meaningful exploration of trust, vulnerability, and the courage required for true intimacy.
The dream sequences that initially connected them serve as more than mere romantic fantasy; they become a meditation on how we know and are known by others. Ross handles the power imbalance between goddess and mortal with sensitivity, ensuring that their relationship feels genuinely equal despite their different natures.
Prose That Sings with Lyrical Beauty
Ross’s writing has reached new heights in “Wild Reverence.” Her prose carries the weight of myth while maintaining accessibility, creating sentences that beg to be read aloud. She has mastered the art of writing fantasy that feels both timeless and immediate.
Particularly notable is her handling of dialogue, which feels natural despite the fantastical setting. Characters speak with distinct voices that reflect their backgrounds and personalities, from Matilda’s formal divine speech patterns to Vincent’s more colloquial mortal expressions.
Themes That Resonate Beyond Fantasy
Beneath the divine politics and romantic tension, “Wild Reverence” explores themes of identity, belonging, and the courage required to change systems from within. Matilda’s journey from messenger to myth-rewriter serves as a powerful metaphor for finding one’s voice and using it to challenge unjust structures.
The book also examines the nature of sacrifice and what we’re willing to give up for love—not just romantic love, but love for family, community, and ideals. These themes give the fantasy elements emotional weight that lingers long after the final page.
Minor Critiques in an Otherwise Stellar Work
While “Wild Reverence” largely succeeds, there are moments where the pacing feels slightly uneven, particularly in the middle section where political maneuvering occasionally overshadows character development. Some readers might also find certain divine politics elements complex without prior knowledge of the series, though Ross provides enough context for newcomers.
The book’s length sometimes works against it; certain subplots involving secondary divine characters could have been streamlined to maintain focus on the central relationship and Matilda’s character arc.
Connection to the Broader Series
As a prequel, “Wild Reverence” enhances rather than diminishes the original duology. Ross weaves in connections to “Divine Rivals” and “Ruthless Vows” that feel organic rather than forced, enriching the overall mythology without requiring readers to have prior knowledge. The book stands completely on its own while adding layers of meaning to the existing series.
The world-building elements introduced here—particularly the concept of divine magic being tied to constellations and the complex relationships between the three courts—provide context that makes the later books even more rewarding upon rereading.
A New Standard for Fantasy Romance
“Wild Reverence” positions Ross among the top tier of contemporary fantasy romance writers. She demonstrates remarkable skill in balancing epic fantasy elements with intimate character moments, creating a story that satisfies both the heart and the mind.
The book succeeds in taking familiar fantasy romance tropes—the chosen one, the fake marriage, the mortal-divine love story—and infusing them with fresh perspective and emotional depth. Ross proves that there are still new stories to tell within established frameworks.
Recommended for Readers Who Love:
Complex mythology: Readers who enjoyed “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller or “Circe” will appreciate Ross’s fresh take on divine stories
Character-driven romance: Fans of Sarah J. Maas’s character development will find similar depth in Matilda and Vincent
Lyrical fantasy: Those who love the prose style of authors like Erin Morgenstern or V.E. Schwab will be enchanted by Ross’s writing
Political intrigue: Readers of Brandon Sanderson’s “Elantris” or Rebecca Kuang’s “The Poppy War” series will enjoy the divine court politics
Final Verdict
“Wild Reverence” stands as Rebecca Ross’s most ambitious and successful work to date. It’s a prequel that enriches its parent series while telling a complete, satisfying story of its own. The book successfully balances epic fantasy scope with intimate romance, creating characters that feel real despite their fantastical circumstances.
Ross has created a modern myth that speaks to contemporary concerns about power, voice, and the courage required to change the world. “Wild Reverence” isn’t just a love story between a goddess and a mortal; it’s a love letter to anyone who has ever felt caught between worlds, searching for where they belong.
This is essential reading for fantasy romance fans and a worthy addition to any bookshelf. Ross continues to prove that she’s a writer to watch, and “Wild Reverence” suggests even greater works to come.
Recommended similar reads:
“The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller
“From Blood and Ash” by Jennifer L. Armentrout
“The Ten Thousand Doors of January” by Alix E. Harrow
“The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” by V.E. Schwab
“A Touch of Darkness” by Scarlett St. Clair