Manhattan, 1870. Rua’s first memory is of being trapped in an underground cave. She can’t remember anything else about who she is or where she came from. So when the wealthy Harrington family mistakes her for their missing daughter, Emma, she goes along with the charade, hoping to find answers about who she really is. As Rua struggles to find her footing with the Harrington matriarch and blunders her way through America’s elite society, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to Finn, the Lord of Donore, a newcomer to Manhattan society.
Finn, meanwhile, is trying to ingratiate himself in Manhattan’s high society. That’s the only way he can guarantee his business interests, which fund his many charitable ventures. He knows better than to become involved with Emma, a girl who is ostracized and ignored by the circles into which he wants to gain entry. But despite his best intentions, Finn feels an undeniable tug towards Emma, and an uncanny feeling that this isn’t the first time they’ve met.
As Rua’s memories begin to return in bits and pieces, we get flashes of an ancient time. Of the fierce Morrigan sisters and the famous Irish warrior of myths and legends, Cú Chulainn.
I really enjoyed the way Gonzalez wove in some Irish mythology into what is, essentially, a romantasy. I also loved Rua’s feisty character and the vivid depiction of 19th-century Manhattan, capturing both its glittering wealth and the darker underbelly of New York, as well as the haughty pettiness of high society.
I also appreciated the way Gonzalez depicted life the 1870s, when one’s wealth wasn’t enough to be accepted into Manhattan’s “royalty”, and women were not credited with having any intelligence, were not allowed to voice their opinions, or have any interests beyond discussing the latest fashion.
I think fans of fantasy/romantasy and historical romances will enjoy Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez’s The Gods Time Forgot.
Expected publication date: April 8, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
It sounds like something I would enjoy reading. I love fantasy mixed with mythology and an adventure.
And I really enjoyed the glimpse at Irish mythology, since I know very little about it!
This seems like such a delicious read. It’s been a while since I read an old-timey fantasy.
It was a pretty interesting read! I think you will enjoy it. 🙂
This sounds right up my alley! And the cover is stunning. Thanks for the recommendation.
Yes, the cover is gorgeous!! Hope you enjoy it, Damyanti 🙂
I’m not too fond of fantasy, but this one seems tempting to read.
Hmm…if you’re not too fond of fantasy, I wouldn’t recommend this one, actually. Have you read the Elements of Cadence duology by Rebecca Ross? That’s got some excellent world building, plotting & character arcs.
This one sounds like a delightful read, Shinjini. I will add it to my TBR.
Hope you enjoy it! 🙂