Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Rich world-building, lush emotion in magical love story.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
WILD REVERENCE finds two teens, later adults, caught up in a love that's not supposed to happen—he's a mortal, she's a goddess—in a world of mysterious magic, murderous intrigue, and power games. Matilda and Vincent first connect and bond when she comes to his rescue in a dream, and a strong friendship develops against all odds. When they reconnect after a long separation and much loss, love blooms—but can it possibly work, and can any good come of it? Tradition says no. As they're caught up in lethal schemes and devastating betrayals from divines and mortals alike, the love between Matilda and Vincent deepens and grows. So do the forces out to destroy them.
Is It Any Good?
Rich world-building, lush emotion, and nonstop action in the world of treacherous gods and the mortals who fall prey to their doings with a magical tale of star-crossed lovers. Wild Reverence finds young goddess Matilda and Vincent, a mortal boy who's never had much dealing with divines, forming a deep connection, one based on love instead of fear, and pondering the perils of opening yourself up to another. Rebecca Ross' portrayal of longing and intensely romantic emotion shines against a backdrop of divine courts, magical warfare, and political intrigues. Matilda and Vincent admirably struggle with separation, doubt, and would-be murderers. Fans of Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows will particularly cherish this lush, exciting prequel, but it can be read on it's own, as well.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stories like Wild Reverence, where gods and humans interact, often with bad results for the humans. Why do you think this is such a popular theme in storytelling? What stories do you think explore this theme well?
Forbidden love—here, between a divine and a mortal—is a common theme in storytelling. Some stories have the lovers overcoming obstacles and prevailing, others, not so much. Which do you like better?
Have you ever met people in your dreams that you wish you knew in real life? Who was it, and did you ever really meet them?
How do the main characters show integrity in this book? Is integrity important to you? Why or why not?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Fantasy ( Magic )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Courage , Empathy , Integrity
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Saturday Books
- Publication date : September 2, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 18 - 18
- Number of pages : 544
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : November 4, 2025
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