The Goddess Of—A Lush, Mythology-Infused Romantasy with Heart and Heat

I discovered The Goddess Of by Randi Garner after seeing @b3tw33n_th3_c0v3rs raving about its sequel, Even in Death, over on Threads. Naturally, I had to start from the beginning—and I’m so glad I did. The ending of this book shocked me (in the best way), and I can't wait to read the sequel.

At a Glance

An Urban Fantasy Steeped in Myth

This book is a striking mix of urban fantasy and ancient mythology. Naia, our protagonist, is a goddess without a title—shunned, abused, and used only for her prophesied destiny by her brutal immortal family. But when she escapes on her wedding day, everything changes. We meet Ronin: a broody, secretive mortal who radiates “soft for her only” energy. Their meeting sparks a chain of events neither of them can walk away from.

Randi Garner’s world-building is rich and atmospheric. Hollow City, the primary setting, feels like a character of its own—dark, dangerous, and full of hidden factions and rivalries. The blend of mythological gods and a gritty, modern world works surprisingly well, creating a backdrop that’s both timeless and immediate.

What Stood Out

Naia’s arc was by far my favorite part of the book. She begins as a traumatized and powerless goddess, burdened by centuries of emotional and physical abuse. Watching her slowly grow into her power, find her voice, and recognize her worth, was incredibly satisfying. Her transformation isn’t rushed—it’s earned, and all the more powerful for it.

Ronin, the mysterious mortal with a hidden past, had me hooked from his first appearance. He’s closed off and secretive, yet from the beginning, he’s protective of Naia in a way that feels natural and deeply emotional. I loved unraveling his past and discovering the connection between them. His gentle care and fierce loyalty to Naia had me swooning.

Themes & Tropes 💫

🔮 Magic and Curses

💔 Star-Crossed Lovers

🔥 Fated Mates / Cursed Lovers

🧬 Gods Among Mortals

💘 He Falls First

🕵️‍♀️ Hidden Identity

👫 Found Family

🏯 Japanese Cultural Influence

Final Thoughts

A lush, emotional, and utterly mesmerizing romantasy. The Goddess Of delivers layered world-building, slow-burn character development, and a gripping mythology-infused romance. Garner balances heartbreak and hope, tenderness and danger, in a way that kept me turning pages late into the night. If you’re into emotionally charged fantasy with a broken-but-strong heroine and a swoon-worthy MMC, this is one to add to your list.

Already moving on to Even in Death—I have to know what happens next!