Book Review: The Awakening of Gods by Morgan Kielisch
Every once in a while, a book comes along that grabs you from page one and refuses to let go. The Awakening of Gods by indie author Morgan Kielisch did exactly that for me. This stunning debut kicks off the Astrellian Heirs series, and let me tell you—I laughed, cried, gasped, and highlighted about a million passages along the way. It’s the kind of romantasy that makes you want to cancel your plans, curl up with a blanket, and keep turning the pages late into the night.
Fun fact: Morgan Kielisch is a fellow Wisconsinite—we live in the same general area! It’s always exciting to see local talent making waves in fantasy romance.
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The Story
On the continent of Astrellia, heirs to the throne are not chosen by bloodline alone—they are appointed by the gods. Once selected, heirs must prove themselves through brutal, near-impossible trials.
For Princess Elana, the second daughter of Adrithia’s king, ruling was never in her future. That role belonged to her elder sister, Aislinn. But when the gods name Elana as the true heir instead, her life is turned upside down. With less than a month to train, she’s thrust into the dangerous trials where the fate of her kingdom—and her survival—hang in the balance.
During the trials, Elana meets heirs from neighboring kingdoms, including the devastatingly handsome Prince Aidan. She’s warned to stay away from him, but their chemistry is undeniable. As alliances form and betrayals unfold, Elana must navigate a deadly mix of politics, gods, and her own heart.
My Thoughts
This debut was an emotional rollercoaster in the best way possible. Morgan Kielisch balances heart-pounding action with moments of tenderness, humor, and vulnerability. I felt Elana’s fear, her courage, and her determination to step out from her sister’s shadow.
The romance? Deliciously slow-burn. The tension between Elana and Aidan had me grinning, sighing, and occasionally yelling “just kiss already!” at the book.
But what stood out just as much was the worldbuilding. Astrellia feels vivid and full of potential—like we’ve only been given a glimpse of a much larger story. The supporting characters are equally compelling, each with their own motives and personalities that left me eager to learn more in book two (The Reckoning of Gods, which thankfully just released!).
On a personal note, I was lucky enough to snag a signed hardcover at a local bookstore, complete with a themed bookmark and gorgeous character art. The cover itself is stunning and perfectly captures the story’s atmosphere—it’s definitely one of those “judge me by my cover, I dare you” books.
Why You’ll Love It
A heroine who must rise from the shadows into her destiny
High-stakes trials filled with danger and suspense
A slow-burn romance that keeps you rooting for more
Rich worldbuilding and layered politics
Themes of fate, family, and self-discovery
The start of an epic romantasy series
If you love romantasy, elemental magic, dangerous trials, and heroines worth cheering for, this belongs on your TBR (and in your heart).
Book Club Guide: The Awakening of Gods
This book makes a fantastic pick for a book club—especially if your group loves fantasy romance. Below are some discussion questions to spark conversation:
Discussion Questions
Elana is chosen by the gods instead of her sister, Aislinn. How do you think her lack of preparation shaped her approach to the trials?
Fate versus choice plays a big role in the story. Do you think Elana is truly in control of her destiny, or is she simply following the gods’ will?
The trials test both physical and mental strength. Which trial stood out to you the most, and why?
Let’s talk about Prince Aidan—were you rooting for him from the start, or did you share Elana’s hesitation?
What role do you think the supporting heirs will play in the future of the series? Did any secondary character capture your attention?
Elana constantly struggles with being underestimated. In what ways does this empower her, and in what ways does it hold her back?
How did the worldbuilding and political tensions enrich the story? What questions do you still have about Astrellia after finishing book one?
The romance is slow-burn, with obstacles at every turn. How does this pacing affect the story’s tension? Do you want more or less in book two?
How do you imagine Elana’s relationship with her sister Aislinn will evolve as the series continues?
If you were chosen by the gods as heir, would you embrace the challenge—or run for the hills?
Download the free printable discussion guide here.
About the Author
Morgan Kielisch (pronounced key-lish) is the author of The Awakening of Gods and the Astrellian Heirs series. Becoming a published author has been her lifelong dream, and she’s poured her heart into the world of Astrellia. A self-published indie author, Morgan writes adult fantasy romance filled with sweeping worldbuilding, high-stakes adventure, and romance that keeps readers swooning.
Fun fact: The story idea for this series came to her in a fever dream—and thank goodness she decided to bring it to life!
You can connect with Morgan and explore her books at morgankielischbooks.com.
The Reckoning of Gods – The Next Chapter in the Astrellian Heirs Saga
If The Awakening of Gods left you eager for more, Morgan Kielisch has already delivered the highly anticipated sequel: The Reckoning of Gods. This next installment raises the stakes and plunges readers even deeper into the political intrigue, dangerous trials, and emotional bonds that define the world of Adrithia.
Princess Elana Sable, reeling from devastating loss, is thrust into the heart of war and forced to navigate a labyrinth of politics and betrayal. When trust is scarce, she turns to Prince Aidan of Ocarin, and together they embark on a perilous journey to the kingdom of Aaranor. There, they face daunting trials in their desperate search for answers hidden within the Great Archives—secrets that could unite kingdoms or doom them all.
Meanwhile, Aislinn’s path is far from safe. Sent on a crucial mission, she finds herself trapped in an enemy war camp, where survival demands courage she’s never had to summon before. Her struggles push her into unexpected alliances and force her to confront her deepest vulnerabilities.
With war no longer looming but at their very doorstep, the heirs of Astrellia must confront both external enemies and the battles within themselves. The tension, character growth, and emotional stakes make The Reckoning of Gods a perfect follow-up for book clubs and fantasy romance fans alike.
Ready to continue the journey? Add The Reckoning of Gods to your TBR and prepare for a story filled with peril, heart, and the kind of twists that keep you turning the page long past bedtime.
