Fallen Gods by Rachel Van Dyken

Norse mythology sparks intrigue, even when the story’s pacing falters.

Fallen Gods hooked me with its striking cover and promising prologue. I loved the setup, but the story didn’t hold me the way I’d hoped. The mix of dark academy vibes, mafia elements, and Norse mythology is ambitious. The mythology threads were the strongest part for me, though they stayed murky until the final stretch. That last ten percent finally delivered the clarity and momentum I wanted.

Rey and Aric have solid tension, and there are brief moments of tenderness I genuinely enjoyed. Still, I didn’t feel fully connected to either character until late in the book. The pacing also felt slow, which made it harder to sink into what should have been an easy, bingeable read. I don’t mind guessing twists early, but several reveals were predictable enough that they lost some impact.

The worldbuilding, especially the direction the mythology takes at the end, did work for me. The cliffhanger isn’t brutal, but it’s intriguing. I’m curious to see what happens next with Mjölnir and where the series goes from here. If the sequel leans more into the Norse lore, I’ll absolutely pick it up.

Overall, Fallen Gods has a compelling concept and flashes of great chemistry. The execution didn’t quite land for me, but the ending hints at a stronger second book. I’m hopeful the next installment taps into the mythology I was most excited for.