Synopsis
In All Gods Must Die, Soraya Cole invites you into a realm torn between light and shadow. Seren, born with the rare power to wield both, finds herself standing between her people and annihilation when monstrous creatures breach the kingdom’s shield. Desperate to protect her world, she enters the savage guards’ competition — a brutal contest of blood, betrayal, and deadly politics — to win an audience with the royals.
But winning the competition doesn’t end her fight. It only opens the door to a far more dangerous reality — one where gods, fae, and monsters move like pieces in a game rigged from the start. Tied to a prophecy with world-ending consequences, Seren must navigate secrets, lies, and a magic system unlike any other.

About the Author
Soraya Cole is a fantasy author whose storytelling draws from rich Irish mythology, weaving ancient lore into vivid, high-stakes fantasy worlds. Known for her immersive worldbuilding and intricate character arcs, she blends political intrigue, emotional depth, and romance in a way that hooks readers from the first page.
Detailed Review
All Gods Must Die is the kind of book you pick up thinking you’ll read a chapter, only to resurface at 3AM wondering how the sun is already rising. Soraya Cole’s writing has a cinematic quality — sweeping landscapes, chilling battle sequences, and quiet, tender moments that hit harder because of everything at stake.
The Worldbuilding:
Sidus and Caligo feel like living, breathing realms. You can practically hear the crunch of boots on frost-covered ground and smell the iron tang of battle. The light vs. shadow dynamic is more than aesthetic — it’s woven into the political, cultural, and magical foundations of the world.
The Characters:
Seren is a force of nature — strong without being cold, compassionate without being naïve. Her internal struggle between the light and shadow she wields mirrors her external fight for survival. Side characters are just as compelling, each with their own agendas, making alliances feel as dangerous as enemies.
The Romance:
This is slow burn done right — tension, stolen glances, and sharp-edged banter that makes every interaction feel like a battle of its own. The emotional build-up promises that when things finally tip, they’ll tip hard.
The Stakes:
What starts as a competition morphs into a sprawling epic of gods, fae, monsters, and ancient prophecies. Every chapter raises the stakes, but nothing feels rushed.
This is Throne of Glass meets The Cruel Prince, but with its own fierce identity.
Books Similar to This One
- Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
- The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
- The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
- Ruthless Fae by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti
- These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan
Spice Rating
🌶️ Slow-burn with tension so sharp you could cut yourself on it. Minimal on-page spice in book one, but the emotional investment and foreshadowing promise steamier scenes as the series progresses.
Why You Should Get a Copy
If you crave a fantasy series that rewards your patience with jaw-dropping reveals, All Gods Must Die should be your next read. It’s rich with mythology, brimming with political intrigue, and dripping with slow-burn tension. This is the kind of book you’ll want to discuss endlessly in your book club or buddy reads — the theories practically write themselves.
Interactive Quiz
💡 Which All Gods Must Die Character Are You?
1️⃣ The kingdom is under attack — what’s your first move?
A) Grab your weapon and run toward the fight.
B) Strategize and coordinate defenses.
C) Sneak into enemy territory to gather intel.
D) Protect the people you love, even if it means retreating.
2️⃣ Which magical ability would you choose?
A) Control over light.
B) Control over shadow.
C) Both — balance is power.
D) None — I’ll rely on my cunning.
3️⃣ Your ideal ally is:
A) Fierce and loyal.
B) Clever and calculating.
C) Mysterious and unpredictable.
D) Kind but underestimated.
Mostly A’s: You’re Seren — fierce, determined, and unafraid to face impossible odds.
Mostly B’s: You’re a strategist — the mind behind the victories.
Mostly C’s: You’re the wildcard — enemies underestimate you at their peril.
Mostly D’s: You’re the heart of the group — underestimated, but vital.
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