by Hanna C. Howard
publisher’s synopsis
The Goddess Trial is designed to push young people to their edge and mark their coming of age, but Áila LacInis is ready for whatever it brings. She sets sail from her small fishing village to the island of the goddess Yslet, fully expecting a divine encounter, but what she finds is … nothing at all. The goddess is completely absent, and the only thing on the island is a dirty, mangy dog. Suddenly, everything Áila has ever known and believed is upended and her future becomes shrouded in uncertainty.
Hew already completed the Goddess Trial and received the designation of Unblessed. He is an outcast in the village, until he is tasked with assisting Áila through a series of Ordeals the town elders designed to compensate for her failed Trial. For the first time, he has hope he can make something of his life.
Orail isn’t quite sure who or what she is. She remembers little before Áila’s arrival on the island, and now all she knows is that she’ll never leave Áila’s side. But as she begins to realize and remember, she discovers powers—and an identity—she never could have imagined.
Told from three perspectives, Our Divine Mischief is an epic fantasy inspired by Scottish history and mythology that includes political intrigue, a sweeping love story, and an exploration of the powerful bond between dogs and humans.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Our Divine Mischief.
The Scottish vibes in the worldbuilding definitely came across, which I enjoyed. I also wouldn’t be surprised if Howard writes more novels set in this world in the future. The worldbuilding was deep enough that it felt like there are a lot more stories that would be told. The mythology lore did confuse me a tad at times, but I probably just missed something.
The characters were fun. Hew was probably my favorite. Orail was also really fun, and the bond between her and Aila was sweet.
The main plot of the novel takes a little to unfold–but not in that the pacing is slow. Rather, there are a few twists that have to happen first before the reader realizes the true stakes. And then things move rather quickly, though not rushed. I did see a part of the twist coming, but not all of it. I liked being surprised by what happened.
Our Divine Mischief was a charming read.
Cautions: light/moderate romance; two kisses; brief, non-graphic violence; two instances of swearing
*Our Divine Mischief releases October 2023. I received an ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.*
Hailey Huntington 
Leave a comment