Damian's Oracle, Lizzy Ford (4.5 stars)

From Amazon: Caught in the war between the White and Black Gods, Sofia and her rare gift bring victory to he who grabs her first. Her difficult transition from human to oracle forces her into a new world, where she struggles in her role as Damian’s mate and to help a mysterious man who’s supposed to be dead

From GoodReads: Inspired by Slavic mythology, Damian’s Oracle is the entree into the ongoing battle between good and evil over the fate of humanity. The White God, Damian, and his Guardians protect the world from the Black God and his monsters while rescuing Naturals – humans with extraordinary paranormal gifts - from the Black God, who would kill or convert them.

Finally, a heroine with a special gift who shows strength and perseverance before coming into her own. Although I enjoyed the Twilight series, my biggest complaint was with Bella’s transformation in Breaking Dawn. It was too easy. Not so for Sofia, the main character in Lizzy Ford’s Damian’s Oracle, the first in the War of Gods series.

Sofia has to overcome a grueling physical transformation to embrace her destiny as the Oracle to the gods. We see her struggle and dig in her heels, determined to make it. Later when she has to face huge obstacles, we believe she has what it takes. The last Oracle to survive the transformation was weak and prone to the lures of the dark side.

Sofia enters a world with good and evil represented by original beings knows as the Black and White gods. She is immediately drawn to Damian, the clear leader of the White gods. But don’t expect an overly sweet and simple romance. Sofia and Damian need each other, but humanity needs them. A war is brewing between Damian and the Black god, Czerno, and Sofia’s powers as the Oracle are necessary for victory.

The last war between the gods almost destroyed mankind, so Damian and his brothers are prepared to go to whatever lengths necessary to avoid this. The author makes an interesting commentary on weakness and power, with gods no less susceptible than humans. The gods know that sometimes it takes extreme violence to protect humanity, and power isn’t achieved through unicorns and rainbows.

I was left with several questions, but I knew this was the first in a series. No gap felt too big, because the story moved forward at a thrilling pace and was far from predictable. The book can stand alone, but there are enough unanswered questions to create interest in reading future installments.

However, I did want more insight into Sofia’s relationship with Damian. Their more intimate moments together were the best parts of the story, yet the bond between the brothers was more clearly defined.

I’m looking forward to reading more in this series and to trying more novels written by Lizzy Ford. Her characters and story have depth, a bit of grit if you will. I hope future installments showcase Damian and Sofia’s relationship and explain more about the Grey God.

Rating: 4.5 stars

For more information on Lizzy Ford, please visit her Amazon Author page.

Note: I received this book free of charge as part of the WoMen's Literary Cafe Review team, but I was never asked to guarantee a positive review. My opinion is my own.