Assessment:

Plot/Idea: Arden's impressive story starts a bit slowly as a debate between gods rages, over who should maintain power over Earth. But the pace picks up quickly, and readers will eagerly anticipate the ending—and the book's upcoming sequel.

Prose: Arden successfully creates clear distinctions between each of the characters' voices, and the story is elevated by beautifully described settings and appearances.

Originality: Arden's novel is unique on multiple levels. From the fantasy's setting in a medieval kingdom, to gods taking on a mortal form and having to rediscover their godhood, there is much that makes Daughter of Lazarus stand out.

Character/Execution: The way each god/goddess grows to understand their real identities is very creative, as are their respective powers. As a whole, Arden's characters are well-developed, regardless of whether they are incarnated gods or mortal characters. Though there are some introduced late in the story, the novel effectively sets them up for significance in the sequel.

Date Submitted: July 22, 2023