The Gods Time Forgot

By Kelsie Sheridan Gonzalez
** Publication Date 8 April 2025 **
4 stars 



Bring on Irish mythology in the 19th century! The tales of Cú Chulainn and the Morrigan are shifted into New York in the 1870s. The shift is nearly seamless, with our two main characters having dreams of previous lives. Such a great take on the myths, though when you read this, you wonder, were they really myths?


Emma Harrington has disappeared from the family summer home in upstate New York. When she reappears, she is not the same Emma who left. Apparently that Emma, beautiful but troublesome, at least could pretend to be upper class. This Emma who has returned not only cannot behave as though she is part of the nouveau riche, but wants to antagonize and turn the world upside down.


The Lord of Donore is a mystery as well. He has embedded himself into the upper crust of Manhattanites, courting the daughter of his business partner. He is not drawn to her for any reason other than to cement himself into society’s elite. To ensure that his place will allow him to continue to support the Irish families that daily arrive on ships to America.


When the ‘new’ Emma and the Lord meet, the worlds collide and each is drawn to the other like magnets. But Emma, rather Rua as she prefers to be called, would be the downfall of Finn’s hard work. How can he make sure that she’s safe and cared for, but still maintain his dignity and place? The more they are thrust together, the harder this becomes. Especially with the memories of their former lives haunting them in their sleep.


Such a beautiful story about a love affair that crosses realms and time. Finn and Rua are the perfect match for one another. Rua/Emma is to be admired for her strong will. Cú/Finn is her foil, wanting to make sure that she is not ostracized.


The book is wonderfully written and captivating. These are not myths that I was familiar with. While I knew of the Morrigan, Cú Chulainn is not a character I’d heard of. But what a warrior he was. His bravery and dignity shine through Finn. I was hoping, as I reached the end of this novel, that it might go on for a while, perhaps a series? Although it does seem to be a standalone. This is one of those novels to be savored again and again.