A Burned Heart – Allora Lee

This book is satisfying on its own, but works best as a counterpoint to the author’s “Otherworldly: A Shadowed Awakening”.

Both books have Isekai/LitRPG elements. The main characters are killed on (different) home worlds that have some commonalities with Earth, and awaken as young girls on Gargantua - a high-magic-low-tech world ruled by Gods who are, frankly, assholes. In contrast to the mainstream of the genre, the focus is more on the development of the protagonists than on the development of their skills.

The protagonist of “A Shadowed Awakening” led a good life - and awakes in/as a girl who is somewhat broken by her family’s neglect and abuse. The protagonist of “A Burned Heart” led a hard life - and awakes in/as a girl with a loving and supportive family.