Where the False Gods Dwell

by Denny S. Bryce

Inspired by real-life legendary choreographer Katherine Dunham’s groundbreaking expedition into the heart of Caribbean dance culture, this uniquely captivating novel imagines the experiences of three very different women who accompany her, hoping to find their destinies—yet find themselves forced to survive a historic event . . .

Chicago, 1935. Othella is an orphaned con artist who needs to escape the city's brutal underworld... or else. Vivian Jean is a wealthy wife, student, and anthropologist eager to prove herself professionally and personally. Zinzi is a Jamaican labor union activist determined to bring change to her homeland's plantation system. Thanks to a series of fortunate mishaps and coincidences, all three join Dunham’s voyage to the Maroon village of Accompong in Jamaica’s Cockpit Country—and perhaps discover what they desperately want most . . .

Through skill and curiosity, Othella becomes a valued member of the expedition, even as she struggles to conceal her past. Zinzi's knowledge of the Cockpit allows the expedition to explore uncharted territory, even as a forbidden love and fierce resistance threaten everything she seeks to protect. As Vivian Jean’s observations help Dunham make unprecedented discoveries, she grapples with her second husband's guilt and accusations. Yet, amidst their private battles, nature presents an even greater challenge . . .

As deadly Hurricane Jérémie bears down on the island, imperiling the women’s mission—and their lives—they must form a difficult sisterhood. As the storm rages outside the small parish that is their shelter, they will need each other more than anyone or anything they’ve ever needed.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Adult Fiction, African American, Book Club

326 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 24, 2026

About the author

Denny S. Bryce is a best-selling, award-winning author of historical fiction. A former dancer and public relations professional, Denny is an adjunct professor in the MFA program at Drexel University, a book critic for NPR, and a freelance writer whose work has appeared in USA Today and Harper’s Bazaar. She is also a member of the Historical Novel Society, Women’s Fiction Writers Association, and Tall Poppy Writers. Originally from Ohio, she likes to call Chicago her hometown but currently resides in Savannah, Georgia. You can find her online at DennySBryce.com.

Reviews

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immersive and beautifully written, this gripping histfic story focuses on three women who travel with iconic choreographer Katherine Dunham to Jamaica -- the heart of Caribbean dance culture -- and find their lives at risk as they encounter terrifying Hurricane Jérémie. Highly recommended.

[Amber Lati · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't quite sure what to expect going into this novel besides it being centered around the iconic Katherine Dunham.

This is a story based on a trip that Dunham took to the Caribbean during 1935, in which she makes a stop in Jamaica to study the Maroons, their lives, and their dances. However, the story is much bigger than that. It's told through the perspectives of three women who are with her during her time in Jamaica.

The story unfolds in Chicago, stops briefly in NYC, and then takes off in Jamaica. There's high adventure, murder, mayhem! Everything I didn't expect. I devoured this novel in one weekend.

Importantly, this is also the story of the Maroons, who fought for their freedom the slavery and fought to maintain it. It's also the story of Jamaica's labor unionization efforts. It's beautifully written.

Thank you Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for this wonderful ARC!

[Maxine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where the False Gods Dwell by Denny S. Bryce is inspired by real-life choreographer, Katharine Dunham’s, journey to Jamaica from Chicago in 1935 to study Caribbean dance culture In this beautifully written novel, she is accompanied by three very different women, all of whom carry their own reasons, as well as secrets, for making the trip. Othella is a young con artist who is trying to elude wrath of a gang leader. Vivian Jean wealthy woman and Anthropologist who wants to prove her abilities. Zinzi is a labour organizer with a desire to help her people. The story is told from the different viewpoints of each of these women with Bryce slowly bringing them together as the women become closer throughout the journey.

All three of these women are well-drawn and three-dimensional, easy to care about. Even the supporting characters, and there are many, have depth. Bryce also provides history of the Jamaican Maroon population for those, like me, who like a bit of actual history in their historical. There is also a bit of romance as well as mystery, tension and heartbreak. I have to say this is definitely one of my favourite books so far this year and I recommend it highly. I read the book while listening to the audiobook read by Joniece Abbott-Pratt, Kaci Hamilton, and Kaya Fraites, all of whom do an excellent job of giving life to the many characters.

Thanks to Netgalley, RBmedia, and Kensington for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

[Rhonda McKnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. (Full review to come.)

[Wind · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5🌟🎧 This story is inspired by choreographer and dancer Katherine Dunham and her expedition to Jamaica even though we do not get her POV. Instead, we get the POV of three different women (Othella, Vivian Jean, and Zinzi) whose path ends up joining Katherine on the expedition in some way.
When we get to the bones of the book, we discover the women are on a journey of self-discovery each fleeing from the devils in their life. Making the expedition mean so much more to each woman differently.
I enjoyed learning about the Maroon people in Jamaica and the history of the sugar plantations as the laborers are struggling to start a union.
The story kept me intrigued, especially Othella’s POV.
The ending on the other hand felt rushed and incomplete compared to the buildup throughout the story.
Now I need to go do my research on Katherine Dunham to learn more about her.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ALC!

[Sherry Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful, historical, heartfelt, and compelling. Definitely worth reading that was captivating from the beginning to end!

[Stephanielikesbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Told in the POVs of three women, I found it hard to distinguish two of the characters. One of the women - around whom the novel is built, choreographer Katherine Dunham - didn’t have a POV and instead other characters told us about her. I would have liked to have seen her POV.

I was interested in the Maroon people and culture storyline in Jamaica as well as the burgeoning Jamaica labour union movement in the 1930s.

I found that there was a lot going on in the plot in some areas and not enough in others (e.g., I would have enjoyed seeing more about the Maroon culture).

Thanks to the publisher for this complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own.

[Ivoree Malcom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine trying to escape the demons of your life —only to have them follow you to another country. That’s the energy Where the False Gods Dwell starts with, & honestly, it had so much potential.

The novel opens with three different women from three completely different walks of life. At first, the connection between them isn’t obvious, but slowly—very slowly—the dots begin to connect. It’s definitely a slow burn. Usually, I get irritated when a narrative constantly switches between characters. It can feel choppy or disruptive. But for some reason, Bryce handled the transitions in a way that felt smoother this time. I wasn’t as perturbed as I normally would be, & I appreciated that.

That said, the pacing worked against the story in the end. Just when things were finally starting to pick up & get good, the book abruptly concluded. I needed more depth, more exploration, more payoff. It felt like it stopped right when it was finally stepping into its full potential.

Learning in the acknowledgments that the title is rooted in Union by Langston Hughes was definitely a shocker for me. Maybe Bruce could've included the actual poem in the book for reference? Anywho, that revelation blew me—because had the narrative truly invested in the depth & breadth of that poetic connection, this story could have been elevated to something unforgettable. The foundation was there, but it didn’t feel fully realized.

As for the “historical fiction” label… it feels generous. There are sprinkles of history, sure. But if you’re expecting a deeply immersive historical narrative, you might be disappointed. Even Katherine Dunham—a real-life icon & traveling cultural force—was not a main character here. Instead, she’s portrayed more like a nagging nuisance because she wanted to stay focused on the work they came to do. That characterization felt odd & underdeveloped, especially given her significance.

There were also some plot twists that felt half-baked & a bit random. Instead of shocking in a satisfying way, they landed more like “wait… what?” moments. & by the end, I was left with more lingering questions than answers.

That being said, I did appreciate the glimpses into a sector of Jamaican culture. The layered portrayal of place & atmosphere was one of the stronger aspects of the novel. Exploring those different cultural dimensions added richness that I wish the overall plot had matched.

I give it a 3.5. It's not a terrible read, but not a fully realized one either. It has strong bones, a promising premise, & meaningful historical threads—but it ultimately felt undercooked. I wanted more depth, more cohesion, & more commitment to the powerful themes it hinted at.

*I received an advance review copy for free & I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

#ThankGodForARCs

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful and interesting book. A historical fiction book set around the dancer and choreographer Katherine Dunham, who goes on an exploration starting in Jamaica.
Out of the three narrators I found Vivian Jean a bit whiny, which makes sense as a wealthy girl raised in Chicago, having to survive in the jungle.
I loved Zinzi and her background as a labor union activist. Through her storyline I learned a lot of horrifying things about the sugar plantations.
Othella is a scrappy, quick learner with a very interesting back story.
All in all great for anyone who enjoys historical fiction and looking to learn more about black Americans in 1935, and the peoples in Jamaica.
It’s been a while since a book gripped me so, that I wanted to keep reading. The chapters are short and snappy and leave you wanting more.
I also recommend watching videos of Dunham dancing (if you are not familiar with her work.)

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this historical fiction following 3 women, their lives, and eventually how their stories intertwine.

I love that each woman, Katherine, Zinzi, and Vivian each had their own storyline and we got to see their lives outside of each other. I did expect to have more of a main focus on Katherine, but that wasn’t the case.

The multiple narrators really drove the story and I thought they did a great job!

I thought the history was rich and overall enjoyed myself.

Thank you NetGalley and RBmedia for the alc.

[LeeAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

absolutely devastating and beautiful
a must-read

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong (Historical) Women's Fiction Ends As A Breathtaking Thriller. First, I got this Advance Review Copy in a somewhat unusual manner - via winning Bryce's contest in the annual Great Big Giveaway Day 2025 hosted by the Facebook group Readers Coffeehouse, which I've been a member of for quite some time and actively assist the Founders (Steena Holmes, Laura Drake, Cathy Lamb, Barbara Claypole White, Kimberly Belle, and Catherine Ryan Hyde) with every year via tracking all the books and winners in all the contests along with my partner in that effort, Ann Marie McKeon Gruszkowski. This is something that I have a lot of fun with every year and find a lot of new books at every year, and I encourage all readers and authors to give it a look. On the version of this review on my blog, BookAnon.com, and my SubStack, I'll link the document of all the participating authors and books from the 2025 contest here. So I've actually had this copy since September 2025, and yet because of just how many ARCs I read... I only managed to get to it the day before release. Yikes!

Now, onto the book itself: Y'all, it is *really* good. Through most of the story, it is a women's fiction set in 1935 in the heart of the Great Depression and only shortly after Prohibition ended in the United States and it features characters that are in situations all too universally felt, allowing far too many people to relate to at least one of its central characters all too well.

Starting in both Chicago and Jamaica, this is indeed a tale with multiple character perspectives, though these are primarily just our three central characters as they begin to be set on paths that will have them meet up and then change each others' lives forever. For those who are generally hostile towards multi-perspective dramas, this one probably won't change your mind. Give it a shot, if you're willing, but while this tale is done well in this style, I'm not sure that it will move the needle for those particular readers. For everyone else though, and specifically for those who *do* enjoy the multi-perspective style of storytelling, this is one tale where it is used truly effectively throughout the entire tale - including showing the same scene through different perspectives at least a couple of different times, one of which in particular was done in a manner reminiscent of the best of the Now You See Me movie sequences.

For those looking for more of a hurricane/ survival story... that comes in more at the tail end here - within the last 20% of the tale, and indeed closing out the tale before the epilogue a year later. So while it isn't a primary focus of the book, it is foreshadowed well in a couple of places (in hindsight), and when it hits, it *hits* and is done on par with some of the best sequences I've ever read, particularly for women's fiction/ historical tales to the point of the hurricane.

Now, one thing that will absolutely turn off at least some readers - to the point of defenestration likely or perhaps even imminent - is that this particular tale is *very* pro-union (the worker's collective type, to be clear). So just know that up front, and if that is something that you just can't handle, even in a fictional tale, eh, maybe skip this one. You're only doing yourself a disservice there because this really is a great tale well told even with this focus, but at least if you truly have such strong opinions about that particular facet and skip it because I told you about this, maybe I can spare Bryce a scathing 1 star review because of your own hangups. :)

Overall truly a powerful tale solidly told, one that may well stick with some readers long after they've finished reading the words on these pages.

Very much recommended.

[Bookguide · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a slightly slow start, this turns into a fast-moving, action-packed tale that I couldn’t put down. I was attracted to the beautiful cover and the lure of learning about Caribbean dance culture and the Black dance icon Katherine Dunham. There was perhaps less of that than I had expected, but the tensions introduced to the expedition by Othella’s links to Chicago’s underworld made for a novel that was far more exciting than anticipated. Othella describes herself as ‘Queen of the fingersmiths’, and it’s her ability to think on her feet and adapt to every situation that propels the novel and makes you want to know what happens. Her ability to attract trouble is also a driver of much of the action; a wonderful character, even if her morals are rather dubious.

There’s a lot to love in ‘Where the False Gods Dwell’, whether you’re looking for Jamaican history and references to the ills of colonialism and the plantation system, rum running and early unionisation, or if you like romance and tense family relationships. I was really happy to be able to read a digital ARC from NetGalley. This is my honest if slightly convoluted review after reading all 336 pages.

If you want to learn about dance culture, you’re better off finding a biography of Katherine Dunham, but otherwise I’d thoroughly recommend immersing yourself in this world. For one thing, it’s told entirely from the perspective of women, Black women at that, and the men are entirely pushed to the background, even if they theoretically have power over the women. In fact, that tension is also one of the drivers of the action, with Othella trying to escape the wrath of her brother-in-law and a vengeful mobster, and Vivian Jean trying to rebuild her life with her second husband, away from her father.

This is an action-packed thriller of a book that weaves together the stories of three Black women from varied backgrounds in mid-thirties Chicago and Jamaica. They are all independent and adventurous and all have faced adversity in their lives, but they are determined to rise above their problems. They are all looking for a form of escape, and Katherine Dunham’s anthropological expedition to find out about African dance culture in Jamaica gives them all the opportunity to do just that.

Denny S. Bryce weaves a tangled web of African American and Jamaican experience against the background of real people and events around 1935. Perhaps the most compelling is Othella, a young woman who earns a living picking pockets at Chicago’s nightclubs, mixing with unsavoury characters and living on her wits. It’s this that brings her into contact with Katherine and another wealthy socialite, Vivian Jean, daughter of an overbearing major, who also plans to visit Jamaica to investigate the Maroon culture built for centuries by enslaved people who had been granted freedom by the British colonists. The group will travel to the isolated village of Accompong where the Maroon people have preserved a living archive of African culture, religion, and traditions with all their myths and folklore, from rolling calves to duppies to the power of the silk cotton tree.

Not until the group reaches Jamaica do they meet the third protagonist, Zinzi, a woman who is heavily involved in the nascent union movement, but has her roots in Accompong in Jamaica’s remote Cockpit Country, surrounded by tropical forests, sugarcane plantations and inhospitable limestone hills full of hidden caverns and sinkholes.

My review seems to be getting as tangled as the tropical vines in the book. The book isn’t perfect. The pacing is occasionally off, and if you don’t like alternating perspectives or the occasional flashback, you might be put off, but I loved it.

[Ria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the author Denny S. Bryce for providing an ARC of Where the False Gods Dwell in exchange for an honest review.
Where the False Gods Dwell tells the story of three women who accompany choreographer Katherine Dunham on her expedition to Accompong, a Maroon village in Jamaica’s Cockpit Country. It’s a novel about sisterhood, identity, and survival — set against the rich backdrop of 1935 Chicago and Jamaica.
Part 1 – Before the Expedition
We meet our three main characters:
1. Othella, an orphaned pickpocket who’s had a rough start in life and has been taken advantage of by men in positions of power.
2. Vivian Jean, a wealthy wife and anthropologist hoping that a visit to the Silk Cotton Tree will help improve her marriage.
3. Zinzi, a Jamaican labor union activist who knows Cockpit Country like the back of her hand.
I loved this section. It paints a vivid picture of 1930s Chicago and Jamaica, showing the racism and social tension in both countries. I would have liked to see more detail about the Jamaican labor movement and the experiences of the workers — it was fascinating and could have been explored further.
Part 2 – The Boat Journey
The start of the trip to Jamaica dragged a little for me. I did appreciate the historical details about what travel was like for Black passengers at the time — from segregated train cars to unequal treatment in ports — but this section felt a bit too long and slowed the pacing.
Part 3 – Jamaica
This was my favorite section, though I wish it had been longer! I loved the atmosphere and cultural detail — the traditional foods, the folklore, and especially the mentions of Obeah and the Silk Cotton Tree. Since Katherine Dunham’s real expedition focused on Caribbean dance, I would have loved more exploration of the dances themselves and their meaning.
I’m personally love stories about culture, belief, and folklore, so this part I really enjoyed.
Overall Thoughts
Although in reality Dunham’s 1935 expedition was a solo journey, I loved how Bryce used that real event as inspiration, combining it with layers of historical and cultural context. The novel captures the spirit of discovery and the strength of women navigating personal and societal challenges in an era of change.
A richly atmospheric read with strong characters and a sense of place — I just wanted more of the Jamaican section!

[Dee Furey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where the False Gods Dwell by Denny S. Bryce was a fascinating and engrossing story telling the story of three very different women who accompany real-life legendary choreographer Katherine Dunham on her groundbreaking expedition into the heart of Caribbean dance culture.
I was fortunate enough to have both the e-arc and and advance listener copy. Thank you to Net Galley, Kensington Publishing, and RB Media for my advance copies.

The story opens in Chicago, 1935. Othella, an orphan, has grown up to be a con artist, and the people around her are not good people. Othella has made up her mind to escape this life, and her boyfriend. She has money and a suitcase secreted away. She needs to escape quickly and quietly and start over.

Vivian Jean is a wealthy wife and anthropologist eager to prove herself professionally. Her first husband died and before he died he turned over her her trust fund to her. Now she is remarried to her husband's brother, and there is trouble in their marriage. They both feel enormous guilt and they do not know if their marriage can survive.

Zinzi is a Jamaican labor union activist determined to bring change to her island. She meets the other two women to help the Katherine Dunham expedition make their way around Jamaica to the Maroon village of Accompong in Jamaica’s Cockpit Country—and perhaps discover what they desperately want most . . .and a deadly hurricane, Jérémie, is bearing down on the island.

I loved how the author blended these three distinct storylines together: Othella fleeing mobsters and the police in Chicago to remake her life in Jamaica, Vivian trying to understand her life, her relationship with her father, and to fix or leave her marriage. Zinzi with her labor organization and forbidden romance. There is violence, danger, transformations, self-exploration, as well as the beautiful culture of Jamaica.

This is the rare book that I wish was longer. Othella, Vivian and Zinzi are all rich characters with complex issues they are dealing with and we could definitely spend more time with each character.

Thoroughly enjoyed this read and love this gorgeous cover. I gave this book 4.25 stars. Thank you so much Net Galley, RB Media and Kensington Publishing.

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chicago, 1935. Othella is nineteen, she’s in a relationship with a con artist Perry Merriweather and he works for a member of the mob Tony Schafer. Vivian Jean Hartfield is from a wealthy African American family and is married to her second husband Tully and she’s friends with dancer and anthropologist Kathleen Dunham. Zinzi Green is a Jamaican labour union activist, she lost both her father and fiancée to work place accidents and dislikes plantation owners.

Kathleen plans to travel to Jamaica, to the Moroon village and continue her research into this history of African dance, and how it’s practiced in the isolated Cockpit Country. Due to being in the right place at the right time, Othella finds herself part of the group with Kathleen and Vivian Jean and their reluctant guide is Zinzi, she hasn’t seen her Momma for a while and she will lead them through the rainforest.

While Othella struggles to conceal her past, Vivian Jean reflects on both her marriage and her father’s business practices and they have no idea a deadly hurricane called Jérémie is about to hit, and they will have to fight to survive and the repercussions?

I received a copy of Where the False Gods Dwell by Denny S. Bryce from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

Based on the real-life of dancer, choreographer and anthropologist Katherine Dunham and her expedition to Jamaica and her interest in Caribbean/African dance culture and superstitions.

Ms Bryce explores topics and subjects that were relevant at the time, such as prohibition, gangsters and the mob, their links to the rum trade, the rise of the labour union in Jamaica and how sugarcane and banana plantation owners made their employees dependent upon them, paid low wages, they lived and worked in terrible conditions.

While I enjoyed this book, it’s not my favourite historical fiction novel by Denny S. Bryce, I found the parts about Katherine and Zinzi fascinating and Othella and Vivian Jean lacking. Four stars from me, I suggest reading Where the False Gods Dwell for yourself and make up your own mind.

[Mackeda(islandgyalreads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know this has no bearing on the book but for my peace of mind, I must highlight that Jamaica has no jungles, we have forests. And you may argue that a jungle is a forest, I would like to point out that we have a Forestry Department not a Jungle Department... I thank you. But pet peeve aside the only complaint I have about the novel is that I thought it would feature a bit more magic, we obviously wouldn't see Obeah at work but even a tups of magical realism would have been nice. I was bit ambivalent towards the main characters and thought the book being inspired by Katherine Dunham meant we would have gotten at least one POV from her. A fact that I can't deny is that the novel was adequately researched, but I still found some minor details/ conversations odd. For example when the group got to Accompong and had to meet with the people, Katherine's aim was to learn the dance this has been expressed several times so I could understand her upset but I saw her work as being anthropological somewhat, yet her behavior didn't reflect that. Like she kept complaining that the Maroons wouldn't show her their dance which if you had done this before you would know that it takes a while for a community to warm up to outsiders no matter the skin tone. I found her behavior to bit entitled. At some points the dialogue made it seem as if the Maroons had known the group was coming and other times it was like they had to be threading lightly because they were encroaching the Maroons space. Now that we've spoken about the things that didn't work for me; here are some things that did. The research that went into the story, this is the first time I'm hearing about labor riots (idk remember if this was an artist liberty) and actually enjoyed Zinzi's arc. I loved how lush the writing was, every emotion visibly recoiled when the father confessed to his affair and detail was felt, it was like I was beside the characters. An overall ok read!

[J.L. Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where the False Gods Dwell takes the reader on a voyage of discovery (physical and personal) from Chicago to Jamaica, as experienced by three women. The story follows a young con artist who can’t seem to avoid trouble, a well-to-do wife and anthropologist, and the labor union activist they meet on the island.

All three have a variety of issues and are brought together by Katherine Dunham, whose expedition is focused on studying the dance and customs of the people in the Cockpit Country. Accompong, specifically.

Each woman faces unique issues. Othella can’t shake the seedy characters who follow her from Chicago. Vivian Jean has marital issues and believes all will be well if she can reach the sacred silk cotton tree and pour out her heart. Zinzi believes in the trade union movement and faces danger when she falls in love with the son of a devious plantation owner.

As they work together, the women’s lives are intertwined, and they come to depend on each other. Their destinies intertwine during a hurricane as they lean on each other for survival.

The characters in this story made me chuckle, fume, and yes, shed a few tears. I read one chapter several times in disbelief about that character’s outcome.

In Where The False Gods Dwell, the writer brought 1935 society to life with great descriptions and colorful characters. I was particularly interested in the history, settings, and the culture of the Maroons, and was not disappointed.

The story flowed well, and every time I thought my favorite character, Othella, was safe, something happened to keep me turning the pages. The end was poignant, and I wished for another ending for Othella, but understood how and why her story ended as it did. For the other characters, the novel came to a satisfying close.

If you enjoy historical fiction with complex characters, this book is for you.

[Sherry Rosen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up
Immersive read

Where the False Gods Dwell is a beautifully written story.  It is told from the points of view of three women, each chasing her own demons.  The story begins in the mid-1930s and takes us from Chicago to Jamaica, where Othella, Vivian Jean and Zinzi's ultimately cross paths.  

Othella is a 19-year old con artist who needs to get out of town to save her own skin.  Vivian Jean is a wealthy married anthropologist hiding a lot of pain and heartache.  Zinzi is a Jamaican labor union activist who has suffered her own heartbreak and is hell-bent on changing the conditions of laborers in the sugar plantations.

When Kathleen Dunham (the real-life choreographer whose expedition into the heart of Caribbean dance culture is the basis of the book) organizes an excursion to Jamaica to research the Moroon Village and its history of African/Caribbean dance, Othella, Vivian Jean and Zinzi, who is hired to guide the American group, find themselves on more than an anthropological outing.

There is no shortage of tension and romance, and Othella, Vivian Jean and Zinzi forge a strong sisterhood as Hurricane Jeremie heads toward the island.

I especially loved reading about Zinzi - she was the best developed character, and a strong and intelligent woman.  I do feel the ending was a bit abrupt and I would have liked to hear more about where the characters' ended up.

The audio was brilliantly cast but Joniece Abbot-Pratt as Zinzi was a standout. Her voice is strong and soothing and pure velvet.

If you enjoy reading about strong women who lift each other up, this is for you.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing and RBmedia for the advance reader and listening copies. All opinions are my own.

[Deb Kiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story was inspired by Katherine Dunham's expedition to find and share what she observed about African-inspired Caribbean dances. Three strangers, Vivian Jean, Zinzi, and Othella, share their perspectives on the journey that travels from 1935 Chicago through NYC to Jamaica. Each woman has her own demons and secrets and each one learns more about herself and what is most important as they overcome deceit and challenges. I love how the author wove the three stories together in a very organic way to the story and characters. Their lives grew more dependent on each other by the end, particularly when the hurricane fell on the island with its rains and winds. The characters are well developed and the reader is given more depth and information about each one as events unfold. The secondary characters are also interesting, especially Zinzi's mother in Jamaica with her knowledge of local lore and Byron Tynesdale, who learned more about himself and his purpose. I enjoyed learning about the Maroon village of Accompong in Jamaica’s Cockpit Country as well as how Dunham and Othella has to record the dances on paper. The author's note provides more background of Dunham, the hurricane, the village, and historical figures in the story. Plus there is a section about what facts and figures helped inspire the story, so good history to learn.
I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction, multiple viewpoints, and fascinating characters.
#WheretheFalseGodsDwell #NetGalley
Thank you Kensington Publishing and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Leslie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This historical fiction centers around famous dancer and anthologist Katherine Dunham’s expedition from the POV of 3 fictional women who accompanied her. Othella was be my favorite character but both her and Ziniz bring interesting perspective to this story. Vivian Jean and her family had such a weird dynamic that I just couldn’t get into. Her whole storyline could be taken out of the book and the plot would still work. I would have much preferred Katherine’s POV as she was the real person who was traveling around the Caribbean documenting the cultures and dances. I also wish we got more time with the Maroon people. This book end up being more a historical drama than historical adventure that I was expecting.

This book could really have used some good editing. There are several scenes that are telling instead of showing. You are nearly 25 chapters into the book before a detailed description of the Cockpit in Jamaica is given even thought its constantly referenced in the story. First half of this book dragged on and I was really wanting to DNF. The ending is so abrupt that I just put my hand up and went what was the point of this? From the description I really expected more of Hurricane Jeremie to play into the plot but you hardly get any storm at all. I did enjoy learning about the effect of sugar and rum production on Jamaica’s labor union and relationships with the US and England.

Thank you to NetGallery and the Publisher, RBmedia - Recorded Books for this Advance Audiobook Copy

Joniece Abbott-Pratt, Kaci Hamilton, & Khaya Fraites were lovey narrators

[Rochelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

NetGalley Advance Reader Copy Review

Narrated by Joniece Abbott-Pratt; Kaci Hamilton; Khaya Fraites.

The novel opens with three different women from three different walks of life. Othella, a survivor and con artist desperate to have a life where she doesn’t have use her body and con to survive; Vivian Jean, a wealthy and privileged anthropologist. She’s on the second marriage to her husband’s brother and they are having marriage trouble; and Zinzi, a labor union activist.

The iconic Katherine Dunham is planning an expedition to Jamaica to study the life and culture of the Maroons. These women’s paths cross when they join this expedition.

Based on the book blurb, it appears that the hurricane is a major portion of the story. That did not occur until the last chapter. It does have an impact on the characters, but it appears to have just come out of nowhere and then it was over. The pacing was very slow; things don’t really pick up until our characters get to Jamaica. There are so many subplots happening with each character, and the switch between them is constant. The way all these events and people wound up connecting, had thinking they were far-fetched and had me shaking my head.

It was good to learn about the history and impact the production of sugar had on that time and still to this day. I knew nothing of the Maroons, so I enjoyed the history lesson. I believe better pacing a better flushed out ending would have helped me enjoy this more.

[Bossmanaries Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Othella, orphaned con artist; Vivian Jean, an anthropologist,; Zinzi, labor union activist; all three join in famous dancer Katherine Dunham’s voyage to the Maroon village of Accompong in Jamaica’s Cockpit Country—and perhaps discover what they desperately want most .

Katherine Dunham is not the anchor of the story just a vehicle to move the story and the people to different places in life. This is not her story but the story of the trio of women who gives heart to this story as told in their own points of view. Through the resilience of their spirits, the women have individual awakenings and spiritual revivals while Katherine is exploring new dances. You feel the love and life from the trio embracing a new way of life through not hiding from the past but using it to be better.

The narration is done very well with the various narrators hired to give the voices the power to share their lives.

Damn you #dennysbryce you made me care about these resilient women. This was a good journey with the characters and beautiful yet treacherous sites.

Thank you to #netgalley #rbmedia for this advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

#WheretheFalseGodsDwell #netgalley #dennysbryce

[Erricka Hager · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid four stars for this multiple-POV novel filled with history, Black excellence, strong Black leading women, and suspense.

The legendary Katherine Dunham is headed to Jamaica on an anthropological expedition to witness the beauty of the Maroon village of Accompong, and she brings along our three main characters, Othella, Zinzi, and Vivian Jean. Each character has something to prove, whether it's young Othella, trying to shake her crime-filled past, or Zinzi, who wants to expose the horrible conditions on the sugar plantations. Vivian Jean was my least favorite of the three, and I couldn't help but root for our young Othella.

I listened to the audiobook while reading, and it really helped because the cast of characters was phenomenal. My only gripe is that at first it was a little difficult to tell the girls apart, but I'm glad I had the physical copy to help me out.

Although this wasn't my favorite from Bryce, I still highly recommend it if you're looking for a book to read during Women's History Month that features themes of sisterhood, found family, and strong Black women. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the eARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review.

[Lena · Rating 2 out of 5]

I went into Where the False Gods Dwell with high expectations, as I generally have a high bar for historical fiction. Ideally, I want to walk away from a novel with a deeper understanding of a specific era or historical figure, but unfortunately, this story didn't quite deliver that educational or immersive spark for me.

What Didn't Click:
The story follows three characters—Othella, Viviane, and Zinzi—on a trip to Jamaica with the legendary Katherine Dunham. Because we never get Dunham’s own point of view, I felt a distance from the historical heart of the story. I struggled to connect with the three main protagonists or become invested in their personal journeys. In addition, the narration was off. Specifically, Othella's reader's dialect didn't match 1930's young person to me.

I was particularly looking forward to the depiction of the Western Jamaican hurricane, but it felt more like a background element than a pivotal part of the narrative.

Final Thoughts:
While the premise was intriguing, the execution felt a bit underwhelmed for my specific tastes in the genre. I still respect Denny S. Bryce’s work and plan to pick up her future releases, hoping that this particular story just wasn't the right match for me.

[Vanessa Herrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Denny S. Bryce & Recorded Books Media for offering an alc via NetGalley!

This is a shining example of why I'm obsessed with interconnected stories! It centers three women from vastly different walks of life whose worlds collide when they accompany Katherine Dunham on an expedition to the Maroon village of Accompong in Jamaica's Cockpit Country.

Each woman arrives for her own reasons. Othella is a con artist surviving by any means necessary. Vivian Jean is a wealthy anthropologist still living under her father's watchful control, even in marriage to her deceased husband's brother. Zinzi is a passionate labor union activist fighting for justice. Their individual journeys are immediately compelling, but when a deadly storm hits the island, they're forced to rely on one another in ways none of them anticipated. Each storyline is moving, and I| found myself deeply connected to all three women.

And if you're considering the format, I recommend that you experience this one on audio. The narrators elevate the story to another level and absolutely nail the emotional depth of each character. It's honestly unforgettable.

[Robin LaShanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4✨Where the False God’s dwell is a historical fiction novel based on the Caribbean expedition of choreographer Katherine Dunham. However, Katherine is really not a main character of the story. The story focuses on three women who were on the trip with her. Zinzi, the guide for the trip as well as a Jamaican labor, union activist. Vivian Jean, a wealthy woman who is looking to ease her demons and Othella, a young girl who is trying to run away from her demons.

With multiple narrators, this book drew me in. The individual story of each woman was really intriguing and Bryce writes them so well. I felt as if I knew each woman (Zinzi was my favorite). That said, there are a lot of stories to follow and that can become a challenge, even with them intertwined. It’s easy to get lost.

While I enjoyed the book, I was hoping to hear more about Katherine’s expedition, which really just seemed to be a tool for telling the stories of the other women. This encourages me to research about Katherine!

Good read!

Thanks to NetGalley and RB media for the advanced listener copy. All opinions are my own.

Version:🎧

[Shantel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one? Yeah… it pulled me all the way in.
Three Black women. Three different lives. All carrying secrets, ambition, and pain—and somehow ending up on the same journey to Jamaica that quickly turns into way more than they signed up for.
What I loved most? These women felt REAL. Not perfect, not polished—just layered, complicated, and trying to survive in a world that’s already working against them. Othella, Vivian, and Zinzi each had their own thing going on, but watching their stories slowly intertwine? That’s what had me hooked.
And let’s talk about the atmosphere… the heat, the tension, the slow build of something going very wrong in the background. You can feel it creeping in. By the time everything starts unraveling—emotionally and literally—I was locked in and not going anywhere.
This story really digs into identity, survival, and the choices we make when we’re trying to become who we’re meant to be… even if it costs us something.
It’s giving: ✨ Black women navigating messy, complicated lives
✨ Secrets on top of secrets
✨ Slow-burn tension with a storm waiting to hit
✨ Beauty, danger, and a little bit of chaos

[Melaninbookishbae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where the False Gods Dwell is a haunting, layered read that lingers long after the final page. The atmosphere is heavy in the best way—dark, unsettling, and intentional—pulling you into a world where belief, power, and deception are constantly at odds.

The author does an excellent job of building tension, not just through the plot but through the emotional weight carried by the characters. There’s a sense of unease woven throughout the story that keeps you questioning motives, truths, and what “faith” really means in this world. I especially appreciated how nothing felt easy or clearly defined—morality is blurred, and the consequences feel real.

The pacing is deliberate, allowing the story to breathe while still keeping you invested. This isn’t a light read, but it’s a rewarding one if you enjoy darker themes, complex world-building, and stories that challenge the idea of absolute good and evil.

Overall, Where the False Gods Dwell is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy immersive, morally complex stories with a strong atmospheric pull.

[Kristan Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s 1935 Chicago, and we meet our three narrators: Othella, an accomplished pickpocket and orphan, dealing with life on the rough streets of Chicago; Vivian Jean, a socialite looking for purpose in her life; and Zinzi, a union activist. They’re all going to Jamaica with the legendary, real life choreographer and anthropologist, Katherine Dunham.

Denny S. Bryce is breathtakingly talented in weaving historical novels. I’ve always said I’ve learned more about history from novels than from any class or documentary, because in the hands of an author as gifted as Ms. Bryce, the reader is in the story, not just observing it. Details are so rich with you can smell the food and feel the salty breeze. There’s murder, romance, culture, danger and a hurricane to boot. It’s a story of discovery and courage and friendship told through the eyes of these strong, unique women making their mark. It’s uplifting, fascinating and just so beautifully written. You will long remember Where the False Gods Dwell and thank yourself for reading it.