Three main viewpoint characters, Orka, Varg, and Elvar, each with their own motives and backgrounds, navigate a world where the gods fell in a world-shattering war, leaving behind powerful relics and magic. Orka, a former warrior, seeks revenge after her son is kidnapped, while Varg, a slave on a quest to find his sister, unexpectedly finds a sense of family. Elvar, a rising warrior, is focused on earning battle fame but has room for growth. The story is set in a nordic landscape filled with vivid battles, monsters, and mysteries slowly revealed over the course of the novel.

Characters:

The characters are multi-dimensional with personal motivations and growth, facing challenges that reflect their inner struggles and desires.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by straightforward prose, vivid imagery, and a gradual unveiling of the world through the characters' perspectives.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot intertwines the fates of three main characters in a Norse-influenced world, following their personal quests as they encounter war, revenge, and the remnants of fallen gods.

Setting:

The setting is a richly constructed Norse-inspired world, marked by remnants of ancient gods and the struggles of its inhabitants.

Pacing:

The pacing is mixed, starting slowly but eventually builds momentum, especially towards the end.

Even though Breca’s arm was drawn back, the ash-spear gripped tight in his small, white-knuckled fist and the spearhead aimed at the reindeer in front of them, she could see the hesitation in his eyes...

Notes:

The Shadow of the Gods is the first book in The Bloodsworn Saga by John Gwynne.

It draws inspiration from Norse mythology and folklore.

The story is set in a world where the gods have died, leading to a power vacuum.

The land of Vigrid is marked by the remnants of the gods' war, making it dangerous and deadly.

The story follows three main characters: Orka, Varg, and Elvar, each with their own unique story arcs.

Orka is a former warrior turned huntress searching for her kidnapped son.

Varg is a thrall seeking revenge for his sister's death while trying to find a sense of belonging.

Elvar comes from a privileged background but chooses to join a warband for glory and freedom.

The narrative is told from the alternating perspectives of the three main characters.

The author is praised for his vivid world-building and detailed battle scenes.

Readers appreciate the strong character development, especially of the female protagonists.

The book involves themes of vengeance, familial bonds, and harsh societal structures, including slavery.

The series is noted for its grimdark tone and emotional depth, with realistic portrayal of loss and violence.

The audiobook readers have praised the narration for its immersive quality.

The usage of the term 'Thought Cage' to describe the mind has drawn mixed reactions from readers.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of violence, death, and trauma, consistent with the darker tones of the story.

From The Publisher:

"A masterfully crafted, brutally compelling Norse-inspired epic." -Anthony Ryan

THE GREATEST SAGAS ARE WRITTEN IN BLOOD.

A century has passed since the gods fought and drove themselves to extinction. Now only their bones remain, promising great power to those brave enough to seek them out.

As whispers of war echo across the land of Vigrid, fate follows in the footsteps of three warriors: a huntress on a dangerous quest, a noblewoman pursuing battle fame, and a thrall seeking vengeance among the mercenaries known as the Bloodsworn.

All three will shape the fate of the world as it once more falls under the shadow of the gods.

Set in a brand-new, Norse-inspired world, and packed with myth, magic, and vengeance, The Shadow of the Gods begins an epic new fantasy saga from bestselling author John Gwynne.

For more from John Gwynne, check out:

Of Blood and Bone

A Time of Dread

A Time of Blood

A Time of Courage

The Faithful and the Fallen

Malice

Valor

Ruin

Wrath

Ratings (43)

Incredible (12)
Loved It (15)
Liked It (10)
It Was OK (4)
Did Not Like (2)

Reader Stats (135):

Read It (46)
Currently Reading (3)
Want To Read (76)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (9)

1 comment(s)

maximilian

Incredible

1 month

“skullsplitter” im gagged

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The Shadow of the Gods

John Gwynne

Book 1 in the series:The Bloodsworn Saga