The Shadow of The Gods

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

After the gods warred and drove themselves to extinction, the cataclysm of their fall shattered the land of Vigrið.

Now a new world is rising, where power-hungry jarls feud and monsters stalk the woods and mountains. A world where the bones of the dead gods still hold great power for those brave - or desperate - enough to seek them out.

Now, as whispers of war echo across the mountains and fjords, fate follows in the footsteps of three people: a huntress on a dangerous quest, a noblewoman who has rejected privilege in pursuit of battle fame, and a thrall who seeks vengeance among the famed 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 . . .

Title: The Shadow of The Gods

Series: The Bloodsworn Saga

Author: John Gwynne

Genre: Epic Fantasy / Norse Mythology

Hardcover: 496 pages

Publication Date: 05/06/2021

Publisher: Orbit

Language: English

ISBN: 0356514188

ISBN-13: 9780356514185

My Review

All the stars!

Sometimes, fate lines up and you receive an advanced reader copy of a novel that is one of your most anticipated books of the year. And sometimes, fate has it, that you realize as you read the words that form sentences and paragraphs that transform into an unforgettable story, that the book you hold in your hands is one of the best ones ever written.

John Gwynne’s new novel, The Shadow of The Gods (The Bloodsworn Saga #1) is an epic fantasy set in a Norse-inspired world filled with myths and tales of gods, magic, and unforgettable characters. A tale that ravishes with beauty, family bonds, friendships, and selflessness, but also throbs with dark, relentless violence and a tune of vengeance that’s gritty and stark.

Vigrid, the setting of this saga is a land that is divided by the old battle plains to the north, above The Brokeback Mountains, and the inhabited settlements, towns, villages, and fjords to the south. It’s been three hundred years since the gods warred each other on the battle plains and one of the fallen gods released the vaesen creatures from below the ground through a horizontal chasm that splits the entirety of the land above the divide. It is said, that the relics of the gods and their bones still hold powers that roaming warbands are after. Innocent citizens are torn in the power struggles of Jarls, the protection of their lands, and the support for Queen Helka, who all vie for the ultimate dominion of Vigrid. In a constant change of loyalties, the story navigates between three main protagonists and a cast of supporting characters to tell their tale and Gwynne does an amazing job building their story arcs and meshing them with the overall saga of the gods.

The Year is 297 – The age of Peace

Orka, her husband Thorkel and their son Breca are trappers and traders in a small community. Orka has left a life of bloodshed behind to raise her family and live a peaceful life in the rural countryside. They teach their son how to hunt and fish and all those essentials to make a living through valuable hands-on lessons. Their family bond is strong and endearing. When they hear of children disappearing and local political loyalties are changing, Orka becomes very concerned and involuntarily involved by following the right thing to do. The last thing she wants is to lose her own son to whoever is taking these children.

Elvar is a young warrior who has fled her father’s house one day to escape marriage as a pawn for political gain. She now is part of the Battle Grim Warband desperately seeking her place among the ranks, chiseling away at her own destiny.

Varg has lost his sister. The two of them were extremely close and sold to a farm when very young. When his sister is murdered, Varg’s world collapses. With hatred inside and a thirst for revenge, he escapes the farm and becomes part of the Bloodsworn mercenaries. His stay with them depends on his worthiness in battle as he soon finds out.

All of these characters have a backstory that slowly unfolds. Their next move is always a bit shrouded by circumstance but their motives are admirable and for a cause that is easily identifiable as a reader. As the chapters rotate to tell from each protagonist's pov, one is constantly in need to turn pages to find out what happens next. There is something very organic and down to earth in Gwynne’s way of characterization. It feels real, it’s relatable, and never pushed beyond believable. When the characters are hurt, or when they are happy, it feels as if you are right next to them going along in their endeavors.

As the story continues, we take different paths through treacherous journeys, filled with battle practices, intrigue, and vengeance but there are also tender moments of friendship, love, and loss. What adds to Gwynne’s brilliant way to tell the story are also the amazing landscape settings from the lush countryside to foggy fjords and mysterious structures and creatures in the sea, on land, and in the sky. Seldom have I read of such vivid imagery of mysterious places and felt the breeze in my hair or smelled a pot of stew on the campfires simmer as when Gwynne makes everything come alive for the senses. There was a particular scene I found so vivid and eerie, where a boat entered the Brokeback Mountains, and it was simply grant and chilling!

To love were many hidden gems and visceral moments in this novel. Lots of attention was paid to the detail of artifacts, weaponry, Nordic terminology, and everyday life. Crews playing games on oars of the ships, or traditional tabletop games, and Gwynne’s endearing term of the “thought box” for the character’s minds all added to the atmosphere of the novel. Sudden unexpected turn of events and juxtapositions added thrills throughout, making this such a well-rounded read.

I absolutely loved The Shadow of The Gods and everything about it. From the animal companions to the engrossing venture and twists that took place. But there is one thing that absolutely stands out to me and that is Orka’s character. She is an amazing woman! The kind that reminds you of your best friend, your mother, aunt, or sister and she is badass!!!!! A natural in life, a wonderful, nurturing mother, and a good partner, but you don’t want to mess with her! If she wasn’t amazing enough, her vengeance for her family brings out her incredible strength and moral integrity while she can unleash doom on anyone who does her wrong before they know it.

I just can’t say enough good things about this read. I wasn’t wrong by putting my life on hold and wait for this particular book to reach me, even if the wait was excruciating. My cup is full and my inner shield maiden highly satisfied. The Shadow of the Gods is one of the best books I have enjoyed in my life.

If you have loved Gwynne’s previous works, and you are a fan of Nordic tales, you will enjoy this epic fantasy, guaranteed. It’s absolutely brilliant!

I’ll be sharpening my weapons with the whetstone till the second book in The Bloodsworn Saga comes forth. I will be good and ready!

Skal, and Happy Reading!