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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
I can’t get into his writing. I listen but don’t take in the words. Same thing with reading his stories
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
this is absolutely insane??
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Slavery, Violence, Blood, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Vomit, Kidnapping, Death of parent
Very solid book. I enjoyed the Norse themed setting and the plot was engaging.
The characters felt as though they could've been more fleshed out, given more personality, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
The characters felt as though they could've been more fleshed out, given more personality, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
There is a lot of non-sensical stuff in this book. Why was the escaped thrall abandoned on the beach and then saved? Why do the blood sworn need to kill the jarl instead of talking? Why doesn't that bear thing they captured turn into a bear first in order to fight them instead of being captured? Why does the psychopath thrall have to kill the dad?
Sure, the setting and mythology are cool, but so much of this book reeks of manufactured action, and not of well-considered plot. The violence just makes no sense.
The characters do not act like real people, with motivations and strategies and a healthy concern for their own lives. Instead they fight and kill and die for no reason. Individuals jump into fights with impossible odds. War bands enter large battles with no planning or strategy. The violence isn't realistic, it is simply used by the author to make the book seem exciting and drive the endless revenge plots.
Speaking of plots, holy lameness. Depending on how you count, there are 3-6 main characters in the book, and FIVE of them are driven by a one revenge plot or another. Is this author incapable of writing anything unique or interesting??
Ugh, I'm tired of writing this review. This book sucked and I googled the rest of the series. Hard pass.
Sure, the setting and mythology are cool, but so much of this book reeks of manufactured action, and not of well-considered plot. The violence just makes no sense.
The characters do not act like real people, with motivations and strategies and a healthy concern for their own lives. Instead they fight and kill and die for no reason. Individuals jump into fights with impossible odds. War bands enter large battles with no planning or strategy. The violence isn't realistic, it is simply used by the author to make the book seem exciting and drive the endless revenge plots.
Speaking of plots, holy lameness. Depending on how you count, there are 3-6 main characters in the book, and FIVE of them are driven by a one revenge plot or another. Is this author incapable of writing anything unique or interesting??
Ugh, I'm tired of writing this review. This book sucked and I googled the rest of the series. Hard pass.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death, Slavery, Torture, Kidnapping
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
At first, I was not entirely sure about this novel. The first 150 or so pages were pretty boring, and they felt impossible to get through. I mean – it is, kind of, to be expected with a trilogy. Series always need a little dive into the characters and the background. But I did think some parts were unnecessary.
The book definitely picked up the pace eventually. I really enjoyed the story; the authenticity and accuracy of how the Vikings were described brought me immense joy.
While the plot was quite predictable, there were a few nice surprises for me along the way. The world-building and detailed descriptions really made me feel like I was a part of the story.
Throughout the book, we meet with three narrators – our main characters. Varg is a former thrall trying to find out what happened to his sister. Orka is a mother and a retired warrior who is trying to lead a peaceful life with her family. And Elvar is a noble woman trying to make a name for herself. Somehow, they are all connected.
I loved their individual stories so much, and I also really fell in love with them as characters. I would say they are a bit rough around the edges, but I am hopeful that that will smooth out in the sequels.
Now, what I really hoped for was to see and hear more of the mythical things. Yes, we did get a lot of information about the mythology and gods, and we definitely encountered some beings. But with the amount of introduction this book provides, I do not think it was nearly enough.
Again, I am really hopeful to see more in the sequels, but I have to admit I was a little disappointed.
Overall – I really enjoyed The Shadow of the Gods. I am very excited to continue reading this saga and, eventually, Gwynne's other books too.