You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
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.
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This took me a while to finish. I really enjoyed the world it built, but struggled getting into a rhythm with the writing style. Super descriptive to the point of repetition sometimes, and the different plot lines were very similar and sometimes hard to separate from each other. I really enjoyed learning more about norse legends/culture though, it’s not something i’m typically drawn to so the concepts were fresh!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
I'm pretty sure this book put me into a reading slump. For the majority of the book I just did not care what happened to the characters, and two plot lines felt essentially the same. The last 15% picked up significantly and set up interesting things for the next book, but I'm not sure if I want to continue reading.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
That’s a no from me dog. God save me from “thought-cage.”
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Discovering that fantasy just isn't my thing. Writing style was amazing and story was very well told. I just don't care enough to want to read on. Multiple timelines as well which always tends to throw me off
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes