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heyheyhailey1 's review for:
The Shadow of the Gods
by John Gwynne
adventurous
dark
slow-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
As a fan of both fantasy books and the shows “Vikings” and “The Last Kingdom” this book was right up my alley! My previous introduction to nordic-based stories provided a clear backdrop in my mind for much of the story. Overall I liked the book but I think some of the pacing was a little too slow for my taste.
I listened to the audiobook while working on a crochet project but actually found myself putting it on while I did other things because I wanted to know what happens next.
First: Audio Review
I listened to the audiobook while working on a crochet project but actually found myself putting it on while I did other things because I wanted to know what happens next.
First: Audio Review
- Pro: Colin Mace’s voice is soooo lovely to listen to
- Con: Most if not all of the names of characters, places, tools and creatures are from or based in nordic mythology - required some Googling. I wish this audiobook came with a PDF glossary and map like some others do
Book Review:
Gwynne’s descriptions are really rich and beautiful- painting vivid images in my mind (even for nasty creepy creatures). I found from a few “pause to google” moments that many of the creatures are original to Gwynne which I always really enjoy in a fantasy story.
The triple POV is not usually my favorite but I think its executed pretty well in this book. Definitely helps to keep the pace going when all three characters have a lot of boring traveling on foot to do.
I wish we had spent more time with Varg before he meets the Bloodsworn and with Elvar in Snakavik. I feel like we got to fully understand Orka before her “call to adventure” moment unlike the other two characters. I think this contributes to the challenge I have seen other reviews discuss: the Battlegrim and Bloodsworn are maybe a little too similar.
I think the “secrets” of the characters were embedded really well into their stories and character development. For example learning the full story of Varg’s past didn’t feel like it was something being kept from the reader but was revealed over time as he grew as a person.
I liked this story enough that I think I might listen again and do some fan art / try to understand the gods and magic more before reading the rest of the series.
Gwynne’s descriptions are really rich and beautiful- painting vivid images in my mind (even for nasty creepy creatures). I found from a few “pause to google” moments that many of the creatures are original to Gwynne which I always really enjoy in a fantasy story.
The triple POV is not usually my favorite but I think its executed pretty well in this book. Definitely helps to keep the pace going when all three characters have a lot of boring traveling on foot to do.
I wish we had spent more time with Varg before he meets the Bloodsworn and with Elvar in Snakavik. I feel like we got to fully understand Orka before her “call to adventure” moment unlike the other two characters. I think this contributes to the challenge I have seen other reviews discuss: the Battlegrim and Bloodsworn are maybe a little too similar.
I think the “secrets” of the characters were embedded really well into their stories and character development. For example learning the full story of Varg’s past didn’t feel like it was something being kept from the reader but was revealed over time as he grew as a person.
I liked this story enough that I think I might listen again and do some fan art / try to understand the gods and magic more before reading the rest of the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Gore, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child abuse, Vomit, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury