A review by ungoliant1234
Gods of the Wyrdwood by RJ Barker

adventurous mysterious medium-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

4.25

I’ve seen this book described as epic fantasy in a new weird setting- and that is definitely an apt description. The world of this book is extremely unique, with not only the magic/divinity and the physical description of the forest,  but also the social setup of the polyamorous familial structure (which unfortunately is not explored beyond as a setting) and the inclusion of trions (who go by ‘they’) lending much to my enjoyment. The plot is a, relatively, basic epic fantasy plot (ala Wheel of Time) but executed well. I must praise Barker’s balancing of POVs: while there is a heavy focus on Cahan’s perspective, there is just enough of Kirven and the flashbacks that kept me on the edge of my seat. The second person perspective for the flashbacks- and the eventual culmination of the same towards the end was a triumph.

One criticism is regarding the prose. Mostly it felt well-executed, though not spectacular, but occasionally felt clunky and even grammatically wrong. It is possible that this is a stylistic choice that had some deeper purpose, but such a reason was not evident to me and as such annoyed me.