A review by moonlitreading_
The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne

adventurous challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

“When gods go to war, it is no small thing. The world was broken in their ruin.” 
 
3.75 
 
The Shadow of the Gods is an epic Norse-inspired fantasy set in the land of Vigrið after the extinction of gods. It follows three main characters on separate journeys, each fighting their own battles. 
 
This book was very action packed and the violence was very graphic. The middle of the book felt a little slow compared to the beginning and the end, but luckily the battle scenes sort of made up for it. 
 
Orka, Varg, and Elvar are the three main characters of the book. Orka is out to seek revenge for her family. Varg wants to find out about his sister’s death and become part of the Bloodsworn. Elvar left her life of privilege to earn battle fame. While not attached to any of the main characters, I did like Varg’s POV the most. The side characters did confuse me sometimes especially with Elvar’s and Varg’s because there were similarities. 
 
John Gwynne did a good job with his plot twists because they left me gasping and my jaw dropping. The last few chapters really carried the book and made me want to pick up the next one because I was debating whether or not I should continue. 
 
I really recommend this if you enjoy action packed fantasy books that are plot heavy and characters that are badass as hell. 

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