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A review by pages_of_emma
The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
5.0
I'll be very honest, I was apprehensive about reading this book. Not because I thought it would be bad, but because I am not usually one for 'bloody' stories. However I now wish I'd gotten around to it so much sooner!
I really love how simple the book was. By that I mean there was no complicated magic system, no twisty love story and no long glossary (just a little one) of terms to try and remember. Of course there is magic and intrigue, but I appreciated not having to stop and try to remember all these little details. I could just keep reading and reading, following our three main characters on their individual journeys, never losing my immersion in the tale.
I think this might also be the reason I did not seem to mind how bloody the story was either, because belive me it is bloody! Nothing ever felt over the top or done for no reason.
I was transported fully into the world from page one; Gwynne's writing was so vivid and atmospheric. The setting felt both fantastical and grounded, and I loved the depictions of the Old Gods. I found myself flying through the story - I know some say that it is slow at times, but I found the quieter moments a needed break from the epic action. I was also pleasantly surprised to find themes of family and companionship running very close to the surface of an otherwise violent tale - there is a lot of heart and many insightful moments in this book!
We see the story through the eyes of three characaters: Orka, Elvar and Varg. Each of them were so vividly realised they could easily be real people. Gwynne made me root for all three of them equally and I was never sad to see a different character name at the top of a chapter because I was so invested in their individual journeys.
I was totally hooked from start to finish, and it is safe to say that John Gwynne has a new fan who is eager to dive straight into the next book!
I really love how simple the book was. By that I mean there was no complicated magic system, no twisty love story and no long glossary (just a little one) of terms to try and remember. Of course there is magic and intrigue, but I appreciated not having to stop and try to remember all these little details. I could just keep reading and reading, following our three main characters on their individual journeys, never losing my immersion in the tale.
I think this might also be the reason I did not seem to mind how bloody the story was either, because belive me it is bloody! Nothing ever felt over the top or done for no reason.
I was transported fully into the world from page one; Gwynne's writing was so vivid and atmospheric. The setting felt both fantastical and grounded, and I loved the depictions of the Old Gods. I found myself flying through the story - I know some say that it is slow at times, but I found the quieter moments a needed break from the epic action. I was also pleasantly surprised to find themes of family and companionship running very close to the surface of an otherwise violent tale - there is a lot of heart and many insightful moments in this book!
We see the story through the eyes of three characaters: Orka, Elvar and Varg. Each of them were so vividly realised they could easily be real people. Gwynne made me root for all three of them equally and I was never sad to see a different character name at the top of a chapter because I was so invested in their individual journeys.
I was totally hooked from start to finish, and it is safe to say that John Gwynne has a new fan who is eager to dive straight into the next book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Gore