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A review by readwithnino
The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne
adventurous
challenging
tense
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? No
4.0
What a solid and an amazing start to this series.
This is a story inspired by Norse mythology. We follow three main characters all from different upbringings, Orka, Elvar, and Varg. While they're following different paths, the three of them are very similar in many ways. They all experienced betrayal and loss but they all found a family in those that were alongside them throughout each of their storylines. My favorite one is Orka because not only is she a badass warrior fueled by feminine rage, but she is also a MOM so that instantly made her very relatable (not that I'm a warrior by any means... or am I??? ).
While there's A LOT of characters (yes, grab a notebook or you'll get lost), each and one of them had a purpose in this story. I loved how as you kept reading, characters from each storyline were intertwined somehow.
The whole book is full of action, fast-paced, and with many plot twists. There isn't a dull moment.
I did thoroughly enjoyed this first book, but it took me a minute to get into it. At the beginning the writing is a bit complex and a lot is thrown at you but it only takes a couple of pages for you to find a good rhythm in understanding everything.
I liked that they included a glossary but I would've liked to also have a character guide to keep track of everyone since some of the characters names were very similar and it got confusing at times.
Overall, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT. This was such a great introduction to this new fantasy world and I CANNOT wait to see where the story goes.
P.S. I still don't know how I feel about the word "thought-cage". I wanna use it but at the same time it makes me cringe, lol. IYKYK.
"I am blood. I am death, I am vengeance."
This is a story inspired by Norse mythology. We follow three main characters all from different upbringings, Orka, Elvar, and Varg. While they're following different paths, the three of them are very similar in many ways. They all experienced betrayal and loss but they all found a family in those that were alongside them throughout each of their storylines. My favorite one is Orka because not only is she a badass warrior fueled by feminine rage, but she is also a MOM so that instantly made her very relatable (not that I'm a warrior by any means... or am I??? ).
While there's A LOT of characters (yes, grab a notebook or you'll get lost), each and one of them had a purpose in this story. I loved how as you kept reading, characters from each storyline were intertwined somehow.
The whole book is full of action, fast-paced, and with many plot twists. There isn't a dull moment.
I did thoroughly enjoyed this first book, but it took me a minute to get into it. At the beginning the writing is a bit complex and a lot is thrown at you but it only takes a couple of pages for you to find a good rhythm in understanding everything.
I liked that they included a glossary but I would've liked to also have a character guide to keep track of everyone since some of the characters names were very similar and it got confusing at times.
Overall, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT. This was such a great introduction to this new fantasy world and I CANNOT wait to see where the story goes.
P.S. I still don't know how I feel about the word "thought-cage". I wanna use it but at the same time it makes me cringe, lol. IYKYK.
"I am blood. I am death, I am vengeance."