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A review by tristen
The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
In The Shadow of the Gods we follow along with 3 POV’s: Orka, a mother & warrior; Varg, an ex-thrall seeking vengeance; and Elvar, a young mercenary craving battle-fame. All this set in a Norse-inspired world of violence and battle where hesitation means death.
This book was everything I could ever want from a fantasy novel and more. This was also my first John Gwynne book, and I have to say I totally understand now what everyone raves about. His writing is just *chefs kiss*. The amount of tabs I used while annotating was absolutely ridiculous, and it was purely because there were so many lines I absolutely loved.
Though the most impressive thing, I feel, is that there was never a moment where I was disappointed to read a characters POV. Which is saying something considering there were 3 different POV’s going on. But I genuinely loved and was interested in them all. Not to mention the many side characters I am absolutely in love with.
Besides the characters, whom I loved, I also believe the plot was insanely good. I was always intrigued with each of the story lines, and I especially loved the plot twists here and there. And the ending was just perfect. Though I will say I’m so glad and thankful to have received an e-ARC of The Hunger of the Gods because this book left me immediately wanting more.
So, would I recommend? Yes, yes, and yes! Those who like an action-driven fantasy with Norse elements will especially love this book.
Graphic: Murder, Blood, Gore, Grief, Death, Violence, and Slavery
Moderate: Death of parent and Animal death
Minor: Vomit