The Shadow of the Gods (The Bloodsworn Saga)

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I am so glad to see more books, including a recap in their sequels, because it can be incredibly challenging to remember all the different plotlines, character names etc. A multi-layered and very detailed world is conjured up here, which seems so vivid with John Gwynne’s figurative language that you sink into this story. Witnessing how much she has developed since her first chapter in The Shadow of the Gods was undeniably satisfying to me.

This makes for a pretty epic novel, and it is one that no fantasy fan will be able to easily put down. As the synopsis states, it’s after the gods have all fallen but there are people who are descended from them and have qualities. Although she is still not much better then Biorr) She stepped up and seems to be coming around to seeing how inhumane it is to enslave people. Even though this book does have some slight pacing issues, Gwynne was able to make me enjoy and feel invested in this story throughout this 600+ page tome!Considering her relatively older age, prowess, and expertise in war, she was already ahead in wisdom (when she's not too pissed, at least) compared to many other characters in the series. But as we all know already, none of our top favorite authors can keep a 5/5 stars track record lasting forever. We love them because they’re an emotional investment that always pays off, even if it sometimes comes in the form of uncontrollable sobbing.

Terrible creatures from ancient sagas and legends roam the forests and mountains and are a threat to all who cannot bravely defend themselves with axe and sword. I definitely had my fill of fantastic creatures reading this and I am ridiculously excited for the next instalment!

This is an amazing bit of character work here, and I really appreciated Varg’s impressive personal story. Gwynne is one of the best in the fantasy game at writing thrilling fighting and brutal action moments. The following three books in the series - Valour, Ruin and Wrath, were all shortlisted for the David Gemmell Legend Award for Best Fantasy Novels of 2014, 2015 and 2016, with Wrath winning the 2017 BookNest Awards for Best Traditionally Published Novel. There is a great sense of wonder to be found in this book, since you never know what fantastical beast or idea could show up on the next page. There are multiple extra POVs in this book, which was welcomed as they give the perspective of some of the "baddies".

If you’re familiar with shows like Vikingsand The Last Kingdom, or video games like God of War, Skyrimand Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, you may see some very familiar plot points or ideas. This is yet another incredible book from John Gwynne, and for me cements him as the best active fantasy author.Gwynne does a great job of pacing the action between Orka, Elvar and Varg, allowing each to spend plenty of time at the forefront as well as in the background, usually while they’re traversing the waters of Vigrid. For old and new readers alike, simply, you are in for a treat as The Shadow of the Gods is absolutely stunning, one hell of an epic series opener and a spectacular dose of Viking-flavoured fantasy. If words like drengrand holmgang mean anything to you, or the very thought of a shield-wall gets you jittery with excitement, then make no mistake: this book is for you. There are several brutal scenes involving dead bodies, which some readers may want to avoid, and those readers who are burned out on the “dead loved ones used as motivation” trope may want to steer clear.

Set in a new world reminiscent of Viking society, there are lots of Scandinavian terms to get to grips with. For me, this did have the unfortunate side effect of making some twists predictable, but thankfully, Gwynne executes them so well that it doesn’t really matter. As Varg struggles between fulfilling his oath to his sister and starting a new life, he will experience betrayal, despair, and terrible revelations. Believe me when I say that without those and specially the recap I would not have enjoyed this series and probably would not have continued it. Please note that while many of these words are directly taken from Norse history, The Shadow of the Gods is a work of fiction.I remember that I didn’t feel as invested in Elvar’s plotline in the first book, but that was not a problem in The Hunger of the Gods.