The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne
Shadow follows three main viewpoint characters. Orka, a former warrior who wants to leave that life behind and enjoy a new one she has carved out of the forest with her husband and young son. This goes awry when they are attacked and her son kidnapped. Varg is a thrall on the run from his former masters and desperate to find out what happened to his sister. He reluctantly rejoins a mercenary band in search of his answers and unexpectedly finds a sort of family as well. Elvar is a young woman who has risen quickly through the ranks of her own mercenary group due to her battle prowess and determination. The three characters’ arcs circle around each other as each pursues their own paths.
Gwynne paints a vivid picture of this landscape, the people who populate it, and the weapons they use. The fights and battle scenes are vivid and exciting. Orka, Varg, and Elvar each fight against a combination of humans and monsters that roam the world. Their motives are fairly straightforward, but their backgrounds each have a lot of mystery, some of which are slowly revealed over the course of the novel. This book has a huge cast of characters, and while some are very interesting, it is only in the three main characters that we really see any development.
The audiobook is read by Colin Mace who does an amazing job. The nordic theme involves several tongue-twisting names which roll off his tongue effortlessly. He juggles the large cast admirably and his voice lends excitement, gravitas, and menace where the situation requires it. Mace does an incredible job and elevates the material.
Fans of epic fantasy, especially nordic themed, will enjoy this book. Gwynne creates a well-developed world and builds to a conclusion that will have fans eager for the next installment.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher.
Gwynne paints a vivid picture of this landscape, the people who populate it, and the weapons they use. The fights and battle scenes are vivid and exciting. Orka, Varg, and Elvar each fight against a combination of humans and monsters that roam the world. Their motives are fairly straightforward, but their backgrounds each have a lot of mystery, some of which are slowly revealed over the course of the novel. This book has a huge cast of characters, and while some are very interesting, it is only in the three main characters that we really see any development.
The audiobook is read by Colin Mace who does an amazing job. The nordic theme involves several tongue-twisting names which roll off his tongue effortlessly. He juggles the large cast admirably and his voice lends excitement, gravitas, and menace where the situation requires it. Mace does an incredible job and elevates the material.
Fans of epic fantasy, especially nordic themed, will enjoy this book. Gwynne creates a well-developed world and builds to a conclusion that will have fans eager for the next installment.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher.
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