What if the very bones of dead gods shaped your world? How far would you go for vengeance, for glory, or just to survive in a land scarred by divine war?
Prepare for a visceral, action-packed, and utterly gripping journey into a world steeped in Norse mythology and brutal sagas! John Gwynne’s The Shadow of the Gods is the epic beginning of the Bloodsworn Saga, plunging you into a land where the echoes of fallen gods still resonate, and survival depends on the sharpest axe and the fiercest will. This isn’t just a book; it’s a roaring, blood-soaked epic you won’t soon forget.
What Kind of Book Is It?
- Genre: Grimdark Fantasy / Viking Fantasy / Epic Fantasy
- Tone: Brutal, gritty, mythic, adventurous, focused on revenge, found family, and survival
- Setting: A harsh, unforgiving world deeply inspired by Norse sagas, set long after a devastating war between ancient gods, whose colossal bones now litter the landscape and imbue it with wild magic.
- Pacing: Fast-paced, propulsive, with multiple interwoven storylines that build relentless momentum.
What Epic Saga Awaits You? (Spoiler-Free!)
Imagine a world where gods used to live and fight big wars. Now, they’re dead, and their giant bones are scattered everywhere, like mountains or strange rocks. These bones have left a bit of wild magic in the land.
The story follows three different people who live in this harsh world, which feels a lot like a Viking land:
- Orka: She’s a tough mother who used to be a warrior. Something terrible happens to her family, and she has to go back to fighting to get revenge and find them.
- Varg: He’s an enslaved person who wants to find the person who killed his sister. To do this, he tries to join a famous group of fighters.
- Elvar: She’s a young noblewoman who doesn’t want a boring life. She runs away to join a group of warriors because she wants adventure and to become famous.
These three people are on their own dangerous journeys, fighting fierce enemies and terrible beasts. Eventually, their paths will cross as a new, old evil starts to stir in the world.
So, it’s basically a story about tough people fighting, surviving, and seeking revenge or glory in a world left behind by giant, dead gods.
This story is about:
- Relentless quests for vengeance and the pursuit of honor.
- Visceral, brutal action and thrilling combat.
- Forging powerful bonds of found family amidst a harsh world.
- A rich, authentic world steeped in Norse mythology and Viking lore.
- Exploring themes of fate vs. free will in a land shaped by ancient powers.
Why You’ll Be OBSESSED with This Book
- Authentic Norse Inspiration: John Gwynne’s deep knowledge and love for Norse mythology shine through every page, creating a world that feels both fantastical and incredibly grounded in its inspiration.
- Gripping Action Sequences: The combat is incredibly well-choreographed and visceral. If you love detailed, realistic, and brutal fight scenes, Gwynne delivers.
- Compelling Characters: Orka, Varg, and Elvar are distinct, driven, and easy to root for. Their individual journeys are captivating, and you’ll eagerly anticipate how their paths might converge.
- Excellent World-Building: From the remnants of fallen gods to the different cultures and their unique customs, the world feels vast, lived-in, and full of history.
- Perfect for Fans of Grimdark: If you appreciate fantasy that doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of violence, sacrifice, and moral ambiguity, while still offering hope through resilience and companionship, this is your next obsession.
Ready to wield an axe, brave the wild, and seek glory (or vengeance) in a world where gods once walked? Ready to get lost in Orka, Varg, and Elvar’s world of ancient gods and epic quests? You can find The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne on Amazon or at your favorite book store.
Loved “The Shadow of the Gods”? You’ll Be Enthralled by These Next!
- “The Blade Itself” (The First Law series) by Joe Abercrombie: For more acclaimed grimdark fantasy with morally gray characters, sharp dialogue, and gritty, realistic action.
- “Norse Mythology” by Neil Gaiman: If you want to delve deeper into the myths that inspired Gwynne’s world, told with Gaiman’s signature captivating style.
- “The Hunger of the Gods” by John Gwynne: If you’ve loved “The Shadow of the Gods” and want to continue the Bloodsworn Saga! (Assuming the user has not read it yet). If they want another author:
- “A Time of Dread” (Of Blood and Bone series) by John Gwynne: Another excellent series by the same author, also featuring Norse elements and brutal fantasy.
- “The Wolf and the Woodsman” by Ava Reid: For a darker, folklore-inspired fantasy rooted in Hungarian mythology, featuring a resilient female protagonist and a journey through a brutal, magical wilderness.
