What I’m Reading: The Shadow of The Gods by John Gwynne

It’s been almost a month since my last “What I’m Reading” post. That’s due in part to the fact my reading slowed down significantly recently. It’s something I’m not happy about but what ya gonna do? I also had a couple reviews I really needed to take care of as I was getting behind. I’m still behind (but so are many of you so we’re all in the same boat).

Anyway, that’s not really the point of all this. The point is to introduce my current read…The Shadow of The Gods by John Gwynne.

Set in a brand-new, Norse-inspired world, and packed with myth, magic and bloody vengeance, The Shadow of the Gods begins an epic new fantasy saga from bestselling author John Gwynne.

After the gods warred and drove themselves to extinction, the cataclysm of their fall shattered the land of Vigrið.

Now a new world is rising, where power-hungry jarls feud and monsters stalk the woods and mountains. A world where the bones of the dead gods still hold great power for those brave – or desperate – enough to seek them out.

Now, as whispers of war echo across the mountains and fjords, fate follows in the footsteps of three people: a huntress on a dangerous quest, a noblewoman who has rejected privilege in pursuit of battle fame, and a thrall who seeks vengeance among the famed mercenaries known as the Bloodsworn.

All three will shape the fate of the world as it once more falls under the shadow of the gods . . .

Goodreads Blurb

The Shado of The Gods
The Bloodsworn Saga #1
John Gwynne
Orbit Books
Publication Date: May 4, 2021
Paperback ARC

I received a an ARC of this book a while back from Orbit. As is typical with me I sit on books until close to when they are due to be published, mostly because I’ve got a slew of other books in the stack that need to be read first. Because deadlines. Normally this isn’t a big deal, but refer back to the comment above about my reading slowing down. I’ve lost some time and the publication date is near. On top of that I’ve got another book to review that is set to be released on the same day…and I haven’t started it yet. AGH!!!!

Anyway, all that is beside the point because I’m really excited about The Shadow of The Gods. This is my first John Gwynne book and I’ve seen pretty much nothing but positive reviews for Gwynne’s works in general and the early reviews on this one say it is fantastic. So no pressure on the author or the book to live up to expectations or anything.

I’m about 25 percent done with this read and so far I’m really digging it. I like the Norse inspired fantasy, but I really like that Gwynne developed his own pantheon for this story and didn’t use the the actual Norse one. It makes if feel fresh and like the story can go in so many different directions. There’s been some good action sequences (like one with a character bringing down a troll by attacking his balls…that was a pretty cool scene) and some really well written tense moments.

Oh…and can I take a moment to say how much I love the cover to this book!?! That massive dragon bearing down on that teeny tiny little warrior. That’s a hell of an image.

So yeah, so far I’m really enjoying this read. We’ll see if it holds true to the end. I’ll let you know. I’d love to have a review up sometime this weekend but no promises.

Have you read The Shadow of The Gods? If so what did you think? If you haven’t read it, is it on your TBR?

-Jason