The Shadow of the Gods cover art

The Shadow of the Gods

Book One of the Bloodsworn Saga

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The Shadow of the Gods

By: John Gwynne
Narrated by: Colin Mace
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About this listen

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 best-selling 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.

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....

©2021 John Gwynne (P)2021 Hachette Audio UK Action & Adventure Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Scary

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Critic reviews

"John Gwynne is one of the modern masters of heroic fantasy." (Adrian Tchaikovsky)

"John Gwynne writes fantasy with the heart of a hero and the inventiveness of a master mage." (Sebastien de Castell)
All stars
Most relevant  
exceptional narration, enjoyed every word. highly recommend and can't wait for the next one

very pleasant surprise

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Amazing book, I couldn't stop listening to it. I would recommend it to anyone!

Amazing

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What a fantastic book. I can’t wait for the next one. I thought the last books were great but these are as good

Brilliant Book

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A bleak, Norse-inspired world in the aftermath of the death of the Gods or Ragnarok. A beautifully built world with a compelling story and fascinating characters.

I also absolutely loved the narration, something essential to my engagement with an audiobook. The narrator lends earthiness, poetry and humour to the story and dialogue.

Epic fantasy delight

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Love it. Only slight niggle for me is that most the names sounds very similar. Love the story though.

Great listen

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The atmosphere building in this story is quite unlike a lot ive read before. The world feels extremely empty in a good way. Not like there is supposed to be things, but you cant imagine them, but more like it is supposed to be an empty and open world. With few people in it. Storytelling and characters are also amazing.

Interesting and detailed.

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A roving tale,battles, magic, characters in depth, superbly detailed and well told. Loved it.

Riveting

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What just happened there?!!! And how could it end life that?!!
What a wild wild roller coaster

What On Earth!!!!

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Step into a world of blistering carnage, mercenaries in search of battle fame, legends in the making and ancient Norse inspired gods.
Feel the burn of your muscles as you row around the fiords and battle in the shield-wall.

I finished this masterpiece in a day, I just couldn’t put it down. Each of the characters were compelling for their own reasons. From the slave seeking revenge, to the noble woman seeking fame and the bloodiest of all, the warrior seeking her child. John Gwynne’s world came alive to all my senses, as I heard the creaking of the dragon ships, smelled the sea, the smoky mead-halls and felt the jolt of shield clashing against shield in battle.

I’m sure there are better reviews than mine. I’m only putting down what this novel made me feel. I laughed, I exclaimed in surprise, frustration and triumph. I felt the wonder, the camaraderie between the characters and I just did not want to leave Vigrið.

Last but not least, Collin Mace was an excellent choice as a narrator for the audiobook, his gruff and versatile voice fully immersed me into the world.
This was a four stars for me. I really Liked it.

Finished it in a day

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Norse-style characters with a bespoke pantheon mixed with fantasy mixed with epic twists. can't wait for the sequel. took a couple of chapters to familiarise with the characters but worth the wait!

Amazing

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