In a time when fantasy fiction often treads familiar ground with dragons and wizards, John Gwynne’s The Shadow of the Gods erupts onto the scene like a volcanic blast of fresh air, bringing with it the icy winds and blood-soaked battlefields of Norse mythology. This first installment in the Bloodsworn Saga crafts a world where dead gods’ bones still hold power, where monsters lurk in mist-wreathed forests, and where humanity struggles to survive in the shadow of divine extinction.
A World Built on Broken Gods
The land of Vigrið lies shattered, its very geography shaped by the corpses of fallen deities. Three hundred years after the gods destroyed themselves in the cataclysmic Guðfalla, their remains still influence the world – literally and figuratively. Massive skeletal structures form mountain ranges and fortress foundations, while their lingering power keeps monsters at bay and fuels magical abilities in their descendants, the Tainted.
Gwynne’s worldbuilding is both grand and intimate, painting a vivid picture of a harsh realm where survival demands both strength and cunning. The Norse inspiration feels authentic rather than derivative, woven seamlessly into the fabric of an original fantasy world that stands firmly on its own feet.
Three Paths Through Blood and Snow
The Huntress, The Warrior, and The Thrall
The narrative follows three compelling protagonists whose paths gradually converge:
- Orka – A fierce mother and former warrior whose quiet life is shattered when her son is kidnapped
- Varg – A former thrall seeking vengeance for his murdered sister
- Elvar – A noblewoman who abandoned privilege to seek glory with a mercenary band
Each character brings a distinct perspective to the story while dealing with themes of identity, belonging, and the weight of the past. Their individual journeys are expertly crafted, building tension as their separate threads begin to intertwine.
Strengths That Cut Deep
Combat and Consequences
Gwynne’s experience in historical reenactment shines through in the visceral, technically precise combat scenes. Every clash of weapons feels weighty and consequential, with realistic attention to the mechanics of shield walls and the brutal reality of close combat. The violence is graphic but never gratuitous, serving the story rather than spectacle.
Character Depth and Development
The emotional core of the story lies in its well-developed characters. Even secondary characters feel fully realized, with distinct personalities and motivations. The relationships between characters are particularly well-drawn, whether it’s the powerful bond between Orka and her son, Varg’s growing connection to his mercenary companions, or Elvar’s complex dynamic with her mentor.
Atmosphere and Setting
The author excels at creating a tangible sense of place. You can almost feel the bite of the winter wind and smell the smoke from longhouse fires. The integration of Norse mythology feels organic rather than forced, creating a world that’s both familiar and fresh.
Areas That Could Be Sharpened
Pacing Variations
While the multiple POV structure generally works well, there are occasional lulls in the pace, particularly in the early chapters as the three main plotlines are established. Some readers may find themselves more invested in certain storylines than others, making these slower sections more noticeable.
Complex Mythology
The rich mythological background, while fascinating, can be overwhelming at times. New readers to Norse-inspired fantasy might need to refer to the glossary frequently in the early chapters. A slightly gentler introduction to some concepts might have helped ease readers into the world.
Character Similarities
While all three protagonists are well-written, there are some similarities in their voices and reactions that occasionally make them feel less distinct than they could be. This is a minor critique as the characters are generally well-differentiated through their backgrounds and motivations.
Bloodsworn to Quality
Writing Style and Prose
Gwynne’s prose strikes an excellent balance between accessibility and sophistication. His writing is clear and direct when describing action, yet capable of poetry when painting landscapes or delving into emotional depths. The dialogue feels natural and period-appropriate without falling into pseudo-medieval affectation.
Verdict: A Saga Worth Following
The Shadow of the Gods marks a strong beginning to what promises to be an epic trilogy. While it builds on familiar elements of Norse mythology and grimdark fantasy, it forges them into something fresh and compelling. The book’s few weaknesses are far outweighed by its strengths: deep characterization, immersive worldbuilding, and pulse-pounding action.
For Fans Of:
- Joe Abercrombie’s First Law series
- Bernard Cornwell’s historical fiction
- Neil Gaiman’s Norse Mythology
- Mark Lawrence’s Book of the Ancestor
About the Author
John Gwynne has previously written the critically acclaimed The Faithful and the Fallen series, beginning with Malice (2012), and the Of Blood and Bone trilogy. His work consistently demonstrates a masterful grasp of battle scenes and character development, skills that reach new heights in The Shadow of the Gods.
Final Thoughts
What sets The Shadow of the Gods apart is its ability to balance intimate character moments with epic scope, visceral action with emotional depth. It’s a promising start to a trilogy that seems poised to make its own mark in the landscape of modern fantasy. While it may require some initial patience from readers new to Norse-inspired fantasy, the investment pays off richly in a tale that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next installments, The Hunger of the Gods and The Fury of the Gods.
The book stands as testament to Gwynne’s growing mastery of his craft, building on the strengths shown in his previous work while pushing into new territory. It’s a must-read for fans of gritty, character-driven fantasy and anyone interested in fresh takes on Norse mythology.