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The Gods Below

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The Gods Below

Written by: Andrea Stewart
Narrated by: Eunice Wong, Jonathan Waters, Stephanie Németh-Parker
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In this sweeping epic fantasy comes a story of magic, betrayal, love, and loyalty, where two sisters will clash on opposite sides of a war against the gods.

A divine war shattered the world leaving humanity in ruins. Desperate for hope, they struck a deal with the devious god Kluehnn: He would restore the world to its former glory, but at a price so steep it would keep the mortals indebted to him for eternity. And, as each land was transformed, so too were its people changed into strange new forms - if they survived at all.

Hakara is not willing to pay such a price. Desperate to protect herself, and her sister Rasha, she flees her homeland for the safety of a neighboring kingdom. But when tragedy separates them, Hakara is forced to abandon her beloved sister to an unknown fate.

Alone and desperate for answers on the wrong side of the world, Hakara discovers she can channel the magic from the mysterious gems they are forced to mine for Kluehnn. With that discovery comes another: her sister is alive, and only the rebels plotting to destroy the God Pact can help rescue her.

But only if Hakara goes to war against a god.

Action & Adventure Dragons & Mythical Creatures Epic Fantasy War
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What the critics say

"Stewart's worlds are some of the most exceptionally inventive in modern fantasy. A must read!"—S.A. Chakraborty, New York Times bestselling author of City of Brass
"The Gods Below is a propulsive epic fantasy that holds a blade to your throat and dares you not to breathe. Breathtakingly ambitious and richly realized, it's a complex tale of survivors fighting for freedom and forgiveness in a broken, twisted world -- one where gods are hunted, monsters are real, and magic and secrets glitter like gems beneath the surface. A thrilling, ferocious start to a new trilogy.—Julie Leong, author of The Teller of Small Fortunes
"A sweeping tale of desperation, determination, and unlikely alliances, The Gods Below will entrance fantasy fans. Stewart unfurls a richly complex world with the scope of a master storyteller. Weaving together a vast range of character perspectives, this series-opener brings out the tensions and bonds between people vying for safety and stability – you’ll cheer for friends, rivals, siblings, and colleagues at once. Utterly spellbinding." —Elyse John, author of Orphia and Eurydicius
"Gripping from the very first page, The Gods Below lures you down into its dark depths with imaginative worldbuilding and an action-filled plot. Alongside richly textured characters, this layered story of carving out personal identity against expectations and loss will stick with you long after you've finished the last page."—Linden A. Lewis, author of The First Sister
"Gripping, beautiful, and full of mystery. This book is not to be missed."—Cameron Johnston, author of The Last Shield

"Dive into a lush world rife with violence and despair. Cheer for its broken occupants who are grabbing onto life and love with horns and claws. Stewart is a master and this fantasy delivers the ultimate rush–hope."

—Julia Vee, author of Ebony Gate

Continue the series
The War Beyond cover art
The War Beyond Written by: Andrea Stewart
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I'm a little conflicted over THE GODS BELOW. On the one hand, the world building and lore is fresh, unique, and packed with adventure from the perspectives of unique characters. On the other hand, I don't think I got the experience I was hoping for.

THE GODS BELOW is primarily focused on two sisters who are separated after attempting to flee the magic of ruthless gods, only to find themselves on opposite sides of a conflict. Much of the plot itself revolves around the sisters—Hakara and Rasha—as they are trained by different factions in a growing war between gods and those who wish to oppose the gods.

As far as characters, I found I enjoyed Hakara the most. While none of the other characters are bad, for whatever reason, I just couldn't connect with them the way I wanted to, especially with the other plot lines that didn't hold my interest as much as I'd hoped. Especially with Mull and Sheuan, whose plots didn't seem to go anywhere until the end.

And I think that's my biggest sticking point: There didn't seem to be any forward momentum to the plots. The book felt more like set-up than anything else, so certain endings felt anticlimactic, even if they were filled with action.

Despite my grumbles, I really did enjoy the world. Seeing how different aspects work, how magic is used and how it alters other beings, the danger and creativity of the gods, etc. For me, THE GODS BELOW was at its strongest when Stewart was immersed in her world-building and creating a fresh realm in fantasy. Stewart's prose is strong and there were some good dialogues, but I just couldn't seem to get behind the rest.

I think this is a book that other lovers of fantasy will enjoy and can get invested in, but I don't think I'm the right reader for it.

Creative World Building

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