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The Shadow of the Gods

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The Shadow of the Gods

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

From acclaimed fantasy author John Gwynne comes the first in the Bloodsworn trilogy, an epic of wild lands and wilder magic, where not all monsters fight with tooth and claw...and the treasures of the gods come at a price.

This is the age of storm and murder.

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

Now, power-hungry jarls carve out petty kingdoms, and monsters stalk the shadow-haunted woods and mountains. A world where the bones of the dead gods still hold great power, promising fame, and fortune for those brave - or desperate - enough to seek them out.

As whispers of war echo over the plains and across the fjords, fate follows the footsteps of three people: a huntress searching for her missing son, a jarl's daughter who has rejected privilege in pursuit of battle fame, and a thrall who has cast off his chains and now fights alongside the famed mercenaries known as the Bloodsworn.

All three will shape the fate of the world, as it once more teeters on the edge of chaos.

For more from John Gwynne, check out:

Of Blood and Bone series: A Time of Dread, A Time of Blood, and A Time of Courage

The Faithful and the Fallen series: Malice, Valor, Ruin, and Wrath

©2021 John Gwynne (P)2021 Orbit
Action & Adventure Dragons & Mythical Creatures Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Historical Mystery Mythology Exciting Scary Icelandic Sagas

What the critics say

"Gwynne, a Viking reenactor, puts in the work, with fine historical details that make the story come to life. Fans of the era will be delighted with the accuracy. This is a duly exciting start to the series." (Publishers Weekly)

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What listeners say about The Shadow of the Gods

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In running for best book of the year

11/10 cannot wait for next book.
The narrator is a modern bard.
The story is a well crafted tail in a very unique world. Passion, Violence, Love and War all twisted in to a beautiful masterpiece.

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A great story with some flaws but excited to continue it

Overall this book is great. It’s a unique world and intriguing with some badass characters. I will be finishing the series for sure!

There is a couple of flaws. Maybe it’s just me but I lost track of side characters and confused them easily because there were so so many. Many also didn’t have much description so harder to remember. While I’m also for “show don’t tell” in books a bit more explanation on some of the monsters and aspects/lore of the world would have been nice.

The narrator while quite talented goes from whispering to shouting within seconds. Constantly. It’s hard to listen to and I’m constantly juggling the volume. While he does have a great voice, as other reviews mention it kind of turns into droning…. I often found I’d get distracted and have to back track as my mind wandered from the book.

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Incredible story, impeccable Narrator.

John Gwynn and Colin Mace achieve a masterful telling of this Norse-inspired yet refreshingly novel saga of beauty, intrigue, and visceral clashes between man, beast, and harsh world.

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By the Gods

It was great all around, the performance and the voices were amazing, the story was amazing and the end of it felt like a great end to the first part of a great series 10/10. This book literally has everything.

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AMAZING STORYLINE

Amazing story line, in depth characters and a plot twist at every turn . You can tell the author loves his characters and his storyline.

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A thrill from start to finish

Never before has a book intrigued me start to finish and leaving me wanting more immediately.

while is may have had a slow start, when it picks it, it's non stop til the last chapter. All the characters were very interesting and I cared deeply for each one.

If you like reading about battles, dark fantasy, viking and Norse mythology, this book is a must read!

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Phenomenal

First book from John Gwynne I've listened to, after this one I'll be listening/reading many more

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Great book, I can’t wait to read the next!

Its a mix of Viking brutality, magic and adventure. I’m really enjoying the characters and their developing story lines. I’m excited to see how the characters lives intertwine and what will happen next.

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Amazing!

Completely and thoroughly loved this book. I loved the imagination and how the characters were brought to life. As soon as I finished it, I got the second book. Can’t wait until the final book in the series is released. The narrator is perfect for these books.

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EXCELLENT

10/10 - this story will Rip and Tear it's way to your heart ❤️

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