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

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
From moment I started listening I was immersed in the world and story. Characters interesting and narrator is excellent

Great read, one of my all time favourite series

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I loved this book. As a keen fantasy reader, I dare say that I'm familiar with most of the specifics of this genre. That makes most of what I read now enjoyable but somewhat unsurprising. This novel goes beyond those boundaries in some interesting ways that I won't mention not to spoil the fun but know that I had to stop the lecture several times just to try to visualise in my mind's eye what this world would look like. This was a joyous surprise, really. This title will be added to my list of those ambitious works by contemporary authors alongside the name of the wind and the lightbringer serie.
A must read (or listen)

An truly ambitious tale

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Takes a little to get into, this is very much a show not tell style of story telling. But once you’re into it, you are hooked! Narrator was excellent too.

Great story

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This is on a par with Joe Abercrombie, narration is also excellent, characters are well defined, bloody and gory, can't wait for the next instalment.

excellent new saga

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Overall really enjoyed and will definitely read the next book. Exciting and interesting Norse setting with so much of the world left to explore.

Dark, cold and bloody

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Following the storyline’s of three characters was interesting and seeing how the different threads of the story inexorably moved towards each other kept me intrigued

Complex and intriguing

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This novel is a tonic for anyone struggling to feel inspired by an oversaturated fantasy market. Rich Viking world building that's still somehow original; convincing, complicated characters; stunning imagery; and fantastical elements that don't feel overwrought.


There is a good deal of violence, which may be off putting for some readers, but it doesn't feel gratuitous. The book is firmly located on the grittier side of fantasy. It's a distinctive genre piece and should be taken as such.

An astounding fantasy epic and a true must read.

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Extraordinary.
Enthralling, and
Pure epic fantasy.

I absolutely loved the narration of this book by Colin Mace and look forward to continuing this epic saga in the next book.

Riveting!

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Love the book, I’ve binged quite a few fantasy books now, I love non fiction, biographies, true crime, and all other books, no preferences, this book, the whole set/series is a stand out for sure, I can find myself trail off sometimes in books, i didn’t have this with this series, I was immersed in the story, worth a listen, and the audio is spot on too.

Amazing Characters

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very good story with plenty of action and battles...love john gwynne writing style too and now it's time to move on to book 2 in the series

if your debating whether to get this i can strongly assure you...you won't be disappointed

very good story with plenty of awesome battles

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