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The Shadow of the Gods

Book One of the Bloodsworn Saga
By John Gwynne
Series: The Bloodsworn Saga
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Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating. ( 80,235 ratings, 11,112 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne is an epic fantasy set in a world inspired by Norse mythology. It follows the lives of three characters, each struggling to survive and fulfil their own quests in a land scarred by the fall of the gods. This tale weaves together themes of fate, vengeance, and the search for power in a beautifully dark and intricate setting.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2300
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy epic fantasy tales filled with Norse mythology, intense battles, and richly developed characters. Set in a dark, gritty world where broken gods once reigned, it promises to captivate with its thrilling adventure and intricate storytelling.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

The Witcher meets Vikings in this new Norse-inspired fantasy series from acclaimed British author John Gwynne, which will thrill his existing fans as well as being the perfect starting point for new readers

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

'A masterfully crafted, brutally compelling Norse-inspired epic' - Anthony Ryan

THE GREATEST SAGAS ARE WRITTEN IN BLOOD.

A century has passed since the gods fought and drove themselves to extinction. Now only their bones remain, promising great power to those brave enough to seek them out.

As whispers of war echo across the land of Vigrio, fate follows in the footsteps of three warriors: a huntress on a dangerous quest, a noblewoman pursuing battle fame, and a thrall seeking vengeance among the 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.

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 bestselling author John Gwynne.

Further praise for The Shadow of the Gods:

'Visceral, heart-breaking and unputdownable' - Jay Kristoff

'A satisfying and riveting read. The well-realised characters move against a backdrop of a world stunning in its immensity. It's everything I've come to expect from a John Gwynne book' - Robin Hobb

'A masterclass in storytelling . . . epic, gritty fantasy with an uncompromising amount of heart' - FanFiAddict

'Quintessential Gwynne honed to perfection . . . The Shadow of the Gods is absolutely stunning, one hell of an epic series opener and a spectacular dose of Viking-flavoured fantasy' - The Tattooed Book Geek

'Reminds me of all that I love in the fantasy genre. The Shadow of the Gods is an action-packed cinematic read' - Fantasy Hive

Series: The Bloodsworn Saga

View all
  • The Shadow of the Gods
    'A masterfully crafted, brutally compelling Norse-inspired epic' - Anthony Ryan THE GREATEST SAGAS ARE WRITTEN IN BLOOD. A century has passed since the gods fought and drove themselves to extinction. Now only their bones remain, promising great power to those brave enough to seek them out. As whispers of war echo across the land of Vigrio, fate follows in the...
    By John Gwynne
    Paperback
    $2300
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    (1)
    Backorder
    Ships late October
  • The Hunger of the Gods
    The Hunger of the Gods continues John Gwynne's acclaimed Norse-inspired epic fantasy series, packed with myth, magic and bloody vengeance. Lik-Rifa, the dragon god of legend, has been freed from her eternal prison. Now she plots a new age of blood and conquest. As Orka continues the hunt for her missing son, the Bloodsworn sweep south in a desperate race...
    By John Gwynne
    Paperback
    $2500
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Fury of the Gods
    The Fury of the Gods is the earth-shattering final book in John Gwynne's bestselling Norse-inspired epic fantasy series, packed with myth, magic, and bloody vengeance. The final battle for the fate of Vigrid approaches. Varg has overcome the trials of his past and become an accepted member of the Bloodsworn, but now he and his newfound comrades face their biggest...
    By John Gwynne
    Paperback
    $3100
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Hunger of the Gods
    This is a stunning special edition of The Hunger of the Gods, the second novel in the internationally bestselling Bloodsworn series from master storyteller John Gwynne. This edition features: Jacket with full artwork Four colour end papers Foil embossing on the board Designed sprayed edges THE GREATEST SAGAS ARE WRITTEN IN BLOOD Lik-Rifa, the dragon god of legend, has been...
    By John Gwynne
    Hardback
    $7499
    Elsewhere:
    $8500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Fury of the Gods
    Instant New York Times bestseller The Fury of the Gods is the earth-shattering final book in John Gwynne's bestselling Norse-inspired epic fantasy series, packed with myth, magic, and bloody vengeance. THE FINAL BATTLE FOR THE FATE OF VIGRI APPROACHES Varg has overcome the trials of his past and become an accepted member of the Bloodsworn, but now he and his...
    By John Gwynne
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    Backorder
    Ships late October
  • The Fury of the Gods
    This is a stunning special edition of The Fury of the Gods, the final novel in the internationally bestselling Bloodsworn series from master storyteller John Gwynne. This edition features: Jacket with full artwork Four colour end papers Foil embossing on the board Designed sprayed edges THE GREATEST SAGAS ARE WRITTEN IN BLOOD. Varg has overcome the trials of his past...
    By John Gwynne
    Hardback
    $7499
    Elsewhere:
    $8500
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Shadow of the Gods
    This is a stunning special edition of The Shadow of the Gods, the first novel in the internationally bestselling Bloodsworn series from master storyteller John Gwynne. This edition features: Jacket with full artwork Four colour end papers Foil embossing on the board Designed sprayed edges THE GREATEST SAGAS ARE WRITTEN IN BLOOD. A century has passed since the gods fought...
    By John Gwynne
    Hardback
    $7499
    Elsewhere:
    $8500
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne is a masterfully crafted Norse-inspired epic that delivers a gripping and visceral experience. Reviewers praise the book's well-realised characters, stunning world-building, and Gwynne's skill at creating gritty and heart-wrenching fantasy. It's considered an exciting and satisfying start to the series, filled with battles, friendship, and epic storytelling, appealing to fans of historical and fantasy genres.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780356514215

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 27 January 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Orbit

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 36.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 360g

Pages: 528

Collections

Fantasy Fiction General Fiction High Fantasy John Gwynne Sci-Fi & Fantasy Series: The Bloodsworn Saga

About the Author

John Gwynne studied and lectured at Brighton University. He's played double bass in a rock 'n' roll band, packed soap in a soap factory and dug ditches for a landscaping crew.

He is married with four children, eight goats, five sheep, three dogs, two horses and three ducks and lives in East Sussex, where he is part of a Viking re-enactment group. When not writing or running around after his wife and her crazy animals he can be found standing in a shield wall with his three sons about him.

Also by John Gwynne

View all
  • The Hunger of the Gods
    The Hunger of the Gods continues John Gwynne's acclaimed Norse-inspired epic fantasy series, packed with myth, magic and bloody vengeance. Lik-Rifa, the dragon god of legend, has been freed from her eternal prison. Now she plots a new age of blood and conquest. As Orka continues the hunt for her missing son, the Bloodsworn sweep south in a desperate race...
    By John Gwynne
    Paperback
    $2500
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Fury of the Gods
    The Fury of the Gods is the earth-shattering final book in John Gwynne's bestselling Norse-inspired epic fantasy series, packed with myth, magic, and bloody vengeance. The final battle for the fate of Vigrid approaches. Varg has overcome the trials of his past and become an accepted member of the Bloodsworn, but now he and his newfound comrades face their biggest...
    By John Gwynne
    Paperback
    $3100
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Fury of the Gods
    This is a stunning special edition of The Fury of the Gods, the final novel in the internationally bestselling Bloodsworn series from master storyteller John Gwynne. This edition features: Jacket with full artwork Four colour end papers Foil embossing on the board Designed sprayed edges THE GREATEST SAGAS ARE WRITTEN IN BLOOD. Varg has overcome the trials of his past...
    By John Gwynne
    Hardback
    $7499
    Elsewhere:
    $8500
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Fury of the Gods
    Instant New York Times bestseller The Fury of the Gods is the earth-shattering final book in John Gwynne's bestselling Norse-inspired epic fantasy series, packed with myth, magic, and bloody vengeance. THE FINAL BATTLE FOR THE FATE OF VIGRI APPROACHES Varg has overcome the trials of his past and become an accepted member of the Bloodsworn, but now he and his...
    By John Gwynne
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    Backorder
    Ships late October
  • The Hunger of the Gods
    This is a stunning special edition of The Hunger of the Gods, the second novel in the internationally bestselling Bloodsworn series from master storyteller John Gwynne. This edition features: Jacket with full artwork Four colour end papers Foil embossing on the board Designed sprayed edges THE GREATEST SAGAS ARE WRITTEN IN BLOOD Lik-Rifa, the dragon god of legend, has been...
    By John Gwynne
    Hardback
    $7499
    Elsewhere:
    $8500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Malice
    Young Corban watches enviously as boys become warriors, learning the art of war. He yearns to wield his sword and spear to protect his king's realm. But that day will come all too soon. Only when he loses those he loves will he learn the true price of courage. The Banished Lands has a violent past where armies of men...
    By John Gwynne
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  • A Time of Blood
    A Time of Blood, the second book in the Of Blood and Bone trilogy, is the spectacular sequel to A Time of Dread by John Gwynne. Defy the darkness. Defend the light . . . At the battle of Starstone Lake, Drem and his friends witnessed horrors they’ll never forget. They saw magic warping men into beasts and a demon...
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  • Wrath
    Events are coming to a climax in the Banished Lands, as the war reaches new heights. King Nathair has taken control of the fortress at Drassil and three of the Seven Treasures are in his possession. Together with Calidus and his ally Queen Rhin, Nathair will do anything to obtain the remaining Treasures. With all seven under his command, he...
    By John Gwynne
    Paperback
    $2499
    Backorder
    Ships mid November
  • The Shadow of the Gods
    This is a stunning special edition of The Shadow of the Gods, the first novel in the internationally bestselling Bloodsworn series from master storyteller John Gwynne. This edition features: Jacket with full artwork Four colour end papers Foil embossing on the board Designed sprayed edges THE GREATEST SAGAS ARE WRITTEN IN BLOOD. A century has passed since the gods fought...
    By John Gwynne
    Hardback
    $7499
    Elsewhere:
    $8500
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Pre-order
    The Wolves of War
    The first book in a new epic fantasy series influenced by Slavic history and folklore, from international bestseller John Gwynne Enter a world of frozen rivers and dark woods, where witches, wolves and worse threats lurk in the shadows.  A world in need of a hero. The northern invaders swept south and built a new kingdom with blood and iron. The tribes,...
    By John Gwynne
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    $3199
    Elsewhere:
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  • The Fury of the Gods
    LOOK OUT FOR THE DELUXE LIMITED HARDCOVER EDITIONS OF THE BLOODSWORN SAGA – featuring stencilled sprayed edges, a new introduction from the author, a foil stamped case, and custom endpapers. Only available on a limited first print run while supplies last. The Fury of the Gods is the earth-shattering final book in John Gwynne's New York Times bestselling Norse-inspired epic...
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    Ships in 2-3 weeks
  • The Fury of the Gods (Deluxe Limited Hardcover Edition)
    This striking DELUXE LIMITED EDITION is available while supplies last―featuring stencilled sprayed edges, a new introduction from the author, a foil stamped case, and custom endpapers. This must-have special edition is only available on a limited first print run while supplies last. The Fury of the Gods is the earth-shattering final book in John Gwynne's New York Times bestselling Norse-inspired...
    By John Gwynne
    Hardback
    $8300
    Available
    Ships in 2-3 weeks

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