In a genre saturated with medieval European fantasy, John Gwynne’s The Shadow of the Gods emerges as a breath of fresh, Nordic air. Like the harsh winds sweeping across its fjords and mountains, this novel cuts deep into the heart of Norse mythology, reimagining it in ways both familiar and startlingly new. The first installment in the Bloodsworn Saga trilogy (followed by The Hunger of the Gods and The Fury of the Gods) sets up an ambitious tale where the bones of dead gods still hold terrible power, and their tainted bloodlines continue to shape the fate of a broken world.
A World Built on Dead Gods’ Bones
The land of Vigrið lies shattered in the wake of the Guðfalla—the gods’ fall—where deities like Ulfrir the wolf-god, Orna the eagle-god, and Snaka the serpent-god fought themselves to extinction. Their corpses didn’t just create mountains and fjords; they left behind a legacy of power that manifests in their descendants, the Tainted, who carry divine blood in their veins. This is worldbuilding at its finest, where mythology isn’t just background decoration but the very foundation upon which the story is built.
Three Paths Through a Broken Land
The Hunter’s Trail
Orka, a fierce huntress with a dark past, emerges as perhaps the most compelling character. When her son is kidnapped, her quest for vengeance reveals layers of conspiracy that run deeper than simple banditry. Her sections pulse with raw emotion and savage action, reminiscent of God of War’s Kratos in their intensity.
The Warrior’s Journey
Elvar, a jarl’s daughter who chose the warrior’s path over privilege, provides a fascinating perspective on fame and freedom. Her storyline with the Battle-Grim mercenary company offers some of the book’s most engaging ensemble scenes.
The Thrall’s Tale
Varg, a former thrall seeking vengeance for his sister’s murder, rounds out the trinity of protagonists. His gradual integration into the legendary Bloodsworn mercenaries presents a compelling underdog story while exploring themes of loyalty and belonging.
Strengths That Cut Like Valyrian Steel
- Combat Sequences: Gwynne’s experience writing the Of Blood and Bone series shows in the visceral, technically precise battle scenes that never feel repetitive
- Character Development: Each protagonist feels distinct and well-realized, with clear motivations and moral complexity
- Norse Atmosphere: The setting feels authentically Norse without becoming a mere mythology checklist
- Pacing: Despite its length, the story maintains momentum through well-timed revelations and action sequences
Where the Shield Wall Shows Gaps
- Initial Complexity: The multiple storylines and large cast can be overwhelming for some readers in the early chapters
- Familiar Elements: While well-executed, some plot elements follow predictable patterns common in epic fantasy
- Worldbuilding Density: The rich mythology and political landscape might require extra attention from readers new to Norse-inspired fantasy
The Craft Behind the Saga
Gwynne’s prose strikes a careful balance between accessibility and atmospheric richness. He avoids the common pitfall of trying to sound “epic” through purple prose, instead letting the weight of events and emotions carry the story’s gravity. The multiple POV structure, while challenging initially, allows for expert manipulation of tension and revelation.
A Song of Ice and Norse Fire
Fans of Joe Abercrombie’s First Law series or Mark Lawrence’s work will find familiar notes here, but Gwynne’s voice is distinctly his own. The Norse inspiration feels more genuine than in many similar works, perhaps closer to Snorri Sturluson’s Prose Edda than Marvel’s Thor.
The Verdict
The Shadow of the Gods marks a strong opening to the Bloodsworn Saga, laying groundwork for the sequels while telling a satisfying story in its own right. The book will please fans of grimdark fantasy and Norse mythology alike, though readers should be prepared to invest attention in the early chapters to reap the full rewards.
For Readers Who Enjoy
- Strong character-driven narratives
- Viking-inspired fantasy
- Detailed action sequences
- Complex political intrigue
- Mythological elements
- Morally gray characters
The Legacy of Dead Gods
As the first entry in the Bloodsworn Saga, The Shadow of the Gods successfully establishes a world where the consequences of divine warfare still echo through generations. It’s a promising start that makes the subsequent books, The Hunger of the Gods and The Fury of the Gods, eagerly anticipated by readers invested in this richly realized world.
The novel stands as testament to Gwynne’s growth as a writer since his Faithful and the Fallen series, showing increased confidence in both worldbuilding and character development. While it may require some initial patience, the rewards for persistent readers are as rich as the treasures in a dragon’s hoard.