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)

What listeners say about The Shadow of the Gods

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Great read, one of my all time favourite series

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

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An truly ambitious tale

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)

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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story

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.

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excellent new saga

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.

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    4 out of 5 stars

Dark, cold and bloody

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

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Complex and intriguing

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

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An astounding fantasy epic and a true must read.

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.

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Riveting!

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.

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Perfectly believable female characters

I'm literally writing this review to countenance the idiot who couldn't believe that in a fantasy world where everyone has been fighting for their lives non-stop for hundreds of years that may be a woman might be able sit next to a man and row a boat without the need for explanation.

Please talk to a woman.

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16 people found this helpful

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Awesome!

What an awesome story. I struggled for a long time to find something as good as The First Law series, but this looks like the beginning of something really good. Loved it! If you love Viking type stories, you won’t be able to get enough of this.

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11 people found this helpful

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