Plague of Giants

A giant invasion forces the continent of Teldwen into war, as multiple nations face attacks from massive creatures emerging from the sea. The story follows several characters across different kingdoms as they struggle to defend their lands and discover the truth behind the giants' arrival. A bard named Dervan records firsthand accounts from survivors and heroes, creating an oral history of the conflict through their individual perspectives. The narrative moves between past and present, showing how various individuals—including warriors, politicians, and kennings-wielders with magical abilities—respond to the crisis. The novel explores themes of heroism, sacrifice and the power of storytelling in times of catastrophe. Through its multi-layered structure and diverse viewpoints, the book examines how ordinary people face extraordinary circumstances when their world changes forever.

Readers appreciate the unique storytelling format, with tales woven through a bard's retellings. The magic system and world-building received frequent mentions in positive reviews. Many noted the distinct personalities of the multiple POV characters and praised the fresh take on classic fantasy elements. Common criticisms focused on the slow pacing, especially in the first third. Several readers found the frequent POV shifts confusing and difficult to follow. Some felt the bard's framework device interrupted the flow of the main narrative. "The constant switching between characters made it hard to stay invested" was a repeated sentiment on Reddit discussion threads. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (8,700+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (900+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.9/5 (200+ ratings) The book resonated more with readers who enjoy complex, methodically-paced epics than those seeking fast-moving action. Many reviewers noted it requires patience but delivers a satisfying payoff.

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🌟 Author Kevin Hearne wrote the Plague of Giants while living in a 12th-century castle in France, drawing inspiration from the medieval surroundings. 🏰 The novel's unique narrative structure features a bard who can magically show memories of other characters, allowing readers to experience multiple perspectives of the same events. 🗺️ The world-building in Plague of Giants draws heavily from Celtic mythology and Irish folklore, particularly in its treatment of magical abilities and storytelling traditions. ✨ The magic system in the book, called "kennings," requires users to sacrifice their own life force to perform magical feats—the more powerful the magic, the greater the cost to their lifespan. 📚 Plague of Giants is the first book in The Seven Kennings trilogy, but Hearne wrote it as a complete story that can stand alone, ensuring readers wouldn't be left with major cliffhangers.