Shadow of the Gods

Shadow of the Gods takes place in a Norse-inspired fantasy world where the children of dead gods vie for power. Three warriors with secret pasts navigate this brutal landscape filled with monsters, raiders, and the ever-present influence of ancient deities. The story follows Orka, who hunts those who took her son; Varg, a former thrall seeking vengeance for his sister; and Elvar, a noble-born warrior carving her own path with a band of mercenaries. Their separate quests intersect against the backdrop of rising tensions and prophecies of the dead gods' return. The novel builds on Norse mythology while creating its own distinct world and magic system. Battle-priests wield blood magic, dragon-like creatures soar overhead, and warriors face both human and supernatural threats across a cold, unforgiving land. The narrative explores themes of identity, fate, and the weight of divine legacy on mortal shoulders. Through its focus on parenthood, revenge, and loyalty, the story examines how the past shapes present choices - and whether anyone can truly escape their heritage.

Readers describe intense action sequences, Norse-inspired worldbuilding, and three distinct character perspectives that converge throughout the story. Likes: - Battle scenes with visceral, gritty combat - Complex characters, especially Orka and her revenge mission - Detailed Viking-like mythology and culture - Strong female characters who avoid fantasy stereotypes - Clear, straightforward writing style Dislikes: - Slow pacing in first third of book - Multiple POVs make plot hard to follow initially - Some found the violence excessive - Lack of humor or lighter moments - Norse terms can be confusing without glossary Ratings: Goodreads: 4.36/5 (17,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (3,800+ ratings) Fantasy Faction: 9/10 Reader Quote: "The battle scenes are phenomenal but it takes patience to get through the setup. Once it gets going though, it doesn't let up." - Goodreads reviewer

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🐉 John Gwynne wrote Shadow of the Gods while caring for his daughter who has Down's Syndrome, often writing in small bursts between his caregiving duties. 🗡️ The battle scenes in the book draw from Gwynne's experience as a Viking reenactor and his academic study of Anglo-Saxon history. ⚔️ The world of Shadow of the Gods is heavily influenced by Norse mythology, particularly the concept of Ragnarök and the death of the gods. 🏹 The character Orka was inspired by shield-maidens from Norse sagas and archaeological evidence of female Viking warriors. 🌟 The book reached #1 on Amazon's Norse & Viking Fantasy chart within its first week of release in 2021.