Reviews tagging 'Death of parent'

The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne

14 reviews

dani_reis's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Kidnapping, War, Death, and Death of parent

meowster18's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This book was a journey that I was willing to go on from page one. This was beautifully written. Entirely immersive. I felt everything from the love of Thorkiel to war of the Battle-Grime and Bloodsworn, To Orka’s pain and rage, and lastly Varg’s and Elvar journey to discovery and Battle-Fame. A must read. The ending had me gasping and yelling “no f-ing way!”. Can’t wait to sink my teeth into the next book. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Slavery, War, Alcohol, Cursing, Kidnapping, Grief, Violence, Blood, Death, Death of parent, Gore, and Body horror

Please look up trigger warnings for this book. It is very gorey

hiddeninfantasy's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Death of parent, Kidnapping, Murder, Physical abuse, Death, Slavery, Body horror, Child abuse, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Gore, Blood, Genocide, and War

sher_lostinabook's review against another edition

adventurous tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Blood, Death, Murder, Violence, Death of parent, and Gore

ohloulou's review against another edition

adventurous dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Gore, Murder, Blood, Animal death, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Slavery, and Violence

Moderate: Child death and Death of parent

Minor: Sexual content

awaterswadesthrough's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Body horror, Child abuse, Grief, Torture, Trafficking, Blood, Murder, Slavery, Xenophobia, Classism, Confinement, War, Animal death, Death of parent, and Gore

andy_sfc_reads's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

This was my first incursion into Norse inspired epic fantasy books and I have to say I am throughly impressed. From the descriptions of nature, the world building, and amazing characters Gwynne's writing has me gripped and I can't wait to continue with the saga. 

The best story arc for me is definitely Orka's. She's such an interesting combination of savagery, fierceness and femininity. 

Varg grew up on me as the story progressed and I can't wait to see where the author takes him. Nevertheless, the bright gems in his chapters for me were the secondary characters such as Svik Rokia, Glornir and the rest of them so, I'm excited to see what's next for them 

The only reason why this does not get 5 stars is Elvar. 

Compared to the other two her motivation as a character and as a warrior was so "basic" 

Although TIl recognise that 

in the end she has now bigger and tougher challenges to overcome and wrongs to avenge. Over all her storyline was boring to me. If it weren't for all of the magical and political aspects going on around her I would have skipped some of her chapters.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Grief, Kidnapping, Death, Slavery, Death of parent, Murder, Physical abuse, Gore, and War

ripxw's review against another edition

adventurous dark tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, and Violence

Moderate: Slavery

Minor: Death of parent

poekie9080's review against another edition

adventurous funny tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence, Grief, Physical abuse, Cursing, Death, Murder, Slavery, Death of parent, Gore, Kidnapping, and War

Moderate: Torture and Death of parent

Minor: Vomit

darkefyres's review against another edition

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Blood, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Death of parent, Gore, and Murder

Minor: War, Sexual content, and Child death