THE SHADOW OF THE GODS by John Gwynne - No Spoiler Review

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I apologize for the random subscribed text in the middle of the screen, looks like i made a mistake in Final Cut haha

[@thebrothersgwynne]

So glad you enjoyed! The Battle Plains are a dangerous but intriguing place.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I love it! Your dad's the fucking best!

[@PetrikLeo]

Yesssss! Wonderful review! Now we both wait for the next Gwynne's novel! Orka, though.... AND YES, let's do a spoiler chat!!!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

We def will!

[@Johanna_reads]

I completely agree that the cover art is absolutely stunning and probably the best cover of the year. I liked how you described elements of the story feeling alive. I feel like the last person around who has not read anything by Gwynne. I'll get there eventually. Great review!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

You'll love it when you get around it 😁 thanks!

[@josie-thebubblybookreviewe8663]

I loved this one too. Definitely a 5 star easy to read book. Loved the cover too. My thing was how many times he mentioned the belt helps take some of the weight of the mail from the shoulders. I’m guessing John really feels that weight when role playing!! 😂

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Hahah! He really must! I too think this is five stars 😄

[@megangoosen307]

I loved your review. I can't wait for book 2. First time reading his books. I also got elvra/varg mixed up and orka is the best!!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

So glad you liked it!

[@curtjarrell9710]

I've moved John Gwynne to my 'maybe' reading list. As I've added more fantasy and SF to my reading diet, I find myself wanting more of it. Thanks Jimmy!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

No problem!

[@alexnieves]

The Nut Man strikes again. I'm 71% into this one and NEED TO FINISH. Let's definitely get some spoiler chats going when the book releases!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Hell yeah dude!!!

[@cazevans]

I'm only halfway through banished lands but I'm already hyped for this book! Definitely a new auto-buy author

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I trust Gwynne to always deliver!

[@QandTG]

Most definitely Pre-ordering! You've been singing his praises from day one and we are most certainly on the bandwagon now! "Best Book One he's ever wrote! 😮"

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Hell yeah! Welcome to the Warband! 🐺⚔️

[@rebekkah7234]

I know I'm late to the party but I finished this book today. I agree that Svik's story was so much fun, mostly because Gwynne clearly wrote it with the Norwegian folktale about Askeladden in mind! Great review :)

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you 😊

[@Eridi4na]

This is my first John Gwynne novel and so far I'm loving it! Now I definitely need to read his other series if his writing is that good and atmospheric.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I don't think he has a bad book 😅

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Glad you are enjoying it!!

[@MegaD96]

This book, along with The Wisdom of Crowds by Abercrombie, is my most anticipated release of 2021. Loved TFatF and really liked Of Blood and Bone. Great review!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you! And omg I can't wait for The Wisdom of Crowds 😬

[@jonsbookcorner]

Great review Jimmy! Got me hyped for this one. Having not read it but knowing this is influenced by norse mythology, the thing about everything being urine stained made me think maybe there's some type of Fenrir beast in this world roaming about and marking its territory or something

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Whoa!!! See I knew I was missing something!!

[@ZamWeazle]

That or the toilet facilities in this quasi norse land needs looking at! 😂

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@ZamWeazle where's the plummers!?

[@ZamWeazle]

@@thefantasynuttwork 🤣

[@asfaloth12]

I adore that stunning cover! Great review. Thanks for sharing 😃

[@thefantasynuttwork]

My pleasure friend!

[@deanryanmartin]

This is probably the first book that gets my full attention this year. Just the title itself, it already sounds intriguing.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I think you'll have a great time with it

[@deanryanmartin]

@@thefantasynuttwork For sure, I will get one once it is available here in the Philippines.

[@ZamWeazle]

Nice review! Can't wait to get to this! I'm still on Wrath! Yes to the collab as well! 👍

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Wrath is sooooo great

[@jimronnysrlie8601]

There was no plumbings back in the days. so the bigger cities and settlements did smell like piss. they pissed in a bucket and tossed it out the window :P The story Svik tells about the cheese, is actually a Norwegian fairy tale. It's called 'Ashlad and the hungry troll' :)

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Oh very cool!

[@Ink129]

Just got through The Faithful and the Fallen and John Gwynne definitely deserves my attention, so I'll just add this one to my backlog. Good review!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thanks, I hope you like it 🙂

[@4556789mazda]

I finished this book about a month ago and can't stop thinking about it. It was so good! I think I'm in the minority but Varg was my favorite with Orka (definitely the most badass) in close second. This was my first book by John Gwynne and got me really pumped to read his other books. Really good review.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you!!! Gwynne is one my favs, can't wait for book two 😁

[@triggerboy85v59]

Well finished a time of courage sometime in August. Finished reading Anthony Ryan’s Blood song series and now about to start the shadow of the gods. Looking forward to it.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Enjoy!

[@jeremyfee]

This was a wonderful video. I have so much to read already, but you're making me want to read these John Gwynne books. Peace!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Glad to hear it! They're not too long so sneak one in if ya can haha

[@r1ddhima]

I’m so curious about this book, both because of the Norse inspirations and high praise for the women in the novel. Great review as always!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thanks Rid, I think you would enjoy it 😁

[@MonicaCichetti]

I just finished this and was blown away!!! Definitely unique plot and concept. And I also got a bit confused with Elvar and Varg’s POVs - I sometimes mixed them up and had to remind myself where in the map they were traveling and their storyline lol I thought it was just me! But overall 5 solid stars, definitely a masterpiece. Can’t wait for book 2!!

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Awesome, so glad you enjoyed it! I don't wanna wait for book two hahab

[@csd8204]

Agreed on all accounts. His style in this book is somewhat reminiscent to me of a little known writer named Bill Downey and his book Black Viking (the best book on Viking's I've ever read). Gwynne's ability to say so much in so little time is unique. Robert E. Howard had a similar style. I agree the narrative in this story seems to have so much more weight to it vs his previous writing. Can't wait for the next book in the series.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Agreed! I'll check those other authors out!

[@csd8204]

@@thefantasynuttwork Well, Howard is the creator of Conan, Kull and Solomon Kane. Downey was little known and it wasn't until after the 13th Warrior came out I learned so many others held his book in such high regard.

[@iplantevin]

I loved "The Banished Lands saga" as well as God of War (PS4), so I can't wait for my pre-order to arrive 🤪 I found your channel through Petrik's latest video today and just binge watched a bunch of your reviews. Good stuff! I subscribed and hit the bell 😎

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you much! Petrik is a real great friend! You're gonna absolutely adore this book if you liked those two things!!!

[@GandalfsHorse84]

Love the Norse inspiration, and this is probably my favorite fantasy cover of all time. And remember Norse mythology has been part of main-stream fantasy since Grandpa Tolkien.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Tolkien did do it you're absolutely correct! I think this is such a great book one. I hope tons of people check it out

[@niebieskie2]

Great review. Can’t wait to read it

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thank you 😁

[@cwesley2005]

This is seriously my favorite fantasy book of all time.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@cwesley2005 that’s awesome!

[@yorkshirelasstracey5383]

As if I could be anymore excited about this one... You just did that. 🤓 It's been pre ordered for month. I've just read all of The Faithful and the Fallen this month and finding it difficult to move on from it. I have all the Of Blood and Bone trilogy for April then May 4th Yiphee! Great review video, thank you.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Look of good books to go 😁 thank you !

[@markguthrie9901]

look forward to reading this

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Enjoy 🙂

[@godmodeenabled1]

Can't wait to read this, i'm reading Ruin not now and it's sooooo good

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Ruin was tremendous

[@alexfrederick3404]

Finished A Time of Courage yesterday and just can't wait till this one ... will buy one day 1. While reading the Banished lands books, one thing kept coming to mind: there a plenty of chances for us all in this life to practice truth & courage, even though most of us will not be in any kind of violent encounter. Will you stand up for what is right, or go with the current, fearful of what you may lose if you take a more noble course? I think it was in a Time for Blood; " There are some things more important than your own safety." (or something like that) This is so important when so many people seem to be just looking after their own a$$es, and that's it. SO ... I hope Gwynne takes his time and offers more of these little gems.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I actually totally agree with you. I think there's some legit value to the lessons that Gwynne relays to us in his stories. Truth and Courage!!!

[@axxo]

Anybody read the whole Bloodsworn trilogy? I'm in the middle of the second part and it gets kind of boring.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

The third book isn’t out yet but I found book 2 underwhelming

[@axxo]

@@thefantasynuttwork Wow, I didn't expect a reply from Jimmy himself. Thanks, I missed the "small print" about the release date. BTW I discovered Robin Hobb about a year ago and boy o boy I got hooked. Binged threw Fitz and the ships like there was no tomorrow. Left myself some Rain Wilds Chronicles for the desert, but will wait a bit longer to build the tension. Thanks for all the good work. Cheers.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@axxo happy to hear!

[@ruddplays4839]

Another great video. In return, I'm going to offer you an advice you didn't really ask for: Lord of the Silver Bow. We are even now.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I'll take a look, thank you 😄

[@muttineni03]

Great review, I can't wait for it to release, but I know how John's books ends on a cliffhanger and makes me go crazy to wait for next book, but I'll this book soon as it releases 😀

[@thefantasynuttwork]

The end is so good!!

[@muttineni03]

@@thefantasynuttwork Shadow of god's releases day after my birthday, so I'll gift it to myself 😀

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@muttineni03 now that's a great bday gift

[@muttineni03]

@@thefantasynuttwork haha I agree

[@Dwish305]

Thanks for the review

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Thanks for watching Daniel 😁

[@alvinmarcus5780]

I will buy anything Gwynne or Abercrombie puts out. My two favorite authors in fantasy.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Among my favorites absolutely, they'll always get my money!!

[@oscarandino9230]

Tbr has been ruined this month lol. Got a surprise copy of Shadows of the gods send to me. It's 1 am right now. Your review is pushing me to read it today . Might be a long day tomorrow lol. Also my first John Gwynne book ever.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

That's awesome hahah, I bet you're gonna love it

[@oscarandino9230]

@@thefantasynuttwork love it so far. Mild spoiler *** Taking my time. I am a fan of Orka and Thorkel and Breca and pet 🪥. Varg I feel pain for. Agnar seems a little shady . Elvar still on the fence .

[@Pure_117]

I feel like im the only one who couldn't get "into the vibe" with Orka. it made the middle part of the book a the lower point of the book but still, it wasn't a bad book. Story setting was the best part

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I can definitely agree with the setting being the best part

[@jakebishop7822]

I am very excited for this

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Well warranted excitement

[@stuart1346]

I want to feel happy for you but I can’t quite manage it 😮 I’m waiting patiently for me preordered copy.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I wish I could read it for the first time again 😭

[@GrayLEVALE]

Always carry cheese with you! Especially if it's shaped like a rock. x)

[@thefantasynuttwork]

🤣

[@cynthiaholmes5124]

I so can't wait to read this book when the library gets it will read wrath soon so excited 😀😉☺️😻😸

[@thefantasynuttwork]

That's some good reading 🙂

[@James-pf9su]

I gave up about 15 chapters in, I got fed up with the amount of times axes were mentioned. The clincher was when a thrall licked blood of her axe. Had no interest in the characters at all.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Sorry to hear that, hope your next read is better for you!

[@crystalsingh7325]

Can I read this book without reading any of his other books Jimmy? 🤔

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Yep!

[@thriddoctor]

You need to read The Bone Ships and Call of The Bone Ships by R J Barker.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I own it on ebook 😁

[@susaniacuone5758]

I so want the dramatic reading of the cheese story. Waiting waiting editing for me pre-ordered copy. Perhaps not so much waiting for the much repeated urine thing.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Overall it's an amazing experience 😃

[@ronfoss7784]

I so can’t wait to get my hands on this book, Tensions can kill a book reader just by waiting. 🤘🤪

[@thefantasynuttwork]

You're in for a good one!

[@napoleonrapemhard5667]

Honestly my only complaint is the idea of female Viking warriors being the norm. This trope is overused in my opinion.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I could see that for sure

[@steliosgrimpas]

John Gwynne's books have easy vocabulary for someone whose English is a second language?

[@thefantasynuttwork]

I’d guess yes but not totally sure

[@steliosgrimpas]

@@thefantasynuttwork Thanks very much!

[@RichardlSawyer]

It’s basically just Skyrim.

[@thefantasynuttwork]

Hahaha!

[@RichardlSawyer]

@@thefantasynuttwork Seriously, I loved the book and agree that it has some unique elements but Varg’s entire storyline is basically the Companions storyline from Skyrim. Also there are Dragon Born...

[@thefantasynuttwork]

@@RichardlSawyer the dragon born absolutely peaked my ears to a nod to Skyrim. I wonder if John has played it haha