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The Gods Are Bastards: A High Fantasy Western: The Gods Are Bastards, Book 1
It was a world of sword and sorcery, but that was a thousand years ago. When the gods turn their backs, true adventurers are needed more than ever.
For centuries, the Empire of Tiraas has surged forward in the name of peace, commerce, and political power, evolving from its early days of heroes, quests, and reckless abandon in favor of a more refined, industrious existence. Today, rails connect cities and outposts. Religion is power—even if the gods have gone silent. Magic is a commodity. Dwarves and elves are carefully discouraged from exhibiting any unwanted behaviors. Even the scariest monsters are dealt with diplomatically.
Needless to say, the days in which a person could make a living as a wandering adventurer are long since gone. But a nightmarish darkness looms, and those dormant, discarded ideals of courage, honor, and death-defying heroism must somehow rise to the surface once again. Because a demonic force has returned from the past—and it means to stay.
Meanwhile, at the University of Last Rock on the unforgiving, notably uncivilized frontier, an unruly band of youngsters yearns to show the world what they can do. And they are just about to begin their schooling in good old-fashioned magic, combat, and all-around adventure-seeking. Unfortunately for them, they will need much, much more than that if they have any hope of saving the world. And save the world they must . . .
Based on the hit web novel with more than eleven million views—and almost four million views on Royal Road—now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!
For centuries, the Empire of Tiraas has surged forward in the name of peace, commerce, and political power, evolving from its early days of heroes, quests, and reckless abandon in favor of a more refined, industrious existence. Today, rails connect cities and outposts. Religion is power—even if the gods have gone silent. Magic is a commodity. Dwarves and elves are carefully discouraged from exhibiting any unwanted behaviors. Even the scariest monsters are dealt with diplomatically.
Needless to say, the days in which a person could make a living as a wandering adventurer are long since gone. But a nightmarish darkness looms, and those dormant, discarded ideals of courage, honor, and death-defying heroism must somehow rise to the surface once again. Because a demonic force has returned from the past—and it means to stay.
Meanwhile, at the University of Last Rock on the unforgiving, notably uncivilized frontier, an unruly band of youngsters yearns to show the world what they can do. And they are just about to begin their schooling in good old-fashioned magic, combat, and all-around adventure-seeking. Unfortunately for them, they will need much, much more than that if they have any hope of saving the world. And save the world they must . . .
Based on the hit web novel with more than eleven million views—and almost four million views on Royal Road—now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!
Audible Audio
Published August 26, 2025
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
August 27, 2025
A different type of fantasy than I typically consume, but super interesting!
We start the story a few years before the main portion, in a small town where someone has spontaneously combusted. While investigating, we get a magical visitor saying that this isn't the only instance of this happening, and there's one survivor...
There is so much happening in this story, and I loved when all the pieces start sliding into place on where it all connects. We have our band of misfits at school, trying to get along but there are some strong prejudices against certain species and individuals. The story also switches to our emperor and his favorite concubine, who is more than she appears to him. Once revealed, she also drops some news that may make it impossible for his guards to take her out. And then we also see a bishop of the church, visiting several townsfolk including a brothel, where he gets a lot of information. Now is he going to share that information with his superiors, or someone else? Something tells me he's also more than he appears... I want to know what happens next!!
One favorite quote (turns out remembering those favorite quotes is harder when it’s an audiobook!):
“Raise your hand, we are not baboons.”
The narration done by E. A. Castillo was absolutely superb! With all the voices and accents, I definitely forgot at times that this is being narrated by one person! They are able to bring such a wide range of emotions to each of these characters, differing emotions within the same conversation! They are simply lovely to listen to.
If you love a high fantasy western with magic, adventure, schemes, and a little intrigue, definitely check out The Gods Are Bastards!
I received an advanced listener copy for free. This review contains my honest opinion and is being left voluntarily.
We start the story a few years before the main portion, in a small town where someone has spontaneously combusted. While investigating, we get a magical visitor saying that this isn't the only instance of this happening, and there's one survivor...
There is so much happening in this story, and I loved when all the pieces start sliding into place on where it all connects. We have our band of misfits at school, trying to get along but there are some strong prejudices against certain species and individuals. The story also switches to our emperor and his favorite concubine, who is more than she appears to him. Once revealed, she also drops some news that may make it impossible for his guards to take her out. And then we also see a bishop of the church, visiting several townsfolk including a brothel, where he gets a lot of information. Now is he going to share that information with his superiors, or someone else? Something tells me he's also more than he appears... I want to know what happens next!!
One favorite quote (turns out remembering those favorite quotes is harder when it’s an audiobook!):
“Raise your hand, we are not baboons.”
The narration done by E. A. Castillo was absolutely superb! With all the voices and accents, I definitely forgot at times that this is being narrated by one person! They are able to bring such a wide range of emotions to each of these characters, differing emotions within the same conversation! They are simply lovely to listen to.
If you love a high fantasy western with magic, adventure, schemes, and a little intrigue, definitely check out The Gods Are Bastards!
I received an advanced listener copy for free. This review contains my honest opinion and is being left voluntarily.
Displaying 1 of 1 review