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The Tides Of War #2
Fallen Gods
The gods are angry and only one man can fend off their apocalypse in the brutal sequel to The Last Sacrifice.
Brogan McTyre and his compatriots are wanted, dead or alive. Preferably alive, so they can be sacrificed to the raging gods. All they can do is hire more mercenaries and turn them into a fearsome army. But warriors aren't enough when the gods bring Armageddon to the world, unleashing storms and madness, and ceaseless attacks on Brogan's men by increasingly demonic foes.
Deep in the heart of the Broken Blades Mountains lies a sword containing the heart of a god slain in immortal combat, the one thing that might give Brogan an edge against the gods, but finding it isn't going to be easy...
Brogan McTyre and his compatriots are wanted, dead or alive. Preferably alive, so they can be sacrificed to the raging gods. All they can do is hire more mercenaries and turn them into a fearsome army. But warriors aren't enough when the gods bring Armageddon to the world, unleashing storms and madness, and ceaseless attacks on Brogan's men by increasingly demonic foes.
Deep in the heart of the Broken Blades Mountains lies a sword containing the heart of a god slain in immortal combat, the one thing that might give Brogan an edge against the gods, but finding it isn't going to be easy...
ebook
First published January 2, 2018
About the author
James A. Moore
231 books674 followersJames A. Moore is the award winning author of over forty novels, thrillers, dark fantasy and horror alike, including the critically acclaimed Fireworks, Under The Overtree, Blood Red, the Serenity Falls trilogy (featuring his recurring anti-hero, Jonathan Crowley) and his most recent novels, seven Forges, The Blasted Lands, City of Wonders , The Silent Army and the forthcoming The Gates of The Dead (Book Three in the Tides of War Series) and A Hell Within, co-authored with Charles R. Rutledge.
He currently lives in Massachusetts.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
He currently lives in Massachusetts.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 7, 2018
"The gods took my family from me! They deserve nothing but death and destruction!"
"Tell your gods I'm coming for them! Tell your gods that I'll see them dead for what they did!"
Brogan McTyre and his friends are wanted alive. The gods demand these men be sacrificed or they'll end the world. Brogan has other ideas. Thanks to the help of his friend's wife who studied under the Galeans, he has learned there is a way to kill the gods. Brogan is determined to find this weapon and kill the gods.
Fallen Gods is a strong story set in a hopeless world. I can't get over the overwhelming weight of the hopelessness. At any moment the gods through their servants the Undying can demand nearly any person as a sacrifice. They offer compensation that may appease a slaveowner whose slave was taken, but never the husband or father who just lost their wife or children like Brogan McTyre. Strangely enough it's revealed that rules are established by the gods that no more than one person should be taken from a kingdom in any month so as to avoid the very scenario Brogan found himself in where his entire family was taken. Gods do as they wish it seems, but actions have consequences and I do love to see horrid people get their comeuppance whether they are men or gods.
The author does a great job displaying how different people are dealing with the end of the world. Many are hunting Brogan despite not faulting his actions, some wish him dead, and most simply want life to return to normal. I enjoy the diversity of characters in that they all come from different walks of life. The addition of point of view sections from the king's was strong as the gods are no more fair or caring with them than they are anyone else.
Fallen Gods was quite enjoyable, I look forward to the conclusion, and I hope to see these ravenous gods be sacrificed for the good of all.
4 out of 5 stars
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2018
Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths.
Fallen Gods continues the fast, chaotic, and horrific tale of a world close to total destruction. James A. Moore taking his modern sword and sorcery epic upward and outward, exploring this sprawling land, tightening the hopelessness around our protagonists’ hearts, deepening the gloom and doom, and stoking the flames of this devilish concoction of vengeful gods, devious demons, inescapable Undying, and a world-ending flood to a fever pitch, leaving humankind desperately casting about for salvation.
Returning to the spotlight is Brogan McTyre and his companions; these people the most wanted men and women in the world. Everyone seems to be coming for them, desperate to take them alive and sacrifice them to the enraged gods who are set on flooding the world in retribution for the defilement of their holy places. But Brogan doesn’t give a damn one way or another. His mind has been twisted into a dark place where all he dreams of is revenge on these gods who took his family as unwilling sacrifices, and he is determined to raise an army, discover a means, and then destroy the very gods themselves!
Swirling around Brogan and his band are many, many other characters. There are the people of the gods traveling across the flooding world to do the bidding of the divine. There are slavers attempting to survive another day. There are demons and their fiendish henchmen out to take the world from everyone. All of them moving onward and upward across the Five Kingdoms, as behind them the flood waters keep rising, the apocalyptic storms grow larger, and civilization crumbles under the encroaching wave of destruction. Humanity itself certain to become extinct unless someone finds a way to appease the gods, kill them, or take away their power.
As always, James A. Moore delivers a genre blending tale, mixing elements of fantasy and horror together into a tangy elixir of grimdark-esque action and adventure. The pacing is blistering fast and demanding, forcing a reader to keep up and keep track of everything which is going on, never letting up from first page to last. Every point of view character getting a chance to take their place front-and-center. Each of these morally ambiguous people developed enough for a reader to understand the diversity of the group, their differing motives and desires, and understand that they are all being affected by the coming apocalypse; each individual forced to make tough choices, which they might have misgivings about, but which, under the circumstances, they feel are their only hope to find salvation in a world gone mad. And it is in this development of the characters where the author triumphs this time around.
This does lead directly into my one criticism of the book, specifically the multitude of point of view characters. Book one had quite a few to keep track of: each group very distinct and busy with their own business. However, with Fallen Gods, James A. Moore adds even more point of view characters into the mix, turning a large cast into a huge one. And it does get literally insane at times. The multitude of individuals running around hard to keep straight in your head. Some may enjoy that sort of ongoing struggle to keep your head afloat in a rising tide of names and such, but it took a toil on my enjoy of the story as a whole, because sometimes you can get too much of a good thing.
Overall, Fallen Gods was an entertaining installment of The Tides of War series, fully capturing the gloomy, chaotic nature of a world-wide calamity and showing the personal struggles of the people caught up in an event which threatens their very way of life with extinction. And while I did have some issues with it, the novel once again demonstrates why James A. Moore is at the forefront of the modern masters of sword and sorcery.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank them for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.
Fallen Gods continues the fast, chaotic, and horrific tale of a world close to total destruction. James A. Moore taking his modern sword and sorcery epic upward and outward, exploring this sprawling land, tightening the hopelessness around our protagonists’ hearts, deepening the gloom and doom, and stoking the flames of this devilish concoction of vengeful gods, devious demons, inescapable Undying, and a world-ending flood to a fever pitch, leaving humankind desperately casting about for salvation.
Returning to the spotlight is Brogan McTyre and his companions; these people the most wanted men and women in the world. Everyone seems to be coming for them, desperate to take them alive and sacrifice them to the enraged gods who are set on flooding the world in retribution for the defilement of their holy places. But Brogan doesn’t give a damn one way or another. His mind has been twisted into a dark place where all he dreams of is revenge on these gods who took his family as unwilling sacrifices, and he is determined to raise an army, discover a means, and then destroy the very gods themselves!
Swirling around Brogan and his band are many, many other characters. There are the people of the gods traveling across the flooding world to do the bidding of the divine. There are slavers attempting to survive another day. There are demons and their fiendish henchmen out to take the world from everyone. All of them moving onward and upward across the Five Kingdoms, as behind them the flood waters keep rising, the apocalyptic storms grow larger, and civilization crumbles under the encroaching wave of destruction. Humanity itself certain to become extinct unless someone finds a way to appease the gods, kill them, or take away their power.
As always, James A. Moore delivers a genre blending tale, mixing elements of fantasy and horror together into a tangy elixir of grimdark-esque action and adventure. The pacing is blistering fast and demanding, forcing a reader to keep up and keep track of everything which is going on, never letting up from first page to last. Every point of view character getting a chance to take their place front-and-center. Each of these morally ambiguous people developed enough for a reader to understand the diversity of the group, their differing motives and desires, and understand that they are all being affected by the coming apocalypse; each individual forced to make tough choices, which they might have misgivings about, but which, under the circumstances, they feel are their only hope to find salvation in a world gone mad. And it is in this development of the characters where the author triumphs this time around.
This does lead directly into my one criticism of the book, specifically the multitude of point of view characters. Book one had quite a few to keep track of: each group very distinct and busy with their own business. However, with Fallen Gods, James A. Moore adds even more point of view characters into the mix, turning a large cast into a huge one. And it does get literally insane at times. The multitude of individuals running around hard to keep straight in your head. Some may enjoy that sort of ongoing struggle to keep your head afloat in a rising tide of names and such, but it took a toil on my enjoy of the story as a whole, because sometimes you can get too much of a good thing.
Overall, Fallen Gods was an entertaining installment of The Tides of War series, fully capturing the gloomy, chaotic nature of a world-wide calamity and showing the personal struggles of the people caught up in an event which threatens their very way of life with extinction. And while I did have some issues with it, the novel once again demonstrates why James A. Moore is at the forefront of the modern masters of sword and sorcery.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank them for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.
May 15, 2018
James A. Moore had his work cut out for him coming off the incredible Seven Forges series and its deft blend of perfect world/culture building, wild-plotting, and incredibly brutal action. But guess what? He just keeps stepping up to the plate and hitting home runs. Fallen Gods, book 2 in the Tides of War series, spreads deeply thematic conflict through every page and takes the very simple idea of one man against the world, steeps it in absolutely brutal and relentless action, and elevates it to levels seldom seen in fantasy fiction. A true genre blender, James' style subtly shifts between fantasy and horror and blends and blurs the lines of reality like some of the supernatural creatures in his works, and the result is an epic tale that immediately sets this series apart from his others of the genre as a true masterpiece of plot and pacing, a sublime study of character and conflict, and a damn good ride that will really leave you stunned and out of breath when it's all over.
February 16, 2018
An excellent sequel cackling with energy and vicious action. The story becomes more complex and epic in scope, as the author integrates the mythology and events along with the plotline.
The worldbuilding is superb as ever. The cataclysmic atmosphere is vividly portrayed by Moore, and, as it progresses it takes a brilliant grimdark tone. The world of gods and demons, magic and exotic creatures and races are honed like the edges of a sharp blade. Moore captures the chaotic situation and the sense of danger that lends a tension to the story. Particularly, the claustrophobic atmosphere of the cities reeking of death, suffering, poverty and fear.
The story is narrowly focused upon each of the major and minor characters alike. There were almost 6-7 varied points of view. Each was precise and elegantly coordinated to suit the situation and circumstances of the story. The most interesting was undoubtedly of Brogan McTyre, who now embarks on a journey to find a weapon in the Broken Mountains that can kill a god. This book was basically about Brogan and his band of friends escaping and surviving from the people who want them dead. There were a lot of gore and blood, followed up with brutal action which makes this a thrilling read.
The characters are also self-sufficient in their own terms. The abominable Undying are carrying out their punishment of the gods, inflicting madness and destruction. Beron, the despicable slavers deals with a demon to recover his lost fortune. The mysterious people of Kaer and the Raeglan makes their appearances here to play a part in the events unfolding. And, the Grakhul are on their way to the fabled lake to offer their prayers and sacrifices to the blood-thirsty gods. Meanwhile, the rulers of the five kingdoms make their own bid to survive the imminent wrath of the gods by dubious means.
'Fallen Gods' in brief captures the essence of the epic grimdark fantasy in a nutshell. It is a wonderfully written book. The greyness of the story blurs the distinction of morality, but, there is a strong notion of the 'survival of the most fittest' which runs throughout the story. I'm anxiously waiting for the sequel.
The worldbuilding is superb as ever. The cataclysmic atmosphere is vividly portrayed by Moore, and, as it progresses it takes a brilliant grimdark tone. The world of gods and demons, magic and exotic creatures and races are honed like the edges of a sharp blade. Moore captures the chaotic situation and the sense of danger that lends a tension to the story. Particularly, the claustrophobic atmosphere of the cities reeking of death, suffering, poverty and fear.
The story is narrowly focused upon each of the major and minor characters alike. There were almost 6-7 varied points of view. Each was precise and elegantly coordinated to suit the situation and circumstances of the story. The most interesting was undoubtedly of Brogan McTyre, who now embarks on a journey to find a weapon in the Broken Mountains that can kill a god. This book was basically about Brogan and his band of friends escaping and surviving from the people who want them dead. There were a lot of gore and blood, followed up with brutal action which makes this a thrilling read.
The characters are also self-sufficient in their own terms. The abominable Undying are carrying out their punishment of the gods, inflicting madness and destruction. Beron, the despicable slavers deals with a demon to recover his lost fortune. The mysterious people of Kaer and the Raeglan makes their appearances here to play a part in the events unfolding. And, the Grakhul are on their way to the fabled lake to offer their prayers and sacrifices to the blood-thirsty gods. Meanwhile, the rulers of the five kingdoms make their own bid to survive the imminent wrath of the gods by dubious means.
'Fallen Gods' in brief captures the essence of the epic grimdark fantasy in a nutshell. It is a wonderfully written book. The greyness of the story blurs the distinction of morality, but, there is a strong notion of the 'survival of the most fittest' which runs throughout the story. I'm anxiously waiting for the sequel.
May 16, 2021
The only question to be asked is how this has only 119 ratings and 18 reviews? My mind is blown. I bought this book at a discount store not knowing it was book 2 in a series. For a while, it sat around until I decided to order Book 1 "The last Sacrifice" from a used bookseller.
I am completely and utterly amazed by the story, the plot, the characters, and all of the twists and turns this takes.
If you are looking for a fantastic, dark, and exciting fantasy series that won't take you years to read, this one is the one I recommend. You will be wondering if the bad guys are really bad and the good guys really good. You will wonder who is really trying to save the world and who seeks to destroy it. So many different players in the game and so many different outcomes to ponder, yet every character has a purpose.
I thank the universe that "Gates of the Dead" arrived by mail today and with that I have to end this review and go read.
I am completely and utterly amazed by the story, the plot, the characters, and all of the twists and turns this takes.
If you are looking for a fantastic, dark, and exciting fantasy series that won't take you years to read, this one is the one I recommend. You will be wondering if the bad guys are really bad and the good guys really good. You will wonder who is really trying to save the world and who seeks to destroy it. So many different players in the game and so many different outcomes to ponder, yet every character has a purpose.
I thank the universe that "Gates of the Dead" arrived by mail today and with that I have to end this review and go read.
January 14, 2018
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 4.0 of 5
So... I read and reviewed the first book in this series not too long ago and enjoyed it enough to jump right in to this volume.
Author James A. Moore picks up where he left off, which is helpful to those of us who've read the first book (but will it be confusing to those who are starting with this volume?). Brogan McTyre is a wanted man. He and his family were chosen by the gods to be sacrificed, but Brogan broke custom and challenged this sacrificial offering to the Grakhul and he has continued to challenge the gods at every turn. What's the worst that will happen ...? The death promised by the sacrifice? Brogan and his allies build an army to fight off whatever the gods send. But the gods aren't too happy and it could mean Armageddon.
Moore delivers this book in short bursts - hitting the reader with a series of literary rabbit punches instead of looking for one knock-out punch. Each chapter is told from multiple points of view. Normally I don't care for this too much, but Moore has included a large cast of characters, made each of them unique in some way, but best of all, he has me liking most of them so that I want to read about each one.
Moore also finds just the right balance of action, drama, and humor, often using the different character/story lines to provide the reader with the needed boost of humor/action/drama at just the right time.
This is still a wild adventure with plenty of action and bloodshed and just as with the first book, we have a conflict on a grand scale - mortal men against the gods - which keeps the stakes high and exciting. But it is the immediacy of the present characters - their journeys and squabbles - that draw us in and have us turning pages.
Moore is clearly a talented story-teller. The action and characters here are throwbacks to Robert E. Howard and Fritz Leiber and the epic-ness of the story is not unlike Tolkien. It's all-around excitement.
And for all that there is one small issue with this.... This is not a complete story. You MUST plan to buy the entire series to get the full story. This book doesn't end so much as it builds a bridge to the next book. Do I want to read it? Absolutely! But do I like being suckered in to it this way? I do not. I'll buy a book based on my enjoyment of reading an author, not because s/he left a story unfinished.
Looking for a good book? Fallen Gods by James A. Moore is the second book in The Tides of War series - and that's important to know. It's thrilling, bloody, and fun, but you'll really need to know what happened in the first book to get the most from this volume.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
So... I read and reviewed the first book in this series not too long ago and enjoyed it enough to jump right in to this volume.
Author James A. Moore picks up where he left off, which is helpful to those of us who've read the first book (but will it be confusing to those who are starting with this volume?). Brogan McTyre is a wanted man. He and his family were chosen by the gods to be sacrificed, but Brogan broke custom and challenged this sacrificial offering to the Grakhul and he has continued to challenge the gods at every turn. What's the worst that will happen ...? The death promised by the sacrifice? Brogan and his allies build an army to fight off whatever the gods send. But the gods aren't too happy and it could mean Armageddon.
Moore delivers this book in short bursts - hitting the reader with a series of literary rabbit punches instead of looking for one knock-out punch. Each chapter is told from multiple points of view. Normally I don't care for this too much, but Moore has included a large cast of characters, made each of them unique in some way, but best of all, he has me liking most of them so that I want to read about each one.
Moore also finds just the right balance of action, drama, and humor, often using the different character/story lines to provide the reader with the needed boost of humor/action/drama at just the right time.
This is still a wild adventure with plenty of action and bloodshed and just as with the first book, we have a conflict on a grand scale - mortal men against the gods - which keeps the stakes high and exciting. But it is the immediacy of the present characters - their journeys and squabbles - that draw us in and have us turning pages.
Moore is clearly a talented story-teller. The action and characters here are throwbacks to Robert E. Howard and Fritz Leiber and the epic-ness of the story is not unlike Tolkien. It's all-around excitement.
And for all that there is one small issue with this.... This is not a complete story. You MUST plan to buy the entire series to get the full story. This book doesn't end so much as it builds a bridge to the next book. Do I want to read it? Absolutely! But do I like being suckered in to it this way? I do not. I'll buy a book based on my enjoyment of reading an author, not because s/he left a story unfinished.
Looking for a good book? Fallen Gods by James A. Moore is the second book in The Tides of War series - and that's important to know. It's thrilling, bloody, and fun, but you'll really need to know what happened in the first book to get the most from this volume.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
January 4, 2018
I am writing my full review for my blog https://thebloggoblin.com but I will say now that it was nice to see the characters get more fleshed out in this installment. Book one was so fast paced I hardly got to meet anyone before I was at the end.
I received a Free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
I received a Free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
May 31, 2018
Pet peeve - it's a mass market paperback, and the book doesn't match The Last Sacrifice. Shrinks the cover so one can't sink in to the amazing artwork on the cover.
Other than that, it's another great read. It is busy with different stories, but the overall plot moves along pretty good. Terrific ending leading I. To the next book.
Other than that, it's another great read. It is busy with different stories, but the overall plot moves along pretty good. Terrific ending leading I. To the next book.
January 11, 2018
What a phenomenal second book - Everything that was so delightfully dark about The Last Sacrifice, James just wraps those thorny vines tighter around the plot, deepens it to a gripping degree heating things up to a feverish pitch - the irascible gods, the vile Undying, the demons, the Grakhul, the abominable slavers, the harrowed fugitives, Marked Men - they are all back for another round as the world around them is crumbling with the rising flood waters, the raving madness and apocalyptic storms pelt the living hell out of the Five Kingdoms. There is a lot more world building in this one as the characters embark on thier own individual journeys for their personal salvation. Some are out to save the world, others to cement their prowess in a new world order and the rest just obeying the will of the wrathful Gods, hell bent on destroying the world.
It's a crazy crazy absolutely exhilarating ride - Bloody relentless in terms of pacing, if my grouch was that there were too many characters in book-one, then this time James actually goes on and tops it - adding a lot more characters POV into the mix. Add to it, interludes that bridge the gap with even more POV. It just gets insane but trust me, you will be firmly invested in the gripping stories because there is no way, you want to take a break as the world is going to hell.
Brogan McIntyre is one vengeful dude off his rockers, rising to challenge the Gods and kill them in this bleak world - because, hey what else is there to do? Watch his world get drowned, be lashed up to the slavers' wagons or be gutted on the swords of the demoniacal Marked Men out on his trail? Not much of a choice you see. He takes the easier route - and fuck, what a route. He needs to travel to the top of the mountain ridges called the Broken Swords to try and figure out the secret to kill the Gods before they kill everybody else around him. And i mean, literally everybody!
With the Gods gone crazy, demons vying to take over from these capricious Gods and men, willing to go any extent to just survive - Fallen Gods is a trail blazer of a grimdark sortie. A towering feat of crazy ambitious imagination, the second book in The Tides of War is a true testament of James A Moore's ability to spin a gripping rousing tale of modern sword & sorcery decked by absolutely horrific elements that would have you squirming and gasping in fright, filled with colorful morally ambiguous characters doing their bid to survive the impending apocalypse - and multiple plot lines that will leave your head spinning crazy as you wish and clamor for Brogan to go kill the Gods before they finish off the world.
A must read. What a start to 2018! Thank you Angry Robot.
It's a crazy crazy absolutely exhilarating ride - Bloody relentless in terms of pacing, if my grouch was that there were too many characters in book-one, then this time James actually goes on and tops it - adding a lot more characters POV into the mix. Add to it, interludes that bridge the gap with even more POV. It just gets insane but trust me, you will be firmly invested in the gripping stories because there is no way, you want to take a break as the world is going to hell.
Brogan McIntyre is one vengeful dude off his rockers, rising to challenge the Gods and kill them in this bleak world - because, hey what else is there to do? Watch his world get drowned, be lashed up to the slavers' wagons or be gutted on the swords of the demoniacal Marked Men out on his trail? Not much of a choice you see. He takes the easier route - and fuck, what a route. He needs to travel to the top of the mountain ridges called the Broken Swords to try and figure out the secret to kill the Gods before they kill everybody else around him. And i mean, literally everybody!
With the Gods gone crazy, demons vying to take over from these capricious Gods and men, willing to go any extent to just survive - Fallen Gods is a trail blazer of a grimdark sortie. A towering feat of crazy ambitious imagination, the second book in The Tides of War is a true testament of James A Moore's ability to spin a gripping rousing tale of modern sword & sorcery decked by absolutely horrific elements that would have you squirming and gasping in fright, filled with colorful morally ambiguous characters doing their bid to survive the impending apocalypse - and multiple plot lines that will leave your head spinning crazy as you wish and clamor for Brogan to go kill the Gods before they finish off the world.
A must read. What a start to 2018! Thank you Angry Robot.
December 4, 2017
*Free copy for an honest review.
I remember finishing up the first book and thinking that the author did a great job of summarizing the various plot lines and setting the stage for the second book while keeping it all interesting. I was pleased to find he continued this trend with the beginning of this second book. At no time during the book did I feel like I was getting an exposition dump. That did make it a little difficult to get back into the minds of the characters, but ultimately ended up making the overall book a much better read.
Similar to the first book, this is not for the faint of heart. There are a number of torture scenes that left me feeling queasy. They don't go into vivid detail but enough that, if you're squeamish at all, you may want to pass on this series. If you can stomach these kinds of things, I think you'll enjoy the read.
Despite the unnerving aspects of the book, Moore makes sure to include some much needed humor when needed. Stanna naming her sword The Bitch always made me chuckle. Niall's awkwardness was more endearing than annoying. Brogan's discomfort at traveling with a good friend's wife, who also happens to be a witch, was some much needed levity.
There are many character perspectives per chapter, but the transition from character to character, chapter to chapter, is easily followed. At no time was I confused about which character I was reading. And there are so many characters to read about and root for. Don't get me wrong, the bad guys are still bad guys, but there are so many more and intriguing characters in this sequel. I'm so glad we actually got to meet some of the rulers of this world. I really want to more about the enigmatic Jahda. That guy alone was enough to keep me reading! But Moore writes so many other characters that make you feel for them. It's awesome!
Another aspect I love about the multi-character perspective is that it's a great way to provide background while also giving the reader plenty of action to follow. When King Parrish is unable to explain how he and his Marked Men are changed by Theragyn, the reader is not left in the dark because we were given Morne's perspective during a fight and we saw how being a Marked Man affected her.
And, again, Moore proves he knows how to end a book. I was nervous that this book would end and I'd be disappointed because I didn't have the answers I was looking for. I still don't have the answers, but at the end of Fallen Gods my mood wasn't one of frustration but rather "I am so ready for the next book!" Seriously, the next one is promising to be glorious. If the world is actually going to end, it ain't going down without a fight and I want to read that fight!
I happily give this book 4 hoots and encourage you to read this, after you've read the first one that is. This isn't a standalone sequel. But the adventure thus far has been well worth the time.
I remember finishing up the first book and thinking that the author did a great job of summarizing the various plot lines and setting the stage for the second book while keeping it all interesting. I was pleased to find he continued this trend with the beginning of this second book. At no time during the book did I feel like I was getting an exposition dump. That did make it a little difficult to get back into the minds of the characters, but ultimately ended up making the overall book a much better read.
Similar to the first book, this is not for the faint of heart. There are a number of torture scenes that left me feeling queasy. They don't go into vivid detail but enough that, if you're squeamish at all, you may want to pass on this series. If you can stomach these kinds of things, I think you'll enjoy the read.
Despite the unnerving aspects of the book, Moore makes sure to include some much needed humor when needed. Stanna naming her sword The Bitch always made me chuckle. Niall's awkwardness was more endearing than annoying. Brogan's discomfort at traveling with a good friend's wife, who also happens to be a witch, was some much needed levity.
There are many character perspectives per chapter, but the transition from character to character, chapter to chapter, is easily followed. At no time was I confused about which character I was reading. And there are so many characters to read about and root for. Don't get me wrong, the bad guys are still bad guys, but there are so many more and intriguing characters in this sequel. I'm so glad we actually got to meet some of the rulers of this world. I really want to more about the enigmatic Jahda. That guy alone was enough to keep me reading! But Moore writes so many other characters that make you feel for them. It's awesome!
Another aspect I love about the multi-character perspective is that it's a great way to provide background while also giving the reader plenty of action to follow. When King Parrish is unable to explain how he and his Marked Men are changed by Theragyn, the reader is not left in the dark because we were given Morne's perspective during a fight and we saw how being a Marked Man affected her.
And, again, Moore proves he knows how to end a book. I was nervous that this book would end and I'd be disappointed because I didn't have the answers I was looking for. I still don't have the answers, but at the end of Fallen Gods my mood wasn't one of frustration but rather "I am so ready for the next book!" Seriously, the next one is promising to be glorious. If the world is actually going to end, it ain't going down without a fight and I want to read that fight!
I happily give this book 4 hoots and encourage you to read this, after you've read the first one that is. This isn't a standalone sequel. But the adventure thus far has been well worth the time.
March 3, 2018
Published 2018. 3 1/2 stars really. Second in the series and good enough to wait for the next. Don't expect Game of Thrones or any such. Good action for the most part.
July 21, 2018
Moore humanizes his main character while introducing several new and interesting players, to weave an intriguing tapestry of ideas. His world came alive to me in this installment, and I enjoyed it all the more for that fact.
July 9, 2018
I received a copy of Fallen Gods from Simon & Schuster Australia to review.
Rating of 3.5 to 4.
Those looking for a fast-paced action fantasy adventure to really get the blood pumping should prepare themselves for Fallen Gods, the latest novel from one of the leading authors in dark fantasy, James A Moore.
Brogan McTyre, former soldier of the Kingdom of Stennis Brae, is a damned man. After the Grakhul, the servants of his world’s cruel gods, took his entire family, Brogan risked everything to save them from being sacrificed. Although he failed, his actions resulted in the disruption of sacred rites, a desecration he compounded by killing or enslaving all of the Grakhul. Now with the gods angered beyond all belief, their dark heralds, the He-Kisshu, have unleased terrible storms and intense acts of destruction across the Five Kingdoms. The only way they will stop the destruction and avert armageddon is with the sacrifice of Brogan and his companions.
Click link for full review:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2018/06/11/...
Or visit my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
Rating of 3.5 to 4.
Those looking for a fast-paced action fantasy adventure to really get the blood pumping should prepare themselves for Fallen Gods, the latest novel from one of the leading authors in dark fantasy, James A Moore.
Brogan McTyre, former soldier of the Kingdom of Stennis Brae, is a damned man. After the Grakhul, the servants of his world’s cruel gods, took his entire family, Brogan risked everything to save them from being sacrificed. Although he failed, his actions resulted in the disruption of sacred rites, a desecration he compounded by killing or enslaving all of the Grakhul. Now with the gods angered beyond all belief, their dark heralds, the He-Kisshu, have unleased terrible storms and intense acts of destruction across the Five Kingdoms. The only way they will stop the destruction and avert armageddon is with the sacrifice of Brogan and his companions.
Click link for full review:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2018/06/11/...
Or visit my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
July 3, 2019
3.5 / 5 ✪
In The Last Sacrifice, Brogan McTyre failed to save his kin, but in trying managed to doom the world. Fallen Gods finds him and Harper Ruttket trying to fix what he’s done, chasing after myths and legends of ancient, fallen gods in an attempt to kill the ones destroying the land. Meanwhile Myridia and the other Grakhul women rush to farther lands where they hope to appease the gods, thus saving the world. Niall, Tully and the other escapees still flee from the undying, though gradually their aim has shifted from survival to something more. The Kings and Rulers peruse their options for dealing with the end of the world, but how desperate are they? As they burn through their choices, and options dwindle, they are confronted with two final chances, each one bearing a terrible price. Beron has already crossed a line, replacing the gods for the power of an ancient demon, but will it help him save the world, while somehow managing to come out atop it? Through it all, everyone seeks Brogan McTyre and his men; to appease the gods, appease the demons, save the world. But the world may be beyond saving, and Brogan’s desperate long-shot might be the only way forwards.
The initial Tides of War adventure was a perfect example of Grimdark fantasy—bleak, dark, relatively joyless—though it delivered relatively little and presented a shallow world with underdeveloped characters set upon a simple revenge tale. The follow-up filled in some of these gaps, though the story at its heart remains one of revenge, there’s a bit more to it now. In addition, the characters have filled out a bit. Instead of the meager, cardboard cutouts we were confronted with in the first installment, Fallen Gods transforms them into some approaching people, though they’re still a bit shallow and basic.
The world has filled out a bit more as well, although in the beginning (the first half or more, actually) the plot simply whisks us away to new skin-deep locales, before finally circling back to fill in the bit of the world it’s shown us prior. And in those later glimpses, I believe we see what will become the norm moving forward, and won’t give any of it away. There’re still brutal and bloody battle sequences, and yet they remind me a lot of what was done in the first book: blood for the sake of blood, combat the same, a dismissive and dark tone surrounding everything but not relating much back to the story itself. It’s almost as if much of the melees and blood and gore were cut-and-pasted on later, to fill out the battles.
The dreary, bleak, darkness that was so evident in the first continues throughout Fallen Gods—to the extent that it’s debatably darker than the first, if that’s possible. Instead of a deliciously dark, immersive story, however, the text is just dark and brooding. It’s like making a dark chocolate bar just because everyone else is doing it, but then forgetting to add ANY sugar.
Though an improvement on the Last Sacrifice to be sure, Fallen Gods still struggles to find its way, its identity, while destroying half the world in the process. While overall the plot and character development struggled beneath the weight of this identity crisis, the latter third of the book seemed to find its way home, setting up for a conclusion that actually appears promising. In short, if you liked the first one, you’ll probably like the second, but if you were on the fence following the initial, well, I think it’s likely worth the $3.50 I paid for it. Hope that helps.
Audiobook Note - I had a tough time warming to Adam Sims in the Last Sacrifice. He certainly makes an effort to engage the reader and keep them engrossed and interested—such an effort that carries over to Fallen Gods. He’s… while not my favorite reader, he does a decent job, though more than a few of his characters (Harper front and center among them) bear quite a nasal whine to their voices. Still, entering the final book of the Tides of War, he’s maintained an enthusiastic air throughout and, while it may not make up for the story itself, nor change his voice and accent entirely, that’s all you can reasonably ask for from a narrator.
Discount Note - I got the Audio CD of Fallen Gods for somewhere around $3.50, to go with the $4ish I paid for the first book (in the same format). Last I checked, the final book, Gates of the Dead, was available for only slightly more, making this an entire series available on a budget.
Gates of the Dead finishes up the Tides of War. It was released earlier in the year.
https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com...
In The Last Sacrifice, Brogan McTyre failed to save his kin, but in trying managed to doom the world. Fallen Gods finds him and Harper Ruttket trying to fix what he’s done, chasing after myths and legends of ancient, fallen gods in an attempt to kill the ones destroying the land. Meanwhile Myridia and the other Grakhul women rush to farther lands where they hope to appease the gods, thus saving the world. Niall, Tully and the other escapees still flee from the undying, though gradually their aim has shifted from survival to something more. The Kings and Rulers peruse their options for dealing with the end of the world, but how desperate are they? As they burn through their choices, and options dwindle, they are confronted with two final chances, each one bearing a terrible price. Beron has already crossed a line, replacing the gods for the power of an ancient demon, but will it help him save the world, while somehow managing to come out atop it? Through it all, everyone seeks Brogan McTyre and his men; to appease the gods, appease the demons, save the world. But the world may be beyond saving, and Brogan’s desperate long-shot might be the only way forwards.
The initial Tides of War adventure was a perfect example of Grimdark fantasy—bleak, dark, relatively joyless—though it delivered relatively little and presented a shallow world with underdeveloped characters set upon a simple revenge tale. The follow-up filled in some of these gaps, though the story at its heart remains one of revenge, there’s a bit more to it now. In addition, the characters have filled out a bit. Instead of the meager, cardboard cutouts we were confronted with in the first installment, Fallen Gods transforms them into some approaching people, though they’re still a bit shallow and basic.
The world has filled out a bit more as well, although in the beginning (the first half or more, actually) the plot simply whisks us away to new skin-deep locales, before finally circling back to fill in the bit of the world it’s shown us prior. And in those later glimpses, I believe we see what will become the norm moving forward, and won’t give any of it away. There’re still brutal and bloody battle sequences, and yet they remind me a lot of what was done in the first book: blood for the sake of blood, combat the same, a dismissive and dark tone surrounding everything but not relating much back to the story itself. It’s almost as if much of the melees and blood and gore were cut-and-pasted on later, to fill out the battles.
The dreary, bleak, darkness that was so evident in the first continues throughout Fallen Gods—to the extent that it’s debatably darker than the first, if that’s possible. Instead of a deliciously dark, immersive story, however, the text is just dark and brooding. It’s like making a dark chocolate bar just because everyone else is doing it, but then forgetting to add ANY sugar.
Though an improvement on the Last Sacrifice to be sure, Fallen Gods still struggles to find its way, its identity, while destroying half the world in the process. While overall the plot and character development struggled beneath the weight of this identity crisis, the latter third of the book seemed to find its way home, setting up for a conclusion that actually appears promising. In short, if you liked the first one, you’ll probably like the second, but if you were on the fence following the initial, well, I think it’s likely worth the $3.50 I paid for it. Hope that helps.
Audiobook Note - I had a tough time warming to Adam Sims in the Last Sacrifice. He certainly makes an effort to engage the reader and keep them engrossed and interested—such an effort that carries over to Fallen Gods. He’s… while not my favorite reader, he does a decent job, though more than a few of his characters (Harper front and center among them) bear quite a nasal whine to their voices. Still, entering the final book of the Tides of War, he’s maintained an enthusiastic air throughout and, while it may not make up for the story itself, nor change his voice and accent entirely, that’s all you can reasonably ask for from a narrator.
Discount Note - I got the Audio CD of Fallen Gods for somewhere around $3.50, to go with the $4ish I paid for the first book (in the same format). Last I checked, the final book, Gates of the Dead, was available for only slightly more, making this an entire series available on a budget.
Gates of the Dead finishes up the Tides of War. It was released earlier in the year.
https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com...
February 21, 2020
Confusing and lacking
Not a good effort here, Moore's previous works have at least been an enjoyable read. This was a confusing slog that I couldn't wait to end. No part two for me thank you.
Not a good effort here, Moore's previous works have at least been an enjoyable read. This was a confusing slog that I couldn't wait to end. No part two for me thank you.
August 24, 2022
24 Multiple POVs and it took me well over half the book to get what was going on. I am still not sure that I did in the end. Rather Malazan like. Recommended to the normal crew who has read the first one.
December 30, 2017
Full review to come!
December 23, 2018
I'm enjoying this series so far. The first book was great. This one, not as much, but still enjoyable. This one just seemed to drag a little bit. Still looking forward to that third book though.
February 28, 2019
A good sequel to the first book in the series. It is a relative brutal fantasy, and I'm both excited and nervous to see how the series ends. Worth the read.
May 28, 2020
Wonderful book. Loved every moment of reading it. Can't wait to read book 3 and finish the trilogy to see what happens.
November 18, 2021
I've been really bad about writing reviews/thoughts lately, which is always a problem for my memory. I wrote down 3.75 stars for this one, and I don't think I liked it quite as much as the first. But I'm still eager to get to the conclusion this month or next!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews