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Silent Pantheon
Healer. Teacher. Gravedigger. Mother. Trickster.
They live among us, performing the duties that once made them gods. Their names are whispers, drowned out by a single, mighty voice. They live under it, finding solace in the work and with each other, pretending not to remember the times when their songs were sung.
But times are changing again. And darkness is rising.
Those that have forgotten them will call for them again. But when they call, will these forgotten beings from distant lands heed it? Or will they abandon those who forgot their songs?
Come take a first look at a world where myth and faith live together. Where those that are forgotten will choose between duty and anger. Where mankind will once again speak the names of the SILENT PANTHEON.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2019
36 people are currently reading
6978 people want to read
About the author
Eric Nierstedt
13 books69 followersEric Nierstedt grew up in central New Jersey, raised on a healthy diet of TV, comic books, and way, way too many books. As a child, he constantly daydreamed about his favorite stories, and re-adapting them to accommodate the early characters he was creating (and really, who didn't think that Lord of the Rings could use more characters?). In high school, Eric started the early drafts of what would become The Lightrider Journals, an epic fantasy trilogy. The first draft clocked in a record nine pages (thankfully, high school is four years).
After being accepted to Kean University, Eric continued working on Lightrider, eventually expanding the book to well over 300 pages, and crafting a much richer tale of Elemental Knights, otherworldly demons, and the superhero struggle of power and responsibility. Recently, Eric published SILENT PANTHEON, which delves into his love of mythology.
In his spare time, Eric has written for various publications, usually on events concerning music, pop culture, and as well as work for COMICSVERSE.com. His work has also been noted by the NJ Wordsmith Competition. He cites the works of Stephen King Neil Gaiman, and Terry Brooks as major influences,. Eric plans to continue mining those influences, and more, as he crafts his next book..
After being accepted to Kean University, Eric continued working on Lightrider, eventually expanding the book to well over 300 pages, and crafting a much richer tale of Elemental Knights, otherworldly demons, and the superhero struggle of power and responsibility. Recently, Eric published SILENT PANTHEON, which delves into his love of mythology.
In his spare time, Eric has written for various publications, usually on events concerning music, pop culture, and as well as work for COMICSVERSE.com. His work has also been noted by the NJ Wordsmith Competition. He cites the works of Stephen King Neil Gaiman, and Terry Brooks as major influences,. Eric plans to continue mining those influences, and more, as he crafts his next book..
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 22, 2019
A beautifully scripted balm for the soul
New Jersey author Eric Nierstedt writes articles on music and pop culture events and also writes for COMICVERSE. com. His previously published books include THE LIGHTRIDER JOURNALS trilogy, an epic fantasy. Now he turns to mythology with SILENT PANTHEON.
In an eloquent manner, Eric opens his new book with whispers – “Our voices are old. We came when the land was new. We were silent then, waiting in the souls and minds of the people. As they looked for meaning, we spoke. We named that which was unnamable. We gave meaning to the stars and the moon and the sun and the sky. All that was, we gave name and purpose. Our voices grew so loud, we could no longer stay. We left the land then, and we went to other places. A great hall, a mountaintop, the river, the desert, and the corners of the universe itself. We went to them all, and our voices echoed throughout the land.’ This sensitive statement follows the arrival of ‘another voice’ that replaces the gods – many of the gods fled, but some remain, are silent, but are still gods.
We live in a time when the tenor is trying, the realities of darkness even block the warmth of the sun as we face terror and mass shootings and inequalities and melting icebergs and burning hills and insensitive governing. Perhaps that is one reason why this excellent book by Eric Nierstedt is so welcome – a refreshing reminder that faith is an anchor that keeps us from sinking.
SILENT PANTHEON is peopled by gods whose presence brings substance and meaning to the mechanisms of the universe. The synopsis of this mythologically oriented tale outlines the concept: ’Once, long ago, we knew their names…Healer. Teacher. Gravedigger. Mother. Trickster. They live among us, performing the duties that define them. Their names are whispers, drowned out by a single, mighty voice. They live under it, finding solace in the work and with each other, pretending not to remember the times when their songs were sung. But times are changing again. And darkness is rising. Those that have forgotten them will call for them again. But when they call, will these forgotten beings from distant lands heed it? Or will they abandon those who forgot their songs? Come see a world where myth and faith live together. Where those that are forgotten will choose between duty and anger. Where mankind will once again speak the names of the SILENT PANTHEON.’
The opening encounter with EMT Martin (The Healer) and his partner Jane saving an old man with the aid of the incantations and light that exudes from Martin’s healing hands. “The old man would go home in a few days…He would never know what Martin had done for him. Martin would though…His reward was his own satisfaction, and reaffirmation of his purpose. It was far quieter, but it was the best he could do under Yahweh. Besides, even if he needed to tell his deeds, he always had his new pantheon to tell it at…’
Writing of this caliber is rare – and reading this very fine book reassures us that there is meaning to it all. This is a fine blend of mythology and faith, a book to treasure. Highly recommended.
New Jersey author Eric Nierstedt writes articles on music and pop culture events and also writes for COMICVERSE. com. His previously published books include THE LIGHTRIDER JOURNALS trilogy, an epic fantasy. Now he turns to mythology with SILENT PANTHEON.
In an eloquent manner, Eric opens his new book with whispers – “Our voices are old. We came when the land was new. We were silent then, waiting in the souls and minds of the people. As they looked for meaning, we spoke. We named that which was unnamable. We gave meaning to the stars and the moon and the sun and the sky. All that was, we gave name and purpose. Our voices grew so loud, we could no longer stay. We left the land then, and we went to other places. A great hall, a mountaintop, the river, the desert, and the corners of the universe itself. We went to them all, and our voices echoed throughout the land.’ This sensitive statement follows the arrival of ‘another voice’ that replaces the gods – many of the gods fled, but some remain, are silent, but are still gods.
We live in a time when the tenor is trying, the realities of darkness even block the warmth of the sun as we face terror and mass shootings and inequalities and melting icebergs and burning hills and insensitive governing. Perhaps that is one reason why this excellent book by Eric Nierstedt is so welcome – a refreshing reminder that faith is an anchor that keeps us from sinking.
SILENT PANTHEON is peopled by gods whose presence brings substance and meaning to the mechanisms of the universe. The synopsis of this mythologically oriented tale outlines the concept: ’Once, long ago, we knew their names…Healer. Teacher. Gravedigger. Mother. Trickster. They live among us, performing the duties that define them. Their names are whispers, drowned out by a single, mighty voice. They live under it, finding solace in the work and with each other, pretending not to remember the times when their songs were sung. But times are changing again. And darkness is rising. Those that have forgotten them will call for them again. But when they call, will these forgotten beings from distant lands heed it? Or will they abandon those who forgot their songs? Come see a world where myth and faith live together. Where those that are forgotten will choose between duty and anger. Where mankind will once again speak the names of the SILENT PANTHEON.’
The opening encounter with EMT Martin (The Healer) and his partner Jane saving an old man with the aid of the incantations and light that exudes from Martin’s healing hands. “The old man would go home in a few days…He would never know what Martin had done for him. Martin would though…His reward was his own satisfaction, and reaffirmation of his purpose. It was far quieter, but it was the best he could do under Yahweh. Besides, even if he needed to tell his deeds, he always had his new pantheon to tell it at…’
Writing of this caliber is rare – and reading this very fine book reassures us that there is meaning to it all. This is a fine blend of mythology and faith, a book to treasure. Highly recommended.
November 20, 2019
Silent Pantheon is one of those books that you can go back to again and again and find new things to appreciate and enjoy. It is very much in the vein of Terry Pratchett and Niel Gaiman, though perhaps not quite as irreverent as Good Omens. Still, it is huge amounts of fun, trouble, and research all thrown together in a pot and served up hot. I would highly recommend this book. It definitely made the list of best books that I have read in 2019. Then again, any modern book that deals with Coyote as a featured character is going to be fun.
(This is an excerpt from the full review on the Fantasy-Focus blog)
(This is an excerpt from the full review on the Fantasy-Focus blog)
March 25, 2020
I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley
actual rating: 3.5
I wasn't sure exactly what to expect going into this but ended up being pleasantly surprised. I think there will be obvious comparisons to American Gods - especially with the author making the bizarre choice to include quotes from both Gaiman and Pratchett at the beginning of each section of the book - but really only the base premise is the same and this book goes in a different direction fairly quickly. Definitely could use a bit of polishing but overall I liked the characters and the plot and though that it was very easy and enjoyable to read.
actual rating: 3.5
I wasn't sure exactly what to expect going into this but ended up being pleasantly surprised. I think there will be obvious comparisons to American Gods - especially with the author making the bizarre choice to include quotes from both Gaiman and Pratchett at the beginning of each section of the book - but really only the base premise is the same and this book goes in a different direction fairly quickly. Definitely could use a bit of polishing but overall I liked the characters and the plot and though that it was very easy and enjoyable to read.
September 19, 2019
The Silent Pantheon is a real box of tricks with a lot of moving parts in play. Epic Fantasy rarely takes form in contemporary fiction, but Nierstedt does a fantastic job of transforming our pre-conceptions of the genre and presenting it with a compelling modern-day twist. The characters are immediately intriguing and carry the story along perfectly, and with so many surprises along the way I felt every chapter had given me more than the one before.
A great read from an author I’ll now be following with interest.
A great read from an author I’ll now be following with interest.
February 28, 2020
A fun read and an excellent story from a new to me author.
The book is well written and the plot well crafted. I liked the character development and the world building.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this arc, all opinions are mine.
The book is well written and the plot well crafted. I liked the character development and the world building.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this arc, all opinions are mine.
February 18, 2020
I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book. I was first drawn in by the cover. I love it!! Whoever designed this cover did an amazing job!!
Next I was drawn in by the story. I really liked the interplay between the characters. The gods each have their own voice and the author does a good job of keeping them distinct. Given that the characters each have two names and are sometimes referred to in other ways I would have loved a cheat sheet at the beginning. I didn't find it too confusing but I was somewhat familiar with the gods prior to reading Silent Pantheon.
This story is the first in a series however it didn't leave me feeling like there was a major cliffhanger. It did whet my appetite for the next one.
The only issue I had with this story was the editing. There were quite a lot of typos and other formatting errors. If they were fixed I would hands down give this story 5 stars.
I will definitely be reading more of what Eric Nierstedt writes.
I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did. Happy reading!!
Next I was drawn in by the story. I really liked the interplay between the characters. The gods each have their own voice and the author does a good job of keeping them distinct. Given that the characters each have two names and are sometimes referred to in other ways I would have loved a cheat sheet at the beginning. I didn't find it too confusing but I was somewhat familiar with the gods prior to reading Silent Pantheon.
This story is the first in a series however it didn't leave me feeling like there was a major cliffhanger. It did whet my appetite for the next one.
The only issue I had with this story was the editing. There were quite a lot of typos and other formatting errors. If they were fixed I would hands down give this story 5 stars.
I will definitely be reading more of what Eric Nierstedt writes.
I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did. Happy reading!!
November 16, 2019
Loved this book! HIghly recommend it to anyone who enjoys books about old mythology characters. First, I loved the idea of gods living among us, and having to maintain their anonymity. An EMT who was once a healer, an undertaker who learned his trade in ancient Egypt, a teacher who is really a goddess of wisdom, a counselor who is a Great Mother, and a coyote who is, of course Coyote, all walk into a bar...and remember. To tell you more is to give way too many spoilers. Read it. You'll love it.
January 28, 2020
Fun read
I enjoyed this as an entertaining light read. It even inspired some reflection on my own relationship with religion. My biggest disappointment was the inability of the author to know the correct usage of the words to and too, and then and than. Perhaps a better proofreader in the future is warranted. I recommend this book.
I enjoyed this as an entertaining light read. It even inspired some reflection on my own relationship with religion. My biggest disappointment was the inability of the author to know the correct usage of the words to and too, and then and than. Perhaps a better proofreader in the future is warranted. I recommend this book.
November 16, 2019
An incredibly fun read from a new author. Please see other Silent Pantheon listing for full review.
March 14, 2020
Mr. Nierstedt’s fundamental landscape of gods, rather than religions, battling over believers the way the nation-states have contested for territory over the centuries, it both shocking and fascinating. This is especially so since the great monotheistic god from the Middle East turn out to be just the latest and most powerful conqueror. From that point, Silent Pantheon runs along predictable, but satisfying, track. The few old gods remaining on Earth, Balder, Kali, Athena, and Coyote band together to fight the destruction humankind. The brave paladins are ultimately reconciled with Yaweh, who currently controls the turf.
Some readers will be offended by the what could be considered disrespect for the dominant religions but, overall, it is a light adventure story with a slightly different set of characters.
Some readers will be offended by the what could be considered disrespect for the dominant religions but, overall, it is a light adventure story with a slightly different set of characters.
March 9, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Mr, Nierstedt took the phrase "God is a jealous God" and turned it on its ear. The title doesn't offer as much to the story as that beautiful cover does. Five Gods walk the earth amongst the people as humans always helping where they can with none of the recognition that they deserve and with ever revealing their truths. This book really has it all. There is a lot of mythology and an epic battle with just a smidge of romance thrown in the pot. I will be waiting to get my grubby little paws on the second book and hope that it features more of my favorite character, Joshua! Thank you to NetGalley for this wonderful ARC,
May 21, 2020
Hmmm. The idea that various ancient gods/muses/mythological beings live among us was, when it first arose, a fascinating one. Now it's just one more plot line to pull off the shelf, and Nierstedt is to be congratulated for managing to do something new with it.
There are flashes of past journeys down these roads embedded in his story, and the characters could have been stronger. In fact, considering who they're supposed to be, they SHOULD have been stronger. But nevertheless, it's an enjoyable read, and it just goes to show. You never really know who your neighbours are, do you?
There are flashes of past journeys down these roads embedded in his story, and the characters could have been stronger. In fact, considering who they're supposed to be, they SHOULD have been stronger. But nevertheless, it's an enjoyable read, and it just goes to show. You never really know who your neighbours are, do you?
April 2, 2020
In the afterword, the author states he wanted a blend of American Gods and The Avengers. I think he achieved this and more. The beginning was a bit slow, setting up the characters, and so it took a little bit for me to get into it. However, once it reached the climax, wow! It is important to remember that this is a work of fiction. I feel that the author did a great job of depicting "what if" without stepping over any religious lines.
There is one section that I feel is important to keep in mind today. The gods are in battle with demons from hell. The gods are sure that they are more powerful and so will win easily. One of the demons taunts "...we are powered by the belief of Armageddon itself. All around us, the mortals fear the end, and so we grow in strength. We shall lay waste to this world, and raze the gates of heaven itself. Mankind's skulls shall be our stairway, and your bones will be left on the barren earth, to be buried and forgotten, along with all the failed protectors of the accursed humanity." It raises the question, as we look around at current events, where is your faith? Who are you giving power to?
The epilogue suggests that there may be a sequel and I am definitely anticipating it's release.
There is one section that I feel is important to keep in mind today. The gods are in battle with demons from hell. The gods are sure that they are more powerful and so will win easily. One of the demons taunts "...we are powered by the belief of Armageddon itself. All around us, the mortals fear the end, and so we grow in strength. We shall lay waste to this world, and raze the gates of heaven itself. Mankind's skulls shall be our stairway, and your bones will be left on the barren earth, to be buried and forgotten, along with all the failed protectors of the accursed humanity." It raises the question, as we look around at current events, where is your faith? Who are you giving power to?
The epilogue suggests that there may be a sequel and I am definitely anticipating it's release.
December 7, 2020
SILENT PANTHEON is one wonderful book for all mythology fans. The story is original and intriguing. The characters are well developed and interesting. Overall the book is fantastic.
I was unable to stop reading it!
I recommend this book - a very nice read with an engaging plot and interesting characters.
I will definitely read more from this author!
Julie
BooksShelf Reviewer
I was unable to stop reading it!
I recommend this book - a very nice read with an engaging plot and interesting characters.
I will definitely read more from this author!
Julie
BooksShelf Reviewer
July 4, 2022
I found the premise of this book intriguing. I have always loved the gods of myth and having them here intertwined with God and his angels was fascinating. While some might find it scandalous, I found it inventive, imaginative and thought provoking.
This was a fun read, not one I flew through but a fun read.
This was a fun read, not one I flew through but a fun read.
April 22, 2020
I was really excited for the mythology and the gods among men trope, but the execution was not at all to my liking and I found the plot logic to be full of holes.
June 15, 2025
I DNF'd a few chapters in.
It felt like a copy paste of American Gods in the style it was written.
I just couldn't get passed that ...Gaiman controversy aside.
It felt like a copy paste of American Gods in the style it was written.
I just couldn't get passed that ...Gaiman controversy aside.
July 4, 2025
WOW!!!
March 4, 2020
The author describes their work as a cross between the Avengers and Neil Gaiman‘s American Gods. And I agree with them. You get that feeling as you read this book. So, the premise itself is great.
Here’s my problem, though: I didn’t care about the characters or what happened to them. The only time I felt something close to worry niggling at me, it was when a minor character, Jane, entered a building that came down.
Another problem: Even if I discount the typos, which I’m told won’t be present in the final version, the execution of the said premise left me underwhelmed. Each of the characters had a very similar backstory. In fact, even the events that happened to them were similar. If we’re comparing it with Avengers, the backstories of Natasha and Tony Stark don’t match.
What I loved was the evidence of research done by the author when making the Hindu goddess, Kali, a part of the book. Not belonging to the faith, I’ve only seen the negative side of the deity being portrayed in dramas and movies. But the author helped me see a new protective side of her.
We create gods in our own image and that means they aren’t going to be without problems. That is one of the lessons that a reader takes away from this book. I liked that part too.
I requested this book from Netgalley and I’m glad I did!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Mr, Nierstedt took the phrase "God is a jealous God" and turned it on its ear. The title doesn't offer as much to the story as that beautiful cover does. Five Gods walk the earth amongst the people as humans always helping where they can with none of the recognition that they deserve and without ever revealing their truths. This book really has it all. There is a lot of mythology and an epic battle with just a smidge of romance thrown in the pot. I will be waiting to get my grubby little paws on the second book and hope that it features more of my favorite character, Joshua! Thank you to NetGalley for this wonderful ARC.
March 16, 2020
Yes!!! This book was absolutely amazing! It is the first of a series, fingers crossed. Five gods of old walk amongst us. They represent the oldest and strongest pantheons around. There is Balder, Athena, Anubis, Coyote and Kali Ma. They struck a bargain with Yahweh that needs to be reworked because the end of days has arrived. There are twists and turns, miracles , life lessons, Jesus, Yahweh and angels. This book is a mythology fan and Christian's dream. I wait patiently for part 2.
November 14, 2019
I thought the premise of this was really good, but there was something about the execution that just didn't light the spark for me. A bit of a missed opportunity in my opinion.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews