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Shattered Gods #3
God of the Sands
Condemned to Die Upon the Sands
I have been sentenced to death for the crime of being born. Of winning the Hasran's war for them. But my death has purchased the freedom of my people, and so I go to it gladly, ready for whatever final torture they might have in mind.
The Imperator has decreed that I will be sacrificed in the Great Games, a sacred ritual that will magically empower the Gateway Arena. It requires five god-souled, the reincarnations of gods, divine shards that can be fed to the Arena, and used to increase its size.
It means my life has narrowed to one purpose. Live. Each day I train, and each week I fight. Harder, and harder challenges until I die. For there is no escape, no reprieve. Once the ritual begins it can only end with my death.
I have been sentenced to death for the crime of being born. Of winning the Hasran's war for them. But my death has purchased the freedom of my people, and so I go to it gladly, ready for whatever final torture they might have in mind.
The Imperator has decreed that I will be sacrificed in the Great Games, a sacred ritual that will magically empower the Gateway Arena. It requires five god-souled, the reincarnations of gods, divine shards that can be fed to the Arena, and used to increase its size.
It means my life has narrowed to one purpose. Live. Each day I train, and each week I fight. Harder, and harder challenges until I die. For there is no escape, no reprieve. Once the ritual begins it can only end with my death.
- GenresFantasy
683 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2022
About the author
Chris Fox
87 books679 followersBy day I am an iPhone developer architecting the app used to scope Stephen Colbert’s ear. By night I am Batman. Ok maybe not. One can dream though, right?
I’ve been writing since I was six years old and started inflicting my work on others at age 18. By age 24 people stopped running away when I approached them with a new story and shortly thereafter I published my first one in the Rifter.
Wait you’re still reading?
Ok, the facts I’m supposed to list in a bio. As of this writing I’m 38 years old and live just north of the Golden Gate Bridge in the beautiful town of Mill Valley. If you’re unsure how to find it just follow the smell of self-entitlement. Once you see the teens driving Teslas you’ll know you’re in the right place.
I live in a tiny studio that I can cross in (literally) five steps and don’t own an oven. But you know what? It’s worth it. I love developing iPhone apps and if you want to work in San Francisco you accept that rent for a tiny place costs more than most people’s mortgage.
If you and about 2 million other people start buying my books I promise to move out of Marin to a house in the redwoods up in Guerneville. No pressure. Wait that’s a lie. Pressure.
I’ve been writing since I was six years old and started inflicting my work on others at age 18. By age 24 people stopped running away when I approached them with a new story and shortly thereafter I published my first one in the Rifter.
Wait you’re still reading?
Ok, the facts I’m supposed to list in a bio. As of this writing I’m 38 years old and live just north of the Golden Gate Bridge in the beautiful town of Mill Valley. If you’re unsure how to find it just follow the smell of self-entitlement. Once you see the teens driving Teslas you’ll know you’re in the right place.
I live in a tiny studio that I can cross in (literally) five steps and don’t own an oven. But you know what? It’s worth it. I love developing iPhone apps and if you want to work in San Francisco you accept that rent for a tiny place costs more than most people’s mortgage.
If you and about 2 million other people start buying my books I promise to move out of Marin to a house in the redwoods up in Guerneville. No pressure. Wait that’s a lie. Pressure.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 26, 2022
Wow... That is short for Wonderful, Oppulent and Wacky.
So I may have referenced something else in the title there (Brooklyn 99). But it does still ring true.
I finished the Formari Invasion earlier this month, and quickly got onto this book. It has been amazing, I do love the way things are described and the way he discusses the arid dryness of the desert. The language is beautiful.
It was a little upsetting that we never checked in on other characters, I won't reference which ones for the sake of spoilers. But as they were so integral to the last story it felt odd that they weren't in this one.
My only gripe was that it was difficult to hold onto the identities of all of the Stewards. I can still only tell you about maybe three or four of them, and there are a few more!
So I may have referenced something else in the title there (Brooklyn 99). But it does still ring true.
I finished the Formari Invasion earlier this month, and quickly got onto this book. It has been amazing, I do love the way things are described and the way he discusses the arid dryness of the desert. The language is beautiful.
It was a little upsetting that we never checked in on other characters, I won't reference which ones for the sake of spoilers. But as they were so integral to the last story it felt odd that they weren't in this one.
My only gripe was that it was difficult to hold onto the identities of all of the Stewards. I can still only tell you about maybe three or four of them, and there are a few more!
March 31, 2025
Ok-ish
It started good. Xal as a slave, magic power sealed, at his worst situation. Optimal situation for character growth. Everything seemed to point towards a good story.
But the moment Xal's kinda romantic interest was introduced, it was downhill. This didn't handle the romantic interest well. I felt like he's cheating on Li.
Despite the bond he forms with other godsouled, I felt something was off. Their actions, especially Xal, Magnus and Sabinia's, off. They didn't feel like characters.
The only saving grace(or two), Ikadra and Saghir. Ikadra was the staff I met in his other series, Magitech chronicles. I loved him there and here as well. Saghir is Saghir. Ratkin, tiny and powerful. I felt like he has more depth than Xal.
I am continuing this series only for Saghir and Ikadra, and possibly for Li.
It started good. Xal as a slave, magic power sealed, at his worst situation. Optimal situation for character growth. Everything seemed to point towards a good story.
But the moment Xal's kinda romantic interest was introduced, it was downhill. This didn't handle the romantic interest well. I felt like he's cheating on Li.
Despite the bond he forms with other godsouled, I felt something was off. Their actions, especially Xal, Magnus and Sabinia's, off. They didn't feel like characters.
The only saving grace(or two), Ikadra and Saghir. Ikadra was the staff I met in his other series, Magitech chronicles. I loved him there and here as well. Saghir is Saghir. Ratkin, tiny and powerful. I felt like he has more depth than Xal.
I am continuing this series only for Saghir and Ikadra, and possibly for Li.
May 11, 2022
Badassery!!
Was so good, I love the arena stuff, the learning to master their strengths. The quests were kick ass, loved the way the story weaved around a focal characters, but also introduced some really cool new characters too. I love the first weapons, and armies idea, very fantasy, like D&D items of power. Can't wait to see what comes next, keep writing Chris, love your stories.
Was so good, I love the arena stuff, the learning to master their strengths. The quests were kick ass, loved the way the story weaved around a focal characters, but also introduced some really cool new characters too. I love the first weapons, and armies idea, very fantasy, like D&D items of power. Can't wait to see what comes next, keep writing Chris, love your stories.
May 3, 2022
Great ending of this arc
Xals rise to power has finally come, and the background manoeuvres start showing in the gods movements. Plenty of action and some great moments as we learn the past and how prophecy will happen.
Ps also love how Saghir is used in this book
Xals rise to power has finally come, and the background manoeuvres start showing in the gods movements. Plenty of action and some great moments as we learn the past and how prophecy will happen.
Ps also love how Saghir is used in this book
May 4, 2022
Sir Bitey, fabulous stuff
So another gripping yarn. Great action, twists, turns, intrigue, random made up words and stuff as needed. I can't wait to see where we go from here on this great journey.
But yeah, Sir Bitey, love it love it love it.
So another gripping yarn. Great action, twists, turns, intrigue, random made up words and stuff as needed. I can't wait to see where we go from here on this great journey.
But yeah, Sir Bitey, love it love it love it.
May 6, 2022
great series!
Really fun series. Characters are interesting, and the plot is compelling. The magic system is really interesting and the progression is good. The main characters don’t feel overpowered, like so many do.
Looking forward to the rest of the series!
Really fun series. Characters are interesting, and the plot is compelling. The magic system is really interesting and the progression is good. The main characters don’t feel overpowered, like so many do.
Looking forward to the rest of the series!
August 3, 2022
god of the sands
Just read God of the Sands by Chris Fox. Enjoying the read and the rise of Xal, and his friends. Love the message, keep your friends close because no one does anything alone. Youth and destiny…the boy is growing up…and still so much to do…
Just read God of the Sands by Chris Fox. Enjoying the read and the rise of Xal, and his friends. Love the message, keep your friends close because no one does anything alone. Youth and destiny…the boy is growing up…and still so much to do…
July 16, 2023
-1 star for the awful, unfunny comic relief characters. Also, for the use of "Poop-storm".
-1 star for the sheer amount of prophecies and divine weapons. It feels like MC has no real agency, he's just getting dragged along by the universe.
Otherwise it was an ok book.
-1 star for the sheer amount of prophecies and divine weapons. It feels like MC has no real agency, he's just getting dragged along by the universe.
Otherwise it was an ok book.
May 1, 2022
incredible
That is what this story is. Your hear the action and you get it. Magic swords dragons and more. Get some of this book now you won’t be dissatisfied
That is what this story is. Your hear the action and you get it. Magic swords dragons and more. Get some of this book now you won’t be dissatisfied
May 6, 2022
WOW
Loved it from beginning to end. Chris writes in a way you can see the action. This book was thrill ride from beginning to end.
Loved it from beginning to end. Chris writes in a way you can see the action. This book was thrill ride from beginning to end.
May 15, 2022
awesome story
I loved the characters from the beginning but this brought in new and exciting characters. The story was amazing. I can’t wait for the next one!
I loved the characters from the beginning but this brought in new and exciting characters. The story was amazing. I can’t wait for the next one!
May 20, 2022
Awesome book.
Wonderful pace and tempo. Never a dull moment to be found. This is a great addition to the Shattered Gods series.
Wonderful pace and tempo. Never a dull moment to be found. This is a great addition to the Shattered Gods series.
August 12, 2022
Reccmended
I like this book and series. I cannot wait to read the next book. I really recommend this book to everyone
I like this book and series. I cannot wait to read the next book. I really recommend this book to everyone
January 5, 2023
Nothing beats fun dialogue and good story
I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to get into the third book because I haven't read them in awhile. I was wrong. The characters are mostly new and unique. Fun read. Makes me want to start from the beginning.
I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to get into the third book because I haven't read them in awhile. I was wrong. The characters are mostly new and unique. Fun read. Makes me want to start from the beginning.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews