Sword of the War God

by Tim Hodkinson

In a world of war and ruin, men and gods collide. 436 AD. The Burgundars are confident of destroying Rome's legions, for the Empire is weak. Their forces are strong and they have beaten the Romans in battle before.

But they are annihilated, their king killed, his people scattered. Their fabled treasure is lost. For Rome has new the Huns, whose taste for bloodshed knows no bounds.

Many years later, the Huns, led by the fearsome Attila, have become the deadliest enemies of Rome. Attila seeks the Burgundars' treasure, for it includes the legendary Sword of the War God, said to make the bearer unbeatable.

No alliance can defeat Attila by conventional means. With Rome desperate for help, a one-eyed old warlord from distant lands and his strange band of warriors may have the answers... but oaths will be broken and the plains of Europe will run with blood before the end.

Featuring breathtaking battles, fearsome foes, and vehement vows of vengeance, Sword of the War God is a thrilling adventure set amongst the blood and tumult of fifth-century Europe, where the dying Roman Empire, the mighty Huns, and heroes from Norse mythology vie for power.

Drawing on Norse mythology and European history, Sword of the War God is an epic historical adventure perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell, Joanne Harris, Neil Gaiman and Christian Cameron.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Adult, Fantasy, Audiobook, Fiction

620 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 11, 2024

About the author

I love reading and writing historical fiction.

My interest in ancient times, and particularly the medieval period, goes back to my childhood when my parents took us kids around the castles and megaliths of Ireland. I remember riding my bike as a boy to the see the various remnants of the Normans within reach of my home town of Lisburn. What would appear to most as uninspiring hillocks to me became in my imagination the site of heroic battles and I suppose that's where inspiration for some of my stories came from.
My interest only deepened with studying Old Norse, Medieval English and Celtic civilization at university and these topics have informed my first novels, along with a passion to tell stories about areas of Irish history that are sometimes overlooked and forgotten.

"Lions of the Grail" is set in Medieval Ireland, at the time the Scots invaded. Its a tale of knights and tournaments set against a war that time has forgotten. "The Waste Land" carries on the tale where Lions left off, while the novella, "The Savage Forest" takes the hero of this series, Richard Savage back to a time when he was still a young idealistic member of the Order of Knights Templar.

"The Spear of Crom" goes back to the time of the druids and is the story of a celtic cavalry officer in the Roman Army and his hunt for a mystical spear.

"The Undead" takes place in Victorian Belfast and moves into Gothic Horror, taking inspiration from Chapter 20 of Mary Shelley's classic novel "Frankenstein", which takes place in North Ireland.

Apart form that I have a couple of short stories set in the world of the Anglo-Saxons - "All the Kings Thanes" is my retelling of a true story treachery and the paranoia of power, while "Beowulf's Return" is set in the time of myth & legend.

My novels are available in print at all good online retailers and also (as well as the short stories) in Kindle format from Amazon.

I hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy writing them.

Reviews

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action-packed historical adventure - full review to follow

[Caroline Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing and fantastic story that blends myth, legend, and history. Everything is here, Lord of the Rings, the Ring Cycle, King Arthur, and the real story of Attila.

[Myles Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this! Tim Hodkinson really made this historical fiction come to life. The characters weee awesome, the battle scenes were absolutely epic, and the political intrigue between the Romans and the Burgundar tribe was very well done. We’re dealing with Germanic tribes, the Roman Empire, as well as the Atilla the Hun! Absolutely incredible!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! Sword of the War God by Tim Hodkinson is an exciting blend of history and legends that makes for a really great story! I'm a huge fan of historical fiction and this did not disappoint.

This book is set in the fifth century AD, which I found to be the perfect setting for a pretty epic tale like this one! It's not a time period that I'm extremely familiar with, but that almost amplified the mythological elements in a way that really worked for me. I know some about Norse mythology and I was really impressed about how well stories were brought into this book. Everything was well-done! The pacing is great and I really enjoyed the characters a lot, especially Hagan!

I definitely feel like a lot of people will really enjoy this book! I was hooked right away! This is the first book I've read by Tim Hodkinson, but I'm already looking forward to when I get the chance to read another book by him. If you're already a fan of his work, this is a must-read! I also think you should give this book a try if you're a fan of epic adventures in historical fiction in general or if you like the idea of getting a new, exciting look at legends and mythology!

[Paul Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bernard Cornwell had better up his game as this is a challenger for writing for high quality historical fiction, for me it ticked all the right boxes and I will be definitely reading more by Tim Hodkinson

[Theodore Brun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right off the bat, this novel deserves five stars for achieving what seems to me a remarkable feat of scholarship - quite apart from its many other strengths.

You often hear of authors 'weaving' together an engaging or entertaining story, but in this case, 'weaving' is absolutely the right word. Hodkinson has shone a light on what is surely one of the most obscure periods of European history in the last two millennia. It is probably no accident that the mid-fifth century in Europe birthed so many of the myths and legends which have endured through to this day. Perhaps more than any epoch, it was an Age of Heroes, and Tim Hodkinson has drawn on a remarkable numbers of sources - both legendary and historical - to create a fascinating and undeniably epic tale.

My own obsession with Dark Age history (and writing) began through the music of Wagner's Ring Cycle. So I already had a soft spot for the stories of Sigurd the Dragon-Slayer and the Niebelunglied - the two main sources of Hodkinson's novel. But as Hodkinson's retelling unfolded, I was at turns delighted and impressed by the sheer ingenuity with which he managed to layer in all the other legends and historical events contemporary to that original tale. We see the twilight of the Western Empire of Rome; the terror of Attila the Hun, the ultimate 'other' arising out of the depths of Asia, encroaching on Western Europe; an imagined reality behind the myths of Odin/Woden and the other warrior god-kings of the Norse; even a glimpse of Arthur and Merlin at one point. All these alongside the more linear story of Gunderic, Gunhild, Brynhild, Sigurd and Hagan.

For any enthusiast of the so-called Dark Ages, there is so much to enjoy in the way Hodkinson re-imagines these many core myths of Europe, spinning them together in such an expert and seamless way, that really by the end of the novel, he has made something all of his own. All the same, it's great fun to recognise well-known tropes like the Valkyries and the Bersirkirs, the Wild Hunt, even Wagner's Albericht the Dwarf reprised as Hodkinson's Zerco - presented in a different and original way.

This is epic storytelling in every sense. True, the characters Hodkinson has to play with - those named above especially - are not the most sympathetic bunch of people. But since almost all of them end up killing each other, perhaps that doesn't matter!

There is action a-plenty, viscerally and thrillingly described - as well as intrigue, betrayal, and mystery that keeps the pages turning. But perhaps the most interesting aspect of the story is the slow but inexorable breakdown of the friendships that seemed so strong at the beginning of the plot. Hodkinson leads us down this path with great skill.

All in all, this is a bold re-imagining of an enduring epic.

Hodkinson stands in a great tradition of storytelling - stretching back to the original author of the Niebelunglied, but more recently including Wagner (who was in a sense the great-grandfather of epic stories of the moving image like Dune, Gladiator, Band of Brothers, Game of Thrones etc.) Tolkien, CS Lewis, George RR Martin, Giles Kristian and others. Hodkinson stands a worthy successor to such an illustrious line.

Highly recommended - especially for those interested in the ancient foundational myths of this fascinating continent of Europe.

[Sifa Poulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher as part of this blog tour in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.

4.5 stars

SWORD OF THE WAR GOD is a thrilling historical that draws on real history and legends from the decline of the Roman empire to create a saga of death, betrayal, and war as Attila the Hun clashes with the empire.

I really enjoyed seeing all these legends brought into the tale. The main one is the legend of Brunhild and Sigurd, though seen from Hagan's perspective and leaning into the darker aspects of that tale. It is woven into the history of Rome trying to form an alliance against Attila, so the book doesn't feel like a traditional retelling as there are so many other elements being drawn together.

There are also references to other legends - like Arthur, though that is approached through the lens of the De Excidio rather than the "knights and grail and Monmonth and Mallory" versions that are more common. It is only a brief reference, but I loved that this was the version included.

It's all enfolded into the decline of the (Western) Roman empire, which is a period that is not as well documented as others and so many legends spring up from around then. It's perfect for authors to come in and weave the two sides (records and legends) together. Well known battles sit alongside legendary swords. Suspicions turn friends into allies, fanned by greed and the empire.

It's a fast paced tale that handles the time jumps of years well. I sped through this (rather chonky) book to find out how it would end as it felt like a tragedy was being set up (yay!) I was not disappointed by the epic battle at the end that brought it all to a head.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

9/10

[Salfaraz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely an enjoyable read

[Peter Kavanagh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book and being new to the author I was delighted to discover I can plough into his previous books. The end of the Roman Empire is fascinating. The chaos of all that followed, the rise of Charlemagne, and the slow formation of the nation states we know today. Good historical novels bring a period to life in vivid detail; this books succeeds in spades.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a lot of hope for this book but it was very slow for 400 pages I almost quit reading this book 30 times. Only good thing about this book was the fight seen at the end. If you’re about to start this book good luck I hope it’s better for you then it was for me.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning **some spoilers**

Easy 5 stars.

A retelling of true historical narrative follows the Burgundars from their slaughter by the Huns (driven by Atilla and his brother) at Borbetomagus, at the hand of General Aëtius, and on to their revolt where they seized control of their second Roman-granted foederati lands, eventually joining with Aëtius to fight the Huns, headed by Atilla, at the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains. Within this background, Hodkinson cleverly weaves in the major Germanic and Norse myths, adding a historical realism that tempers the absurdity of the ancient mythology, as was retold in the Nibelungenlied and Völsunga saga.

Despite a grounding in reality, many of the stories and versions of the characters stem from the Völsunga saga (and Nibelungenlied): the “cursed” gold hoard and Valkyrie Brynhild’s trial by fire (and Gunderic’s deception by allowing Sigurd to do it in his place), followed by her furious revenge, and the slaying of Sigurd, for instance. Except, each character is rewritten such that their status as a hero is muted by a dark corruption.

Sigurd, while still a mighty warrior and courageous beyond common sense, is made an unlikeable villain, corrupted by greed, jealousy and a thirst for power. This is a nice detour from the dragon-slaying hero he is otherwise cast as. Instead, the “Dragons” were the elite Eastern Roman special forces that were employed to transport the gold tribute to the Huns. This allowed him to steal their (slightly too small) Byzantine armour to create the “imperviousness” (with a weakness) that he is typically cast as. Gunderic and Gunhild, too, were poisoned by their greed for gold (the “cursed treasure”) and no one is safe by their side.

The exception to this tainting of the ancient heroes is Hagan, who much of the book is dedicated to. He was always given a story of a bit of a ruthless villain from my understanding. This time, rather than being an overly-loyal vassal for Gunther, who eventually murders the “mighty hero” Sigurd, we are given a vulnerable and talented soldier, pushed into service through his loyalty to his people and an ultimatum for their survival, sent to die by his king and old friend, and forced to defend himself against a violent and jealous brute at the end of an exhausting day in battle.

Brynhild, too, rather than being punished and imprisoned by Odin and “saved” by Sigurd, is given autonomy and a tragic backstory that makes her withdraw to seek solace, away from the violent ways of men. Hence, the deception by her childhood friends is made even more tragic, as she is forced from her female partner into an abusive marriage with Gunderic, where she eventually snaps. This aligns with her need to seek revenge for the breaking of her marriage vows, as told in the Völsunga saga.

Gunhild, shattered by grief, closes the arc of the Völsunga saga, marrying Attila and, eventually, slaying him. This plays into one historical account of Atilla’s death (that of Marcellinus Comes), showing how mythology and history can be aligned with just a sprinkling of realism.

Contrasting this realist perspective of mythology, we have the very much fictitious, and mysterious, one-eyed King “Wodnas” of “Aesir,” who joins the Burgundians in their new kingdom, bringing with him strange sidekicks: Lokke, Kvasir, Forsetti and Freya. He is both wise and a master warmonger. Yet, there is more to his story than a king with a thirst for revenge against the Huns – adding an air of magical mystery in the otherwise harsh historical realism of the narrative.

Finally, rather than a “ring of power” (Andvaranaut) that corrupts all those that touch it – we have a sword (attributed to “Tiwass” (Týr)) – yet it bears a strange connection to our King Wodnas, while being sought after by the most powerful men in the world. This is a refreshing change from the well overused plot device from the ancient legend, as both Wagner and Tolkien have made it very much their own. The use of a sword also aligns with the historical narrative of Atilla’s own superstitious belief in a magical sword of Mars that validated his right to rule.

As others have said, the battle scenes are well written and hyper-realistic, it’s immersive and the prose does not detract from the well-conceived plot. The only slight criticism I have of the prose was the overuse of certain emotional cliches, such as the word “heart”. Certain character mannerisms, such as the “curling of the upper lip” was a little overdone, too, in my opinion.

Overall, this was incredibly well researched and thought out, and is well worth the read. It is also a stunning success in rekindling awareness of the mythology of ancient Europe, as well as the peoples that laid its foundations.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

436 AD. The Roman Empire is not what it once was, and its authority is being challenged on more than one front. A Roman army, under the command of seasoned general Flavius Aetius, prepares to do battle with the Burgundians. The Germanic kingdom stands ready to oppose them, convinced that they will be victorious against a foe they have defeated before. However, this time, things are different... the Romans have a new ally in the form of the Huns.

Under the command of Attila and his brother, the Huns' brutality proceeds them. They have heard of the fabled treasure held by the Burgundians and they want it for themselves - especially the legendary Sword of the War God, a talisman that makes the bearer invincible. Unable to withstand the might of the combined army, especially given the dishonourable tactics of the Huns, the Burgundian kingdom is obliterated. Its few surviving people are scatted to the winds, and the treasure is lost in time.

As the years pass, Attila's forces grow in strength and his greedy eyes turn towards the Empire. While he still seeks the legendary sword, there is a chance he can be stopped - but only if new oaths are sworn and former enemies become friends. The Roman Empire needs help from the Burgundians that have risen from the ashes and shaped themselves into a very different kind of people with the aid of a mysterious one-eyed warlord and his strange warriors, but will they ever become allies?

In Sword of the War God, Tim Hodkinson takes what we know about the messy politics of 5th century Western Europe, when the Western Roman Empire was in rapid decline, and weaves in a whopping slice of myth and legend, to create the kind of historical fiction adventure that can only be described as epic!

The story centres on the fate of the unfortunate Burgundians, who suffer a tragic defeat at the beginning of the tale at the hands of the Huns, losing their fabled treasure. In time, the surviving members of the Burgundian ruling and warrior classes come back together after serving the Roman Empire, or as guests in foreign lands, and the threads of Roman desperation, Burgundian transformation, and Hunnish ambition collide in a luscious tangle of family drama, intrigue, uneasy alliances, and good old fashioned betrayal that keeps you very entertained.

The cast of characters is somewhat sprawling, and it takes a while to get a handle on who is who and what their game is, but you soon find yourself pinning your colours to some and wishing grisly ends to others - and Hodkinson contrives more heart-pounding bloody battles, and stomach churning ritualistic murders, than you can wave a legendary sword at before his work is done. But what really makes this book so fresh and exciting is the way Hodkinson inserts some very familiar characters from Norse and Celtic mythology to spice up the action, delving deliciously into Wagnerian heights of delight, and he does it with such subtlety that it is not immediately obvious that these figures might be more than who they claim to be.

I have no intention of giving the game away, as it is so enjoyable spotting the many famous faces from legend who become an integral part of the tale, but there are clues a-plenty in name and deed. In a stroke of genius, these characters drive the story, blurring the lines between fact and fiction, to hint at supernatural undertones to the moments history records. Hodkinson does a lovely job of reflecting on many aspects of the legacy of Rome too, in occasional 'what have the Romans ever done for us' moments.

I promise you will find yourself going down a whole warren of rabbit holes about many aspects of the story before you are done... and if you do not listen to The Ride of the Valkyries at least once, I will be very surprised. I particularly enjoyed the, blink-or- you-will-miss-it, appearance of a very famous legendary King and his wizarding side-kick, during the sojourn to Britannia, which was rather unexpected!

I consumed this novel, flying through the twists and turns all the way to the cracking finale. It has the feel of the first in a new series for Hodkinson, with the whisper of further adventures for our surviving characters. I have my fingers crossed that another book will follow this one in due course. More please Mr Hodkinson.

[Librow0rm Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’ll have noticed from my recent reads that I’m taking all opportunities to pull myself out of my comfort zone of Sci Fi and Fantasy, and I could think of nothing better than a great solid historical fiction to help me stretch my creaking knees! Particularly when it introduces me to an author I’ve not read previously who seems to have a great and interesting back catalogue for me to peruse. Yes, I did say I’d been looking at his back catalogue, this book is that good!
Sword of the War God by Tim Hodkinson has been described as an epic historical adventure that draws on Norse mythology and European history but, it is so much more. It is an epic telling that truly does draw on history, myths and legends to create a saga like tapestry of war, death, betrayal and clashes of Empires!
Amongst the historic and mythical legends that Hodkinson brings to life are the tale of Brunhild and Sigurd, the legend of King Arthur through stories of the knights, the Grail and more, and the history of the Attila the Hun and of course the Roman Empire in it’s decline.
Hodkins weaves together history with legend and fiction to portray legendary warriors and swords in historic battles, he illustrates and crafts the layers of suspicion and betrayal amidst friends and allies, as they are driven by greed and thirst for power admidst a declining empire. He has no fear of pace and truly devours timelines as his plot unfolds, taking not a breath as the story crosses lands, years, cultures and empires to layout a rich and beautifully crafted plot, world building and characters that totally pull you into this harsh, violent and legendary historic period.
From the first to the last page I was immersed in Hagan’s world (MC) and struggled to tear myself away, even when I desperately needed sleep as I needed to know what would happen next. Sword of the War God definitely delivers on it’s promise – it truly is an epic historical adventure that takes you on a blisteringly fast page turning journey through bloodshed, vengeance, betrayal, and epic battles until the epic end.

4.75 Stars

Thank you so much Head of Zeus for the arc and stunning finished copy that I will share more about on the tour, and I can assure you that this did not influence my honest and unbiased review.

[Elise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading Sword of the War God was an exercise in patience, and stubbornness. I hit the 100 page mark without really enjoying it, and thought, well, I’ve come this far... might as well keep going. Spoiler: I kind of regret that decision.

To be fair, this book wasn’t all bad. I’ve never read anything set in 5th century Europe before, and Hodkinson does a decent job of introducing that time period. I totally see what he was going for, a grand epic that spans decades and explores the consequences of war on individuals and societies. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t deliver the greatness I was hoping for.

My main beef is the writing. Hodkinson tells everything and shows basically nothing. Every decision, every emotion, it's telling what happens, instead of showing. I don’t need my historical fiction to be flowery or dripping with metaphors, but some nuance wouldn’t hurt. The writing was also just... plain. Short sentences, simple vocabulary, it made me able to keep reading, sure, but it didn’t carry the weight I’ve come to expect from the genre. If someone else, maybe an author with an eye for creating atmosphere and depth, had tackled this story, I think it could’ve been good.

Not a single character left a lasting impression. I didn’t care about their struggles, triumphs, or fates. When you’re writing about real historical figures, it's got a tricky balancing act, stay true to the facts while giving these people enough personality to feel alive. Hodkinson, unfortunately, messed up here. There’s one specific event (no spoilers, don’t worry!) where he completely rewrote history to add drama, and it didn’t sit right with me. Sure, historical fiction doesn’t have to be 100% accurate, but when you change something that fundamentally alters the character’s story, it needs to feel worth the creative liberty. This... didn’t.

So, should you read it? No. It’s not terrible (hence the three stars) but it’s also not remarkable in any way. At 500 pages, it’s a commitment, and there’s just not enough payoff to make it worth your time. If you’re curious about the 5th century, maybe find a better starting point. This one’s more of a miss than a hit.

[Andy Wormald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book which it is difficult to do justice to, such is the quality, to say it is an epic is an understatement

The book comes in at 592 pages and for each of those pages I was completely mesmerised by the sheer depth and quality of the writing and storytelling.

This is an epic and spellbinding read, which will stay with me for a long time, drawing on Norse mythology combined with european history written and blended seamlessly together

There is much to admire about this book, it is plotted with exquisite detail, the author weaves a tale of legends. As you would expect as you read on the book covers a large timescale and many years pass, however, it is a read that demands that timescale.

I really don’t want to say anything about the storyline, you need to come at this fresh, however, I thought the opening apart from it’s magnitude it perfectly sets up what follows in terms of people united by a common thread that they were childhood friends, as the book develops you see each take a different path, it was really fascinating to see their character development and the paths they chose to lead

There is a lot of plotting and jockeying for position within the characters and you get an element of doubt within some as to which side they are actually on, this just add to the suspense

The attention to detail in the book is immense and the research undertaken cannot be under estimated

One thing that stood out as I read the book was the geography and topography, the author really shows the scale and vastness of the landscape and brings it vividly to life. I found myself forming mental pictures in my mind

The battle scenes which are breathtaking are written in chilling detail, you get more than a sense of the scale, you get a real feeling of what was endured in a shieldwall, you can feel the fear etched on the faces of the soldiers as they faced onslaught after onslaught. These were dark and often violent times and the book doesn’t shy away from this, life was very fragile and The Huns cared little for those that got in their way, a read which pulls no punches, the feeling of realism which the writing gives places you at the heart of the action

A read about power, greed, love, loyalty it shows the fraility of friendships and how power can corrupt, there are also plenty of twists and surprises along the way

This is a thrilling and entertaining read that had me gripped from the opening page and just didn’t let go, it builds in intensity as you read on, for me easily one of the years oustanding read

It is the kind of read which Cecille B de Mille would turn into a 5 hour feature film.

This is a book which comes highly recommended, a book which deserves all the plaudits and one which I found hard to put down.

[Nick (novelswithnick) · Rating 5 out of 5]

www.instagram.com/novelswithnick

This is up there on my favourite reads of the year so far

I don’t read much historical fiction so I can’t say how this holds up in comparison to others but this was a lot of fun. It grabbed my attention from the first few pages as the writing is accessible making it an easy read but still managed to have an epic feel

It has a great mix of everything I want in a book from bloody action scenes to adventures, politics, friendships, betrayals and some mythology sprinkled in. The story is set over a period of time with time jumps but you never felt like you missed out on anything though and it worked well for story development

The characters aren’t the most fleshed out as this is more of a plot driven story but they were still enjoyable to follow. The female characters in particular were some of my favourites and I was always rooting for them

If you’re seeing this then it’s your sign to add it to your TBR if it isn’t already, plus how nice is this cover!

[Tyler Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A historical fiction hit!

From page one I was instantly drawn into the world that Tim was building around me. Set in fifth century Europe, the vivid descriptions will transport you back in time and you will feel like you're living amongst these characters you meet in this tale. SOTWG is an action packed novel filled to the brim with interesting history and culture from how they lived before our time. I really enjoyed how the author included so many different legends and myths within this historical fiction.

Im a big fan of Norse mythology and we get some of those stories intertwined in this read, which I must say Hopkinson did so well. Pacing wise this is a book you will quickly get into as it's fast and quick, each chapter keeps you wanting to read on and before you know it you're at the end of the book. This is for all the historical fiction lovers who like books that really explore it all and keep you on the edge of your seat!

[silvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

what an amazing read! thank you so much to Head of Zeus for a copy of this stunning book!

Sword of the War God is set in the fifth century, drawing from Norse Mythology and European history. this is perfect for historical fans who love action-packed adventure. i think Tim did an amazing job at blending myth and history to create such an immersive world. i could honestly not put this book down and it was so easy to get immersed in this world, and as someone not extremely familiar with this time period, i had no issue following the story nor did i feel confused at any turn.
there is intrigue and mystery, as well as betrayals that pierce you and cannot let you leave the pages unturned. the writing style was so captivating, especially with its perfect pacing. i cannot recommend this enough!!

[Lia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw this book on my favourite indie bookshop's website, decided that the premise sounds cool and considering my lack of delving into late-Roman Empire era literature, I added Sword of the War God to the cart.

While reading it, there was not a moment when I didn't wait with bated breath to see what was next for the characters. The prose and writing were extremely compelling and the dynamic action scene in the very beginning made for a fast settling into the novel.

My only gripe is with the dialogue - more often than not it felt clipped, more like a script than a conversation between characters and had, at points, too much information that the reader would've better picked up by having it aired through description.

Even so, the book is solid, a fast-paced read with well-written battle scenes and schemes with a cast of diverse morally-coded characters.

[Olga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Published TODAY!!!

"Sword of the War God" is an exhilarating journey through the tumultuous landscape of fifth-century Europe, where empires clash and legends come to life. Set against the backdrop of the declining Roman Empire, Tim Hodkinson crafts a spectacular and epic tale that spans thousands of miles and encompasses many cultures. The narrative is rich with amazing battles and fabulously crafted characters, drawing readers into a world of death, betrayal, and war.

One of the most captivating aspects of the book is how Hodkinson seamlessly weaves together real history and legends to create a gripping saga. From the legendary Sword of the War God to the clash between Attila the Hun and the Roman Empire, the story is infused with mythological elements that add depth and intrigue. I particularly enjoyed the references to Norse mythology and the legend of Brunhild and Sigurd, which are expertly integrated into the narrative.

The pacing of the novel is excellent, keeping readers hooked from beginning to end. The time jumps are handled deftly, and I found myself speeding through the pages to uncover the fate of the characters. The epic battle at the end is a fitting climax to the story, delivering on the promise of bloodshed and vengeance. Overall, "Sword of the War God" is a thrilling adventure that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and epic tales alike. Hodkinson's masterful storytelling makes this a must-read for anyone craving an immersive and action-packed journey through history.

Huge thanks to Head of Zeus for an ARC of "Sword of the War God"

[Matt TB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whilst I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this, somewhere between Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings and The Last Kingdom, I’m knocking a star off for Trigger Warning: SA.

To me this made for some deeply uncomfortable chapters spread throughout- I know it adds a realism to a tale like this but surely one passing mention during the sacking of a city would have been enough.

Positive side: easy to read, nice short bite size chapters, elements of myth and legend going over a historical event, quite likeable characters (mostly).
Character building is intriguing and action is dark gritty and horrible- which you expect from shield wall combat (think Vikings or GoT battle of the bastards).

[Mike Gaston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tim Hodkinson’s books are always meticulously researched, their stories full of suspense, excitement and breathtakingly written. His heroes are determinedly brave, slightly flawed and wonderfully drawn. Reading the Sword of the War God, you’ll sit on the edge of your seat. You’ll dread the end of the tale where you’ll bid farewell to the folk whose journey you’ve shared. At the same time you’ll be longing to find out what happened to them all! Once again Tim many thanks for the endless early mornings spent penning your craft and sharing your incredible lore learning!

[Leisnic · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is pretty bad, and it definitely does not read like a thoroughly crafted piece of literature . Characters are flat and act in ways that are needed for the plot instead of explainable from their person. Story elements are introduced which seem like on-the-spur-of-the-moment ideas but actually lead nowhere, and there are also a number of spelling and other mistakes (e.g. a sword used in a high-profile ritual turns into an axe two pages later). I appreciate the attempt to make mythological figures tangible, but I would definitely not say that this succeeded.

[Simon Gosden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally gripping historical novel set in the dying days of the Roman Empire.
An epic tale of bravery, treachery, glorious battles and featuring some superb storytelling with an authentic feel to it all.

[James Tierney · Rating 4 out of 5]

good story

Easy reading & interesting tale . Well worth the effort . I have no problem recommending it as a good read .

[MR M STUTHRIDGE · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it

An interesting spin on a interesting period,different enough to intrigue,whilst also knowledgeable and unpredictable.I found it a good likeable read

[Leece · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5* Started off great, middle fell a bit flat, ended well.

[Isaac Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good lil retelling of the Nibelungenlied, fun Atilla lore, made me reinstall Age of Empires II

[shawn murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting adventure novel.