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Magic: The Gathering #70
Theros: A Godsend Novel
A rip-roaring journey to Theros begins in this thrilling epic fantasy novel set in the The Gathering universe
In a realm where mortals are the unwitting pawns of temperamental gods, the planeswalker Elspeth charts her own fate. Wielding a divinely forged sword, Elspeth’s heroics attract the unwanted attention of vengeful, jealous deities.
After surviving an attempt on her life by the sun god Heliod, an even more colossal battle awaits her. If Elspeth can slay Polukranos, a monstrous, many-headed hydra, she will gain the power to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the heroes—and gods—of Theros.
In a realm where mortals are the unwitting pawns of temperamental gods, the planeswalker Elspeth charts her own fate. Wielding a divinely forged sword, Elspeth’s heroics attract the unwanted attention of vengeful, jealous deities.
After surviving an attempt on her life by the sun god Heliod, an even more colossal battle awaits her. If Elspeth can slay Polukranos, a monstrous, many-headed hydra, she will gain the power to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the heroes—and gods—of Theros.
124 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
About the author
Jenna Helland
18 books25 followersJenna Helland is a writer and editor for Wizards of the Coast in Renton, Washington. Before moving to the Northwest, she was a journalist in Missouri, Virginia, and California. She has a history degree from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, and a journalism degree from the Missouri School of Journalism in Columbia, Missouri. She enjoys playing Magic: The Gathering, reading books with pictures, and running.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 15, 2014
I received this eBook for free when I pre-ordered M15 (A Magic The Gathering game) on Steam. Figured I'd get my nerdy on, and give it a go, and was pleasantly surprised.
April 11, 2025
Sono un po' confusa perché da un lato sembra potenzialmente un bellissimo libro per il modo in cui vengono narrate le scene, la scelta delle parole etc... dall'altro col fatto che è così corto sembra quasi tirato via. Questa discrepanza tra la cura del testo e la cura della trama mi disturba. Si poteva fare molto, ma molto di più! Io adoro il mondo e anche i personaggi sono molto interessanti però appunto... tramaaa meh.
April 8, 2020
Un buen relato de introducción a esta ambientación de estilo griego. La ignorancia del plano por parte de su protagonista es un gancho creativo por parte de la escritora.
August 18, 2025
It was a bit difficult to follow so many POV characters switching back and forth so quickly. I enjoy Elspeth and Daxos though, and I'm excited to see how their relationship grows in the next one.
June 15, 2017
Today Wizard is only able to create Plans: beautiful for both mechanics and aesthetics, true, but filled with characters and stories without mordant or even coherence.
Theros will also be Greek mythology dirty with high fantasy but the idea of Nyx (how the realm of the gods works) is pretty cute and stories that could potentially make very interesting, but the novel (or rather a first half) is definitely a forgettable one.
The protagonists are trivial, they do not have any kind of evolution, they act at random (faith to the gods here seems just a silly pretext to justify the events) and do nothing really memorable, especially Elspeth.
Hers only interesting aspects (Phyrexia's horror marking her and the relationship with Ajani) are only present in flashbacks and they are stories from other books, so this is not even new stuff.
The divinities and the bad guy are saved but only because they are "a bit special", not for some exceptional dialogue or scene.
Even the various races are treated too briefly: satyrs are violent raiders; human society is not described politics at all; cities are just "beautiful, full of temples and people", and so on.
I hope that in the next half there will be at least narratively surprising events.
Theros will also be Greek mythology dirty with high fantasy but the idea of Nyx (how the realm of the gods works) is pretty cute and stories that could potentially make very interesting, but the novel (or rather a first half) is definitely a forgettable one.
The protagonists are trivial, they do not have any kind of evolution, they act at random (faith to the gods here seems just a silly pretext to justify the events) and do nothing really memorable, especially Elspeth.
Hers only interesting aspects (Phyrexia's horror marking her and the relationship with Ajani) are only present in flashbacks and they are stories from other books, so this is not even new stuff.
The divinities and the bad guy are saved but only because they are "a bit special", not for some exceptional dialogue or scene.
Even the various races are treated too briefly: satyrs are violent raiders; human society is not described politics at all; cities are just "beautiful, full of temples and people", and so on.
I hope that in the next half there will be at least narratively surprising events.
April 10, 2014
This is the first half of the novel adaptation for the latest card set from Magic the Gathering.
As a fan of the game, I really enjoyed the story. However, it was only really good when considered as an extension of the game. As a stand-alone novel it falls a bit short.
There is a lot of cosmology and back-story that is mentioned but not explained. If you are familiar with all of the game's story lines, this book adds another level to the mythos. If you are a newcomer to this series you will be quickly lost.
Fun read, but only recommended to those who have read previous Magic the Gathering novels or at least played the game.
As a fan of the game, I really enjoyed the story. However, it was only really good when considered as an extension of the game. As a stand-alone novel it falls a bit short.
There is a lot of cosmology and back-story that is mentioned but not explained. If you are familiar with all of the game's story lines, this book adds another level to the mythos. If you are a newcomer to this series you will be quickly lost.
Fun read, but only recommended to those who have read previous Magic the Gathering novels or at least played the game.
February 13, 2020
Totally entranced in this world, Godsend was exactly what I wanted out of a Magic story.
November 17, 2018
Theros is the very block when I participated in my first PTQ. The story is enjoyable, with well designed Greek myth background plots.
All deities are endowed with specific characteristics, most quite negative like Heliod's arrogance, Purphoros' irritability, Erebos' ruthlessness. Compared to gods, Planeswalkers are even more powerful, according to the priest of Phenax, for being able to walk in worlds gods cannot see, face evils gods cannot comprehend.
Although her fate already known (which is probably not final end in Theros Plane), I still wish Elspeth could put an end the chaos caused by gods, not as Heliod's Champion, but as a justice Planeswalker.
I like Daxos too as he seems to be among of the few mortals realizing that gods do not love mortals. War among gods are more likely to be stupid fights around trivial hatreds or insignificant interests, while Xenagos' conspiracy seems more decisive.
All deities are endowed with specific characteristics, most quite negative like Heliod's arrogance, Purphoros' irritability, Erebos' ruthlessness. Compared to gods, Planeswalkers are even more powerful, according to the priest of Phenax, for being able to walk in worlds gods cannot see, face evils gods cannot comprehend.
Although her fate already known (which is probably not final end in Theros Plane), I still wish Elspeth could put an end the chaos caused by gods, not as Heliod's Champion, but as a justice Planeswalker.
I like Daxos too as he seems to be among of the few mortals realizing that gods do not love mortals. War among gods are more likely to be stupid fights around trivial hatreds or insignificant interests, while Xenagos' conspiracy seems more decisive.
September 13, 2017
Overall, the first half of the Magic: the Gathering Theros story was enjoyable. I believe there was an intentional choice by the author to mimic some of the descriptive style of the common translations of Greek myth. I felt the writing was most resonant during those portions, primarily occurring in the description of the gods and their actions. However, I felt it was poorly juxtaposed against a more modern style when dealing with mortal characters. Still, a good enough read to move on to the second part.
November 21, 2019
The hallmark of most good books is that they at their very core have a simple plot and complex characters. That can not be said of this book. It suffers greatly from the relatively short format demanded by Wizards of the Coast, which results in characters that are not properly fleshed out, and as such are rather one-note, and a plot that could easily have filled 400-500 paged being condensed to a mere 124, making it unnecessarily complex and hard to follow. This is not helped by the fact that we in the 124 pages of the book have at least 5 point of view characters.
January 15, 2020
On the whole Magic the Gathering books are fun because they give you a glimpse into the world of the characters the cards depict. Of the handful I have read, Theros: Godsend Book 1 is one of the best. Helland's focus on two main characters, instead of large ensemble as is the case in many of the other books, allows her to give a satisfying depth to Daxos and Elspeth. The gods and secondary characters are believable and fun. The writing in general is smooth and realistic. I am looking forward to reading part 2.
November 28, 2019
This was a vast improvement over Ravnica, probably just due to the setting being better defined; I have never gotten the obsession with Ravnica, it always seems so generic and has no real identity besides the guilds defining the stereotypes their members adhere to rigidly.
The idea of the gods and what they can actually do is a bit nebulous, though. Perhaps that would have been better developed if this were written as an actual book.
The idea of the gods and what they can actually do is a bit nebulous, though. Perhaps that would have been better developed if this were written as an actual book.
July 24, 2023
While only one half of a book, Godsend was a good start. Not as much Elspeth as I would've liked. It seemed like she was only in every other chapter, if even that. And when your book only has 13 chapters, that's not a ton. But now it's time for me to read part 2. Based on the one shot I just read, "Ajani, Mentor of Heroes", it seems like we might see some more of my favorite Leonin in the next one.
April 16, 2020
Für Magic-Fans wie mich tatsächlich ganz unterhaltsam, weil die Welt, mit der man spielt, einigermaßen gelungen zum Leben erweckt wird, für alle anderen eher eine Aneinanderreihung von Belanglosigkeiten, da die Figuren (Charaktere will ich sie nicht nennen) so flach sind, dass man sie auf Funktionen herunterbrechen kann.
December 1, 2022
Elspeth is easily one of my favorite characters in the greater Magic: The Gathering multiverse, so I am sure my rating is a bit inflated because Helland does such an excellent job with her character throughout the novelization. The story is interest if a bit cliche, but that feels standard for the MTG novels.
January 2, 2026
De no ser un amante de Magic: The Gathering, la habría encontrado bastante genérica. Mi gusto por las referencias a distintos elementos presentes en las cartas y el universo interconectado del juego mantuvieron vivo mi interés. Por lo demás no lo volvería a leer.
January 16, 2020
About what I expected from a MtG book but entertaining nonetheless to see Heliod get dunked on
May 14, 2020
Great world-building, mediocre writing. Nothing much happens in this book compared to the second one.
May 7, 2021
it is alright. It is not a complete story but it has some nice bits.
December 19, 2023
Another huge drop of lore with some strings to hold it together, you either know the characters/cards and the surrounding lore or you are left wandering (how ironic).
September 8, 2016
I still can't decide how I feel about this new ebook format for MTG novels. On the one hand, it seems like the format would work well for getting out some fluff while relying on members of Wizards creative team, and not paying high dollar fantasy authors for books that just won't sell enough to bring to print. On the other hand, trying to cram a complicated story like this into a necessarily restricted space can end up feeling incomplete. Jenna Helland actually did a very good job of focusing the story here on the really important aspects, and was able to produce an enjoyable little romp through Theros. The story focuses on three subplots, all of which become interwoven through the tale. A young Elspeth is struggling with finding an identity in a dangerous Multiverse, and seeks out Theros as a hopeful haven, supposedly protected by the gods. The gods, meanwhile, are in a major tiff, constantly one-upping each other and obliviously endangering the whole realm that they rule with childlike tantrums and complete unconcern for the inconsequential mortals. Finally, Xenagos, a near-mad Planeswalker with a cult following of satyrs and such, has designs on establishing his own god-hood on Theros, a plan that is sure to spell disaster for anyone in proximity.
In the end, this is a light read meant for fans of MTG Fluff only. Its nice to get a little more back story behind Theros, and the story holds your attention, but isn't much more than that. I'll continue with Journey Into Nyx, but with the same tempered expectations.
In the end, this is a light read meant for fans of MTG Fluff only. Its nice to get a little more back story behind Theros, and the story holds your attention, but isn't much more than that. I'll continue with Journey Into Nyx, but with the same tempered expectations.
April 12, 2014
Seeing as the Theros Block itself drew from the great epics of the Classical world, I felt that the novella suffered from the limits of the short novella format. I thoroughly support and enjoy such supplementary material brought out by Wizards, but would have preferred a longer tale that would have fit more appropriately with the world of Theros.
The characters were fleshed out in what little space they had and those familiar with the card game would love all the little easter eggs splattered throughout the text. But again, I felt that in terms of pacing and plot, it suffered. Doug Beyer's foray into the eBooks of MtG benefitted from a plane of a less epic scale and the eventual race throughout Ravnica that occurs. Here, Jenna Helland sets up Elpseth's great ordeal, introduces a few minor Legendary Creatures from the card game, and then that's really all that transpires. If given more room, I can only imagine what further quarrels between the Gods may have been included and perhaps more of Xenagos' sinister plans for ascension.
Despite certain short comings, I did enjoy the novella. It was a quick plane-ride read for me across the Atlantic and I hope Wizards continues with these kind of supplementary materials... especially if you're a rabid Vorthos like I am.
The characters were fleshed out in what little space they had and those familiar with the card game would love all the little easter eggs splattered throughout the text. But again, I felt that in terms of pacing and plot, it suffered. Doug Beyer's foray into the eBooks of MtG benefitted from a plane of a less epic scale and the eventual race throughout Ravnica that occurs. Here, Jenna Helland sets up Elpseth's great ordeal, introduces a few minor Legendary Creatures from the card game, and then that's really all that transpires. If given more room, I can only imagine what further quarrels between the Gods may have been included and perhaps more of Xenagos' sinister plans for ascension.
Despite certain short comings, I did enjoy the novella. It was a quick plane-ride read for me across the Atlantic and I hope Wizards continues with these kind of supplementary materials... especially if you're a rabid Vorthos like I am.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2014
So this is the first novella in Wizard of the Coast's Magic the Gathering "Theros" block stories. It's job is essentially setting up the conflicts of the block and putting the story into motion.
It does that, I suppose. There's unfortunately a large cast of characters (and gods) here, and the short form does not do them justice. The whole thing is reasonably well written, but it still just feels like filling in the outline. (Which is true of most adventure stories, in truth.)
I kind of wish Wizards would just publish the outline, and then let its authors do character pieces that speak to them in some kind of short story form. It might not do as good a job of "explaining" the world of the latest iteration of the game, but it would let its authors actually tell the stories that they are best at writing.
3 of 5 stars.
It does that, I suppose. There's unfortunately a large cast of characters (and gods) here, and the short form does not do them justice. The whole thing is reasonably well written, but it still just feels like filling in the outline. (Which is true of most adventure stories, in truth.)
I kind of wish Wizards would just publish the outline, and then let its authors do character pieces that speak to them in some kind of short story form. It might not do as good a job of "explaining" the world of the latest iteration of the game, but it would let its authors actually tell the stories that they are best at writing.
3 of 5 stars.
June 26, 2014
Being available only as an eBook didn't bother me. I ended up reading it on the Kindle iPhone app. That was good for something to do on my phone, something more substantial than playing simple games, rather than being an annoyance.
Decent start to the story
I can't quite put my finger on it, but something about Part 1 was good but not great. Maybe the story was trying to do too much at once.
It was a lot better than most MTG literature, although that might not be saying much.
The writing style didn't distract from enjoying the story, which is often what I look for in that regard.
It did well with world building. I looked at it on its own rather than delving into WOTC's Greek mythology parallels.
It at least got my interest for Part 2. I feel it's at least worthwhile for big MTG storyline fans like myself.
Decent start to the story
I can't quite put my finger on it, but something about Part 1 was good but not great. Maybe the story was trying to do too much at once.
It was a lot better than most MTG literature, although that might not be saying much.
The writing style didn't distract from enjoying the story, which is often what I look for in that regard.
It did well with world building. I looked at it on its own rather than delving into WOTC's Greek mythology parallels.
It at least got my interest for Part 2. I feel it's at least worthwhile for big MTG storyline fans like myself.
April 26, 2016
Based on the Greek pantheon, the Theros plane has indeed many goods and of course that brings some trouble as they struggle for power and interact with the mortal real, but with a slight difference, there is a mayor God above the rest and it’s not the Jupiter figure. Everything starts with one of those struggles, between the God of Sun and the God of the Forge, as they fight some Hydra is loosened in the mortal realm and some other important item as well, so we get a champion. And of course a dark figure, who’s defying the power of the Gods and of course it’s a plains walker. Seen that the Gods are not completely good and that the villain is not so bad, or at least has a bigger and different perspective of the universe was awesome.
May 26, 2014
I've been playing MTG now for almost a year and am a regular at my local Friday night magic events. When I found out the latest block, Theros, had a book about the story behind the cards I was eager to read it. Finding part one and two on the kindle store for £1.50 I had to get them. At finishing the first part I'm impressed, the intensity of the story behind the game is well constructed and gives a new level of understanding and appreciation for the player. Very enjoyable but perhaps has limited appeal to magic players, although any fantasy reader would enjoy.
September 19, 2014
I loved the Book, it was focused on one of my favorite character from the Magic the Gathering universe, as well as one of the most enjoyable planes that Magic has in my opinion.
The book although short was a page tuner for me, although if you don't know or care for the magic universe this book would both be confusing at times and very boring it doesn't stand well on its own as a book unlike some of the other Magic Books.
However for those that enjoy or love the Magic universe I would recommend this and the follow up story as some of my favorite book that I have read recently.
The book although short was a page tuner for me, although if you don't know or care for the magic universe this book would both be confusing at times and very boring it doesn't stand well on its own as a book unlike some of the other Magic Books.
However for those that enjoy or love the Magic universe I would recommend this and the follow up story as some of my favorite book that I have read recently.
June 21, 2014
For those of you that play Magic: The Gathering, it is no question that you will enjoy this novella. However, if you aren't familiar with the popular card game, it might be a bit challenging to understand everything that's going on in the Multiverse. At least a general concept is helpful before trying to dive into the books. Unfortunately, this one is only available in digital format.
Full review: http://casualreadersbookclub.blogspot...
Full review: http://casualreadersbookclub.blogspot...
July 20, 2014
Very nice fantasy tale for a short novella, BUT this is a book for Magic players, if you haven't played the Theros expansion then you'll find that there are a lot of details that are left out or explanations that are really short or unsatisfying if you are trying to understand the Theros universe (or plane).
April 26, 2014
Good start to the series, does a capable job of incorporating the concepts of the Theros block while also developing characters and advancing plot. I gave it 3 stars solely on the fact it is only part 1, and will give it a higher score if the serialization comes to a good conclusion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews