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The Rune Song #1
Hammer of Fate
“No surrender. No retreat.” With twenty enemy swords at their backs and a broken bridge ahead, the last knights of an outlaw order turn to fight. A young woman with forbidden magic joins their final stand. And as blade meets blade, she starts to sing…
Adelais was raised in the far north, learning stories of the old gods and the skill of weaving runes into magic. Now, she is locked in a convent far from home, forced to kneel to a foreign god.
When inquisitors arrive with plans to torture an innocent man, Adelais cannot stand by. She aids an attack to free the prisoner and joins the raiders as they flee into the night.
Her new companions are the last of the Guardians—once a powerful holy order, now ragged fugitives, hunted almost to extinction.
The knights carry a secret treasure, precious and powerful enough to shape kingdoms. Their pursuers, desperate to possess it, will crush any who stand in their way.
Nowhere is safe—in city or chateau, on the road or in the wilds. And even disguised as a boy, Adelais draws attention wherever she goes. Is she angel or demon, priestess or witch?
Adelais must summon all her courage and all her memories of the old gods’ magic as the noose tightens around her and a thunderous final reckoning approaches.
Discover a thrilling new series, with a rich world and action that will leave you breathless. Hammer of Fate is inspired by Viking magic, medieval combat and the fall of the Templar knights—perfect for fans of Mark Lawrence, Andrzej Sapkowski and Robin Hobb.
Adelais was raised in the far north, learning stories of the old gods and the skill of weaving runes into magic. Now, she is locked in a convent far from home, forced to kneel to a foreign god.
When inquisitors arrive with plans to torture an innocent man, Adelais cannot stand by. She aids an attack to free the prisoner and joins the raiders as they flee into the night.
Her new companions are the last of the Guardians—once a powerful holy order, now ragged fugitives, hunted almost to extinction.
The knights carry a secret treasure, precious and powerful enough to shape kingdoms. Their pursuers, desperate to possess it, will crush any who stand in their way.
Nowhere is safe—in city or chateau, on the road or in the wilds. And even disguised as a boy, Adelais draws attention wherever she goes. Is she angel or demon, priestess or witch?
Adelais must summon all her courage and all her memories of the old gods’ magic as the noose tightens around her and a thunderous final reckoning approaches.
Discover a thrilling new series, with a rich world and action that will leave you breathless. Hammer of Fate is inspired by Viking magic, medieval combat and the fall of the Templar knights—perfect for fans of Mark Lawrence, Andrzej Sapkowski and Robin Hobb.
468 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2023
496 people are currently reading
570 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
May 29, 2023
Brief Summary
This book transported me back to my early twenties and the days of reading Marion Zimmer Bradley, David Eddings and Katherine Kerr, to name but a few. It had the same feel of a misfit and ragtag bunch of reluctant "heroes", fighting to stay alive and desperate to escape the crushing tyranny of a powerful state. Where Hammer differed was in the complete absence of magic, elves, dragons or dwarves, though I never once felt their loss.
Despite the start being a touch slower than I would have liked, I very quickly found myself caught up in the story, unwilling to put it down and desperate to jump back into it any chance I found.
Themes and Trigger Warnings
Whilst the overall theme is the corruption of power in a monotheist kingdom, there were also friendship, loss and a journey of self-discovery.
There is mention of torture, though no detailed scenes, and the death of at least one significant character...which I've still not forgiven the author for.
Star Rating
This was easily a 4.5-star read by the very way it held me spellbound. If I had cried at Adelais' loss then it would have hit the full 5 stars.
The Characters
The book follows the perspectives of three characters. Adelais felt like the main character and I believe we saw more from her pov than any other. I found her to be a very refreshing character, she wasn't too special or "not like other girls" and formed strong bonds with other female characters in the book. She was impetuous and reckless at times, but also brave, stubborn and caring. Guy is the son of a Guardian, a religious order of knights who are now persecuted by the king so he can fill his coffers. I fluctuated between liking Guy and wanting to give him a good hard shake, a young man who made youthful mistakes but ultimately has a good heart. Malory is a priest inquisitor, tempted by Adalais and blaming her for the guilt he subsequently feels. There was much to dislike about him though it was fear and a lack of power that stayed his hand. Caught in a trap where following his true beliefs would be his downfall, Malory justifies actions he knows are wrong.
The Plot
I would describe the plot as somewhat slow at first but then fairly fast-moving once the main protagonists joined forces. It wasn't boring or predictable and only put the book down, very reluctantly, when life demanded I do so.
As withall the majority of this genre it is at heart a story of good v evil, posing questions such as whether it is justifiable to take a life to save many.
The Writing & World Building
Some reviewers have found the focus on religion to be off-putting, though very often in fantasy novels the church is shown to be corrupt in some way. In Hammer it is the king who corrupts, using religion as a way to persecute others. It's a monotheist culture that could easily reflect many of those found in our world. I personally didn't find it problematic.
There was a good balance struck on the world-building front, I felt I understood the setting without being overwhelmed with information. Whilst there was room for more detail what was provided was more than sufficient to put this reader into the heart of the action.
I haven't read anything by this author before but am hoping he is writing very quickly as I am very much looking forward to continuing with this series.
This book transported me back to my early twenties and the days of reading Marion Zimmer Bradley, David Eddings and Katherine Kerr, to name but a few. It had the same feel of a misfit and ragtag bunch of reluctant "heroes", fighting to stay alive and desperate to escape the crushing tyranny of a powerful state. Where Hammer differed was in the complete absence of magic, elves, dragons or dwarves, though I never once felt their loss.
Despite the start being a touch slower than I would have liked, I very quickly found myself caught up in the story, unwilling to put it down and desperate to jump back into it any chance I found.
Themes and Trigger Warnings
Whilst the overall theme is the corruption of power in a monotheist kingdom, there were also friendship, loss and a journey of self-discovery.
There is mention of torture, though no detailed scenes, and the death of at least one significant character...which I've still not forgiven the author for.
Star Rating
This was easily a 4.5-star read by the very way it held me spellbound. If I had cried at Adelais' loss then it would have hit the full 5 stars.
The Characters
The book follows the perspectives of three characters. Adelais felt like the main character and I believe we saw more from her pov than any other. I found her to be a very refreshing character, she wasn't too special or "not like other girls" and formed strong bonds with other female characters in the book. She was impetuous and reckless at times, but also brave, stubborn and caring. Guy is the son of a Guardian, a religious order of knights who are now persecuted by the king so he can fill his coffers. I fluctuated between liking Guy and wanting to give him a good hard shake, a young man who made youthful mistakes but ultimately has a good heart. Malory is a priest inquisitor, tempted by Adalais and blaming her for the guilt he subsequently feels. There was much to dislike about him though it was fear and a lack of power that stayed his hand. Caught in a trap where following his true beliefs would be his downfall, Malory justifies actions he knows are wrong.
The Plot
I would describe the plot as somewhat slow at first but then fairly fast-moving once the main protagonists joined forces. It wasn't boring or predictable and only put the book down, very reluctantly, when life demanded I do so.
As with
The Writing & World Building
Some reviewers have found the focus on religion to be off-putting, though very often in fantasy novels the church is shown to be corrupt in some way. In Hammer it is the king who corrupts, using religion as a way to persecute others. It's a monotheist culture that could easily reflect many of those found in our world. I personally didn't find it problematic.
There was a good balance struck on the world-building front, I felt I understood the setting without being overwhelmed with information. Whilst there was room for more detail what was provided was more than sufficient to put this reader into the heart of the action.
I haven't read anything by this author before but am hoping he is writing very quickly as I am very much looking forward to continuing with this series.
June 4, 2023
Another new author for me and the start of a new trilogy. Based on Viking magic and the Templar Knights this book has everything. Historical fantasy but not bombarded with historical facts like so many other books of this genre. Great characters, impressive battle scenes and at the heart a war between the old ways and a new barbaric religion. I was away to this magical land and the story that was unfolding. I need the next book now please and will definitely purchase this book for myself. Highly, highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
July 1, 2023
Review originally posted on JamReads
Hammer of Fate is the first book in the Rune Song trilogy, a historical fantasy series that takes inspiration from the process that took down the Templar Order, blending it with Norse-origin magic, written by G.N. Gudgion. Reading the vivid adaptations Gudgion has made of some of the iconic moments of the whole period have been an absolute delight.
Adelaide was raised in the North, learning about the old gods and their powers manifested through runes, until her father sold her to the priests. She was locked into a convent, far from home, having to praise a foreign god.
Always dreaming of fleeing to her land, the arrival of inquisitors with plans to torture an old man, a member of the dissolved Guardian order, precipitate her plans, as the assault of some Guardians to rescue the prisoner ends with her joining the group.
The Guardians were a powerful order until the king and the high priest of Salazar decided to dissolve them, hunting all their members until almost their extinction, with the last of them being no more than fugitives. In the company of Adelaide, they are trying to protect a sacred relic that is powerful enough to shape kingdoms; if they are captured by the Inquisition, they will be burnt at the stake.
Gudgion uses multiple POVs to show us how is the escape of Adelaide and her Guardian companions, including one, Mallory, that represents their prosecutors, gives a layer of humanity to the villains. Adelaide is forced to become a hero, to protect her mates, soon becoming an icon for the Guardians, and called a witch by those who are hunting them.
Pacing is quite slow at the start, a sort of slow-burning that progressively accelerates to create an avalanche close to the end; it works well, but I feel the start could have been trimmed down, especially the first moments at the convent. Said that, Gudgion has excellently painted vivid portraits of some of the iconic moments of the Templar Knights' judicial process, adapted to the fantasy world we are in, and the battle moments are a pure spectacle.
A relatively dark book, but not for that, less enjoyable. If you like historical fantasy and reluctant heroes, give this book a try. I can't wait to read the second book of the trilogy and see what other adventures Adelaide lives!
Hammer of Fate is the first book in the Rune Song trilogy, a historical fantasy series that takes inspiration from the process that took down the Templar Order, blending it with Norse-origin magic, written by G.N. Gudgion. Reading the vivid adaptations Gudgion has made of some of the iconic moments of the whole period have been an absolute delight.
Adelaide was raised in the North, learning about the old gods and their powers manifested through runes, until her father sold her to the priests. She was locked into a convent, far from home, having to praise a foreign god.
Always dreaming of fleeing to her land, the arrival of inquisitors with plans to torture an old man, a member of the dissolved Guardian order, precipitate her plans, as the assault of some Guardians to rescue the prisoner ends with her joining the group.
The Guardians were a powerful order until the king and the high priest of Salazar decided to dissolve them, hunting all their members until almost their extinction, with the last of them being no more than fugitives. In the company of Adelaide, they are trying to protect a sacred relic that is powerful enough to shape kingdoms; if they are captured by the Inquisition, they will be burnt at the stake.
Gudgion uses multiple POVs to show us how is the escape of Adelaide and her Guardian companions, including one, Mallory, that represents their prosecutors, gives a layer of humanity to the villains. Adelaide is forced to become a hero, to protect her mates, soon becoming an icon for the Guardians, and called a witch by those who are hunting them.
Pacing is quite slow at the start, a sort of slow-burning that progressively accelerates to create an avalanche close to the end; it works well, but I feel the start could have been trimmed down, especially the first moments at the convent. Said that, Gudgion has excellently painted vivid portraits of some of the iconic moments of the Templar Knights' judicial process, adapted to the fantasy world we are in, and the battle moments are a pure spectacle.
A relatively dark book, but not for that, less enjoyable. If you like historical fantasy and reluctant heroes, give this book a try. I can't wait to read the second book of the trilogy and see what other adventures Adelaide lives!
May 31, 2023
What's it about (in a nutshell):
Hammer of Fate by G.N. Gudgion is the first book in a dark epic fantasy series that tells the tale of Adelais, a young woman with yellow hair and the eyes of a witch (as described by a particularly heinous man of the clergy) who must unlock the power of rune magic she holds inside to fulfill her destiny.
My Reading Experience:
I found myself instantly immersed in this dark world because of Adelais. She is an intriguing character that easily carries the reader into her story. Then other aspects, like the rune magic, held me there through to the end. I got just a taste of the power of the runes, and I'm eager to learn more as the series continues. I love the sound magic system, and rune magic is one of the most ancient. I also love the Norse Gods called on because of this magical system.
The Knights Templar storyline, as referred to through the Guardians, is also one that I find utterly compelling. Their secrecy and dedication, not to mention the treasures they keep safe, are all so fascinating. The story of the end of their time is covered in this book in a way that honors their dedication and fortitude for their holy mission. It also provides such a dramatic foil for the corruption of the clergy.
I also loved the emotional ups and downs the story undergoes. The author is always bold in going to hard places to tell a tale as impactful as possible. I didn't much care for the precarious state of the horses in the story. Still, I do understand that was common during the period the story is set.
My only critique is that so much is thrown at the reader; I initially found it difficult to remember and fully understand what was happening, especially the names. There were so many names mentioned at the beginning. But once the story got going and focused on a few aspects and characters, it became much easier to follow.
Characters:
The story is a mix of plot-driven and character-driven, giving me the best of both worlds as I read.
Adelais is a wonderful main character. She is nuanced and layered, already with a past and a present forming her into the hero she was fated to be. I loved that her innocence matures into worldliness as the story progresses. It's compelling to witness such a change in character and how that defines her. I also loved that she appears timid until faced with a situation where she must pull out her inner strength to survive, which is glorious to behold. The fact that she is chosen is evident from the beginning, and I delighted in watching her slowly find that in herself.
Narration & Pacing:
The narration is in the third person and focuses on a mix of three characters as directed at the beginning of a chapter. Adelais is the main character; Guy is a supporting character of sorts for Adelais but does so grudgingly throughout this first installment of the story. Malory, an evil cleric, seems to grow more evil each time Adelais bests him in order to survive. These three characters work together to give the reader the whole picture while maintaining personal learnings that create a medium pace from start to finish.
Setting:
The setting for Hammer of Fate appears to be medieval Europe when the old gods and magic have become illegal and are being replaced by Christianity (called the Ischyrian faith in this story) with its influential clerics and priests. This transition period makes the perfect setting for an epic fantasy full of thrills and action but also one where magic is rare, so any magic wielder would shine like a beacon of truth. It is also a dark period of history, literally and figuratively, full of suppression and violence, plays for power, and corruption running rampant.
Moods:
Adventurous
Tense
Dark
Emotional
Mysterious
Read if you like:
• Dark Epic Fantasy
• Viking rune magic and gods
• Stories of the Templar Knights of Old
Hammer of Fate by G.N. Gudgion is the first book in a dark epic fantasy series that tells the tale of Adelais, a young woman with yellow hair and the eyes of a witch (as described by a particularly heinous man of the clergy) who must unlock the power of rune magic she holds inside to fulfill her destiny.
My Reading Experience:
I found myself instantly immersed in this dark world because of Adelais. She is an intriguing character that easily carries the reader into her story. Then other aspects, like the rune magic, held me there through to the end. I got just a taste of the power of the runes, and I'm eager to learn more as the series continues. I love the sound magic system, and rune magic is one of the most ancient. I also love the Norse Gods called on because of this magical system.
The Knights Templar storyline, as referred to through the Guardians, is also one that I find utterly compelling. Their secrecy and dedication, not to mention the treasures they keep safe, are all so fascinating. The story of the end of their time is covered in this book in a way that honors their dedication and fortitude for their holy mission. It also provides such a dramatic foil for the corruption of the clergy.
I also loved the emotional ups and downs the story undergoes. The author is always bold in going to hard places to tell a tale as impactful as possible. I didn't much care for the precarious state of the horses in the story. Still, I do understand that was common during the period the story is set.
My only critique is that so much is thrown at the reader; I initially found it difficult to remember and fully understand what was happening, especially the names. There were so many names mentioned at the beginning. But once the story got going and focused on a few aspects and characters, it became much easier to follow.
Characters:
The story is a mix of plot-driven and character-driven, giving me the best of both worlds as I read.
Adelais is a wonderful main character. She is nuanced and layered, already with a past and a present forming her into the hero she was fated to be. I loved that her innocence matures into worldliness as the story progresses. It's compelling to witness such a change in character and how that defines her. I also loved that she appears timid until faced with a situation where she must pull out her inner strength to survive, which is glorious to behold. The fact that she is chosen is evident from the beginning, and I delighted in watching her slowly find that in herself.
Narration & Pacing:
The narration is in the third person and focuses on a mix of three characters as directed at the beginning of a chapter. Adelais is the main character; Guy is a supporting character of sorts for Adelais but does so grudgingly throughout this first installment of the story. Malory, an evil cleric, seems to grow more evil each time Adelais bests him in order to survive. These three characters work together to give the reader the whole picture while maintaining personal learnings that create a medium pace from start to finish.
Setting:
The setting for Hammer of Fate appears to be medieval Europe when the old gods and magic have become illegal and are being replaced by Christianity (called the Ischyrian faith in this story) with its influential clerics and priests. This transition period makes the perfect setting for an epic fantasy full of thrills and action but also one where magic is rare, so any magic wielder would shine like a beacon of truth. It is also a dark period of history, literally and figuratively, full of suppression and violence, plays for power, and corruption running rampant.
Moods:
Adventurous
Tense
Dark
Emotional
Mysterious
Read if you like:
• Dark Epic Fantasy
• Viking rune magic and gods
• Stories of the Templar Knights of Old
March 10, 2023
ARC received for an honest review from NetGalley
-
I found this book to be very slow. It reminded me of George RR Martin in terms of the journey story-telling elements. It is very heavy on the religious themes, more so than fantasy, which added to the slowness. I wanted to DNF it at around the 30% mark but I prefer to finish ARCs in order to give full feedback, so I trudged on. There's very little action before the end of the book, and a fight scene near a bridge came to a conclusion too quickly for me. It felt that just as the pace picked up, the fight was over.
The narrative switches between three characters; a woman (Adelais) who was sent to a convent for sinful behaviour, a priest (Malory), and the son (Guy) of a man persecuted for having different religious beliefs. This third character heads off ahead of part 3 and isn't mentioned again, so I question the true impact his narrative had on the story and whether it was necessary. I found Adelais weak-minded, pining and worrying over 'her man' in moments of conflict rather than fighting and following common sense instincts to stand her ground or follow orders, risking the safety of those around her. I felt there was a case of insta-love and so much of her story was sexualised - the first interactions she has with a man outside of the convent approaches sexual abuse, the two initial interactions she has with women when she dresses as a man result in misunderstood attraction from one of the parties - all detracting from her portrayal as a strong character. Of course, this adds to the conflict of the story, being centred around strong religious themes and sin.
One character says to Adelais, "You have power you do not understand." Going into this book, I thought there'd be cases of rune magic, but although runes are referenced by Adelais, there's no evidence to support that there's any fantasy-style power here and instead, faith and coincidence are the powerful forces when people believe in them enough.
My disappointment can be wrapped up with this quote from a female perspective - "Being naked with [name] felt as natural as puppies tumbling over each other in a litter." Can we get a survey together to ask women whether they've ever compared intimacy with puppies please?
Overall, I had very strong urges to put the book down throughout. It lacked the fantasy elements I was expecting after reading the overview and I wouldn't be interested in book 2 as this just wasn't my style of story (we have enough problems with religion and gender in the real world so I'd rather read non-fiction than fiction on the matter) and nothing happened at the end to recapture my interest.
-
I found this book to be very slow. It reminded me of George RR Martin in terms of the journey story-telling elements. It is very heavy on the religious themes, more so than fantasy, which added to the slowness. I wanted to DNF it at around the 30% mark but I prefer to finish ARCs in order to give full feedback, so I trudged on. There's very little action before the end of the book, and a fight scene near a bridge came to a conclusion too quickly for me. It felt that just as the pace picked up, the fight was over.
The narrative switches between three characters; a woman (Adelais) who was sent to a convent for sinful behaviour, a priest (Malory), and the son (Guy) of a man persecuted for having different religious beliefs. This third character heads off ahead of part 3 and isn't mentioned again, so I question the true impact his narrative had on the story and whether it was necessary. I found Adelais weak-minded, pining and worrying over 'her man' in moments of conflict rather than fighting and following common sense instincts to stand her ground or follow orders, risking the safety of those around her. I felt there was a case of insta-love and so much of her story was sexualised - the first interactions she has with a man outside of the convent approaches sexual abuse, the two initial interactions she has with women when she dresses as a man result in misunderstood attraction from one of the parties - all detracting from her portrayal as a strong character. Of course, this adds to the conflict of the story, being centred around strong religious themes and sin.
One character says to Adelais, "You have power you do not understand." Going into this book, I thought there'd be cases of rune magic, but although runes are referenced by Adelais, there's no evidence to support that there's any fantasy-style power here and instead, faith and coincidence are the powerful forces when people believe in them enough.
My disappointment can be wrapped up with this quote from a female perspective - "Being naked with [name] felt as natural as puppies tumbling over each other in a litter." Can we get a survey together to ask women whether they've ever compared intimacy with puppies please?
Overall, I had very strong urges to put the book down throughout. It lacked the fantasy elements I was expecting after reading the overview and I wouldn't be interested in book 2 as this just wasn't my style of story (we have enough problems with religion and gender in the real world so I'd rather read non-fiction than fiction on the matter) and nothing happened at the end to recapture my interest.
July 9, 2023
Great start to the Rune Song saga!
Adelais has been placed as a novice of the Ischyrian faith with the sisterhood house near Villebénie, a hundred leagues away from Vriesland where the old gods still held sway. Sent there by her family for lewd conduct with a priest.
Adelais has been planning to escape but is thwarted by a wolf, and then by the arrival of the Anakritis-General, Ghislain Barthram, the Angel of Death, accompanied by his clerics (think the Inquisition), surrounding a prison wagon, escorted by the King’s soldiers. The wagon contains an important captured Guardian.
The anakritim are the pawns of the King. The Order of Guardian knights have been declared heretics and have been hunted down. The anakritim are following rumours of a golden relic, The Hand. There are strong parallels with the Knights Templar.
Five years previously, “before the arrests the Guardians were seen as exemplars, the Lions of Ischyros, beyond all taint. Knights who welcomed death in the service of the God.” Now they are persecuted.
Adelais‘ teachings as a child are loosely based on Norse shamanistic beliefs and rune magics. Throughout the novel warnings come from nature, the presence of a wolf, the unease of her horse, the warning flights of ravens. Not that Adelais takes much heed on the occasions when she really should. Adelais becomes a target for the anakritis torturer Pateras Malory and flees persecution with some Guardian knights, including Arnaud l’Armurier, and Guy the son of the prisoner of Anakritis-General.
Adelais is the granddaughter of a wise woman and she carries a rune carved by her nona Yrsa. In moments of danger she finds herself singing the songs taught her by Yrsa . Her grandmother warned her against this. She saw Adelais had power but needed more teaching in the ways of rune songs.
Still, armed with her knowledge Adelais goes forward with the Guardians, being chased by Pateras Malory. After a searing and difficult pursuit she’s captured and being taken to the Anakritis-General at Daija. Her destiny looks like being painfully terminated. But then a miracle happens, or confluences come together, to give Adelais a new chance.
Compelling and complex, and far too brutal at times. Even so, I look forward to see where the next in the series takes us.
A Second Sky ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
Adelais has been placed as a novice of the Ischyrian faith with the sisterhood house near Villebénie, a hundred leagues away from Vriesland where the old gods still held sway. Sent there by her family for lewd conduct with a priest.
Adelais has been planning to escape but is thwarted by a wolf, and then by the arrival of the Anakritis-General, Ghislain Barthram, the Angel of Death, accompanied by his clerics (think the Inquisition), surrounding a prison wagon, escorted by the King’s soldiers. The wagon contains an important captured Guardian.
The anakritim are the pawns of the King. The Order of Guardian knights have been declared heretics and have been hunted down. The anakritim are following rumours of a golden relic, The Hand. There are strong parallels with the Knights Templar.
Five years previously, “before the arrests the Guardians were seen as exemplars, the Lions of Ischyros, beyond all taint. Knights who welcomed death in the service of the God.” Now they are persecuted.
Adelais‘ teachings as a child are loosely based on Norse shamanistic beliefs and rune magics. Throughout the novel warnings come from nature, the presence of a wolf, the unease of her horse, the warning flights of ravens. Not that Adelais takes much heed on the occasions when she really should. Adelais becomes a target for the anakritis torturer Pateras Malory and flees persecution with some Guardian knights, including Arnaud l’Armurier, and Guy the son of the prisoner of Anakritis-General.
Adelais is the granddaughter of a wise woman and she carries a rune carved by her nona Yrsa. In moments of danger she finds herself singing the songs taught her by Yrsa . Her grandmother warned her against this. She saw Adelais had power but needed more teaching in the ways of rune songs.
Still, armed with her knowledge Adelais goes forward with the Guardians, being chased by Pateras Malory. After a searing and difficult pursuit she’s captured and being taken to the Anakritis-General at Daija. Her destiny looks like being painfully terminated. But then a miracle happens, or confluences come together, to give Adelais a new chance.
Compelling and complex, and far too brutal at times. Even so, I look forward to see where the next in the series takes us.
A Second Sky ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
June 1, 2023
This is book one of a slow burn medieval knights of the realm historical fantasy, with a female lead who experiences more adventure than she every expected with a touch of magic thrown in. It took me a bit of time to settle in, but by the end I was totally taken enthralled with it. This can be read as a stand alone. But I want more, and thankfully there are more books to come. Thank you to Second Sky and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine freely given.
June 25, 2023
This is the first book in The Rune Song series and it sets out the landscape, traditions, main players, different factions and different religious beliefs in this author's world and that of his characters that inhabit it. The synopsis does a good job of laying out the story and also hints at various themes that it touches on. It does have a wonderful Templar and Medieval feel to it with armoured knights, sisters of an infirmary, and old beliefs coming up against new beliefs some of this is in the style of Norse mythology. It does feel like a mix of historical fiction with a good fantasy twist to it. Very enjoyable indeed.
The main character is a young girl, Adelais, sent off to live with the sisters as punishment by her parents, disowned and with a nose for trouble. She gets caught up with priests and is soon running for her life as she helps with the rescue of a mortally wounded guardian. This marks her out and also those who she is with. The group run and fights to get away but is always outnumbered. There comes a point when they are caught but the journey they make together is one that makes Adelais realise that she is stronger than she thinks and that she may have a gift, she just needs to work out what it is exactly and how to control its use.
Along her journey she meets some great characters, there is plenty of action and danger from all sides in her travels. Those chasing believe her group are in possession of an icon, it is possibly a threat to them and needs to be captured.
This is a fabulous story and one I have only really touched upon. I really enjoyed this one as it is a story that has thongs from history that could be from different countries and histories. There are time when it felt like a scene out of Robin Hood, or the Templar Crusades, it could just as easily be the onset of Christianity in the Viking era. If you like a mix of history that includes folklore, runes, healing, and natural medicine and herblore as well as some of the nastier sides of a medieval era then you might well be tempted by this. It is a story of persecution and the author has made this a very exciting introduction and first book in his series.
Fantasy with historical fiction feels that I thoroughly enjoyed. It has left me wanting to know what will happen next as the story continues in future books. It is one I would definitely recommend.
The main character is a young girl, Adelais, sent off to live with the sisters as punishment by her parents, disowned and with a nose for trouble. She gets caught up with priests and is soon running for her life as she helps with the rescue of a mortally wounded guardian. This marks her out and also those who she is with. The group run and fights to get away but is always outnumbered. There comes a point when they are caught but the journey they make together is one that makes Adelais realise that she is stronger than she thinks and that she may have a gift, she just needs to work out what it is exactly and how to control its use.
Along her journey she meets some great characters, there is plenty of action and danger from all sides in her travels. Those chasing believe her group are in possession of an icon, it is possibly a threat to them and needs to be captured.
This is a fabulous story and one I have only really touched upon. I really enjoyed this one as it is a story that has thongs from history that could be from different countries and histories. There are time when it felt like a scene out of Robin Hood, or the Templar Crusades, it could just as easily be the onset of Christianity in the Viking era. If you like a mix of history that includes folklore, runes, healing, and natural medicine and herblore as well as some of the nastier sides of a medieval era then you might well be tempted by this. It is a story of persecution and the author has made this a very exciting introduction and first book in his series.
Fantasy with historical fiction feels that I thoroughly enjoyed. It has left me wanting to know what will happen next as the story continues in future books. It is one I would definitely recommend.
November 26, 2025
4 Stars★★★★☆ - possesses similarities to ‘The Witcher’ books
For the full review, check out: https://medium.com/@kemerysjourneythr...
Thanks to Netgalley, Second Sky, and G.N. Gudgion for an copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What's the story about: Hammer of Fate follows three POVs in the 3rd person limited format: Adelais, a girl with a stolen life, Malory, a pious priest, and Guy, the son of a man wronged. To say much more than that would spoil it I think.
Hammer of Fate is a phenomenally engaging character-driven tale that is intrigue-heavy and knows how to utilize narrative elements thoroughly for the entire book. While it may not be the most innovative tale in regards to fun fantasy adventures (action and magic galore), Gudgion excels at writing a story that is utterly engrossing to read. Gudgion’s comparisons to Sapkowski are (actually) definitely warranted and while I appreciate the setup and story more in The Witcher books, I think Gudgion is the better writer who doesn’t punish the reader by including unnecessary tangents and instead uses his skills to payoff intrigue, interest, and investment into the story. I do believe that there are elements that are overdone, specifically with intimate-related aspects and the oppressive religious elements, but the story never truly lost me because of those. A very untraditional fantasy story that is thrilling, surprising, haunting, and effective. I’m very interested to see where it will go from here.
Oh, and the audio narration from Matt Addis is FANTASTIC. He does a phenomenal job.
For the full review, check out: https://medium.com/@kemerysjourneythr...
Thanks to Netgalley, Second Sky, and G.N. Gudgion for an copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What's the story about: Hammer of Fate follows three POVs in the 3rd person limited format: Adelais, a girl with a stolen life, Malory, a pious priest, and Guy, the son of a man wronged. To say much more than that would spoil it I think.
Hammer of Fate is a phenomenally engaging character-driven tale that is intrigue-heavy and knows how to utilize narrative elements thoroughly for the entire book. While it may not be the most innovative tale in regards to fun fantasy adventures (action and magic galore), Gudgion excels at writing a story that is utterly engrossing to read. Gudgion’s comparisons to Sapkowski are (actually) definitely warranted and while I appreciate the setup and story more in The Witcher books, I think Gudgion is the better writer who doesn’t punish the reader by including unnecessary tangents and instead uses his skills to payoff intrigue, interest, and investment into the story. I do believe that there are elements that are overdone, specifically with intimate-related aspects and the oppressive religious elements, but the story never truly lost me because of those. A very untraditional fantasy story that is thrilling, surprising, haunting, and effective. I’m very interested to see where it will go from here.
Oh, and the audio narration from Matt Addis is FANTASTIC. He does a phenomenal job.
September 25, 2023
The source material is an inspired blend of Icelandic saga, Templar history, and Joan of Arc. That is not to say that this trilogy is a simple transposition of these elements into an altered landscape; it is very much its own story and follows its own path, so do not think its outcomes can be predicted from those source materials. It is full of strong, believable characters whose destinies interweave convincingly, and possesses a heroine of interest and complexity. Readers of Mark Lawrence or Sebastien de Castell will find much to like here. Head and shoulders above most Kindle Unlimited fare.
May 30, 2023
Well... What a cracking start to a trilogy! I absolutely loved the writing, the story, the characters (Adelais is my favourite!), the setting, and the gentleness of the fantasy element (thought I'm sure it's going to beefed up in the following books). "Hammer of Fate" was a joy to read and I can't wait to get my hands on the next two books (though I'm sure the story could be expanded for a sequel trilogy... Please?!).
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
June 23, 2023
Excellent audiobook loved listening to it. Great characters well plotted with plenty of action. A fantasy novel that's down to earth, not too many strange names. You could see it was based around the Templars but in original way.
Matt Addis make this audiobook with his excellent narration hope he narrates the next books in the series.
I received this audiobook from Bookoutre audio and Netgalley for a review.
Matt Addis make this audiobook with his excellent narration hope he narrates the next books in the series.
I received this audiobook from Bookoutre audio and Netgalley for a review.
June 11, 2023
Hammer of Fate
Delirious prayer and belief!
Thunderclaps
Adelais and Guy are the main protagonists
The Norse Gods we’re worshipped
Mjölnir Thor’s Hammer
Now the old gods were proscribed and their symbols had to be hidden.
No repentance there is no unburdening, and no pardon.
Faith and the Blinded of Faith
The protagonist is Malory a priest!
A claim of inheritance.
And church ands state
The world building, the society, the riches of culture of Norse and Viking a religion and its zealots. It all comes to play in this novel.
There’s no-elves or dragons etc. etc. in this book don’t need them!
But with religion, there are artifacts!
With abilities.
Add times it’s gave me some Matthew Harffy appeal but yet different.
But it’s not grim dark. It’s one level below.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review!!i give this⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars!
Delirious prayer and belief!
Thunderclaps
Adelais and Guy are the main protagonists
The Norse Gods we’re worshipped
Mjölnir Thor’s Hammer
Now the old gods were proscribed and their symbols had to be hidden.
No repentance there is no unburdening, and no pardon.
Faith and the Blinded of Faith
The protagonist is Malory a priest!
A claim of inheritance.
And church ands state
The world building, the society, the riches of culture of Norse and Viking a religion and its zealots. It all comes to play in this novel.
There’s no-elves or dragons etc. etc. in this book don’t need them!
But with religion, there are artifacts!
With abilities.
Add times it’s gave me some Matthew Harffy appeal but yet different.
But it’s not grim dark. It’s one level below.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review!!i give this⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars!
December 22, 2023
I was quickly transported to another world in this novel and found that I cared about the heroine, Adelais, from very early in the book. I could picture myself in this historical world, oppressed by man's corruption of religion, yet the author didn't seem to try too hard - the historical touches were light touch and seemed effortless, so that I could just accept this other world without thinking too much about it. It is clear straight away that Adelais is a rebellious, but moral and loyal character, and it is easy to like her. There are touches of magic here, based around Norse mythology and the runes in particular and I will be interested to see how this develops in the other two books. The book is full of action and peril from the beginning, so it sweeps you along. A great start to a trilogy of books.
May 30, 2023
The story had interesting unfolding action from the start, but I also felt it was only setup—of the characters, world, religion, and persecution of the Guardians. Once I hit the 25% mark, I finally felt that the core adventure was kicking off.
The middle of the book was the most enjoyable. As soon as Adelais fell in with this band of knights, the action, banter, and relationships kept me turning pages. Humbert was honorable and easy to root for, and his fatherly affection genuine. Her connection to Arnaud was especially endearing and their affection progressed naturally. Adelais was brave but had realistic abilities as well as appropriate mental and emotional conflict over the violence.
I liked that Malory had some doubts and guilt along the way. He was still horrible, but his more complex character contrasted nicely with the cold, single-minded villain Ghislain.
This was mostly a “chase/escape” tale overall though——which wasn’t as satisfying for a fantasy quest—and the very interesting rune song elements weren’t strong plot devices until the ending. I was hoping for more magic throughout.
The torture inflicted or discussed/threatened was more than I needed for dire stakes. Despite the slight uplift at the end, this story became too dark/depressing for me so I won’t continue the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Second Sky for the ARC.
The middle of the book was the most enjoyable. As soon as Adelais fell in with this band of knights, the action, banter, and relationships kept me turning pages. Humbert was honorable and easy to root for, and his fatherly affection genuine. Her connection to Arnaud was especially endearing and their affection progressed naturally. Adelais was brave but had realistic abilities as well as appropriate mental and emotional conflict over the violence.
I liked that Malory had some doubts and guilt along the way. He was still horrible, but his more complex character contrasted nicely with the cold, single-minded villain Ghislain.
This was mostly a “chase/escape” tale overall though——which wasn’t as satisfying for a fantasy quest—and the very interesting rune song elements weren’t strong plot devices until the ending. I was hoping for more magic throughout.
The torture inflicted or discussed/threatened was more than I needed for dire stakes. Despite the slight uplift at the end, this story became too dark/depressing for me so I won’t continue the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Second Sky for the ARC.
December 11, 2024
A great beginning
I read a lot of books. This one was one of the best I’ve read this year. I really enjoyed this story and finished it pretty quickly. I can’t wait to read the next in this series. If you like fantasy or historical fiction, a fast moving plot and engaging characters give this one a go. You won’t be disappointed. I highly recommend reading this book.
I read a lot of books. This one was one of the best I’ve read this year. I really enjoyed this story and finished it pretty quickly. I can’t wait to read the next in this series. If you like fantasy or historical fiction, a fast moving plot and engaging characters give this one a go. You won’t be disappointed. I highly recommend reading this book.
May 28, 2023
3.5 RTC
May 29, 2023
The fun fact with historical fantasy is that you can talk about historical facts and using them as you like as no one can raise their hand and say NOT-RIGHT as it's a fantasy and we are in an alternate world.
This is a historical fantasy, the author did an excellent job in delivering a story that builds slowly as we are introduced to a world where The Guardian are being tortured and persecuted, we could call them Templar but someone could start looking for their treasures, and a corrupt king, who's not called Philippe, wants the Guardian gone and get all their riches.
We have a group of intriguing and fascinating characters: Adelais the northern shaman who is forced to convert and support the rebels, the remains of the Guardian who are not defeated and are part of the resistance.
The religion is a strong point in this story but, as the inspiration is Middle Age Europe, it would hard not involve an element that was at the core of everyday life and don't forget that the Templar were warrior monks.
Adelais is a strong character, il like her will force and her strength, she slowly grew on me as I discovered her talents.
The male characters were more like or dislike as soon as I met them. I think that there's an excellent villain, a sort of fantasy Bernard Gui, one of the most infamous inquisitor and a character of The Name of the Rose.
Gudgion creates a fascinating world, I can think of a lot of possible inspiration, Guy Gavriel Kay and Andrzej Sapkowski amongst other.
This story is a bit slow at the beginning as it introduces the different characters and introduce us to the political and religious factions. As soon as the action starts the pace gets faster and I can say that the battles were well described.
One note: as it's a historical fantasy there's not a lot of magic even if it exists and some characters are gifted.
I hope that the rest of this trilogy will be up to this novel as it kept me hooked and I had to stop from time to time.
If you like heroic or historical fantasy this is you book.
Many thanks to Second Sky for this arc, all opinions are mine
This is a historical fantasy, the author did an excellent job in delivering a story that builds slowly as we are introduced to a world where The Guardian are being tortured and persecuted, we could call them Templar but someone could start looking for their treasures, and a corrupt king, who's not called Philippe, wants the Guardian gone and get all their riches.
We have a group of intriguing and fascinating characters: Adelais the northern shaman who is forced to convert and support the rebels, the remains of the Guardian who are not defeated and are part of the resistance.
The religion is a strong point in this story but, as the inspiration is Middle Age Europe, it would hard not involve an element that was at the core of everyday life and don't forget that the Templar were warrior monks.
Adelais is a strong character, il like her will force and her strength, she slowly grew on me as I discovered her talents.
The male characters were more like or dislike as soon as I met them. I think that there's an excellent villain, a sort of fantasy Bernard Gui, one of the most infamous inquisitor and a character of The Name of the Rose.
Gudgion creates a fascinating world, I can think of a lot of possible inspiration, Guy Gavriel Kay and Andrzej Sapkowski amongst other.
This story is a bit slow at the beginning as it introduces the different characters and introduce us to the political and religious factions. As soon as the action starts the pace gets faster and I can say that the battles were well described.
One note: as it's a historical fantasy there's not a lot of magic even if it exists and some characters are gifted.
I hope that the rest of this trilogy will be up to this novel as it kept me hooked and I had to stop from time to time.
If you like heroic or historical fantasy this is you book.
Many thanks to Second Sky for this arc, all opinions are mine
June 4, 2023
G.N. Gudgion is an author whose previous books include Draca. I have read and reviewed Draca and remember how good of a book it was. As soon as I saw he was releasing Hammer Of Fate with Second Sky Books, there was no question in my mind, I just had to read it!
A planned trilogy, this is the first book of The Rune Song Trilogy. It is an epic historical fantasy that is based on the Templar Knights and has a fantastic female lead character in Adelais. She is my favourite by a mile. The fact that Rune Magic has a place within Hammer Of Fate sealed the fact that I knew it would be amazing. It's a historical fantasy that doesn't overwhelm with too many facts along the way. I found myself so immersed in this book!
What's not to like? Fantasy, history, Viking magic, impressive battles, and fabulous characters, too. The world building created a solid foundation that the author can build on. I was certainly transported to Adelais's side, and nothing within the story jarred me out of this world.
Told from multiple perspectives, this really helped in getting the fuller picture in this dark and complex fantasy. I needed this escape from reality, and I adored every minute I had reading Hammer Of Fate. I am so looking forward to the next book!!
Thanks to Second Sky Books and NetGalley.
A planned trilogy, this is the first book of The Rune Song Trilogy. It is an epic historical fantasy that is based on the Templar Knights and has a fantastic female lead character in Adelais. She is my favourite by a mile. The fact that Rune Magic has a place within Hammer Of Fate sealed the fact that I knew it would be amazing. It's a historical fantasy that doesn't overwhelm with too many facts along the way. I found myself so immersed in this book!
What's not to like? Fantasy, history, Viking magic, impressive battles, and fabulous characters, too. The world building created a solid foundation that the author can build on. I was certainly transported to Adelais's side, and nothing within the story jarred me out of this world.
Told from multiple perspectives, this really helped in getting the fuller picture in this dark and complex fantasy. I needed this escape from reality, and I adored every minute I had reading Hammer Of Fate. I am so looking forward to the next book!!
Thanks to Second Sky Books and NetGalley.
May 14, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and Second Sky for an advance reader copy. If you want a synopsis, click on the book.
It's a while since I read a fantasy so I was pleased to be able to read this one and it didn't disappoint. The author has built a world that I was able to engage with and I enjoyed the characters, those who believe, those who don't and those who question. I also liked that no one is safe. I'm looking forward to the next in the Series.
It's a while since I read a fantasy so I was pleased to be able to read this one and it didn't disappoint. The author has built a world that I was able to engage with and I enjoyed the characters, those who believe, those who don't and those who question. I also liked that no one is safe. I'm looking forward to the next in the Series.
April 19, 2023
Great start to the series.
Brilliant world building which is very important for me.
Loved the characters.
Now sad to have to wait for the next book haha
Brilliant world building which is very important for me.
Loved the characters.
Now sad to have to wait for the next book haha
April 14, 2023
I was sent this arc to review but this has not altered my opinion.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable book, the characters are well thought out, the action is intense but not dragged out (I get bored with too much battle-detail), there’s murder, torture, intrigue and secrets and at the heart of it all a ‘kick-ass cross dressing nun’ who is a joy to read.
The book ended with enough questions to make me want to jump straight into book 2, I look forward to its release.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable book, the characters are well thought out, the action is intense but not dragged out (I get bored with too much battle-detail), there’s murder, torture, intrigue and secrets and at the heart of it all a ‘kick-ass cross dressing nun’ who is a joy to read.
The book ended with enough questions to make me want to jump straight into book 2, I look forward to its release.
May 31, 2023
I received a copy of this book for a free and unbiased opinion.
The book is told from a few points of view. Adelais is a young woman who gets caught up in the middle of a religious battle when she tries to save an innocent man from torture. The religious order also take exception to dressing up as a man when on the run and adds this to the list of her crimes.
The writing in this fantasy is good with solid world-building based on runic magic and Norse mythology. The characters are strong, well-rounded and interesting especially Agnes the young Noble woman entangled with this. There was also a sly humour running through the book which I enjoyed.
There is plenty of action and battles with a tense trial at the end which sets the scene for the next book. There was not as much magic as I would like and I’ve become a little bored with a medieval European setting socio-religious setting but this will no doubt make this truly appealing to fans of this particular style of epic fantasy. But unlike the usual traditional fantasies the women are smart, bold and clever.
Content warning
References to torture
Perfect for Fans of
Epic fantasy similar to Marl Lawrence, Andrzej Sapkowski and Robin Hobb
The book is told from a few points of view. Adelais is a young woman who gets caught up in the middle of a religious battle when she tries to save an innocent man from torture. The religious order also take exception to dressing up as a man when on the run and adds this to the list of her crimes.
The writing in this fantasy is good with solid world-building based on runic magic and Norse mythology. The characters are strong, well-rounded and interesting especially Agnes the young Noble woman entangled with this. There was also a sly humour running through the book which I enjoyed.
There is plenty of action and battles with a tense trial at the end which sets the scene for the next book. There was not as much magic as I would like and I’ve become a little bored with a medieval European setting socio-religious setting but this will no doubt make this truly appealing to fans of this particular style of epic fantasy. But unlike the usual traditional fantasies the women are smart, bold and clever.
Content warning
References to torture
Perfect for Fans of
Epic fantasy similar to Marl Lawrence, Andrzej Sapkowski and Robin Hobb
March 14, 2023
An amazing beginning to the Rune Song Trilogy series, with incredibly rich world building featuring an alternate universe with a religious and political war occurring between a a Norse and 'Christian' religion, whilst magic is also real but it is seen as something evil and the main character, Adelais, is seen as a witch.
I loved the mix of fantasy and history in this and found it such an interesting read. I was absorbed into this new world and adventure and I really loved reading the different characters POV's too. I was hooked from the beginning and wanted to learn more about this world. The only downside was I did feel slightly confused at points to do with certain characters or elements of the world that were introduced but not explained very thoroughly, such as some things were mentioned as though the reader already knew what it meant like what 'Guardians' were or certain words used. Apart from that I really enjoyed this book an excitedly await the rest of the trilogy
I loved the mix of fantasy and history in this and found it such an interesting read. I was absorbed into this new world and adventure and I really loved reading the different characters POV's too. I was hooked from the beginning and wanted to learn more about this world. The only downside was I did feel slightly confused at points to do with certain characters or elements of the world that were introduced but not explained very thoroughly, such as some things were mentioned as though the reader already knew what it meant like what 'Guardians' were or certain words used. Apart from that I really enjoyed this book an excitedly await the rest of the trilogy
June 11, 2023
This was a book, that completely took over my life when I started reading it. It's got the fantasy element that I love while also having a strong female lead who is strong, holds her ground, and overall feels like the perfect balance between strength and grace. The book itself starts slow in the beginning, and it very much is a slow burn, but once I got going with it, it was such a fun read and I didn't want to put it down. The story, setting, and characters really enthralled me the entire time. I was sitting on the edge of my seat, not wanting to put it down until I got to the end of the book,
Definitely excited to read more in the series, in hopes that the story continues to pick up and we get more growth from our characters,
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Definitely excited to read more in the series, in hopes that the story continues to pick up and we get more growth from our characters,
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
July 9, 2023
Interesting historical fantasy
I don't tend to read a lot of historical fantasy but I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the character building, the world building and everything in between. There are a few mentions of horses being x_x which made me upset but hey, it's part of that time. I also didn't like Malory or his higher up (but that was part of the story), but I did enjoy to read Malory's perspective. The only thing that felt forced to me was Adelais and Arnaud's build up to the relationship. Otherwise, I am looking forward to book two
I don't tend to read a lot of historical fantasy but I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the character building, the world building and everything in between. There are a few mentions of horses being x_x which made me upset but hey, it's part of that time. I also didn't like Malory or his higher up (but that was part of the story), but I did enjoy to read Malory's perspective. The only thing that felt forced to me was Adelais and Arnaud's build up to the relationship. Otherwise, I am looking forward to book two
June 10, 2023
What an amazing, brilliant book! Brilliant, complex characters and incredible world building. I flew through the last 50% of this book and could think about nothing else. The only problem is having to wait for the next one
September 21, 2023
An unexpected joy…
When I started this I quickly realised that it was bit of a deviation from my usual reading but I couldn’t put it down…
Can’t wait to see what’s next for Adelais…
When I started this I quickly realised that it was bit of a deviation from my usual reading but I couldn’t put it down…
Can’t wait to see what’s next for Adelais…
December 14, 2023
what a read
I loved this story it pulled me in right away and I look forward to the next book with eagerness
I loved this story it pulled me in right away and I look forward to the next book with eagerness
June 16, 2023
Hammer of Fate by G.N. Gudgion is a must-read for anyone looking for a fresh, intelligent fantasy story with a timelessness that will endure long beyond its publication date.
In 1307, Philip IV of France, in need of money, ordered the arrest of every member of the Knights Templar, confiscated their property, and handed them over to the Inquisition. Since their founding in 1119 for the protection of pilgrims travelling to the Crusader states, the Templars had been perhaps the leading military order in Christendom. The European zeal for crusading was in decline by the early 14th century, but the Templars remained rich landowners, with substantial holdings across Europe. Through torture, the Inquisition extracted confessions from the Templars of idolatry, denying Christ, and spitting on the Cross.
It is in a fantasy realm not unlike the aftermath of Philip IV’s persecution of the Templars that we begin our journey in Hammer of Fate. Over several years, the King of Galmandie has worked to destroy the Order of Guardians, a religious brotherhood of knights that has long supported him in his wars, imprisoning and torturing them under accusations of heretical practices.
When I began reading, I was immediately struck by Gudgion’s passion for and knowledge of the era of history on which the book is based. The world feels immediate and authentic, with period-accurate clothing, attitudes, and social hierarchy, plus a well-judged sprinkling of originality.
Gudgion’s patience in developing his setting pays dividends; it created a level of immersion that wholly invested me in the stakes of the story. Take, for example, religion, a common cornerstone of fantasy world-building. I have seen countless flavours of this, but few have been as detailed or effective as what G.N. Gudgion achieves in Hammer of Fate. It is quasi-Christianity, but the unique details make it so much more than that: there is ritual, scripture, and liturgy; there are prayers, relics, and martyrs.
When you have fictional persons whose primary motivation is religious ideals, their realism is infinitely magnified if you create a credible faith. I found myself regularly intrigued by characters’ relationship with their faith, almost as if they were real historical figures and this was a real religion.
It is not, however, a book that holds your hand. For our two protagonists, it is (near enough) their first time encountering the Guardians and each other; there is no backstory between these characters for Gudgion to fall back on to fill the reader in. You are left to figure out the Guardians and their allies for yourself, through dialogue, subtext, and clever character work.
This is one of the reasons that if I did not know Hammer of Fate had been published in 2023, I would struggle to tell you when it was written. Gudgion's carefully crafted prose has a timeless appeal to it; it felt as if this could have been written at any time during the last sixty years.
Despite my consideration above of the Guardians, it is the antagonists of the novel I was most intrigued by. Junior priest, Malory d’Eeivet is, by turns, brave and cowardly, dogged and foolish, sly and naive. His faith waxes and wanes. It's fascinating to see his aspiration collide with the reality of what he is forced to do. In short, he behaves exactly as an ambitious young man thrown into this situation would. He is a wholly believable character, and a rarely sympathetic antagonist.
The true villain is Malory’s superior, Ghislain Barthram. We see him only from other characters' perspectives, and they are rightly terrified of him. His single-mindedness reminded me often of another devious fictional priest, Waleran Bigod from Ken Follett’s Pillars of the Earth. However, with Bigod I always felt sure I understood his motivation; with Barthram I regularly found myself wondering – is he a true believer, a cynic hiding behind fanaticism for personal advancement, or somewhere in between?
Finally, it would be remiss not to mention Adelais, our bold heroine. Her culture, sex, and religion mark her as an outsider in Galmandie and among the men she encounters, and her struggle to survive and succeed despite that through cunning, tenacity, and sheer gumption is in many ways the heart of Hammer of Fate. Can she really do magic, or is it merely happenstance and wishful thinking? It’s a question I’m still asking myself, days after finishing the book.
In 1307, Philip IV of France, in need of money, ordered the arrest of every member of the Knights Templar, confiscated their property, and handed them over to the Inquisition. Since their founding in 1119 for the protection of pilgrims travelling to the Crusader states, the Templars had been perhaps the leading military order in Christendom. The European zeal for crusading was in decline by the early 14th century, but the Templars remained rich landowners, with substantial holdings across Europe. Through torture, the Inquisition extracted confessions from the Templars of idolatry, denying Christ, and spitting on the Cross.
It is in a fantasy realm not unlike the aftermath of Philip IV’s persecution of the Templars that we begin our journey in Hammer of Fate. Over several years, the King of Galmandie has worked to destroy the Order of Guardians, a religious brotherhood of knights that has long supported him in his wars, imprisoning and torturing them under accusations of heretical practices.
When I began reading, I was immediately struck by Gudgion’s passion for and knowledge of the era of history on which the book is based. The world feels immediate and authentic, with period-accurate clothing, attitudes, and social hierarchy, plus a well-judged sprinkling of originality.
Gudgion’s patience in developing his setting pays dividends; it created a level of immersion that wholly invested me in the stakes of the story. Take, for example, religion, a common cornerstone of fantasy world-building. I have seen countless flavours of this, but few have been as detailed or effective as what G.N. Gudgion achieves in Hammer of Fate. It is quasi-Christianity, but the unique details make it so much more than that: there is ritual, scripture, and liturgy; there are prayers, relics, and martyrs.
When you have fictional persons whose primary motivation is religious ideals, their realism is infinitely magnified if you create a credible faith. I found myself regularly intrigued by characters’ relationship with their faith, almost as if they were real historical figures and this was a real religion.
It is not, however, a book that holds your hand. For our two protagonists, it is (near enough) their first time encountering the Guardians and each other; there is no backstory between these characters for Gudgion to fall back on to fill the reader in. You are left to figure out the Guardians and their allies for yourself, through dialogue, subtext, and clever character work.
This is one of the reasons that if I did not know Hammer of Fate had been published in 2023, I would struggle to tell you when it was written. Gudgion's carefully crafted prose has a timeless appeal to it; it felt as if this could have been written at any time during the last sixty years.
Despite my consideration above of the Guardians, it is the antagonists of the novel I was most intrigued by. Junior priest, Malory d’Eeivet is, by turns, brave and cowardly, dogged and foolish, sly and naive. His faith waxes and wanes. It's fascinating to see his aspiration collide with the reality of what he is forced to do. In short, he behaves exactly as an ambitious young man thrown into this situation would. He is a wholly believable character, and a rarely sympathetic antagonist.
The true villain is Malory’s superior, Ghislain Barthram. We see him only from other characters' perspectives, and they are rightly terrified of him. His single-mindedness reminded me often of another devious fictional priest, Waleran Bigod from Ken Follett’s Pillars of the Earth. However, with Bigod I always felt sure I understood his motivation; with Barthram I regularly found myself wondering – is he a true believer, a cynic hiding behind fanaticism for personal advancement, or somewhere in between?
Finally, it would be remiss not to mention Adelais, our bold heroine. Her culture, sex, and religion mark her as an outsider in Galmandie and among the men she encounters, and her struggle to survive and succeed despite that through cunning, tenacity, and sheer gumption is in many ways the heart of Hammer of Fate. Can she really do magic, or is it merely happenstance and wishful thinking? It’s a question I’m still asking myself, days after finishing the book.
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