God of War II

God of War #2

by Robert E. Vardeman

All the majesty and mayhem of Greek mythology spring to life once more in the powerful second novel based on the bestselling and critically acclaimed God of War® franchise. Once the mighty warrior Kratos was a slave to the gods, bound to do their savage bidding. After destroying Ares, the God of War, Kratos was granted his freedom by Zeus—and even given?the ousted god's throne on Olympus. But the other gods of the pantheon didn't take kindly to Kratos's ascension and, in turn, conspired against him. Banished, Kratos must ally himself with the despised Titans, ancient enemies of the Olympians, in order to take revenge and silence the nightmares that haunt him. God of War II takes the videogame's action to electrifying new heights, and adds ever more fascinating layers to the larger-than-life tale of Kratos.

Genres: Fantasy, Mythology, Fiction, Audiobook, Video Games, Gaming, Paranormal

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 25, 2011

About the author

Also writes as:
Daniel Moran
F.J. Hale
Edward S. Hudson
Karl Lassiter
Jackson Lowry

Reviews

[Alejandro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kratos is back... run for your lives!!!


KRATOS RETURNS

This is the sequel of the first "God of War" story, and as I commented in the review of the first book, I may be one of the few or the only one who have read this novel without having to play the video game whose is based this book.

I chose to read this series because a good friend is a huge fan of this video game saga and of Kratos, the lead character.

This second novelization is really good too.

The story continues to tell the tale of Kratos, called the Ghost of Spartan and that his deals with the Greek Olympian Gods would became a terrible change of the balance of power in the Olympus.

Here, you have other fresh takes about the Greek mythology that I found quite enjoyable and certainly, the story here became bigger in some sense, and even you will find not only the current Olympian Gods but also the famous Titans.


NOT YOUR TYPICAL ODYSSEY

Maybe some elements in the story use some liberties in the characters, or not, I am not sure, since I didn't know that Prometheus was a Titan, I knew that he was punished to give fire to the mortals, but I thought that he was a mortal too, like Adam in Hebrew history, the first human mold by the Gods.

But I suppose that that it's not so important if it was changed or not.

Also, the book ended, as the video game as I understand, in an epic cliffhanger...

...so I hope that eventually they would publish the rest of novelizations of the video games to complete the story of Kratos.

[Wahib Anthony-yared · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its epic.. i also have the game. 1,2,3, ghost of sparta and chains of olympus

[Molly Kropp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely liked the first book better, no specific reason comes to mind, just liked the fresh story a littlemore. I also listened to this as an Audiobook and the narrator was different from the first, and that really bothered me!! It's still a fun, easy, entertaining read 😁

[Brandon McGuire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book way more than I thought I would. I really enjoyed the games themselves for their over the top action and my interest in most things Greek/Roman mythology related, but this book really surprised me.
No one would honestly say that the games are renowned for their plots or character development. Everything stems from the basic idea that Kratos was manipulated into killing his family by Ares before the first game starts and his anger towards the Gods stemming from this leads to the action.
The writers of the game took some liberties with the various historical figures found throughout the game, but they keep the same basic framework that’s needed and make changes from their. I really enjoyed how the author added some effort into what’s going on in the background concerning the Gods and the Sisters that isn’t seen much at all throughout the game.
I got this book for $2 at the Green Valley Book Fair and I’m definitely interested in reading more of the novelizations of the series to see how it translates from game to paper. I’d definitely recommend this book to those who enjoyed the game or who don’t mind the over the top violence surrounding the various fights while enjoying Greek/Roman mythology, but outside of that I doubt you’ll find much to enjoy here.

[Tanja Glavnik · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOL the gods are such morons, no wonder they end up dead.

Kratos may not be 100% right about gunning for Zeus but ... he only wanted Zeus, the rest just made stupid choices not even worthy of gods.

Do I agree with him? Not quite, but damn if he wasn't on to something.

Now I just wish there was a novelization of God of War III to watch him finish the job.

10/10 recommend!

[Paul Kautz · Rating 2 out of 5]

What worked pretty nicely within a game becomes very much a bore when put in book form:

- Kratos is angry and kills some mythical creature
- The gods of Olympus do stuff
- The Sisters of Fate something something, plot plot scheme scheme
- Kratos is angry and kills more mythical creatures
- The gods of Olympus do more stuff
- The Sisters of Fate something something, plot plot scheme scheme

Rinse and repeat over about 200 pages. That‘s it. That‘s the whole book.

[Elie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a very nice book i liked very much because it makes the reader to read it more than once. This book God of War 2 by Robert E. Vardeman is based on a Greek Mythology and it focused on Kratos who has became the God of War after he defeat the Olympian God Ares. During his battle in Rhodes, Kratos was killed by Zeus due to his actions and was saved by the Titan Gaia Gaia explains to Kratos that he must now find the Sisters of Fate, who can change his fate and prevent his death at the hands of Zeus. at the end of the story,Kratos surprises Zeus and seizes the Blade of Olympus, and after a protracted battle, prevents Zeus. Athena begs Kratos to stop, stating by killing Zeus, Kratos will destroy Olympus. Kratos ignores Athena and attempts to kill Zeus, but Athena sacrifices herself and is impaled by the Blade of Olympus. Before dying, Athena reveals Kratos is Zeus' son, and that Zeus was afraid that Kratos would usurp him. What I like the best in The Story is when Kratos Athena begs Kratos to stop, stating by killing Zeus, Kratos will destroy Olympus. I advise all the readers to read this interesting book.

[Nick Tenaglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written novelization of the second video game in the God of War Series.
Very detailed and if you’ve played the game, you can visualize every aspect from the writhing.
Was hoping Robert wrote a 3rd part but have not seen anything yet.

[Aleksei Uljassov · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the first book makes the story complete for the people who played the game, so does the second. If I am not mistaking the author even tried to include less battles in this one, I highlight this point as it to me seems the weakest part in both books.

[Mirko jakulica · Rating 5 out of 5]

esta muy bueno yo lo recomiendo primero el libro y despues el jugar el juego el libro es muy entretenido igual que el juego

[JJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

God of War II is basically a fine video game tie-in, but it struggles to weave a well-told story on its own.

God of War II is something of anomaly in the media tie-in space: despite the game of the same name releasing in 2007, the novelization wasn't published until years later in 2013. I'm not sure what the cause of this is, but the benefit is immediately clear: God of War II is able to reference events of prequel games that released in the intervening years and better incorporate them into the main God of War saga.

The novel focuses on three concurrent casts of characters. First, we have Kratos -- the player character in the games -- working his way through the story of the game. While I generally think God of War has entertaining stories, the transfer from game to book was not seamless. The action is related in such a way that it's hard to visualize what's actually going on, and Kratos' movement through locations feels jarring in how little transition there is from one game area to the next. Beyond references to other games, there's not much to be gained from reading this story as opposed to watching it on YouTube (or, of course, playing it yourself).

The second cast of characters is the sisters of fate -- one set of antagonists from the game. We get brief glimpses into their bickering amongst each other and manipulations of Kratos' destiny. Unfortunately, it quickly wears thin as they repeat the same arguments over and over again.

The third cast of characters -- the gods on Mount Olympus -- is by far the highlight of this novel. Seeing Zeus, Athena, and the rest of the gods maneuver for power and influence is an entertaining look at Kratos' ultimate enemies. And unlike the sisters of fate, they are given far more to do.

So out of the three main sections of the book, only one of them is particularly good. God of War II won't ruin your enjoyment of the games by any means, but it only enhances some elements of the story, while bloating and muddling with others.

[Brandon Wall · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had high hopes approaching this book. I have played the God of War games and found them intensely fun! I have also read other novels based off videogames such as Assassins Creed and Gears of War. This book however did not catch me enough to want to finish it. Around ¼ of the way through the book, my interest started to dwindle; by the half way mark I was done caring about it. The book became a chore to read and I found myself trying to complete a chapter hoping it would get better.
So what is wrong with it? Personally, I don’t think that Kratos himself has really any depth to explore character wise. He is out for revenge and that’s it. Any time the perspective is focused on Kratos, it’s just explaining how he is killing people/creatures. After the 3rd battle, the whole formula never really changed and was just stale candy for the imagination. His whole thought process is just about not failing and his personal revenge expressed repeatedly. The story also addresses the Olympian Gods, the banished Titans, and a few mythical encounters in between. The other agendas addressed however didn’t really hold any interest story wise either. The past videogame based book I read had new underlining content that expresses the events of the game in deeper detail that made it fun to read. This book doesn’t have that at all. Pretty much it’s the exact paper-thin story of the game with pages of detailed explanations of how Kratos kills things. There is no real balance to be found.
I would only really recommend this book to people who really like the God of Wars series or those who are looking for a flat story that focuses mainly on Kratos killing everything.

[Andrew Gomez · Rating 3 out of 5]

The novelization of the sequel to the original game God of War. Unlike the first book, I had no frame of reference to what actually happens in this story. Which in that regards, it was a bit refreshing since I was able to somewhat go into this blind not knowing how this part of the journey plays out even though I ultimately know the end-game of the series. Like the last book, this one reads as if your viewing the game play out, with our lead not having too much dialog, but all actions are described in great detail. A lot the story comes from the supporting cast getting more inside to their point of view onto Kratos' actions. I appreciate how this story plays around with Greek Mythology, taking thinks that usually play out in normal stories, and twisting it in a way to keep things feeling original. Like the first book, I don't see why anyone would want to read this if you already know the story from the game. It should also be noted that the game this is based on its not exactly easily available, since you have to sign up for Sony PlayStation online service. More so, they never made a novelization of the third game. Which I find some humor knowing its the only game from the main line of games to not get one, but that getting off topic. This book did what it needed to for me in catching up with the previous games. Audiobook is read a bit better then the first book's, being read at a good pace that kind of blows through its ten hour listen time. If I was to boil down this review, I enjoyed this book, not sure if I would ever have to come back to this.

[SteveL · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kratos has taken up the mantle of God of War after killing Ares and Zeus is less than pleased. The new status quo has upset not only him, but all the gods of Olympus and something must be done. After tricking Kratos into losing his godhood, Kratos has decided on a new quest for himself. To kill Zeus.

While I liked this book, I did feel it didn't work as well as the first did. Yes, they are both based on games but this one felt a bit lacking in the flow that the first one did. There is also a more expanded and arguably confusing plotline with fates and time travel. With this grander narrative, there are a lot more characters who all generally get their chance to shine. The narrator does a pretty good job, but there are some noticeable slip ups here and there that were left in. A few wrong names used that threw off the story.

The novel, like the game, ends on a cliffhanger and it is a doozy. While the first book felt like a self contained story, this one does feel like a middle chapter that sets up what is to come. I have played the third game, so I am not sure if I will get to the audio book for the series. It was good but didn't feel like a must listen.

[Victor Oliveira · Rating 4 out of 5]

O livro se baseia no ótimo jogo God of War II, para PlayStation 2.

O que torna esse livro melhor que o outro? O fato dele focar mais na história do que na pancadaria. Acho que a troca de escritor fez bem a história.

Aqui vemos personagens mais bem construídos, expondo seus interesses e dualidades.

Em alguns momentos, o Kratos nem aparece na história, e você não sente a menor falta dele. As tramas, diálogos e intrigas envolvendo principalmente os deuses olimpianos preenchem muito bem o "vazio" deixado pelas ausências momentâneas do Kratos.

Pena não terem saido livros das sequências dos jogos (God of War III e Ascencion).

Recomendo a leitura, vale muito a pena.

[Stardust Crusader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a better book in comparison to the first.
It is easier to follow and more pleasant to read.
My problems with it is how it portrayed the gods;
It makes them come across as incompetent and not to be taken seriously, It came across as disrespectful.
Also, it focuses too much on a character that isn't even part of the game, and by the end, it goes nowhere.
The highlight of this book was the Sisters of Fate.

[Аramat · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5
Better than the first one.
Kratos's character in the books is BORING.
I gave 2.5 stars because I liked the gods and the demigods and there were more of them in this sequel. Just play the games, because the story is completely the same. The only difference is that few pages with Hermes, Zeus and Athena.

[Antonio · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the game so much, and in game you don't ask question like why is something happens or some event look stupid you just play and enjoy. But book is different and when you read you have a different views on some things and ask my self why and how is that possible even if this is fantasy novel. And the book looks simple and straightforward.

[Mateus Ferreira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Após ser enganado pelos deuses que juraram livrá-lo de seus tormentos, Kratos se torna uma máquina de morte e destruição. Com uma profecia que surge no Olimpo sobre um homem marcado que traria o fim de todos os deuses, Kratos se torna um peão em um destino cruel e sangrento, que marcaria a figura do fantasma de Esparta como um símbolo de morte.

[Ekenedilichukwu Ikegwuani · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy all the added backstory about what is going on with the Fates and the gods while Kratos is on his quest, but it just gets confusing when all the time things get involved, erasing all three intrigues among the gods and you wonder how he was able to escape his fate in the first place

[Richard Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having never played the games, but watched playthroughs, this book helped to immerse into the world of the game's setting. I loved the added sections that added more to the story. A shame there isn't an adaptation of the other titles.

[Amirreza Najarian Toosi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good.

[Kevin Potter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as the first one, as long as you understand what you're getting into this is a fun, action packed read.

And again, I wish they had Terrence Carlson do the audiobook.

[Jeremy Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book based off game. Only down side was audio book narration could have been better

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked the book, but it seemed a bit too fast.
Still enjoyed it. Too bad that there isn't a third book.

[Vladimiros Valerios Katsikidis · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's better to just play the game itself.
The book does contain more context and extra scenes but it's not really worth your time.

[Graham Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Long winded with bits that were not needed at all. Also no definite solution to Kratos's quest to kill Zeus. Unless there was suppose to be a third book then it's an open end story!

[Emperor Augusto · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is as good the first one, the different point of view, detail and engagement. The only disappointment is that they didn't make a novel for the third game.

[Nick Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

From other users:

The novel focuses on three concurrent casts of characters. First, we have Kratos -- the player character in the games -- working his way through the story of the game. While I generally think God of War has entertaining stories, the transfer from game to book was not seamless. The action is related in such a way that it's hard to visualize what's actually going on, and Kratos' movement through locations feels jarring in how little transition there is from one game area to the next. Beyond references to other games, there's not much to be gained from reading this story as opposed to watching it on YouTube (or, of course, playing it yourself).

The second cast of characters is the sisters of fate -- one set of antagonists from the game. We get brief glimpses into their bickering amongst each other and manipulations of Kratos' destiny. Unfortunately, it quickly wears thin as they repeat the same arguments over and over again.

The third cast of characters -- the gods on Mount Olympus -- is by far the highlight of this novel. Seeing Zeus, Athena, and the rest of the gods maneuver for power and influence is an entertaining look at Kratos' ultimate enemies. And unlike the sisters of fate, they are given far more to do.

Personally, I don’t think that Kratos himself has really any depth to explore character wise. He is out for revenge and that’s it. Any time the perspective is focused on Kratos, it’s just explaining how he is killing people/creatures. After the 3rd battle, the whole formula never really changed and was just stale candy for the imagination. His whole thought process is just about not failing and his personal revenge expressed repeatedly. The story also addresses the Olympian Gods, the banished Titans, and a few mythical encounters in between. The other agendas addressed however didn’t really hold any interest story wise either. The past videogame based book I read had new underlining content that expresses the events of the game in deeper detail that made it fun to read. This book doesn’t have that at all. Pretty much it’s the exact paper-thin story of the game with pages of detailed explanations of how Kratos kills things. There is no real balance to be found.

[Amin Abootalebi Yazdi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read God of War and God of War II back to back, having already played the games when they were first released on the PlayStation 2. These books function as pseudo-novelizations to a large extent, which makes them a rather sluggish and monotonous read. Given their source material, they inevitably fall into a repetitive cycle—Kratos sees, Kratos kills.

The only truly engaging aspect of the series is the interspersed short chapters narrated from the perspectives of various characters—primarily Kratos’ adversaries. These sections offer the sole deviation from the games and provide a fleeting glimpse of narrative depth beyond the relentless action.

Ultimately, these books aren’t worth the time. First, they contribute little beyond retelling the games with minimal variation. Second, they only cover the first two installments, despite God of War III concluding the saga. As a result, readers unfamiliar with the series are left with an unresolved cliffhanger, which hardly makes for a satisfying experience.

If you’re interested in Kratos’ story, you’d be better off watching a lore recap on YouTube than slogging through these books.