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Risen Gods
“It doesn’t matter what you believe. The time is here regardless, and they are coming. After so long, the gods are rising again.”
Ben Henare turned away from the gods of his ancestors to follow his own path, choosing the modern world over myths of demons and monsters.
But when New Zealand is shaken by earthquakes and dark powers are released, Ben must fight his way north through ice caves and oceans, battling the evil god Whiro and the creatures of the earth and sky.
Lucy Campion is a trainee doctor, a rational scientist with no belief in demons. When her parents are killed and her sister is threatened, Lucy is tasked with carrying an ancient talisman north to where the oceans meet. But both human and supernatural foes stand in her way.
As the people they love are threatened and New Zealand begins to crumble, can Ben and Lucy find each other again and save the country from the wrath of the Risen Gods?
Risen Gods is a fast-paced, urban fantasy adventure set in Aotearoa/New Zealand, rich with Maori mythology of gods and goddesses, demons and devils. If you enjoy supernatural thrillers, download a sample or buy now.
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling supernatural thriller author J.F.Penn, and dark fantasy author, J. Thorn, comes a stand-alone novel of demons, monsters, and Risen Gods.
Ben Henare turned away from the gods of his ancestors to follow his own path, choosing the modern world over myths of demons and monsters.
But when New Zealand is shaken by earthquakes and dark powers are released, Ben must fight his way north through ice caves and oceans, battling the evil god Whiro and the creatures of the earth and sky.
Lucy Campion is a trainee doctor, a rational scientist with no belief in demons. When her parents are killed and her sister is threatened, Lucy is tasked with carrying an ancient talisman north to where the oceans meet. But both human and supernatural foes stand in her way.
As the people they love are threatened and New Zealand begins to crumble, can Ben and Lucy find each other again and save the country from the wrath of the Risen Gods?
Risen Gods is a fast-paced, urban fantasy adventure set in Aotearoa/New Zealand, rich with Maori mythology of gods and goddesses, demons and devils. If you enjoy supernatural thrillers, download a sample or buy now.
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling supernatural thriller author J.F.Penn, and dark fantasy author, J. Thorn, comes a stand-alone novel of demons, monsters, and Risen Gods.
210 pages, ebook
Published November 23, 2015
81 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
J.F. Penn
56 books2,233 followersI'm the award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thrillers, crime, dark fantasy, horror, short stories, and travel memoir.
Reading order: https://jfpennbooks.com/pages/reading...
The fast-paced ARKANE thrillers weave together historical artifacts, global locations, a kick-ass protagonist and a hint of the supernatural. Described by readers as "Dan Brown meets Lara Croft."
The Brooke & Daniel Crime Thriller Series features British detective Jamie Brooke alongside museum researcher Blake Daniel, as they solve dark crimes around London.
The Mapwalker fantasy adventure trilogy is set between Bath, England and the Borderlands in a split world fantasy where Sienna and the Mapwalker team travel through maps to adventure ...
A Thousand Fiendish Angels is a collection of 3 short stories bound together by a book of human skin. Inspired by Dante's Inferno.
You can buy books directly from me https://jfpennbooks.com/
I have a blog and podcast at http://www.BooksAndTravel.page
I'm passionate about writing and I love reading. My favorite authors include James Rollins, Jonathan Maberry, John Connolly, Daniel Silva, and I also read a lot of travel books.
Reading order: https://jfpennbooks.com/pages/reading...
The fast-paced ARKANE thrillers weave together historical artifacts, global locations, a kick-ass protagonist and a hint of the supernatural. Described by readers as "Dan Brown meets Lara Croft."
The Brooke & Daniel Crime Thriller Series features British detective Jamie Brooke alongside museum researcher Blake Daniel, as they solve dark crimes around London.
The Mapwalker fantasy adventure trilogy is set between Bath, England and the Borderlands in a split world fantasy where Sienna and the Mapwalker team travel through maps to adventure ...
A Thousand Fiendish Angels is a collection of 3 short stories bound together by a book of human skin. Inspired by Dante's Inferno.
You can buy books directly from me https://jfpennbooks.com/
I have a blog and podcast at http://www.BooksAndTravel.page
I'm passionate about writing and I love reading. My favorite authors include James Rollins, Jonathan Maberry, John Connolly, Daniel Silva, and I also read a lot of travel books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
July 3, 2020
The gods of the Maori in New Zealand are angry with the humans who ignore the sanctity of the land and sea and are seeking vengeance. Earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruption, and beasts from the sea. Many are dead or severely injured, but two young people who love their land are destined to fight for it. Ben receives his orders from his Maori grandfather, Lucy receives hers from a Maori priestess while looking for her younger sister. Lots of action and terror, good people and villains in this exciting read. Author's descriptions of the beauty of the South Island are wondrous. Loved it!
Narrator C.J. McAllister was great in differentiating characters and narrative as well as providing pronunciations of words I haven't heard on Brokenwood.
Narrator C.J. McAllister was great in differentiating characters and narrative as well as providing pronunciations of words I haven't heard on Brokenwood.
November 13, 2022
I enjoyed the dive into Māori mythology and culture. It provided for exciting stakes and set pieces. I felt an immediate connection with the two protagonists. I enjoyed the way the story weaved the real-world evil of child trafficking with the supernatural threat of ancient gods destroying the world. There was some real tragedy in this book, which I'm always up for, but I would have appreciated a little more psychological realism in the way characters reacted to not only the extraordinary supernatural events around them, but also the deeply painful tragedies.
December 18, 2021
Fabulously multicultural background with meticulously researched Maori creation myths mixed in with a fast paced, exciting story.
I was drawn in to the world of New Zealand from the beginning and further into the nature and indigenous histories of the characters.
This book was well written, tightly plotted and guides the reader to the end like a Nascar race. Highly recommended!
I was drawn in to the world of New Zealand from the beginning and further into the nature and indigenous histories of the characters.
This book was well written, tightly plotted and guides the reader to the end like a Nascar race. Highly recommended!
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February 28, 2016
Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'm involved with the academic community around New Zealand Studies and as I'm also a longtime fan of J. F. Penn's writing, I was curious to see how Risen Gods might pan out. It certainly involves the madcap pacing and desperation of her ARKANE series, although here relocated to New Zealand during a series of natural disasters provoked by the return of angry Maori gods.
Using mythology in fiction provides its own interesting challenges, and for civilisations like the Vikings, the Egyptians or even the Mayans, it's often just a case of populating your fiction with the relevant deities. Christianity itself often ends up being used, through its myriad occult artefacts, and host of angels and demons. But using the gods of an existing culture that people still participate in is a little more tricky, because you don't want to risk oversimplifying the myths, or using the stories in an offensive way.
I think for the large part that Penn and Thorn have managed to sidestep that here, including a glossary of terms and trying to treat the myths with reverence and sensitivity, but part of me did wonder exactly why ancient gods would choose the two individuals that they did. There's an interesting subtext throughout the novel in the sense that Penn and Thorn underline the closer relationship between the land and the Maori, and the disconnect between other cultures and nature, and there's a certain degree of 'warning' here, but obviously it's fiction so it's not really appropriate to delve into the socioeconomic factors that lead to that breakdown between humans and the land!
It is a good read, cracking along at a fair pace, and they don't exactly skimp on the horror, either. Some of encounters with the risen gods might benefit from some suspense - would a storm REALLY rise that quickly? would it not be better to inject some menace by having it build up more slowly? - but on the whole it kept me turning the pages (in a Kindle sense of the term) and I certainly enjoyed it. Its location in New Zealand and engagement with Maori beliefs made it an unusual and original take on the 'quest' narrative, and it serves as a good introduction to both authors.
I'm involved with the academic community around New Zealand Studies and as I'm also a longtime fan of J. F. Penn's writing, I was curious to see how Risen Gods might pan out. It certainly involves the madcap pacing and desperation of her ARKANE series, although here relocated to New Zealand during a series of natural disasters provoked by the return of angry Maori gods.
Using mythology in fiction provides its own interesting challenges, and for civilisations like the Vikings, the Egyptians or even the Mayans, it's often just a case of populating your fiction with the relevant deities. Christianity itself often ends up being used, through its myriad occult artefacts, and host of angels and demons. But using the gods of an existing culture that people still participate in is a little more tricky, because you don't want to risk oversimplifying the myths, or using the stories in an offensive way.
I think for the large part that Penn and Thorn have managed to sidestep that here, including a glossary of terms and trying to treat the myths with reverence and sensitivity, but part of me did wonder exactly why ancient gods would choose the two individuals that they did. There's an interesting subtext throughout the novel in the sense that Penn and Thorn underline the closer relationship between the land and the Maori, and the disconnect between other cultures and nature, and there's a certain degree of 'warning' here, but obviously it's fiction so it's not really appropriate to delve into the socioeconomic factors that lead to that breakdown between humans and the land!
It is a good read, cracking along at a fair pace, and they don't exactly skimp on the horror, either. Some of encounters with the risen gods might benefit from some suspense - would a storm REALLY rise that quickly? would it not be better to inject some menace by having it build up more slowly? - but on the whole it kept me turning the pages (in a Kindle sense of the term) and I certainly enjoyed it. Its location in New Zealand and engagement with Maori beliefs made it an unusual and original take on the 'quest' narrative, and it serves as a good introduction to both authors.
September 24, 2020
This book started off kind of strong for me, I was interested from the first chapter. But then there was just so much going on and the dialogue was kind of silly in places. I did find the Maori parts of the story interesting but in the end it was just an okay book.
October 9, 2017
Risen Gods follows two main characters, Ben and Lucy, as they navigate the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in New Zealand. While at first, it seems like a normal natural disaster, Ben and Lucy soon realize that it's actually supernatural. The ancient gods have awoken, and they're ready to take back their land.
The action begins in the first chapter and doesn't let up throughout the novel. Ben and Lucy are separated and thrust into different journeys, where they must face the devastation caused by the earthquake, learn the truth about the disaster, and attempt to save New Zealand with the help of unlikely allies. The various obstacles and twists kept me guessing, as every time Ben or Lucy made progress, something else stood in their way. While I enjoyed the fast pacing, once the end came, it seemed to come very quickly and without as much resistance as the rest of the book. It was still satisfying, but not what I was expecting.
My favorite aspect of this novel is how it grappled with two central themes. First, the authors did a fantastic job of weaving in New Zealand mythology (I learned so much without feeling like I'd read a textbook), and showing the tension between modernity and folklore. Second, the authors encapsulated the best and worst of human nature. Some people offered help and compassion after the tragedy, while others took advantage of weaker individuals in the worst possible ways. This theme gave the novel a gritty realism that many authors are afraid to touch.
Last, I should note that I listened to the audiobook version. Though I would have preferred a New Zealand narrator, I do understand that the authors probably chose an American to make listening easier for the majority of their audience (myself included). The narrator held my interest, was articulate, and did a good job with both male and female voices (so often I think male narrators make women sound silly).
TL;DR: Risen Gods is a supernatural thriller in which the characters attempt to survive and save New Zealand after a divinely caused earthquake. Fast-paced and action-packed, it holds modernity and folkore, as well as human goodness and evil, in perfect tension. One hell of a fun ride, with an articulate narrator to boot.
The action begins in the first chapter and doesn't let up throughout the novel. Ben and Lucy are separated and thrust into different journeys, where they must face the devastation caused by the earthquake, learn the truth about the disaster, and attempt to save New Zealand with the help of unlikely allies. The various obstacles and twists kept me guessing, as every time Ben or Lucy made progress, something else stood in their way. While I enjoyed the fast pacing, once the end came, it seemed to come very quickly and without as much resistance as the rest of the book. It was still satisfying, but not what I was expecting.
My favorite aspect of this novel is how it grappled with two central themes. First, the authors did a fantastic job of weaving in New Zealand mythology (I learned so much without feeling like I'd read a textbook), and showing the tension between modernity and folklore. Second, the authors encapsulated the best and worst of human nature. Some people offered help and compassion after the tragedy, while others took advantage of weaker individuals in the worst possible ways. This theme gave the novel a gritty realism that many authors are afraid to touch.
Last, I should note that I listened to the audiobook version. Though I would have preferred a New Zealand narrator, I do understand that the authors probably chose an American to make listening easier for the majority of their audience (myself included). The narrator held my interest, was articulate, and did a good job with both male and female voices (so often I think male narrators make women sound silly).
TL;DR: Risen Gods is a supernatural thriller in which the characters attempt to survive and save New Zealand after a divinely caused earthquake. Fast-paced and action-packed, it holds modernity and folkore, as well as human goodness and evil, in perfect tension. One hell of a fun ride, with an articulate narrator to boot.
February 24, 2017
It took time and a couple of books before I became a fan of Ms. Penn, now I easily can say I am one of her faithful readers that simply can get enough of her dark fantasy adventures.
Set against the backdrop of Aotearoa, New Zealand, “Risen Gods” is rich with myth and history of the island. It opens with Ben and Lucy are out sailing when a tidal waves strikes the coast and the two lovebirds are separated in the chaotic aftermath. New Zealand is rocked by earthquakes and aftershocks, volcanos are erupting, the country is turned upside down, people are dead and those who are not believe the gods are coming…. Chaos everywhere, smoke demons are attacking, octopuses (octopi)are grabbing people, some escape and some fall and are eaten up….and as we follow Ben and Lucy journeys on their separate route we see the evil through their eyes. The duel protagonists battle supernatural and human evils to save those they love from destruction by the gods and find each other again…..
This very captivating story is coloured with Maori beliefs and legends and is well- done and extremely visual. I was such a riveting, macabre and mythical experience that I couldn’t put this book down and read it in no time. The author’s knowledge of history, mythology and archaeology and the country’s culture shine through her words. A great amount of researched went into this book no doubt. I also like the characterization Ben and Lucy are realistic in their approach and the secondary cast, good and bad are excellent players.
This is an excellent read.
I was given a copy of this book by Ms. Penn for an honest and unbiased review.
Set against the backdrop of Aotearoa, New Zealand, “Risen Gods” is rich with myth and history of the island. It opens with Ben and Lucy are out sailing when a tidal waves strikes the coast and the two lovebirds are separated in the chaotic aftermath. New Zealand is rocked by earthquakes and aftershocks, volcanos are erupting, the country is turned upside down, people are dead and those who are not believe the gods are coming…. Chaos everywhere, smoke demons are attacking, octopuses (octopi)are grabbing people, some escape and some fall and are eaten up….and as we follow Ben and Lucy journeys on their separate route we see the evil through their eyes. The duel protagonists battle supernatural and human evils to save those they love from destruction by the gods and find each other again…..
This very captivating story is coloured with Maori beliefs and legends and is well- done and extremely visual. I was such a riveting, macabre and mythical experience that I couldn’t put this book down and read it in no time. The author’s knowledge of history, mythology and archaeology and the country’s culture shine through her words. A great amount of researched went into this book no doubt. I also like the characterization Ben and Lucy are realistic in their approach and the secondary cast, good and bad are excellent players.
This is an excellent read.
I was given a copy of this book by Ms. Penn for an honest and unbiased review.
February 26, 2019
Margaret requested a copy of this book for the family shelves - she follows the author's blog/videos & is working through one of her writing courses.
I was pleasantly surprised - the author wove mythology & cultural threads very effectively throughout. It was extremely fast paced. The characters were rather utilitarian - the story was more about the actions/reactions and natural phenomena. It felt rushed - I think it could have been fleshed out to better effect (plus the rushing necessitated oversimplifying or "artistic license" with natural disasters - you don't ride a tsunami ashore only to be in that same spot, only on dry land, within the hour). I would've loved more background on the various gods, the prior manifestations listed in the story, etc. However, in only 190 pages, that just isn't realistic. :(
I enjoyed the author's voice - very tightly written with very evocative language.
This book would be a great travel read. The chapters are brief, so it's good for parents who spend much time in parking lots waiting for kids at activities. I read it over a few nights as my bedtime read - I probably wouldn't recommend that, as there's a lot of suspence, drama, and danger. It'd be a great weekend binge!
I'll check out some more of her fiction works - this first exposure was very enjoyable.
I was pleasantly surprised - the author wove mythology & cultural threads very effectively throughout. It was extremely fast paced. The characters were rather utilitarian - the story was more about the actions/reactions and natural phenomena. It felt rushed - I think it could have been fleshed out to better effect (plus the rushing necessitated oversimplifying or "artistic license" with natural disasters - you don't ride a tsunami ashore only to be in that same spot, only on dry land, within the hour). I would've loved more background on the various gods, the prior manifestations listed in the story, etc. However, in only 190 pages, that just isn't realistic. :(
I enjoyed the author's voice - very tightly written with very evocative language.
This book would be a great travel read. The chapters are brief, so it's good for parents who spend much time in parking lots waiting for kids at activities. I read it over a few nights as my bedtime read - I probably wouldn't recommend that, as there's a lot of suspence, drama, and danger. It'd be a great weekend binge!
I'll check out some more of her fiction works - this first exposure was very enjoyable.
January 18, 2020
This book was too pell mell in action as the characters, Ben, a young native man in New Zealand, and Lucy, a white young woman from a prominent family, find themselves separated and propelled through a fast-paced adventure triggered by a tidal wave. Both soon learn there are demonic forces at work as more traumatic natural disasters strike. They're both driven to proceed north, each possessing a piece of what's needed. I do think writing action is difficult, and this book succeeds at that. What impressed me less is the lack of characterization and basically stereotypical characters. Granted New Zealand is exotic to me. I certainly don't know Maori mythology so one can pretty much tell me anything. Still this had no depth or twists for me.
February 11, 2023
Full disclosure: the book was read and reviewed while I was going through a bout of a 102.7 F fever.
There is a seed of a good story here but the book reads like a by the numbers disaster novel with plenty of marketable tropes, a curiously unfocused plot and several spots throughout that could use a little more polish in terms of maintaining tone (for example, while fire demons make sense in an island's origin myth, it is jarring to see scientific terminology in the same sentence) and the main characters not taking unreasonable risks given the stakes (nine-hour kayak trip across the Strait with an amateur and an excellent chance of getting swept out to sea?). The characters are pretty flat and I was not emotionally engaged with them or the plot at all.
There is a seed of a good story here but the book reads like a by the numbers disaster novel with plenty of marketable tropes, a curiously unfocused plot and several spots throughout that could use a little more polish in terms of maintaining tone (for example, while fire demons make sense in an island's origin myth, it is jarring to see scientific terminology in the same sentence) and the main characters not taking unreasonable risks given the stakes (nine-hour kayak trip across the Strait with an amateur and an excellent chance of getting swept out to sea?). The characters are pretty flat and I was not emotionally engaged with them or the plot at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2017
Such a cool read! Natural disasters, gods rising from the deep, two heroes on a journey to save humanity...what's not to love?
Set in New Zealand, this thriller covers the story of angry, ancient gods rising to destroy mankind. The book opens with an exhilarating, fun scene that got me immersed instantly...and then disaster hits.
I enjoyed the fast pacing and loved the rich depiction of the setting and culture. So many times I could picture this as a big screen movie! My only niggle was that the end of the book wrapped up a little quick for my tastes, but that's usually a sign that I liked the characters enough that I'm not ready to leave them yet.
Set in New Zealand, this thriller covers the story of angry, ancient gods rising to destroy mankind. The book opens with an exhilarating, fun scene that got me immersed instantly...and then disaster hits.
I enjoyed the fast pacing and loved the rich depiction of the setting and culture. So many times I could picture this as a big screen movie! My only niggle was that the end of the book wrapped up a little quick for my tastes, but that's usually a sign that I liked the characters enough that I'm not ready to leave them yet.
July 30, 2022
An action-packed adventure across New Zealand with loads of natural disasters, Maori gods out to cleanse the land, and some beautiful scenery. The stakes are high for Lucy and Ben, they see a lot of death and lose a lot of loved-ones. I liked the appearance of the horses to help them. And the kraken-like creature of the sea out to get them… Awesome!
There are some issues with the book (POV jumping in scenes, a lot of characters getting POV time just to die, typographical space splitting scenes that shouldn’t be split), but it doesn’t detract from the story. Much.
A thrilling adventure that can be read in one sitting.
There are some issues with the book (POV jumping in scenes, a lot of characters getting POV time just to die, typographical space splitting scenes that shouldn’t be split), but it doesn’t detract from the story. Much.
A thrilling adventure that can be read in one sitting.
March 30, 2025
This is a dark fantasy adventure set in New Zealand, blending Maori mythology with supernatural thriller elements. The story follows Ben Henare and Lucy Champion, who must confront ancient gods awakened by a devastating tsunami. As the gods threaten humanity, Ben and Lucy embark on a perilous journey to deliver magical artifacts that might appease these powerful beings. Along the way, they face natural disasters, supernatural assassins, and human traffickers, all while grappling with their beliefs and personal sacrifices. It's a gripping tale of survival, mythology, and high-stakes suspense
October 12, 2017
I'm a big fan of J.F. Penn's ARKANE series, so I was eager to try give this book a shot. I won't go as far as to say I was disappointed, but this story lacked a lot of detail and felt rushed to me. I still enjoyed it, but I would have loved some additional character development and a more complete story.
January 13, 2021
3.5 - I really enjoyed the Maori culture and the fact that this book is set in NZ. It's refreshingly different and it's also a great tale. It was a little too short and rushed, but if you're looking for something full of action and short this is a good option. Certain characters I felt were more developed than others, but all around I enjoyed it.
November 7, 2017
I am a big fan of Joanna Penn's podcast and non-fiction author work, and I wanted to read some of her fiction as well. In combination with J. Thorn, the two have written a fast-paced, richly imagined plot in a world gone crazy with just about every disaster happening at once. I loved this!
September 11, 2018
Very fast-paced sequences, but very full of information and suspense. The drama and the action was exhilarating. I can't tell what year this book was set in or if this was more mystical fantasy than romantic suspense. This book has great moments, and exciting worldly elements.
February 6, 2021
It was, "meh". If it would have talked about a pantheon I was more familiar with...or could pronounce the names more easily...I would probably have enjoyed it more. But, it was ok. Doubt I will read anymore from this author tho.
February 6, 2022
Set in New Zealand, Risen Gods tells a disaster story with earthquakes, a tsunami and a volcanic eruption. Ben and Lucy, childhood friends, race against time and the ancient mythological gods to save people and the land from destruction.
February 5, 2018
Risen Gods
I enjoyed Risen God's.the book was very entertaining, the plot moved right along and was believable.the characters were very realistic and likable.
I enjoyed Risen God's.the book was very entertaining, the plot moved right along and was believable.the characters were very realistic and likable.
January 22, 2020
I loved the mythology included in this book. The characters were also very solid. It would have benefitted from a more thorough proofread.
October 26, 2020
Another superb book from J.F. Penn! With elements od Maori mythology and the near destruction of New Zealand, she and the co-author delivers a fast pased, adrenaline filled novel.
February 8, 2022
This is a very supernatural thriller, with something happing from start to finish. I do so love reading this authors books, they are right up my street. Highly recommended.
March 21, 2017
Great
Takes off like a train and doesn't let up. Reading this makes me want to visit now...I've been to the Hawaiian islands and these must be even more pristine. The Maori myths are a nice fulcrum around which to write a nice little novel with some godly mayhem and destruction.
Takes off like a train and doesn't let up. Reading this makes me want to visit now...I've been to the Hawaiian islands and these must be even more pristine. The Maori myths are a nice fulcrum around which to write a nice little novel with some godly mayhem and destruction.
March 17, 2017
Great read
Great read. The story line did not leave any gaps. Interesting story. I will recommend the Author and the book to my family and friends
Great read. The story line did not leave any gaps. Interesting story. I will recommend the Author and the book to my family and friends
March 21, 2017
The story is a journey for Ben and Lucy to find each other again after being separated along with stopping the gods from destroying the humans that have lived here for ages. They never told each other they loved the other, but in the wake of the disasters they realize it. They also know they need to survive and save their families, or what's left of their families, too.
****FULL REVIEW****
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.
Ben and Lucy are out on dinghies having fun racing with the wind in their hair and sails. Suddenly the air chills and dark clouds roll in, bringing a tidal wave with it. Ben speaks a prayer when separated from Lucy in their rush to return to shore. The protection chant to the god of the sea changes his view, and he sees beyond the wave to a terrible, starving tentacle monster inside the towering wave rushing to New Brighton. New Zealand is rocked by a tidal wave, earthquakes and after shocks, and volcano eruptions as unnatural things take over. It doesn't matter what the people believe, the gods are coming. Ben's grandfather wants to make a journey to the ancient ice, where the veil between the worlds is thin, to offer the gods a talisman handed down for generations. With the smoke demons attacking, Ben makes the trip on his own. Lucy is given her own protection pendant and makes the journey to save her sister, and the land.
In the beginning I felt as though the narrator was a bit emotionless in his voicing of the story. When we get news clips sharing the devastation with 'viewers' and information about New Zealand and it's natural events of earthquakes and such, C.T.'s voice fits for them. C.T. does do different voice tones and softness for each character when they speak, different from the story line. The audio was clear and clean sounding.
The story is a journey for Ben and Lucy to find each other again after being separated along with stopping the gods from destroying the humans that have lived here for ages. They never told each other they loved the other, but in the wake of the disasters they realize it. They also know they need to survive and save their families, or what's left of their families, too.
The story dives into the magic of the Maori people of New Zealand. We get to see quickly the enchantment of the prayers when used, and the creatures that are present. There is a connection between the people and to nature, we get to see this with Ben and his Grandfather. Grandfather tells the humans have abused the land of the gods, and they are coming to reclaim it. Grandfather is an Elder of the local tribe and close to the land. Ben knew the Maori believed in many gods and creatures but never believed in them.
We get most of the story from Ben and Lucy's POV. Seeing what is happening and the evils through their eyes. We do get moments from a few others that give us a view on broader things people do in a time of chaos and also a view on our two characters.
I didn't feel as I got close to the characters in this story. With being a shorter story, it felt as though the story focused on the events happening and not the characters connecting to the reader. Maybe that's something with the audio, but it fell short on that end for me.
I have read a few New Zealand based books with Maori beliefs and legends and enjoyed them. For some reason I wasn't drawn into this book as I thought I'd be. Was it the narration? Was it the writing and style? I'm not sure. Maybe both. It didn't feel as though the characters were expanded and given a chance for us to relate to them. I think it might have been the writing in that token.
****FULL REVIEW****
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.
Ben and Lucy are out on dinghies having fun racing with the wind in their hair and sails. Suddenly the air chills and dark clouds roll in, bringing a tidal wave with it. Ben speaks a prayer when separated from Lucy in their rush to return to shore. The protection chant to the god of the sea changes his view, and he sees beyond the wave to a terrible, starving tentacle monster inside the towering wave rushing to New Brighton. New Zealand is rocked by a tidal wave, earthquakes and after shocks, and volcano eruptions as unnatural things take over. It doesn't matter what the people believe, the gods are coming. Ben's grandfather wants to make a journey to the ancient ice, where the veil between the worlds is thin, to offer the gods a talisman handed down for generations. With the smoke demons attacking, Ben makes the trip on his own. Lucy is given her own protection pendant and makes the journey to save her sister, and the land.
In the beginning I felt as though the narrator was a bit emotionless in his voicing of the story. When we get news clips sharing the devastation with 'viewers' and information about New Zealand and it's natural events of earthquakes and such, C.T.'s voice fits for them. C.T. does do different voice tones and softness for each character when they speak, different from the story line. The audio was clear and clean sounding.
The story is a journey for Ben and Lucy to find each other again after being separated along with stopping the gods from destroying the humans that have lived here for ages. They never told each other they loved the other, but in the wake of the disasters they realize it. They also know they need to survive and save their families, or what's left of their families, too.
The story dives into the magic of the Maori people of New Zealand. We get to see quickly the enchantment of the prayers when used, and the creatures that are present. There is a connection between the people and to nature, we get to see this with Ben and his Grandfather. Grandfather tells the humans have abused the land of the gods, and they are coming to reclaim it. Grandfather is an Elder of the local tribe and close to the land. Ben knew the Maori believed in many gods and creatures but never believed in them.
We get most of the story from Ben and Lucy's POV. Seeing what is happening and the evils through their eyes. We do get moments from a few others that give us a view on broader things people do in a time of chaos and also a view on our two characters.
I didn't feel as I got close to the characters in this story. With being a shorter story, it felt as though the story focused on the events happening and not the characters connecting to the reader. Maybe that's something with the audio, but it fell short on that end for me.
I have read a few New Zealand based books with Maori beliefs and legends and enjoyed them. For some reason I wasn't drawn into this book as I thought I'd be. Was it the narration? Was it the writing and style? I'm not sure. Maybe both. It didn't feel as though the characters were expanded and given a chance for us to relate to them. I think it might have been the writing in that token.
March 26, 2016
Risen Gods is a great supernatural thriller. Ben Henare and Lucy Campion are two best friends living in New Zealand. Both have grew up together. Ben is from a Maori heritage while Lucy is Western. Lucy is enjoying her vacation from medical school with Ben. When a tsunami separated Ben and Lucy, both hoped to regroup back on land without realizing that the ancient gods of Maori have awaken and are very angry of how the native islanders have mistreated their land. The gods needed to be appease.
Ben has grown up with his grandfather's teaching of heritage. Ben has never believed that the ancients gods of Maori are true. When the evil god Whiro has taken his grandfather, Ben has to make the journey north. Ben is assisted by Gina, a Westerner to make the journey north.
Lucy returned home in search of her family. The tsunami has taken her parents but her sister Amber survived the natural disaster. With Amber, Lucy searched for a Red Cross shelter. With the rumbling of the volcano, Amber became separated from her. Lucy searched for Amber and stumbled upon a Maori named Rangi. With Rangi's help, Lucy is reunited with her sister. However, having been warned by an old woman, Lucy has to go north with Rangi to make an offering to appease the gods from destroying the island.
What I love about this story is the myth and history of the Moari culture. I love the background description of New Zealand and how the myth is interwoven into the story. I love the element of how the gods are angry with the people of not respecting and taking care of the land when they decide to slumber and woken up of how the land is abused by the people. This is the reflection of how we can be so selfish and careless in destroying nature (hence the Greenhouse effects).
Another thing I love about the story is that it shows how human nature is. While there are decent people who help each other in a natural disaster, there are also people who profit for their own gains.
This story has so many elements presented. When the readers read and analyze the story, it is the true reflections of human nature. The storyline is predictable but the story truly captures the readers' attention. I couldn't put the book down because I want to take the journey with Ben and Lucy knowing that Ben and Lucy would be able to save New Zealand from the gods.
The narrator, C.J. McAllister does a good job. He does give life to the characters but the narration voice and the broadcast voice sounds the same. It is a fact stating voice that doesn't give the listeners a feel for the story except through the characters. His pronunciation of the Maori language is excellent. It gives that native feeling to the story.
I was given this ebook by the author in exchange of an honest review. I was not compensated or influence in any way for writing this review.
Ben has grown up with his grandfather's teaching of heritage. Ben has never believed that the ancients gods of Maori are true. When the evil god Whiro has taken his grandfather, Ben has to make the journey north. Ben is assisted by Gina, a Westerner to make the journey north.
Lucy returned home in search of her family. The tsunami has taken her parents but her sister Amber survived the natural disaster. With Amber, Lucy searched for a Red Cross shelter. With the rumbling of the volcano, Amber became separated from her. Lucy searched for Amber and stumbled upon a Maori named Rangi. With Rangi's help, Lucy is reunited with her sister. However, having been warned by an old woman, Lucy has to go north with Rangi to make an offering to appease the gods from destroying the island.
What I love about this story is the myth and history of the Moari culture. I love the background description of New Zealand and how the myth is interwoven into the story. I love the element of how the gods are angry with the people of not respecting and taking care of the land when they decide to slumber and woken up of how the land is abused by the people. This is the reflection of how we can be so selfish and careless in destroying nature (hence the Greenhouse effects).
Another thing I love about the story is that it shows how human nature is. While there are decent people who help each other in a natural disaster, there are also people who profit for their own gains.
This story has so many elements presented. When the readers read and analyze the story, it is the true reflections of human nature. The storyline is predictable but the story truly captures the readers' attention. I couldn't put the book down because I want to take the journey with Ben and Lucy knowing that Ben and Lucy would be able to save New Zealand from the gods.
The narrator, C.J. McAllister does a good job. He does give life to the characters but the narration voice and the broadcast voice sounds the same. It is a fact stating voice that doesn't give the listeners a feel for the story except through the characters. His pronunciation of the Maori language is excellent. It gives that native feeling to the story.
I was given this ebook by the author in exchange of an honest review. I was not compensated or influence in any way for writing this review.
December 6, 2015
Risen Gods is a great supernatural thriller. Ben Henare and Lucy Campion are two best friends living in New Zealand. Both have grew up together. Ben is from a Maori heritage while Lucy is Western. Lucy is enjoying her vacation from medical school with Ben. When a tsunami separated Ben and Lucy, both hoped to regroup back on land without realizing that the ancient gods of Maori have awaken and are very angry of how the native islanders have mistreated their land. The gods needed to be appease.
Ben has grown up with his grandfather's teaching of heritage. Ben has never believed that the ancients gods of Maori are true. When the evil god Whiro has taken his grandfather, Ben has to make the journey north. Ben is assisted by Gina, a Westerner to make the journey north.
Lucy returned home in search of her family. The tsunami has taken her parents but her sister Amber survived the natural disaster. With Amber, Lucy searched for a Red Cross shelter. With the rumbling of the volcano, Amber became separated from her. Lucy searched for Amber and stumbled upon a Maori named Rangi. With Rangi's help, Lucy is reunited with her sister. However, having been warned by an old woman, Lucy has to go north with Rangi to make an offering to appease the gods from destroying the island.
What I love about this story is the myth and history of the Moari culture. I love the background description of New Zealand and how the myth is interwoven into the story. I love the element of how the gods are angry with the people of not respecting and taking care of the land when they decide to slumber and woken up of how the land is abused by the people. This is the reflection of how we can be so selfish and careless in destroying nature (hence the Greenhouse effects).
Another thing I love about the story is that it shows how human nature is. While there are decent people who help each other in a natural disaster, there are also people who profit for their own gains.
This story has so many elements presented. When the readers read and analyze the story, it is the true reflections of human nature. The storyline is predictable but the story truly captures the readers' attention. I couldn't put the book down because I want to take the journey with Ben and Lucy knowing that Ben and Lucy would be able to save New Zealand from the gods.
I was given this ebook by the author in exchange of an honest review. I was not compensated or influence in any way for writing this review.
Ben has grown up with his grandfather's teaching of heritage. Ben has never believed that the ancients gods of Maori are true. When the evil god Whiro has taken his grandfather, Ben has to make the journey north. Ben is assisted by Gina, a Westerner to make the journey north.
Lucy returned home in search of her family. The tsunami has taken her parents but her sister Amber survived the natural disaster. With Amber, Lucy searched for a Red Cross shelter. With the rumbling of the volcano, Amber became separated from her. Lucy searched for Amber and stumbled upon a Maori named Rangi. With Rangi's help, Lucy is reunited with her sister. However, having been warned by an old woman, Lucy has to go north with Rangi to make an offering to appease the gods from destroying the island.
What I love about this story is the myth and history of the Moari culture. I love the background description of New Zealand and how the myth is interwoven into the story. I love the element of how the gods are angry with the people of not respecting and taking care of the land when they decide to slumber and woken up of how the land is abused by the people. This is the reflection of how we can be so selfish and careless in destroying nature (hence the Greenhouse effects).
Another thing I love about the story is that it shows how human nature is. While there are decent people who help each other in a natural disaster, there are also people who profit for their own gains.
This story has so many elements presented. When the readers read and analyze the story, it is the true reflections of human nature. The storyline is predictable but the story truly captures the readers' attention. I couldn't put the book down because I want to take the journey with Ben and Lucy knowing that Ben and Lucy would be able to save New Zealand from the gods.
I was given this ebook by the author in exchange of an honest review. I was not compensated or influence in any way for writing this review.
April 14, 2016
An action-packed thrill ride!
I initially bought the ebook, and then I won a free copy of the audiobook from one of the authors in return for an honest review. This review focuses on the audiobook.
First, I want to comment on the narration. The narrator did a good, solid performance with really good pacing and excellent pronunciation of unusual Maori words. He has a pleasant, slightly gravelly voice. I have one minor complaint that when he is not doing characters' voices he sometimes sounds a too clinical and slightly monotone as if he is reading the nightly news. He does not attempt any New Zealand accents (he sounds American all the time), but I was fine with that. He is as good at women's voices as he is with men's, and he differentiates various characters' voices well. In addiction, the production was almost always very good. However, once in a while, I can tell there are one-sentence-long sections that I can tell were recorded later in a different location that has an unpleasant echo.
This book is an imaginative thrill ride that I loved. It is a natural disaster story mixed with thrilling action and fascinating fantasy based on the religion of the Maori, the native New Zealand culture. If, like me, you love Neil Gaiman's "American Gods", then try this action-packed novella-length story of several people trying to save New Zealand after the sleeping Gods rise up and cause all kinds of natural disasters. There are earthquakes, a tsunami, volcanic eruptions, and storms! It is also a cool travelog of all the most famous places in New Zealand from Auckland all the way to the far northern tip. Unlike crappy action movies, the action in this book makes sense, and the characters' escapes from death sound plausible to me.
FYI, there are no sex scenes, but I would rate it PG-13 or R because of some bloody injuries and some occasional chilling violence. Thankfully, there are no love triangles and very little romance. This is a highly enjoyable fantasy novella and audiobook. I have told all of my finds who like fantasy that they really need to try it.
I initially bought the ebook, and then I won a free copy of the audiobook from one of the authors in return for an honest review. This review focuses on the audiobook.
First, I want to comment on the narration. The narrator did a good, solid performance with really good pacing and excellent pronunciation of unusual Maori words. He has a pleasant, slightly gravelly voice. I have one minor complaint that when he is not doing characters' voices he sometimes sounds a too clinical and slightly monotone as if he is reading the nightly news. He does not attempt any New Zealand accents (he sounds American all the time), but I was fine with that. He is as good at women's voices as he is with men's, and he differentiates various characters' voices well. In addiction, the production was almost always very good. However, once in a while, I can tell there are one-sentence-long sections that I can tell were recorded later in a different location that has an unpleasant echo.
This book is an imaginative thrill ride that I loved. It is a natural disaster story mixed with thrilling action and fascinating fantasy based on the religion of the Maori, the native New Zealand culture. If, like me, you love Neil Gaiman's "American Gods", then try this action-packed novella-length story of several people trying to save New Zealand after the sleeping Gods rise up and cause all kinds of natural disasters. There are earthquakes, a tsunami, volcanic eruptions, and storms! It is also a cool travelog of all the most famous places in New Zealand from Auckland all the way to the far northern tip. Unlike crappy action movies, the action in this book makes sense, and the characters' escapes from death sound plausible to me.
FYI, there are no sex scenes, but I would rate it PG-13 or R because of some bloody injuries and some occasional chilling violence. Thankfully, there are no love triangles and very little romance. This is a highly enjoyable fantasy novella and audiobook. I have told all of my finds who like fantasy that they really need to try it.
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