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City of Gods #2
Horsemen
THE GODS ARE BACK
The gods are back, and they are tearing this world apart. Zeus, Dagon, Loki, Lugh and countless other deities have come back to this earth and rule over their individual districts with no goal other than satiating their own petty desires.
The sole remaining functional province, Hellenica, decides to act. They built the Academy and have recruited 16 young gods with the hopes of training them to police this world.
HORSEMEN
In this sequel to City of Gods: Hellenica, Kayana Marx, Gunnar Redstone, Tommy Alderon and Saoirse Frost return to face their second year at the Academy, and find that their problems are just beginning. The Manitou is growing out of control, their exams are ever more dangerous, and the world outside has fallen deeper into chaos.
And to top it off, their teachers seem set on sending them to four corners of the conurbation, on four deadly missions that might mean both their demise and the end of the world as they know it.
The gods are back, and they are tearing this world apart. Zeus, Dagon, Loki, Lugh and countless other deities have come back to this earth and rule over their individual districts with no goal other than satiating their own petty desires.
The sole remaining functional province, Hellenica, decides to act. They built the Academy and have recruited 16 young gods with the hopes of training them to police this world.
HORSEMEN
In this sequel to City of Gods: Hellenica, Kayana Marx, Gunnar Redstone, Tommy Alderon and Saoirse Frost return to face their second year at the Academy, and find that their problems are just beginning. The Manitou is growing out of control, their exams are ever more dangerous, and the world outside has fallen deeper into chaos.
And to top it off, their teachers seem set on sending them to four corners of the conurbation, on four deadly missions that might mean both their demise and the end of the world as they know it.
- GenresFantasyScience Fiction
381 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 18, 2017
69 people are currently reading
505 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Maas
31 books368 followersJon Maas was born in New Haven, Connecticut and grew up in San Antonio, Texas. After graduating from Stanford University with degrees in Biology and History, he's earned a living as a Musician, Peace Corps Volunteer, Standup Comedian, TV Producer and Web Designer.
He has published ten books, and has more on the way.
He has also directed the movie 'Spanners' starring Shawn Christian and Eric Roberts, and wrote its sequel book - 'Spanners: The Fountain of Youth.'
He writes on his bus commute to and from work, and has a soft spot in his heart for all types of Public Transportation.
He has published ten books, and has more on the way.
He has also directed the movie 'Spanners' starring Shawn Christian and Eric Roberts, and wrote its sequel book - 'Spanners: The Fountain of Youth.'
He writes on his bus commute to and from work, and has a soft spot in his heart for all types of Public Transportation.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 26, 2018
Horsemen
4 solid stars
I was totally blown away by the improvement from the first City of Gods book to this one. Not that the first novel was bad - far from it. But Horsemen is completely different it tone, writing style and plot that I was it total awe of Mr. Maas' management of the written word.
Mr. Maas has managed to hone his writing into a sharp, concise and smoothly plotted style that this reader loved. I expect many excellent works from this author in the future and am already looking forward to book III in the series.
In this book, the 4 MC's must pass their second year trials before being flung off to far away regions of the conurbation to help spread peace and observe other territories "goings on." Each will face perils to their band of travelers as well as themselves, some life-threatening. And the manner with which this novel is ended is truly a monument to an great author leaving the reader hanging on to a book with their teeth firmly clenched on the very last page screaming "NOooooo! Don't end there!!!!"
I highly recommend this book to readers of my reviews...after reading the first book in the series. Otherwise, the Horseman may not make as much sense in some spots.
My hats off to Mr. Maas for a terrific work of literary adventure and more strange monsters and characters. (By the way, the author really develops his characters in fine form in this second book, and you get to know each MC very well; their backstories, how they can to have the powers they have and who their most frightening enemies are.)
Patiently waiting for book III, Mr. Maas.
4 solid stars
I was totally blown away by the improvement from the first City of Gods book to this one. Not that the first novel was bad - far from it. But Horsemen is completely different it tone, writing style and plot that I was it total awe of Mr. Maas' management of the written word.
Mr. Maas has managed to hone his writing into a sharp, concise and smoothly plotted style that this reader loved. I expect many excellent works from this author in the future and am already looking forward to book III in the series.
In this book, the 4 MC's must pass their second year trials before being flung off to far away regions of the conurbation to help spread peace and observe other territories "goings on." Each will face perils to their band of travelers as well as themselves, some life-threatening. And the manner with which this novel is ended is truly a monument to an great author leaving the reader hanging on to a book with their teeth firmly clenched on the very last page screaming "NOooooo! Don't end there!!!!"
I highly recommend this book to readers of my reviews...after reading the first book in the series. Otherwise, the Horseman may not make as much sense in some spots.
My hats off to Mr. Maas for a terrific work of literary adventure and more strange monsters and characters. (By the way, the author really develops his characters in fine form in this second book, and you get to know each MC very well; their backstories, how they can to have the powers they have and who their most frightening enemies are.)
Patiently waiting for book III, Mr. Maas.
July 11, 2018
I received a print copy of Horsemen the second entry into the City of Gods series, from author Jonathan Maas with no expectation of providing a review. You know I'm going to do it anyway.
I may have a problem here. I gave the first book in the series; Hellenica 5 stars in all the places that require such things, and it fully deserved that rating. But what am I supposed to do now? I'm all out of stars. Giving Horsemen another five stars seems to be damning it with faint praise. Horsemen has taken the story to new heights. Considering the four main characters (Horsemen) are teens, we must believe this book is to be pigeonholed as YA. That would be so wrong, so limiting.
Our "teens" are tasked with bringing order to the "Conurbation" while dealing with petulant, scheming, greedy, and double dealing Gods. Thankfully the Gods here are second tier. Most are recognizable as deities, but they are not the "Big Guys". Poseidon is probably the highest ranking god mentioned. Okay, maybe Zues, but both of these appear mostly as backstory. We instead, spend time with lesser gods; Loki, Heracles, Oshun, Dagon, Lillith and more of that ilk.
Author Jonathan Maas has created such a wonderful "conurbation" of districts which worship all these lesser gods. This really facilitates the interactions between various districts.
Our Horsemen are familiar, in principle, to most readers: Death; Kayana Marx. War; Gunnar Redstone. Pestilence; Tommy Alderon, and the White Knight Saoirse Frost. This group destroyed my ability to call Horsemen as a YA book. These characters are incredibly wise and consider their actions deeply before acting. Many YA stories have young people who are the smartest or most clever around, but these four are so far beyond that, there age becomes irrelevant.
We have violence, political intrigue, no sex (kind of difficult when the slightest touch from two of the characters causes death), loyalty and distrust.
The story is so well crafted, the character and world building is superb, and the author speaks to his audience with such respect and intelligence that Horsemen holds its own in any age group from YA on. I think it appropriate for even the mature middle grade reader.
There is some veiled social justice message hanging around the periphery. Why else would Frost Giants, Spartans, Apaches (yes, Geronimo and Cochise), Norse and Amazons all live so closely together? Can you say diversity? Thankfully the focus is on the story and not the social justice. The balance works for me.
If I haven't been clear, I think Horsemen (City of Gods II) is an incredibly good followup to Hellenica and has definitely hooked me. Jonathan Maas has hit this one out of the park. Bring on more! I encourage everyone who has even a passing interest in epic fantasy to check this one out. Enjoy!
Mike
I may have a problem here. I gave the first book in the series; Hellenica 5 stars in all the places that require such things, and it fully deserved that rating. But what am I supposed to do now? I'm all out of stars. Giving Horsemen another five stars seems to be damning it with faint praise. Horsemen has taken the story to new heights. Considering the four main characters (Horsemen) are teens, we must believe this book is to be pigeonholed as YA. That would be so wrong, so limiting.
Our "teens" are tasked with bringing order to the "Conurbation" while dealing with petulant, scheming, greedy, and double dealing Gods. Thankfully the Gods here are second tier. Most are recognizable as deities, but they are not the "Big Guys". Poseidon is probably the highest ranking god mentioned. Okay, maybe Zues, but both of these appear mostly as backstory. We instead, spend time with lesser gods; Loki, Heracles, Oshun, Dagon, Lillith and more of that ilk.
Author Jonathan Maas has created such a wonderful "conurbation" of districts which worship all these lesser gods. This really facilitates the interactions between various districts.
Our Horsemen are familiar, in principle, to most readers: Death; Kayana Marx. War; Gunnar Redstone. Pestilence; Tommy Alderon, and the White Knight Saoirse Frost. This group destroyed my ability to call Horsemen as a YA book. These characters are incredibly wise and consider their actions deeply before acting. Many YA stories have young people who are the smartest or most clever around, but these four are so far beyond that, there age becomes irrelevant.
We have violence, political intrigue, no sex (kind of difficult when the slightest touch from two of the characters causes death), loyalty and distrust.
The story is so well crafted, the character and world building is superb, and the author speaks to his audience with such respect and intelligence that Horsemen holds its own in any age group from YA on. I think it appropriate for even the mature middle grade reader.
There is some veiled social justice message hanging around the periphery. Why else would Frost Giants, Spartans, Apaches (yes, Geronimo and Cochise), Norse and Amazons all live so closely together? Can you say diversity? Thankfully the focus is on the story and not the social justice. The balance works for me.
If I haven't been clear, I think Horsemen (City of Gods II) is an incredibly good followup to Hellenica and has definitely hooked me. Jonathan Maas has hit this one out of the park. Bring on more! I encourage everyone who has even a passing interest in epic fantasy to check this one out. Enjoy!
Mike
August 11, 2017
OK... just gonna start saying this series just gets better with each book. Have got to say that when choosing to read this series; the thought that I would be getting an indirect commentary on our world, culture and social interaction was the last thing on my mind. Though when I think about it... it probably should have been. After all so very much written fiction does exactly that and science fiction and fantasy many times more so than any other. The fact that Jonathan Maas manages to wrap in all in a story and world that is so enthralling putting this book down at all for any reason was a battle is a tribute to his gift. I know for sure I will be counting the days till the next book in this series is released. It is such a joy to have read something that not only gave me such pleasure that I am sure I will be rereading it multiple times, but that actually has not only entertained but has made me THINK. Regardless even if you just read this story for the entertainment, DO SO!!!! It's awesome entertainment!!!
June 26, 2017
I already enjoyed the first book in this series, City of Gods: Hellenica, which introduced these young characters recruited for special training to save a badly divided world based on the struggles of a diverse variety of gods/goddesses. Kayana, Gunnar, Tommy, and Saoirse have often terrifying special powers themselves along with some unique companions. This book continues the story as they complete their second year of training with some difficult final examinations and then head off to a mission. Each of the young gods, dubbed the Horsemen, have and are developing insight although they still have far more questions than answers. Their growth and observations is why I rated this book at 5 stars. The musings are quite appropriate to a book based on mythology. Although I enjoyed the first book when I read it about a year ago, the second seems to be extremely timely when other popular works such as American Gods also show a variety of gods/goddesses clashing in a world where old gods want to keep their place with the new gods/conditions. This is a fun, interesting book.
April 8, 2018
There are books you pickup and can not put down. They are simple and compelling and you read them in one sitting.
Jonathan does not write those books. His are more though provoking and require time to think and reflect on them.
Horsemen is the second installment in his City of Gods series, and like the first we get to learn more about the four students known as the Horsemen and the world around them. What starts with individual final exams turns serious and we get to follow as the four try to understand and overcome the evil creeping up on their world.
The individual cultures are well created and the interactions believable. But the deep thinking that is behind them comes through and made me stop for a few days to absorb and think about what they imply about their world and the real world we live in.
As always, a wonderful thought provoking read.
Jonathan does not write those books. His are more though provoking and require time to think and reflect on them.
Horsemen is the second installment in his City of Gods series, and like the first we get to learn more about the four students known as the Horsemen and the world around them. What starts with individual final exams turns serious and we get to follow as the four try to understand and overcome the evil creeping up on their world.
The individual cultures are well created and the interactions believable. But the deep thinking that is behind them comes through and made me stop for a few days to absorb and think about what they imply about their world and the real world we live in.
As always, a wonderful thought provoking read.
October 14, 2017
The Horsemen have learned much during their time at the Academy, but now they have to face final exams. True to form, the exams aren't easy---and some of them require involving themselves in the outside world. And after, everyone is split up as they're sent on their first real missions . . .
I still think this is better as "kids with powers" than Horsemen specifically, the little nod to a vision of horses notwithstanding. That said, it's still an interesting world, and each of the kids gets a lot of opportunity to develop.
In some ways this feels like a novella about the final exams, followed by the first half of a book about their first missions. That's not a bad thing---both stories rotate between all four Horsemen and the split means things can go in several directions. One of the missions, for example, is directly built on an exam.
I like that Gunnar's challenge is more about leadership, because he's not really used to working with others still, much less the people who actually end up by his side. And I liked that Rowan isn't quite as one-dimensional as he's seemed (I usually love berserkers, but Rowan being an arrogant bully cancelled that out). I liked that Saoirse picked up the biggest incongruity about the minotaurs and is clever in playing to her strengths. I liked that Kayana gets challenged over her sociopathic tendencies, because Tommy and Cassander show her she may be extremely intelligent but she's operating from a bad set of assumptions about humanity. And Tommy not only has a chance to be more of a leader himself, he's got hints about the shape of his destiny that intrigue me.
Some of the characters felt a bit weaker, though. Cassander sometimes comes across as less of a character and more of a mouthpiece, and I dearly hope Kayana's "overpopulation is the problem" confronts the reality that people can be jerks just fine even if they have all their material needs met.
Overall, though, this is still a really unique setting that I'm enjoying a lot. It's fun to see Apaches and Celts and Spartans and Amazons and so much more all vying for attention. There's enough tech to be a light sci-fi while of course the gods provide a lot of magic. I rate this book Recommended.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
I still think this is better as "kids with powers" than Horsemen specifically, the little nod to a vision of horses notwithstanding. That said, it's still an interesting world, and each of the kids gets a lot of opportunity to develop.
In some ways this feels like a novella about the final exams, followed by the first half of a book about their first missions. That's not a bad thing---both stories rotate between all four Horsemen and the split means things can go in several directions. One of the missions, for example, is directly built on an exam.
I like that Gunnar's challenge is more about leadership, because he's not really used to working with others still, much less the people who actually end up by his side. And I liked that Rowan isn't quite as one-dimensional as he's seemed (I usually love berserkers, but Rowan being an arrogant bully cancelled that out). I liked that Saoirse picked up the biggest incongruity about the minotaurs and is clever in playing to her strengths. I liked that Kayana gets challenged over her sociopathic tendencies, because Tommy and Cassander show her she may be extremely intelligent but she's operating from a bad set of assumptions about humanity. And Tommy not only has a chance to be more of a leader himself, he's got hints about the shape of his destiny that intrigue me.
Some of the characters felt a bit weaker, though. Cassander sometimes comes across as less of a character and more of a mouthpiece, and I dearly hope Kayana's "overpopulation is the problem" confronts the reality that people can be jerks just fine even if they have all their material needs met.
Overall, though, this is still a really unique setting that I'm enjoying a lot. It's fun to see Apaches and Celts and Spartans and Amazons and so much more all vying for attention. There's enough tech to be a light sci-fi while of course the gods provide a lot of magic. I rate this book Recommended.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
September 30, 2017
Full disclosure: I was provided a copy of this book by the author however I have voluntarily chosen to write a review. All opinions are my own.
The Academy – Year 2
City of Gods – Horsemen is the newest in the City of Gods series by Jonathan Maas. As the year ends, the Horsemen each undergo specialized final exams tailored toward their strengths to close out their first year of instruction at the Academy. Upon successful completion of these tasks, year two immediately begins as the group learns that they will be sent on separate assignments. As each one receives their mission they discover that they will be scattered to the four corners of the Conurbation and provided a teacher/mentor and a team to assist in their quest. For some, this will be a fairly easy task– a fact finding quest, but for others it will be fraught with danger and may ultimately impact the future of the Conurbation and the Horsemen as a team.
While Horsemen started a little slow for me that actually worked to its advantage as it had been quite some time since I last read Hellenica. The slow start provided a way to ease back into the world of the Academy and to reacquaint myself with all the characters. Once the stage was set, the pace picked up, and it became clear that there was something strange afoot in the Conurbation. As I read I noticed that the story really hit its stride near the halfway point and it soon became clear that Horsemen is a transitional book in what appears to be a much larger vision and story by Maas and paves the way for more adventures in this world as the Horsemen continue to complete their assigned quests and grow into the icons they are destined to become.
The Academy – Year 2
City of Gods – Horsemen is the newest in the City of Gods series by Jonathan Maas. As the year ends, the Horsemen each undergo specialized final exams tailored toward their strengths to close out their first year of instruction at the Academy. Upon successful completion of these tasks, year two immediately begins as the group learns that they will be sent on separate assignments. As each one receives their mission they discover that they will be scattered to the four corners of the Conurbation and provided a teacher/mentor and a team to assist in their quest. For some, this will be a fairly easy task– a fact finding quest, but for others it will be fraught with danger and may ultimately impact the future of the Conurbation and the Horsemen as a team.
While Horsemen started a little slow for me that actually worked to its advantage as it had been quite some time since I last read Hellenica. The slow start provided a way to ease back into the world of the Academy and to reacquaint myself with all the characters. Once the stage was set, the pace picked up, and it became clear that there was something strange afoot in the Conurbation. As I read I noticed that the story really hit its stride near the halfway point and it soon became clear that Horsemen is a transitional book in what appears to be a much larger vision and story by Maas and paves the way for more adventures in this world as the Horsemen continue to complete their assigned quests and grow into the icons they are destined to become.
March 7, 2018
The story of Kayla, Tommy, Saoirse and Gunnar (and not to forget Kross) continues in this second volume of City of Gods.
The reader learns a bit more about the history of all the different Gods, their goals and how they interact together, following our four protagonists through their learning process and examinations.
I loved this book, though not quite as much as the first part; I missed the underlying humour, the interactions with others a bit, especially as there were quite a number of long-ish monologues/thinking processes which for my taste were a tiny bit too philosophical (but required to understand what was going on), although they did give quite an insight into the goings-on of the different districts. I did start to dislike Kayla a bit, though, not sure why.
Still, I did like this very much, and am awaiting the next volume to see how the story continues. Just the idea to throw all the different mythological gods into one pot, stir and follow the ensuing chaos will keep a reader glued to the pages.
The reader learns a bit more about the history of all the different Gods, their goals and how they interact together, following our four protagonists through their learning process and examinations.
I loved this book, though not quite as much as the first part; I missed the underlying humour, the interactions with others a bit, especially as there were quite a number of long-ish monologues/thinking processes which for my taste were a tiny bit too philosophical (but required to understand what was going on), although they did give quite an insight into the goings-on of the different districts. I did start to dislike Kayla a bit, though, not sure why.
Still, I did like this very much, and am awaiting the next volume to see how the story continues. Just the idea to throw all the different mythological gods into one pot, stir and follow the ensuing chaos will keep a reader glued to the pages.
July 26, 2017
Another good book by Jonathan Maas. As ever engaging characters (returning ones of course in this), and a developing story line that looks as if it promises us more to come. Like all of his books this will ask more questions of you as a reader than it necessarily answers, so be prepared to do some thinking - a bit of philosophising is good for any of us. Well worth a read, but suggest you read City of Gods first if you have not already.
June 29, 2017
The author of this book was kind enough to send me this book and i loved it. Really i would give it 4 and 1/2 stars. I loved the evolution of the characters. There were villains in the other book that in this one i saw some redeeming qualities that made me think that there is hope for the them to be good guys in the end. I cant wait to read the next one:)
July 12, 2017
Another 5 star tale from Jonathan Maas. I love the way he combines each pantheon of the ancient gods and has them working together, for the most part anyway. Masterful storytelling, from a master of the written word. Great job again.
April 14, 2018
Good read but different focus to book 1
This is quite a good sequel to book 1, but while book 1 was quite action driven with a clear story arc, this sequel has the same characters but focuses more on philosophical discussions than action.
This is quite a good sequel to book 1, but while book 1 was quite action driven with a clear story arc, this sequel has the same characters but focuses more on philosophical discussions than action.
October 15, 2017
the second book in this series was just as good as the first if not better hoping to read the next installment to continue the journey with our young heroes
March 29, 2018
Excellent; great sequel.
April 18, 2020
Enjoyed the story and the mix of gods from different pantheons, but it felt like four separate stories rather than a well-woven whole.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews