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A Cycle of Blades #1
Gods of the Mountain
“If that’s true, he’s returned from the grave, and you better believe he’s got something in store for this city.”
Accused of murder, Faulk is on the run after his chance at redemption went horribly wrong. He finds himself allied with the mysterious Yuweh, a woman sent by her gods to capture an assassin who is spreading forbidden magic.
Journeying across a land where all magic, cultures, and wars are dictated by its cycles in nature, they uncover a plot that threatens to destroy everything they hold dear. Faulk and Yuweh must reconcile their clashing cultures to prevent the chaos from repeating...
...as another attempts to use it for his benefit.
Accused of murder, Faulk is on the run after his chance at redemption went horribly wrong. He finds himself allied with the mysterious Yuweh, a woman sent by her gods to capture an assassin who is spreading forbidden magic.
Journeying across a land where all magic, cultures, and wars are dictated by its cycles in nature, they uncover a plot that threatens to destroy everything they hold dear. Faulk and Yuweh must reconcile their clashing cultures to prevent the chaos from repeating...
...as another attempts to use it for his benefit.
- GenresFantasy
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2017
7 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 7, 2018
GODS OF THE MOUNTAIN is a story about a variety of kingdoms which are about to have their careful balance of power destroyed by the introduction of magic previously only belonging to a secret sect of pacifists. After a murder happens in a brothel, an Inquisitor is soon on the trail of the parties responsible. It's a fascinating story of romance, politics, and double crosses. I especially loved the mountain culture with its combination of religious fanaticism, human sacrifice, and good qualities contrasted to evil. I am looking forward to the next installment of Faulk's adventures as well as his relationship with Yuweh.
December 22, 2017
A Wonderfully Original Fantasy
'Oh, the glory of slaughter, he thought, watching men scream and die at his feet, blood soaking into the sand.'
In the aftermath of a terrible war which has devastated his home Faulk and others of his mercenary brethren are forced to turn to crime to earn a living and keep out of the way of their victorious enemies. Then Faulk is introduced to a form of magic which an old comrade-in-arms, Kessler is planning to use to wreak vengeance on the Empire that has stolen their independence and blighted their homeland. But the magic is the secret of a people who live in seclusion and see it as the gift of their gods. A Messenger of the gods called Yuveh is sent to find those using the magic and bring them before the gods for judgement.
In a parallel story arc, we follow the machinations of the elite mostly through the eyes of Inquisitor Mullen, the chief interrogator and collaborator with the Empire, who is something of an ambiguous figure. On the one hand he loves torturing people, but on the other, he loves and wants to protect his city. He seems to care less about who is in charge than he does about the city itself.
'Spreading his arms, Kessler called the weapons back to him, making the symbol glow strongly as they dislodged from the clay of the roof and flew back into his hands.'
The best parts of the book for me were the incredibly cool concepts the author wove into his world building. It really is wonderful. I loved the original magic system and the way it is explained. The culture of the Lunari is also beautifully and believably depicted and explored. There is a very deep and complex story with some excellent well rounded and occasionally sympathetic characters - although many are the kind I find hard to care about as they are hate driven and have no compassion and little humanity
The writing is usually good, with few jarring moments to break reader immersion and the story itself is engaging. It moves through the events at a good pace, drawing the reader into a labyrinthine degree of intrigue and plot layers. The end of the story is a spectacular climax but already leads forwards into the next book.
“I can’t believe how stupid you are!” She giggled in sudden fits like a little girl.
There were a few issues I had with the book, most of which were about consistency and I really struggled to relate to most of the major characters who were driven by very unpleasant motives or were compelled by others to be so. My personal favourite character was Bard who, despite one rather odd and violent magical trait, seemed the nicest and most human and humane of all the characters in the book.
Probably the biggest problem for me was the character of Yuveh, who far from coming over as a strong female lead, seemed to pretty much exist to be a rather naive and weak romantic foil for Fulke. To explain the many and varied ways in which this immense naivety is displayed would be a massive spoiler so I will leave it unmentioned.
This is a book which offers a highly unconventional fantasy read, lots of gore and brutality, some incredibly cool concepts and a stonking good plot. I enjoyed the ride. Try it for yourself, you might well do too.
'Oh, the glory of slaughter, he thought, watching men scream and die at his feet, blood soaking into the sand.'
In the aftermath of a terrible war which has devastated his home Faulk and others of his mercenary brethren are forced to turn to crime to earn a living and keep out of the way of their victorious enemies. Then Faulk is introduced to a form of magic which an old comrade-in-arms, Kessler is planning to use to wreak vengeance on the Empire that has stolen their independence and blighted their homeland. But the magic is the secret of a people who live in seclusion and see it as the gift of their gods. A Messenger of the gods called Yuveh is sent to find those using the magic and bring them before the gods for judgement.
In a parallel story arc, we follow the machinations of the elite mostly through the eyes of Inquisitor Mullen, the chief interrogator and collaborator with the Empire, who is something of an ambiguous figure. On the one hand he loves torturing people, but on the other, he loves and wants to protect his city. He seems to care less about who is in charge than he does about the city itself.
'Spreading his arms, Kessler called the weapons back to him, making the symbol glow strongly as they dislodged from the clay of the roof and flew back into his hands.'
The best parts of the book for me were the incredibly cool concepts the author wove into his world building. It really is wonderful. I loved the original magic system and the way it is explained. The culture of the Lunari is also beautifully and believably depicted and explored. There is a very deep and complex story with some excellent well rounded and occasionally sympathetic characters - although many are the kind I find hard to care about as they are hate driven and have no compassion and little humanity
The writing is usually good, with few jarring moments to break reader immersion and the story itself is engaging. It moves through the events at a good pace, drawing the reader into a labyrinthine degree of intrigue and plot layers. The end of the story is a spectacular climax but already leads forwards into the next book.
“I can’t believe how stupid you are!” She giggled in sudden fits like a little girl.
There were a few issues I had with the book, most of which were about consistency and I really struggled to relate to most of the major characters who were driven by very unpleasant motives or were compelled by others to be so. My personal favourite character was Bard who, despite one rather odd and violent magical trait, seemed the nicest and most human and humane of all the characters in the book.
Probably the biggest problem for me was the character of Yuveh, who far from coming over as a strong female lead, seemed to pretty much exist to be a rather naive and weak romantic foil for Fulke. To explain the many and varied ways in which this immense naivety is displayed would be a massive spoiler so I will leave it unmentioned.
This is a book which offers a highly unconventional fantasy read, lots of gore and brutality, some incredibly cool concepts and a stonking good plot. I enjoyed the ride. Try it for yourself, you might well do too.
April 4, 2018
In a kingdom on the brink of revolution, a defeated former commander shows up with magic he learned from an exile of the isolated Lunari people. The Lunari find out their magical abilities are being taught elsewhere and send a small group from their mountain village to end the unauthorized teachings.
The main character is Faulk, a rogue who had learned a bit of the Lunari magic. He decides to travel back home with them. He spends most of his time learning about their customs and powers.
Several additional point of view characters show us the unrest and rebellion happening in the desert city near the mountain. I had some difficulty feeling invested in this aspect of the story. I empathized the most with Faulk. Discovering the Lunari traditions is an awe-inspiring experience on more than one occasion. And naturally, his presence as an outsider is bound to stir things up in this secluded culture. Keene does a good job of keeping their magical ways wrapped in a certain mystique while also showing the intricacies of how it works.
The events of the plot unfolding took a bit too long for me. I feel like the turning point at the end could have been a halfway mark that continued on to a climax with higher stakes. Of course, this is book one in a series, so I'm sure more drama will unfold in the next installment. There is a well-written love story that picks up steam toward the end, and sets up an additional conflict for the next book.
I recommend this novel to fantasy readers who enjoy a plot that unfolds gradually, a unique magic system with specific limitations, and a subtle love story.
The main character is Faulk, a rogue who had learned a bit of the Lunari magic. He decides to travel back home with them. He spends most of his time learning about their customs and powers.
Several additional point of view characters show us the unrest and rebellion happening in the desert city near the mountain. I had some difficulty feeling invested in this aspect of the story. I empathized the most with Faulk. Discovering the Lunari traditions is an awe-inspiring experience on more than one occasion. And naturally, his presence as an outsider is bound to stir things up in this secluded culture. Keene does a good job of keeping their magical ways wrapped in a certain mystique while also showing the intricacies of how it works.
The events of the plot unfolding took a bit too long for me. I feel like the turning point at the end could have been a halfway mark that continued on to a climax with higher stakes. Of course, this is book one in a series, so I'm sure more drama will unfold in the next installment. There is a well-written love story that picks up steam toward the end, and sets up an additional conflict for the next book.
I recommend this novel to fantasy readers who enjoy a plot that unfolds gradually, a unique magic system with specific limitations, and a subtle love story.
January 8, 2018
I've had an ARC for this book in my TBR pile for a while now (thanks Christopher!), but something else was always getting in the way. End of year holidays was the now-or-never I needed. And I don't regret it.
The First Chapter
You know I'm not a fan of "prologues" personally, but this one didn't feel much like the kinds I don't abide. It's not set thousands of years in the past, or around random characters. Instead it introduces most of the cast, if briefly, including the MC, and it sets part of the stage. It's relevant but still vague enough to pique my interest.
3rd person narration. Ok. Not a fan, but I can take it.
Another good point here is that the writing style didn't appear to be part of the cast either. Which is a good point in my book: the author is not on an ego trip.
The Good
Here is the most important reason why I will track this series: I was entertained.
When my eVoice said "Epilogue", I was genuinely disappointed. I didn't want it to end.
It's not Grimdark, not really. Not nearly enough gore in the lines for that. But it's not epic fantasy either. It rather stands in-between, in a sweet spot between earthy and ethereal. A very nice read.
The MC has a good thing going for him, an attitude I rather like. He's not broken or delusional. He's a simple guy dealing with surprising events.
I'm a bit less enthusiastic about the other characters, but I'll get to it later.
Things kept happening at a nice pace. I got confused a few times, but I never got bored.
The Bad
A lot of little things.
And one big one.
- Several instances of repeated words or phrases that drew attention to themselves. More generous usage of alternate phrasing would be nice in the future. That's the craft, after all.
- Besides the inquisitor, all the occupants (Linaris) were totally shapeless, historyless, weightless.
- The MC is a bit OP, IMHO, so YMMV.
- The magic system's a bit wonky and inconsistent in places. . The ease with which the MC learns new tricks kind of undermined the magic for me. I think getting into the technicalities of it was a mistake. It started smelling of "burning metals".
- A certain lack of... gravitas? in the Lunari village that I found generally disconcerting.
- The tsundere thing was not very believable, and could have been done without in my opinion. It brought nothing and its explanation was awkward.
- I really hope there's more to the bad guy and his motivations than what I got. I really hope that Pry's role and involvement is motivated by something else than plot convenience.
But my biggest issue is this: The bloody Sai blades/Sai trees, their mythos and their purpose. .
Conclusion
I don't read books to analyse them. I read books to be transported, to dream.
I pick up on crevasses and rocks that jolts my carriage, or marshes that suck my boots in.
So there you have it.
There were a few things that didn't sit well with me, but nothing big enough to hinder my enjoying this book. However, the following tomes now have a mountain of expectation on their bindings. Let's hope they don't tear.
Final score: 3.75
The First Chapter
You know I'm not a fan of "prologues" personally, but this one didn't feel much like the kinds I don't abide. It's not set thousands of years in the past, or around random characters. Instead it introduces most of the cast, if briefly, including the MC, and it sets part of the stage. It's relevant but still vague enough to pique my interest.
3rd person narration. Ok. Not a fan, but I can take it.
Another good point here is that the writing style didn't appear to be part of the cast either. Which is a good point in my book: the author is not on an ego trip.
The Good
Here is the most important reason why I will track this series: I was entertained.
When my eVoice said "Epilogue", I was genuinely disappointed. I didn't want it to end.
It's not Grimdark, not really. Not nearly enough gore in the lines for that. But it's not epic fantasy either. It rather stands in-between, in a sweet spot between earthy and ethereal. A very nice read.
The MC has a good thing going for him, an attitude I rather like. He's not broken or delusional. He's a simple guy dealing with surprising events.
I'm a bit less enthusiastic about the other characters, but I'll get to it later.
Things kept happening at a nice pace. I got confused a few times, but I never got bored.
The Bad
A lot of little things.
And one big one.
- Several instances of repeated words or phrases that drew attention to themselves. More generous usage of alternate phrasing would be nice in the future. That's the craft, after all.
- Besides the inquisitor, all the occupants (Linaris) were totally shapeless, historyless, weightless.
- The MC is a bit OP, IMHO, so YMMV.
- The magic system's a bit wonky and inconsistent in places. . The ease with which the MC learns new tricks kind of undermined the magic for me. I think getting into the technicalities of it was a mistake. It started smelling of "burning metals".
- A certain lack of... gravitas? in the Lunari village that I found generally disconcerting.
- The tsundere thing was not very believable, and could have been done without in my opinion. It brought nothing and its explanation was awkward.
- I really hope there's more to the bad guy and his motivations than what I got. I really hope that Pry's role and involvement is motivated by something else than plot convenience.
But my biggest issue is this: The bloody Sai blades/Sai trees, their mythos and their purpose. .
Conclusion
I don't read books to analyse them. I read books to be transported, to dream.
I pick up on crevasses and rocks that jolts my carriage, or marshes that suck my boots in.
So there you have it.
There were a few things that didn't sit well with me, but nothing big enough to hinder my enjoying this book. However, the following tomes now have a mountain of expectation on their bindings. Let's hope they don't tear.
Final score: 3.75
February 28, 2019
A tale of political intrigue and mystery. There are so many questions that arise as you read this - Who are the Gods of the mountain? Who is the mysterious teacher? What is Pry up to? Who is Faulk's father? There are layers within layers in this book. The best part is that everything peels off like the skin of an onion, to reveal the nugget at the core.
There are a lot of characters, but they are introduced gradually, and you are absorbed into their lives. I found this a relaxing read that did not involve any frustration on my part in trying to understand the fantasy setting. I liked how there were two cultures which were diametrically opposed to each other, at the centre of the story.
However, I had a few questions and confusions at the end. I found two incidents that, in my mind, did not quite fit in with the logic of the magic found in the story. I also thought the description of the book a little difficult to reconcile with the story itself. I did not figure out the nature cycles and chaos repeating...
Nevertheless, a book fantasy lovers will enjoy.
There are a lot of characters, but they are introduced gradually, and you are absorbed into their lives. I found this a relaxing read that did not involve any frustration on my part in trying to understand the fantasy setting. I liked how there were two cultures which were diametrically opposed to each other, at the centre of the story.
However, I had a few questions and confusions at the end. I found two incidents that, in my mind, did not quite fit in with the logic of the magic found in the story. I also thought the description of the book a little difficult to reconcile with the story itself. I did not figure out the nature cycles and chaos repeating...
Nevertheless, a book fantasy lovers will enjoy.
April 8, 2018
This epic fantasy title was my first introduction to Christopher Keene's work. The story is a fast paced one and the magic system introduced is quite intriguing. It reminded me a bit of the Mistborn magic system in the way that the characters used certain abilities to move in the air. The character POVs are distinct and the plot pace is top-notch.
The story line is an intriguing one and I loved how the author sprinkled certain Pacific Island & Oceanic mythology into the world.
More to come in full FBC review....
December 22, 2017
Parts feel like CSI: D&D
If you have ever participated in a dungeon crawl you will relate to Faulk and the rest of the characters in Gods of the Mountain.
Parts feel like CSI: D&D and reminded me of the Beka Cooper Series by Tamora Pierce others felt like Night Watch by Terry Pratchett.
A fun read for anyone that loves fantasy.
If you have ever participated in a dungeon crawl you will relate to Faulk and the rest of the characters in Gods of the Mountain.
Parts feel like CSI: D&D and reminded me of the Beka Cooper Series by Tamora Pierce others felt like Night Watch by Terry Pratchett.
A fun read for anyone that loves fantasy.
May 3, 2018
This is an interesting mix of magic, battles and varied characters. Set in a swords and sorcery type world, it covers all the bases with some good fight scenes, ancient gods interfering with human destiny and personal tragedy that sends characters on the path of revenge and seeking knowledge.
The magical system is boldly imagined, and described in detail. Knives made of a special wood can be manipulated in many ways by the trained mind using symbols. It is perhaps over described, but the system gets more intricate as the character and hence the reader learn more. It is not a common magical system certainly, and the author should be commended for the idea and the ways in which it is integral to the plot, both the past, the future, the characters, as well as the environment.
The characters are full of depth and twisty bits of plot keep you on your toes figuring out motivations. There are rogues, thieves, mercenaries and more, and none are mere stereotypes. The point of view changes to allow the reader to find out what they are thinking, and this adds to the layers of deception and intrigue. Plot, character and world are closely linked.
Some of the cursing and language used feels a little modern day, and this was a bit jarring.
So overall, if you are a fan of dark fantasy, old gods and magic this is a book that brings a fresh imagination to the genre.
The magical system is boldly imagined, and described in detail. Knives made of a special wood can be manipulated in many ways by the trained mind using symbols. It is perhaps over described, but the system gets more intricate as the character and hence the reader learn more. It is not a common magical system certainly, and the author should be commended for the idea and the ways in which it is integral to the plot, both the past, the future, the characters, as well as the environment.
The characters are full of depth and twisty bits of plot keep you on your toes figuring out motivations. There are rogues, thieves, mercenaries and more, and none are mere stereotypes. The point of view changes to allow the reader to find out what they are thinking, and this adds to the layers of deception and intrigue. Plot, character and world are closely linked.
Some of the cursing and language used feels a little modern day, and this was a bit jarring.
So overall, if you are a fan of dark fantasy, old gods and magic this is a book that brings a fresh imagination to the genre.
April 10, 2019
3.8 stars
Gods of the Mountain opens with an intriguing face-off and then leads into several subplots. Each has engaging characters with a role to play, but it isn't until we meet the alpers that things really pick up. The magic in this book reminds me of Doctor Strange. I found myself picturing golden symbols above the characters' heads. I particularly enjoyed the travel to the world of Yuri and the world building was very well done. It was cleanly edited and well written.
The style is simple and straight to the point. I would prefer more character development. I feel like I don't really know the character's backgrounds and I struggled to understand their relationships or their motives for that matter. Our villain sort of comes out of nowhere and that is okay in some instances, but I don't really get his deal. I guess the author plans to reveal that in his next book as there was a lot that was left unanswered. I also tend to prefer a bit more physical description in character's appearance.
Overall, I considered it a wonderful start to a successful fantasy series.
Gods of the Mountain opens with an intriguing face-off and then leads into several subplots. Each has engaging characters with a role to play, but it isn't until we meet the alpers that things really pick up. The magic in this book reminds me of Doctor Strange. I found myself picturing golden symbols above the characters' heads. I particularly enjoyed the travel to the world of Yuri and the world building was very well done. It was cleanly edited and well written.
The style is simple and straight to the point. I would prefer more character development. I feel like I don't really know the character's backgrounds and I struggled to understand their relationships or their motives for that matter. Our villain sort of comes out of nowhere and that is okay in some instances, but I don't really get his deal. I guess the author plans to reveal that in his next book as there was a lot that was left unanswered. I also tend to prefer a bit more physical description in character's appearance.
Overall, I considered it a wonderful start to a successful fantasy series.
February 12, 2018
Gods of the Mountain is the first in a fantasy series. The intro deals with the final moments of a war between the city state of Tyria and the Avaani Empire, and the story proper starts with Tyria under Avaani rule and ex-soldier Faulk down on his luck. Meanwhile, Inquisitor Mullen is called to investigate an unusual murder in one of the city's brothels, a murder apparently committed by magical means.
The story unfolds with a range of characters, a complex plot, an unusual magic system and slice of romance for good measure. Faulk makes a good protagonist, with a suitable mix of flaws and strengths, and I really liked some of the supporting characters as well, particularly Bard, a viking-esque warrior with a heart of gold and a philosophical viewpoint. There are also some great set pieces, particularly an early fight between two combatants using the symbol based magic system.
December 21, 2018
There is a lot to like about this book. Pace and tension both build nicely throughout and towards the middle and end there are multiple twists adding to the intrigue surrounding the main characters. There is plenty of humour and the book is written with a frequent tongue-in-cheek approach. The characters are, for the most part, likeable – even the villains have a certain amount of appeal. The intrigue interwoven in the story increases in complexity but never loses the reader. It adds to the mix.
The story is set in a medieval-style land where the city of Tyria is ruled by an oppressive kingship called the Avaani. Living in the same world, but barely part of it, are the Lunari, a mysterious race of humans small in number but who are able to use symbols to enhance themselves and manipulate some of the matter around them in order to not only see and hear better, but also to teleport and move around by half-flying. Their powers are bestowed upon them by their gods, the Ksai, who are not what they appear to be. It reminded me of some of the films centred around Chinese and Japanese mythology, showcasing the powers of the gods and humans granted the same powers.
The main character, Faulk, is thrust into the mix of Tyrians, Avaani, Lunari and the Ksai as a native Tyrian who is an ex-soldier turned mercenary. In him the author has created a likeable figure who is also an ungodly rogue in the eyes of the Lunari. Faulk becomes an unwitting participant in a clandestine battle between various forces who wish to use the powers of the Ksai and Lunari for their own ends.
In particular I liked the concepts used in the story, for example of sai blades that are poisonous. The weapons are even more deadly when used in conjunction with the magical symbols. The use of symbols is central to the storyline. All of the concepts are explained in a plausible manner within the context of the tale.
The book contains a mix of interesting characters. The only thing I had trouble with were the jumps in point of view from one person to another which meant at times it wasn’t clear who was talking or thinking. On the whole, this is an absorbing and entertaining read and I liked it a lot. Although this book is part of a series it can also hold its own as a single book. The ending leads naturally into the next in the series but it also ties up several threads beforehand. The style of writing occasionally leaned more towards young adult but I think it would appeal to YA and adult readers alike, and on that basis I can thoroughly recommend it as an adventure story with magical twists.
The story is set in a medieval-style land where the city of Tyria is ruled by an oppressive kingship called the Avaani. Living in the same world, but barely part of it, are the Lunari, a mysterious race of humans small in number but who are able to use symbols to enhance themselves and manipulate some of the matter around them in order to not only see and hear better, but also to teleport and move around by half-flying. Their powers are bestowed upon them by their gods, the Ksai, who are not what they appear to be. It reminded me of some of the films centred around Chinese and Japanese mythology, showcasing the powers of the gods and humans granted the same powers.
The main character, Faulk, is thrust into the mix of Tyrians, Avaani, Lunari and the Ksai as a native Tyrian who is an ex-soldier turned mercenary. In him the author has created a likeable figure who is also an ungodly rogue in the eyes of the Lunari. Faulk becomes an unwitting participant in a clandestine battle between various forces who wish to use the powers of the Ksai and Lunari for their own ends.
In particular I liked the concepts used in the story, for example of sai blades that are poisonous. The weapons are even more deadly when used in conjunction with the magical symbols. The use of symbols is central to the storyline. All of the concepts are explained in a plausible manner within the context of the tale.
The book contains a mix of interesting characters. The only thing I had trouble with were the jumps in point of view from one person to another which meant at times it wasn’t clear who was talking or thinking. On the whole, this is an absorbing and entertaining read and I liked it a lot. Although this book is part of a series it can also hold its own as a single book. The ending leads naturally into the next in the series but it also ties up several threads beforehand. The style of writing occasionally leaned more towards young adult but I think it would appeal to YA and adult readers alike, and on that basis I can thoroughly recommend it as an adventure story with magical twists.
November 20, 2018
Gods of the Mountain is an excellent book that catches you right off the bat. It opens with a duel that doesn't seem to go quite as it should. The reason for that turns out to be the same force behind everything that happens in the book. I really don't want to say too much more, as part of the joy of this book is discovering that very thing.
The story is well-paced, with very few slow spots, well-rounded characters, and a believable plot. There are several story lines, all woven together flawlessly, and spaced out so well that you never feel like you forgot what was going on when the author switches between them.
If you're a fan of well-written fantasy, pick this one up. Bravo.
The story is well-paced, with very few slow spots, well-rounded characters, and a believable plot. There are several story lines, all woven together flawlessly, and spaced out so well that you never feel like you forgot what was going on when the author switches between them.
If you're a fan of well-written fantasy, pick this one up. Bravo.
March 10, 2018
When I first heard about Gods of the Mountain, the word “Grimdark" was used to describe it. A casual look at the first two chapters matched that idea pretty well: you find two army groups in conflict, a sword duel within a circle of soldiers, and, after a jump of a few years, the start a murder investigation -- all in a vaguely “Game Of Thrones" type world. So, Grimdark, Game Of Thrones, a murder investigation - I thought I had the general sense of what the book would be - but it turns out - no, not really. Sort of, a bit, but not really.
Gods of the Mountain does share some elements with Game Of Thrones - maybe the basic architecture of its main city, some of the clothing, the general technology level, the bands of counter-acting factions within the storyline -- These are all pieces that might fit comfortably in a Game Of Thrones world - but this isn’t a Game Of Thrones type book.
The book has a specific magic system that it wants to get the reader familiar with, and it offers many scenes that display the fighting styles this magic system allows. The magic system is appealing, and the fights are interesting. All in all, the battles have a very strong anime vibe.
Anime in prose? Yes. Why not? This is a modern book. It’s allowed modern influences. When characters fight using this magic system, the battles are spectacular. Early fights seem to be sparring matches - tests of capabilities - with lots of frenemy banter (a hallmark of anime). The spectacle builds as the book progresses, (and there is one battle moment near the end of the book that is just jaw dropping. I LOVED it, and it colored my whole thinking on the book.)
Gods of the Mountain has a large cast, split into small groups with rivaling agendas, including: an amoral inquisitor’s group, a mysterious assassin’s group, (one character, actually) a group of liaisons sent down from the mountain, a band of thieves on a mission, along with a few others. Occasionally, the groups conflict, and occasionally they align. Keene keeps things constantly shifting, but he is able to juggle this large cast without his story ever becoming confusing. That’s a plus worth noting.
How each group jockeys for the ability to achieve its agenda, and how these agendas will morph and change as the groups interact, seems like it will be the backbone of this series.
This first book offers several scenes that lay the groundwork for its magic system -- which is simple to understand, and if you allow it, unlimited in what it can ultimately deliver (characters must hold specific symbols in their minds. If they have a link to the mystic power source, and if their concentration is of high quality, they can wield the power offered by the symbol. If not, they are vulnerable to opponents who can. An easy power system to conceptualize, and a power system that can deliver lots of story moments). This magic system is specific enough that even in the first volume, Keene has some fun exploring its loopholes. (Keene has one character see a tattoo of an unfamiliar symbol, and the idea that the symbol could signify ANYTHING is enough to scare off a conflict (and to bring up the idea of bluffing. Fun)).
There are funny scenes with the villains - who are less “villains” than amoral characters scheming through their own agendas. There will be plenty of room for alliances of convenience, double crosses, triple crosses, and murders with sincere apologies.
The spectacle Keene is able to deliver is my favorite part of the book. I get the sense that Keene is a young writer. I expect his craft will blossom as he works with multiple editors and gets more work under his belt, but right here, right now, Christopher Keene already delivers great spectacle. There are at least three magnificent concepts in the second half of Gods Of The Mountain:
The assassin Kessel makes a power grab mid-way in the book that is poetically described, and is, in fact, awesome (his use of this power grab during his personal climactic battle, is just fantastic - I don’t want to give too much away, except that it is a stunning visual, delivered through prose, and a fantastic concept to groove on).
A second spectacle, the climax of the entire book, involves a character claiming and re-setting a kingdom. It’s a show-stopper.
A third, lesser spectacle, involves a character using the magic system to put out a temple fire. His solution offers a terrific visual. It comes AFTER the climax of the book, and I almost missed it, but it is fun to think about. The book has other strong visuals. Those are just three that wowwed me (I realize that I didn’t describe them - that would be cheating).
Gods of the Mountain is the opening volume of a multi-part series (another way in which it is a modern book.) It feels fresh (and that’s the BEST way to be a modern book).
Take aways:
- This book is always easy to understand - it stirs up plenty of grimdark power struggles - it features a clever magic system - it features ANIME BATTLES IN PROSE - it offers a fast paced parade of stunning visuals - and it is the work of a young writer starting out - If ANY of these factors appeal to you - yes - go ahead and jump on board Christopher Keene’s Gods Of The Mountain - A Cycle of Blades series.
Gods of the Mountain does share some elements with Game Of Thrones - maybe the basic architecture of its main city, some of the clothing, the general technology level, the bands of counter-acting factions within the storyline -- These are all pieces that might fit comfortably in a Game Of Thrones world - but this isn’t a Game Of Thrones type book.
The book has a specific magic system that it wants to get the reader familiar with, and it offers many scenes that display the fighting styles this magic system allows. The magic system is appealing, and the fights are interesting. All in all, the battles have a very strong anime vibe.
Anime in prose? Yes. Why not? This is a modern book. It’s allowed modern influences. When characters fight using this magic system, the battles are spectacular. Early fights seem to be sparring matches - tests of capabilities - with lots of frenemy banter (a hallmark of anime). The spectacle builds as the book progresses, (and there is one battle moment near the end of the book that is just jaw dropping. I LOVED it, and it colored my whole thinking on the book.)
Gods of the Mountain has a large cast, split into small groups with rivaling agendas, including: an amoral inquisitor’s group, a mysterious assassin’s group, (one character, actually) a group of liaisons sent down from the mountain, a band of thieves on a mission, along with a few others. Occasionally, the groups conflict, and occasionally they align. Keene keeps things constantly shifting, but he is able to juggle this large cast without his story ever becoming confusing. That’s a plus worth noting.
How each group jockeys for the ability to achieve its agenda, and how these agendas will morph and change as the groups interact, seems like it will be the backbone of this series.
This first book offers several scenes that lay the groundwork for its magic system -- which is simple to understand, and if you allow it, unlimited in what it can ultimately deliver (characters must hold specific symbols in their minds. If they have a link to the mystic power source, and if their concentration is of high quality, they can wield the power offered by the symbol. If not, they are vulnerable to opponents who can. An easy power system to conceptualize, and a power system that can deliver lots of story moments). This magic system is specific enough that even in the first volume, Keene has some fun exploring its loopholes. (Keene has one character see a tattoo of an unfamiliar symbol, and the idea that the symbol could signify ANYTHING is enough to scare off a conflict (and to bring up the idea of bluffing. Fun)).
There are funny scenes with the villains - who are less “villains” than amoral characters scheming through their own agendas. There will be plenty of room for alliances of convenience, double crosses, triple crosses, and murders with sincere apologies.
The spectacle Keene is able to deliver is my favorite part of the book. I get the sense that Keene is a young writer. I expect his craft will blossom as he works with multiple editors and gets more work under his belt, but right here, right now, Christopher Keene already delivers great spectacle. There are at least three magnificent concepts in the second half of Gods Of The Mountain:
The assassin Kessel makes a power grab mid-way in the book that is poetically described, and is, in fact, awesome (his use of this power grab during his personal climactic battle, is just fantastic - I don’t want to give too much away, except that it is a stunning visual, delivered through prose, and a fantastic concept to groove on).
A second spectacle, the climax of the entire book, involves a character claiming and re-setting a kingdom. It’s a show-stopper.
A third, lesser spectacle, involves a character using the magic system to put out a temple fire. His solution offers a terrific visual. It comes AFTER the climax of the book, and I almost missed it, but it is fun to think about. The book has other strong visuals. Those are just three that wowwed me (I realize that I didn’t describe them - that would be cheating).
Gods of the Mountain is the opening volume of a multi-part series (another way in which it is a modern book.) It feels fresh (and that’s the BEST way to be a modern book).
Take aways:
- This book is always easy to understand - it stirs up plenty of grimdark power struggles - it features a clever magic system - it features ANIME BATTLES IN PROSE - it offers a fast paced parade of stunning visuals - and it is the work of a young writer starting out - If ANY of these factors appeal to you - yes - go ahead and jump on board Christopher Keene’s Gods Of The Mountain - A Cycle of Blades series.
July 20, 2018
Gods of the Mountain is set in an essentially medieval world, like most fantasy, though there are no magical races or classic mythical creatures here. The setting is the repressive Avaani Empire, where most of our characters live in the major city of Tyria. Near Tyria is the eponymous mountain, where a religious sect of magic practitioners called the Lunari worship entities called the Ksai, whom they understand as the source of their magical powers. The Lunari are able to use symbols which they hold in their minds to endow themselves with comic-book-like abilities such as flight, strength, speed, teleportation, and others. The Avaani people distrust the Lunari, and the Lunari view the Avaani as a race of godless ignorant blasphemers.
As the action picks up, an Avaani assassin and mercenary named Kessler appears wielding Lunari powers in a quest for revenge against the empire. He is manipulated from the shadows by a mysterious renegade Lunari, and part of his plan is to train up other outlaws in Lunari magic to join him in his quest. Our protagonist is Faulk, an Avaani soldier-turned-mercenary who is unwillingly trained by Kessler and soon becomes a fugitive of the Avaani law enforcement, embodied in the sadistic High Inquisitor Mullen, a bloodthirsty and crafty man who excels in torture and other unkind practices. When the antics of these rogue magic-users attracts the attention of the Lunari, a pair of Lunari come down from the mountain to rein them in, and in the process attempt to recruit Faulk into their sect. Being a godless Avaani, Faulk is skeptical of their tales of Ksai and devotion and heresy. As these and other events unfold, there are revelations and plots and schemes in the world of humans and the world of gods, culminating in an explosive climax.
Gods of the Mountain had its share of strengths and weaknesses. It had an original plot and some new ideas that I hadn’t seen in fantasy before. The way magic worked was entirely its own, although it reminded me some of the novel Elantris by Brandon Sanderson, and I saw that Keene listed Sanderson as one of his influences, so this is not too surprising. The book does well with heightening mystery and intrigue throughout, and in fact we don’t learn the villain’s identity and motivation until near the very end of the novel. One weakness of the book was the indistinct personalities of the some of the characters. A few of the more important characters spoke and acted essentially the same, and that diminished the reading experience some. The book ends on something of a cliffhanger, being the first book of a planned series. This didn’t bother me, but it might bother some readers. Being an adult fantasy novel, the book also has its share of violence, profanity, and sexual content, so more sensitive readers might want to avoid it for those reasons.
All in all, I enjoyed the book and I’d be curious to see what else this author has out there. Fans of fantasy and people looking for books with less conventional plots are likely to appreciate Gods of the Mountain.
As the action picks up, an Avaani assassin and mercenary named Kessler appears wielding Lunari powers in a quest for revenge against the empire. He is manipulated from the shadows by a mysterious renegade Lunari, and part of his plan is to train up other outlaws in Lunari magic to join him in his quest. Our protagonist is Faulk, an Avaani soldier-turned-mercenary who is unwillingly trained by Kessler and soon becomes a fugitive of the Avaani law enforcement, embodied in the sadistic High Inquisitor Mullen, a bloodthirsty and crafty man who excels in torture and other unkind practices. When the antics of these rogue magic-users attracts the attention of the Lunari, a pair of Lunari come down from the mountain to rein them in, and in the process attempt to recruit Faulk into their sect. Being a godless Avaani, Faulk is skeptical of their tales of Ksai and devotion and heresy. As these and other events unfold, there are revelations and plots and schemes in the world of humans and the world of gods, culminating in an explosive climax.
Gods of the Mountain had its share of strengths and weaknesses. It had an original plot and some new ideas that I hadn’t seen in fantasy before. The way magic worked was entirely its own, although it reminded me some of the novel Elantris by Brandon Sanderson, and I saw that Keene listed Sanderson as one of his influences, so this is not too surprising. The book does well with heightening mystery and intrigue throughout, and in fact we don’t learn the villain’s identity and motivation until near the very end of the novel. One weakness of the book was the indistinct personalities of the some of the characters. A few of the more important characters spoke and acted essentially the same, and that diminished the reading experience some. The book ends on something of a cliffhanger, being the first book of a planned series. This didn’t bother me, but it might bother some readers. Being an adult fantasy novel, the book also has its share of violence, profanity, and sexual content, so more sensitive readers might want to avoid it for those reasons.
All in all, I enjoyed the book and I’d be curious to see what else this author has out there. Fans of fantasy and people looking for books with less conventional plots are likely to appreciate Gods of the Mountain.
November 7, 2018
Gods of the Mountain is a fantasy novel that explores, among other things, what happens when magic-like abilities are suddenly introduced into a largely magicless society. Kept hidden in the mountains by the Lunari, this magic is based on symbols that, once envisioned, give the user various powers based on the image. I felt Keene did an excellent job describing each sign and what abilities they gave, although I sometimes got confused keeping them straight. A glossary of each symbol would have been helpful.
The plot revolves around a city and its population after facing defeat by a more powerful empire. The subjugated people, including veterans of the defeated army, live under occupation while many thirst for revenge. One of these veterans, having apparently learned the Lunari magic from an exile, returns and wreaks havoc in the city, as well as drawing another veteran named Faulk into the fight. When the apparent source of the magic, gods worshipped by the mountain people, send three Lunari to fetch these outsiders, the conflict becomes a three-sided fight. Gods of the Mountain contains several characters and Keene switches between their points of view to give a wider understanding of their motivations. I found this helpful by opening a wider view of the world in which the novel takes place.
This is the first book of a series and ends with the promise of additional intrigue and adventure in future books. I enjoyed the book very much and look forward to the rest of the series. The writing kept me interested and Keene’s world building fleshed out a rich environment of characters with different motivations and moral codes.
The plot revolves around a city and its population after facing defeat by a more powerful empire. The subjugated people, including veterans of the defeated army, live under occupation while many thirst for revenge. One of these veterans, having apparently learned the Lunari magic from an exile, returns and wreaks havoc in the city, as well as drawing another veteran named Faulk into the fight. When the apparent source of the magic, gods worshipped by the mountain people, send three Lunari to fetch these outsiders, the conflict becomes a three-sided fight. Gods of the Mountain contains several characters and Keene switches between their points of view to give a wider understanding of their motivations. I found this helpful by opening a wider view of the world in which the novel takes place.
This is the first book of a series and ends with the promise of additional intrigue and adventure in future books. I enjoyed the book very much and look forward to the rest of the series. The writing kept me interested and Keene’s world building fleshed out a rich environment of characters with different motivations and moral codes.
December 27, 2017
Who are the Ksai gods and what do they want with humanity? Whatever they are, they gave the mountain people symbol magic, the only magic in the realm. The symbol system was fascinating and I enjoyed our hero Faulk’s journey, learning the art. He didn’t go it alone, some fellow veterans and a few of the outlandish mountain people started off trying to make their little patch of the world right and ended out in a plot that will engulf their entire world.
It’s nice to see the Protagonist work toward an ability. Hopefully Keene gets a movie deal on this and Faulk’s training gets set to a montage with arena rock music and sleeveless shirts.
I’ve read and reviewed eighty books this year and I’ve got to say that this is one of the best High Fantasy titles I’ve read. The world was vivid. The different groups of people were distinct, they had jobs within believable communities, and there were a few larger than life villains.
Did I mention romance and intrigue? There was a bit of that too, but not too much romance. This is an adults only book, in my opinion. A scene toward the end is too intense for the youngins.
Keene provided a free copy of this book with no strings attached. Why, you ask? Because I’m Toucan Sam and awesome fantasy books are my Fruit Loops. Regular Fruit Loops would be my Fruit Loops, but I have a gluten sensitivity. Anyhow, I chose to review the book without obligation, because that’s how I roll! Don’t believe me? Check out my pile of lippy opinions at LARC-SciFi(dot)com.
If this doesn’t turn into a series, then I will cry.
It’s nice to see the Protagonist work toward an ability. Hopefully Keene gets a movie deal on this and Faulk’s training gets set to a montage with arena rock music and sleeveless shirts.
I’ve read and reviewed eighty books this year and I’ve got to say that this is one of the best High Fantasy titles I’ve read. The world was vivid. The different groups of people were distinct, they had jobs within believable communities, and there were a few larger than life villains.
Did I mention romance and intrigue? There was a bit of that too, but not too much romance. This is an adults only book, in my opinion. A scene toward the end is too intense for the youngins.
Keene provided a free copy of this book with no strings attached. Why, you ask? Because I’m Toucan Sam and awesome fantasy books are my Fruit Loops. Regular Fruit Loops would be my Fruit Loops, but I have a gluten sensitivity. Anyhow, I chose to review the book without obligation, because that’s how I roll! Don’t believe me? Check out my pile of lippy opinions at LARC-SciFi(dot)com.
If this doesn’t turn into a series, then I will cry.
March 26, 2018
Gods of the Mountain showcases Keene's great understanding of the tropes needed to sell the feeling of high fantasy as well as a reader's desire to get something new from the genre. The magic system was unique yet fleshed out as if it has long since been a go-to for fantasy authors. Bravo.
Faulk, the main protagonist, is a good character, though I did struggle to feel an authentic sense of humanity from him throughout the overall plot arc (perhaps this has much to do with the fact that I'm not a hardened mercenary). It can be a struggle to let a character feel authentic to their own existence while simultaneously appeasing the reader's sense of the human condition.
While I really enjoyed this story from a plot perspective, there were times when I felt the writing was a bit cheesy, particularly in dialogue, and that was unfortunately a massive immersion breaker for me. Additionally, there were many tags after dialogue that I felt discarded reader credibility and slowed down the natural pace of conversation. However, those bits are just my take and did little to bring down what I think was a great read. Grab a copy and have a read for yourself.
Faulk, the main protagonist, is a good character, though I did struggle to feel an authentic sense of humanity from him throughout the overall plot arc (perhaps this has much to do with the fact that I'm not a hardened mercenary). It can be a struggle to let a character feel authentic to their own existence while simultaneously appeasing the reader's sense of the human condition.
While I really enjoyed this story from a plot perspective, there were times when I felt the writing was a bit cheesy, particularly in dialogue, and that was unfortunately a massive immersion breaker for me. Additionally, there were many tags after dialogue that I felt discarded reader credibility and slowed down the natural pace of conversation. However, those bits are just my take and did little to bring down what I think was a great read. Grab a copy and have a read for yourself.
October 21, 2018
Well-developed, gritty and convincing fantasy.
The hero of the story, Faulk, finds himself on the losing side in a war that sees his country invaded by the Avanni, an expansionist empire. Once a noble and proud warrior defending his nation, Faulk is reduced to running with a criminal gang to supplement his drinking and wastrel lifestyle. His home city of Tyria, now under the control of the Avanni, has a hidden undercity filled with the worst dregs of society and this is where Faulk lives out his seedy and lacklustre existence.
Following a startling and violent event, Faulk connects with an old comrade and is quickly immersed in a world of magical weaponry and abilities that changes him and his life path.
Beyond that, any attempt at summarising Christopher Keane’s brilliantly inventive plot and storytelling would pale in comparison to the novel, and spoil much of the journey for the reader.
This story has some wonderful and ambitious magical content, which creates a lot of very cool action. I have a simple recommendation; if you like great world-building, magical action and adventure (with touches of humour, intrigue and romance), then read this book.
The hero of the story, Faulk, finds himself on the losing side in a war that sees his country invaded by the Avanni, an expansionist empire. Once a noble and proud warrior defending his nation, Faulk is reduced to running with a criminal gang to supplement his drinking and wastrel lifestyle. His home city of Tyria, now under the control of the Avanni, has a hidden undercity filled with the worst dregs of society and this is where Faulk lives out his seedy and lacklustre existence.
Following a startling and violent event, Faulk connects with an old comrade and is quickly immersed in a world of magical weaponry and abilities that changes him and his life path.
Beyond that, any attempt at summarising Christopher Keane’s brilliantly inventive plot and storytelling would pale in comparison to the novel, and spoil much of the journey for the reader.
This story has some wonderful and ambitious magical content, which creates a lot of very cool action. I have a simple recommendation; if you like great world-building, magical action and adventure (with touches of humour, intrigue and romance), then read this book.
March 17, 2019
Set in a time after a war that has not only decimated the population, but changed the environment entirely, Gods of the Mountain expands the genres of “Grimdark” and “magical fantasy” in unexpected ways.
Unlike most books that include magic, there is no “us and them” class of spell-users. Anyone at all can learn to use magic, all they need to do is manipulate certain symbols. But who is teaching others these skills, and why? When everything is revealed, the reader will be astonished at how well the author built the framework for the series.
There are many of the “usual suspects” characters here: the soldiers who have fallen on hard times, the political schemers, the wise adepts, the mysterious villain. Alas, there are precious few females, although they are fairly well drawn.
What really captured me was the character Faulk’s growth, and the enchanting scenes crossing the deserts, forests, and mountains that were strongly reminiscent of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.” Only one of the participants keeps falling on his face (or other body parts).
Magic, gods, political intrigue, murder, a sprinkling of sex, all combine to make Gods of the Mountain a fascinating read.
Unlike most books that include magic, there is no “us and them” class of spell-users. Anyone at all can learn to use magic, all they need to do is manipulate certain symbols. But who is teaching others these skills, and why? When everything is revealed, the reader will be astonished at how well the author built the framework for the series.
There are many of the “usual suspects” characters here: the soldiers who have fallen on hard times, the political schemers, the wise adepts, the mysterious villain. Alas, there are precious few females, although they are fairly well drawn.
What really captured me was the character Faulk’s growth, and the enchanting scenes crossing the deserts, forests, and mountains that were strongly reminiscent of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.” Only one of the participants keeps falling on his face (or other body parts).
Magic, gods, political intrigue, murder, a sprinkling of sex, all combine to make Gods of the Mountain a fascinating read.
January 7, 2018
Christopher Keene has developed an intricate world of magic, diverse cultures, and overall excitement. If you're looking for a read filled with intriguing systems of magic, then this book is for you. I would dare to compare Keene with Brandon Sanderson for his skills of world-building and, more importantly, his creation of a well-developed style of magic.
I enjoyed this book for a number of reasons; namely, it's fast pacing, the complexity of the characters, and most importantly, how intense the ending of the book was. It was a very climatic read that created a truly satisfying ending. I could only ever guess where the story would take me; it was far from predictable! The only issue I had with the book was that it starts out a little TOO fast, and I had a hard time understanding what was going on. That being said, after the initial speed at the beginning, the plot slows down just enough for you to catch on and continue enjoying the story.
Definitely a four star book, and I look forward to the next installment in this series!
I enjoyed this book for a number of reasons; namely, it's fast pacing, the complexity of the characters, and most importantly, how intense the ending of the book was. It was a very climatic read that created a truly satisfying ending. I could only ever guess where the story would take me; it was far from predictable! The only issue I had with the book was that it starts out a little TOO fast, and I had a hard time understanding what was going on. That being said, after the initial speed at the beginning, the plot slows down just enough for you to catch on and continue enjoying the story.
Definitely a four star book, and I look forward to the next installment in this series!
July 11, 2018
Keene's a Grimdark Author who grabs the genre by the horns.
From the start you know you're in for a good story with Gods of the Mountain, when Keene takes what feels like police procedural and dumps it into a fantasy scene. Things only get better from then on, with a version of magic that allows users to command special daggers by using images of runes in their minds.
With a sadistic inquisitor who is wholeheartedly dedicated to protecting his city, Keene creates a protagonist you can really get your teeth into, whilst most certainly deciding that you never want to bump into him in a dark alley. Or a dark dungeon.
Keene also understands how to write magic and combat scenes, something which I highly prize in any book I'm reading.
At 307 pages, this is shorter than the average fantasy, but this is more than fairly balanced by the price. A book well worth adding to your collection.
From the start you know you're in for a good story with Gods of the Mountain, when Keene takes what feels like police procedural and dumps it into a fantasy scene. Things only get better from then on, with a version of magic that allows users to command special daggers by using images of runes in their minds.
With a sadistic inquisitor who is wholeheartedly dedicated to protecting his city, Keene creates a protagonist you can really get your teeth into, whilst most certainly deciding that you never want to bump into him in a dark alley. Or a dark dungeon.
Keene also understands how to write magic and combat scenes, something which I highly prize in any book I'm reading.
At 307 pages, this is shorter than the average fantasy, but this is more than fairly balanced by the price. A book well worth adding to your collection.
May 6, 2018
This one is a very entertaining read. The characters are interesting, the magic system well-developed (perhaps a touch over-developed) and the tropes traditional to the genre are extremely well handled. The story itself matches the dark setting, creating an immersive read that balances between the dark, gritty and the power fantasy I personally love.
What I enjoyed, in particular, was that the characters acted like real humans, with believable emotional reactions (yes, I do get annoyed by characters having overblown emotional reactions to every little thing that happens, so the people portrayed within this book not doing it a welcomed change for me), motivations and not over-the-top heroism. Oh, and the action is well written, which is a rarer sight than I would prefer.
What I enjoyed, in particular, was that the characters acted like real humans, with believable emotional reactions (yes, I do get annoyed by characters having overblown emotional reactions to every little thing that happens, so the people portrayed within this book not doing it a welcomed change for me), motivations and not over-the-top heroism. Oh, and the action is well written, which is a rarer sight than I would prefer.
January 27, 2018
Channeling the likes of Brandon Sanderson and Joe Abercrombie, Keene has crafted a well-considered grimdark fantasy. It has what we have come to expect from such an epic: a hero with a tragic past, a city ruled by tyranny and fear, a mysterious woman from distant realms - and a carefully developed magic system. The plot moves at a decent pace, with a number of intriguing twists. For an epic, it is a relatively short read - measuring in at just over 300 pages. Although somewhat less evocative than the masters (weighing a bit too heavily on the "tell" side of narration), it is, overall, a promising first delve into the realms of epic fantasy.
April 4, 2018
I prefer my fantasy to be dark, and this book definitely met that preference. I was pulled in immediately and enjoyed learning about the rules of the world the author deftly brought to life. The unique magic is very memorable and rightfully stands out to many reviewers. What really set this apart for me, though, was the progression of the main characters.
It’s always important to get readers invested in the main characters, and I genuinely cared about Faulk and Yuweh’s journey (along with Mullen, who was the most entertaining character). I’ll definitely be checking out the second book in this series, and I recommend this book to anyone who likes dark fantasy.
It’s always important to get readers invested in the main characters, and I genuinely cared about Faulk and Yuweh’s journey (along with Mullen, who was the most entertaining character). I’ll definitely be checking out the second book in this series, and I recommend this book to anyone who likes dark fantasy.
March 13, 2018
There is no turning back for all who taste the power, whether it's to live in the moment or to survive the hour.
The greed and lies in the land of the Lunari force an exile to teach outsiders their ways. With the hope of raising a rebellion to topple the government, Kessler, a student of the exile decides to pass on the teachings of his master. Among the many unfoldings, he gets to lure Faulk-a former Lieutenant in the Tyrian army-to join his cause. After tasting the powers of the secluded race, and getting the promise of avenging the death of his commander, there's no turning back for Faulk. The Lunari also refuse to sit back and just watch as their powers are used for dark purposes, so they send a team to capture the students of the exile.
If you're in the mood to visit a new land, this is a read for you.
The greed and lies in the land of the Lunari force an exile to teach outsiders their ways. With the hope of raising a rebellion to topple the government, Kessler, a student of the exile decides to pass on the teachings of his master. Among the many unfoldings, he gets to lure Faulk-a former Lieutenant in the Tyrian army-to join his cause. After tasting the powers of the secluded race, and getting the promise of avenging the death of his commander, there's no turning back for Faulk. The Lunari also refuse to sit back and just watch as their powers are used for dark purposes, so they send a team to capture the students of the exile.
If you're in the mood to visit a new land, this is a read for you.
March 15, 2018
One of the most brilliantly creative books I have read in years! Author Christopher Keene masterfully creates a spellbinding adventure that leaves you never knowing what is coming on the next page. Between an epic journey and a struggle for power that not only encompasses one kingdom or culture but an entire world, I’m eagerly anticipating the next one in the series! It’s definitely five stars and two thumbs up from me!
April 26, 2018
Gods of the Mountain walks a fine line between realism and power fantasy.
Fantasy at its best, the world maintains internal logic while exploring the possibility space of fantastic powers.
The plot has satisfactory conclusions while tantalizing the reader with the possibility and promise of further adventure. This book works well as both a standalone and the start of an epic saga.
A joy to read.
Fantasy at its best, the world maintains internal logic while exploring the possibility space of fantastic powers.
The plot has satisfactory conclusions while tantalizing the reader with the possibility and promise of further adventure. This book works well as both a standalone and the start of an epic saga.
A joy to read.
July 17, 2019
Now that this has been taken down from Amazon for some heavy edits, I feel I can tell my own opinion on this first attempt at epic fantasy. I've learned that readers don't accept intentional early character flaws (such as the blatant staw-theism) and plot-pupose characters as easily as I do, although oddly, this criticism is levelled mostly on at the female characters where many of the passing male characters seem to be no issue, probably because it is already a male dominated story. Another is the claim of using the noble savage trope for the characters with dark skin, which given the example (there are several darker-skin races) are from a pacifist culture, I suspect this criticism is more to do with skin color rather than their actions or beliefs. Many of these seem to come from identity sensitivities, which, unlike the narrative and formating that I accept and will apply gratefully, I don't think I will alter several elements unless that is to make them more blatant to show their intent.
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