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Heroes of Asgard #1
Sword of Secrets
When mortals turn their backs on gods, those gods will return with a vengeance.
Gavyn’s no hero. In fact, after a group of psychos claiming to be Sumerian gods resurface in a destructive display of power and demand the surrender of the world’s heroes, Gavyn only thinks, “Wow. Sucks to be them.” So when an old hag, who’s quite likely an ancient witch, and a young, gorgeous woman, for whom he’d at least pretend to be a hero, show up at his door insisting he’s one of the heroes the Sumerians are after, he’s skeptical…and more than a little annoyed.
But the old witch and supermodel-in-training won’t take no for an answer, and Gavyn finds himself being transported halfway across the world to an actual, honest-to-some-god training camp for men and women who embrace their destinies to safeguard Earth. And while he had every intention of continuing his stubborn refusal to become the hero the Norse gods need him to be, his own ancestor has different ideas. The dreams that connect him to a past no one can remember hint at an old deception, and the Sumerians aren’t the only enemy the Norse will have to face.
In the first book of the Heroes of Asgard series, Gavyn must accept who—and what—he is, because the forgotten gods of ancient religions have returned. And they’ll no longer be ignored.
Gavyn’s no hero. In fact, after a group of psychos claiming to be Sumerian gods resurface in a destructive display of power and demand the surrender of the world’s heroes, Gavyn only thinks, “Wow. Sucks to be them.” So when an old hag, who’s quite likely an ancient witch, and a young, gorgeous woman, for whom he’d at least pretend to be a hero, show up at his door insisting he’s one of the heroes the Sumerians are after, he’s skeptical…and more than a little annoyed.
But the old witch and supermodel-in-training won’t take no for an answer, and Gavyn finds himself being transported halfway across the world to an actual, honest-to-some-god training camp for men and women who embrace their destinies to safeguard Earth. And while he had every intention of continuing his stubborn refusal to become the hero the Norse gods need him to be, his own ancestor has different ideas. The dreams that connect him to a past no one can remember hint at an old deception, and the Sumerians aren’t the only enemy the Norse will have to face.
In the first book of the Heroes of Asgard series, Gavyn must accept who—and what—he is, because the forgotten gods of ancient religions have returned. And they’ll no longer be ignored.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2018
226 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 27, 2023
Sassy, fun adventure
So, I liked this book. Gavyn, the main character, is sarcastic, sassy and a real anti-hero, caught up in a war he’d rather not be in. The way he speaks to others really connects with me and it should have had five stars. However, beyond Gavyn, the rest of the story disappears sometimes. There have been times when I’ve picked it up to read after putting it down 24 hours previously, and I had to read back a few pages because I couldn’t remember how I’d got to that part of the book.
And the ending….it just appeared. I get it that some authors want to write numerous sequels but I felt this story left much unanswered. I’m not a huge fan of books that don’t tell a full story, they leave me feeling slightly cheated. I will read more by this author but I hope they don’t end with such sudden cliffhangers.
So, I liked this book. Gavyn, the main character, is sarcastic, sassy and a real anti-hero, caught up in a war he’d rather not be in. The way he speaks to others really connects with me and it should have had five stars. However, beyond Gavyn, the rest of the story disappears sometimes. There have been times when I’ve picked it up to read after putting it down 24 hours previously, and I had to read back a few pages because I couldn’t remember how I’d got to that part of the book.
And the ending….it just appeared. I get it that some authors want to write numerous sequels but I felt this story left much unanswered. I’m not a huge fan of books that don’t tell a full story, they leave me feeling slightly cheated. I will read more by this author but I hope they don’t end with such sudden cliffhangers.
September 14, 2018
Mythological gods in the here and now
Interesting premise offered with tongue in cheek. Main modern characters somewhat shallow, thinking only of sports, women and drink. Nonetheless, they labor to "save the world" and their families from disgruntled ancient gods. Humor shows up unexpectedly from time to time, relieving the sometimes incomprehensible advances in the story line and rendering it readable.
Interesting premise offered with tongue in cheek. Main modern characters somewhat shallow, thinking only of sports, women and drink. Nonetheless, they labor to "save the world" and their families from disgruntled ancient gods. Humor shows up unexpectedly from time to time, relieving the sometimes incomprehensible advances in the story line and rendering it readable.
February 25, 2018
S.M. Schmitz has done it again with a new book, Sword of Secrets, book 1 of a new series, Heroes of Asgard, that’s totally (sneakily) fun yet full of convincing thrills and adventure. In a world full of gods, demigods and their heroic champions, her leading character Gavyn is a fantastic anti-hero of a hero. Add in a great cast of supporting characters and this is another read that is “guaranteed to be enjoyed”.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
March 6, 2018
I picked this book up because it sounded interesting and I love reading stories about the Norse gods. Gavyn certainly makes the reader vacillate between wanting to throttle him and wanting to hug him. You certainly get a different look at the gods in this book, which is a cross between the other more and YA stories and the comic books stories. I have to say that I am very curious about what will happen in the next book.
April 4, 2018
Another Great Hero 😍
Gavin seems to be a most unlikely hero... one who would prefer drinking and watching football rather than fighting Sumerian God's. But slowly he begins to form attachment to the strange Norse God's surrounding him and just when he realizes he's ready to fight well I'll leave that open for your imagination. This is another great read from a fantastic novelist S.M. Schmitz. Your going to love it!!!
Gavin seems to be a most unlikely hero... one who would prefer drinking and watching football rather than fighting Sumerian God's. But slowly he begins to form attachment to the strange Norse God's surrounding him and just when he realizes he's ready to fight well I'll leave that open for your imagination. This is another great read from a fantastic novelist S.M. Schmitz. Your going to love it!!!
September 16, 2018
Looks like I've found a new favourite for my keeper shelves. I know, Gavyn is annoying, and in real life I would want to throat punch him, but in book form I find him amusing. As a mythnerd (not sure if that's a thing, but if it isn't then it should be) I'm loving the chance for some forgotte gods to get a bit of airtime :)
After struggling to finish another book I found this one a refreshing read, not too cerebral, with lots of action and fun
After struggling to finish another book I found this one a refreshing read, not too cerebral, with lots of action and fun
September 13, 2018
A heroic fantasy of "The Dragon and The George" mold.
By which I mean a modern day everyman character finds himself pulled into the situation of dealing with god's and creatures of myth and discovers his potential was greater than he thought. That's the situation Gavin finds U.K.self in when a Valkyrie and an ancient Celtic goddess kidnaps him and his best friend.
By which I mean a modern day everyman character finds himself pulled into the situation of dealing with god's and creatures of myth and discovers his potential was greater than he thought. That's the situation Gavin finds U.K.self in when a Valkyrie and an ancient Celtic goddess kidnaps him and his best friend.
September 23, 2018
As usual, the booked lived up to the promise
I love books where there are uncertain and insecure heroes learning what they need to learn while stubbornly clinging to ignorance with an attitude. Giving gods nicknames and running a smart mouth proves this book deserves every one of those stars
I love books where there are uncertain and insecure heroes learning what they need to learn while stubbornly clinging to ignorance with an attitude. Giving gods nicknames and running a smart mouth proves this book deserves every one of those stars
May 3, 2023
This is a fun bubble gum fantasy series that will appeal to guys
A smart ass nobody becomes the heir to Asgard, but of course there will have to be several epic fights along the hero’s journey. The author makes it entertaining if you don’t mind a lot of sophomoric humor.
Love story, of course there is a love story.
Happy ending, of course there is happy ending
Have fun.
A smart ass nobody becomes the heir to Asgard, but of course there will have to be several epic fights along the hero’s journey. The author makes it entertaining if you don’t mind a lot of sophomoric humor.
Love story, of course there is a love story.
Happy ending, of course there is happy ending
Have fun.
May 10, 2023
Main Character far too annoying!
Thankfully the book got better towards the end, but I only continued reading it because of the time I had already invested in it. The main character continually trying to make immature jokes was just too annoying for me and it made for a frustrating read!
Thankfully the book got better towards the end, but I only continued reading it because of the time I had already invested in it. The main character continually trying to make immature jokes was just too annoying for me and it made for a frustrating read!
March 2, 2018
Sword of Secrets does a fantastic job laying the groundwork for what is sure to be a must read series for all fantasy fans. It is an action packed fast paced read with great sassy & fun characters. I look forward to more in this series and from this Author.
March 14, 2018
Great start
I wasn’t sure if I would like book; so I put off reading it. I’m glad that I took a chance and started this new series. I’m not a huge fan of cliffhangers; but this one was well done. I’m hooked and I’ve got to know what happens next.
I wasn’t sure if I would like book; so I put off reading it. I’m glad that I took a chance and started this new series. I’m not a huge fan of cliffhangers; but this one was well done. I’m hooked and I’ve got to know what happens next.
September 20, 2018
Great read. Old verse modern times, can't wait to start book 2,which is now,lol.
Great read. Old world verses a true mid 20's mid awesome clash between the 2. Can't wait to read the next book, which is now.😨
Great read. Old world verses a true mid 20's mid awesome clash between the 2. Can't wait to read the next book, which is now.😨
September 24, 2018
Sword of secrets
I found this a surprising read. Being a long time fan of the various mythologies I really enjoyed the mixing used in this book. It was fun, kept me interested, and was enjoyable way to spend the day.
I found this a surprising read. Being a long time fan of the various mythologies I really enjoyed the mixing used in this book. It was fun, kept me interested, and was enjoyable way to spend the day.
August 14, 2024
Probably not my genre.
5 of the 20 chapters are set in the world of Norse gods - included as Gavyn's dreams. The rest of the book is about Gavyn being drawn into a fight by goods gods to save the modern world from the vengeful gods.
5 of the 20 chapters are set in the world of Norse gods - included as Gavyn's dreams. The rest of the book is about Gavyn being drawn into a fight by goods gods to save the modern world from the vengeful gods.
February 17, 2018
This book was so funny and Gavyn’s way of being. The plot was a little slow, but this is a book 1 that needed to settle a world for next events.
Book 2 will be great fun if it will be like that one!
Book 2 will be great fun if it will be like that one!
March 1, 2018
Awesome Story
This is an amazing story. It also has a lot of dry humor in it. I could not have been less enthralled with the story.
This is an amazing story. It also has a lot of dry humor in it. I could not have been less enthralled with the story.
November 23, 2018
Easy read
I really like that the main character has such a smart mouth! Very imaginative story plot. Hooks you right at the first page!
I really like that the main character has such a smart mouth! Very imaginative story plot. Hooks you right at the first page!
June 4, 2021
Good read if you like Norse mythology.
This is a decent book to read if you like Norse mythology. I found it interesting and a bit curious to see where the next book goes.
This is a decent book to read if you like Norse mythology. I found it interesting and a bit curious to see where the next book goes.
April 20, 2023
Sarcastic
I've heard the story before, even watched a movie on Netflix Ranyroc? But the sarcastic remarks throughout the book had me laughing. I even snorted lol
I've heard the story before, even watched a movie on Netflix Ranyroc? But the sarcastic remarks throughout the book had me laughing. I even snorted lol
June 10, 2023
Interesting story
I enjoyed te book very much. I would love to read the next book. Great character development and interesting story line.
I enjoyed te book very much. I would love to read the next book. Great character development and interesting story line.
June 14, 2023
Good story line, but the protagonist was an egotistical jerk.
June 19, 2023
Awesome
Fast paced 'real' and 'dream' sequences running smoothly through the story. Can't wait for the TV show. Great fun characters
Fast paced 'real' and 'dream' sequences running smoothly through the story. Can't wait for the TV show. Great fun characters
July 2, 2023
I liked this book. It was fun to read, even though it ended with a cliffhanger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2024
DNF. the MC was too much to take and the premise just did not work.
April 2, 2024
Again I found a good read in this book. I would not mind more stories in this series.
May 3, 2024
it was a unique story, loved it!
November 19, 2021
The book has no end. The story just stops and not one damn thing has been resolved. Nothing. NOTHING. This is so frustrating, to read through the entire book only to find out it's just a hook for you to get into a series, because literally not one of the problems introduced in any part of the book get solved. No arc at all.
June 2, 2021
This was a fun reread. Gavyn is a fun protagonist, as a reluctant hero with intriguing dreams and lots of snark. And some dumbassery. This book is a good start to the series, and I'll reread book two as well. 4 stars.
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews