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Age of Tyranny #2
God of Broken Things
An outcast magician must risk his body and mind to save the world from horrifying demons, in the heart-pounding epic fantasy sequel to The Traitor God.
Tyrant magus Edrin Walker destroyed the monster sent by the Skallgrim, but not before it laid waste to Setharis, and infested their magical elite with mind-controlling parasites. Edrin's own Gift to seize the minds of others was cracked by the strain of battle, and he barely survives the interrogation of a captured magus. There's no time for recovery though: a Skallgrim army is marching on the mountain passes of the Clanhold. Edrin and a coterie of villains race to stop them, but the mountains are filled with gods, daemons, magic, and his hideous past. Walker must stop at nothing to win, even if that means losing his mind. Or worse...
Tyrant magus Edrin Walker destroyed the monster sent by the Skallgrim, but not before it laid waste to Setharis, and infested their magical elite with mind-controlling parasites. Edrin's own Gift to seize the minds of others was cracked by the strain of battle, and he barely survives the interrogation of a captured magus. There's no time for recovery though: a Skallgrim army is marching on the mountain passes of the Clanhold. Edrin and a coterie of villains race to stop them, but the mountains are filled with gods, daemons, magic, and his hideous past. Walker must stop at nothing to win, even if that means losing his mind. Or worse...
432 pages, Paperback
First published June 11, 2019
159 people are currently reading
1301 people want to read
About the author
Cameron Johnston
21 books590 followersCameron Johnston is a Scottish writer of fantasy and lives in the city of Glasgow. He is a student of Historical European Martial Arts, loves archaeology, history, folklore and mythology, exploring ancient sites and spooky places, and camping out under the stars with a roaring fire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
March 12, 2019
Cameron Johnston is an author who writes exactly the types of books that I really enjoy. Heavy on the magic, violently action-packed, with plenty of thrills punctuated by characters who don't always behave the way you expect them to. Cameron's first book in his Age of Tyranny series The Traitor God was one of my favorite reads of 2018. It immediately grabbed my attention when I first read it and I've been eagerly anticipating book two so that I could get right back into this amazing world and story. Luckily for me I was able to procure an advance copy of GOD OF BROKEN THINGS from publisher Angry Robot (with a little help from Cameron himself) about three weeks ago and pretty much immersed myself in this story whenever I could during that time.
GOD OF BROKEN THINGS returns us to the setting of Setharis, a city that has been rendered a blasted wasteland after the culminating event known as Black Autumn from the first book. Legendary mage Edrin Walker barely survived that cataclysmic encounter and we find him beginning this story looking to settle a score with three traitorous mages who were mind-possessed hosts of the enemy Skallgrim's parasites. These mages contributed to the sorcerous attack that battered his homeland and killed so many of Setharis' citizens, even some of Edrin's closest friends. The Skallgrim are by no means off the hook though, as Edrin would love to eliminate that menace once and for all if given the chance. Turns out he may get his chance sooner than he thinks, as Edrin is called upon by the head of the Arcanum to confront a growing Skallgrim army gathering near the mountain passes far to the north of Setharis, just outside of the clan settlements. If the Skallgrim manage to succeed in penetrating inland past the clans, what is left of Setharis may not be able to withstand what could be this final nail in the coffin. A reluctant Edrin finds himself with no real choice but to cobble together a ragtag group of mercenaries and washed-up warriors to meet the threat head-on. As he and his companions travel north, they discover that the invading Skallgrim army is only half the battle they will face, as to even get to that ultimate battlefront they must first travel through treacherous mountain passes filled with all means of vile creatures hidden for ages within the isolation of the towering peaks. More than once during their journey, Edrin and his cohorts must battle with demonic beasts from a time long past and buried secrets that even the great mage himself had no inkling existed. But time is slowly running out for Setharis, as it faces enemies from both within and without. Can Edrin and his cohorts find the answers to saving the last remnants of Setharis and ultimately redeem what has been broken within himself in the process? Time and a lot of bloodshed may be the determining factor.
I had a hard time believing that Cameron Johnston could top the brilliant The Traitor God, but I am happy to say that he has eclipsed that book and then some! Where the first book was more of a slow-burn that focused on Edrin in somewhat of a detective role trying to uncover the identity of the murderer of his best friend, GOD OF BROKEN THINGS puts a boot on your throat from page one and never lets up. It's very rare that you get a second book that actually has even more action and thrills than the first, but this fits that bill. Normally second books are methodical and used as a setup for the breathtaking and riveting final book finish. Yeah, not so much here. And that's what makes GOD OF BROKEN THINGS so damned amazing that I rated it even higher than The Traitor God. Edrin is thrust into such a different role in this book, but it works just as well if not better. I found the overall story in this book so compelling as you have two main conflicts going on that have to be addressed. You have the invading hordes of Skallgrim and also the creatures living withing the mountainous clan hold regions that give an added threat to the main characters. Johnston has just gotten better and better as a storyteller and his characters continue to have incredible depth and personality that you don't see in many fantasy books these days. Yes, Edrin is still a wiseguy who believes he can get out of any situation, but he also has a vulnerability that makes him sympathetic and endearing. The secondary characters of Cillian and Eva are amazingly well-done and just lend to what is a fantastic narrative. And did I mention the world-building? All I can say is it is some of the best you will find. The ruined city of Setharis is described in such amazing detail as we get to see and feel the devastation that led to its fall and the subsequent aftermath. Yet we also get a sense that it may rise again one day and here is where Johnston hints at a bit of hope in the midst of enormous hopelessness. I can't say enough about how much I enjoyed this book. It moves the story forward beautifully and also serves as a tantalizing setup for what should be a bang up finish. For those wishing to read this series my suggestion would be to start with book one The Traitor God. Now is a good time too, Since GOD OF BROKEN THINGS isn't due to be released until June 11th, 2019. TTG is a tremendous read in its own right though and essential to understanding the backstory. In closing, I want to reiterate how much I recommend GOD OF BROKEN THINGS and really this entire series as a whole. It is one of the best out there right now and a must-read for any SFF reader who loves magic, dark settings, evil villains, and incredible writing.
GOD OF BROKEN THINGS returns us to the setting of Setharis, a city that has been rendered a blasted wasteland after the culminating event known as Black Autumn from the first book. Legendary mage Edrin Walker barely survived that cataclysmic encounter and we find him beginning this story looking to settle a score with three traitorous mages who were mind-possessed hosts of the enemy Skallgrim's parasites. These mages contributed to the sorcerous attack that battered his homeland and killed so many of Setharis' citizens, even some of Edrin's closest friends. The Skallgrim are by no means off the hook though, as Edrin would love to eliminate that menace once and for all if given the chance. Turns out he may get his chance sooner than he thinks, as Edrin is called upon by the head of the Arcanum to confront a growing Skallgrim army gathering near the mountain passes far to the north of Setharis, just outside of the clan settlements. If the Skallgrim manage to succeed in penetrating inland past the clans, what is left of Setharis may not be able to withstand what could be this final nail in the coffin. A reluctant Edrin finds himself with no real choice but to cobble together a ragtag group of mercenaries and washed-up warriors to meet the threat head-on. As he and his companions travel north, they discover that the invading Skallgrim army is only half the battle they will face, as to even get to that ultimate battlefront they must first travel through treacherous mountain passes filled with all means of vile creatures hidden for ages within the isolation of the towering peaks. More than once during their journey, Edrin and his cohorts must battle with demonic beasts from a time long past and buried secrets that even the great mage himself had no inkling existed. But time is slowly running out for Setharis, as it faces enemies from both within and without. Can Edrin and his cohorts find the answers to saving the last remnants of Setharis and ultimately redeem what has been broken within himself in the process? Time and a lot of bloodshed may be the determining factor.
I had a hard time believing that Cameron Johnston could top the brilliant The Traitor God, but I am happy to say that he has eclipsed that book and then some! Where the first book was more of a slow-burn that focused on Edrin in somewhat of a detective role trying to uncover the identity of the murderer of his best friend, GOD OF BROKEN THINGS puts a boot on your throat from page one and never lets up. It's very rare that you get a second book that actually has even more action and thrills than the first, but this fits that bill. Normally second books are methodical and used as a setup for the breathtaking and riveting final book finish. Yeah, not so much here. And that's what makes GOD OF BROKEN THINGS so damned amazing that I rated it even higher than The Traitor God. Edrin is thrust into such a different role in this book, but it works just as well if not better. I found the overall story in this book so compelling as you have two main conflicts going on that have to be addressed. You have the invading hordes of Skallgrim and also the creatures living withing the mountainous clan hold regions that give an added threat to the main characters. Johnston has just gotten better and better as a storyteller and his characters continue to have incredible depth and personality that you don't see in many fantasy books these days. Yes, Edrin is still a wiseguy who believes he can get out of any situation, but he also has a vulnerability that makes him sympathetic and endearing. The secondary characters of Cillian and Eva are amazingly well-done and just lend to what is a fantastic narrative. And did I mention the world-building? All I can say is it is some of the best you will find. The ruined city of Setharis is described in such amazing detail as we get to see and feel the devastation that led to its fall and the subsequent aftermath. Yet we also get a sense that it may rise again one day and here is where Johnston hints at a bit of hope in the midst of enormous hopelessness. I can't say enough about how much I enjoyed this book. It moves the story forward beautifully and also serves as a tantalizing setup for what should be a bang up finish. For those wishing to read this series my suggestion would be to start with book one The Traitor God. Now is a good time too, Since GOD OF BROKEN THINGS isn't due to be released until June 11th, 2019. TTG is a tremendous read in its own right though and essential to understanding the backstory. In closing, I want to reiterate how much I recommend GOD OF BROKEN THINGS and really this entire series as a whole. It is one of the best out there right now and a must-read for any SFF reader who loves magic, dark settings, evil villains, and incredible writing.
August 22, 2019
Damn! Now that's how you end a book. The story grew quite a bit from book 1. As did the main character, Edrin Walker. He's still a dark and filthy bastard of a tyrant, but you learn to love him just the same.
The grim dark elements mixed with an old school fantasy feel made for a very fine read indeed. The world building was top notch and just as detailed as the first book. I really hope Cameron decides to revisit this world in future books. A duology just isn't enough for me. Possibly a prequel involving the Escharri if your reading this Cameron. *Hint Hint*
All fantasy readers should give these books a try. Especially all you grim dark fans out there.
Actual Rating: 5 stars *****
The grim dark elements mixed with an old school fantasy feel made for a very fine read indeed. The world building was top notch and just as detailed as the first book. I really hope Cameron decides to revisit this world in future books. A duology just isn't enough for me. Possibly a prequel involving the Escharri if your reading this Cameron. *Hint Hint*
All fantasy readers should give these books a try. Especially all you grim dark fans out there.
"If it took a monster to save those I cared about then I would be that monster."
Actual Rating: 5 stars *****
December 17, 2019
If you were to do battle for the fate of the world with primeval parasitic mind controlling varmints who possessed elemental magic powers and were accompanied by hordes of mind controlled clan-dwellers, you might just want the tyrant magus Edrin Walker on your side. Well, maybe, if you can get used to the fact he crawls inside people's minds, warps their thoughts, and has in the not too distant past laid waste to just about everything that matters. Chosen by the college of magicians to take a ragtag band of warriors, cutthroats, thieves, and a knight with magical armor to the northern passes to head off the enemy, Walker has his hands full. And, that's before he runs into his three-eyed, soul-stealing grandma and her tame yetis. This is a full-scale action novel that pits magi against magi against parasitic monsters and if that's what you're looking for, you certainly found it.
August 1, 2019
The city of Setharis is smoldering. She has survived the war, but not by much. Her hero, Edrin Walker, knows her pain. Having vanquished the enemy host, its inhuman monster, and the mad god responsible for opening these gates to invasion, our rogue mage finds himself spent and spell-weary - trying with all his arrogant might to ignore the splinter of ensorcelled sword lodged in his hand that appears, like some metallic plague, to be crawling up the length of his arm.
And yet...no rest for the wicked.
Cameron Johnston returns with a second series of ordeals for his tyrant-in-the-making; miserable quests that will send our erstwhile savior from the belly of the city's worst prison to the heights of the distant Clanhold and a second meeting with a deranged mystic he'd hoped never to lay eyes on again. (While it's true, blood is blood, his grandmother had the irksome habit of taking this far too literally.)
Fast-paced, battle-rich, and ethically confounding. A worthy sequel to the swashbuckling adventure of the first.
And yet...no rest for the wicked.
Cameron Johnston returns with a second series of ordeals for his tyrant-in-the-making; miserable quests that will send our erstwhile savior from the belly of the city's worst prison to the heights of the distant Clanhold and a second meeting with a deranged mystic he'd hoped never to lay eyes on again. (While it's true, blood is blood, his grandmother had the irksome habit of taking this far too literally.)
Fast-paced, battle-rich, and ethically confounding. A worthy sequel to the swashbuckling adventure of the first.
August 24, 2019
I enjoyed it - it was fast-paced and interested, I thought the ending was great. I liked the characters and appreciated that there could be a quasi-romance where the woman wasn't stunningly beautiful.
July 2, 2019
A fantastic conclusion to the duology and a great send off to mighty Edrin Walker.
So the Age of Tyranny duology is undoubtedly all about Edrin Walker. He's a thief, a magus, a tyrant, and an arsehole extraordinaire. He's also charismatic and downright fun.
God of Broken Things does exactly what it needs to as the second and final book in the series. It upped the stakes, delivered on the mysteries and promises of book 1, and gave a fitting finale to the crass, foul-mouthed bastard who we've been following. It also tightened things up a bit. Book 1 (The Traitor God) felt a bit slow and bloated in places. The pace occasionally meandered it couldn't quite decide if it wanted to be a murder mystery, a dungeon crawler, or an adrenaline-fueled action spectacular. Book 2 does away with all the fat and leaves us with the grisly heart of our favourite tyrant. It has blistering battles, monstrous monsters, heartfelt reunions, and a glorious ending that just felt right.
It's also definitely worth noting that Paul Woodson again nailed the narration. He was an entirely believable Edrin Walker and really helped bring the character to life in all his aresholic glory.
I think I gave book 1 4 stars, but I'm going for 5 stars for book 2 and for the Age of Tyranny series as a whole. An absolute joy to listen to and I'm going to miss Edrin Walker.
So the Age of Tyranny duology is undoubtedly all about Edrin Walker. He's a thief, a magus, a tyrant, and an arsehole extraordinaire. He's also charismatic and downright fun.
God of Broken Things does exactly what it needs to as the second and final book in the series. It upped the stakes, delivered on the mysteries and promises of book 1, and gave a fitting finale to the crass, foul-mouthed bastard who we've been following. It also tightened things up a bit. Book 1 (The Traitor God) felt a bit slow and bloated in places. The pace occasionally meandered it couldn't quite decide if it wanted to be a murder mystery, a dungeon crawler, or an adrenaline-fueled action spectacular. Book 2 does away with all the fat and leaves us with the grisly heart of our favourite tyrant. It has blistering battles, monstrous monsters, heartfelt reunions, and a glorious ending that just felt right.
It's also definitely worth noting that Paul Woodson again nailed the narration. He was an entirely believable Edrin Walker and really helped bring the character to life in all his aresholic glory.
I think I gave book 1 4 stars, but I'm going for 5 stars for book 2 and for the Age of Tyranny series as a whole. An absolute joy to listen to and I'm going to miss Edrin Walker.
May 24, 2020
God of Broken Things is an awesome sequel. The action was top-notch.
April 3, 2019
Uncorrected Proof courtesy of NetGalley.
The story takes place shortly after the events that took place in The Traitor God. I would highly recommend you read that one first.
As with most sequels, I'll keep the review short. Cameron Johnston definitely has a way with words. The action scenes and magic system in particular were my favorites. Edrin Walker is not that unusual of a character in modern fantasy, but he's a lot of fun to read about.
There were spots in the book that just rubbed me the wrong way or it would have been five stars.
Happy reading!
The story takes place shortly after the events that took place in The Traitor God. I would highly recommend you read that one first.
As with most sequels, I'll keep the review short. Cameron Johnston definitely has a way with words. The action scenes and magic system in particular were my favorites. Edrin Walker is not that unusual of a character in modern fantasy, but he's a lot of fun to read about.
There were spots in the book that just rubbed me the wrong way or it would have been five stars.
Happy reading!
May 11, 2021
4.5 stars I’m rounding up to 5.
This is a seriously underrated series. In just two books Cameron Johnston delivered more epic action, fantastic characters, and sheer fun than most authors can manage in a series twice as long.
This series is bloody and brutal but never bleak or hopeless. The characters are much closer to villains than heroes but man were they fun. Edrin Walker is one of the best characters I’ve read in a while.
The writing is excellent, Johnston manages to craft compelling characters and an intriguing world while keeping the pacing tight and the word count low. This is one of the few fantasy series where I would have been happy for the author to write a little more, not less. The world is dark and atmospheric with a real sense of danger. Walker has a very distinctive voice that manages to bring some humor to what could have otherwise been an overly grim story.
And the action. It’s fast and furious and gory, filled with cool magic and terrifying monsters. Usually when I read magic heavy books some of the tension is lost in the battle scenes because the magic users are all overpowered, but here Johnston was able to have powerful mages without making the action unbalanced.
Seriously, if you like a good antihero or darker fantasy or just a good story, read these books.
This is a seriously underrated series. In just two books Cameron Johnston delivered more epic action, fantastic characters, and sheer fun than most authors can manage in a series twice as long.
This series is bloody and brutal but never bleak or hopeless. The characters are much closer to villains than heroes but man were they fun. Edrin Walker is one of the best characters I’ve read in a while.
The writing is excellent, Johnston manages to craft compelling characters and an intriguing world while keeping the pacing tight and the word count low. This is one of the few fantasy series where I would have been happy for the author to write a little more, not less. The world is dark and atmospheric with a real sense of danger. Walker has a very distinctive voice that manages to bring some humor to what could have otherwise been an overly grim story.
And the action. It’s fast and furious and gory, filled with cool magic and terrifying monsters. Usually when I read magic heavy books some of the tension is lost in the battle scenes because the magic users are all overpowered, but here Johnston was able to have powerful mages without making the action unbalanced.
Seriously, if you like a good antihero or darker fantasy or just a good story, read these books.
May 1, 2024
1.8/5
I should have DNF this shit.
The only thing this book was good for was to show me a new ick I have with characters.
I reiterate that if you're going to write a book on first person POV, make the character likable. Maybe not a hero, but likeable, not a pig with no moral standards when women are involved.
I should have DNF this shit.
The only thing this book was good for was to show me a new ick I have with characters.
I reiterate that if you're going to write a book on first person POV, make the character likable. Maybe not a hero, but likeable, not a pig with no moral standards when women are involved.
March 15, 2019
Publishing Date: June 2018
Publisher: Angry Robot
ISBN: 9780857668097
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.8/5
Publisher’s Description: An outcast magician must risk his body and mind to save the world from horrifying demons, in the heart-pounding epic fantasy sequel to The Traitor God.
Review: The only downer about this novel is that it ended….or it feels like Edrin, Eva and all the rest of the players have walked into the sunset.
Edrin continues to develop into a more complex (and entertaining) character with Eva and Layla providing supportive positions to Edrin’s development. Layla is still a static player while Eva begins an individual transcendence as Edrin plies her inner sanctity. There is always this hope, that the author plays upon throughout the novel, that somehow, Eva will experience physical wellness in the form of magical transformation. The transformation expected never occurs, only to be replaced by something eminently more viable. This drives the story line in a way that completes the novel so much better than expedient artifice.
I was hoping for a quest or some adventure out of Setharis and you won’t go wanting in that department. The Clanholds saga jumps right off the page starting with Edrin’s creepy Grandma to the war that rages in the valley. A very diverse and compelling array of scenarios unfolds as you ride the rampant beast of movement.
A great escape for the reader, that sadly, ends too soon.
Publisher: Angry Robot
ISBN: 9780857668097
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.8/5
Publisher’s Description: An outcast magician must risk his body and mind to save the world from horrifying demons, in the heart-pounding epic fantasy sequel to The Traitor God.
Review: The only downer about this novel is that it ended….or it feels like Edrin, Eva and all the rest of the players have walked into the sunset.
Edrin continues to develop into a more complex (and entertaining) character with Eva and Layla providing supportive positions to Edrin’s development. Layla is still a static player while Eva begins an individual transcendence as Edrin plies her inner sanctity. There is always this hope, that the author plays upon throughout the novel, that somehow, Eva will experience physical wellness in the form of magical transformation. The transformation expected never occurs, only to be replaced by something eminently more viable. This drives the story line in a way that completes the novel so much better than expedient artifice.
I was hoping for a quest or some adventure out of Setharis and you won’t go wanting in that department. The Clanholds saga jumps right off the page starting with Edrin’s creepy Grandma to the war that rages in the valley. A very diverse and compelling array of scenarios unfolds as you ride the rampant beast of movement.
A great escape for the reader, that sadly, ends too soon.
August 27, 2019
HOLY S#%*&
This book was a page burner!! I absolutly could not stop reading! It kept me up all night! The only bad thing is I cant read about Edrin Walker anymore. Cameron Johnston you are an amazing auther and I will read and buy every book you put on a shelf. The dark humor and outright amazing writing of this book is astounding. I cant say enough good things about these books. PLEASE WRITE MORE!!! Your new biggest fan.
This book was a page burner!! I absolutly could not stop reading! It kept me up all night! The only bad thing is I cant read about Edrin Walker anymore. Cameron Johnston you are an amazing auther and I will read and buy every book you put on a shelf. The dark humor and outright amazing writing of this book is astounding. I cant say enough good things about these books. PLEASE WRITE MORE!!! Your new biggest fan.
July 11, 2019
A truly brilliant sequel, bettering it's predecessor in every way, which I didn't think was even possible. Everything I loved about the first book was present in this one, and more besides. Gripping and clever storytelling, fantastic characters and wonderfully clever magics all combine into one of the best follow-up books I've read. This is a series I know I will be re-reading many times over, really epic stuff. Read it, read it nooooow! :)
November 22, 2025
4.5 stars.
April 1, 2019
An action adventure sequel that followed a quest structure.
This second novel jumps right into a fast paced story. The real highlight of this book, both books really, is the humor and voice of the main character. He is snarky at times, and thoughtful at others. He rebels against authority but fights for his friends. It all comes across as very real. This book really dives into his backstory and helps explain events that shaped who he is.
The main character is fighting the magic within himself, and it is changing him. He is not ever the best person in the room but I root for him anyways. Along with the magic, it is interesting to see the way his growth in power is making his morals more shady.
It was very cool from a worldbuilding standpoint to see different cultures use of the magic, which does vary from how we have previously seen it used.
I received this ebook via Netgalley.
This second novel jumps right into a fast paced story. The real highlight of this book, both books really, is the humor and voice of the main character. He is snarky at times, and thoughtful at others. He rebels against authority but fights for his friends. It all comes across as very real. This book really dives into his backstory and helps explain events that shaped who he is.
The main character is fighting the magic within himself, and it is changing him. He is not ever the best person in the room but I root for him anyways. Along with the magic, it is interesting to see the way his growth in power is making his morals more shady.
It was very cool from a worldbuilding standpoint to see different cultures use of the magic, which does vary from how we have previously seen it used.
I received this ebook via Netgalley.
August 4, 2019
3.5*
While the first was a muder mystery this was your adventure style quest. I still loved Walker. Great character and the 1st person makes him even better. The action and gore ramps up. I just didnt seem to be as invested in the story. Im glad it was a duology as I feel like it wrapped up Walkers tale very well. Great mage based fantasy
While the first was a muder mystery this was your adventure style quest. I still loved Walker. Great character and the 1st person makes him even better. The action and gore ramps up. I just didnt seem to be as invested in the story. Im glad it was a duology as I feel like it wrapped up Walkers tale very well. Great mage based fantasy
June 19, 2019
4.5 Stars
August 23, 2019
3.5 Stars
Series Review: https://youtu.be/vxFOWyIazmg
God of Broken Things is the second book in the Age of Tyranny duology, which follows up after the first book, The Traitor God. The books should absolutely be read in publication order, but I will keep this review spoiler free for any prospective readers who have not started this series.
Picking up where the first book left off, the stakes in this book are much larger and more epic in this second book.The story continues to be very action focused with a lot of narrative drive, which keeps the story moving forward.
Once again, the main character, Edrin, is one of the best parts of this novel. He is the kind of unlikeable character that you just can’t help but like. In this second book, Edrin continues to show a lot of personality with some very amusing inner monologues and well-timed swears.
I really appreciated the author’s choice to write this story as a duology. As someone who doesn’t always enjoy long-running series, I enjoyed getting the entire story, from start to finish, in just two reasonably-sized books. It felt like it was a good length to give enough character development and world building without exhausting the reader with too many details.
The story is also written with very modern language, which makes it a very accessible, easy read. Rather than using medieval dialect, the characters drop “f-bombs” and say things like “balls!”. Readers who are newer to the fantasy genre should find this one easy to follow.
Despite the epic nature of this second volume, I never got completely immersed in the actual story. There were so many good elements in this novel, yet I just did not love it. Still, I would recommend this duology to fantasy readers looking for an exciting, action packed adventure story.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the publisher, Angry Robot Books.
Series Review: https://youtu.be/vxFOWyIazmg
God of Broken Things is the second book in the Age of Tyranny duology, which follows up after the first book, The Traitor God. The books should absolutely be read in publication order, but I will keep this review spoiler free for any prospective readers who have not started this series.
Picking up where the first book left off, the stakes in this book are much larger and more epic in this second book.The story continues to be very action focused with a lot of narrative drive, which keeps the story moving forward.
Once again, the main character, Edrin, is one of the best parts of this novel. He is the kind of unlikeable character that you just can’t help but like. In this second book, Edrin continues to show a lot of personality with some very amusing inner monologues and well-timed swears.
I really appreciated the author’s choice to write this story as a duology. As someone who doesn’t always enjoy long-running series, I enjoyed getting the entire story, from start to finish, in just two reasonably-sized books. It felt like it was a good length to give enough character development and world building without exhausting the reader with too many details.
The story is also written with very modern language, which makes it a very accessible, easy read. Rather than using medieval dialect, the characters drop “f-bombs” and say things like “balls!”. Readers who are newer to the fantasy genre should find this one easy to follow.
Despite the epic nature of this second volume, I never got completely immersed in the actual story. There were so many good elements in this novel, yet I just did not love it. Still, I would recommend this duology to fantasy readers looking for an exciting, action packed adventure story.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the publisher, Angry Robot Books.
March 24, 2019
The sequel to The Traitor God is everything you demand of a follow-up. The threats, like its monsters, are bigger; its villains are a greater menace; the scale of conflict even greater. Yet, despite its galloping inflation, what made the first novel work so well, remains constant.
Its characters.
Edrin Walker is no different in some ways; he’s still the smart-mouth he always was. He’s still disrespectful, unpredictable and distrusted by everyone because of his Gift. After all, he is a tyrant, he can bend everyone to his will. If that’s what he wanted. And that desire is what keeps him grounded, forcing him to confront the monster he could become. After his killing of a god in the first novel and the consequences of those actions, Edrin Walker’s Gift has grown. Now he really is powerful. The kind of power that demands Spiderman’s Uncle Ben to render those famous words, “With great power, comes great responsibility.”
But that power is needed as Edrin faces danger far greater than before. The secret of any successful novel is to scale the threat level so it’s greater than the protagonist and his/her allies can defend against. Cameron Johnston does this so well here because of the way mind-control works. When fighting a talented magus who can manipulate people’s minds what do you do? You create an entire race who can do the same thing.
But, as I’ve said, this story is about its characters. Plural.
Equally as vulnerable, almost as powerful (albeit in a different way), is Eva. Like Edrin, she’s severely damaged after the events from the first book, but she is still formidable. Their relationship grows, despite the odds and antagonism, into something akin to friendship but it is not an easy journey for either of them. Yet they rely on each other in many ways and its this need which makes their story so fascinating.
There are lots of minor characters who feature throughout but they’re all detailed studies of different aspects of humanity that collectively make a statement about people as they fight against unbelievable odds and know they will never survive.
The final character is the landscape of this story. Wild, complex, unpredictable like its protagonist, dark yet with glimmers of hope. And truly amazing in its originality. This is a story that has everything and is written with wry Scottish wit that you can hear in the background all the time, that leads you to suppose Edrin Walker is a character Cameron Johnston must love very much – and has every reason to do so.
Its characters.
Edrin Walker is no different in some ways; he’s still the smart-mouth he always was. He’s still disrespectful, unpredictable and distrusted by everyone because of his Gift. After all, he is a tyrant, he can bend everyone to his will. If that’s what he wanted. And that desire is what keeps him grounded, forcing him to confront the monster he could become. After his killing of a god in the first novel and the consequences of those actions, Edrin Walker’s Gift has grown. Now he really is powerful. The kind of power that demands Spiderman’s Uncle Ben to render those famous words, “With great power, comes great responsibility.”
But that power is needed as Edrin faces danger far greater than before. The secret of any successful novel is to scale the threat level so it’s greater than the protagonist and his/her allies can defend against. Cameron Johnston does this so well here because of the way mind-control works. When fighting a talented magus who can manipulate people’s minds what do you do? You create an entire race who can do the same thing.
But, as I’ve said, this story is about its characters. Plural.
Equally as vulnerable, almost as powerful (albeit in a different way), is Eva. Like Edrin, she’s severely damaged after the events from the first book, but she is still formidable. Their relationship grows, despite the odds and antagonism, into something akin to friendship but it is not an easy journey for either of them. Yet they rely on each other in many ways and its this need which makes their story so fascinating.
There are lots of minor characters who feature throughout but they’re all detailed studies of different aspects of humanity that collectively make a statement about people as they fight against unbelievable odds and know they will never survive.
The final character is the landscape of this story. Wild, complex, unpredictable like its protagonist, dark yet with glimmers of hope. And truly amazing in its originality. This is a story that has everything and is written with wry Scottish wit that you can hear in the background all the time, that leads you to suppose Edrin Walker is a character Cameron Johnston must love very much – and has every reason to do so.
April 30, 2019
Got an ARC via NetGalley
Cameron Johnston has done something exciting: Take one ability that is often associated with a villain, and give it to the main protagonist.
This is why I enjoyed the first book, "The Traitor God," which kicked off as a sort of "fantasy-noir" where our hero, Edrin Walker, investigates the savage murder of his friend. He's what the world calls a, tyrant, because of his ability to tamper with the mind -- including, but not limited to, taking away your free will and altering memories. That book was a blast and I thought I had Book 2: "God of Broken Things" all figured out.
The book wasn't a slowburn. It kicks you straight in the balls, launching a series of action-filled scenes. The pace flows smoothly with a balanced set of character engagements, worldbuilding, and epic fight scenes.
"God of Broken Things" still feature Edrin Walker as the main protagonist, sorting out his problems one at a time. I never got a good grasp on how strong he really is. Yes, he can control people, bend them to his will, alter memories, and basically anything involving the mind. I thought I understood it. But I didn't. This book explores why people like Edrin are called tyrants and why others fear them.
It's a test of patience and morality, no matter how stretched thin. And, normally I don't need to relate myself to the main hero to enjoy a story, but I've actually built this connection with Edrin. Cause I swear, if I had mind controlling powers, there'd be an apocalypse by the end of 2021.
A writing tip from a different author said, the simpler the plot the more developed characters need to be. Along with this book is the introduction of a large bizarre new cast that Edrin decides should tag along in his newest adventure. Some of these characters are hard to like, some are funny and weird. We don't get to explore their origins, but each one gets a spotlight, a time when they shone, and enough background to get to know them. They grow on you as you go farther into the book. None of them are too complicated, but are filled with life, you'd wish you'd had enough time to just hang out and grab a few drinks with. (If you don't mind the risk of getting stabbed in your sleep, that is.)
In "God of Broken Things" we get to go beyond the city of Setharis, where the first book took place. We enter province territory, where things aren't as advanced in the city, where the folks rely on old traditions than modern studies. It's also something I happen to relate to, I get to hang out with all sorts of people who believes in every possible superstition. It's just something embedded culturally that people on these lands continue to hold on to and fight for things they find sacred.
By the end of the book my jaw was hanging really low. It was an incredible journey, something I really enjoyed. So, when Johnston confirmed that Edrin Walker's story is actually a duology, I felt a little crushed. And yet, that ending felt so perfect that it made sense. I would have loved more books centering on Edrin Walker. But I get it. You liked "The Traitor God"? Pre-order "God of Broken Things." Had mixed feelings about "The Traitor God"? To hell with that, this book is infinitely better.
Cameron Johnston has done something exciting: Take one ability that is often associated with a villain, and give it to the main protagonist.
This is why I enjoyed the first book, "The Traitor God," which kicked off as a sort of "fantasy-noir" where our hero, Edrin Walker, investigates the savage murder of his friend. He's what the world calls a, tyrant, because of his ability to tamper with the mind -- including, but not limited to, taking away your free will and altering memories. That book was a blast and I thought I had Book 2: "God of Broken Things" all figured out.
The book wasn't a slowburn. It kicks you straight in the balls, launching a series of action-filled scenes. The pace flows smoothly with a balanced set of character engagements, worldbuilding, and epic fight scenes.
"God of Broken Things" still feature Edrin Walker as the main protagonist, sorting out his problems one at a time. I never got a good grasp on how strong he really is. Yes, he can control people, bend them to his will, alter memories, and basically anything involving the mind. I thought I understood it. But I didn't. This book explores why people like Edrin are called tyrants and why others fear them.
It's a test of patience and morality, no matter how stretched thin. And, normally I don't need to relate myself to the main hero to enjoy a story, but I've actually built this connection with Edrin. Cause I swear, if I had mind controlling powers, there'd be an apocalypse by the end of 2021.
A writing tip from a different author said, the simpler the plot the more developed characters need to be. Along with this book is the introduction of a large bizarre new cast that Edrin decides should tag along in his newest adventure. Some of these characters are hard to like, some are funny and weird. We don't get to explore their origins, but each one gets a spotlight, a time when they shone, and enough background to get to know them. They grow on you as you go farther into the book. None of them are too complicated, but are filled with life, you'd wish you'd had enough time to just hang out and grab a few drinks with. (If you don't mind the risk of getting stabbed in your sleep, that is.)
In "God of Broken Things" we get to go beyond the city of Setharis, where the first book took place. We enter province territory, where things aren't as advanced in the city, where the folks rely on old traditions than modern studies. It's also something I happen to relate to, I get to hang out with all sorts of people who believes in every possible superstition. It's just something embedded culturally that people on these lands continue to hold on to and fight for things they find sacred.
By the end of the book my jaw was hanging really low. It was an incredible journey, something I really enjoyed. So, when Johnston confirmed that Edrin Walker's story is actually a duology, I felt a little crushed. And yet, that ending felt so perfect that it made sense. I would have loved more books centering on Edrin Walker. But I get it. You liked "The Traitor God"? Pre-order "God of Broken Things." Had mixed feelings about "The Traitor God"? To hell with that, this book is infinitely better.
April 11, 2020
"I've always said that heroism could get a man killed; luckily I am more thief than hero."
Woah! This has been one of the nastiest and most entertaining books I have read this year. The characters are crazy, absolutely crazy! Especially, our narrator and the MC Edwin Walker. He has matured and been confident enough to take on the world after The Traitor God.
"I have a purpose now, and in these mad times revenge is as good as any."
He is still hungry for revenge and is full of dark jokes which I loved the most. The plot and world building is not that complex at the beginning. However, Cameron Johnston makes up for it by powerful character building, lovely violence and witty dialogues.
A grimdark masterpiece which kept me fucking awake till 4:30 am! I am waiting for more books in this Age of Tyranny universe.
"If it took a monster to save those I cared about then I would be that monster."
Woah! This has been one of the nastiest and most entertaining books I have read this year. The characters are crazy, absolutely crazy! Especially, our narrator and the MC Edwin Walker. He has matured and been confident enough to take on the world after The Traitor God.
"I have a purpose now, and in these mad times revenge is as good as any."
He is still hungry for revenge and is full of dark jokes which I loved the most. The plot and world building is not that complex at the beginning. However, Cameron Johnston makes up for it by powerful character building, lovely violence and witty dialogues.
A grimdark masterpiece which kept me fucking awake till 4:30 am! I am waiting for more books in this Age of Tyranny universe.
"If it took a monster to save those I cared about then I would be that monster."
November 1, 2023
Questo secondo e conclusivo romanzo della serie The Age of Tyranny è davvero bello!!
Riprende alcuni mesi la fine degli eventi narrati nel primo, e dopo una parte un po' più lenta in cui si riprendono le fila dei vari personaggi (anche se sempre narrato in prima persona dal nostro Edrin), si sviluppa una trama in fin dei conti piuttosto semplice: portare un armata a nord, tra le terre della tribù delle montagne, tra neve e ghiacci, per fermare l ora di nemici che sta per invaderli..
Tutto molto semplice e visto, se non che Johnston srotola la sua fantasia unica e fervida, e ogni pagina rivela una svolta di trama imprevista, divertente e sanguigna..
Un dark Epic fantasy, che mischia realtà diverse di un grande multiverso, razze ancestrali, misteri, esseri terrificanti, emozioni e disagi, con un personaggio unico nel suo essere arrogante, sarcastico, ma profondamente umano..
Fino all'ultima pagina, con gli occhi un po' lucidi per dover terminare questa serie di livello altissimo.. grazie Cameron!!!
Riprende alcuni mesi la fine degli eventi narrati nel primo, e dopo una parte un po' più lenta in cui si riprendono le fila dei vari personaggi (anche se sempre narrato in prima persona dal nostro Edrin), si sviluppa una trama in fin dei conti piuttosto semplice: portare un armata a nord, tra le terre della tribù delle montagne, tra neve e ghiacci, per fermare l ora di nemici che sta per invaderli..
Tutto molto semplice e visto, se non che Johnston srotola la sua fantasia unica e fervida, e ogni pagina rivela una svolta di trama imprevista, divertente e sanguigna..
Un dark Epic fantasy, che mischia realtà diverse di un grande multiverso, razze ancestrali, misteri, esseri terrificanti, emozioni e disagi, con un personaggio unico nel suo essere arrogante, sarcastico, ma profondamente umano..
Fino all'ultima pagina, con gli occhi un po' lucidi per dover terminare questa serie di livello altissimo.. grazie Cameron!!!
April 12, 2020
This is a tremendously satisfying second entry in the Edrin Walker saga. So momentous and epic are the events of The Traitor God and this august volume, so intense and visceral is the rampaging action, that I feel as if I've read a 2,000 page tetralogy. Brutal, amusing, gut-wrenching and heroic, the leads in the form of Walker and Eva (worthy of a co-star tag this time around) are wonderfully compelling, and there is a great cast of ne'er-do-wells around them. The dynamic between Walker's coterie and the other maji is expertly handled too, I thought.
The clanholds in particular of all the settings are beautifully described in their grimness, but also the transformative effect that the weather can have. These locations resonated with me as a Scot, which was an enjoyable bonus, right enough. If I had a gripe, it would be that the coterie seem forgotten for a sizeable spell, but given that we follow Walker on a mind-bending journey into the nightmare of dealing with his grandmother at that point, it is entirely understandable.
So many aspects of the story and Walker's exploration of new and dangerous powers are surprising and inventive, whilst remaining resolutely grim and reprehensible, of course. And the ending is everything that any fan of The Traitor God could wish for.
This is a painfully enjoyable grimdark thrill ride.
The clanholds in particular of all the settings are beautifully described in their grimness, but also the transformative effect that the weather can have. These locations resonated with me as a Scot, which was an enjoyable bonus, right enough. If I had a gripe, it would be that the coterie seem forgotten for a sizeable spell, but given that we follow Walker on a mind-bending journey into the nightmare of dealing with his grandmother at that point, it is entirely understandable.
So many aspects of the story and Walker's exploration of new and dangerous powers are surprising and inventive, whilst remaining resolutely grim and reprehensible, of course. And the ending is everything that any fan of The Traitor God could wish for.
This is a painfully enjoyable grimdark thrill ride.
April 17, 2020
Edrin walker rules
Bloody good book this. Funny and brutal and exactly the grimdark fantasy I love. Edrin walker was brilliantly written and grew a lot through both books. I am sad that there are only two books but I will be looking for the next book this author writes.
Bloody good book this. Funny and brutal and exactly the grimdark fantasy I love. Edrin walker was brilliantly written and grew a lot through both books. I am sad that there are only two books but I will be looking for the next book this author writes.
August 6, 2019
A worth sequel
Kept me hooked throughout the entire ride. The feel of every impact and the twist of every turn. Would love for yet another return of Walker.
Kept me hooked throughout the entire ride. The feel of every impact and the twist of every turn. Would love for yet another return of Walker.
May 10, 2020
I enjoyed this duology very much for a lot of reasons. It's refreshing with fantasy where the MC is someone my own age, probably a bit older in this case, I'm 35, but I sometimes feel like an old hag when reading a lot of fantasy. More middle aged heroes please!
As well as getting older, I'm also learning more about my self, who I am and what I like, in people and books. I think I've gotten quite a bit rude in my "old age", haven't got time or energy to waste on being nice to people who doesn't like me. Point of this is that I find my self more and more enjoying MC's who are more like me in this aspect as well, not being mean for the sake of it, but not full of excuses just for existing either. Also People who've been around, seen shit, done shit and are somewhat reluctant heroes in their own story.
Another thing is that I'm very tired of the binarity of classic coming of age stories, such as Star Wars (which I kind of realized today is telling pretty much the same story in all three trilogies). Life, and people, are seldom as easy to categorize as good or evil, and the "struggle against the inherit evil in ourselsves" doesn't really do it for me anymore. What Johnston does quite well in this duology, similarly to fx. Erikson and Abercrombie, is to show that there isn't simply a good side fighting for a good cause. War is never that simple, and I believe that few soldiers on any side does it just because they want to be bad and make other people miserable. Most people (especially in a more feudal setting) do what they have to in order to get by, and it can probably be a good thing to remember that history books are generally written by the winners.
All this rant just to say that even though not perfect, this duology is well worth both the money and the time. So buy it, read it.
Oh, I almost forgot: It's bloody funny as well!
As well as getting older, I'm also learning more about my self, who I am and what I like, in people and books. I think I've gotten quite a bit rude in my "old age", haven't got time or energy to waste on being nice to people who doesn't like me. Point of this is that I find my self more and more enjoying MC's who are more like me in this aspect as well, not being mean for the sake of it, but not full of excuses just for existing either. Also People who've been around, seen shit, done shit and are somewhat reluctant heroes in their own story.
Another thing is that I'm very tired of the binarity of classic coming of age stories, such as Star Wars (which I kind of realized today is telling pretty much the same story in all three trilogies). Life, and people, are seldom as easy to categorize as good or evil, and the "struggle against the inherit evil in ourselsves" doesn't really do it for me anymore. What Johnston does quite well in this duology, similarly to fx. Erikson and Abercrombie, is to show that there isn't simply a good side fighting for a good cause. War is never that simple, and I believe that few soldiers on any side does it just because they want to be bad and make other people miserable. Most people (especially in a more feudal setting) do what they have to in order to get by, and it can probably be a good thing to remember that history books are generally written by the winners.
All this rant just to say that even though not perfect, this duology is well worth both the money and the time. So buy it, read it.
Oh, I almost forgot: It's bloody funny as well!
April 23, 2024
I finished this in one sitting—half because there was no electricity and half because it was short. The 🥇 for the fastest I've ever read a duology goes to Age of Tyranny. 🎉
God of Broken Things was so funny especially considering the circumstances. We got more lore, which was fun. The new characters fit right in, while the reoccurring ones were a pleasure to be around. We also did some traveling. This was an upgrade in every way.
Except I feel like the ending was rushed. There was so much potential, but those last seven chapters felt like we were told to wrap it up, so Walker did everything at 2x speed. 😂 Not a bad conclusion at all, but if it was me, I'd have added 100 pages and made you cry at least five more tears.
God of Broken Things was so funny especially considering the circumstances. We got more lore, which was fun. The new characters fit right in, while the reoccurring ones were a pleasure to be around. We also did some traveling. This was an upgrade in every way.
Except I feel like the ending was rushed. There was so much potential, but those last seven chapters felt like we were told to wrap it up, so Walker did everything at 2x speed. 😂 Not a bad conclusion at all, but if it was me, I'd have added 100 pages and made you cry at least five more tears.
May 2, 2020
Welp. That was oodles of fun.
I'm honestly not sure how to properly describe Walker, but I'll certainly not forget him anytime soon.
Much like its predecessor it takes off running. Walker is hungry to kill these insect like beings that have taken over bodies. As a fan of The Thing this was all too welcome a plot point.
Really liked the ending (thought I kinda wished it ended how Eva first thought). Having said that, I'd love to see more from this world. Here's hoping!
I'm honestly not sure how to properly describe Walker, but I'll certainly not forget him anytime soon.
Much like its predecessor it takes off running. Walker is hungry to kill these insect like beings that have taken over bodies. As a fan of The Thing this was all too welcome a plot point.
Really liked the ending (thought I kinda wished it ended how Eva first thought). Having said that, I'd love to see more from this world. Here's hoping!
September 24, 2024
A very well thought out book and a brilliant read.
December 22, 2019
Superb! Shoulda been a nominee. But the times, ya know......
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