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The Gods Awoke
If the Gods were real, could you believe?
Hitra, high priestess of Revestre, already has enough on her hands: political upheaval, a distractingly attractive male servant, and an upcoming harvest festival. But when a column of flame from the heavens sends a city into tumult, it upends more than just her schedule. Now, Hitra must deal with a religious schism, ethnic strife…and a God growing out of control.
Hitra, high priestess of Revestre, already has enough on her hands: political upheaval, a distractingly attractive male servant, and an upcoming harvest festival. But when a column of flame from the heavens sends a city into tumult, it upends more than just her schedule. Now, Hitra must deal with a religious schism, ethnic strife…and a God growing out of control.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2022
11 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Marie Vibbert
80 books116 followers2023 Nebula and Hugo Award finalist Marie Vibbert has sold over 90 short stories to places like Analog, F&SF, Nature, and more. Her debut novel about a biker gang in outer space, Galactic Hellcats, came out in 2021 and was called "A rip-roaring space heist" by publisher's weekly. It was long-listed by the British Science Fiction Award!
Marie is a software developer in Cleveland, Ohio. She attended the Clarion writer's workshop in 2013 and joined the Science Fiction Writers of America in 2014. She belongs to the Cleveland Science Fiction writer's workshop headed by Mary Turzillo.
She also has been a medieval (SCA) squire, a lineman for the Cleveland Fusion women's tackle football team and has ridden 18% of the roller coasters in North America.
She lives with her husband Brian Crick and their teen child in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
Marie is a software developer in Cleveland, Ohio. She attended the Clarion writer's workshop in 2013 and joined the Science Fiction Writers of America in 2014. She belongs to the Cleveland Science Fiction writer's workshop headed by Mary Turzillo.
She also has been a medieval (SCA) squire, a lineman for the Cleveland Fusion women's tackle football team and has ridden 18% of the roller coasters in North America.
She lives with her husband Brian Crick and their teen child in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 14, 2023
The voice is fantastic. Senne’s narration as an omnipotent god allows us to closely follow her but also follow several other character’s in third person, because Senne is observing them so carefully and listening in on their thoughts. Senne is also hilarious, sometimes without even meaning to be. She is learning how to manifest herself to humans, which results in hilarious manifestations such as when she manifests but struggles to imagine feet for herself, when she can’t figure out how to manifest hair, or when Senne accidentally presents herself while wearing the colors of one of Revestre’s priests. She’s also thoughtful and criticizes humanity’s myths for painting her as one-note, boy-crazy villain… and then feels embarrassed when she finds herself acting boy-crazy, after all.
The matriarchal society makes for a fascinating setting because for as much catharsis and relief as I found in reading a book where women were 100% safe and respected and were not being assaulted, this book also never lets you forget that this matriarchal society is every bit as sexist as a patriarchal society. Male characters are not guaranteed respect or dignity; their intelligence is questioned; they are sexualized and objectified and are kept a metaphorical step behind the women.
This is especially appareant with two of our main characters, Hitra and Illoe. Illoe was sold as an indentured servant to Hitra’s family, and while their relationship is more like that of best friends who have crushes on each other, the difference in their stations and Hitra’s unspoken (later spoken) power over Illoe hurts him much more than it hurts her. Hitra is a priest and arguably a holy woman who has been chosen by the gods, but Vibbert doesn’t shy away from showing when Hitra willfully ignores her own privileged position and the effect that has on Illoe’s well-being.
I do think Illoe forgives Hitra a little bit too easily. While she never meant any harm, her inability to take responsibly did lead to real harm coming to Illoe. That said, the book ends with
Regarding the ending and how the “mystery” is solved, it’s so beautiful
I think this would appeal to fans of N. K. Jemison’s The inheritance trilogy.
The matriarchal society makes for a fascinating setting because for as much catharsis and relief as I found in reading a book where women were 100% safe and respected and were not being assaulted, this book also never lets you forget that this matriarchal society is every bit as sexist as a patriarchal society. Male characters are not guaranteed respect or dignity; their intelligence is questioned; they are sexualized and objectified and are kept a metaphorical step behind the women.
This is especially appareant with two of our main characters, Hitra and Illoe. Illoe was sold as an indentured servant to Hitra’s family, and while their relationship is more like that of best friends who have crushes on each other, the difference in their stations and Hitra’s unspoken (later spoken) power over Illoe hurts him much more than it hurts her. Hitra is a priest and arguably a holy woman who has been chosen by the gods, but Vibbert doesn’t shy away from showing when Hitra willfully ignores her own privileged position and the effect that has on Illoe’s well-being.
I do think Illoe forgives Hitra a little bit too easily. While she never meant any harm, her inability to take responsibly did lead to real harm coming to Illoe. That said, the book ends with
Regarding the ending and how the “mystery” is solved, it’s so beautiful
I think this would appeal to fans of N. K. Jemison’s The inheritance trilogy.
March 23, 2023
"When you talk to God, it's praying--when he talks back, you're schizophrenic."
~Lily Tomlin
This is such a brilliant book, from the awakening of a God, who doesn't even know she's a God, to the new spin on matriarchy, to the development of a beautifully realized otherworld.
But most importantly, it's a book about characters--about their crises of faith, about the inhumanity of slavery and racism, and somehow Marie makes the tone...light. Not frivolous, but human, even funny sometimes, and definitely laced with Vibbert's trademark arch tone.
It's one of the best books I've ever read, and I've read a LOT of books. It's a classic for the 21st Century.
~Lily Tomlin
This is such a brilliant book, from the awakening of a God, who doesn't even know she's a God, to the new spin on matriarchy, to the development of a beautifully realized otherworld.
But most importantly, it's a book about characters--about their crises of faith, about the inhumanity of slavery and racism, and somehow Marie makes the tone...light. Not frivolous, but human, even funny sometimes, and definitely laced with Vibbert's trademark arch tone.
It's one of the best books I've ever read, and I've read a LOT of books. It's a classic for the 21st Century.
December 30, 2022
I loved how this book was first person and third person at the same time (the MC is a god who could read others' minds). Seeing the honest thoughts that characters tried to hide made me chuckle in so many instances. The author built a fantastic world with its own laws, both supernatural and politcal. I hope there will be a sequel, because I'd love to learn more about the Queen, Ele and Tara, and Maede's just desserts.
Though this is was mostly a fun read, the author doesn't spare us of heartbreak. Moments got real and can be triggering for those averse to violence. However, the scenes were handled tastefully, and were neccessary to understand the weight of the situations. (Moutain collapse, Illoe's rough treatment).
I felt the tale was revolutionary--or, at least not commonly seen in the mainstream--in how humans created their gods. Literally in this case. And it was well executed, requiring little suspension of disbelief.
Side note: as saddened as I was of Arel's fate, perhaps it was needed so he didn't accidentally create more gods.
I have also read the short story "Forgotten Eyes" by the author for the same universe. It added another dimension of understanding to the story. I hope to see it explored in a sequel. I'd loved to read more about Xushem, and the Ainchu.
Though this is was mostly a fun read, the author doesn't spare us of heartbreak. Moments got real and can be triggering for those averse to violence. However, the scenes were handled tastefully, and were neccessary to understand the weight of the situations. (Moutain collapse, Illoe's rough treatment).
I felt the tale was revolutionary--or, at least not commonly seen in the mainstream--in how humans created their gods. Literally in this case. And it was well executed, requiring little suspension of disbelief.
Side note: as saddened as I was of Arel's fate, perhaps it was needed so he didn't accidentally create more gods.
I have also read the short story "Forgotten Eyes" by the author for the same universe. It added another dimension of understanding to the story. I hope to see it explored in a sequel. I'd loved to read more about Xushem, and the Ainchu.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2025
This is such a clever take on mythology, religion, spirituality, matriarchy vs patriarchy, feminism, democracy, education, policies, love, and self-discovery. I especially appreciated the subtle hints at queer visibility throughout the novel (i.e. “a dentist and her wife”). The characters are fully developed and the plot/subplots are page turners! As a reader new to sci-fi, I truly enjoyed this book and would 100% recommend!!
May 22, 2023
I must admit I found this book difficult to get into. The 1st person POV from Senne, juxtaposed with the 3rd person perspective of the other characters jarred a little for me, like a barrier between the reader and getting close to the characters. Being told what they thought rather than discovering it through their actions left me reluctant to continue, especially as Senne wasn’t the character I was interested in knowing more about.
However, I did continue reading because I needed to find out what happened to Illoe, who had hooked my attention from his first appearance on the page and goes through a lot of horrible things. Once the action got going about half way through, the story became a book I didn’t want to put down, as I’d become invested in these characters and their world. The author also did a great job painting some characters who were not nice people.
I thought the world building was easy to visualise and complex, and I liked the perspective of Gods who differed in opinion as to how much they should become involved with the mortals. I loved the idea of a matriarchal society and the opportunities it provided for social commentary of our own world.
The exploration of different facets of religion and how they can be used to advantage was also nicely done. I liked how the different factions and characters within the story came together in their journey towards the conclusion.
However, I did continue reading because I needed to find out what happened to Illoe, who had hooked my attention from his first appearance on the page and goes through a lot of horrible things. Once the action got going about half way through, the story became a book I didn’t want to put down, as I’d become invested in these characters and their world. The author also did a great job painting some characters who were not nice people.
I thought the world building was easy to visualise and complex, and I liked the perspective of Gods who differed in opinion as to how much they should become involved with the mortals. I loved the idea of a matriarchal society and the opportunities it provided for social commentary of our own world.
The exploration of different facets of religion and how they can be used to advantage was also nicely done. I liked how the different factions and characters within the story came together in their journey towards the conclusion.
December 10, 2023
The Gods Awoke was the Harry meeting topic for August 2023.
There was a line, if I can find it again, early in the book. A character was thinking (something like), "I don't take much interest for the doctrinal squabbles of a dozen sects". I felt that way at that point of the book as well. Characters were identified in my mind as guy from that sect, woman from that sect, etc. The sects turned out not to matter much, and plenty of other content came along to entertain me.
For example, Illoe, the young Man Friday, was entertaining. I identified a lot with him, as a well-built guy in a towel or toga or something, brilliant yet submissive, in a world where all the powerful women badly want his thighs. Nice to fantasize.
Later, after finishing this book, I began to realize that one reason I enjoyed it was due to the characters' telepathy. So much great SF of the 60s and 70s had a focus on telepathy. The Dragonriders of Pern, More Than Human by Sturgeon, the Vulcans of Star Trek, Darkover, Andre Norton's work and much more. It was fun to read something new with such a strong streak of that old thread.
Marie Vibbert is quickly becoming one of the primary voices of current science fiction.
There was a line, if I can find it again, early in the book. A character was thinking (something like), "I don't take much interest for the doctrinal squabbles of a dozen sects". I felt that way at that point of the book as well. Characters were identified in my mind as guy from that sect, woman from that sect, etc. The sects turned out not to matter much, and plenty of other content came along to entertain me.
For example, Illoe, the young Man Friday, was entertaining. I identified a lot with him, as a well-built guy in a towel or toga or something, brilliant yet submissive, in a world where all the powerful women badly want his thighs. Nice to fantasize.
Later, after finishing this book, I began to realize that one reason I enjoyed it was due to the characters' telepathy. So much great SF of the 60s and 70s had a focus on telepathy. The Dragonriders of Pern, More Than Human by Sturgeon, the Vulcans of Star Trek, Darkover, Andre Norton's work and much more. It was fun to read something new with such a strong streak of that old thread.
Marie Vibbert is quickly becoming one of the primary voices of current science fiction.
April 9, 2023
Marie Vibbert's sophomore novel is..... amazing. The world she had created is fleshed out so well you can picture yourself walking the streets near the temple, stopping in for a visit with the priest(ess) or passing time with the servant. Or companion? Or object of desire for many including a god?
The power structure of the world is much different from ours, a fully developed matriarchy ( we should give it a go ). The religion is realized beautifully and the characters are believable. And that includes the wakening gods.
If you want a great read that captivates, do yourself a favor and read this. You won't be sorry.
The power structure of the world is much different from ours, a fully developed matriarchy ( we should give it a go ). The religion is realized beautifully and the characters are believable. And that includes the wakening gods.
If you want a great read that captivates, do yourself a favor and read this. You won't be sorry.
January 16, 2024
Definitely some great writing. Not sure if it’s completely my style since I LOVE a bit more of a fantasy plot line but for the story it was trying to tell the point came across incredibly well. Very much character driven and I think that might be why it fell a bit flat for me since I was a sucker for the religious plot lines and the overall setting. I loved the sort of flipped commentary on our society by reflecting our world through this world’s misandry & thought that was do n particularly well. High level prose as well, definitely wasn’t poetic by any means, but I found myself having to look up words sometimes so that was fun
November 8, 2023
It’s fun. I like the breezy way the author writes, and the characters who don’t take themselves too seriously.
The concept here is well done, and there’s a lot going on: gods appear, women are the dominant gender, there’s racial hatreds, telepathy, steampunk,… it’s a lot, but it makes a fun ride.
The concept here is well done, and there’s a lot going on: gods appear, women are the dominant gender, there’s racial hatreds, telepathy, steampunk,… it’s a lot, but it makes a fun ride.
September 18, 2024
Such a good book! I loved almost everything about it; characters, setting, story, but knowing Marie and knowing she lives near Cleveland, when the characters talk about the Chagrin River, it rebuilt the city in my head lol.
A very interesting book with a unique view of gods and their congregants. A must read for fantasy fans.
A very interesting book with a unique view of gods and their congregants. A must read for fantasy fans.
November 26, 2025
The Gods Awoke provides a fun and different approach to fantasy storytelling. The story features creative world-building and ample character development. It is a pleasure to read, engaging throughout. The setting calls out for more stories; one hopes this is only the beginning of a series of novels.
June 9, 2023
The Gods Awoke is the interesting story of newly awake gods trying to sort out their place in the pantheon. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey of self-discovery in which both human and deity look for their place in this complex set of relationships. Highly recommend!
March 12, 2024
When I have more time, I’ll write an actual review but for now, GO GET THIS BOOK!!
December 19, 2024
People who enjoyed NK Jemisin’s Hundred Kingdoms trilogy and Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s Gods of Jade and Shadow will also enjoy this novel.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews