What do you think?
Rate this book
The Order of the Dragon #1
A Gamble of Gods
"Life used to be good. I had money. I had fame. I had respect. The same thrill during work every day. A different woman in my bed every night. Best fighter to hire for dangerous jobs. Most famous thief in the Nineteen Kingdoms. Half the world sought my services when they needed the impossible done. The other half wanted to sleep with me.
Then one day this strange guy showed up with his even stranger pet, the latter a bit of a gift horse by all accounts, and turned it all upside down. They claimed to have come to save my life, and while they were at it, I got them to help out with the most important quest of my finding the Supreme Key of the Dragon. Needless to say, none of it turned out quite how I expected. But we had fun, even if it was hell sometimes. In the end, what we found was worth it all.
My name is Conor Drew, the Gods destined me for great things.
But I turned them down."
Then one day this strange guy showed up with his even stranger pet, the latter a bit of a gift horse by all accounts, and turned it all upside down. They claimed to have come to save my life, and while they were at it, I got them to help out with the most important quest of my finding the Supreme Key of the Dragon. Needless to say, none of it turned out quite how I expected. But we had fun, even if it was hell sometimes. In the end, what we found was worth it all.
My name is Conor Drew, the Gods destined me for great things.
But I turned them down."
528 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2022
30 people are currently reading
1970 people want to read
About the author
Mitriel Faywood
1 book131 followersMitriel Faywood was taught to read by her great-grandmother, using fairy tales from the Brothers Grimm and Hungarian folklore, turning her into an avid reader by the age of five. Some of her early favourites included J. R. R. Tolkien, Alexandre Dumas, Arthur Conan Doyle and Stephen King.
Despite showing a considerable talent for writing as a teenager and being tipped to become an author by some of her teachers, she gave up on the craft early on and thought she’d never write again. That was until a twist of fate led her to become the beta-reader of her favourite author, Mark Lawrence, in 2014, who re-ignited her love of stories and her interest in telling them.
Mitriel Faywood lives in London, where she works in the music industry. A Gamble Of Gods is her first book.
Despite showing a considerable talent for writing as a teenager and being tipped to become an author by some of her teachers, she gave up on the craft early on and thought she’d never write again. That was until a twist of fate led her to become the beta-reader of her favourite author, Mark Lawrence, in 2014, who re-ignited her love of stories and her interest in telling them.
Mitriel Faywood lives in London, where she works in the music industry. A Gamble Of Gods is her first book.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
August 6, 2025
Now an SPFBO semi-finalist!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N-eZ...
A Gamble of Gods is a difficult book to describe succinctly, since I don’t know of a similar novel. It moves very definitely through fantasy and science fiction, mixing the two before your eyes. It’s an exuberant story that invites film analogies rather than book ones. There are definitely shades of Mission Impossible and Star Wars, along with maybe Tomb Raider and The Mummy. It also has a strong romance thread. So: an unusual beast with something for everyone.
I watched this book grow from chapter 1. The author has been my beta reader for the great majority of my books, proving to have great insights and advice. I’ve done my best to encourage her own endeavours in the field. So, I’ve beta read this book from page 1, long before it had a title. I’ve witnessed Faywood grow as a writer, and go back to apply those newly acquired skills to improve the earlier chapters even as she wrote the latter ones. All this in a language she wasn’t born to. A very impressive feat!
Let’s move on to the meat of the book:
There are three main point of view characters, all in the first person, which is again an unusual approach but one I’ve seen work well before and that works well here. It forms a close bond between the reader and each character in turn.
The three leads are from three very different worlds, one far future on a colonised planet, one on Earth (London to be more precise) just a decade or two from now, and one on yet another world, but this one pre-industrial. We have a university scholar, a stressed office worker, and a renowned explorer/thief of magical artefacts.
Our three threads start separately and begin to entangle, being woven into the tapestry of a much larger story and an older conflict.
Faywood brings these disparate scenes to life very well, with excellent descriptions of high-tech paradises, parties in near future London, and the bustle of near-medieval city streets. The developing relations between scholar, clerk, and thief are complicated and well-drawn.
Expect an exciting ride, whether it’s vicious murderers being chased down by killer robots, sword fights atop carriages rattling along at full gallop, or unholy monsters being battled in the dungeon depths. It’s not all thrills and spills, and when the book is not charging along at 100 mph, there’s plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, even to become emotionally involved with the characters and to feel for their plight when the story takes darker turns.
The story draws you into a complex plot that is nicely resolved whilst leaving plenty of potential for more tales to come.
It’s an exciting, imaginative, and well-written debut that feels different to the kinds of story I’ve read before. If my description interests you, then I strongly encourage you to give it a go.
Join my Patreon
Join my 3-emails-a-year newsletter #prizes
...
May 23, 2023
Check out my new interview with Mitriel Faywood at Grimdark Magazine!
My complete review of A Gamble of Gods is published at Grimdark Magazine.
A Gamble of Gods is the highly imaginative, world-hopping debut by Mitriel Faywood. With this ambitious novel, Faywood has established herself as an exhilarating new voice in speculative fiction.
Faywood’s debut is a genre-defying story, impossible to categorize using conventional literary classifications. The experience of reading A Gamble of Gods is more like watching a blockbuster movie: a hugely entertaining, immersive experience, where the heart-pounding action is balanced by a cheerful levity and even some romance.
The story is told from the first-person perspectives of three main characters who come from very different worlds spanning both science fiction and fantasy.
First, Kristian del Rosso is a university lecturer from a futuristic planet. Kristian’s sci-fi world is teeming with robots, artificial intelligence, and even teleportation. Kristian lives a reclusive academic existence, unable to move past the trauma of a friend’s death several years ago. But when his entire research group is mercilessly slaughtered by an identity-changing madman, he must leave the university to hunt down the killer. Kristian’s no-nonsense, matter-of-fact attitude is a bit reminiscent of Philip Marlowe from the works of Raymond Chandler.
In marked contrast to Kristian’s serious demeanor, Conor Drew is an effusive playboy adventurer who hails from a more traditional medieval-type fantasy world. Conor is tenacious in his quest for treasure and perhaps even more relentless in his pursuit of women.
The third point-of-view character is Selena Soto, an office worker from a near-future London who is seeking therapy for her anxiety attacks. She lacks self-confidence in both her professional career and her personal life. Of the three main characters in A Gamble of Gods, Selena undergoes the most satisfying growth over the course of the novel.
Mitriel Faywood has created a distinct voice for her three main characters, making it easy to identify the narrator of each chapter without even looking at the chapter headings. I particularly enjoyed seeing how the paths of the three characters intersect and how their relationships evolve over the course of the book.
Faywood is best known to the grimdark community as the long-time beta reader for Mark Lawrence. Given her extensive work with Lawrence, it is natural to expect some influence on Faywood’s debut. Mark Lawrence’s influence is most evident in Faywood’s crisp writing style, especially in the chapters narrated by Conor Drew. Conor’s womanizing and exuberant sense of humor reminded me a lot of Jalan Kendeth, the narrator of Prince of Fools and the rest of Lawrence’s Red Queen’s War trilogy, but with Jalan’s cowardice replaced by Conor’s assured bravado. Like Jalan, Conor does not try to hide the significant shortcomings of his personality.
Kristian’s mentor, Dr. James Montgomery, also reminds me a bit of Lawrence’s recurring character, Dr. Elias Taproot, the time-traveling physicist extraordinaire. In a fun Easter egg, Faywood even quotes Dr. Taproot’s catchphrase, “Watch me!”, in the latter part of her novel.
But the similarities stop there. While it’s also tempting to compare Faywood’s blend of fantasy and science fiction to that of Mark Lawrence’s trilogies, the two authors take very different approaches. Whereas Lawrence’s work typically focuses on the fantastic elements sitting atop a more subtle sci-fi core, Faywood immediately brings the sci-fi elements to the forefront in A Gamble of Gods.
Overall, Mitriel Faywood has done a great job absorbing a broad range of influences but then turning them into something so original that I cannot really point back to say that the book follows anyone’s particular mold or style. Her approach reminds me of the movie title, “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” but of course, with a completely different plot.
Faywood somehow keeps up the fast-paced action throughout A Gamble of Gods without ever having a dull moment. There is truly something here for everyone, and I particularly enjoyed the lighthearted comedy throughout much of the book. I laughed so hard during one scene at around the 75% mark that it almost caused me bodily injury. Let me just say that you should definitely look a gift horse in the mouth, especially if that horse is an AI-powered robot.
In the end, A Gamble of Gods gives the reader a satisfying conclusion while still setting up for a sequel. Faywood’s worldbuilding is full of details that will reward multiple rereads. My only minor complaint is that many aspects of the worldbuilding are not fully explained. You just need to accept them and enjoy the ride. A book spanning so many genres—science fiction, high and low fantasies, comedy, romance—could easily have become an unfocused mess. But Faywood pulls it off brilliantly, making A Gamble of Gods a joy to read.
So, grab yourself a big vat of popcorn to munch on as you enjoy this blockbuster debut. A Gamble of Gods is a rollicking good time.
My complete review of A Gamble of Gods is published at Grimdark Magazine.
A Gamble of Gods is the highly imaginative, world-hopping debut by Mitriel Faywood. With this ambitious novel, Faywood has established herself as an exhilarating new voice in speculative fiction.
Faywood’s debut is a genre-defying story, impossible to categorize using conventional literary classifications. The experience of reading A Gamble of Gods is more like watching a blockbuster movie: a hugely entertaining, immersive experience, where the heart-pounding action is balanced by a cheerful levity and even some romance.
The story is told from the first-person perspectives of three main characters who come from very different worlds spanning both science fiction and fantasy.
First, Kristian del Rosso is a university lecturer from a futuristic planet. Kristian’s sci-fi world is teeming with robots, artificial intelligence, and even teleportation. Kristian lives a reclusive academic existence, unable to move past the trauma of a friend’s death several years ago. But when his entire research group is mercilessly slaughtered by an identity-changing madman, he must leave the university to hunt down the killer. Kristian’s no-nonsense, matter-of-fact attitude is a bit reminiscent of Philip Marlowe from the works of Raymond Chandler.
In marked contrast to Kristian’s serious demeanor, Conor Drew is an effusive playboy adventurer who hails from a more traditional medieval-type fantasy world. Conor is tenacious in his quest for treasure and perhaps even more relentless in his pursuit of women.
The third point-of-view character is Selena Soto, an office worker from a near-future London who is seeking therapy for her anxiety attacks. She lacks self-confidence in both her professional career and her personal life. Of the three main characters in A Gamble of Gods, Selena undergoes the most satisfying growth over the course of the novel.
Mitriel Faywood has created a distinct voice for her three main characters, making it easy to identify the narrator of each chapter without even looking at the chapter headings. I particularly enjoyed seeing how the paths of the three characters intersect and how their relationships evolve over the course of the book.
Faywood is best known to the grimdark community as the long-time beta reader for Mark Lawrence. Given her extensive work with Lawrence, it is natural to expect some influence on Faywood’s debut. Mark Lawrence’s influence is most evident in Faywood’s crisp writing style, especially in the chapters narrated by Conor Drew. Conor’s womanizing and exuberant sense of humor reminded me a lot of Jalan Kendeth, the narrator of Prince of Fools and the rest of Lawrence’s Red Queen’s War trilogy, but with Jalan’s cowardice replaced by Conor’s assured bravado. Like Jalan, Conor does not try to hide the significant shortcomings of his personality.
Kristian’s mentor, Dr. James Montgomery, also reminds me a bit of Lawrence’s recurring character, Dr. Elias Taproot, the time-traveling physicist extraordinaire. In a fun Easter egg, Faywood even quotes Dr. Taproot’s catchphrase, “Watch me!”, in the latter part of her novel.
But the similarities stop there. While it’s also tempting to compare Faywood’s blend of fantasy and science fiction to that of Mark Lawrence’s trilogies, the two authors take very different approaches. Whereas Lawrence’s work typically focuses on the fantastic elements sitting atop a more subtle sci-fi core, Faywood immediately brings the sci-fi elements to the forefront in A Gamble of Gods.
Overall, Mitriel Faywood has done a great job absorbing a broad range of influences but then turning them into something so original that I cannot really point back to say that the book follows anyone’s particular mold or style. Her approach reminds me of the movie title, “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” but of course, with a completely different plot.
Faywood somehow keeps up the fast-paced action throughout A Gamble of Gods without ever having a dull moment. There is truly something here for everyone, and I particularly enjoyed the lighthearted comedy throughout much of the book. I laughed so hard during one scene at around the 75% mark that it almost caused me bodily injury. Let me just say that you should definitely look a gift horse in the mouth, especially if that horse is an AI-powered robot.
In the end, A Gamble of Gods gives the reader a satisfying conclusion while still setting up for a sequel. Faywood’s worldbuilding is full of details that will reward multiple rereads. My only minor complaint is that many aspects of the worldbuilding are not fully explained. You just need to accept them and enjoy the ride. A book spanning so many genres—science fiction, high and low fantasies, comedy, romance—could easily have become an unfocused mess. But Faywood pulls it off brilliantly, making A Gamble of Gods a joy to read.
So, grab yourself a big vat of popcorn to munch on as you enjoy this blockbuster debut. A Gamble of Gods is a rollicking good time.
July 11, 2023
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway and I am so glad I did.
Is this a science fiction story? Is it a classic sword-and-sorcery tale? Is it a contemporary urban paranormal thriller? Does the nice retro 1990s cover art give us a clue? The answer is both yes and no. It's complicated.
The blond fellow grew up mostly on a high technology planet. He is a professor at an advanced research university: AI, replicators, teleporters, robotics. He is also kind of a homebody.
The redheaded woman (it's fake, she's blonde too) is from 2037 London. Things are a little more advanced than nowadays, like self driving cars and interactive billboards, but restaurants still have wait staff. She is an underpaid staff researcher at a marketing company.
The dark haired man lives on a world that has late medieval technology and government institutions. He is a thief, adventurer and a treasure hunter. He is also famous for all of that.
How these three join forces is a wild ride and a lot of fun. Add in a deranged bad guy with martial arts skill that would make a manga fighter envious, a wonderful animal companion, and more colourful characters, and the story delivers a little something for most readers. There are also plot twists, some romance, and world hopping mixed with humour and action.
Some people may not like is this chaotic plot. Also, humour is very subjective. There is a slow, somewhat awkward patch between the 65% - 75% points but it is short in duration. Also, I know some people do not like books written in first person. This book not only does that but each chapter is told by a different member of the main cast of characters. I thought it was well done.
I'm glad I was gifted this book. I probably wouldn't have read otherwise and that would have been a shame. It is first in a series and I will be continuing it when future books are released.
Representation/Trigger Warning: Mental health. One character has severe anxiety, OCD, and panic attacks.
Is this a science fiction story? Is it a classic sword-and-sorcery tale? Is it a contemporary urban paranormal thriller? Does the nice retro 1990s cover art give us a clue? The answer is both yes and no. It's complicated.
The blond fellow grew up mostly on a high technology planet. He is a professor at an advanced research university: AI, replicators, teleporters, robotics. He is also kind of a homebody.
The redheaded woman (it's fake, she's blonde too) is from 2037 London. Things are a little more advanced than nowadays, like self driving cars and interactive billboards, but restaurants still have wait staff. She is an underpaid staff researcher at a marketing company.
The dark haired man lives on a world that has late medieval technology and government institutions. He is a thief, adventurer and a treasure hunter. He is also famous for all of that.
How these three join forces is a wild ride and a lot of fun. Add in a deranged bad guy with martial arts skill that would make a manga fighter envious, a wonderful animal companion, and more colourful characters, and the story delivers a little something for most readers. There are also plot twists, some romance, and world hopping mixed with humour and action.
Some people may not like is this chaotic plot. Also, humour is very subjective. There is a slow, somewhat awkward patch between the 65% - 75% points but it is short in duration. Also, I know some people do not like books written in first person. This book not only does that but each chapter is told by a different member of the main cast of characters. I thought it was well done.
I'm glad I was gifted this book. I probably wouldn't have read otherwise and that would have been a shame. It is first in a series and I will be continuing it when future books are released.
Representation/Trigger Warning: Mental health. One character has severe anxiety, OCD, and panic attacks.
November 23, 2022
A Gamble Of Gods, the debut release from Mitriel Faywood, is a high-quality, action-filled mix of fantasy and science fiction. The novel is tight, polished, full of humour, and features many exciting and memorable set pieces.
Throughout A Gamble Of Gods, we mainly follow the point of view perspectives of three main characters, each of which are from different timelines in history (and planets too). Kristian is essentially the main character and he is a sort of advanced technology lecturer at an educational establishment in the year 5102. Conor, another key player (pun totally intended), is a womanising, infamous adventurer from the Kingdom of Coroden, and we meet him in the year 1575. The final member of this ensemble is Selena, a seemingly average young lady who struggles with her mental health and finding her place in the world (which in this instance is Earth, 2037).
Creating a cohesive story that combines a classic fantasy world/setting, an extremely high-tech far future, and a familiar almost present reality should not work, it shouldn't gel and it should be too disjointed and awkward. Faywood's a proficient writer who took a gamble with this concept and it works in an admirable fashion in A Gamble Of Gods.
As the story progresses, the main characters' paths cross, initially, in bizarre and exhilarating fashion. The three characters have a unique connection. An empathetic, deep bond that transcends boundaries and possibilities, leading them to really care for, and want to support each other. This bond, I believe, explains two criticisms I could have had with A Gamble Of Gods if I hadn't analysed it this way. Firstly, the three point of view perspectives are each in the first-person, and althought this works well and they are distinct for the majority of the novel, a similar charisma, wit, banter and mannerisms can sometimes be seen across all three. That being said, this could be down to their bonds and their shared feelings and experiences. To me, at least, sometimes the characters' voices blended slightly. Another potential issue is that when these characters do travel to alien and absolutely different realities to which they are used to, they aren't as shocked and amazed as I would be personally, and, again, the reasoning I put behind this is their unity and shared understandings through their special relationship making the transitions more bearable.
I had a really enjoyable reading experience with A Gamble Of Gods and I was excited every time I picked it up to see where this story would go next. There are elements of romance, advanced technology, high fantasy warfare, royal curses, and, most importantly, a talking animal sidekick! The novel features some intense showdowns, political maneuverings, and it contains a few dungeon-crawling segments that reminded me of some LitRPG favourites of mine.
A Gamble Of Gods is the first entry in Faywood's The Order Of The Dragon series and even though this novel is self-contained, the fact there are many more adventures to be had in the author's well-crafted worlds is a very exciting prospect. Faywood shines throughout A Gamble Of Gods, there's a great amount of talent that is fully on show here and I'm intrigued to see where she goes next with this addictive science fiction fantasy adventure.
I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Mitriel Faywood.
Throughout A Gamble Of Gods, we mainly follow the point of view perspectives of three main characters, each of which are from different timelines in history (and planets too). Kristian is essentially the main character and he is a sort of advanced technology lecturer at an educational establishment in the year 5102. Conor, another key player (pun totally intended), is a womanising, infamous adventurer from the Kingdom of Coroden, and we meet him in the year 1575. The final member of this ensemble is Selena, a seemingly average young lady who struggles with her mental health and finding her place in the world (which in this instance is Earth, 2037).
Creating a cohesive story that combines a classic fantasy world/setting, an extremely high-tech far future, and a familiar almost present reality should not work, it shouldn't gel and it should be too disjointed and awkward. Faywood's a proficient writer who took a gamble with this concept and it works in an admirable fashion in A Gamble Of Gods.
As the story progresses, the main characters' paths cross, initially, in bizarre and exhilarating fashion. The three characters have a unique connection. An empathetic, deep bond that transcends boundaries and possibilities, leading them to really care for, and want to support each other. This bond, I believe, explains two criticisms I could have had with A Gamble Of Gods if I hadn't analysed it this way. Firstly, the three point of view perspectives are each in the first-person, and althought this works well and they are distinct for the majority of the novel, a similar charisma, wit, banter and mannerisms can sometimes be seen across all three. That being said, this could be down to their bonds and their shared feelings and experiences. To me, at least, sometimes the characters' voices blended slightly. Another potential issue is that when these characters do travel to alien and absolutely different realities to which they are used to, they aren't as shocked and amazed as I would be personally, and, again, the reasoning I put behind this is their unity and shared understandings through their special relationship making the transitions more bearable.
I had a really enjoyable reading experience with A Gamble Of Gods and I was excited every time I picked it up to see where this story would go next. There are elements of romance, advanced technology, high fantasy warfare, royal curses, and, most importantly, a talking animal sidekick! The novel features some intense showdowns, political maneuverings, and it contains a few dungeon-crawling segments that reminded me of some LitRPG favourites of mine.
A Gamble Of Gods is the first entry in Faywood's The Order Of The Dragon series and even though this novel is self-contained, the fact there are many more adventures to be had in the author's well-crafted worlds is a very exciting prospect. Faywood shines throughout A Gamble Of Gods, there's a great amount of talent that is fully on show here and I'm intrigued to see where she goes next with this addictive science fiction fantasy adventure.
I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Mitriel Faywood.
Read
August 4, 2023A little news: I’m very pleased to announce that A Gamble Of Gods is now a semifinalist of SPFBO9 (Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off 9)
https://youtu.be/7N-eZ73duEc
More about the contest: https://mark---lawrence.blogspot.com/...
****************************************************
I shared the first few pages of Book 2 of The Order Of The Dragon on my blog - a bit of a teaser post for those of you who already read A Gamble Of Gods 🐉
Any feedback is welcome, positive or negative, don’t be shy! 😀 (If you’d like to keep it private, just drop me a message here or through the contact card on the website.)
http://mitriel.com/2023/02/19/the-fir...
**********************************************************
I felt bad that the Goodreads giveaway was limited to the US (not my choice), and humbled by the number of readers requesting a copy, so I decided to make the e-book free for 2 days (14-15 February). Go get it now, if you’d like a copy! Enjoy and please spread the word. Thanks! 🙂
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gamble-Gods-...
https://www.amazon.com/Gamble-Gods-Or...
**********************************************************
Curious about the book? You can read the first chapter here:
“10 pages that will make you want to read the rest of the book!
Release date is Nov 11th, 2022. Book info, blurb, preorder, & author info are included in the post as well!” - David S, FanFiAddict
https://fanfiaddict.com/book-excerpt-...
https://youtu.be/7N-eZ73duEc
More about the contest: https://mark---lawrence.blogspot.com/...
****************************************************
I shared the first few pages of Book 2 of The Order Of The Dragon on my blog - a bit of a teaser post for those of you who already read A Gamble Of Gods 🐉
Any feedback is welcome, positive or negative, don’t be shy! 😀 (If you’d like to keep it private, just drop me a message here or through the contact card on the website.)
http://mitriel.com/2023/02/19/the-fir...
**********************************************************
I felt bad that the Goodreads giveaway was limited to the US (not my choice), and humbled by the number of readers requesting a copy, so I decided to make the e-book free for 2 days (14-15 February). Go get it now, if you’d like a copy! Enjoy and please spread the word. Thanks! 🙂
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gamble-Gods-...
https://www.amazon.com/Gamble-Gods-Or...
**********************************************************
Curious about the book? You can read the first chapter here:
“10 pages that will make you want to read the rest of the book!
Release date is Nov 11th, 2022. Book info, blurb, preorder, & author info are included in the post as well!” - David S, FanFiAddict
https://fanfiaddict.com/book-excerpt-...
December 20, 2023
A Gamble of Gods is a literary journey that defies conventional genres, daringly blending elements of fantasy and science fiction in a narrative that pays homage to various genres without succumbing to imitation. Faywood's debut stands out not only for its inventive plot but, more impressively, for the remarkably well-crafted characters that breathe life into this unique universe.
From the outset, Faywood takes bold risks by employing a first-person perspective for each of the three main characters, a choice that pays off handsomely. Kristian, the futuristic university scholar; Conor Drew, the charismatic treasure hunter in a medieval fantasy world; and Selena Soto, the modern-day office worker—each character is a testament to Faywood's ability to delve deep into their psyches, providing readers with an intimate connection.
What sets this story apart is Faywood's masterful navigation through different worlds and timelines. The characters, pulled from their disparate realms, undergo profound growth, their complex relationships forming the heart of the narrative. This character-driven approach, coupled with Faywood's exquisite prose, elevates the novel beyond the confines of traditional fantasy.
The risks Faywood takes in introducing elements of romance and intricately weaving them into the plot are commendable. I've seen that some readers found the romantic developments frustrating, but I think these narrative choices underscore the author's commitment to crafting a story that defies expectations. I found the romance well-suited for the characters and story itself. The tonal shift from action-packed adventures to more introspective moments also showcases Faywood's versatility as a storyteller.
The meat and potatoes of AGoG, for me, is again its originality. Faywood fearlessly blends genres, creating a work that pays homage to familiar themes and stories while remaining wholly unique. The narrative doesn't merely borrow from existing tropes but inventively reinterprets and revitalizes them, ensuring a fresh and engaging reading experience.
As a reader, I found myself hooked from start to finish, eager to unravel the mysteries of the characters' intertwined destinies. Faywood's ability to seamlessly incorporate nods to various genres—ranging from sci-fi and fantasy to comedy and romance—demonstrates a deep appreciation for storytelling without resorting to imitation.
AGoG is not just a debut novel—it's a testament to Mitriel Faywood's narrative prowess and willingness to push the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The characters she has brought to life are not only memorable but serve as a driving force behind this genre-defying tale. As I eagerly await the sequel, Faywood has firmly secured her place as an author to watch in the ever-evolving landscape of speculative fiction.
From the outset, Faywood takes bold risks by employing a first-person perspective for each of the three main characters, a choice that pays off handsomely. Kristian, the futuristic university scholar; Conor Drew, the charismatic treasure hunter in a medieval fantasy world; and Selena Soto, the modern-day office worker—each character is a testament to Faywood's ability to delve deep into their psyches, providing readers with an intimate connection.
What sets this story apart is Faywood's masterful navigation through different worlds and timelines. The characters, pulled from their disparate realms, undergo profound growth, their complex relationships forming the heart of the narrative. This character-driven approach, coupled with Faywood's exquisite prose, elevates the novel beyond the confines of traditional fantasy.
The risks Faywood takes in introducing elements of romance and intricately weaving them into the plot are commendable. I've seen that some readers found the romantic developments frustrating, but I think these narrative choices underscore the author's commitment to crafting a story that defies expectations. I found the romance well-suited for the characters and story itself. The tonal shift from action-packed adventures to more introspective moments also showcases Faywood's versatility as a storyteller.
The meat and potatoes of AGoG, for me, is again its originality. Faywood fearlessly blends genres, creating a work that pays homage to familiar themes and stories while remaining wholly unique. The narrative doesn't merely borrow from existing tropes but inventively reinterprets and revitalizes them, ensuring a fresh and engaging reading experience.
As a reader, I found myself hooked from start to finish, eager to unravel the mysteries of the characters' intertwined destinies. Faywood's ability to seamlessly incorporate nods to various genres—ranging from sci-fi and fantasy to comedy and romance—demonstrates a deep appreciation for storytelling without resorting to imitation.
AGoG is not just a debut novel—it's a testament to Mitriel Faywood's narrative prowess and willingness to push the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The characters she has brought to life are not only memorable but serve as a driving force behind this genre-defying tale. As I eagerly await the sequel, Faywood has firmly secured her place as an author to watch in the ever-evolving landscape of speculative fiction.
April 4, 2023
A thrilling mashup of genres: fantasy, sci-fi, comedy and romance, all whipped together into something unique and an absolute joy to read. Nearly every chapter is completely different than the previous, so much that it feels like you’re reading a series of linked short stories rather than a novel. This provides the book a consistently fresh tone that helps to completely immerse you in the three main first-person POV’s.
I found myself quickly attached to all three characters, who are well-developed: flawed, inspired, and brimming with personality. Some of their actions has me cheering, others made me facepalm, so don’t expect a typical hero’s journey from these three. Full transparency: don’t expect anything typical in this book, as it has a very different vibe than most books I’ve read in recent memory: it has robot chases, murder mysteries, treasure hunting, dungeon battles, inter-dimensional portals, and near-future London house parties. Through it all, the growing and strengthening relationships of the characters are a highlight, especially when the action scenes quiet down. Strong themes of found family, loyalty, commitment, and companionship won me over time and again.
A Gamble of Gods is a strong, beautifully written debut, with impressive world building that promises much more to come. Faywood’s well-crafted prose was a joy to read, and I’m eager to see what worlds and adventures are in store. If you’re looking for a new read that feels fresh and unique, give this one a go.
I found myself quickly attached to all three characters, who are well-developed: flawed, inspired, and brimming with personality. Some of their actions has me cheering, others made me facepalm, so don’t expect a typical hero’s journey from these three. Full transparency: don’t expect anything typical in this book, as it has a very different vibe than most books I’ve read in recent memory: it has robot chases, murder mysteries, treasure hunting, dungeon battles, inter-dimensional portals, and near-future London house parties. Through it all, the growing and strengthening relationships of the characters are a highlight, especially when the action scenes quiet down. Strong themes of found family, loyalty, commitment, and companionship won me over time and again.
A Gamble of Gods is a strong, beautifully written debut, with impressive world building that promises much more to come. Faywood’s well-crafted prose was a joy to read, and I’m eager to see what worlds and adventures are in store. If you’re looking for a new read that feels fresh and unique, give this one a go.
March 6, 2023
This book deserves love but might not be for me
I was fortunate to receive a beautiful copy of A Gamble of Gods from Mitriel Faywood in return for an honest review. I have seen this book a couple of times, and the premise sounded interesting, so I decided to give this book a try. So what did I think?
Firstly, let me make it clear that this is a great debut. A Gamble of Gods is a fast-paced, action-packed portal fantasy that blends both fantastical and science-fiction elements making this a memorable read. The world-building and the pacing is what truly makes this a great read! If you want a fun adventure with high stakes and unique world-building – pick up this book. A Gamble of Gods is one of those books I can see so many readers enjoy, and it deserves more love.
However, while there is a lot to love here, I found the characters to be a bit flat. Some genuinely shocking events occur in the first half of this book, and I often wondered why these characters didn’t seem to be more impacted by some of these events. Since this is a character-driven story, I did feel a bit lukewarm on this story for the most part. However, I need to give credit where credit is due. The character work progressively improves throughout this novel, and this book ends on a high. I had no initial plans to continue this series, but the last 100 pages were both satisfying and added a lot of intrigue, so who knows – I might want to read the sequel someday.
There is also some romance in this story which I typically tend not to enjoy. However, Faywood handled the romance well and didn’t bother me.
Overall, this is an impressive debut and deserves to be read by more people. If you are a fan of fantasy that brings something different to the table, has fascinating world-building, excellent pacing, has the “fond family” trope and a bit of romance – pick up this book. While this didn’t become a new favourite of mine, I would still recommend this novel.
3.5 / 5 stars
I was fortunate to receive a beautiful copy of A Gamble of Gods from Mitriel Faywood in return for an honest review. I have seen this book a couple of times, and the premise sounded interesting, so I decided to give this book a try. So what did I think?
Firstly, let me make it clear that this is a great debut. A Gamble of Gods is a fast-paced, action-packed portal fantasy that blends both fantastical and science-fiction elements making this a memorable read. The world-building and the pacing is what truly makes this a great read! If you want a fun adventure with high stakes and unique world-building – pick up this book. A Gamble of Gods is one of those books I can see so many readers enjoy, and it deserves more love.
However, while there is a lot to love here, I found the characters to be a bit flat. Some genuinely shocking events occur in the first half of this book, and I often wondered why these characters didn’t seem to be more impacted by some of these events. Since this is a character-driven story, I did feel a bit lukewarm on this story for the most part. However, I need to give credit where credit is due. The character work progressively improves throughout this novel, and this book ends on a high. I had no initial plans to continue this series, but the last 100 pages were both satisfying and added a lot of intrigue, so who knows – I might want to read the sequel someday.
There is also some romance in this story which I typically tend not to enjoy. However, Faywood handled the romance well and didn’t bother me.
Overall, this is an impressive debut and deserves to be read by more people. If you are a fan of fantasy that brings something different to the table, has fascinating world-building, excellent pacing, has the “fond family” trope and a bit of romance – pick up this book. While this didn’t become a new favourite of mine, I would still recommend this novel.
3.5 / 5 stars
August 19, 2023
Disclaimer: ARC provided by the author in exchange for honest and fair review
A Gamble of Gods by Mitriel Faywood is a genre-bending feast reminiscent of a good old fashioned pot luck that offers something for everyone. Faywood starts with a generous helping of science fiction, followed by a double dose of fantasy. She also adds side dishes of comedy and romance for good measure.
Okay all jokes aside the way Faywood blends these different genres together so effortlessly it made her story come to life in my mind. All my life reading has been a struggle for me due to my ADHD. As a result, not very many books truly captivate my mind in the way that brings the story to life in my mind where my imagination takes over and the book turns into a movie rather than simply words on paper. A Gamble of Gods not only accomplished this but it made me realize my new favorite genre is one that as far as I know doesn’t have a genre name so I’m calling it Sci-Fantasy. I’ve only read a few books that blend these two together well but when it happens oh boy is it fun.
This story is very unique in that it's told in first person present tense which was a blast to read. Each chapter is told from a different one of the three main characters' viewpoints but is done in a way that allows you to really get an intimate look at their thought process as well as their struggles both in decision making and also the direction of their moral compass.
Our first POV is Kristian del Rosso who is a scholar at the local university where he lives. Kristians world is the most advanced or should I say futuristic of the three main characters. It’s what you would expect from a sci-fi world where there's AI, robotos, light sabers and even world hopping teleportation devices. Kristian was raised to be a bit of a high strung recluse and has spent most of his life with his nose in a book studying. I don’t want to give away what all changes that for him but let's just say it doesn't take long for Faywood to introduce the villain arc into the story and it has quite the interesting twist in itself.
Second on the list is Conor Drew who is the heart throb of the story. The way the ladies swoon over him I think he would give LL Cool J a run for his money. Conor lives in what I would describe as more of a traditional fantasy world where there castles and knights and witches are the norm. Conor is that friend we have who is always up for a good time and is definitely down to try anything at least once. He is a lone wolf treasure hunter by trade but I’m honestly not sure which he prefers more the treasure he captures or the hearts of the ladies. In the end neither is what brings Conor true satisfaction but you will have to read the book to discover his real desire.
Lastly we have Selena Soto who works a brain numbing office job in London. I would say Selena’s world is fairly close to our present day world in terms of tech although it does have a bit of a futuristic feel to it as well. Selena’s character arc brings with it something I think we can all relate to as thanks to the recent pandemic I think we all have become more aware of just how crippling anxiety can be. While she starts off as the most fragile character of the three as the story progresses she learns how to overcome her panic attacks and really becomes a whole new person. The way her story arc progresses is quite satisfying and I really look forward to seeing how she further develops as the series continues.
As a result of both how well Faywood blends all these genres together on top of mixing in the world-hopping aspect I personally think Faywood has not only created something extra special but she has done so in a way that leaves the story open to vast array of possibilities for her to take and further expand the story.
A Gamble of Gods is a fast-paced, action-packed adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It's also a heartwarming story about friendship, love, and self-discovery. Faywood is definitely an author you need to keep on your radar as her writing is something special. If you’re not hearing people talk about her yet don’t worry they all will be soon enough.
A Gamble of Gods by Mitriel Faywood is a genre-bending feast reminiscent of a good old fashioned pot luck that offers something for everyone. Faywood starts with a generous helping of science fiction, followed by a double dose of fantasy. She also adds side dishes of comedy and romance for good measure.
Okay all jokes aside the way Faywood blends these different genres together so effortlessly it made her story come to life in my mind. All my life reading has been a struggle for me due to my ADHD. As a result, not very many books truly captivate my mind in the way that brings the story to life in my mind where my imagination takes over and the book turns into a movie rather than simply words on paper. A Gamble of Gods not only accomplished this but it made me realize my new favorite genre is one that as far as I know doesn’t have a genre name so I’m calling it Sci-Fantasy. I’ve only read a few books that blend these two together well but when it happens oh boy is it fun.
This story is very unique in that it's told in first person present tense which was a blast to read. Each chapter is told from a different one of the three main characters' viewpoints but is done in a way that allows you to really get an intimate look at their thought process as well as their struggles both in decision making and also the direction of their moral compass.
Our first POV is Kristian del Rosso who is a scholar at the local university where he lives. Kristians world is the most advanced or should I say futuristic of the three main characters. It’s what you would expect from a sci-fi world where there's AI, robotos, light sabers and even world hopping teleportation devices. Kristian was raised to be a bit of a high strung recluse and has spent most of his life with his nose in a book studying. I don’t want to give away what all changes that for him but let's just say it doesn't take long for Faywood to introduce the villain arc into the story and it has quite the interesting twist in itself.
Second on the list is Conor Drew who is the heart throb of the story. The way the ladies swoon over him I think he would give LL Cool J a run for his money. Conor lives in what I would describe as more of a traditional fantasy world where there castles and knights and witches are the norm. Conor is that friend we have who is always up for a good time and is definitely down to try anything at least once. He is a lone wolf treasure hunter by trade but I’m honestly not sure which he prefers more the treasure he captures or the hearts of the ladies. In the end neither is what brings Conor true satisfaction but you will have to read the book to discover his real desire.
Lastly we have Selena Soto who works a brain numbing office job in London. I would say Selena’s world is fairly close to our present day world in terms of tech although it does have a bit of a futuristic feel to it as well. Selena’s character arc brings with it something I think we can all relate to as thanks to the recent pandemic I think we all have become more aware of just how crippling anxiety can be. While she starts off as the most fragile character of the three as the story progresses she learns how to overcome her panic attacks and really becomes a whole new person. The way her story arc progresses is quite satisfying and I really look forward to seeing how she further develops as the series continues.
As a result of both how well Faywood blends all these genres together on top of mixing in the world-hopping aspect I personally think Faywood has not only created something extra special but she has done so in a way that leaves the story open to vast array of possibilities for her to take and further expand the story.
A Gamble of Gods is a fast-paced, action-packed adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It's also a heartwarming story about friendship, love, and self-discovery. Faywood is definitely an author you need to keep on your radar as her writing is something special. If you’re not hearing people talk about her yet don’t worry they all will be soon enough.
November 30, 2022
An enjoyable read indeed. A mixture of genres that I like to see mixed, of Sword and Sorcery, and SciFi.
I think that once you’re well into the story it has predominately a traditional fantasy vibe; a small team of comrades, introduced into a force for good (probably) and set a task to find a powerful artefact. Knights of the Round Table?! Much of the action is set in a pseudo-medieval setting. But there’s the twist that the main characters come from, and can travel between, various worlds via portals and have some helpful Tech, including some AI creatures! I found it a distinctly original storyline.
So, quite a mix in the world building. I liked how the clever story moved at pace. Particularly as I’ve recently read some stories with quite a bit of introspection by the main characters I liked the more impulsive behaviour often shown here. It has a generally YA feel, not surprising as the lead characters are ‘20-somethings’. Some romance but no tortured angst as a result of that.
A pacy story I enjoyed reading as I’ve said. Main threads are tied up but enough loose ends leave scope for the tale to continue. Plot wise, it’s clever and involved. Some fights, some traveling, a little sex.
Surprisingly good for the author’s first novel and a 4.5* from me. An entertaining Xmas holiday read if you’ve not read it.
I hope it’s useful to nit-pick on a couple of things that didn’t quite meet my tastes. I liked how the main characters were built up at the start of the story, as individuals, but once they teamed up I felt they lost their individuality to a large degree, almost becoming identikit heroes. And I’m not a fan of dialogue supported by ‘she said laughingly’ or ‘he sighed’ or ‘he admitted’. I just prefer ‘she said’ and leave the emotional content of the dialogue, if relevant, to be defined elsewhere. But that’s just my taste and I believe it’s a serious writers discussion point of detail about which I’m not an expert!
And I wondered if the cover might put off the more gritty fantasy readers? The characters look too much like Hollywood starlets. Maybe they’re a bit young for the scars, tattoos, even a tan to the Caucasian complexions, that shows a lived life?!
I think that once you’re well into the story it has predominately a traditional fantasy vibe; a small team of comrades, introduced into a force for good (probably) and set a task to find a powerful artefact. Knights of the Round Table?! Much of the action is set in a pseudo-medieval setting. But there’s the twist that the main characters come from, and can travel between, various worlds via portals and have some helpful Tech, including some AI creatures! I found it a distinctly original storyline.
So, quite a mix in the world building. I liked how the clever story moved at pace. Particularly as I’ve recently read some stories with quite a bit of introspection by the main characters I liked the more impulsive behaviour often shown here. It has a generally YA feel, not surprising as the lead characters are ‘20-somethings’. Some romance but no tortured angst as a result of that.
A pacy story I enjoyed reading as I’ve said. Main threads are tied up but enough loose ends leave scope for the tale to continue. Plot wise, it’s clever and involved. Some fights, some traveling, a little sex.
Surprisingly good for the author’s first novel and a 4.5* from me. An entertaining Xmas holiday read if you’ve not read it.
I hope it’s useful to nit-pick on a couple of things that didn’t quite meet my tastes. I liked how the main characters were built up at the start of the story, as individuals, but once they teamed up I felt they lost their individuality to a large degree, almost becoming identikit heroes. And I’m not a fan of dialogue supported by ‘she said laughingly’ or ‘he sighed’ or ‘he admitted’. I just prefer ‘she said’ and leave the emotional content of the dialogue, if relevant, to be defined elsewhere. But that’s just my taste and I believe it’s a serious writers discussion point of detail about which I’m not an expert!
And I wondered if the cover might put off the more gritty fantasy readers? The characters look too much like Hollywood starlets. Maybe they’re a bit young for the scars, tattoos, even a tan to the Caucasian complexions, that shows a lived life?!
July 15, 2023
Review originally on JamReads
Pitched as Mission Impossible for fantasy readers, A Gamble of Gods is an ambitious debut novel, which blends science fiction, fantasy, and adventure, marking the start of The Order of the Dragon series, by Mitriel Faywood, one of the SPFBO9 entrants. A character-driven story, told from the perspective of our three MCs, which makes a fun adventure with high stakes, and some romance.
The first of our POVs is Kristian, a professor from a futuristic university, who gets forced to be on the run after an assassin starts targetting him. And Faywood, when introducing this character, sets perfectly the adventurous tone we can expect from the novel, with a character whose idea of life was the exact opposite of what he's going to live.
The second one is Connor Drew, a thief-for-hire, who spends most of his time stealing valuable artifacts for dukes and kings of his world; a sort of Casanova living in a land where magic is the norm, instead of the exception.
And our final POV is Selena Soto, a woman from the Earth in the year 2037. She's feeling unwell, but doctors can't really diagnose her; she cannot imagine that all will end leading her to the adventure of her life.
The three characters are somehow related to a mysterious order, the Order of the Dragon, which will throw them into a mission that will put them in danger, but at the same time, will shake down all their beliefs.
With this premise, we have a really entertaining plot, full of action, which takes us to explore the different worlds that are part of this shared universe, having the opportunity to see how these characters behave in situations that are unfamiliar to them. As there are several worlds we explore, different between them, it's difficult to ascribe this book to a concrete genre, because some of them have elements that are clearly fantasy, while others (for example Kristian's) are clearly in the territory of science fiction.
The pacing lands in an excellent spot, not being excessively fast despite the several action scenes that are packed into this book. Building those characters take time, so sometimes we are given a breath in between more tense scenes.
Probably, the only aspect that I didn't really like was how romance was established among some of our characters. It was frustrating at some points, but overall, it's a minor gripe for me.
A Gamble of Gods is an excellent debut novel, which sets pretty much a world that I hope we continue exploring in subsequent adventures with this group of characters. Faywood has proven her skill as a competent novelist, and I can't wait to see her next books!
Pitched as Mission Impossible for fantasy readers, A Gamble of Gods is an ambitious debut novel, which blends science fiction, fantasy, and adventure, marking the start of The Order of the Dragon series, by Mitriel Faywood, one of the SPFBO9 entrants. A character-driven story, told from the perspective of our three MCs, which makes a fun adventure with high stakes, and some romance.
The first of our POVs is Kristian, a professor from a futuristic university, who gets forced to be on the run after an assassin starts targetting him. And Faywood, when introducing this character, sets perfectly the adventurous tone we can expect from the novel, with a character whose idea of life was the exact opposite of what he's going to live.
The second one is Connor Drew, a thief-for-hire, who spends most of his time stealing valuable artifacts for dukes and kings of his world; a sort of Casanova living in a land where magic is the norm, instead of the exception.
And our final POV is Selena Soto, a woman from the Earth in the year 2037. She's feeling unwell, but doctors can't really diagnose her; she cannot imagine that all will end leading her to the adventure of her life.
The three characters are somehow related to a mysterious order, the Order of the Dragon, which will throw them into a mission that will put them in danger, but at the same time, will shake down all their beliefs.
With this premise, we have a really entertaining plot, full of action, which takes us to explore the different worlds that are part of this shared universe, having the opportunity to see how these characters behave in situations that are unfamiliar to them. As there are several worlds we explore, different between them, it's difficult to ascribe this book to a concrete genre, because some of them have elements that are clearly fantasy, while others (for example Kristian's) are clearly in the territory of science fiction.
The pacing lands in an excellent spot, not being excessively fast despite the several action scenes that are packed into this book. Building those characters take time, so sometimes we are given a breath in between more tense scenes.
Probably, the only aspect that I didn't really like was how romance was established among some of our characters. It was frustrating at some points, but overall, it's a minor gripe for me.
A Gamble of Gods is an excellent debut novel, which sets pretty much a world that I hope we continue exploring in subsequent adventures with this group of characters. Faywood has proven her skill as a competent novelist, and I can't wait to see her next books!
April 30, 2023
This book was interesting to me. I’ll be the first to admit that I mostly these days listen to books on Audio. This book doesn’t have an audio. So, I read it. And, I’m glad I did.
I’ll be honest, it’s sort of hard to pin down a genre for this book. Is it sci-fi? Is it fantasy? Is it comedy? Romance? It certainly had flavors of all these and I have to say that if genre-jumping bothers you, that this book sort of hits them all. I, on the other hand, LOVED it. This could be because as of late I feel like I have the attention span of a tree-fly, or, it could be that this book moved at an excellent pace.
Anyway, my main pertinent negative with this book is this….
1. When all the heroes teamed up together, which I liked, I felt like something was lost. I can’t explain what it was, but they seemed to lose their identity or something.
Okay, okay, now on to the positives.
1. Prose is top notch. This is book is well edited and easy to read.
2. The pace of this story is damn near perfection. The story follows three different characters (Kristian, Conor, and Selena). Not only are their stories different and interesting, but to get me to keep reading to see how they will end up together, truly impressive. And this is the author’s first book, so I can only imagine this will get even better in the future.
3. The comedy was great. I genuinely enjoyed that part of the book.
4. The book in and of itself is a complete story. That’s rare, it seems these days, for first books in trilogies. It seems most everyone is writing the first book to ensure you buy the second one. I prefer this approach, which reminds me of the original StarWars movies.
5. It was fun! It seems these days that everyone wants to write some depressing miserable tale of grimdarkyness. And yes, those do have their place, but swashbuckling heroes and killer robots and romance? It’s like an Indiana Jones book almost and I truly miss that as of late. It made me feel nostalgic.
This book is a truly impressive debut by a first time author. I expect we will see many a great story from Mitriel Faywood in the future.
I’ll be honest, it’s sort of hard to pin down a genre for this book. Is it sci-fi? Is it fantasy? Is it comedy? Romance? It certainly had flavors of all these and I have to say that if genre-jumping bothers you, that this book sort of hits them all. I, on the other hand, LOVED it. This could be because as of late I feel like I have the attention span of a tree-fly, or, it could be that this book moved at an excellent pace.
Anyway, my main pertinent negative with this book is this….
1. When all the heroes teamed up together, which I liked, I felt like something was lost. I can’t explain what it was, but they seemed to lose their identity or something.
Okay, okay, now on to the positives.
1. Prose is top notch. This is book is well edited and easy to read.
2. The pace of this story is damn near perfection. The story follows three different characters (Kristian, Conor, and Selena). Not only are their stories different and interesting, but to get me to keep reading to see how they will end up together, truly impressive. And this is the author’s first book, so I can only imagine this will get even better in the future.
3. The comedy was great. I genuinely enjoyed that part of the book.
4. The book in and of itself is a complete story. That’s rare, it seems these days, for first books in trilogies. It seems most everyone is writing the first book to ensure you buy the second one. I prefer this approach, which reminds me of the original StarWars movies.
5. It was fun! It seems these days that everyone wants to write some depressing miserable tale of grimdarkyness. And yes, those do have their place, but swashbuckling heroes and killer robots and romance? It’s like an Indiana Jones book almost and I truly miss that as of late. It made me feel nostalgic.
This book is a truly impressive debut by a first time author. I expect we will see many a great story from Mitriel Faywood in the future.
November 1, 2022
A Gamble Of Gods – Mitriel Faywood (Order of the Dragon #1)
Check out my Blog
“Anger is like fire. Let it burn unwatched, and it will hurt you. Use it wisely, and it becomes what gods intended it to be: fortitude.”
Sci-Fi meets Fantasy ✓ Hero’s Journey ✓ Charming Characters ✓
Kristian del Rosso has led a quiet life, burying himself in research and teaching at the University of St Mark. The arrival of a mysterious killer with supernatural abilities and the bloody massacre of a group of Kristian’s students changes all that. Kristian’s grief and a need for answers drives him to set out after their murderer, prepared to face the man but unprepared for what awaits him at the source of it all.
Conor Drew lives for the thrill of adventure and to explore the delights of as many beautiful women as one man can in a lifetime. Between dangerous jobs for the wealthy aristocracy and powerful figures in the underworld of the Nineteen Kingdoms, he’s seen more than most. And yet it isn’t until his greatest friend and biggest enemy both find him on the same day that his true odyssey begins.
Selena Soto is a woman lost in her own world. She struggles to fit into her existence, to find meaning and purpose-even progress at work eludes her. Meeting the right man might be a good first step, or perhaps just defining what it is she really wants from life. Little does she realise that only her own fears keep her from a destiny that’s greater than she could imagine.
The trio will soon learn that only by working as a team can they solve the puzzle that has drawn them together.
A book like I have never read before, with new and fresh ideas that take the otherwise classic stories of the fantasy genre in a completely new direction. Unconventional ideas are mixed with classic genre typical ideas that this mind-blowing combination of both creates something magical that has a great unique selling point. Coupled with wit and profound themes, the world doesn’t let you go and especially the multi-layered characters grow on you. Describing this book is a real challenge, so enter this fantastic story yourself.
Worldbuilding
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantasy mixed with science fiction is not a new invention and yet the author manages to completely reinvent this mix. In this way, both genres are placed in an equally divided relationship, so that one does not know whether one is in a fantasy or science fiction world. And this book offers not only one outstanding world, but no, we get three of them, each with its own flair. In the beginning we experience each of these worlds through a different character and so we find ourselves in a very future-oriented world with far-reaching technologies, a world that doesn’t seem to be as far away as ours and we can eagerly look forward to our near future and a typical fantasy world set in the Middle Ages that shows us how the world can also function without technology. We jump through the different worlds, so to speak, and through this overarching overview that we get through the world creation, the individual worlds can seem much greater. This story does not just give us a simple worldbuilding, but a whole universe is built up here that will not leave any fantasy or science fiction fan unhappy.
Plot
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Three ordinary people from ordinary lives (ordinary as each is to the world) are thrown into a story that pulls them out of their lives and for whom a journey begins to resolve an old conflict. And so this journey is not limited to one world, but spans several. The beloved hero’s journey of many fantasy readers, is told here in a new way, making it all the more exciting! The adventurers not only have to fight against classic knights, but also against robots, human murderers or creepy monsters. The thrill is that you never know what might happen next, because there are so many possibilities of where the story could go. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, the author proved me wrong, as she has such a good grip on her story and worlds that she manages to weave everything together. This book is meant to be read in one go as the tension just doesn’t let up and you want to read more of this world. And so I found it a pity that some of the events on the spectacular adventure journey were kept a little too short, because it was just too exciting. And so the ending also left me sad because I want to read more of this action-packed story!
Characters
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Characters are the heart of a story and so this story was able to make my heart beat especially fast. Even though one might think that the worldbuilding was the highlight of this book, for me it was the characters. Each character had their own charm and could clearly stand out from the other. Whether it’s Kristian, who doesn’t really fit into an adventure story with his kind and quiet nature, or the charming Conor who plays the heartbreaking bad boy (yes, of course he could also convince me with his charm…) or the complex Selena, who actually has to fight with herself and yet jumps over her shadows. The dynamics of these very different characters was terrific! Just their differences make the friendship of the three, because each contributes something different to this group. And so I felt like a part of this group, because you could quickly empathize with the individual characters, but also with the complications within the group. It all felt very realistic as everyone felt their role in the team was fitting. And even though Conor is already the joke of the story, Storn is definitely not to be missed. Storn is the animal that every story needs, even if, strictly speaking, Storn shouldn’t be counted as an animal. Due to his dry nature, which is paired with a lot of heart, Storn has quickly become my favorite animal companion!
Atmosphere
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This charm of the book is almost untouchable. This book offers so many different impressions that you get a grandiose overall picture despite the diversity. It is precisely this that makes the atmosphere so, that just does not stick to one thing, but the author has managed to interweave the charms of the differences without making it seem comical. The worlds, the different landscapes, the characters and the plot thus offer a feeling that is difficult to describe and therefore keeps this feeling of the story in the head for a long time. Through the narrative from the first-person perspective can thereby represent the diversities even better. I want more of this unique feeling!
Check out my Blog
“Anger is like fire. Let it burn unwatched, and it will hurt you. Use it wisely, and it becomes what gods intended it to be: fortitude.”
Sci-Fi meets Fantasy ✓ Hero’s Journey ✓ Charming Characters ✓
Kristian del Rosso has led a quiet life, burying himself in research and teaching at the University of St Mark. The arrival of a mysterious killer with supernatural abilities and the bloody massacre of a group of Kristian’s students changes all that. Kristian’s grief and a need for answers drives him to set out after their murderer, prepared to face the man but unprepared for what awaits him at the source of it all.
Conor Drew lives for the thrill of adventure and to explore the delights of as many beautiful women as one man can in a lifetime. Between dangerous jobs for the wealthy aristocracy and powerful figures in the underworld of the Nineteen Kingdoms, he’s seen more than most. And yet it isn’t until his greatest friend and biggest enemy both find him on the same day that his true odyssey begins.
Selena Soto is a woman lost in her own world. She struggles to fit into her existence, to find meaning and purpose-even progress at work eludes her. Meeting the right man might be a good first step, or perhaps just defining what it is she really wants from life. Little does she realise that only her own fears keep her from a destiny that’s greater than she could imagine.
The trio will soon learn that only by working as a team can they solve the puzzle that has drawn them together.
A book like I have never read before, with new and fresh ideas that take the otherwise classic stories of the fantasy genre in a completely new direction. Unconventional ideas are mixed with classic genre typical ideas that this mind-blowing combination of both creates something magical that has a great unique selling point. Coupled with wit and profound themes, the world doesn’t let you go and especially the multi-layered characters grow on you. Describing this book is a real challenge, so enter this fantastic story yourself.
Worldbuilding
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantasy mixed with science fiction is not a new invention and yet the author manages to completely reinvent this mix. In this way, both genres are placed in an equally divided relationship, so that one does not know whether one is in a fantasy or science fiction world. And this book offers not only one outstanding world, but no, we get three of them, each with its own flair. In the beginning we experience each of these worlds through a different character and so we find ourselves in a very future-oriented world with far-reaching technologies, a world that doesn’t seem to be as far away as ours and we can eagerly look forward to our near future and a typical fantasy world set in the Middle Ages that shows us how the world can also function without technology. We jump through the different worlds, so to speak, and through this overarching overview that we get through the world creation, the individual worlds can seem much greater. This story does not just give us a simple worldbuilding, but a whole universe is built up here that will not leave any fantasy or science fiction fan unhappy.
Plot
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Three ordinary people from ordinary lives (ordinary as each is to the world) are thrown into a story that pulls them out of their lives and for whom a journey begins to resolve an old conflict. And so this journey is not limited to one world, but spans several. The beloved hero’s journey of many fantasy readers, is told here in a new way, making it all the more exciting! The adventurers not only have to fight against classic knights, but also against robots, human murderers or creepy monsters. The thrill is that you never know what might happen next, because there are so many possibilities of where the story could go. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, the author proved me wrong, as she has such a good grip on her story and worlds that she manages to weave everything together. This book is meant to be read in one go as the tension just doesn’t let up and you want to read more of this world. And so I found it a pity that some of the events on the spectacular adventure journey were kept a little too short, because it was just too exciting. And so the ending also left me sad because I want to read more of this action-packed story!
Characters
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Characters are the heart of a story and so this story was able to make my heart beat especially fast. Even though one might think that the worldbuilding was the highlight of this book, for me it was the characters. Each character had their own charm and could clearly stand out from the other. Whether it’s Kristian, who doesn’t really fit into an adventure story with his kind and quiet nature, or the charming Conor who plays the heartbreaking bad boy (yes, of course he could also convince me with his charm…) or the complex Selena, who actually has to fight with herself and yet jumps over her shadows. The dynamics of these very different characters was terrific! Just their differences make the friendship of the three, because each contributes something different to this group. And so I felt like a part of this group, because you could quickly empathize with the individual characters, but also with the complications within the group. It all felt very realistic as everyone felt their role in the team was fitting. And even though Conor is already the joke of the story, Storn is definitely not to be missed. Storn is the animal that every story needs, even if, strictly speaking, Storn shouldn’t be counted as an animal. Due to his dry nature, which is paired with a lot of heart, Storn has quickly become my favorite animal companion!
Atmosphere
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This charm of the book is almost untouchable. This book offers so many different impressions that you get a grandiose overall picture despite the diversity. It is precisely this that makes the atmosphere so, that just does not stick to one thing, but the author has managed to interweave the charms of the differences without making it seem comical. The worlds, the different landscapes, the characters and the plot thus offer a feeling that is difficult to describe and therefore keeps this feeling of the story in the head for a long time. Through the narrative from the first-person perspective can thereby represent the diversities even better. I want more of this unique feeling!
February 9, 2023
“Anger is like fire. Let it burn unwatched, and it will hurt you. Use it wisely, and it becomes what the gods intended it to be: fortitude.”
What a fun book A Gamble of Gods is! If you’ve read the synopsis above, no doubt you are intrigued. I remember seeing an alternate synopsis somewhere else that I feel gives a slightly better idea of what this book is about, but I couldn’t find it when I was typing this review. So I’ll summarize a bit without spoiling to give you an idea of what you’re in for.
Yes, we have Conor, who is without a doubt the funniest character. He provides a lot of comedic relief, but he’s so much more than just a jokester. He’s a thief and he’s alternately loved and hated within his kingdom. He lives in a more medieval setting within this novel. If he’s on the page, I’m guaranteed to laugh.
“Then one day, the idiot whose life you’re trying to save drugs you and two things happen: you turn into a god, stop time and carve your name into the flawlessness of eternity. Then you sigh, release your grip and let it flow again, just so you can go and kick his arse.”
Most heavily featured, in my opinion, is Kristian. He’s a bookish type from a futuristic setting and he/the people surrounding him at the University are immediately attacked by someone with motives that are originally unbeknownst to him. In the beginning, I didn’t like him as much as Conor, but I quickly grew to look forward to his chapters. He ended up being one of the most interesting parts of the book.
After we are introduced to these two, we get to meet Selena, who is in a present-ish day setting on Earth. She is in therapy for a host of things, when her life starts to get even stranger. When she comes into the story, things really start kicking into gear. I couldn’t wait to get more of her chapters, because Faywood makes us wait a bit to really dive into her story.
We get a few random POVs besides these three, but for the most part, they are the center of the story. Also, if I went into those POVs, it would spoil a bit of the novel. These three are connected in ways that they don’t yet know, especially since they’re all part of different spaces in time and the universe.
I really enjoyed the time-traveling and world-traveling aspect of this. Faywood blends so many different elements into A Gamble of Gods and it is quite unique compared to so many other books I’ve read in the SFF genres. There’s fantasy, romance, science fiction, and comedy facets that all work to make this something fresh. The fact that Mitriel Faywood wrote an entire book in English when it isn’t her native language is quite impressive. It flows well and you’d assume the author was extremely comfortable writing in English, though she says in her author’s note that making sure that English sounded natural to the native-speaking ear was one of her challenges.
I loved the relationship and friendship formed between Kristian, Selena, and Conor. I found myself smiling and laughing aloud quite often. There’s protective, familial love. There’s some pining and instant attractive that forms into love. If you love a found family trope, this will definitely check off that box for you. There’s even an animal companion in this book.
“‘People you meet are like seeds,’ Aiki said when she asked me about our friendship in the middle of the street yesterday. ‘Sooner or later, most of them are blown away from your life, and you forget all about them. But a few will stay and grow roots while you’re not looking. Before you know it, they take hold in you so deeply, you can no longer remove them without tearing off a part of you. And sometimes you will find that it is a part you cannot live without.'”
If I was to say any criticism, I would say that at times the pacing could go too slow at some parts and too quickly at other parts. It wasn’t enough to throw me off of the book, though.
One thing I think might be quite enjoyable to some fantasy readers is that at moments, there’s almost a LitRPG feel to it. There’s especially scenes when it’s just Conor and Kristian that felt almost like we were reading about them in a game setting with an expansive story mode. This isn’t the entire novel, and it adds even more to my comment about Faywood blending this book in ways that make it feel entirely unique.
Though we covered some ground in A Gamble of the Gods, I can tell it’s just the beginning. There’s so much more to come and so much more to learn about these characters. I can’t wait to see what journey Faywood takes us on from here. There were so many times I thought I had this book pinpointed, and she turned it on its head every time. I bought an ebook copy of this and Mitriel was kind enough to send me a hardback copy, as well. This is a fantastic debut and there’s no doubt in my mind that each book is only going to get better. Mitriel Faywood will be a name SFF readers are familiar with.
What a fun book A Gamble of Gods is! If you’ve read the synopsis above, no doubt you are intrigued. I remember seeing an alternate synopsis somewhere else that I feel gives a slightly better idea of what this book is about, but I couldn’t find it when I was typing this review. So I’ll summarize a bit without spoiling to give you an idea of what you’re in for.
Yes, we have Conor, who is without a doubt the funniest character. He provides a lot of comedic relief, but he’s so much more than just a jokester. He’s a thief and he’s alternately loved and hated within his kingdom. He lives in a more medieval setting within this novel. If he’s on the page, I’m guaranteed to laugh.
“Then one day, the idiot whose life you’re trying to save drugs you and two things happen: you turn into a god, stop time and carve your name into the flawlessness of eternity. Then you sigh, release your grip and let it flow again, just so you can go and kick his arse.”
Most heavily featured, in my opinion, is Kristian. He’s a bookish type from a futuristic setting and he/the people surrounding him at the University are immediately attacked by someone with motives that are originally unbeknownst to him. In the beginning, I didn’t like him as much as Conor, but I quickly grew to look forward to his chapters. He ended up being one of the most interesting parts of the book.
After we are introduced to these two, we get to meet Selena, who is in a present-ish day setting on Earth. She is in therapy for a host of things, when her life starts to get even stranger. When she comes into the story, things really start kicking into gear. I couldn’t wait to get more of her chapters, because Faywood makes us wait a bit to really dive into her story.
We get a few random POVs besides these three, but for the most part, they are the center of the story. Also, if I went into those POVs, it would spoil a bit of the novel. These three are connected in ways that they don’t yet know, especially since they’re all part of different spaces in time and the universe.
I really enjoyed the time-traveling and world-traveling aspect of this. Faywood blends so many different elements into A Gamble of Gods and it is quite unique compared to so many other books I’ve read in the SFF genres. There’s fantasy, romance, science fiction, and comedy facets that all work to make this something fresh. The fact that Mitriel Faywood wrote an entire book in English when it isn’t her native language is quite impressive. It flows well and you’d assume the author was extremely comfortable writing in English, though she says in her author’s note that making sure that English sounded natural to the native-speaking ear was one of her challenges.
I loved the relationship and friendship formed between Kristian, Selena, and Conor. I found myself smiling and laughing aloud quite often. There’s protective, familial love. There’s some pining and instant attractive that forms into love. If you love a found family trope, this will definitely check off that box for you. There’s even an animal companion in this book.
“‘People you meet are like seeds,’ Aiki said when she asked me about our friendship in the middle of the street yesterday. ‘Sooner or later, most of them are blown away from your life, and you forget all about them. But a few will stay and grow roots while you’re not looking. Before you know it, they take hold in you so deeply, you can no longer remove them without tearing off a part of you. And sometimes you will find that it is a part you cannot live without.'”
If I was to say any criticism, I would say that at times the pacing could go too slow at some parts and too quickly at other parts. It wasn’t enough to throw me off of the book, though.
One thing I think might be quite enjoyable to some fantasy readers is that at moments, there’s almost a LitRPG feel to it. There’s especially scenes when it’s just Conor and Kristian that felt almost like we were reading about them in a game setting with an expansive story mode. This isn’t the entire novel, and it adds even more to my comment about Faywood blending this book in ways that make it feel entirely unique.
Though we covered some ground in A Gamble of the Gods, I can tell it’s just the beginning. There’s so much more to come and so much more to learn about these characters. I can’t wait to see what journey Faywood takes us on from here. There were so many times I thought I had this book pinpointed, and she turned it on its head every time. I bought an ebook copy of this and Mitriel was kind enough to send me a hardback copy, as well. This is a fantastic debut and there’s no doubt in my mind that each book is only going to get better. Mitriel Faywood will be a name SFF readers are familiar with.
March 10, 2023
A Gamble of Gods is a highly imaginative portal fantasy. It’s part adventure, part romance, part fantasy and part sci-fi.
The three main characters make up the majority of the POV chapters.
One is a thief-for-hire, Conor Drew, who spends his time steeling valuable artefacts for various lords and dukes. His land is full of witches and curses and is the most fantastical of the worlds we visit.
The second POV is Kristian, a teacher from a futuristic planet, who has a mass murderer (who is also a shape shifter) plotting to kill him.
And lastly, Selena (my favourite character), is from Earth in the year 2037. She knows there is something different about her, but thinks she is unwell and seeks out various doctors to try and help her. Little does she know there is actually something very special about her!
As the story unfolds, it turns out all these characters are connected by a mysterious order, known as The Order of the Dragon, and they are thrown into a deadly and exciting mission.
The story weaves together really well – and as I said, it is very high concept. The three settings and POV’s are completely different and it’s quite entertaining to watch as the characters are thrust into worlds that are not their own.
The tone is light and fun, sometimes comical, sometimes high-adventure, with carriage chases and undercover escapades galore – definitely a good pick for me after reading a few dark/epic fantasies – and I think the story here would also really work as a graphic novel.
Sometimes I thought the characters acted too young for their ages – certainly when it came to the romantic entanglements, but I also found the romance to be really sweet and Selena a lovely character to follow. (The story really took off for me when her POV chapters began.)
The Order of the Dragon itself is a cool concept as is the world-building behind how the portals work. I’m hoping to delve more into this as the series progresses. I really think we’ve only scratched the surface here – and a nice little twist at the end makes me think that’s where Mitriel Faywood means to take us.
If you are looking for a lighter fantasy with a bit of romance and Indiana Jones style adventure, then give this a go. I can’t really think of anything like it at the minute, and I loved that it was so unique.
It’s a 4.5/5 for me - and I’m eagerly awaiting the sequel!
The three main characters make up the majority of the POV chapters.
One is a thief-for-hire, Conor Drew, who spends his time steeling valuable artefacts for various lords and dukes. His land is full of witches and curses and is the most fantastical of the worlds we visit.
The second POV is Kristian, a teacher from a futuristic planet, who has a mass murderer (who is also a shape shifter) plotting to kill him.
And lastly, Selena (my favourite character), is from Earth in the year 2037. She knows there is something different about her, but thinks she is unwell and seeks out various doctors to try and help her. Little does she know there is actually something very special about her!
As the story unfolds, it turns out all these characters are connected by a mysterious order, known as The Order of the Dragon, and they are thrown into a deadly and exciting mission.
The story weaves together really well – and as I said, it is very high concept. The three settings and POV’s are completely different and it’s quite entertaining to watch as the characters are thrust into worlds that are not their own.
The tone is light and fun, sometimes comical, sometimes high-adventure, with carriage chases and undercover escapades galore – definitely a good pick for me after reading a few dark/epic fantasies – and I think the story here would also really work as a graphic novel.
Sometimes I thought the characters acted too young for their ages – certainly when it came to the romantic entanglements, but I also found the romance to be really sweet and Selena a lovely character to follow. (The story really took off for me when her POV chapters began.)
The Order of the Dragon itself is a cool concept as is the world-building behind how the portals work. I’m hoping to delve more into this as the series progresses. I really think we’ve only scratched the surface here – and a nice little twist at the end makes me think that’s where Mitriel Faywood means to take us.
If you are looking for a lighter fantasy with a bit of romance and Indiana Jones style adventure, then give this a go. I can’t really think of anything like it at the minute, and I loved that it was so unique.
It’s a 4.5/5 for me - and I’m eagerly awaiting the sequel!
January 25, 2023
4.5/5 Stars Rounded to 5 Stars
I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Indiana Jones and Stargate collide in this spectacular debut. A Gamble of Gods is book one in The Order of the Dragon, combining both fantasy and sci-fi in an incredible world.
Oftentimes after finishing a book, the thrill or enjoyment of it can wane. That has not been the case with A Gamble of Gods so far. The more I think about this book, the more I love it. The humour, worldbuilding, quest, action and characters continue to grow on me.
This multi-pov story follows three main characters as conflict brings them together. The story is told in first person present tense and gives you an intimate look at each character’s internal struggles, thoughts, and motivations. One of the main characters is a scholar and University Professor, another a famous treasure hunter and finally an office worker struggling to find their place in the world. We’re also treated to an intriguing and lovable side cast, including talking animal sidekicks.
There’s inclusion of anxiety and OCD which brought its own hurdles to the plot and characters arc. While I loved many of the characters, there was one that did frustrate me. This was more due to the type of personality they had and their behavior, which to me demonstrates how well Mitriel Faywood wrote her characters. In the end, I really enjoyed the characters and the relationships that are built.
In addition, the world immediately captivated me, with a seamless mix of science fiction and fantasy through planet hopping adventures. Readers will find a satisfying blend of the two genres, through different planets with varying levels of technology, including a pre-industrial planet where magic is the norm.
The world, adventure, and politics reminded me of Stargate. Meanwhile, the treasure hunting character was reminiscent of Indiana Jones. Ultimately creating an incredibly captivating read.
Now, I will say that the first half of the book had a different tone to the second half. Where the first half of the book focuses on action, adventure, and mystery, the second half includes all of this but with a heavier focus on romance and relationships. While, the tonal shift does make sense with the story, world, and characters it took me a while to settle into it. However, Mitriel Faywood did a great job at weaving it all together.
I personally loved the tone of the first half of the book, whereas the second half was less to my reading taste. This was mainly due to the romance which is well written just not to my personal preference in genre.
To put this into another perspective, I read the last 50% of this in one day. So, despite the tonal shift it was hard to put down.
I think it’s important to note that there were a few areas I had critiques about along the way. However, I quickly found them addressed in the worldbuilding as I kept reading.
That being said, the shift may be tricky for some readers but overall would make a fantastic read for anyone who enjoys fantasy, sci-fi, adventure, romance, intriguing characters, all mixed into an incredible world.
A Gamble of Gods is impressive, captivating, and hard to put down.
I’ll certainly be continuing with book 2!
I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Indiana Jones and Stargate collide in this spectacular debut. A Gamble of Gods is book one in The Order of the Dragon, combining both fantasy and sci-fi in an incredible world.
Oftentimes after finishing a book, the thrill or enjoyment of it can wane. That has not been the case with A Gamble of Gods so far. The more I think about this book, the more I love it. The humour, worldbuilding, quest, action and characters continue to grow on me.
This multi-pov story follows three main characters as conflict brings them together. The story is told in first person present tense and gives you an intimate look at each character’s internal struggles, thoughts, and motivations. One of the main characters is a scholar and University Professor, another a famous treasure hunter and finally an office worker struggling to find their place in the world. We’re also treated to an intriguing and lovable side cast, including talking animal sidekicks.
There’s inclusion of anxiety and OCD which brought its own hurdles to the plot and characters arc. While I loved many of the characters, there was one that did frustrate me. This was more due to the type of personality they had and their behavior, which to me demonstrates how well Mitriel Faywood wrote her characters. In the end, I really enjoyed the characters and the relationships that are built.
In addition, the world immediately captivated me, with a seamless mix of science fiction and fantasy through planet hopping adventures. Readers will find a satisfying blend of the two genres, through different planets with varying levels of technology, including a pre-industrial planet where magic is the norm.
The world, adventure, and politics reminded me of Stargate. Meanwhile, the treasure hunting character was reminiscent of Indiana Jones. Ultimately creating an incredibly captivating read.
Now, I will say that the first half of the book had a different tone to the second half. Where the first half of the book focuses on action, adventure, and mystery, the second half includes all of this but with a heavier focus on romance and relationships. While, the tonal shift does make sense with the story, world, and characters it took me a while to settle into it. However, Mitriel Faywood did a great job at weaving it all together.
I personally loved the tone of the first half of the book, whereas the second half was less to my reading taste. This was mainly due to the romance which is well written just not to my personal preference in genre.
To put this into another perspective, I read the last 50% of this in one day. So, despite the tonal shift it was hard to put down.
I think it’s important to note that there were a few areas I had critiques about along the way. However, I quickly found them addressed in the worldbuilding as I kept reading.
That being said, the shift may be tricky for some readers but overall would make a fantastic read for anyone who enjoys fantasy, sci-fi, adventure, romance, intriguing characters, all mixed into an incredible world.
A Gamble of Gods is impressive, captivating, and hard to put down.
I’ll certainly be continuing with book 2!
May 16, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4
This is an exciting debut full of debauchery, vigour and fun. You’re thrown straight in and the fast pace is relentless, gripping you as you try and make sense of the worlds with glimpses of visionary inventions, a mysterious coven, and a foreboding sense of destiny.
It is told through three first-person perspectives who come from very different worlds incorporating elements from both science fiction and fantasy bound together by adventure and what seems like fate.
Kristian is a by-the-rules university lecturer who is just too good and sweet for this world.
Connor is a dark trickster. A confident and arrogant playboy who takes each day as it comes.
Selene has OCD and anxiety and seeing her try to cope with this and manage her and others’ expectations in a fantasy story where this could have easily been sidelined was particular of notice to me.
Whilst there were noticeable signs this was a debut (romance, language, pacing, over-introspection choices), this was enjoyable and fast and I loved the dynamic characters.
Also, the author noted that she wasn’t writing in her native language… this is a phenomenal work in that case - I was transported by the descriptions and world building.
Finally, can I freak out about the cover art now?
Bookstagram
This is an exciting debut full of debauchery, vigour and fun. You’re thrown straight in and the fast pace is relentless, gripping you as you try and make sense of the worlds with glimpses of visionary inventions, a mysterious coven, and a foreboding sense of destiny.
It is told through three first-person perspectives who come from very different worlds incorporating elements from both science fiction and fantasy bound together by adventure and what seems like fate.
Then one day, the idiot whose life you're trying to save drugs you and two things happen: you turn into a god, stop time and carve your name into the flawlessness of eternity. Then you sigh, release your grip and let it flow again, just so you can go and kick his arse.
Kristian is a by-the-rules university lecturer who is just too good and sweet for this world.
Connor is a dark trickster. A confident and arrogant playboy who takes each day as it comes.
Selene has OCD and anxiety and seeing her try to cope with this and manage her and others’ expectations in a fantasy story where this could have easily been sidelined was particular of notice to me.
Whilst there were noticeable signs this was a debut (romance, language, pacing, over-introspection choices), this was enjoyable and fast and I loved the dynamic characters.
Also, the author noted that she wasn’t writing in her native language… this is a phenomenal work in that case - I was transported by the descriptions and world building.
Finally, can I freak out about the cover art now?
Bookstagram
December 1, 2022
This book is awesome! I love the mash-up between genres. Really refreshing.
I was going through a bit of a reading slump, and this book was the cure!
I was going through a bit of a reading slump, and this book was the cure!
May 11, 2023
I enjoyed this one even though it took me a bit to get into it. I'm not typically a sci-fi fan but I really liked how the author combined the sci-fi and fantasy elements into this story. The characters were fun and the story was fairly easy to follow. I feel like I just got a small glimpse of where this one will go and can't wait to read the next one!
I received a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I received a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
November 10, 2022
4.5 of 5 stars
https://lynns-books.com/2022/11/10/a-...
My Five Word TL:DR Review: Right book/Right Time. Happyface
I read A Gamble of Gods a short while ago but wanted to await the release date before posting a review. To be honest, when I picked this book up I was having something of an ‘off’ reading month, I was busy, a bit stressed and definitely not up to my usual reading and blogging. So in some respects I felt a little guilty picking this book up during that period as my reading can be moody at times and feeling as I was, well, lets just say I was going to be a tough audience. Actually as it happens, I got completely caught up in the story and instead of getting worried about other deadlines I simply went with the flow and enjoyed reading this, often picking it up late at night to devour a few pagers before sleep. Before I go further, the short version of this review reads ‘a great mix of fantasy, sci-fi and romance’.
In terms of plot. The story involves three characters from very different backgrounds. I think in terms of driving the story I’d say that Kristian plays the lead role. He lives on a far flung planet in the dim and distant future and is a scholar and lecturer. Then we meet Conor who lives on a world that appears to be from the past, positively mediaeval-feeling with castles, swordplay, horses as the main form of transport, etc. Conor is a would-be womaniser and thinks himself something of an expert thief. Finally we make the acquaintance of Selena, an office worker based in a contemporary London. Selena is perhaps my favourite of the story although all three play key roles I felt like she brought a strong emotional sensitivity to the story. It’s not that Selena is unhappy so much as she doesn’t really fit in, like there’s something in her life that hasn’t quite fallen into place yet – that’s about to change though. To put it bluntly the three are destined to meet in the most unusual bringing together of three less likely stories than you can imagine. The catalyst is murder, the objective to stop an assassin, the journey will see them all go from strength to strength, finding friendship, love, magic and much more.
I really enjoyed the writing. There’s a good deal of adventure and some crazy world hopping. I mean, there’s so many things that I’d love to throw into this review, not least of all an AI, talking, robotic horse, but I feel like I would muddy the waters if I was to try. The pacing is, well, lets just say there’s never a dull moment and on top of this the author manages to throw in a healthy dose of humour to temper the read.
The three main characters are easy to like although, as I mentioned earlier I would give a little shout out to Selena. Kristian and Conor stumble upon each other accidentally and come to form a mutually beneficial partnership in the first instance which eventually evolves into friendship, more than that the two seem to help each other develop in subtle ways bringing out the best in each other. At this point the two are essentially on a quest which eventually leads them in a very unexpected fashion to stumble upon Selena.
To round this up I think this is an exciting start to series and an impressive debut. It’s no small feat to bring together three characters from completely different times and places and weave their stories together in such a satisfactory and coherent way, not to mention teasing out a mystery that promises more yet to come all whilst defying the realms of possibility by creating a fantasy/sci-fi romance that shouldn’t work but just does. I look forward to the next instalment.
I received a copy courtesy of the author, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
https://lynns-books.com/2022/11/10/a-...
My Five Word TL:DR Review: Right book/Right Time. Happyface
I read A Gamble of Gods a short while ago but wanted to await the release date before posting a review. To be honest, when I picked this book up I was having something of an ‘off’ reading month, I was busy, a bit stressed and definitely not up to my usual reading and blogging. So in some respects I felt a little guilty picking this book up during that period as my reading can be moody at times and feeling as I was, well, lets just say I was going to be a tough audience. Actually as it happens, I got completely caught up in the story and instead of getting worried about other deadlines I simply went with the flow and enjoyed reading this, often picking it up late at night to devour a few pagers before sleep. Before I go further, the short version of this review reads ‘a great mix of fantasy, sci-fi and romance’.
In terms of plot. The story involves three characters from very different backgrounds. I think in terms of driving the story I’d say that Kristian plays the lead role. He lives on a far flung planet in the dim and distant future and is a scholar and lecturer. Then we meet Conor who lives on a world that appears to be from the past, positively mediaeval-feeling with castles, swordplay, horses as the main form of transport, etc. Conor is a would-be womaniser and thinks himself something of an expert thief. Finally we make the acquaintance of Selena, an office worker based in a contemporary London. Selena is perhaps my favourite of the story although all three play key roles I felt like she brought a strong emotional sensitivity to the story. It’s not that Selena is unhappy so much as she doesn’t really fit in, like there’s something in her life that hasn’t quite fallen into place yet – that’s about to change though. To put it bluntly the three are destined to meet in the most unusual bringing together of three less likely stories than you can imagine. The catalyst is murder, the objective to stop an assassin, the journey will see them all go from strength to strength, finding friendship, love, magic and much more.
I really enjoyed the writing. There’s a good deal of adventure and some crazy world hopping. I mean, there’s so many things that I’d love to throw into this review, not least of all an AI, talking, robotic horse, but I feel like I would muddy the waters if I was to try. The pacing is, well, lets just say there’s never a dull moment and on top of this the author manages to throw in a healthy dose of humour to temper the read.
The three main characters are easy to like although, as I mentioned earlier I would give a little shout out to Selena. Kristian and Conor stumble upon each other accidentally and come to form a mutually beneficial partnership in the first instance which eventually evolves into friendship, more than that the two seem to help each other develop in subtle ways bringing out the best in each other. At this point the two are essentially on a quest which eventually leads them in a very unexpected fashion to stumble upon Selena.
To round this up I think this is an exciting start to series and an impressive debut. It’s no small feat to bring together three characters from completely different times and places and weave their stories together in such a satisfactory and coherent way, not to mention teasing out a mystery that promises more yet to come all whilst defying the realms of possibility by creating a fantasy/sci-fi romance that shouldn’t work but just does. I look forward to the next instalment.
I received a copy courtesy of the author, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
December 29, 2022
Faywood has imagined a rich and diverse universe, but the book is not weighed down with exposition. Information is delivered in the moment and as you need it, although Kristian’s nature – tortured by doubt and guilt – does give scope for some useful moments of self-reflection, However, his backstory – key to the plot – is both well developed and subtly delivered, so much so that a second reading is full of moments of illumination and recognition for the reader, the kind that begin “Oh yes, so that’s why…”
Faywood’s prose flows smoothly, at times enjoying a lush description of scenery or a moment of character introspection, at others sweeping the reader along in the exuberant chaos of action as any setting becomes a potential combat zone, be it a quiet library, or the top of a moving horse drawn carriage. But not all conflicts are physical, and the tension of court etiquette and the duelling of pointed conversation also carry the reader along at a brisk pace.
This is an extract from my review of the book for the fantasy-hive, - you can read the full review here.
https://fantasy-hive.co.uk/2022/09/a-...
Faywood’s prose flows smoothly, at times enjoying a lush description of scenery or a moment of character introspection, at others sweeping the reader along in the exuberant chaos of action as any setting becomes a potential combat zone, be it a quiet library, or the top of a moving horse drawn carriage. But not all conflicts are physical, and the tension of court etiquette and the duelling of pointed conversation also carry the reader along at a brisk pace.
This is an extract from my review of the book for the fantasy-hive, - you can read the full review here.
https://fantasy-hive.co.uk/2022/09/a-...
November 11, 2022
Thank you so much to the author Mitriel Faywood for providing me with a eARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. All the opinions are my own.
A Gamble of Gods is Mitriel Faywood's debut and all I can say is WOW.
This is an outstanding novel that mixes scifi and fantasy in a way that could be thought as logical.
We have three main characters, Conor, Kristian and Selena. Each is from a different world that has different levels of technological advancement.
It all begins when Kristian's class is brutally murdered by someone who was there for him. Until that point, Kristian has been saved and hidden from everyone, including himself, in the University but this murderer wants him out. He wants to avenge his students and so he went looking for the murderer. As he follows this man, he finds himself in Conor's world.
I’ll try to keep this review as spoiler free as I can.
There are so many secrets sarounding Kristian and James (his mentor).
Right now, staying alive, preferably without dying in the process, was much higher in my priority list. That and not letting all the killing turn me into a monster, too.
The characters are very complex, and very relatable in their internal struggles, even the antagonist. The three main characters are really funny and they care so much about each other.
Conor naturally moved closer to her with a smile on his face. Why did he always have to be like this? He wasn't just enjoying danger; he was literally courting it!
The plot changes a lot since page one. And even if you think you know where's going, you really don't. I thoroughly enjoyed all the twists and turns.
I really appreciated the comic relief moments. They gave the narrative a more light-heartedness tone when needed.
'Don't worry,' I said. 'Coffins are my specialty'
I absolutely loved the writing style, it flows seamlessly, allowing the reader to appreciate the whole scene.
I loved the mix of technology and swords. Magic powers and teleportation.
The relationship between all the protagonists changes since they first find each other. The way they perceive and how they feel about each other is so beautifully and well described sometimes I felt I was one of them.
The romance, even though is not a part of the main plot, it really does contribute a lot in how we see the couple as a couple and as individuals. I really enjoyed it.
'People you meet are like seeds.' [...] 'Sooner or later, most of them are blown away from your life, and you forget all about them. But a few will stay and grow roots while you're not looking. Before you know it, they take hold in you so deeply, you can no longer remove them without tearing off a part of you. And sometimes you will find that it is a part you cannot live without.'
The Order of the Dragon is so interesting. I feel this is going to be explored more in the sequel, specially after that ending.
We are the fire that keeps away the dark.
Also, it was wonderful to find a little wink to a Mark Lawrence's novel.
Overall, this a fantastic debut that promises an amazing continuation of the story, along with exploration of this huge world the author has created and probably expand in the sequels, and human nature and emotions through the characters.
All the quotes were extracted from the eARC copy of the book provided by the author.
Review originally posted on Fantasy Book Critic's blog
https://fantasybookcritic.blogspot.co...
A Gamble of Gods is Mitriel Faywood's debut and all I can say is WOW.
This is an outstanding novel that mixes scifi and fantasy in a way that could be thought as logical.
We have three main characters, Conor, Kristian and Selena. Each is from a different world that has different levels of technological advancement.
It all begins when Kristian's class is brutally murdered by someone who was there for him. Until that point, Kristian has been saved and hidden from everyone, including himself, in the University but this murderer wants him out. He wants to avenge his students and so he went looking for the murderer. As he follows this man, he finds himself in Conor's world.
I’ll try to keep this review as spoiler free as I can.
There are so many secrets sarounding Kristian and James (his mentor).
Right now, staying alive, preferably without dying in the process, was much higher in my priority list. That and not letting all the killing turn me into a monster, too.
The characters are very complex, and very relatable in their internal struggles, even the antagonist. The three main characters are really funny and they care so much about each other.
Conor naturally moved closer to her with a smile on his face. Why did he always have to be like this? He wasn't just enjoying danger; he was literally courting it!
The plot changes a lot since page one. And even if you think you know where's going, you really don't. I thoroughly enjoyed all the twists and turns.
I really appreciated the comic relief moments. They gave the narrative a more light-heartedness tone when needed.
'Don't worry,' I said. 'Coffins are my specialty'
I absolutely loved the writing style, it flows seamlessly, allowing the reader to appreciate the whole scene.
I loved the mix of technology and swords. Magic powers and teleportation.
The relationship between all the protagonists changes since they first find each other. The way they perceive and how they feel about each other is so beautifully and well described sometimes I felt I was one of them.
The romance, even though is not a part of the main plot, it really does contribute a lot in how we see the couple as a couple and as individuals. I really enjoyed it.
'People you meet are like seeds.' [...] 'Sooner or later, most of them are blown away from your life, and you forget all about them. But a few will stay and grow roots while you're not looking. Before you know it, they take hold in you so deeply, you can no longer remove them without tearing off a part of you. And sometimes you will find that it is a part you cannot live without.'
The Order of the Dragon is so interesting. I feel this is going to be explored more in the sequel, specially after that ending.
We are the fire that keeps away the dark.
Also, it was wonderful to find a little wink to a Mark Lawrence's novel.
Overall, this a fantastic debut that promises an amazing continuation of the story, along with exploration of this huge world the author has created and probably expand in the sequels, and human nature and emotions through the characters.
All the quotes were extracted from the eARC copy of the book provided by the author.
Review originally posted on Fantasy Book Critic's blog
https://fantasybookcritic.blogspot.co...
March 20, 2023
4.5 rounded up to 5
How to describe A Gamble of Gods? I suppose it’s technically a portal science fantasy. Or a fantasy with sci-fi elements. But it’s got a strong romance plot to it too. And a heavy whiff of court politics. It’s part Indiana Jones, dashing through forgotten temples; part Star Wars, with a Jedi/Sith plotline; and part Mission Impossible, with a tense mission in the final third (indeed, on its cover none other than fantasy legend Mark Lawrence describes it as “Mission Impossible for fantasy readers”, so who am I to argue)? All in all, it’s got more ingredients than a taster menu at a Gordon Ramsay joint.
But where such a hodgepodge of elements should normally spell doom for a debut, here it all seems to blend together to make this a fresh, startlingly original (while somehow still feeling old school) fantasy tale with surprisingly strong characterisation amid all the action. More than anything though, it’s just great fun – the overriding feeling of watching a classic 80s action adventure; Romancing the Stone, fantasy style.
What about the plot? Well, plot-wise you don’t actually find out what’s really going on until you’re at least a third of the way in. This would be frustrating if there wasn’t so much fun to be had in the meantime. All I can say here is that we meet three main protagonists on three different worlds. On an advanced world with Star Trek style technology, university researcher Kristian is suddenly hunted by an identity-changing serial killer with bizarre powers who massacres his students and announces Kristian is next. Meanwhile womaniser, adventure and treasure hunter Conor (sort of like Nathan Drake meets Indiana Jones) is on trouble on a medieval-style fantasy planet. Finally, Selena is an office worker in a near future London who is in therapy for her anxiety. These three characters will come together and realise that they are part of something big, with a whole bunch of special powers that come with it. If that sounds vague, then like I said it’s purposely so… but if you’re patient, then everything is explained and the plot suddenly zooms out to a pleasingly galactic scale.
Part of the fun of this novel is the action, which, until it calms down for the aforesaid romance and court politics in the final third, is pretty much non-stop. Faywood writes a fight scene with electric intent, fizzing with magic and weapons and bizarre powers and emotion and intensity. You never know when one is going to begin either; it sort of reminds me of those RPG style (Final Fantasy) video games where you walk into a room and suddenly a massive boss appears. (That’s a good thing, if you’re not a gamer.) Just when you think it’s calm, another frenzy of action rears its head.
But the characterisation is on point too. We take turns being in the heads of each of the three main characters, and although for a while they remain fairly template – Kris is the brooding science guy with dark secrets, Conor is the womanising Indiana Jones figure, loyal as is he is grumpy and unpredictable, Selena is the initially nervous mysterious beauty with Jean Grey-like God powers – it soon becomes clear that the narrative trick in this book is their bond with each other. Without giving anything away, there is a particular plot device to explain why they get so close so quickly, and it works as a brilliant vehicle to explore bonds of friendship that go beyond friendship but stop short of love – although Kris and Selena also definitely explore the love side, as we shall see in a second.
There’s comedy, too. I particularly loved an android horse whose enthusiastic licking also cures wounds, who gets some of the best lines. The banter between Conor and Kris also works well. Faywood keeps it light for most of the time, but when it goes dark, it goes very dark and pleasingly gory, and this works, too. This is not as easy to pull it off as she makes it seem.
Once we’ve finally established the plot, had a whole bunch of action scenes in the old school fantasy world (the Indiana Jones bit) and had a breather at the alien planet base (the Star Wars plot set-up) we then get to the final heist section - the mission. This is where this book really comes together and shines, and I really started to love it at this point. It’s a brilliant mesh of comedy, court politics, romance, mystery, and action. Each gets its due, but it never feels disjointed. There’s a particularly notable bit where is seems to morph into pure romance – for ages we get this slow foreplay between two characters, sort of Pride and Prejudice but with more neck kissing – and I wondered if we would get to the main plotline – but it’s done so skilfully that I sort of went with it and quite enjoyed the Sarah J Maas detour, and soon we were back into the thrust of things.
Somehow, amongst all this, Faywood sneaks in a convoluted but also followable complicated court plot, full of Machiavellian manoeuvrings and multiple twists. It’s actually very clever plotting, made all the more impressive by the fact that I was so busy as a reader focusing on the will-they-won’t-they that I didn’t realise the plot being manoeuvred around me in time for the satisfying denouement.
Is it perfect? No, like most debuts it suffers from some pacing issues (the first third), the villain was a little one-note and the plot can get a little confusing at times. But such is every debut ever. But it’s clear to me that in this series Faywood will go from strength to strength, and it will be fun watching her take this brilliant formula and perfect it even more (hopefully with even more sarcastic android horse content).
Overall, this was a book that managed to have an old school, generic adventure feel while also feeling new, original and fresh, and that’s almost as much sorcery as the book’s magic system. It’s a wildly fun ride that blends a ton of ingredients into one dish until the reader is begging for seconds, and it will make you care for the characters as much as you enjoyed the thrills. It’s one of the best debuts I’ve read recently – and I guarantee you won’t read anything like it this year.
How to describe A Gamble of Gods? I suppose it’s technically a portal science fantasy. Or a fantasy with sci-fi elements. But it’s got a strong romance plot to it too. And a heavy whiff of court politics. It’s part Indiana Jones, dashing through forgotten temples; part Star Wars, with a Jedi/Sith plotline; and part Mission Impossible, with a tense mission in the final third (indeed, on its cover none other than fantasy legend Mark Lawrence describes it as “Mission Impossible for fantasy readers”, so who am I to argue)? All in all, it’s got more ingredients than a taster menu at a Gordon Ramsay joint.
But where such a hodgepodge of elements should normally spell doom for a debut, here it all seems to blend together to make this a fresh, startlingly original (while somehow still feeling old school) fantasy tale with surprisingly strong characterisation amid all the action. More than anything though, it’s just great fun – the overriding feeling of watching a classic 80s action adventure; Romancing the Stone, fantasy style.
What about the plot? Well, plot-wise you don’t actually find out what’s really going on until you’re at least a third of the way in. This would be frustrating if there wasn’t so much fun to be had in the meantime. All I can say here is that we meet three main protagonists on three different worlds. On an advanced world with Star Trek style technology, university researcher Kristian is suddenly hunted by an identity-changing serial killer with bizarre powers who massacres his students and announces Kristian is next. Meanwhile womaniser, adventure and treasure hunter Conor (sort of like Nathan Drake meets Indiana Jones) is on trouble on a medieval-style fantasy planet. Finally, Selena is an office worker in a near future London who is in therapy for her anxiety. These three characters will come together and realise that they are part of something big, with a whole bunch of special powers that come with it. If that sounds vague, then like I said it’s purposely so… but if you’re patient, then everything is explained and the plot suddenly zooms out to a pleasingly galactic scale.
Part of the fun of this novel is the action, which, until it calms down for the aforesaid romance and court politics in the final third, is pretty much non-stop. Faywood writes a fight scene with electric intent, fizzing with magic and weapons and bizarre powers and emotion and intensity. You never know when one is going to begin either; it sort of reminds me of those RPG style (Final Fantasy) video games where you walk into a room and suddenly a massive boss appears. (That’s a good thing, if you’re not a gamer.) Just when you think it’s calm, another frenzy of action rears its head.
But the characterisation is on point too. We take turns being in the heads of each of the three main characters, and although for a while they remain fairly template – Kris is the brooding science guy with dark secrets, Conor is the womanising Indiana Jones figure, loyal as is he is grumpy and unpredictable, Selena is the initially nervous mysterious beauty with Jean Grey-like God powers – it soon becomes clear that the narrative trick in this book is their bond with each other. Without giving anything away, there is a particular plot device to explain why they get so close so quickly, and it works as a brilliant vehicle to explore bonds of friendship that go beyond friendship but stop short of love – although Kris and Selena also definitely explore the love side, as we shall see in a second.
There’s comedy, too. I particularly loved an android horse whose enthusiastic licking also cures wounds, who gets some of the best lines. The banter between Conor and Kris also works well. Faywood keeps it light for most of the time, but when it goes dark, it goes very dark and pleasingly gory, and this works, too. This is not as easy to pull it off as she makes it seem.
Once we’ve finally established the plot, had a whole bunch of action scenes in the old school fantasy world (the Indiana Jones bit) and had a breather at the alien planet base (the Star Wars plot set-up) we then get to the final heist section - the mission. This is where this book really comes together and shines, and I really started to love it at this point. It’s a brilliant mesh of comedy, court politics, romance, mystery, and action. Each gets its due, but it never feels disjointed. There’s a particularly notable bit where is seems to morph into pure romance – for ages we get this slow foreplay between two characters, sort of Pride and Prejudice but with more neck kissing – and I wondered if we would get to the main plotline – but it’s done so skilfully that I sort of went with it and quite enjoyed the Sarah J Maas detour, and soon we were back into the thrust of things.
Somehow, amongst all this, Faywood sneaks in a convoluted but also followable complicated court plot, full of Machiavellian manoeuvrings and multiple twists. It’s actually very clever plotting, made all the more impressive by the fact that I was so busy as a reader focusing on the will-they-won’t-they that I didn’t realise the plot being manoeuvred around me in time for the satisfying denouement.
Is it perfect? No, like most debuts it suffers from some pacing issues (the first third), the villain was a little one-note and the plot can get a little confusing at times. But such is every debut ever. But it’s clear to me that in this series Faywood will go from strength to strength, and it will be fun watching her take this brilliant formula and perfect it even more (hopefully with even more sarcastic android horse content).
Overall, this was a book that managed to have an old school, generic adventure feel while also feeling new, original and fresh, and that’s almost as much sorcery as the book’s magic system. It’s a wildly fun ride that blends a ton of ingredients into one dish until the reader is begging for seconds, and it will make you care for the characters as much as you enjoyed the thrills. It’s one of the best debuts I’ve read recently – and I guarantee you won’t read anything like it this year.
May 17, 2023
I didn’t read this book for a long time because i was stressed from work and school and wanted to completely focus on it and enjoy it properly. And it was worth it!! It was a refreshing read full of interesting story lines and a rollercoaster. Definitely suggest you check it out.
January 2, 2023
A Gamble of Gods is the debut novel from author Mitriel Faywood, who is no stranger to the world of speculative fiction. Faywood is the long time beta reader for bestselling author Mark Lawrence, and also runs some of his fan pages. Faywood has delivered a book that seamlessly blends together the worlds of sci-fi and fantasy, with added elements of thriller, mystery, and adventure!
A Gamble of Gods primarily focuses on three characters in different worlds.
Kristian del Rosso is an academic teaching at a futuristic university, when his life is interrupted by the murder of his students. The mysterious killer leaves a message for Kristian which sets him on an investigative mission, accompanied by Storn, a robot disguised as a horse who is both extraordinarily intelligent and witty (and often a source of comic relief). Following the trail of the killer, they land on a planet that could best be described as high fantasy.
There, we are introduced to Conor Drew, a rogue adventurer with a penchant for trouble and womanizing, not that the two are mutually exclusive. Conor is searching for an elusive relic known as the Supreme Key of the Dragon, believing it to be his destiny. He intends to resume his search when Kristian and the killer come crash landing into his world, and Conor finds himself unwillingly entangled in their affairs. Their interests seemingly aligned, the two resume the search for the key, which brings them to London in the not-to-distant future.
There, they meet the final member of their trio, Selena Soto, who is trying to resolve her anxiety issues in therapy sessions at the same time that she's trying to end her lackluster love life. I have to admit that I found the placement of real life London, even a futuristic one, in the midst of all these fictional worlds to be a bit jarring at first, but Selena quickly became one of my favorite characters and might be the most fully realized. In a way, she almost serves as an avatar connecting the readers to the fiction. I found myself identifying with her modern day neuroses and the escape that her fantasy friends provided from it. It's hard to speak more about Selena's role in the book without significant spoilers so I won't, but let's just say she's pretty important!
I'll also avoid giving away further plot points so as not to spoil the book, but eventually our group finds themselves involved with a mysterious order (the series is called Order of the Dragon, after all) which tasks them with a project that takes the story full circle and gives it a satisfying conclusion, but with the promise of more stories to come.
In short, I would highly recommend this book for its fascinating world building and character development that blends sci-fi and fantasy, and for its riveting plot that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
Disclaimer: I was an early beta reader for this book and am thanked in the acknowledgments. However, I was not paid to read the book nor for this review. I volunteered to do both.
A Gamble of Gods primarily focuses on three characters in different worlds.
Kristian del Rosso is an academic teaching at a futuristic university, when his life is interrupted by the murder of his students. The mysterious killer leaves a message for Kristian which sets him on an investigative mission, accompanied by Storn, a robot disguised as a horse who is both extraordinarily intelligent and witty (and often a source of comic relief). Following the trail of the killer, they land on a planet that could best be described as high fantasy.
There, we are introduced to Conor Drew, a rogue adventurer with a penchant for trouble and womanizing, not that the two are mutually exclusive. Conor is searching for an elusive relic known as the Supreme Key of the Dragon, believing it to be his destiny. He intends to resume his search when Kristian and the killer come crash landing into his world, and Conor finds himself unwillingly entangled in their affairs. Their interests seemingly aligned, the two resume the search for the key, which brings them to London in the not-to-distant future.
There, they meet the final member of their trio, Selena Soto, who is trying to resolve her anxiety issues in therapy sessions at the same time that she's trying to end her lackluster love life. I have to admit that I found the placement of real life London, even a futuristic one, in the midst of all these fictional worlds to be a bit jarring at first, but Selena quickly became one of my favorite characters and might be the most fully realized. In a way, she almost serves as an avatar connecting the readers to the fiction. I found myself identifying with her modern day neuroses and the escape that her fantasy friends provided from it. It's hard to speak more about Selena's role in the book without significant spoilers so I won't, but let's just say she's pretty important!
I'll also avoid giving away further plot points so as not to spoil the book, but eventually our group finds themselves involved with a mysterious order (the series is called Order of the Dragon, after all) which tasks them with a project that takes the story full circle and gives it a satisfying conclusion, but with the promise of more stories to come.
In short, I would highly recommend this book for its fascinating world building and character development that blends sci-fi and fantasy, and for its riveting plot that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
Disclaimer: I was an early beta reader for this book and am thanked in the acknowledgments. However, I was not paid to read the book nor for this review. I volunteered to do both.
March 26, 2023
If I was asked to pick one word to describe this book, the word I would pick is adventurous.
This book follows three main characters: Kristian, Conor and Selena. All three characters are from different universes, in different time periods, yet their lives are strongly interconnected as they are all part of the same soul circle.
This entire journey begins when Kristian, a professor at a futuristic university finds his students savagely murdered by the mysterious Laro, leaving behind a message for Kristian. Unamused at having lives taken to get to him, he sets out on a mission to finding this killer and bringing justice to his students.
Kristian’s journey leads him to a high fantasy kingdom that he’s never been to where he meets Conor Drew. Conor is known for retrieving lost objects and undergoing deadly tasks while simultaneously making women weak in the knees. His life’s destiny is to find the Supreme Key of the Dragon and he finds himself having to work hand in hand with Kristian.
Their journey leads them to planet Earth, set in 2037, where they meet Selena Soto, who suffers from a number of psychotic problems and the three of them get entangled with the Order of the Dragon and have to work together in order to succeed in their quests.
Mitriel has woven here a book that can be categorized as sci-fi, fantasy, and contemporary romance simultaneously. It is told from the three POVs of the main characters and includes some hefty world building. However, this book is action packed and the adventure keeps you hooked until it all ties together at the end.
Quite an impressive debut novel. Would highly recommend it.
This book follows three main characters: Kristian, Conor and Selena. All three characters are from different universes, in different time periods, yet their lives are strongly interconnected as they are all part of the same soul circle.
This entire journey begins when Kristian, a professor at a futuristic university finds his students savagely murdered by the mysterious Laro, leaving behind a message for Kristian. Unamused at having lives taken to get to him, he sets out on a mission to finding this killer and bringing justice to his students.
Kristian’s journey leads him to a high fantasy kingdom that he’s never been to where he meets Conor Drew. Conor is known for retrieving lost objects and undergoing deadly tasks while simultaneously making women weak in the knees. His life’s destiny is to find the Supreme Key of the Dragon and he finds himself having to work hand in hand with Kristian.
Their journey leads them to planet Earth, set in 2037, where they meet Selena Soto, who suffers from a number of psychotic problems and the three of them get entangled with the Order of the Dragon and have to work together in order to succeed in their quests.
Mitriel has woven here a book that can be categorized as sci-fi, fantasy, and contemporary romance simultaneously. It is told from the three POVs of the main characters and includes some hefty world building. However, this book is action packed and the adventure keeps you hooked until it all ties together at the end.
Quite an impressive debut novel. Would highly recommend it.
November 15, 2022
Extremely well written book. unique mix of interesting worlds and concepts. The set of main characters are all fully engaging, flaws and all!
January 1, 2024
I couldn’t stop thinking about this book in between reading it. I’ve been wanting to read more sci-fi/fantasy blends and this book hit the spot.
I always love multiple povs and found family dynamics. I honestly didn’t want the book to end because I could just keep reading more of the interactions between the 3, even when they’re just sitting on a bed, eating or winding each other up.
Did I expect Conor to decide to stay? Yes. Did I still cry when he came and they all planned their house?! Obviously!
Looking forward to see what book 2 brings for our trio and I’m desperate to find out more about the Order. (I also need more rivalry scenes with Clive and the Golden Circle)
I always love multiple povs and found family dynamics. I honestly didn’t want the book to end because I could just keep reading more of the interactions between the 3, even when they’re just sitting on a bed, eating or winding each other up.
Did I expect Conor to decide to stay? Yes. Did I still cry when he came and they all planned their house?! Obviously!
Looking forward to see what book 2 brings for our trio and I’m desperate to find out more about the Order. (I also need more rivalry scenes with Clive and the Golden Circle)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2023
A lot of fun and a very cool world build, blending sci fi and fantasy. A lot of sexual tension that was fun but the resolution of it was in an odd spot and a little jarring. Great characters and looking forward to the next installment.
December 16, 2022
A Gamble of Gods had me hooked from the start. It is fun, fast-paced, and very unique. It has lovable and well-developed characters. The writing manages to be beautiful and poetic while remaining filled with action. It is hard to categorize this book, as it contains elements of sci-fi, adventure, fantasy, and romance. For me, it was like sci-fi Mission Impossible mixed with medieval-world Indiana Jones, with a little Bridget Jones’ Diary thrown in. And somehow, Mitriel Faywood makes that work seamlessly! I just couldn’t put it down once I started it.
We follow the three main characters - Kristian, Conor, and Selena - as they come together from various worlds and times, go on adventures, and form relationships. Kristian and Conor develop a hilarious friendship, which was reminiscent of Lawrence’s Jalan and Snorri. A lot of fun and a lot of witty banter, and it will have you smiling or laughing out loud for much of the book. There is also some serious sexual tension that builds between Kristian and Selena, and it gets a bit steamy.
If great characters and a fun storyline aren’t enough, this book also has an advanced secret order working for gods, a talking robotic horse, a curse that must be cured, a killer on the loose, dragons…there’s a lot going on in this book! But, the author manages to join all of these things into a completely cohesive and thoroughly enjoyable story. I really look forward to the next book in the series, especially after a very big surprise in the epilogue. Great book, I highly recommend!
We follow the three main characters - Kristian, Conor, and Selena - as they come together from various worlds and times, go on adventures, and form relationships. Kristian and Conor develop a hilarious friendship, which was reminiscent of Lawrence’s Jalan and Snorri. A lot of fun and a lot of witty banter, and it will have you smiling or laughing out loud for much of the book. There is also some serious sexual tension that builds between Kristian and Selena, and it gets a bit steamy.
If great characters and a fun storyline aren’t enough, this book also has an advanced secret order working for gods, a talking robotic horse, a curse that must be cured, a killer on the loose, dragons…there’s a lot going on in this book! But, the author manages to join all of these things into a completely cohesive and thoroughly enjoyable story. I really look forward to the next book in the series, especially after a very big surprise in the epilogue. Great book, I highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews