The blurb
Ours is a land of many gods, and we are a people with the ability to pick the worst of them.
Cahan du Nahare is known as the forester – a humble man who can nonetheless navigate the dangerous Deepforest like no-one else. But once he was more. Once he was a warrior.
Udinny serves the goddess of the lost, a goddess of the small and helpless. When she ventures into the Deepforest to find a missing child, Cahan will be her guide.
But in a land at war, in a forest full of monsters – Cahan will need to choose between his past life and the one he leads now – and his choice will have consequences for his entire world.
The review
Gods of the Wyrdwood is a new fantasy novel from the wonderful RJ Barker.
I really enjoyed it.
It’s a slow burn novel, taking its time to build – but as a result we have an immersive world that feels very real. I’ve had a few conversations recently where fantasy fans have stated that modern fantasy worlds are often too obviously based on our world. I get that – I do. Perhaps this is a result of Game of Thrones/House of the dragon and the strength of it’s links to the War of the Roses and the Anarchy – both periods of British medieval history – and the impact that’s had on modern literature? Or perhaps it the rise in interest in world mythologies and how these can be woven into new stories?
Whatever the reason, I’ve noticed it – which is why a fantasy series that is completely unlike our world can be especially gratifying. Gods of the Wyrdwood is this book. The forests here are powerful places. The most prominent God can be switched. The magical system is scary at times. Most of the people who wield magical abilities are not good people. These building blocks give this book a very different feel to most others.
The characterisation in this novel really shines. Cahan, our main character, is a man at war with his past. Indeed, most of the time, he tries to forget it. We quickly find out, however, that his past is not done with him. His reluctance to accept who he is can be a little frustrating at times, but as the novel progresses, we really do see why. The magic that is used in this world is harmful and destructive – damaging to those around you, but also to yourself.
Cahan, once thought of as the new ‘chosen one’ is now living a life of poverty and isolation. This is his choice. As the novel progresses and forces work against him, we see why his position may change, but why this is such a torment to him.Venn is another excellent character – they are also tormented by their power and what they must do to unleash it.
RJ Barker, talented author that he is, doesn’t spoon feed his readers. You are shown the world and left to make up you mind as to what things mean, only for the real answers to be revealed at a later stage. He layers up the story, piece by piece. As a reader I am impressed, but as an author, I am doubly so. It’s difficult to keep the right amount of information back while maintaining momentum and intrigue.
As I said above, I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the sequel. I’d highly recommend this book to fans of epic fantasy and those who like unusual worlds and settings.
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