Gods of the Wyrdwood is the kind of nature-based fantasy I’m always looking for, the kind that leaves you in awe of the natural world and those who wield its life force. The book meandered toward a slam bang finish, leaving the impression of following a forest path that might not always seem like the right way forward, but that leaves you understanding how each fork in the road was the right path at the end. I couldn’t get enough of the striking visuals of this richly derived world and I can’t wait to diver further into the series. 

The Best Bits

A Few of My Favorite Things

A Deep History Marred by Violence

There was so much in this world as the author interlaced each scene with little bits of culture, societal workings and belief systems. We see a history of Gods upon Gods, all fighting for power in a world that demands somebody come out on top. It’s a world filled with war and with it comes many powerful mysteries. Soldiers who are larger than life, wielding power for evil in the false name of the greater good. Undead in multiple forms who fight without flagging. Forest beings who are loath to enter into conflict but deadly when forced to. We see every part of this world and it paints a fascinating landscape that was, in itself, as interesting as the story. 

Magic That Steals

I found the magic system fascinating. These aren’t traditional spells spoken by powerful wizards. It’s a system dependent on life and death, stealing from another to fuel power. Up to the point of this story, that power was used to kill and maim, all for the great ‘good’ of whoever happened to be ruling at the time. The figures who are able to wield it are given the abilities in a gruesome fashion that I still don’t fully understand (think almost dying amidst rooms of bodies and something with a fungus) and they are terrifying figures throughout the book. They are evil incarnate and the longer they wield, the more corrupted they are by that power. It’s not a pretty system, and when it’s later juxtaposed by the exact opposite force, we see how corrupted its become.

The Forester and His Hidden Depths

I loved the main character. He contained multitudes due to a dark and winding history of confusion, pain, betrayal, questionable morals, and an eventual commitment to changing his ways and favoring life and the forest. He is an example of one who would be evil turned toward the powers of life, and it makes him a very interesting hero. At the start of the story, he’s hated by all around him and, by the end, they rally to him, seeing him as a savior who deserves their support. It’s quite the character journey and it was a joy to watch.

The Wonder

I can’t stress enough how refreshing it was to read the descriptions of the natural world in this book. I’m someone who is drawn to nature, especially in fantasy novels, and this was truly breathtaking at times. The forest is a character of its own, surrounding the action at all times, and I found myself continuously surprised with each new piece of it revealed by the author. We spend so much time amidst the trees and the creatures, yet I still feel like there are so many mysteries left untouched. I’m always taken in by a strong setting, and the author was masterful in making the forest a setting I was excited to imagine.