The Grief of Godless Games’ by J. T. Audesley
Everyone knew the truth all over the world. Religion had died, and gods didn’t exist.
A war on the brink of resolution, the Edokand'i Emperor extends an unprecedented invitation to the King of the invading Solstic. Yet, with peace within reach, the world around them begins to change.
Witnessing the unimaginable, Akkael, the King's brother, can only stand by as mountains rise from the sea, causing fissures beneath his feet. Tragically, he is unable to save his own daughter from the chaos that unfolds.
But that is not the end for Akkael. In death, he awakens to a cruel new reality—he finds himself in someone else's body. More than a mere resurrection, he discovers a staggering ability: the power to inhabit the bodies of those who kill him.
Haunted by the suspicion that his daughter's demise was no mere accident, he is determined to uncover the truth. Some might see his newfound gift as a curse. But, to Akkael, it is ample opportunity for revenge.
Review
I adored this book! It hooked me right from the start and really got under my skin. I'm still quite new to fantasy but I am reading more widely and it has two of my favourite mythologies merged into one epic story! I love anything to do with Viking mythology and also Japanese/Korean mythology and this book seamlessly intertwined them into one exciting and breathtaking story. I was swept along instantly and despite wanting to take my time and enjoy the book I couldn't put it down and just kept reading. I was fascinated in general but my favourite thread was Skane’s evolution and friendship with Rigpa. Maybe, it's because I am a Buddhist and I have been down that journey that I resonated so much with his story. I can't wait to see what is next for him and how his story unfolds!
The world-building in this book is phenomenal! The descriptions are rich and so precise you can easily visualise the world and the people in it. The geography of the world is detailed and the characters are well-developed, fully formed and complex. Despite there being a lot of characters and different threads in the story it flowed seamlessly and it was easy to pick up all the elements of the story.
This book has it all - strong female characters, diverse cultures, warriors, war, battles, talking DRAGONS, magic, religion but no religion, morally grey characters and so much more! It is seriously the best fantasy book I have read in over a year. I haven't been this excited since I read Ryan Cahill and shh I think I enjoyed this one more. I am seriously obsessed.
I am not going to mention too much more about the story as its something that needs to be enjoyed blind to get as much enjoyment from it as I did. Just know you wont be disappointed!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
