You've just finished Shadow of the Gods, and you're still haunted by the Bloodsworn's oath, Orka's relentless pursuit of vengeance, and the fallen gods whose bones litter the landscape. What made John Gwynne's novel so compelling wasn't just the Norse mythology or the battle scenes; it was the perfect storm of multiple compelling POV characters each on their own desperate quests, a world where gods walked among mortals and their blood still shapes the present, warfare that feels brutal and realistic rather than glorified, and stakes that genuinely make you fear for every character you've grown to love.
Whether you're obsessed with the blood-debt and honour culture of Viking society, the complex interplay between mortals and the divine, the found family dynamics of warrior bands like the Bloodsworn, the mystery of what happened to the gods, or simply that visceral combat that makes every battle feel consequential, we understand exactly what you're craving. The books below capture different facets of Shadow of the Gods' appeal; some lean heavily into Norse mythology and Viking culture, others into the multiple POV epic fantasy structure with diverse characters pursuing intersecting goals, and all deliver that same sense of epic scope grounded in deeply personal stakes.
The Bone Ships by RJ Barker
If the seafaring culture and bone-based magic of Shadow of the Gods' world captivated you, RJ Barker's nautical fantasy delivers ships made from dragon bones, a protagonist thrust into leadership they never wanted, and political intrigue woven through military conflict. Joron Twiner is a disgraced ship captain given command of a crew of criminals and outcasts, forced to serve under "Lucky" Meas Gilbryn, a brilliant commander hiding dangerous secrets. Like Gwynne's multiple POV structure showing different levels of society, Barker explores a world where ships are literally alive, built from the bones of sea dragons whose return could change everything. The seafaring culture has its own honour codes and traditions that echo the warrior society of the Bloodsworn, and the found family that develops amongst Joron's misfit crew mirrors the bonds forged through shared combat and survival. Barker excels at making you care about secondary characters whilst maintaining focus on the central quest, and the naval battles are as visceral and tactical as Gwynne's land-based warfare. The mystery of the sea dragons and what their return means for humanity provides that same sense of ancient powers reshaping the present that makes Shadow of the Gods so compelling.
Why you'll love it:
Seafaring culture with detailed world-building
Ships made from dragon bones with their own magic
Outcast crew forming found family bonds
Multiple layers of political and military conflict
Visceral naval combat sequences
Mystery of ancient creatures returning to the world
Series (trilogy, complete)
Content note: violence, some dark themes
The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter
For readers who loved Shadow of the Gods' focus on brutal warrior training, blood feuds, and a protagonist driven by vengeance, Evan Winter delivers an African-inspired fantasy where Tau is determined to become the greatest swordsman in a rigid caste-based society so he can revenge himself on those who murdered his father. Like Orka's single-minded pursuit of her son, Tau's quest for vengeance drives him to superhuman efforts, training relentlessly and pushing his body beyond its limits. Winter creates visceral combat sequences that rival Gwynne's battle scenes; you feel every sword stroke, every injury, every desperate moment where death is one mistake away. The found family dynamics within Tau's military unit echo the Bloodsworn's bonds, forged through shared suffering and combat. The magic system involves calling demons from the underworld, giving battles supernatural elements whilst keeping them grounded in physical combat skill. Winter doesn't shy away from showing the cost of vengeance and the toll that constant violence takes on those who pursue it, creating moral complexity beneath the surface-level action.
Why you'll love it:
Protagonist driven by blood vengeance
Brutal, realistic combat training and warfare
Found family within military units
Demon magic woven through physical combat
Exploration of caste systems and social hierarchy
Fast-paced with relentless action
Series (trilogy complete, fourth book announced)
Content note: graphic violence throughout
The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden
If the Norse mythology and folklore elements of Shadow of the Gods captivated you, Katherine Arden's Winternight Trilogy (concluding with The Winter of the Witch) weaves Russian folklore and mythology into a historical fantasy where Vasilisa must navigate between the mortal world and the realm of spirits during the Mongol invasion of Rus'. Like Gwynne's world where gods and mortals interact with deadly consequences, Arden creates a Russia where household spirits, frost demons, and ancient gods walk alongside humans, and Vasya's ability to see and speak with them makes her both powerful and dangerous. The historical setting provides that same grounded, visceral feel as Gwynne's Viking-inspired world; warfare is brutal, winter is deadly, and survival requires both cunning and strength. Vasya herself shares qualities with Orka; fierce, protective, unwilling to conform to society's expectations for women, and willing to pay any price to protect those she loves. The mythology isn't just window dressing but integral to the plot, with spirits and gods having their own agendas that intersect with mortal conflicts. Arden balances intimate character moments with epic scope, much like Gwynne's ability to make you care about personal relationships whilst armies clash.
Why you'll love it:
Rich folklore and mythology woven through historical setting
Strong female protagonist defying societal expectations
Spirits and gods as active characters with their own goals
Brutal historical warfare (Mongol invasion)
Winter survival and harsh environmental challenges
Beautiful prose alongside visceral action
Series (trilogy, complete)
Content note: some violence, historical context of invasion
A Time of Dread by John Gwynne
If you haven't yet discovered that Shadow of the Gods is part of John Gwynne's larger mythology, A Time of Dread offers another entry point into his world-building genius; this time set in the Banished Lands, millennia after his Faithful and the Fallen series. The book features Gwynne's signature multiple POV structure, following characters from different factions as ancient evils stir and threaten the fragile peace. You'll find the same visceral combat, complex warrior cultures with their own honour codes, and found family dynamics forged through shared combat that made Shadow of the Gods so compelling. Gwynne excels at creating distinct voices for each POV character whilst weaving their stories into a cohesive whole, and his battle scenes remain unmatched in their clarity and impact. The magic system differs from Shadow of the Gods' god-blood powers, instead featuring giant warriors, dark sorcery, and ancient creatures, but the core appeal remains: morally complex characters making difficult choices in a world where violence has consequences and honour matters. If you loved Shadow of the Gods, exploring more of Gwynne's work is essential; he's a master of the craft, and each series showcases different aspects of his storytelling strengths.
Why you'll love it:
Written by John Gwynne (same author as Shadow of the Gods)
Multiple POV characters with distinct voices
Visceral combat and tactical warfare
Warrior cultures with complex honour systems
Found family dynamics in military units
Ancient evils and prophetic elements
Series (trilogy, complete; part of larger interconnected universe)
Content note: graphic violence, dark themes
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
If you loved Shadow of the Gods' brutal warfare, morally complex characters making devastating choices, and the exploration of what happens when gods and divine power intersect with human ambition, R.F. Kuang's grimdark fantasy delivers all of this with unflinching intensity. Rin is a war orphan who escapes an arranged marriage by acing the entrance exams to a prestigious military academy, where she discovers she has a dangerous affinity for shamanic powers that connect her to vengeful gods. Like Gwynne's multiple POV structure showing different perspectives on war and divine power, Kuang follows Rin's transformation from underdog student to devastating weapon, exploring the cost of power and the moral compromises war demands. The combat training sequences and later full-scale warfare are as visceral and realistic as anything in Shadow of the Gods; Kuang doesn't romanticise violence but shows its true horror and consequences. The magic system involves calling upon gods who demand terrible prices, echoing the god-blood powers and divine intervention in Gwynne's world. Most compellingly, Kuang examines how trauma, vengeance, and access to godlike power can transform someone from hero to something far more morally ambiguous, creating a protagonist whose choices will challenge and disturb you.
Why you'll love it:
Brutal military academy training sequences
Gods as dangerous, morally ambiguous forces
Visceral warfare that doesn't shy from horror
Protagonist's transformation from underdog to weapon
Morally complex choices with devastating consequences
Magic system involving divine power with terrible costs
Historical inspiration (based on Sino-Japanese wars)
Series (trilogy, complete)
Content note: extremely graphic violence, war atrocities, genocide, dark themes throughout
Conclusion
These five books capture different elements of what makes Shadow of the Gods so viscerally compelling; whether it's the Norse-inspired mythology and warrior culture, the multiple POV structure following diverse characters on intersecting quests, the brutal and realistic combat sequences, or protagonists driven by vengeance and protection of family. From RJ Barker's bone ships and dragon mysteries to Evan Winter's vengeance-fuelled sword training, from Katherine Arden's folklore-rich historical fantasy to more of John Gwynne's masterful character work, you'll find stories that deliver that same epic scope grounded in deeply personal stakes. Each offers its own unique world whilst understanding exactly why you couldn't put Shadow of the Gods down. Your next Viking-inspired epic is waiting in this list; the only question is which oath you'll swear first.
Books Featured in This Article
The Bone Ships
by RJ Barker
A brilliantly imagined saga of honor, glory, and warfare, The Bone Ships is the epic launch of a new fantasy from David Gemmell Award-nominated RJ Barker.Two nations at war. One prize beyond compare. For generations, the Hundred Isles have built their ships from the bones of ancient dragons to fight an endless war. The dragons disappeared, but the battles for supremacy persisted. Now the first dragon in centuries has been spotted in far-off waters, and both sides see a chance to shift the balance of power in their favour. Because whoever catches it will win not only glory, but the war.Praise for The Bone Ships:"A vividly realized high-seas epic that pulls you deep into its world and keeps you tangled there until the very last word." --Evan Winter, author of The Rage of Dragons"The Bone Ships is excellent. Aside from the standout writing, it's one of the most interesting and original fantasy worlds I've seen in years." --Adrian Tchaikovsky, Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning authorThe Tide Child TrilogyThe Bone ShipsFor more from RJ Barker, check out:The Wounded KingdomAge of AssassinsBlood of AssassinsKing of Assassins
The Rage of Dragons
by Evan Winter
Game of Thrones meets Gladiator in this debut epic fantasy about a world caught in an eternal war, and the young man who will become his people's only hope for survival.The Omehi people have been fighting an unwinnable war for almost two hundred years. The lucky ones are born gifted. One in every two thousand women has the power to call down dragons. One in every hundred men is able to magically transform himself into a bigger, stronger, faster killing machine.Everyone else is fodder, destined to fight and die in the endless war.Young, gift-less Tau knows all this, but he has a plan of escape. He's going to get himself injured, get out early, and settle down to marriage, children, and land. Only, he doesn't get the chance. Those closest to him are brutally murdered, and his grief swiftly turns to anger. Fixated on revenge, Tau dedicates himself to an unthinkable path. He'll become the greatest swordsman to ever live, a man willing to die a hundred thousand times for the chance to kill the three who betrayed him.The Rage of Dragons launches a stunning and powerful debut epic fantasy series that readers are already calling "the best fantasy book in years."The BurningThe Rage of Dragons
The Winter of the Witch
by Katherine Arden
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Following their adventures in The Bear and the Nightingale and The Girl in the Tower, Vasya and Morozko return in this stunning conclusion to the bestselling Winternight Trilogy, battling enemies mortal and magical to save both Russias, the seen and the unseen.“A tale both intimate and epic, featuring a heroine whose harrowing and wondrous journey culminates in an emotionally resonant finale.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)NAMED ONE OF PASTE’S BEST FANTASY BOOKS OF THE DECADE Vasilisa Petrovna is an unforgettable heroine determined to forge her own path. Her gifts and her courage have drawn the attention of Morozko, the winter-king, but it is too soon to know if this connection will prove a blessing or a curse.Now Moscow has been struck by disaster. Its people are searching for answers—and for someone to blame. Vasya finds herself alone, beset on all sides. The Grand Prince is in a rage, choosing allies that will lead him on a path to war and ruin. A wicked demon returns, determined to spread chaos. Caught at the center of the conflict is Vasya, who finds the fate of two worlds resting on her shoulders. Her destiny uncertain, Vasya will uncover surprising truths about herself as she desperately tries to save Russia, Morozko, and the magical world she treasures. But she may not be able to save them all.Praise for The Winter of the Witch“Katherine Arden’s Winternight Trilogy isn’t just good—it’s hug-to-your-chest, straight-to-the-favorites-shelf, reread-immediately good, and each book just gets better. The Winter of the Witch plunges us back to fourteenth-century Moscow, where old gods and new vie for the soul of Russia and fate rests on a witch girl’s slender shoulders. Prepare to have your heart ripped out, loaned back to you full of snow and magic, and ripped out some more.”—Laini Taylor “Luxuriously detailed yet briskly suspenseful . . . a striking literary fantasy informed by Arden’s deep knowledge.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
A Time of Dread
by John Gwynne
Acclaimed epic fantasy author John Gwynne returns with the first book in a new trilogy, perfect for fans of George R. R. Martin, Brandon Sanderson, and David Gemmell."A Time of Dread reminds me of why I became a fantasy enthusiast in the first place."--Robin HobbA race of warrior angels, the Ben-Elim, once vanquished a mighty demon horde. Now they rule the Banished lands, but their peace is brutally enforced.In the south, hotheaded Riv is desperate to join the Ben-Elim's peacekeeping force, until she unearths a deadly secret.In the west, the giantess Sig investigates demon sightings and discovers signs of an uprising and black magic.And in the snowbound north, Drem, a trapper, finds mutilated corpses in the forests. The work of a predator, or something far darker?It's a time of shifting loyalties and world-changing dangers. Difficult choices need to be made. Because in the shadows, demons are gathering, waiting for their time to rise...
The Poppy War
by R. F. Kuang
Winner of the Reddit Fantasy Award for Best Debut 2018 'The best fantasy debut of 2018' - WIRED A brilliantly imaginative epic fantasy debut, inspired by the bloody history of China's twentieth century and filled with treachery and magic. When Rin aced the Keju - the test to find the most talented students in the Empire - it was a shock to everyone: to the test officials, who couldn't believe a war orphan from Rooster Province could pass without cheating; to Rin's guardians, who had hoped to get rich by marrying her off; and to Rin herself, who realized she was finally free from a life of servitude. That she got into Sinegard - the most elite military school in Nikan - was even more surprising. But surprises aren't always good. Because being a dark-skinned peasant girl from the south is not an easy thing at Sinegard. Fighting the prejudice of rival classmates, Rin discovers that she possesses a lethal, unearthly power - an aptitude for the nearly-mythical art of shamanism. Exploring the depths of her gift with the help of psychoactive substances and a seemingly insane teacher, Rin learns that gods long thought dead are very much alive - and that mastering these powers could mean more than just surviving school. For while the Nikara Empire is at peace, the Federation of Mugen still lurks across a narrow sea. The Federation occupied Nikan for decades after the First Poppy War, and only barely lost the continent in the Second. And while most people calmly go about their lives, a few are aware that a Third Poppy War is just a spark away...