This is one of the hardest reviews I’ve ever written.

I started the trilogy from the beginning before moving on to review the second book. I’m glad I did. For much of my time reading, I was trying to figure out who was who, and who was on which side. It was certainly a mental work out.

Don’t get me wrong. There’s something in the writing here. There’re hidden gems that made me laugh out loud. It’s why I kept going – both with reading this one, and the series. I love the beginning of each chapter that lets you know what you’re in for, and leaves you wanting to know how that comes about. Usually through some accidental and ridiculous manner.

The main character – Reynevan – is likeable enough. For the most part, he’s pretty useless and needs his friends to get him out of any situation. But he has grown more of a spine since book one, and getting a little more forceful in his reasoning – even though half the time both you and the rest of the characters disagree with him. But he’s kind of average? Makes you wonder what his lovers and enemies see in him.

The issue I had was the number of names. This was true of the first book, and I have no reason to believe the third will be any different. Pages upon pages of characters are introduced: some to play a major role; others never to be heard of again. At least every other character is called ‘Jan’. I honestly couldn’t tell you who was who.

With the names complicating things, it made for interesting skirmishes and battles. Unless Reynevan is mentioned by name in these scenes, I’m never sure which side we’re following and who we’re supposed to be rooting for. More than once, I’d reach the end of a scene and wonder what happened and if it was paramount to the plot. It amazed me the number of times the answer was no!

The magic steps up a gear this time. It’s being weaponised, and legends come to life with shapeshifters, other than the creepy birdman. I hope this is the start of a new chapter for the final instalment, and Reynevan will start to prove his worth with his unusual skillset.

I’m planning to continue the trilogy. It’s by no means bad. As mentioned, there’s something in the writing that keeps me hooked. But you must have your wits about you when sitting down to read. It wasn’t the sort of book that kept me up during the night. It’s hard work to make your way through, and has been the longest a book has taken me for some time.

Received arc from Orion Publishing Group and Netgalley for honest read and review,this is my review only.
Could not get into first book in series, so this one was going to be a real struggle,not for me,I am afraid.

I love the Witcher novels, so i was intrigued by this new series. As the first in the series, this is more of a historical novel. Neverthless, there are some supernatural content, but much more subdued than in the Witcher series. It is more of a historical adventure story, with the particular sense of humor of the Witcher novels, Very recommended to lovers of the Witcher series and/or lovers of History,

Sapkowski world building is great unfortunately I just cannot rate his writing i find his approach in this series and the Witcher pretty much the same very info dumpy.

I like the front cover the description is really great and I’ve never read from this author before. Thank you to the publisher, the author and netgalley for allowing me to have access to this book.

Usually I’d be intimidated by this type of book because it is very long and it is heavy on while building fighting and you have to pay a lot of attention when reading. But I thought I was trying to get more into these types of books as I had a weekend off and I sort of fell in love with this I thought it was well thought out I wasn’t left with any questions and I think it was well rounded although it was a very long book

My thanks to Orion Publishing Group Gollancz for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Warriors of God’ by Andrzej Sapkowski in exchange for an honest review. It is the second in his ‘Hussite Trilogy’ and was originally published in Poland in 2004. It was translated from the Polish by David French. I complemented my reading with its unabridged audiobook edition.

This is a continuous story told over three quite hefty volumes so should be read in order. Here Reynevan and his friends have further adventures during the years1427-28 as war erupts across Europe.

Since his previous escapades Reynevan has matured some and is now working at a hospital in Prague. He is also a recent convert to the Hussite heresy, despite the fact that he is secretly a sorcerer, a big no-no to the Hussites.

He travels home to Silesia entrusted with a number of secret missions by the Hussite religious leaders. He also has a death to avenge and wants to discover the whereabouts of his beloved. Aside from battles there are plenty of enemies for Reynevan and friends to engage with including the Wallcreeper, a sinister polymorph.

As I noted in my 2020 review of ‘The Tower of Fools’, the trilogy isn’t high fantasy but historical fiction with some supernatural elements - such as witches, sorcerers, demons and other creatures. I found that in ‘Warriors of God’ the supernatural was less to the fore in favour of historical battles and theological debates.

This was a period of history in which religious persecution was widespread and this is expressed in the narrative. Admittedly this makes for uncomfortable reading though is important for historical accuracy.

Overall, I felt very much swept up in Reynevan’s journey. I didn’t find it quite as much of a romp as ‘The Tower of Fools’ though it still had its comic and bawdy moments including witty banter.

I shall be eagerly awaiting the final book in the trilogy, ‘Light Perpetual’ due to be published in the U.K. in late 2022.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

Andrzej Sapkowski is a master storyteller that tells fascinating story and keeps you turning pages as fast as you can.
This mix of historical fiction and fantasy is another excellent story by this author.
The fantasy part takes the backseat but the different elements mixes well and I found it entertaining but also informative as it talks about real historical facts that aren't well known.
Great world building and character development, gripping plot.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

If you read my review of "The Tower of Fools", you'll know that I didn't like the characters... This dislike remains in "Warriors of God", but again it made absolutely no difference to my enjoyment of the book. The light fantasy theme continues, as does the amusement factor, the high standard of writing (hats off to the translator), and the plot that pulls you in. I can't wait for more.

My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.

Very long (unnecessarily so) historical fantasy novel, enjoyable nevertheless.

This second volume in the Hussite trilogy is very long, very interesting, probably incredibly well-researched and also far too detailed which makes it a very long read. It's chock full of names of people and places, many of which only occur once and are not seen again: Example: ""Also singing was Jaroslav of Bukovina, the commander-in-chief of the Tabor field army.... Beside him, was Blazek of Kralupy, ... Beside him, Fedor of Ostrog, a Ruthenian prince..." This happens all the way through the novel and is a bit of a waste of space and time. It's probably inserted as a way of justifying the research into this novel taking place in the 1420s but it's annoying. The story is basically about the war between the Hussites and the Catholic Church in Central Europe: battles and bloodshed abound as well as betrayal, love, some magic (but not a lot). It's a grand tale which could be a bit better.with fewer details which makes it seem a bit pretentious. The characters are well-developed and interesting and I enjoyed reading it. There's a third part to come. Gird your loins.

I stopped reading 44% of the way through. I absolutely adore the witcher series but this one was not for me. When I was approved on netgalley for this book, I listened to the audiobook of the first so I would know what was going on. I was so excited for this series because of my love of the witcher, but it fell flat.

Sapkowski falls victim to the fallacy of the Middle Ages being “gross”. As an academic in medieval studies, and there were so many moments that broke my suspension of disbelief. I also didn’t believe he actually cared about his love interest, he treats her as an object way more than a person he likes.

I really appreciate being given this arc, and I hope others find enjoyment in this book that I didn’t.

Hodie mihi, cras tibi

The second of the author’s Hussite Trilogy – note to the reader: Do not read this until you have read the first volume, The Tower of Fools. Having said that, it’s great, and if you enjoyed the first, you will certainly enjoy this.

It’s now 1427 and Reynevan has changed sides. He has abandoned his native Silesia and the Catholic church and become a Hussite zealot, fighting (as a spy) for the Czech armies, the Taborites and Orphans, the self-styled Warriors of God.

Boasting the same heady mix of historical fact, fantasy and magic, intellectual and religious ferment, romance, comedy and, oh yes, lots and lots of Latin, both vulgar and spiritual, at times the sheer volume of characters, escapades, and adventures threatens to overwhelm. But it never does. Despite the comedy, the romance and daring do, this volume is more brutal, violent and cruel than the first. Reynevan is no longer the innocent abroad, but a man who seeks revenge and of the most violent kind. There are hints that he may need to change, but that will be kept for the third and final volume in this engrossing series.

Andrzej Sapkowski has a distinctive style that comes across very strongly in this novel. Either that, or the translation is a bit off. In places it feels naive, and others a stroke of genius. I suppose, reading in the native Polish is the only way to really appreciate this writer.

I was, to be honest, a little disappointed by this, I expect more my fault for not having read the first installment of the story and coming in at a very complicated period of history part way through and with little background knowledge, was never going to be all that successful. I'm not entirely ignorant of the history the kingdom of Bohemia, but this was a generation beyond my era, sadly. I had hoped that I'd be able to get into the plot and happily read, but, maybe I just don't get on with him. I found the lists of unpronounceable (for me) Czech names a little tedious, and with no knowledge of who they were, which may have come in the first volume, I felt I didn't really know what was happening.

A pity as I had wanted to love it. But I do feel it is personal so give it a go - but read the first one.

I really enjoyed this book! It was a great read, i didnt want to put it down! I would recommend this to my friends and family

Very interesting continuity to the series. I love this one way more than the Witcher series which had left me on my appetite. The world feel more alive, the characters have more depth and just a very solid intrigue and story. You should read it, but start with the first one of course if not you'll be completely lost!