From the getgo I have to state the most glaring thing about this book: Gudgion’s writing is the exact balance of character and intentional scene focus that Andrjez Sapkowski writes with that I was pretty shocked. I really enjoy Sapkowski’s writing and now I can definitely say Gudgion’s style is what really sucked me in more than anything. It flows extremely easily while also being intelligent and intentional about what it says. Basically, it does everything good writing should do: build intrigue, incite emotion at pivotal moments, capture smaller areas effectively, and showcase characters naturally. Truthfully, I don’t get swept away by many books anymore but this one did it in a way that truly baffled me because every time I would consider what was going on, it wasn’t that interesting, and yet I was definitely engrossed in the story.

So here is the part of the review where, when I enjoy a book, I gush about the best aspects but with Hammer of Fate, something is a bit different. Did I love the characters? No. Did I love the plot? No. Was the action or adventure of fantasy elements of this story perfect or amazing?…no. But there was this way that the narrative unfolded that completely had me entirely. This book is a very religious-focused story which doesn’t usually make me excited and yet it leans so heavily into it that I can’t help but see how it plays out. Also, Adelais’ character just does NOT go on the journey that is typical fantasy. She is not amazing, but she definitely has a magnetism to the way she’s presented that makes you want to follow her. Basically what I’m trying to say is I don’t think this is the “I loved this aspect” kind of story. Everything that is written is handled very purposefully and that was just refreshingly effective. The three POVs are fitting, the worldbuilding (with heavy historical parallels to Joan of Arc & the Templars?) is a bit jarring but eventually clicks at the 40% mark, and the plot moves in intentionally interesting and effectively fascinating ways.

All this vague praise aside, there were MANY elements I did not appreciate despite enjoying this story immensely…🤨. One of the most glaring issues that I think took away from the narrative was the abundance of dark & hostile religious elements that pervaded the plot and the overuse of sensual inclusions to the narrative. There are graphic intimate scenes with this book that didn’t feel necessary, but more than that, there is an overall focus on the anatomy that doesn’t feel misogynistic so much as just simply off-putting? It may come across as “realistic” since it’s common for humans to think this way for the most part, but it’s mostly just not something I want to read about over and over again for many of the characters. Separately, I simply didn’t believe in the main relationship. It felt forced, out of nowhere, and progressed and climaxed in a way that I just simply didn’t buy.

Hammer of Fate is a phenomenally engaging character-driven tale that is intrigue-heavy and knows how to utilize narrative elements thoroughly for the entire book. While it may not be the most innovative tale in regards to fun fantasy adventures (action and magic galore), Gudgion excels at writing a story that is utterly engrossing to read. Gudgion’s comparisons to Sapkowski are (actually) definitely warranted and while I appreciate the setup and story more in The Witcher books, I think Gudgion is the better writer who doesn’t punish the reader by including unnecessary tangents and instead uses his skills to payoff intrigue, interest, and investment into the story. I do believe that there are elements that are overdone, specifically with intimate-related aspects and the oppressive religious elements, but the story never truly lost me because of those. A very untraditional fantasy story that is thrilling, surprising, haunting, and effective. I’m very interested to see where it will go from here.

'To Adelais, it was a pleasure-voyage towards the pit of Kakos, or the Hel of the old gods.'

A magnificent book, that completely and utterly swept me away. Gudgion's writing was compelling, and I ended up reading this all in one go. The worldbuilding is fantastic, and I love the blending of historical influences that are evident throughout, while feeling utterly unique in this setting. There wasn't as much fantasy as I had perhaps expected, but it made what there was feel heightened - and there were so many moments I found myself holding my breath. The characterisation was superb too, and I adored Agnes and Adelais.

I will have a full review on the blog soon, but this was absolutely a five star read.

If you like battles then this may be for you.

The violence of the battles overcomes what little magic is in the book.

The characters are varied and engaging, with the world well developed.

I was really left in two minds over this one.

So 3 stars it is.

The premise of this book was intriguing enough for me to pick it up, but for some reason the story didn't hold me. I kept forgetting about the book, which is never a good sign.

I will certainly try again - i think it'll find its moment when it snags in my head! But I didn't read enough to properly review this time. Apologies.

Another amazing Sci/Fi Fantasy story. Some great characters and a really fascinating and enjoyable storyline.. The tension towards the end got stronger and stronger.L00king forward to the next book of the Trilogy.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for the digital ARC, it has not affected my honest review.

Although Hammer of Fate started off strongly it failed to grip me and I found myself feeling disconnected from the characters. This was DNF at 40%.

I really enjoyed this one. But it is not for the faint of heart as there is heavy corruption, torture, death and religion. Adelias was forced into a female religious order after falling in love with a young cleric, even though she grew up more with the old gods compared to the new that she is forced into. But a series of events pulls her into something far larger than just trying to return home. She is one of those people others are just drawn to - either in love or hate. There are fantastic characters, politics and corruption, and a fast paced plot that keeps you engaged

Hammer of Fate is the first book in the Rune Song trilogy, a historical fantasy series that takes inspiration from the process that took down the Templar Order, blending it with Norse-origin magic, written by G.N. Gudgion. Reading the vivid adaptations Gudgion has made of some of the iconic moments of the whole period have been an absolute delight.

Adelaide was raised in the North, learning about the old gods and their powers manifested through runes, until her father sold her to the priests. She was locked into a convent, far from home, having to praise a foreign god.
Always dreaming of fleeing to her land, the arrival of inquisitors with plans to torture an old man, a member of the dissolved Guardian order, precipitate her plans, as the assault of some Guardians to rescue the prisoner ends with her joining the group.

The Guardians were a powerful order until the king and the high priest of Salazar decided to dissolve them, hunting all their members until almost their extinction, with the last of them being no more than fugitives. In the company of Adelaide, they are trying to protect a sacred relic that is powerful enough to shape kingdoms; if they are captured by the Inquisition, they will be burnt at the stake.

Gudgion uses multiple POVs to show us how is the escape of Adelaide and her Guardian companions, including one, Mallory, that represents their prosecutors, gives a layer of humanity to the villains. Adelaide is forced to become a hero, to protect her mates, soon becoming an icon for the Guardians, and called a witch by those who are hunting them.

Pacing is quite slow at the start, a sort of slow-burning that progressively accelerates to create an avalanche close to the end; it works well, but I feel the start could have been trimmed down, especially the first moments at the convent. Said that, Gudgion has excellently painted vivid portraits of some of the iconic moments of the Templar Knights' judicial process, adapted to the fantasy world we are in, and the battle moments are a pure spectacle.

A relatively dark book, but not for that, less enjoyable. If you like historical fantasy and reluctant heroes, give this book a try. I can't wait to read the second book of the trilogy and see what other adventures Adelaide lives!

DNF @ 56%

1.5

I hate to not read all the way through review books, but I just could not get into this one and the more I read, the more little flaws started to grate on my nerves. The pacing was slow and the characters were disconnected and one of the main POVs is female and is a prime example of woman as written by a man. But more than that, I found myself not really retaining what I was reading other than some pieces of writing that were jarring or uncomfortable. I thought I would power through despite not really caring, but knew when Adelais wrote a lust rune that this book was not going to be what I wanted it to be.

If you want a slow paced, low magic Viking / Templar knights inspired story, you should check this out, as I seem to be a minority opinion on this.

This is the first book in The Rune Song series and it sets out the landscape, traditions, main players, different factions and different religious beliefs in this author's world and that of his characters that inhabit it. The synopsis does a good job of laying out the story and also hints at various themes that it touches on. It does have a wonderful Templar and Medieval feel to it with armoured knights, sisters of an infirmary, and old beliefs coming up against new beliefs some of this is in the style of Norse mythology. It does feel like a mix of historical fiction with a good fantasy twist to it. Very enjoyable indeed.

The main character is a young girl, Adelais, sent off to live with the sisters as punishment by her parents, disowned and with a nose for trouble. She gets caught up with priests and is soon running for her life as she helps with the rescue of a mortally wounded guardian. This marks her out and also those who she is with. The group run and fights to get away but is always outnumbered. There comes a point when they are caught but the journey they make together is one that makes Adelais realise that she is stronger than she thinks and that she may have a gift, she just needs to work out what it is exactly and how to control its use.

Along her journey she meets some great characters, there is plenty of action and danger from all sides in her travels. Those chasing believe her group are in possession of an icon, it is possibly a threat to them and needs to be captured.

This is a fabulous story and one I have only really touched upon. I really enjoyed this one as it is a story that has thongs from history that could be from different countries and histories. There are time when it felt like a scene out of Robin Hood, or the Templar Crusades, it could just as easily be the onset of Christianity in the Viking era. If you like a mix of history that includes folklore, runes, healing, and natural medicine and herblore as well as some of the nastier sides of a medieval era then you might well be tempted by this. It is a story of persecution and the author has made this a very exciting introduction and first book in his series.

Fantasy with historical fiction feels that I thoroughly enjoyed. It has left me wanting to know what will happen next as the story continues in future books. It is one I would definitely recommend.

Hammer of Fate by G.N. Gudgion is the story of Adelais, a young woman from the far north who was raised on the old gods and taught about using magic. She had been hidden away in a convent far from home, having to pretend to worship a foreign god. When inquisitors arrive with plans to torture an innocent man, she sneaks out to warn him and everything goes wrong. She finds herself fleeing in the company of this young man and his master and the last of the guardians, an order of holy knights who had been accused of heresy and persecuted. Nowhere seems to be safe and there is confusion over whether she is a witch or a “blessed one.”

This was a pretty fast-paced story, once I was in a few chapters. The series is shaping up to be an epic fantasy story with multiple narrators over the course of this book. Adelais most definitely becomes the focus by the end. Adelais and her companions find pursuit at every turn and it takes all her courage, strength and knowledge of magic to keep herself and her companions safe, though she loses many along the way. I recommend this book for lovers of fantasy with strong female protagonists that will not have an issue with a strong storyline of an inquisition in a Christian-like religion.. I am voluntarily submitting this honest review after reading an advanced complementary copy of this book thanks to G.N. Gudgion, Netgalley, and Second Sky Books.

Hammer of Fate begins a trilogy that blends religions, mythology, history, a form of the Templar knights, and a female protagonist who is not content with what life has dealt her and strives for something different and more fulfilling.
Adelais falls in with a noble woman, a group of guardians, and an armorer and his apprentice on a adventure across the country to bring a religious relic to safety and escape the unjust wrath of the king and his religious executioner.
The book was very slow to get into. There was so much background information and world building that happened in the first 30% of the book before the action really kicked up. Even with all the information that I was provided I still feel like I didn’t have a good grasp on the hierarchy and structure of the main groups that the characters belonged to. There was also a case of almost insta love between Adelais and one of her companions that didn’t feel like it was developed as thoughtfully as it could have been.
I did appreciate the three points of view that alternated throughout the story. We saw two different perspectives from the side of the “good guys” and one from the religious sect chasing them.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Excellent start to a new series - loved the world building and characters.
More of a slow build epic build - looking forward to the continuation in the next book.
I am a huge fan of Arthurian tales - a group of knights - the Last of the Guardians. I could use a book just about their adventures!
Great fantasy, epic adventure and a huge thirst for the next book!

Excellent start to a new trilogy!

Gudgion creates a world based on the medieval era, drawing from Norse mythology and the tradition of the Knights Templar to craft his characters and setting. This made it very easy for me to sink into the book and enjoy the story without having to also focus on the logistics of how things worked.

And what a story! We’ve got a novice nun longing for home, political machinations, religious persecution, conflict between faiths old and new, action, magic, even a touch of romance. The story is told from three points of view: Adelais; Guy, the son of the prisoner rescued from torture; and Pateras Malory, one of the king’s anakritim, responsible for torturing those who don’t follow what the king deems to be the true faith.

When Adelais helps rescue a former Guardian from torture by the anakritim, she finds herself fleeing with the last few of that holy order. The anakritim seek the treasure the Guardians supposedly hold, and they have no qualms about obliterating the Guardians to get their hands on it.

The characters are relatable. Adelais longs for home, for the faith of her people. She questions whether she should use the rune song she was learning from Yrsa, as she is untrained. Will she bring down ruin on her companions, or will she be their salvation? Guy wants vengeance for his father’s death, and exercising patience is hard for him to do. Malory tries to do his job well, but he wrestles with the question of whether he is truly on the side of right in the matter. Malory is a refreshing foil to chief torturer Ghislain Barthram. Barthram is almost a caricature, so single-minded in pursuit and so devoted to his craft is he. It’s good to see that becoming a torturer for the king doesn’t relieve Malory of all his human decency.

The description compares this book to the work of Andrzej Sapkowski, author of The Witcher books. I haven’t read any of his Witcher stories, but I have read The Tower of Fools. I see some of the same epic fantasy elements here, but The Tower of Fools had a satirical, comic thread that this story does not. Reynevan, the main character in that book, was an idiot, and this often led to some very humorous moments. Adelais is not (and this is a good thing! I like Adelais!). Before the story ends, there is a question of whether she is a heretic or one touched by the hand of God, whether she has practiced magic that deserves death or whether a miracle has been wrought. She is smart enough to make use of the tools she has at hand and work them to her benefit.

The story took a minute to really pull me in, but once it got going, I had a hard time putting it down. I’m anxious to read the next in the series to see if Adelais makes it home!

I loved and enjoyed every word in the Hammer of Fate. I found the language and its flow a delight and the whole story even better.

The characters were real people and they told a story that has been repeated many times over the centuries, albeit, this time, as a fantasy.

I would sing its praises further but would have to include spoilers and so I will just say it is worth 6 Stars and that Hammer of Fate should be right at the top of your reading list.

Okay, so it took me >50% into the audiobook to realize that the cover depicted Adelais, the FMC, instead of the other young POV character, Guy.

Aside from feeling dumb af over that, I quite liked this novel! There's A LOT of info dumping and the first 20% was a chore to get through. But once I was acclimated to the characters, the gist of the story, and the world building, it ended up being a great beginning to a new high fantasy series. I'll forgive the info dumping because the world is rich and in-depth.

Most of the main plotline involves the main characters running away from an overly religious sect out to prosecute and persecute them, and you can feel the sense of urgency as the plot moves along. There's a good balance of action and more dialogue heavy moments to even things out. New characters join two of our MC POVS and it feels like a classic action and adventure fantasy RPG with the Witcher vibes added in.

The villain's viewpoint, Malory, adds in another layer to the world building. But at times, Malory and co. come off as tropey and one-dimensional since their objective is so dogmatic.

The novel is very Eurocentric (think Anglo-Saxons, Normans, and Christianity, but make it fantasy), so even if you're only vaguely familiar with that historical period (like I am), it's easy to get the hang of the world building and character motives.

I really liked Adelais. She's a strong and compelling FMC. Add in the fact that she's mostly unfamiliar with the customs of the land that she finds herself in, and you have a great audience surrogate. Imo it's rare that a male author can write a well-rounded and believable female protagonist, but Gudgion nails it down pretty well.

I'll definitely stick around for the next installment!

Thank you to Second Sky, Bookouture Audio, and NetGalley for this arc.

I am not sure if I liked this book. I like the fictional take of Knights Templar, but this book was a little hard for me to get into. The story was slow, and probably the extremely religious monologue was not my cup of take. I would have enjoyed the book if the Norse/ Runes fantasy was integrated more into the story.

I don't think I am going to continue the series. Thank you, Netgalley and Second Sky books, for the book

G.N. Gudgion is an author whose previous books include Draca. I have read and reviewed Draca and remember how good of a book it was. As soon as I saw he was releasing Hammer Of Fate with Second Sky Books, there was no question in my mind, I just had to read it!

A planned trilogy, this is the first book of The Rune Song Trilogy. It is an epic historical fantasy that is based on the Templar Knights and has a fantastic female lead character in Adelais. She is my favourite by a mile. The fact that Rune Magic has a place within Hammer Of Fate sealed the fact that I knew it would be amazing. It's a historical fantasy that doesn't overwhelm with too many facts along the way. I found myself so immersed in this book!

What's not to like? Fantasy, history, Viking magic, impressive battles, and fabulous characters, too. The world building created a solid foundation that the author can build on. I was certainly transported to Adelais's side, and nothing within the story jarred me out of this world.

Told from multiple perspectives, this really helped in getting the fuller picture in this dark and complex fantasy. I needed this escape from reality, and I adored every minute I had reading Hammer Of Fate. I am so looking forward to the next book!!
Thanks to Second Sky Books and NetGalley.

Published by Second Sky Books, 'Hammer Of Fate' is available in paperback, I received my e-arc by kind permission of the publishers in return for an honest review.

In view of that, I have to admit to being an older reader who struggles with e-books, I prefer a paperback with family trees and maps in so I can flip back to see where I am going, in terms of who is belonging to whom, and how far such a place is away from another place and so on. This is particularly the case in fantasy novels, I love to be swept away to other lands, explore other mythologies and situations, there is no greater a gift that an author can give to a reader than to whisk them away from the day to day ness of reality, and place them amongst mountains, wolves, and nefarious schemes hatched in darkened corners...

Does GN Gudgion do this? In this opening volume, does he manage to establish a world far removed from our own, with a culture, society and political hierarchies, which invites the reader to step aboard, for the wildest of rides?

Yes, dear reader, yes he does.

We have a runaway from a convent of evil, powerful nuns, hiding the talismans of her clans for fear she will be accused of being a witch.

We have the son of a disgraced knight, hiding in plain sight whilst believing his bloodline has been destroyed.

We have an evil king who takes the second son of all royal families to become his knights , known as Guardians, along with a tithe of gold, who has ordered all of these knights to be killed, in order to avoid paying the gold debt back. These knights, the best of the best, are decimated and tortured, burnt to death in a public exhibition of power, leaving the citizens of this world in no doubt who sits on the throne wields the ultimate power.

We have a  revenge plot, a religious sect who could be friend or foe, ancient magic about to raise its eerie spectre again, gods and old ways battling with the new regime.

All of this is cocooned within a well realised landscape of castles, keeps, roads, cities, citadels, islands and so much more, where danger, infamy , and rebellion all mingle to create a tense and uncertain atmosphere-are the good guys those in white robes? Who can our protagonists, Adelais and Guy trust? 

The book starts out fast from the blocks with a mysterious prisoner being transported in the back of a wagon, chained up, -for his benefit or that of others?-and an attack trying to kill him, witnessed by noviciate Adelais, which is the fulcrum on which the story is balanced. Who, what and where this is happening are all questions both the reader and Adelais are asking, so you are immediately thrown into the action, before being introduced, through Adelais' eyes, to the 'them versus us' society . She represents a Norse/Viking perspective which is 'othered' and her alliances are more or less beaten out of her, in order to make her the perfect 'bride' of the one god.

Malory, another protagonist and priest, represents the 'Christian' aspect of Hammer's culture, seeing the old ways, of Adelais as a temptation and wrong. Guy is the secular lead, showing how the convergence of state and church, old ways and new , can potentially work for the benefit of all -if he lives long enough to survive that is...

Nobility, unflinching fealty to an overarching regime and blind faith are all aspects of the story which is engagingly told, through well realised battle scenes and alliances. Who will prevail? Will Adelais and Guy realise what they need to do to stake their claim to their born inheritance? What side will Malory take in all of this? 

The conflict is real, human , and therefore not easily resolved, leaving room for the characters and story to grow in future volumes whilst providing the reader with a fully rounded reading experience during 'Hammer'.

I found this a book which I had to go back and forth in to check who was who on occasion, but as I eased myself into the story and stopped trying to remember every single name, the book flowed effortlessly from page to brain. I really cannot wait to see what happens in book 2!

Wow - what an enthralling read
Now the next two books I need!!
Told from three points of view
Sharing their experiences and what they do....

It starts with Adelais, trapped in a convent
Miles from home, she isn't content.
She was brought up believing in the god of old
Taught to weave runes, their magic to unfold.

Now she's made to worship a foreign god who
She doesn't believe in or like what in its name they do.
When an injured man is brought to their infirmary
By soldiers who plan to torture him she can't let it be.

She aids his son and friends to help him get away
And goes with them because she can no longer stay.
This is the start of an epic adventure story
With magic, religion and battles so gory!

With Guardians and disguises the adventure starts
Protecting a treasure but not their hearts.
There's danger, battles, betrayal and comradeship, too,
In this enthralling read I'm highly recommending to you!

For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.