The start of a new trilogy from Andrea Stewart. Two sisters are separated in a world in turmoil. After ten years apart, will they still be able to find each other or have the years driven a wedge between them that cannot be reconciled?
Stewart has certainly come up with an original story and created a complex world where magical gem stones and gods dominate. There are multiple story lines and the chapters alternate between the differing viewpoints of the main characters.
I really enjoyed the first book in Stewart's previous trilogy, but felt that the second and third books tailed off. I had high hopes for this new trilogy but sadly it was an anticlimax. The story seemed to take ages to get going. The world that had been created was hard to relate to. It seemed confusing and difficult to picture. There were numerous characters that didn't feel distinguished enough from each other and they all seemed to blur into one another. The main characters weren't very appealing and I didn't really care for them. So all in all, for me, the book was a disappointment.

This was a really interesting start to a new series. The magic system was original and I generally wanted to learn more about it, whilst also being explained well (no info dumping, the lore was gradually placed within the book.) The pacing was mostly good, and the book read quickly, but I will say that some of the chapters were too short- as in they would cut off during the action, then start a new chapter from the same POV picking straight back up- why the need for a new chapter? The characters were alright, but one of the main problems I had with this book is that none of the characters particularly stood out to me, and could have done with more fleshing out. Similarly, parts of the book felt rushed and would have benefitted from more development.

Overall, however, this was a fun and quick read that I'd recommend for those looking for a new fantasy series.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

The Gods Below by Andrea Stewart
Book One of the Hollow Covenant
Rating:4/5
Release Date: 5 September 2024

“The Gods Below” unfolds within a realm scarred by the remnants of ancient sorcery, where rare gemstones grant mystical prowess to the select few who can wield them. Amidst covert power dynamics and clashes among deities, we shadow Hakara, a determined young woman on a quest to locate her vanished sister. Her resolve drives her to daringly challenge the divine hierarchy itself, igniting a rebellion in her pursuit to reunite with her kin.

Stewart skilfully portrays a world on the verge of chaos, yet pulsating with resilience and an unwavering drive for love and survival. The characters are expertly crafted, captivating the reader with their depth and keeping us thoroughly entertained.

I highly recommend.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Little Brown Book Group UK | Orbit, and the author,Andrea Stewart, for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.

The Gods Below by Andrea Stewart

Book One of the Hollow Covenant

Release Date: September, 5th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars


The series unfolds in a world shattered by ancient magic, where rare gemstones grant extraordinary powers to a select few. Amidst clandestine power struggles and conflicts among deities, the narrative centres on Hakara, a determined young woman on a quest to locate her vanished sister. Her journey leads her to confront the gods directly, as she spearheads a rebellion in her relentless pursuit to reunite with her sibling.

This book is like diving headfirst into a whirlwind of environmental chaos and divine drama!

Picture two sisters, Hakara and Rasha, caught in the midst of a world turned upside down by the god Kluehnn's meddling. When they get separated by a wall of funky magic, Hakara kicks off a wild adventure to find her sis, encountering all sorts of craziness along the way – think theft, secrets, and some seriously tough challenges. But amidst the chaos, there's a glimmer of hope and determination that shines through, making this story a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

Stewart's writing paints a vivid picture of a world teetering on the edge, yet bursting with resilience and the undying quest for love and survival.

Highly recommend!

Thank you to The Publisher Little, Brown Book Group UK | Orbit ,The Author Andrea Stewart & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.