The Traitor God

The story that develops through The Traitor God is captivating, mysterious, and full of all kinds of magic—especially dark one. One of the main things I loved from Edrin Walker's story was the whole mess with the gods—who have suddenly gone missing and abandoned their people. The way we're able to see how important they are not only to the people of Setharis but also to our main character was something I really enjoyed, not only because it was interesting, but also because of how close the relationships between the gods and their worshipers feels. Another thing I really loved was the magic system and everything that's tied to it (and how they're tied). From the Arcanum and all of the different yet powerful kinds of mages that exist to Edrin Walker and his tyrant magic to the monsters that have been hot on his trail for years now, I found it all to be enthralling enough to leave you dying to know more about it and that doesn't happen very often—not to me anyways. Skipping over some spoilery goods, another thing I loved about The Traitor God was our main character Edriwn Walker himself, which, knowing how questionable and morally gray he is, ended up being a surprise for me. But the thing is that once you reach those last few pages, you can't deny anymore that you're not only attached to him but also rooting for whatever crazy thing he's planning to do next.

When it comes to the pace and the info dumps about the world, the city of Setharis, their enemy the Skallgrim, the gods, the magic and so on, I found that the author managed to do a smooth job with them. He made them easy to follow and I loved how things didn't felt rushed—not even around the end. In other words, I found the writing to be not only good but also consistent throughout the story and thanks the gods for that. Talking about the world, as we follow Edrin Walker as he makes his way back to the place he once called his home while looking for answers and revenge, we get to see how things either have changed (or not), and how Edrin's memories about it might be anything but pleasant. From running, hiding and surviving on the streets with his friends Lynas and Charra to being closed inside some catacombs and going through a rough and traumatizing experience down there, you can say that Setharis was anything but nice to him. But seeing things now, years later, I really loved how the powerful mages of the Arcanum have control on the highest part of the city while on the lower, gang streets like the Smilers are the ones in charge, which I think can already let you see how this place works. That and the fact that there's not only monsters prowling around following Edrin's scent but also some powerful secrets and beings that you wouldn't understand unless you get your hands on this book.

And last but not least, let's talk about some of the characters that we get to meet and know about besides Edrin and Lynas, and how I either loved them or just, you know, loved despising them. Charra and Layla were both fierce characters that I couldn't help loving since their first appearance. They've both been through so much and have so many secrets that I can't wait to see what they'll be up to in book two—if they're making an appearance at all. Then, we have Harailt, someone from Edrin's past that used to torment him and who, like it or not, is back in his life now. Seizing this opportunity, I'll admit that I really loved to hate this character and that I really, really enjoyed how things went down between Edrin and Harailt after what happened all that time ago. Now, jumping a few characters that will surely make me throw around some spoilers, we also have Cillian and Evangeline, whom I may have even loved a tiny bit more than I loved Edrin—sorry not sorry. I mean, two outstanding and powerful women who can not only kick ass on their own but also manage to deal with Edrin and drag him around everywhere until they realize that what's happening around them is way bigger and far more sinister than they thought...what's not to STAN?! 

Overall, I believe that you can tell that I really loved this book just by reading this review. The Traitor God, with its action and twists really left me hanging and dying for more. I mean, I still can't shut up about it nor can I stop recommending it to my friends so, I think that says a lot, right? If you're a fan of dark fantasy, action, magic, and the lovecraftian genre, you might want to give this one a try.

[Read a while ago, forgot to post a review.]

THE TRAITOR GOD is the first novel in Johnston's interesting, engaging, and well-written Age of Tyranny fantasy series. It's a big fantasy novel, too: lots of magic, mayhem, and intriguing characters. A strong and nuanced protagonist, a well-paced story. I enjoyed this. Looking forward to more by the author.