Book Review: Godless Lands

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

'Without hope, people became ugly things.'

I picked this up randomly because of the cover and wasn't disappointed. The Godless Lands is one hell of a read!


Dark, grim and downright brutal, this is one of those books that bring to the forefront the lowest levels human beings can sink to.

In a plague-ravaged world, humanity struggles to recognize itself. And the question - Is the world you're fighting for even worth saving? - carries a deep meaning.
Mankind is left decimated by a vicious disease called the Blight, and not even beasts and plants have been left unscathed. In the now Godless Lands, only the powerful and ruthless thrive. Isolated havens, once prosperous cities, selfishly hoard what little food remains while those outside the havens are left to perish without a second thought.

In this hellscape, Ferris, an aged and Blight scarred soldier turned vagabond finds himself thrust into the role of guardian for a desperate noblewoman and her daughter. Attempting to lead them to a hidden community far away from the havens, Ferris suddenly realizes his wards bring a whole load of trouble in their wake. And he soon finds himself on the run from Sir Arlo, the infamous Death Knight. But as it turns out, death is the least of problems Ferris will have to face.
'The Butcher of Riven is on the prowl, and he hunts for the Hungry God...'

Well written and nicely paced, Godless Lands will give you a solid plot, strong characters, great fight scenes, gore - as raw and bloody as it gets, - as well as a lot of food for thought. Duty versus honor; faith versus doubt; the life of a few versus the lives of many; and much more.

Bad things done in the name of right - the kind that left dead bodies in your wake - and good deeds done while one has to wonder if they aren't a huge mistake....
Handsome knights that are merely a disguise for beasts hiding within....
and
Canibalism to make your skin crawl - viewed by some as a saint's deeds....
This book has it all!!

It is difficult to set down and yet, perhaps just as difficult to read. I found myself caught in the story and even rooting for a villain. Not the despicable evil Butcher! That one I would have honestly loved to see skinned alive and rotting in the deepest pits of hell. But the infamous Death Knight, who was a great shade of grey.

'One never solved anything without risk or sacrifice.'

And Godless Lands will show you both - risk and sacrifice enough to break a heart. Will it be worth it? That remains for you to find out.
Grim, bloody and dark, this is not a tale for the faint of heart. And even though I absolutely loved the darkness, I wish it would have gone hand in hand with a little more light.
But then I must admit, the tone was perfectly fitting for the dark and hellish world the Godless Lands depict.

If you're in a mood for an excellent dark read full meaning, this would be the perfect fit.

Happy reading Bookdragons
and always remember

'Hope lives on where least expected.'

Check out this book and more of Sean Crow here