Age of Myth Review

Age of Myth by Michael J. Sullivan

SPOILERS FOR DAYZZZZ

Since time immemorial, humans have worshipped the gods they call Fhrey, truly a race apart: invincible in battle, masters of magic, and seemingly immortal. But when a god falls to a human blade, the balance of power between men and those they thought were gods changes forever. Now, only a few stand between humankind and annihilation: Raithe, reluctant to embrace his destiny as the God Killer, Suri, a young seer burdened by signs of impending doom, and Persephone, who must overcome personal tragedy to lead her people. The Age of Myth is over; the time of rebellion has begun.

I really enjoyed this book! It originally took me awhile to finish it because the beginning kind of dragged but once the main characters all clashed, the plot took better form.

You can only appreciate the cover of the book once you finish the book. I can pinpoint Raithe with the sword, Malcolm with the spear, Persephone in her widow-black garb, the amazingly quirky Suri, and the wise wolf Minna.

What I liked:

I loved all of the main characters–they had their own flaws, they were relatable, and were constructed masterfully.

Raithe:

This is not a fantasy novel that takes an eon to describe the world with great, drawling detail before beginning the story– we are immediately introduced to Raithe and are the audience to the horror as his father his slain before him. I liked Raithe a lot. There are times where I cannot relate to a male character or I want to roll my eyes at his machismo but Raithe is a reluctant hero–he does not want to be the “God-Killer” nor does he want to kill needlessly, Raithe just wants a normal life, a woman to share his life with, and a thriving family. Raithe is amazing in that aspect but other than that, he kind of falls behind as the plot thickens. His skills are necessary but as the story proves, you need more than brute strength to survive. When I read the originally synopsis, I thought the story was going to be all about Raithe and his exploits but I am happier that it unfolded this way.

Persphone:

LOVED HER! I think author’s are following in George R. R. martin’s footsteps and constructing such strong, amazing, dependable, dynamic, just UGH non-damsel-in-distress female characters who prove that women can and will do it better! All the female characters secondary and main are amazingly strong–from sassy Moya, Brin, Sarah, and of course Padera! Through Persephone’s eyes, we are able to watch her fight to be heard as she loses power when her husband, the chieftain is slain by a bear. She does not quiet–she proves to be an awesome force that outsmarts the new chieftain. When her people turn on her, she does not back down ; she listens to Suri the mystic’s warning and is able to utilize Raithe’s strength. I am excited to see how with her as the new chieftain how she will prepare for the future battles. Also, though I LOVE a good romance, I was happy that Persephone did accept Rathe’s affection but did not pursue it–the second book better be steamy though Sullivan! haha

AND–I love how Sullivan named her Persephone haha! In reference to the Greek Gods, Persephone is depicted as the damsel Kore before taken by Hades but this Persephone stands up to her enemies!

Suri:

LOVED HER! She is just this bundle of wild, quirky energy! As a mystic, she warns Persephone of the upcoming calamities and she introduces us to a new way of thinking. At certain points, I was laughing at how cut-and-dry she was! Unused to being around humans or Rhunes, she does not understand their customs and despite being covered in dirt and hanging around with a wolf, she thinks them backwards! Sullivan must have a blast constructing Suri–she is a delight. As she becomes stationed in the dhal I wonder about her roll in the future novels.

What I did not like:

I liked the book but there were times where I was just so confused with the different terms and races.These foreign words are being thrown around and it was hard for me to follow. Overall, that is pretty much it! I will definitely be prepared for the next book!

4 stars An amazingly fun summer read! The next four books are probably going to be awesome–can’t wait to read them!