Gunmetal Gods Saga

Having read Lightblade, a novel by the same author, a few months before I read the first book in this series, and finding it a bit lacking, I was worried this might suffer from the same problems, however, I'm pleased to say that this novel, and the series so far, has been an improvement with both the plot and characters being much more interesting and engaging.

The story in the first book unfolded around a conflict between two religions for control of a city which is holy to them both, so similar overtones to the Crusades, though in this world the Gods, Angels, Djinn and Magic have a physical presence and can actively influence events. It's also a story that looks at how religions and the power they bestow on individuals can corrupt and influence them to commit horrific acts. The second book is similar, but in this case, it's the same religion, but with two different interpretations of the teachings that are causing the conflict.

Both books have a brisk pace, swapping from one character's point of view to another's with each chapter, and written in the first person. The characters themselves being varied and well-written, with none of them being portrayed as evil or bad, except in the view of the people from the other point of view. There are also several interesting plot twists, which are very well handled, and none of which I saw coming, and all of which enhanced the stories.

My only disappointment, and it's a minor one, is that most of the large-scale battles that take place are skipped over with only simple details given, which at the time of reading was disappointing, but I then realised this was so that the story could concentrate on the effects these battles had on the individuals, especially the commanders of the various forces.

I have found this to be an interesting and intriguing story, but so far, not an engrossing one, though I do think I would enjoy it even more on a re-read.