Synopsis
How long can a cause remain just, when painted in the blood of innocence?
They named her the Starhammer once. Hero to some, monster to many more. First into the breach at the Shattering, anointed in the blood of a thousand demons. The last of the legendary Valkyr.
But the Starhammer is dead. Or so all the stories tell.
Amidst the soaring trees and haunted slopes of the Primals, Selitha relies on the forest to provide, and cares for her family. Nothing is more precious to her than her daughter.
It is a simple life. It is a peaceful life. It is a lie.
When bandits raid the Primals, burning towns and stealing children from their beds, Selitha has no choice but to lend her axe to the rescue.
Volcanic giants spew ash into the sky, demonic bears claw the forest to splinters, and there are even rumours the kin, half-men half-beasts, serve the raiders. All the Terrors of the old world stand against her.
With a severed head as guide, to rescue the children, Selitha may need to bring the Starhammer back from the dead.
But will it be the hero who rises from the grave, or the monster?
A new standalone fantasy adventure set in the world of the God Eater Saga. Inspired by Norse mythology and the God of War games, it’s perfect for readers of John Gwynne’s Bloodsworn Saga.
Review
Hammerfall: A God Eater Saga Story is a blend of action, heartfelt moments, and horrific monsters. Reminiscent of both Orka’s arc from Shadow of the Gods and a classic hero’s journey like The Hobbit, Rob Hayes manages to forge its own identity through the efforts of its diverse cast of characters.
It’s hard to really explain what makes this ragtag group of rescuers unique without spoiling elements of the story, but the best stories show how their characters change from their experiences, and this book is no exception. There are many reckonings for our intrepid characters to face, including those that challenge their senses of self.
Worldbuilding is another clear strength of this book—crumbs of lore are scattered and like a weird little Hansel I kept gobbling them up looking for more. Stories of Falling Angels and Godless Kings added a sharp edge to the background danger of this text, and at any given moment it wasn’t obvious what horrific detail of the past would come back and become an obstacle.
The climax was also engaging. I really enjoyed how the various elements came together in something that was satisfying yet not what anyone exactly wanted—much like real life. There is something special about a book willing to not only give a happy ending, but really drive home the point of the entire story in a very visceral—and have I used the word enough?—horrific way.
This book is well-paced, well-written, and will only leave you asking for more.
Hammerfall: A God Eater Saga Story was somehow my first Rob J. Hayes book. I repent of this sin, and I will correct my behavior by gleefully getting to the other God Eater books ASAP.
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