I love the idea that authors are gonna start sending bookshelf pics with their own work on them to Daniel, in the hopes that he notices their books and decides to review them. Imagine that as a new marketing trend
I really enjoy hearing about these more obscure indie books that I probably wouldn't encounter otherwise. The most intruiging part of this for me has got to be the protagonist/amtogonistfirst person viewpoint being followed equally. It's a great way to keep the stakes high.
This sounds really good, but grimdark and I don’t mix well. I’m glad you said that because I was just this side of ordering, but I don’t tend to enjoy when things are relentlessly dark. I’m very happy you enjoyed it so much, and I hope all your audience who do love grimdark will check it out!
Read this, and it was fun if at times a bit clumsily written. There is also a sequel I need to get round to one of these days. The main inspirations seem to be the Crusades, Arabic Djinns, Bible-accurate angels (the weirder ones), Cthulhu and Yazidiism. A fun mix, and cool to have a "Muslim-ish" pov for a fantasy protagonist. Edit: also, the Rumi-ish poetry warmed my cockles
My own RPG setting is heavily inspired by Arabia/India and the lands in between. There's not enough of that stuff going around, so much inspiration to draw from. The real test will be when my buddy from Pakistan gets to experience it, hopefully it all turns out well!
I picked it up since it's on Kindle Unlimited and I'm going on a trip tomorrow and I'll be stuck in a car and need a book to read. That being said, otherwise, my quick peek at the first couple pages of the preview would have gotten it a pass from me. That's why "clumsily written" stands out to me here, because that was exactly my impression. At first blush, it doesn't *feel* like there's a strong hand behind the prose. I guess we'll see when I give it a shot in the car.
Damn! What a beautiful cover. People often say to no judge a book by its cover, and I certainly don't. But that amazing cover art damn well picked my interest straight away! Great review, as always.
One of my goals this year was to read more indie stuff, this book sounds super interesting! I love the idea of these different Gods directly influencing stuff in the story, will definitely add this to my list
*Zamil Akhtar* is an indie science fantasy author and blogger living a location-free lifestyle. He can be found in Boston, Dubai, or Manila depending on the time of year. Of Pakistani-heritage, he grew up in the Middle East and moved to Western Massachusetts when he was thirteen, and his varied upbringing colors his fiction. He has a BBA in Marketing from the University of Massachusetts and an MA in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University. His loves are videogames, science-fiction and fantasy novels, HBO dramas, and Southeast Asia.
If you're looking for other lesser known book series to look into, the Sun Eater series by Christopher Ruocchio is something you might want to look into. It picks up a bunch after the first one, which feels a bit derivative at times, and I'm honestly really excited to see where the series goes
Someone mentioned your channel in a Facebook group I'm in. I'm so glad I decided to check it out. Gunmetal Gods is a book I've had sitting in my kindle "shelf" for a little over a year now. I've just been waffling back & forth on when to actually pick it up. Now I know I need to pick it up right now.
Yeah, you convinced me again... :-) You really have expanded my "to read-list" quite a lot, from my teenage years where I was quite "stuck" in the high fantasy bog even though I started to get a bit tired of it, to now a list of both high and low fantasy series, grimdark mixed with YA, and even a couple of sci-fi series and books which I had never been interested in before! Your energy when you review books is absolutely contagious, and you have inspired me to go outside of my earlier comfort zones and start challenging myself a bit more... Currently on the last book of the Malazan book of the fallen, and have fallen completely in love! The only problem is that the books you review and make me interested in come out so much faster than I have time to read... so much to read, so little time... :-P Or more accurately: so much to look forward to and fill my bookcase with in the future! Keep it up young goblin!
I'd previously heard of Gunmetal Gods and was really interested because I love me a good Middle Eastern inspired setting, but I never picked it up because it seemed a little too grim for my personal tastes. So thrilled to see that you loved it so much though and hope it finds an audience that will enjoy it!
I’ve had a story idea I’ve been thinking of for years, and I’ve really wanted to show off the antagonist off a lot both as a way to show why the came out the way they did, as well as how authoritarian regimes are established by circumstances. This review has given me a possible answer to that exploration, the shifting between the two sides at first in the present following the protagonists journey then shifting to the past to follow the antagonists rise
Damn. I read this book a while back because i was looking for more non-european inspired fantasy and honestly really enjoyed it. Hopefully your review will help this blow up. Book two is even better imho.
Finally got around to reading Gunmetal Gods, and I had it on my radar because of your review. So, thanks Daniel! This book is spectacular. Already bought both sequels.
Cannot agree more with your sentiments here. This was a 5 star review for me on good reads and I would rate it closer to an 8.5 or 9 out of 10, but wow the pacing was an issue. Far too many times I caught myself going back, thinking it was blowing over scenes that needed more depth. If Zamil grows as an author into books 2 and 3, this will be an all timer for me
I am just listening to the back cover and that is the most metal book pitch I have ever read. From that back pitch, the book should only be aloud to be ready while listen to either The Doom soundtrack, Man o' War or Sabaton.
Was super hyped for this review, Gunmetal Gods came on my radar a few months ago bc of its epic title and cover, but very excited to hear that the story is also great! Definitely bumping this up on the tbr.
Update, I picked up the book based on the recommendation. I'm still reading it, but with Kindle showing I'm 35% complete, I can agree, this book slaps.
I remember seeing that book on bookshelf roast and it's amazing to see that the cover is only ONE of the good parts of the books. After that pitch I'm going to read it for sure.
Super excited to dive into this book! I downloaded it via kindle unlimited after your author shelf roast. The sample chapters were so interesting I had to know more!
Just want to say how much i appreciate the cover font actually using the right greek letter as a stand-in. my biggest pet peeve is someone using say Σ as an E when it’s a sigma!! S!! anywho. great review! i know indie books (and book reviews in general aren’t great for the algorithm) but i love them!
Heh, your review inspired me to go buy it only the realize I'd apparently bought both books back in September and forgot about them. The joy of buying books at three times the rate as I can read them.
Honestly, I'm loving the reasons for this review and the review itself. I've been wanting to listen to this one, BUT it isn't on my audio book app just yet
I read this book or should I say I'm reading the second book now halfway through because of this review or because of your channel. Two thumbs up, little to complain about.
This sounds super cool--but thanks for mentioning it was grimdark! Now I know to stay away 😇😇 although, I'm going to begin Gideon the Ninth soon and I'm SOOOO hyped! I've been waiting 6 months to read it and have heard amazing things! ☠️
Glad to see youre keeping up with indie reviews even though Fantasy News and One Piece does far better in the algorithm. Consider this comment a little boost for it.
This is what I subscribed for! Helping me grow my to red list faster than I can read through it. Thanks for Kings of The Wild and Green Bones Saga BTW.
*Warhammer fanboy hears about an awesome High fantasy book that apparently features religious fanatics Sieging a city with gun* Oh I’m getting this ASAP
The only issue I had with the narrator of the audiobooks was his tenancy to whisper shouted lines. That and the shouting seems to be very sudden and exaggerated in the context of the conversation. But, his tones of angst and passion, which are so much more important and prevalent in the story, are tear-jerking. Thank you so much for turning me on to this series!
The four horsemen of bad book backs: Reviews A single quotable line The synopsis of the book, but so accurate it spoils you the story And finally: just the author information
This was the only series that was able to satiate my fantasy cravings after Malazan. Zamil hits all the right notes so perfectly. I cant wait for more.
I'm glad you checked this out. I looked it up after your bookshelf review, but some of the reviews weren't as stellar. Your opinion carries some weight, so I'll pick it up.
You mentioned Star Wars books you'd like to read in the coming autumn - Those by Tim Zahn are indeed non-stop action. Esp. his first trilogy of Tharwn (1991-93).
When you make the comparison to first law, is it to the content or the characters? I didn’t mind the grimdark setting of first law, but the grimdak characters, while incredibly deep, nuanced, and well-written, were often hard to root for. When I read books I generally emotionally invest in a character or three who I want to succeed in their goals, but First Law’s characters tend to have pretty dark if understandable goals, so it was hard to invest in the success of anyone other than hoping Logen stays Still Alive.
1000% just downloaded it. Im an audio book kind of guy (braces for people to swing). But I 1000% respect your opinion on these reviews. More to follow!
definetly adding this to the "to read" list, sounds great and i love basicly everything presented in the book plus the fact that its indie. ALSO, i was wondering if you have ever read the web novel "worm" by John C. "Wildbow" McCrae, if you havent i absolutely recomend it, is extremely long (almost 1.7 million words) but a truly amazing story, if you ever have time to give it a look.
That back pitch was 10,000% "WUT?" And I am entirely sold, if there is an audio version. I drive a ton for work so thats about the only way for me to get through a book these days. (edit) I see he said there was an audio, so I guess I'm all in. Even if the narrator has some issues.
Love that you are highlighting more indie or undiscovered authors. I'll definitely check this out. One excellent one that was reviewed by a few fantasy youtubers like Petrik and Philip Chase is Dreams of the Dying by Nicolas Lietzau which is a sort of dark fantasy/horror take on Inception set against the backdrop of a plutocracy struggling with class strife. Another recommendation that isn't self-pub, but doesn't get a lot of attention because the original trilogy was not the highest quality is Empire's Ruin by Brian Stavely. That book is also on Petrik's masterpieces shelf, and it is like a more brutal version of The Way of Kings mixed a bit with Annihilation. In particular, the audiobook has Moira Quirk as one of its narrators (the narrator for Gideon and Harrow the Ninth) and she is top tier excellent in it. Despite it being set in the same world as his original trilogy, you do not need to read that at all, and Empire's Ruin is significantly higher quality than the earlier books. There are also some really interesting options in the list of 7th SPFBO finalists, though I guess you might only read the winner.
I love being able to rave about an indie book. Check out the book and support local bookstores: bookshop.org/a/89948/9781958360101
Sounds like a cool book, any updates on when next berserk will be? Sorry to be that guy
@@Giom98 next week.
@@DanielGreeneReviews thanks!
Definitely entering my TBR
Definitely gonna check this book out. It sounds amazing
The importance of the packaging for indie books cannot be overstated
I love the idea that authors are gonna start sending bookshelf pics with their own work on them to Daniel, in the hopes that he notices their books and decides to review them. Imagine that as a new marketing trend
my god that cover is gorgeous
You had me at “gun-toting paladins.”
That was what sold me.
The cover and title were a good hook, but gun-toting paladins is a phrase too cool to pass up
People have been asking Daniel for more book review style content - and the goblin is delivering
Book reviews made Daniel Greene the Daniel Greene before he got into One Piece ecosystem.
I'm sold on the cover alone! The fact the font reminds me of the game 'god of war', and the plot sounds cool is a bonus :)
Loved the premise!! Also, this is probably the most passionate you've sounded about a book in a while, my interest is piqued.
I really enjoy hearing about these more obscure indie books that I probably wouldn't encounter otherwise.
The most intruiging part of this for me has got to be the protagonist/amtogonistfirst person viewpoint being followed equally. It's a great way to keep the stakes high.
love the indie spotlight. Especially with covers like those, dang 👌
This sounds really good, but grimdark and I don’t mix well. I’m glad you said that because I was just this side of ordering, but I don’t tend to enjoy when things are relentlessly dark. I’m very happy you enjoyed it so much, and I hope all your audience who do love grimdark will check it out!
My thoughts exactly!!
Yeah, I'm well off the Grimdark train. I want real heroes again.
Its really not that grimdark. I don't know why everyone is labeling it as that, it's dark and gritty but not super grimdark.
Read this, and it was fun if at times a bit clumsily written. There is also a sequel I need to get round to one of these days. The main inspirations seem to be the Crusades, Arabic Djinns, Bible-accurate angels (the weirder ones), Cthulhu and Yazidiism. A fun mix, and cool to have a "Muslim-ish" pov for a fantasy protagonist.
Edit: also, the Rumi-ish poetry warmed my cockles
My own RPG setting is heavily inspired by Arabia/India and the lands in between. There's not enough of that stuff going around, so much inspiration to draw from. The real test will be when my buddy from Pakistan gets to experience it, hopefully it all turns out well!
I picked it up since it's on Kindle Unlimited and I'm going on a trip tomorrow and I'll be stuck in a car and need a book to read. That being said, otherwise, my quick peek at the first couple pages of the preview would have gotten it a pass from me. That's why "clumsily written" stands out to me here, because that was exactly my impression. At first blush, it doesn't *feel* like there's a strong hand behind the prose. I guess we'll see when I give it a shot in the car.
I already bought both of these books a little while ago and this makes me excited to read them.
Man, this actually sounds to be right up my alley. Really happy you reviewed this, 'cause I probably would not have known it existed. Awesome!
Damn! What a beautiful cover. People often say to no judge a book by its cover, and I certainly don't. But that amazing cover art damn well picked my interest straight away!
Great review, as always.
One of my goals this year was to read more indie stuff, this book sounds super interesting! I love the idea of these different Gods directly influencing stuff in the story, will definitely add this to my list
*Zamil Akhtar* is an indie science fantasy author and blogger living a location-free lifestyle. He can be found in Boston, Dubai, or Manila depending on the time of year. Of Pakistani-heritage, he grew up in the Middle East and moved to Western Massachusetts when he was thirteen, and his varied upbringing colors his fiction. He has a BBA in Marketing from the University of Massachusetts and an MA in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University. His loves are videogames, science-fiction and fantasy novels, HBO dramas, and Southeast Asia.
The book title sounds like an epic anime ;)
I read the title and immediately thought it was an anime review 😂
If you're looking for other lesser known book series to look into, the Sun Eater series by Christopher Ruocchio is something you might want to look into. It picks up a bunch after the first one, which feels a bit derivative at times, and I'm honestly really excited to see where the series goes
Awesome review! This tipped me over the edge - I've had this book on my radar for ages, but will defs be buying it now.
Zamil, you had me at the pitch. I've already stopped watching Daniel to go read this without any other setup.
this has been on my TBR for a long time. gonna bump it up
Something in your review reminds me of the comic book series The Red Star by Christian Gossett.
Someone mentioned your channel in a Facebook group I'm in. I'm so glad I decided to check it out. Gunmetal Gods is a book I've had sitting in my kindle "shelf" for a little over a year now. I've just been waffling back & forth on when to actually pick it up. Now I know I need to pick it up right now.
Yeah, you convinced me again... :-) You really have expanded my "to read-list" quite a lot, from my teenage years where I was quite "stuck" in the high fantasy bog even though I started to get a bit tired of it, to now a list of both high and low fantasy series, grimdark mixed with YA, and even a couple of sci-fi series and books which I had never been interested in before! Your energy when you review books is absolutely contagious, and you have inspired me to go outside of my earlier comfort zones and start challenging myself a bit more... Currently on the last book of the Malazan book of the fallen, and have fallen completely in love! The only problem is that the books you review and make me interested in come out so much faster than I have time to read... so much to read, so little time... :-P Or more accurately: so much to look forward to and fill my bookcase with in the future! Keep it up young goblin!
the back description reminds me of warhammer, given ive never played warhammer it just gives me that vibe
I'd previously heard of Gunmetal Gods and was really interested because I love me a good Middle Eastern inspired setting, but I never picked it up because it seemed a little too grim for my personal tastes. So thrilled to see that you loved it so much though and hope it finds an audience that will enjoy it!
I’ve had a story idea I’ve been thinking of for years, and I’ve really wanted to show off the antagonist off a lot both as a way to show why the came out the way they did, as well as how authoritarian regimes are established by circumstances. This review has given me a possible answer to that exploration, the shifting between the two sides at first in the present following the protagonists journey then shifting to the past to follow the antagonists rise
Feels good to see some south Asian writers up and coming in fantasy, with fantasy inspired from the region
Damn. I read this book a while back because i was looking for more non-european inspired fantasy and honestly really enjoyed it. Hopefully your review will help this blow up. Book two is even better imho.
Just finished Gunmetal Gods audiobook after seeing your recommendation, it was amazing. Thank you!
Finally got around to reading Gunmetal Gods, and I had it on my radar because of your review. So, thanks Daniel! This book is spectacular. Already bought both sequels.
Cannot agree more with your sentiments here. This was a 5 star review for me on good reads and I would rate it closer to an 8.5 or 9 out of 10, but wow the pacing was an issue. Far too many times I caught myself going back, thinking it was blowing over scenes that needed more depth.
If Zamil grows as an author into books 2 and 3, this will be an all timer for me
I am just listening to the back cover and that is the most metal book pitch I have ever read. From that back pitch, the book should only be aloud to be ready while listen to either The Doom soundtrack, Man o' War or Sabaton.
Was super hyped for this review, Gunmetal Gods came on my radar a few months ago bc of its epic title and cover, but very excited to hear that the story is also great! Definitely bumping this up on the tbr.
The synopsis is actually well thought out and written. Wouldn't have thought of such concept. Props to Zamil.
Sounds like a great book. I appreciate you mentioning the problems with the audiobook. That way I can put it on my kindle TBR instead.
Update, I picked up the book based on the recommendation. I'm still reading it, but with Kindle showing I'm 35% complete, I can agree, this book slaps.
This sounds like an amazing read. I love the cover, and the synopsis sounds great.
I was hyped for when/if you were going to review this ever since you did the bookshelf roast
Okay, I already wanted to read this, but now I *_definitely_* want to read this!!! ^-^
That back description made me want to be baptized in angel blood too and march behind him too!
I'm back after two days to say that I thoroughly loved this book. I couldn't put it down after buying, thanks for the great reccomendation!
I remember seeing that book on bookshelf roast and it's amazing to see that the cover is only ONE of the good parts of the books. After that pitch I'm going to read it for sure.
Zamil did an Interview with Steve talks books UA-cam channel you should check it out
Super excited to dive into this book! I downloaded it via kindle unlimited after your author shelf roast. The sample chapters were so interesting I had to know more!
Just want to say how much i appreciate the cover font actually using the right greek letter as a stand-in. my biggest pet peeve is someone using say Σ as an E when it’s a sigma!! S!!
anywho. great review! i know indie books (and book reviews in general aren’t great for the algorithm) but i love them!
Heh, your review inspired me to go buy it only the realize I'd apparently bought both books back in September and forgot about them. The joy of buying books at three times the rate as I can read them.
I've been tempted to crack this bad boy open, the premise is quite interesting
You could just throw that cover full screen for a bit and I'd be sold.
Honestly, I'm loving the reasons for this review and the review itself.
I've been wanting to listen to this one, BUT it isn't on my audio book app just yet
Great back cover narration, added it to my audible wishlist as you read it
Another one added to the list
Love the review videos. With a genre as saturated, quality curation is invaluable
I saw this on your roast and I too was like I must check this out. Happy to see my intrigue further confirmed here.
I read this book or should I say I'm reading the second book now halfway through because of this review or because of your channel. Two thumbs up, little to complain about.
This sounds super cool--but thanks for mentioning it was grimdark! Now I know to stay away 😇😇 although, I'm going to begin Gideon the Ninth soon and I'm SOOOO hyped! I've been waiting 6 months to read it and have heard amazing things! ☠️
I came here expecting to be convinced to read gunmetal gods but like you I`m going to start reading Gideon the ninth instead 😅😅
I think you would enjoy the craft sequence by Max Gladstone. Also lesser known, excellently written and incredibly clever.
Loved it!
Glad to see youre keeping up with indie reviews even though Fantasy News and One Piece does far better in the algorithm. Consider this comment a little boost for it.
This is what I subscribed for! Helping me grow my to red list faster than I can read through it. Thanks for Kings of The Wild and Green Bones Saga BTW.
*Warhammer fanboy hears about an awesome High fantasy book that apparently features religious fanatics Sieging a city with gun*
Oh I’m getting this ASAP
Yes daniel back to the book reviews! Remember this is the foundation that made you i love it keep it up . Or ill have to go back to mikebooks!
The only issue I had with the narrator of the audiobooks was his tenancy to whisper shouted lines. That and the shouting seems to be very sudden and exaggerated in the context of the conversation. But, his tones of angst and passion, which are so much more important and prevalent in the story, are tear-jerking. Thank you so much for turning me on to this series!
Thank you for the review! I have now picked this book up and am not regretting my decision at all!
The cover art is great I agree. Sounds interesting
I haven't read a lot of novels but that title and premise got me hooked.
The four horsemen of bad book backs:
Reviews
A single quotable line
The synopsis of the book, but so accurate it spoils you the story
And finally: just the author information
This was the only series that was able to satiate my fantasy cravings after Malazan. Zamil hits all the right notes so perfectly. I cant wait for more.
I'm glad you checked this out. I looked it up after your bookshelf review, but some of the reviews weren't as stellar. Your opinion carries some weight, so I'll pick it up.
Welp, color me sold, I'll be picking this one up since I do love to support a good indie author. That cover alone makes it deserve the support.
I saw that bookshelf roast and man that cover was sharp! I'm really glad it's good!!
That is a truly gorgeous cover and a banger name
I bought the book and just finished it yesterday. Great book and thank you for the recommendation!
Already had this one in my TBR! Glad to here you enjoyed it. Makes me all the more excited to get to it.
I believe you're right with greek mythology considering the greek letter in the title of the book
You mentioned Star Wars books you'd like to read in the coming autumn - Those by Tim Zahn are indeed non-stop action. Esp. his first trilogy of Tharwn (1991-93).
Thanks for the synopsis and review. Decided to pick up the series.
As a primarily audio only consumer narrator quality is an important part of my choosing to read a book. Thank you for telling me about it in advance.
The cover is awesome!
Just finished Gunmetal Gods and it was absolutely incredible!!!
When you make the comparison to first law, is it to the content or the characters? I didn’t mind the grimdark setting of first law, but the grimdak characters, while incredibly deep, nuanced, and well-written, were often hard to root for. When I read books I generally emotionally invest in a character or three who I want to succeed in their goals, but First Law’s characters tend to have pretty dark if understandable goals, so it was hard to invest in the success of anyone other than hoping Logen stays Still Alive.
1000% just downloaded it. Im an audio book kind of guy (braces for people to swing). But I 1000% respect your opinion on these reviews. More to follow!
So glad you actually read and reviewed this, after that shelf roast. ^--^
Love when you find things like this
definetly adding this to the "to read" list, sounds great and i love basicly everything presented in the book plus the fact that its indie.
ALSO, i was wondering if you have ever read the web novel "worm" by John C. "Wildbow" McCrae, if you havent i absolutely recomend it, is extremely long (almost 1.7 million words) but a truly amazing story, if you ever have time to give it a look.
Yes, indie book review !
Love this - sounds like a great book! More indie reviews, please. :)
Purchased and excited to get into it - listening now while I work.
Totally agree with packaging, it was the Frazetta cover that got me to pick up a copy of Conan in 1974
Thankyou Daniel, great review!
Oh yeah. Picking this one up.
I have never read a book like this, but I purchased it because of you!
That back pitch was 10,000% "WUT?"
And I am entirely sold, if there is an audio version. I drive a ton for work so thats about the only way for me to get through a book these days.
(edit) I see he said there was an audio, so I guess I'm all in. Even if the narrator has some issues.
Hyped for this, have just downloaded it onto my kindle!!
The Undiscovered Country.
I picked both this book and it’s sequel up on Kindle awhile back when they were on sale. Guess I should probably read them!!
Love that you are highlighting more indie or undiscovered authors. I'll definitely check this out. One excellent one that was reviewed by a few fantasy youtubers like Petrik and Philip Chase is Dreams of the Dying by Nicolas Lietzau which is a sort of dark fantasy/horror take on Inception set against the backdrop of a plutocracy struggling with class strife. Another recommendation that isn't self-pub, but doesn't get a lot of attention because the original trilogy was not the highest quality is Empire's Ruin by Brian Stavely. That book is also on Petrik's masterpieces shelf, and it is like a more brutal version of The Way of Kings mixed a bit with Annihilation. In particular, the audiobook has Moira Quirk as one of its narrators (the narrator for Gideon and Harrow the Ninth) and she is top tier excellent in it. Despite it being set in the same world as his original trilogy, you do not need to read that at all, and Empire's Ruin is significantly higher quality than the earlier books. There are also some really interesting options in the list of 7th SPFBO finalists, though I guess you might only read the winner.
this sounds right up my alley, going to order it now! thanks for spreading the word about hidden gems Daniel.
Read it last year and loved it!
Sounds like a high fantasy version of 40K. Definitely will check out.
It’s hard for me to take book recommendations but this one on the title alone makes me want it