The Gods Below

The Hollow Covenant, Book 1

By: Andrea Stewart

Narrated by: Eunice Wong, Jonathan Waters, Stephanie Németh-Parker

In this sweeping epic fantasy comes a story of magic, betrayal, love, and loyalty, where two sisters will clash on opposite sides of a war against the gods.

A divine war shattered the world leaving humanity in ruins. Desperate for hope, they struck a deal with the devious god Kluehnn: He would restore the world to its former glory, but at a price so steep it would keep the mortals indebted to him for eternity. And, as each land was transformed, so too were its people changed into strange new forms—if they survived at all.

Hakara is not willing to pay such a price. Desperate to protect herself, and her sister Rasha, she flees her homeland for the safety of a neighboring kingdom. But when tragedy separates them, Hakara is forced to abandon her beloved sister to an unknown fate.

Alone and desperate for answers on the wrong side of the world, Hakara discovers she can channel the magic from the mysterious gems they are forced to mine for Kluehnn. With that discovery comes another: her sister is alive, and only the rebels plotting to destroy the God Pact can help rescue her.

But only if Hakara goes to war against a god.

©2024 Andrea Stewart (P)2024 Orbit

Critic reviews

"Stewart's worlds are some of the most exceptionally inventive in modern fantasy. A must read!"—S.A. Chakraborty, New York Times bestselling author of City of Brass

"The Gods Below is a propulsive epic fantasy that holds a blade to your throat and dares you not to breathe. Breathtakingly ambitious and richly realized, it's a complex tale of survivors fighting for freedom and forgiveness in a broken, twisted world—one where gods are hunted, monsters are real, and magic and secrets glitter like gems beneath the surface. A thrilling, ferocious start to a new trilogy."—Julie Leong, author of The Teller of Small Fortunes

"A sweeping tale of desperation, determination, and unlikely alliances, The Gods Below will entrance fantasy fans. Stewart unfurls a richly complex world with the scope of a master storyteller. Weaving together a vast range of character perspectives, this series-opener brings out the tensions and bonds between people vying for safety and stability–you’ll cheer for friends, rivals, siblings, and colleagues at once. Utterly spellbinding."—Elyse John, author of Orphia and Eurydicius

Good but not my taste

I adored The Drowning Empire but this left me numb. I do not remember as much detailed violence in that series. There had been some but it was not so central to the story. In this book, the detail was such that I glazed over and would lose my place. I could not follow the fight scenes. That is not the fault of the author, more a matter of interest on my part. I think the worldbuilding was very well done though it took a long time to bring the story into focus. I will still read other books by Ms. Stewart but I don't think I will be reading any more of this series.

Nioanens story

I thought it was an okay story, I feel confused a bit on the world building, I’m not sure there was enough explanation on what was actually going on. Fights were happening but lack detail, and they would just be over. The two sisters story made sense and so did Nioanens, I’m not sure what Mullaynes crew was doing but it seemed exciting, and I have no clue what Sheuan was doing, could have cared less about that character. Over all a 3 out of 5 for me. The voice acting was great.

Great start to a series

Andrea Stewart creates incredibly unique worlds and circumstances, so creative, captivating and fun. If you liked the Bone Shard series, give this a try! So far so good!

A Good Intro

This was a good intro to a new series that lagged in the middle. Lots of interesting concepts that I think stumbled on the landing - the horror of what lies beneath, religious cults, trauma, and what it turns us into.

Thoroughly enjoyed every POV but Hakara’s- every time I heard her narrator start a chapter I had to sigh. Hakara spends an enormous portion of the book dragging her feet in self loathing and trying to quip it away, even in momentous scenes. I just didn’t personally enjoy her arc but Rasha, Mull, and Sheuan I adored. I honestly think this book could’ve been written from the perspectives of just those three (and the secret other narrator) and come out just fine.

Worldbuilding was unique, I was invested, wish there was less of Hakara. 3.5/5

Great new series!

After reading the Bone Shard series I was excited to see Stewart had a new book. Really engaging without getting lost in the weeds. The next book can’t come out soon enough

So boring

So boring and why the hell does it switch between first person and third person pov. Stop it. Stick to one.