Exploring Divine Power and Intricate World-Building in The Gods Below by Andrea Stewart

The Gods Below by Andrea Stewart takes readers on an epic journey into a world shaped by ancient magic, gods in hiding, and powerful gemstones that bestow magical abilities on the fortunate few. Through the eyes of multiple characters, we are immersed in a richly built world of political intrigue, environmental destruction, and survival.

Stewart weaves a tale of love, loyalty, and rebellion as Hakara, a determined young woman, embarks on a perilous quest to find her missing sister and battle against the gods themselves.

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The series is set in a world ravaged by ancient magic, where precious gemstones bestow magical abilities on the few individuals able to harness their power. Full of clandestine power struggles and the battles between gods, the story follows Hakara, a young woman searching for her missing sister and who will do anything to find her — even lead a rebellion against the gods themselves.

The Gods Below introduces us to a sprawling, intricate world where each region is shaped by the will of an all-powerful god. This god, responsible for “restoring” parts of the world to their former environmental glory, does so at the cost of human lives, raising deep moral and existential questions. The book begins with Hakara, a diver into the dangerous magical substance called “aether,” who is separated from her sister, Rasha, and taken to another realm. From here, the story follows multiple characters across different regions as they navigate the challenges of their world.

Hakara, the protagonist, whose quest to find her sister forms the emotional core of the novel. Her relationship with Thassir adds depth to her character as they work together to defeat their enemies using the world’s complex magic system.

When left behind when Hakara is taken, her sister Rasha is transformed physically and emotionally as she becomes part of a cult-like group that worships the gods. Her shifting loyalty is particularly intriguing, as she grows attached to her new family while holding onto memories of her past life with Hakara.

Sheuan is a noble from a disgraced family, she is ambitious and ruthless in her desire to regain favor in her kingdom. Her interactions with the barrier separating different realms raise important questions about the world’s magic and politics.

Mullayne’s plotline feels somewhat disconnected from the others, as an inventor, he explores the god’s cave systems to save a loved one. While his story showcases excellent world-building, it could have worked better as a standalone novella due to its separation from the central narrative.

A grumpy character with a heart of gold and a love for cats, Thassir provides some of the most enjoyable character dynamics in the book. His evolving relationship with Hakara, and his mysterious backstory, make him a standout character.

The book’s plot is multi-layered, featuring a blend of political intrigue, divine power struggles, and personal journeys of growth and transformation. While Hakara’s quest to reunite with her sister drives the main narrative, Stewart also explores the repercussions of the god’s destructive “restorations” on the world’s people. The inclusion of multiple POVs helps build out the world but can at times limit the character development, as the story switches between timelines and perspectives frequently.

One of the book’s highlights is its exploration of romance. Stewart includes several subplots that are handled with depth and maturity, allowing the characters’ relationships to unfold naturally without detracting from the larger epic fantasy plot. These relationships add emotional weight to the story, particularly through the conversations and communication between the characters.

As with Stewart’s previous work, Bone Shard Daughter, her writing is immersive and detailed. Her descriptions of the different regions, magic systems, and gods are compelling and paint a vivid picture of the world. However, the narrative can feel slightly overwhelming due to the number of characters and plotlines. Readers who enjoy multi-POV stories will find this engaging, but those looking for more streamlined character development may struggle.

The Gods Below touches on several key themes, including environmental destruction, identity, and transformation. The notion of “restored” regions, where the land is healed but at the cost of human lives, provides a rich backdrop for exploring how people adapt to these changes. Rasha’s transformation, both physical and emotional, raises questions about identity – whether someone can truly remain the same after such profound change.

The book also delves into survival, showing how different regions and people cope with the god’s whims. This plays out not just in the characters’ external struggles but in their personal growth as well, particularly with Hakara and Rasha’s evolving sense of self and loyalty.

Positives of The Gods Below

• Strong World-Building: Stewart creates a deeply immersive world with intricate politics, divine beings, and unique magic systems.
• Complex Characters: Hakara, Rasha, and Thassir stand out for their emotional depth and moral complexity.
• Unique Magic System: The use of gemstones and “aether” diving adds a fresh element to the fantasy genre.
• Thought-Provoking Themes: Themes of identity, transformation, and environmental consequences give the novel a deeper philosophical layer.
• Interesting Romance Subplots: The romance is subtle yet meaningful, adding emotional stakes to the larger plot.

Negatives of The Gods Below

• Multiple POVs: While enriching the world, the numerous character perspectives can detract from character development.
• Disconnected Subplot: Mullayne’s story, though intriguing, feels somewhat separate from the main plot and could have been explored more fully in its own narrative.
• Pacing Issues: The book’s middle section slows down due to heavy exposition and less action.

The Gods Below by Andrea Stewart is an epic fantasy that will appeal to fans of intricate world-building, divine power struggles, and morally complex characters. While the multiple POVs and subplots can feel overwhelming at times, Stewart’s masterful creation of a magical, politically charged world makes this a compelling read. For those who enjoyed Bone Shard Daughter, this novel is a must-read that builds on Stewart’s signature style of thoughtful, immersive storytelling.

I received The Gods Below by Andrea Stewart from the publisher. This is an unbiased and honest review

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