Excellent

Intrigued by the blurb, I started listening to this audiobook immediately and - mind blown – this book was brilliant!  It’s a unique blend of urban, contemporary, mythical fantasy, and it features the most incredible beings – called the Firstborn.  

The Firstborn are from our myths, legends, folklore and fairy tales from across the world and spanning back through history.  They include the Japanese racoon dog Tanuki, the half man / half bull Asterion from Greek mythology, Bodvar Bjarki the bear from Norse mythology, the occultist goat figure of Baphomet, and even Merlin the wizard from Arthurian legends.  There’s also Gods, demons, vampires and werewolves. 

These Firstborn are old, some as old as the beginning of time, and – as much as possible – live out of sight of humans (or mtoto as they are known to the Firstborn).  Being around for so long, it’s to be expected that a few Firstborn have rubbed each other up the wrong way, picked sides and had a few wars. And it’s time for another battle, perhaps the biggest of them all…

This story is told from multiple points of view, but the main story is told through the characters of Fi, a seventeen-year-old who lives with her odd English uncle and his huge dog, and works at a hospital for the elderly.  Zeke, her handsome colleague who plays guitar to the old folk.  Peter, the mysterious patient who Fi is looking after at the hospital and Fi’s uncle Edgar.  We also hear from some of the creatures.  Each non-human character is fascinating and the humans are likable and believable.      

The author’s descriptions of the appearance of the creatures and their backstories are vivid and mesmerising, the action flows effortlessly, the fight scenes and violence is truly epic, and the blossoming, awkward relationship between Fi and Zeke is perfect as it is subtle and realistic.  There’s also humour and this book made me laugh out loud at a few points (which is no mean feat).   

The narrator, Nik Magill, was brilliant.  His voice is captivating and I felt he portrayed all the characters distinctly and naturally, and I was completely absorbed by the story.

It is clear that a ton of careful research has gone into this book, and the scope of myths/legends/fairy tales/folklore that the author depicts is huge, and the way they are all tied together is clever.  I was fascinated by all the mythical creatures from different cultures, times and religions.  I can’t wait to read the next book and find out what happens next!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

The revelations continued throughout!

Urban fantasy isn't normally my bag, but this felt more like historical myth and legend manifesting itself, for real, in modern day... everywhere. I expected a US heavy story, but I was wrong. Many wonderful locations, people's and, more importantly, monsters, demons and gods(!) punctuate this epic throughout.
A smashing debut that promises a potential full blown 5* to follow this 4* story and performance. In fact, I'd say 4.5* if I could.
Very real characters meet apparently real mythological beings - the research for which is evident and incredible.
I'll look forward to the sequel.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Good first half!

I really enjoyed the first half. Once Peter recovered, I felt that the story lost it appeal.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

It’s action packed, funny, bloody and entertaining

Myths and legends are real. Part of them anyway. And they are still roaming the world, keeping to themselves, sleeping, helping people or plotting for taking over the world. After the Cataclysm and two wars called Holocausts the world is in peace, until, that is, when the Asura (those children of the Father who choose to do bad deeds, and not exactly fond of humans) decides it’s time to show the Deva (the good kids, who choose to help humans and doesn’t consider them as cockroaches) who is in charge. Deva are attacked all around the world while the Master of Asura focuses on an old man called Peter. He lives in a nearly catatonic state in a hospital. The only one who can have an effect on him is Fi, the 18 year old girl who works there in part-time as an intern. This is where she meets Zeke, mythology enthusiast, guitar player, too-smart-for-his-own-good guy. Together they help Peter to get away from those who chase him. And so they face the craziest 24 hours of their life while unexpected and not so unexpected twists occur.

Rise of Gods builds up slowly, but the second half or so is packed with action to the brim. But then you need a bit of time to get used to the book being written in the third person, present tense and the sudden changes in the POV, which sometimes can be kind of annoying. Because of this and that things happen really fast, and mythical creatures and legends get a rather big role (maybe bigger than they should have at some points) there isn’t enough time and space for character building (I liked how Fi and Zeke adapted to the situation though), so this book is rather action driven. Sometimes this is overwhelming and makes hard to connect to the main characters: Fi, Zeke and Peter. Although their interactions are good and they bring some humor into the bloodbath, which does good to the book. These light moments are refreshing and give a moment of break to get from one scene to the other. Still, my favorite character was Tanuki.

But there are so many things going on that you can find it hard to catch up. Personally, I think if this book were about 50-100 pages shorter and maybe a bit more focused on the characters rather than the myths/Firstborns, it would have been much more a page turner. I’m not saying it’s not as it is, because the second half of the book kept me glued to my kindle.

The writing is smooth otherwise and this book is crammed with mythology, stories, names and legends from all around the world: from Native America through Ancient Europe to Africa and Asia. Good points for Mr Ashton using the less known legends and stories instead of the overused greek and roman gods. Actually, let’s give the man respect for doing such a thorough research to bring together so many cultures.

A big shout out to the narrator, who did a really good job with this one! I'm extremly picky with voices but I loved his, and it was also easy to understand his reading, which is a big bonus in my book being a non-english speaker.

Paternus: Rise of Gods is an exceptional work in its genre. Dyrk Ashton had an ambitious goal when he started to write this book, and for a debut book it did really well. Yeah, it has some flaws and all the side stories can be overwhelming for those who are not familiar with all these myths – which is probably most people. Even I had to google some things and I had some studies regarding religions. And although for some reasons it didn’t work out as well for me, it deserves all the hype and praise it got so far. It’s action packed, funny, bloody, intense and highly entertaining. So, what are you waiting for? Go and get it already before the second book comes out in July!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

American gods meets Percy Jackson meets avengers

This review is based on the audiobook version. This book has been in my ‘want to read’ shelf for a while and I finally took the plunge. What a rollercoaster (5 stars)!! The author does an amazing job at world building, the narrator brings out the characters’ qualities and knew when and how to build tension. Overall a great book and I am definitely looking forward to the next instalment.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Get some Paternus for your ears!

What made the experience of listening to Paternus the most enjoyable?

The ever expanding scope of the story - Ashton leaves no hero of old to rest in peace, instead he drags them kicking and screaming into the Paternus world for our aural pleasure!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Paternus?

The hospital scene where Fi and Zeke are first encountering the true strength of the antagonists. It was tense, gripping and exhilarating.

Which character – as performed by Nik Magill – was your favourite?

I really enjoyed Max! Also, Bodvar Bjarki and Peter

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The World of Myth awakens once more for the ultimate battle royale!

Any additional comments?

I very much encourage you to let Paternus enter your consciousness via your ear-holes!

I enjoy a good book when on long drives, and can very quickly determine if I’ll make it all the way to the end. In the case of Paternus, it does start a little slowly, but it builds, and it builds, and it builds. So stick with it!

I normally don’t read contemporary or urban fantasy, and have a pathological aversion to anything that sparkles, or even hints at being a Twilight type affair. Fortunately, Paternus kicks that notion into the long grass, and forges ahead as a thoroughly entertaining  mytho-fantastical romp.

From the depth and complexity of the cast, it’s clear that Ashton spent a considerable amount of time researching Paternus (probably the understatement of the age). He has cleverly woven together myths and legends from across the globe into one single tapestry, and so vividly realised. After a bit of  a slow start, things really start to come together for this story, and before long, legendary creatures, heroes and gods all make their way into the piece, causing mayhem for our protagonists. In particular, the hospital scene is excellently realised! Throughout the course of the story, there are some excellent reveals of familiar heroes (and villains) of ages past, and I found myself at several times giddy with happiness at their appearance!

There are bits and pieces about this book that would normally put me off, for example, the first person omniscient point of view took a little getting used to. But in audio, it made things easier to transition for my peanut brain courtesy of the excellent performance by Nik Magill. One other aspect that slightly bothered me was that Zeke didn’t quite fill out as much as I’d have liked, instead becoming something of a six-foot Wikipedia page of every mythical being that came to life before the eyes of our protagonist. But these are small concerns, and they are consumed and forgotten by the expanse of the story.

On the whole, I found Paternus to be a triumphant act of imagination, research and adventure, in which Ashton kicks off what promises to be a very innovative series.
For the sheer breadth of imagination, Paternus merits its place a SPFBO 2016 Finalist. I tip my hat to Ashton on an excellent advertisement of all that is good in the world of Independent Fiction.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!