The Younger Gods is another hit from author Michael R. Underwood (also creator of this year’s current favourite ‘Shield and Crocus’ and another great urban fantasy series Geekomancy). Every book I’ve read has fit – at least in part – to the ‘fantasy’ genre, but each book’s style and protagonist is markedly different. For me, this is the sign of a truly talented and accomplished writer.

As always Underwood has a cast of diverse characters. The main protagonist, Jacob Greene, has abandoned his cult-like family after one horrifying and educational ideal and is hiding and trying to get a degree. As expected, his past catches up with him and he forced to stop his more powerful, and infinitely more evil, older sister.

What makes this book stand out for me is the way the author has Jacob’s upbringing permeate his thoughts, lack of social etiquette, even his proverbs. He has grown up in a sheltered community and is not used to the world of, as his family would stress, ‘inferior sheep’ outside. It is interesting how Jacob’s reflections on how much of his family’s influences he has kept, even after he has seen them for what they truly are. A particular flashback, when Jacob argues that the family’s black magic victims were ‘volunteers’; therefore making it alright, brings home how little time Jacob has had to truly define his own values. (I think this book is set approximately a year after leaving his family.)

There was quite a lot of running and fighting, rinse and repeat in this book, never giving quite enough time to the intriguing supporting characters with equally intriguing background and powers that Underwood only alludes to. I would have liked to have focused more on certain groups and read a longer book. I definitely will pick up any sequel that appears, especially to read about what happens after that unusual ending!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley. This is no way impacts upon my review.