The City That Would Eat the World

More Gods Than Stars, Book 1

Thea is a washed-up mimic exterminator who expected more out of life, not some hero from stories. Aven is an impulsive wandering adventurer whose personal goddess is constantly getting her into trouble. Neither of them has the slightest interest in getting involved in world-shaking historical events.

History doesn't care what they want, unfortunately. It's fallen right into their laps in the shape of a god-slaying weapon from a fallen civilization. Thrown together out of chance, Thea and Aven will have to learn to work together if they want to survive their pursuers.

Because if they fail, and the weapon falls into the wrong hands? The results won't be pretty. No one's going to be using it on some random street corner goddess, teakettle god, or any of the other countless teeming millions of divinities on Ishveos.

No, there's one target that sits above all others.

Cambrias, whose watch never ends. Cambrias, whose power has given rise to Cambrias' Wall, the greatest city in the known multiverse—a city that has already covered much of a continent and is strip-mining entire mountain ranges for space and building material. A city that threatens to spread across the entire surface of Ishveos.

And there's no shortage of folks willing to kill Thea and Aven in order to stop the Wall, no matter the consequences.

Contains a special note from the author.

©2024 John Bierce (P)2025 Podium Audio

Bierce doesn't miss

I've been looking forward to this since it was announced, and it scratched my lore obsessed itch. Rich, deep world and interesting magic system, captivating characters whose stories you can't wait to see unfold. I need more of More Gods Than Stars now!!

fun and expansive world

A truly great fantasy world. the book does a great job of going in depth with spacing out its world building so to never become too withdrawn from the plot. the two main characters are enjoyable, and the author does well in giving all the characters different voices.

narration was solid. I'm not overly picky myself, but couldn't find anything that detracted from my experience.

overall, a 5/5 for me

loved the world building

loved the world building it was overall a good story but I found myself having trouble connecting with the mcs, still a good story but I don't think I will be giving book 2 a go

A More Deliberative Bierce Fantasy

While this story occurs in the same multiverse of Mage Errant, the tone of this novel is notably more deliberative than his most popular series. The characters are older and grapple with more somber challenges, reflecting through flashbacks on childhoods. The story is ultimately inspiring but listeners will find the frequent reflection a change of pace from the action-packed plot.

Bierce also flushes out another fascinating world of magic and politics while further examining perspectives of living under a fantasy empire. He at one point gets quite detailed regarding the economics of the prayer system (theonomics) which I loved.

The narration I also enjoyed. I did notice that the accent chosen for one of the characters was contrived. However, I did not notice until halfway through so make of that what you will.

Overall, strongly recommend!

World Creation with Brandon Sanderson

It amazing that it can be so crazy and creative with simple ideas. And their are great characters that are so repatibal.