Downfall of the Gods

I saw that Subterranean Press was offering ARCs of a few of their books on NetGalley and jumped at the chance to pick up "Downfall of the Gods". KJ Parker has quite a cult following but I had never read his work. And then after I read (and enjoyed) it I thought "How the heck do you review a book about spoiled brat gods?" After a couple of weeks, not sure I found the answer but here goes...

I suspect that most fantasy readers when they see a story about "gods" think of things like the Thor comics/movies. This isn't that- at all. "Downfall of the Gods" was like re-visiting my youth as a geek (not the cool kind) who studied Latin and Greek/Roman mythology in high school and college. It reminded me VERY strongly of stories from mythology, but, thankfully, with modern language.

Told from the viewpoint of a petulant, childish goddess, "Downfall of the Gods" it is the story of the journey she inflicts on the human Archias who needs her forgiveness in order to avoid hell. Forgiveness which she was obligated to give but petulantly denied. From the vain, vindictive goddesses of the Judgement of Paris to the trials of Ulysses and Hercules, it is astonishingly like those stories from mythology.

DOTG is also thoughtful and thought provoking. I think what resonated with me most was the discussion of unintended consequences- particularly when you're "all powerful". So if you are looking for something very original- but also very, VERY classic :)- I do recommend this.