Hmmm. The idea that various ancient gods/muses/mythological beings live among us was, when it first arose, a fascinating one. Now it's just one more plot line to pull off the shelf, and Nierstedt is to be congratulated for managing to do something new with it.

There are flashes of past journeys down these roads embedded in his story, and the characters could have been stronger. In fact, considering who they're supposed to be, they SHOULD have been stronger. But nevertheless, it's an enjoyable read, and it just goes to show. You never really know who your neighbours are, do you?

All fantasy requires a willing suspension of disbelief but I found that this novel was a step too far. I could not believe in the characters nor, worse, did I care what happened to them. Maybe the author should build a new world of his own rather than try to write a new American Gods. But thanks to the publishers for allowing me to read this book.

I was really excited for the mythology and the gods among men trope, but the execution was not at all to my liking and I found the plot logic to be full of holes.

actual rating: 3.5

I wasn't sure exactly what to expect going into this but ended up being pleasantly surprised. I think there will be obvious comparisons to American Gods - especially with the author making the bizarre choice to include quotes from both Gaiman and Pratchett at the beginning of each section of the book - but really only the base premise is the same and this book goes in a different direction fairly quickly. Definitely could use a bit of polishing but overall I liked the characters and the plot and though that it was very easy and enjoyable to read.

In the afterword, the author states he wanted a blend of American Gods and The Avengers. I think he achieved this and more. The beginning was a bit slow, setting up the characters, and so it took a little bit for me to get into it. However, once it reached the climax, wow! It is important to remember that this is a work of fiction. I feel that the author did a great job of depicting "what if" without stepping over any religious lines.
There is one section that I feel is important to keep in mind today. The gods are in battle with demons from hell. The gods are sure that they are more powerful and so will win easily. One of the demons taunts "...we are powered by the belief of Armageddon itself. All around us, the mortals fear the end, and so we grow in strength. We shall lay waste to this world, and raze the gates of heaven itself. Mankind's skulls shall be our stairway, and your bones will be left on the barren earth, to be buried and forgotten, along with all the failed protectors of the accursed humanity." It raises the question, as we look around at current events, where is your faith? Who are you giving power to?
The epilogue suggests that there may be a sequel and I am definitely anticipating it's release.

Yes!!! This book was absolutely amazing! It is the first of a series, fingers crossed. Five gods of old walk amongst us. They represent the oldest and strongest pantheons around. There is Balder, Athena, Anubis, Coyote and Kali Ma. They struck a bargain with Yahweh that needs to be reworked because the end of days has arrived. There are twists and turns, miracles , life lessons, Jesus, Yahweh and angels. This book is a mythology fan and Christian's dream. I wait patiently for part 2.

I enjoyed this book from the very beginning. Eric Nierstedt did a great job of weaving a masterful story with a ton of great mythology mixed with heroes and modern action. The Silent Pantheon grabs the reader from the very beginning. I would continue to read this series eagerly and look forward to any second books.

Mr. Nierstedt’s fundamental landscape of gods, rather than religions, battling over believers the way the nation-states have contested for territory over the centuries, it both shocking and fascinating. This is especially so since the great monotheistic god from the Middle East turn out to be just the latest and most powerful conqueror. From that point, Silent Pantheon runs along predictable, but satisfying, track. The few old gods remaining on Earth, Balder, Kali, Athena, and Coyote band together to fight the destruction humankind. The brave paladins are ultimately reconciled with Yaweh, who currently controls the turf.
Some readers will be offended by the what could be considered disrespect for the dominant religions but, overall, it is a light adventure story with a slightly different set of characters.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Mr, Nierstedt took the phrase "God is a jealous God" and turned it on its ear. The title doesn't offer as much to the story as that beautiful cover does. Five Gods walk the earth amongst the people as humans always helping where they can with none of the recognition that they deserve and with ever revealing their truths. This book really has it all. There is a lot of mythology and an epic battle with just a smidge of romance thrown in the pot. I will be waiting to get my grubby little paws on the second book and hope that it features more of my favorite character, Joshua! Thank you to NetGalley for this wonderful ARC,

Great book about the old gods who live in our world and still help the people with their magic. I liked to read it.

The author describes their work as a cross between the Avengers and Neil Gaiman‘s American Gods. And I agree with them. You get that feeling as you read this book. So, the premise itself is great.

Here’s my problem, though: I didn’t care about the characters or what happened to them. The only time I felt something close to worry niggling at me, it was when a minor character, Jane, entered a building that came down.

Another problem: Even if I discount the typos, which I’m told won’t be present in the final version, the execution of the said premise left me underwhelmed. Each of the characters had a very similar backstory. In fact, even the events that happened to them were similar. If we’re comparing it with Avengers, the backstories of Natasha and Tony Stark don’t match.

What I loved was the evidence of research done by the author when making the Hindu goddess, Kali, a part of the book. Not belonging to the faith, I’ve only seen the negative side of the deity being portrayed in dramas and movies. But the author helped me see a new protective side of her.

We create gods in our own image and that means they aren’t going to be without problems. That is one of the lessons that a reader takes away from this book. I liked that part too.

I requested this book from Netgalley and I’m glad I did!

A fun read and an excellent story from a new to me author.
The book is well written and the plot well crafted. I liked the character development and the world building.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this arc, all opinions are mine.