Book Review: Bids the God’s Arise BY Robert Mullin
I recently picked up Bids the God’s Arise and found myself unexpectedly drawn into the story of Dania, one of its most compelling characters. Although I hadn’t read this book before, the blurb and premise intrigued me enough to give it a chance—and by the end, I was glad I did. Dania’s backstory, in particular, stood out as one of the most memorable parts of the book and left me wanting to know more about her world and what lies ahead for her.
Dania begins her journey as a skilful cutpurse surviving on her wits and nerve. She’s clever, quick-handed, and bold enough to take risks others wouldn’t dare. Yet, her luck eventually runs out when she’s captured by slavers. This could have been the end of her story, but Dania is far too strong-willed and defiant to make a compliant servant. Her refusal to bow to anyone earns her a different, far more brutal fate—life as a gladiatorial fighter. This transition from thief to warrior is written with real intensity, and I found myself gripped by her resilience and determination to survive despite the odds stacked against her.
The pacing throughout Dania’s story is brisk, and the writing style suits the action perfectly. The author doesn’t waste words, yet the world still feels rich and layered. Every scene has purpose, every encounter tells us something new about the characters or the society they inhabit. The array of characters surrounding Dania also impressed me; some are easy to love, others easy to hate, but all are memorable in their own right. The relationships between them—whether of loyalty, rivalry, or sheer necessity—give the story emotional weight. You can’t help but root for Dania, even when the world seems determined to break her.
I read this book far faster than my usual pace, largely because I was eager to see how Dania’s challenges would unfold. Each new trial pushed her to evolve, testing not only her physical strength but her spirit and sense of identity. It’s rare to find a character who feels both tough and vulnerable in equal measure, and Dania struck that balance beautifully.
If I had one complaint, it would be about the ending. It felt a little rushed, almost as if the author was hurrying to reach the next instalment rather than letting the story breathe. I’ve never been fond of conclusions that lean too heavily on a “buy my next book” hook, and this one came close to that. There’s also the mysterious element of “the song,” which I felt could have been explored further within this story. Hopefully, that thread will be developed in the main series.
That said, I still closed the book feeling satisfied overall. The world, the characters, and the energy of the writing were strong enough to make me want to continue. There are currently two books in the Well of the Worlds series, and after this introduction, I’m certainly tempted to read more. It’s a story full of grit, courage, and heart—driven by a character you can’t help but admire. This author is definitely one to watch.
