The Hunger of the Gods: A Journey Worth Taking
As someone who eagerly awaits the next installment of a beloved series, I found myself counting down the days to The Hunger of the Gods, the second book in John Gwynne’s Bloodsworn Saga. Gwynne is an author whose mastery of epic storytelling has firmly established him as one of my favorites. With The Shadow of the Gods having set a high bar in 2021, I was more than ready to dive into this richly woven tapestry of Norse-inspired fantasy.
From the moment I opened the ARC provided by Orbit, I was captivated not just by the story but also by the breathtaking cover art by Marcus Whinney. It’s truly a feast for the eyes, eliciting a sense of epic adventure that lies within its pages. But what’s even more thoughtful is the comprehensive recap and character guide that welcomes returning readers, making it easy to pick up where we left off—even if it has been a while since my last visit to Gwynne’s world.
Gwynne launches us directly into the aftermath of the first book, reuniting us with Orka, Varg, and Elvar as they navigate their respective paths in this perilous world. I was particularly struck by how the perspectives of these characters began to intertwine, enhancing the narrative with layers of shared experiences and overarching themes. The concepts of found family, courage, and leadership resonate profoundly throughout the book, serving as both personal motivators for the characters and overarching themes for the reader to ponder.
Orka remains a standout for me; her fierce dedication and emotional depth were displayed beautifully. Her battle scenes felt visceral and raw, particularly in the book’s climactic moments that left me breathless. I couldn’t help but admire the juxtaposition of her wisdom and unyielding will—qualities that make her one of my favorite characters in fantasy literature. As I read her poignant lines, such as “Do not be sorry, be better,” I found myself not just rooting for her but feeling inspired by her strength.
Meanwhile, Varg’s quieter moments of introspection balance the narrative’s intensity. The friendships he nurtures and the calm before the storm in his chapters provided a welcome contrast to the action—though when it came, it was fierce. Elvar’s evolution was another revelation for me; her journey from uncertainty to resolute leadership was satisfying to witness, especially as she navigates the harrowing realities of her world, encapsulated in her thought-provoking line, “Life is a knife’s edge, and all can change with the thrust of a blade.”
Gwynne introduces two new point-of-view characters who enrich the storyline, particularly Gudvarr, whose inner dialogue is both humorous and deeply flawed. His characterization reminds me of the complex nuances found in Joe Abercrombie’s works—a creative risk that pays off in unexpected ways.
However, I need to address a concern that affected my overall enjoyment. Despite the riveting character arcs and absorbing worldbuilding, I found the pacing occasionally faltered due to the “middle book syndrome.” Much of the narrative involves travel—traveling to new locations, engaging in brief encounters, then journeying onward. While the map in the front of the book was a helpful tool, the repetitiveness of this structure did sometimes hinder the momentum of the story.
That said, The Hunger of the Gods is a brilliant continuation of a series that has already won my heart. I can’t help but recommend it to those who revel in intricate world-building, multi-faceted characters, and epic battle scenes—a genre staple that Gwynne has crafted beautifully. While my heart aches to give it a perfect score due to pacing issues, my anticipation for the concluding book is unabated. If you loved The Shadow of the Gods, then The Hunger of the Gods is undoubtedly a journey worth taking.
As I close the book, I find myself daydreaming about the conclusion to come. I’m already predicting the title of the series’ final installment—perhaps The Battle of the Gods? Until then, I’ll be indulging in my own imaginative adventures, ever grateful for the worlds Gwynne creates.
Discover more about The Hunger of the Gods (The Bloodsworn Saga, #2) on GoodReads >>