This book is even better than the first book. I cried, got mad, laughed throughout my journey reading this book. What I really appreciate about this book is that there are three sections before the first chapter. Those three sections are characters list, difficult words within the universe (about the magic system and hierarchy system), and a summary of what happened in the first book. I actually still remember some events that happened in the first book so I don’t re-read it this year but I read the summary that was given within the ARC. Those sections definitely help me understand and remember more details about what happened in the first book.

This is the second book within the Bloodsworn Saga so at least the readers know what to expect in this book. This book is easier to read because we have already known the characters, their gangs, the hierarchy in this universe, the magic system, the legends, and the places within the universe. I don’t have to guess a lot as what I did in the first book. This book consists of 78 chapters with 5 characters’ POVs. They’re Orka, Varg, Elvar, Biorr, and Guðvarr. 3 protagonists and 2 antagonists. If I have to rank from my favorite to my least favorite POV, then it would be Orka-Varg-Elvar=Biorr, Guðvarr.

As I said, the readers have information about characters and nearly everything within this universe so the pacing is not that slow like in the first book. The pacing is perfect (not too fast and not too slow). This book is focusing on political intrigue and revenge. I also want to say that the cover of this book is HIGHLY not spoiler-free. You can definitely guess what will happen after Lik-Rifa’s resurrection.

Outstanding 2nd book in the Bloodsworn series!! Gwynne does it again with a magnificent cast of characters who you love and loath. I am a huge sucker for anything Norse or Mythological and this has a plethora of both. In usual Gwynne style, he ripped my heart out again with another book. I get so attached to the characters in all of his books its impossible not to get emotional. Easily one of my favorite series and favorite fantasy authors. Cannot wait for more!

5/5 stars. This was an incredible sequel, John Gwynne continues to put together incredible characters and a fast-paced engaging plot.

My full review will be published on FanFiAddict on March 15th, and I'll follow up with the link then.

John G. does what he does best, longing in a corner begging for another book as soon as possible! Book 2 doesn’t slump at all, it builds on the story and leaves you waiting for book 3.

Perfect sequel!! Fantastic story by a fantastic author!!! I would give it ten stars if I could! A must read!!!

The Hunger of the Gods is a spectacular and exciting follow up to John Gwynne's brilliant Shadow of the Gods from last year.

It took a whole book, but our POV characters are together and its glorious, With Orka joining the crew, you get a real sense of family and connection between the group, and having these characters blend their priorities was surprisingly satisfying after such a long build up.

The pacing of the book, much like the last was breakneck speed. There is always something happening, be it a meaningful character interaction or an epic battle. Theres no shortage of massive, terrifying viking inspired monsters here ready to go.

The battle sequences are insane. Incredible. Next level. Folks coming for that will be satisfied and more

If I had any issues it was that i could have done with more character interaction/connection.

This is my most anticipated book of the year and it didn't disappoint! I took my time reading, savoring every minute wandering the Battle-Plain, lost in this "world of tooth and claw." John Gwynne is a masterful storyteller, and the Bloodsworn Saga has been nothing short of pure excellence. Book 3 can't come soon enough!

John Gwynne's books are always difficult for me to review because so much happens, the characters are really complex (in a good way) and there's often a rich and detailed history to his tales that are hard to encapsulate in a short review. So I will do my best, although I feel like no matter what I come up with it won't come anywhere near doing this book or series justice.

The second in Gwynne's Bloodsworn Saga picks up immediately following the events that concluded the first book. Orka is still desperately traversing the continent looking for those who tore apart her family, while hoping that it still isn't too late to save her son. Her rugged determination throughout this entire series is really what carries this story for me. I haven't come across a main character who I've immediately connected with quite like I have with Orka. To say she's a true badass would be an understatement. She has more than earned her moniker of Orka Skullsplitter, which is one of the cooler names in fantasy I have to admit.

The POVs in this book are slightly expanded. In book one the focus was pretty much on three main characters, however we get a little bit of a wider scope in THE HUNGER OF THE GODS and this makes sense given that the story is expanding considerably as well. That being said, I didn't mind the fact that we experience some other characters' journeys and it wasn't confusing as their stories intersect with the main characters much of the time. So Gwynne has definitely given us a broader view of the players in book two and the results are spectacular.

One thing in particular that I really loved about this book is that Gwynne peels back the curtain a bit further on the mythical aspect of this Norse-inspired fantasy epic. The gods begin to emerge more and it really takes this already engaging plot to another level entirely. No longer are we dealing with disputes and battles among humans, now ancient (and in some cases downright evil) gods are attempting to influence matters. Consequently, the magic that was only somewhat present in The Shadow of the Gods is considerably ramped up in this entry.

I didn't think it was possible for me to be wowed by a John Gwynne book more than I already have leading up to this point. But he continues to amaze me with his ability to introduce unique compelling storylines, magnificent otherworldly creatures, interesting characters who you care about so deeply, and that trademark Gwynne writing that is always tight, witty, and filled with memorable quotes that you can't help but highlight and refer back to later.

There's also an interesting dichotomy when dealing with a book like this. I wanted to savor every page and slow down to enjoy it more, but at the same time I couldn't help devouring it in huge marathon sessions because the story is just that great. So I finished fairly quickly for an almost 700-page doorstopper and now I am quite sad that I will have yet another long wait for the next one. But that's also the joy of reading amazing books, that anticipation for something that is potentially even greater down the road. And I can say without hesitation that this series fits the bill.

If you are looking for one of the best Norse-inspired epic fantasy stories, then you really must pick up this series. John Gwynne has certainly done his homework and created one of the greatest escape reads I've ever come across. Resurrected gods, warring clans, perilous quests, mesmerizing magic, a landscape that transports you to an amazing new place, and a sense of wonder that attracts us all to fantasy books in the first place. As far as I'm concerned Gwynne has only further cemented his place among the very best writers in the genre. Just run and get your copy the moment it hits the shelves, you will not be disappointed.

*Thank you so much to the publisher and to NetGalley for this arc*


WOW! Just WOW! I've been DYING to read book two. And this holds up to all the hype. Gwynne does such an amazing job giving these characters such a distinct feel and personality. All the POVs don't hold the plot back but really enrich it. The pacing is fast and the battle scenes are amazing and so descriptive without losing its urgency. Its a brilliant book and Gwynne is a master storyteller. Absolutely LOVE this series.

*review will be posted two weeks before it goes on sale*

The second book in the bloody brilliant saga by John Gwynne! The story is filled with magic, vengeance, and lore. The story picks up where the first book left off and now the Dragon-God Lik-Rifa is freed from her prison and is set about plotting for a new age of conquest. Our three main characters from the first book are now: Orka is still looking for her son and Varg is on the path towards revenge and Elvar has sworn her blood oath and must persuade the Battle-Grim to help her in her quest against the dragon god. Though the first book only had the three POVS this one has a few additional POV characters to add to the mix. This one has amped up the blood and action and definitely continues with the epic story that Gwynne has created! Definitely check it out if you love Norse-inspired stories.

*Thanks Netgalley and Orbit Books, Orbit for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Thanks to the publisher and author for an advance reading copy of The Hunger of the Gods (The Bloodsworn Trilogy #2) for review consideration. This did not influence my thoughts or opinions.

The Hunger of the Gods is sheer perfection. From start to finish, I was utterly captivated. It is a merciless, heart-wrenching Norse-inspired epic that never lets you catch a breath. Much like Shadow in 2021, Hunger will be my Top Read of 2022. I can’t imagine a better novel exists.

What words are there that can accurately describe how much I enjoyed this novel?

I read it from cover to cover over the course of 2+ days. Every single second I wasn’t engaged with either family, sustenance, or sleep, I was reading.

It is a book I have been EAGERLY anticipating for for over a year. I want to be honest with you: it is RARE that I get this excited about a book. I think the only book that even remotely compares would be Lightbringer (Red Rising #6) by Pierce Brown.

So, much like Shadow, Hunger is a multi-POV Norse-inspired epic fantasy novel. Unlike Shadow, it features additional POVs to those we already know. Varg, Elvar, and Orka are back and are now joined by Biorr and Gudvarr. While this many POVs might sound daunting at first, Gwynne gives every single one a unique voice with which to tell the story and fortunately/unfortunately, you really begin to become emotionally attached to each one – even though you probably already were with three (3) of them from the previous installment.

What really makes this book so epic is the cliffhanger ending from Book 1 leading into what becomes an even broader expansion of the world-building, lore, creatures and plotting. You thought Lik-Rifa’s emergence in Shadow was going to be the biggest thing to happen in this series? Yeah, think again.

When I say Gwynne doesn’t let you catch your breath, there literally is not a single chapter out of the seventy-plus that slows down the pacing. Each chapter brings a unique piece of character growth, battle, lesson-learned, etc. that leads to an explosive ending that still feels like it will pale in comparison to the finale of the series.

I can promise you this: if you ask me for a recommendation to read over the course of the next 12 months, The Hunger of the Gods is going to be that book. If you haven’t read The Shadow of the Gods, buy it and pre-order Hunger. Understand me when I say you DO NOT want to miss out on this series.