Book Review: John Gwynne’s Fantasy Epic, The Bloodsworn Trilogy
When I tell you this is one of the best adult fantasy series I’ve read in a long time, and you need to pick it up immediately…
Quick things to know about this series:
It’s Viking and Norse-inspired with a lot of mythology.
There is quite a bit of Icelandic included.
There are two magic systems, but the world building is so well done, so it’s easy to understand.
It’s a tale of vengeance, but ultimately about the things we do for love, power, or self preservation.
The characters are all flawed.
Book One: The Shadow of the Gods
This series is a well rounded mix of a character and plot driven story. The characters are complex, imperfect, and I love them. In book one, you get three POVs. Orka, a fierce warrior who’s left that life behind to raise her family. Varg, an escaped thrall trying to avenge his sister’s death. And Elvar, a young member of the Battle Grim who’s constantly seeking battle fame in an effort to prove herself to her father. Here are some of my thoughts:
4.5 Stars of AMAZINGNESS! I have felt like I've been on a drought from excellent epic high fantasy lately. Everything is Romance these days (which, don't get me wrong, I also enjoy on occasion), but this world John Gwynne has created! It. Is. Everything. I need everyone to read this book, STAT!
I loved the multiple POVs, and got so attached to the characters. While Orka and Varg were my faves, I did find myself invested in Elvar's story, but she's so concerned with winning battle fame, I really hope she doesn't go down a bad path...we'll see... Don't even get me started on Vesli and Spert—honestly, how am I so in love with two little creatures who have had so little page time?!
This book is perfect for those who don't mind a lot of battles and gore, love Viking-inspired stories, and strong female characters.
On the pacing: Yes, it is slow at first, but it's on purpose and I honestly didn't mind it. I actually believe it's paced really well, and the choices Gwynne made with where to break up the different POVs definitely kept me reading because I HAD to find out what happened next. #ProTip: making use of the map really helped me keep track of where the different warbands were at different points in the story...
My only gripe: the word "thought-cage" is WAY overused. I looked it up...70 times. It was unique the first couple times, but after a while, it got a little repetitive.
It's forgivable because of the excellent storytelling, worldbuilding, and character development. Honestly, one of my most enjoyable reads in a while. I'm recommending this series to everyone who loves epic fantasy! I don't say this often, but THIS is a man who writes women well.
Book Two: The Hunger of the Gods
4.75 stars! I rarely say this, but WOW, this book is even better than the first! Picking right up where we left off, we get two new POVs added to the story on the “villain” side, so it’s even more exciting as a reader to get to see what’s happening all over the land of Vigrið, and not just where our protagonists are. Plus, because of the characters’ complexity, I’m a bit torn on some of them. We also get a peek into the other continent in the South, which I’m very curious to see expanded upon in book three. It reminded me a lot of the Southern Continent in Tower of Dawn by Sarah J Maas with a Khagan and his children scheming over who will take the throne. But I’m getting ahead of myself. So here are some more thoughts on why you need to read this book immediately:
Gwynne is a saint for including a full recap at the beginning of the book in case it’s been a while since you’ve read book one. Honestly, I wish all series would include this!
Trying to keep this spoiler free is difficult, but I’ll do my best. This sequel sports even more action, vengeance, and more creatures that will possibly give you nightmares. Why does every epic fantasy have to have giant spiders? But Gwynne’s take on magical creatures is wholly different and feels fresh.
We finally see some paths cross, which I was looking forward to seeing, and a few reveals I was definitely not expecting. It’s so rare for an author to have the ability to create such in depth characters, while also weaving a masterful plot and complex world. I am so invested. The last third of the book was a non-stop roller coaster. I could not put it down. The final few pages had me screaming. Gwynne has been firmly placed on my list of autobuy authors.
My very minor gripe is the same: there’s still heavy use of the word, “thought-cage”, but I’ve grown used to it.
Other than that, this is a close-to-perfect sequel. I am heartbroken we have to wait at least a year for book three to come out, because I cannot wait to go back to Vigrið. Prepare for the ending to utterly break you.
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