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breezie_reads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
All three characters were following their own paths and this book contains 3 completely different and separate plot lines. They don't marge until the very end, and even then it's only Varg and Orka. ELvar's point of view just kind of sets up the plot for the second book at the end.
This kept me entertained for the most part, but I wasn't as involved as I had expected to be considering how popular this book is, so it took me a lot longer than anticipated to finish, and even then it was with help from the audiobook. I don't really have much to say besides being on the verge of boredom for 2 out of 3 of the points of view.
Hopefully I enjoy the second book better now that things have finally picked up.
Graphic: Death, Gore, and Murder
iamahmedkhalifa's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Graphic: Gore and Violence
Moderate: Death, Blood, and Murder
Minor: War
saltycoffee's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Gore, Slavery, Torture, Xenophobia, Blood, Trafficking, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, War, and Classism
givethatbooknerd's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Graphic: Death, Gore, and Blood
andy_sfc_reads's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Graphic: Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Slavery, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and War
dogearedbooks's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This novel was amazing and captivated me from the first sentence. Orka and Varg were the stars. Vengeance driving them forward. Blood on their hands and death in their heart. Elvar was the weakest point in the story, and I actually prefer some of the side characters in her sections then to her. All POV's are important binding together like a woven tapestry, leading to a brutal ending for a first novel.
Death sits on the shoulders of all characters in this novel, her wings casting wide shadows. It is heartbreaking, violent, and one of my favourite novels of 2022.
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Gore, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
sennaje's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Death, Gore, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Kidnapping, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol
rdallalio's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Moderate: Death, Gore, and Blood
josiah17's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Just as good on a reread, if not better. The worldbuilding is amazingly mystical. This series is just purely awesome and enchanting. I appreciated these characters even more now, especially the beginning of Elvar's arc. I can't wait for The Fury of the Gods next month!!!
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Original review:
Fantastic book. This is my first introduction to John Gwynne and Norse-inspired fantasy, and boy he didn't disappoint. This was gritty, burtal, mysterious, and extremely captivating. Gwynne writes character interactions and action sequences impeccably. I became quickly invested in 2/3 of the main POV's, especially Varg, who is my favorite character.
The Norse-inspired world was incredibly interesting. I'm looking forward to Hunger of The Gods, and hopefully reading the rest of Gwynne's works next year.
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, and Blood
Minor: Sexual content
booksandteatime's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Gore, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Excrement, Vomit, Murder, and War