Reviews

I enjoyed the first one somewhat, but this one absolutely was better.
I started to really feel invested in all of the characters (Apart from Guthvarr, Gwynne really knows how to write a hateable character). Elvar was probably my favourite in this book; Orka was really fun to follow, especially since mother POVs in fantasy are very rare and this one is done really well, but Elvar was just great. I loved her journey and growth.
The action scenes were still really well done! Simultaneously horribly brutal yet captivating. I also really liked seeing the new gods from Iskidan.

Spoiler

I also found the fact that Orna was resurrected only to immediately die pretty funny

vinnydee's review against another edition

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adventurous dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

jordanmayne's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5 stars!
In a shock reversal from the first book, now it's Orka's story that I was most invested in!
Really enjoyed the 2 'bad guy' POV's in the book, it was refreshing to read.
Sad that Orna's revival was so short but what a great twist from Guðvarr at the end! I still think he has Rotta in his veins. Loved Elvar's rise to chief and Glornir's hunt for Vol, that had a really satisfying conclusion. Hoping we learn more about Jaromir and Iskidan in the final book. Honestly though you could write 100 books about this universe. Here's hoping!
And Varg, my boy! Still my favourite character but only just edging ahead of Orka now!
All really well set up for the final book in the trilogy!
Also if Orka is actually dead I will BURN UTICA TO THE GROUND.
Some editing mistakes, sadly; incorrect punctuation and the like, so losing half a star for that.

book_darner's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

zayele's review against another edition

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3.0

I have fairly mixed thoughts; on one hand, this book is an easy, engaging read despite its length - for that reason alone, I do plan on checking out book 3.

It’s also flawed, however. For example, there’s little reason for me as a reader to be sympathetic towards the Battle-Grim (a group of slavers) and almost no reason to feel anything towards the death of Agnar in book 1. And despite this, his death is continuously brought up as something that causes an otherwise decent person remorse - and that’s only one of the problematic elements.

3 stars as a result.

eman1223's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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