A review by books_over_everything
Bloodsworn by Scott Reintgen

4.0

Initial Thoughts

I was super excited to be chosen for this tour. I chose Ashlords as my Book of the Month pick last year but hadn’t read it yet. This was the perfect chance!

Some Things I Liked

Multiple POVs. I loved that we got to hear from three distinctly different narrators who represent the different groups in this setting. The political plot is complex and I loved being able to hear from a Longhand, Dividian, and Ashlord narrator.
Rich world building. I loved the race setting in the first book but I loved the warfare and richness in the world building in this sequel. We got to see so much more of the world and how the different people and the gods fit into it all.
Futuristic yet historic vibes. That’s a super weird way to say it. Let me re-phrase. I loved that this world felt almost post-apocalyptic, almost Hunger Games-esque, but at the same time, it also felt like Ancient Greece or an ancient world. I loved the contrast between those elements.

One Thing I Wasn’t Crazy About

Second Person POV. I was not a fan. It always reads oddly to me. I especially didn’t like that the other two POVs are first person. I’m also not a fan of mixing the POVs. Either all first person or all third person.

Series Value

I think a duology was the perfect length for this series. However, I think the world building is really interesting. I also really loved the race concept from the first book so I’d be interested in a prequels about past races.

Furthermore, I’m even more interested in reading Scott Reintgen’s Nyxia series now.

Final Thoughts

I really enjoyed this book and this series overall. I think the second person POV annoyed me but overall, I thought the world building and characters were really interesting.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Recommendations for Further Reading

Fireborne by Rosaria Munda – if you enjoyed the complex political plot as well as the ancient yet futuristic world, try this duology. Book two is coming out next month.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins – if you liked the idea of a competition turned more, try this older series.