A review by rnbhargava
Vinland Saga, Volume 9 by Makoto Yukimura

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The action and intrigue is kicked back into full force in this volume. The remainder of The Hunter and the Hunted is absolutely a thrilling ride. The interludes “A borrowed life” and “Departing Norway” move pieces around and enhance character relationships in entertaining ways. The intrigue continues into “War in the Baltic” where other people and aspects of Thorfinn’s youth as a child soldier come back to haunt him. This series just keeps getting better and better as it progresses. The bond between Thorfinn & Einar is a perfect brotherhood where you can talk about anything, would probably do anything for each other, but you still respect each other when the other says to stay out of it. Thorfinn as the guy who just wants to get out of the Warrior life but they keep on trying to drag him back in is just top tier with every arc. 

Also, I’ve gotta mention the wonderful characterizations of the female characters Gudrid & Hild. They’re complex and have their own motivations and they’re not cornered into being likeable but that makes them all the more entertaining. Hild is an engineering genius whose need for vengeance against Thorfinn is robbing people of technological advancements only someone like her could conceptualize. The manner that her introductory arc wraps up creates all sorts of story potential. Gudrid’s such a good foil to all of the male characters also on the trip. Her and Hild couldn’t be more different.

I’m rambling but honestly I just love this series altogether. Go read it everyone.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings