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heatherpageone's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- 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
4.0
The second installment in John Gwynne’s Bloodsworn Saga, takes a slightly different approach compared to the first book. While the series continues to feature detailed world-building and intense action scenes, this installment leans more heavily on action sequences, with characters often chasing or traveling to different places rather than delivering any mind-blowing events.
One notable change is the addition of two new POV characters. Initially, I found these extra perspectives overwhelming, but I gradually adjusted to the broader narrative. The shorter chapters help maintain the pacing, though some end just as the tension builds, leaving you craving more. I appreciated how certain POVs naturally intersected, creating smooth transitions that enhanced the storytelling.
This time around, Varg emerged as my favorite character. I enjoyed his deepening relationships with the Bloodsworn, such as Svik, Einar, and Rirkia. Although he didn’t get much development in this book, I hope to see more in the next. Orka, on the other hand, seemed somewhat stagnant, though she does begin to open up and learn to trust her companions. As for Elvar, I appreciated her modest development and hope to see more positive growth in the next book.
The new POVs introduced with Guthvarr and Biórr left me with mixed feelings. While I deeply disliked Guthvarr, I must acknowledge Gwynne's success in making me feel so strongly about him. Guthvarr’s narcissistic and vain POV was particularly tedious and frustrating, though there were moments when I felt a hint of pity for him. Biórr, however, seemed like an unnecessary addition. I didn’t see why he needed a POV in this book—perhaps due to his descent—but I couldn’t bring myself to care about his story. Anyone who has read the first book will understand why I feel this way about him.
Despite the book's portrayal of Lik-Rifa as a terrifying figure, I found it difficult to truly feel the intended sense of dread. The narrative repeatedly emphasizes her fearsome reputation, but the sense of terror never fully materialized for me.
The final battle, involving Lik-Rifa and the Darl people, was intense, with big stakes and dramatic moments. However, the resolution left me with more questions than answers, and the outcome didn’t quite live up to my expectations. The cliffhanger ending only added to my frustration, as I’m now eager to see how the story continues in the next book.
One notable change is the addition of two new POV characters. Initially, I found these extra perspectives overwhelming, but I gradually adjusted to the broader narrative. The shorter chapters help maintain the pacing, though some end just as the tension builds, leaving you craving more. I appreciated how certain POVs naturally intersected, creating smooth transitions that enhanced the storytelling.
This time around, Varg emerged as my favorite character. I enjoyed his deepening relationships with the Bloodsworn, such as Svik, Einar, and Rirkia. Although he didn’t get much development in this book, I hope to see more in the next. Orka, on the other hand, seemed somewhat stagnant, though she does begin to open up and learn to trust her companions. As for Elvar, I appreciated her modest development and hope to see more positive growth in the next book.
The new POVs introduced with Guthvarr and Biórr left me with mixed feelings. While I deeply disliked Guthvarr, I must acknowledge Gwynne's success in making me feel so strongly about him. Guthvarr’s narcissistic and vain POV was particularly tedious and frustrating, though there were moments when I felt a hint of pity for him. Biórr, however, seemed like an unnecessary addition. I didn’t see why he needed a POV in this book—perhaps due to his descent—but I couldn’t bring myself to care about his story. Anyone who has read the first book will understand why I feel this way about him.
Despite the book's portrayal of Lik-Rifa as a terrifying figure, I found it difficult to truly feel the intended sense of dread. The narrative repeatedly emphasizes her fearsome reputation, but the sense of terror never fully materialized for me.
The final battle, involving Lik-Rifa and the Darl people, was intense, with big stakes and dramatic moments. However, the resolution left me with more questions than answers, and the outcome didn’t quite live up to my expectations. The cliffhanger ending only added to my frustration, as I’m now eager to see how the story continues in the next book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Violence, Murder, and War
chrysalissa's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Physical abuse and Slavery
Minor: Sexual assault
wolfism's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Wow, look at that. If the third book doesn’t mess it all up, I’ll have a favorite trilogy. I’m not saying it’s peak literature, it just specifically appeals to me. Very much so. Lots of tropes I love. Like, I’m not sure it would make sense to recommend this to my friends.
I love being on this adventure, it has a perfect mix of light-heartedness and darkness without being hopeless. I find the characters intriguing if not all likable, and I find them nuanced. None of the POV characters were a chore to follow. Even if I don't like them all, it wasn't boring and definitely worthwhile. I guess it always helps when the chapters are on the shorter side. There were teeny tiny bits that I could have done without, but in the grand scheme of things, they are inconsequential and merely nit-picky (like I still don't care for the term "thought-cage" lol). Clearly, none of it ruined my overall experience. I'm very much looking forward to The Fury of the Gods.
I love being on this adventure, it has a perfect mix of light-heartedness and darkness without being hopeless. I find the characters intriguing if not all likable, and I find them nuanced. None of the POV characters were a chore to follow. Even if I don't like them all, it wasn't boring and definitely worthwhile. I guess it always helps when the chapters are on the shorter side. There were teeny tiny bits that I could have done without, but in the grand scheme of things, they are inconsequential and merely nit-picky (like I still don't care for the term "thought-cage" lol). Clearly, none of it ruined my overall experience. I'm very much looking forward to The Fury of the Gods.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Trafficking, Kidnapping, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual content and Grief
worm_on_the_books's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Solid book. The beginning felt like Gwynne wasn’t quite sure where he wanted to go with it, but got better as the story unfolded.
The writing, however was definitely more developed from the second book, and I enjoyed and found it a little easier to read.
Overall pretty good.
The writing, however was definitely more developed from the second book, and I enjoyed and found it a little easier to read.
Overall pretty good.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore and Violence
Moderate: Death, Slavery, and Blood
zeroschatz's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
sinaprst's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- 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
If I do not find Orka alive and well in the third book I will riot! That is a promise!
recommended reading ambience: https://youtu.be/yTgNmVOIifI?si=8LOiTm2aVuT_d8TR
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Torture, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Slavery
Minor: Rape and Sexual content
orvillefartenbacher's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
HOW am I supposed to wait until OCTOBER
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Slavery, Violence, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, War, and Injury/Injury detail
i_write_on_occasion's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I enjoyed this much more than the first one. Although it still somewhat struggles with the issue of there being many characters with little differentiation, it's not as bad as it was in the first one
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, and Violence
Moderate: Sexual content, Slavery, and Torture
Minor: Domestic abuse and Sexual assault
tjhusband's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, and Slavery
plume_de_renarde's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Slavery, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Animal death, Body horror, Trafficking, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Domestic abuse and Sexual assault