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A review by heatherpageone
The Hunger of the Gods by John Gwynne
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