The writing was great and it is not really a surprise because Gwynne has that atmospheric prose that makes you dive into the story and enjoy it. I think what makes this book stand up are the characters. The story is told through multiple POVs like the first book and the author makes them all intriguing and intertwined in a way that made me think a bit too much about his writing process. I also wish that I had a big map of the world with statues of he characters that I could move along the map and see how everything come together because that’s simply how much I was submerged in the story. Biorr’s POV was enlightening, it tells the readers what’s happening where he is, I actually feel bad for him, he can’t decide whether he is on the right side, he has to make a decision soon. Admittedly, I wasn’t a huge fan of Elvar for the first half of the book. Where Orka and Varg were introduced in a way that shows who they are as people (and what their motivations are), Elvar was just… there. She is shown to be a very competent fighter and to really care about the opinions of those around her. But it wasn’t until maybe the halfway point that we get a sense of who she is. Until we’re given a glimpse of the context behind her character. This delay in unearthing her more interesting facets frustrated me a little, and I found her earlier chapters to feel quite generic in comparison to those that came after. The first book I have read that managed to make all the main characters grow on me and no one is less lovable or exciting than the other. The book contains three storylines, all told side by side. This has worked well, keeps the tension high and provides enough variety without being long. On the one hand there is Orka, whose family suffers terrible things in the book, and because of this we realise what a strong woman Orka is and who fights for her family and would do anything for them. She is also a woman full of secrets, and we only find out about her past at the end, because it is clear from the beginning that she is more than she seems. I also liked the young Varg. Varg has ventured out of his shell more and more over time. He finds himself in a constant conflict, because on the one hand his own oath weighs on him, which he must fulfil at all costs. On the other hand, as a former slave without friends, he learns more and more about freedom and the sworn community of his mercenary troop, which means more and more to him. Varg is also a brave fighter and has his heart in the right place. The warrior Elvar is ambitious and always in search of fame and glory. She wants to prove herself in many dangerous battles and show the world that she is not the effeminate daughter of a wealthy family. Like Orka, she is a strong woman who will surely develop in the following volumes. In addition, there are a number of other characters who enrich the plot and provide variety. I would love to tell you which character I liked best, but each plot line was extraordinarily interesting and each character showed so much heart and courage that I’m afraid I can’t choose one. This book! Now I can say yes I fully understand why is Gwynne so hyped and now I'm motivated again to read the Faithful and the Fallen. I also have to thank my friends, I probably wouldn't have read this book without them since they decided to buddy read this book and I decided to join them.

If you’ve got a soft spot for Vikings and fantasy, then The Shadow of the Godsis the book you didn’t know you needed but have been waiting for. Shadow isthe first installment in John Gwynne’s Bloodsworn trilogy, and it starts off the the series with a bang. Imagine if all the creatures from Norse mythology — shapeshifting berserkers, trolls, giants and sea serpents— actually existed alongside Viking-style war bands, and you’ve got a relatively good idea of what you’re walking into here. If words like drengrand holmgang mean anything to you, or the very thought of a shield-wall gets you jittery with excitement, then make no mistake: this book is for you. The Hunger of the Gods tempestuous final chapters have successfully prepared readers for the grand conclusion to come. Each of the points of view are very different, and I found myself looking for signs of them coming together throughout but it’s honestly like three different stories almost for about… 90% of it maybe? I absolutely definitely liked Orka’s side of the story most of the three, but each of them were very unique and had their own exciting elements.

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Estas dos frases describen a la perfección esta historia. Ya me encantaría saber la fecha de publicación del tercer libro. The chapters for this book are very short. For me, this made it even harder to connect to the characters. We rarely got to spend much time with one before switching to another. We recieved a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. Thank you to Orbit Books for the review copy! Una evolución constante es lo que encuentra el lector en esta segunda parte, no es para nada un puente hacia el tercero. Es un puta pasada. John Gwynne has improved on everything that made The Shadow of the Gods great! The stakes are higher, the characters are more compelling, and the world is fleshed out more! However, this book does feel like a middle book in some ways. There is a lot of travelling in this book which does slow the pace of the story down a bit. However, the conclusion is incredible and heartbreaking! It is worth reading this book just to experience the last chapters of this book!

As always, John Gwynne is able to write some of the most vivid and thrilling action sequences. The battles are epic, cinematic, intense and riveting! There are few authors that are able to write such great action scenes as Gwynne – and that is high praise coming from a reader who rarely enjoys battle scenes! Consequently, the themes of loyalty, determination, morality, family, courage and leadership are at the forefront in this book! Un propósito como una partida de ajedrez en el sentido de que Gwynne avanza la trama como quiere y a menudo no ves a donde va, o lo ves pero no aciertas. Solo tiene un fallo este libro y es que se termina. The Shadow of the Gods, the first instalment of The Bloodsworn, is released publicly next month, so I can't say too much. One of the many privileges of being John Gwynne's son is getting access to the first draft of his works. Ed and I have like wolves pounced on this second instalment the second it was finished, and we loved it! Hunger of the Gods was my most anticipated book of the year, after absolutely loving Shadow of the Gods last year. I was so psyched to get an ARC of it, and it bounced right to the top of my TBR.

Como un maestro herrero va forjando con cuidado cada detalle, con fuerza cuando se requiere a fuego y agua, nos muestra desde los detalles de la ropa o del entorno, las armas y técnicas de lucha cuerpo a cuerpo, la tensión y lo que se siente en esos momentos. Ares is the POV Character of this chapter and during this chapter he storms past several of the guards of his brother Zues's palace and begins yelling at his brother as he knows that the death of Yen Fang would not have happened had Zeus not forces Ares and the other Noble Titans to abandon Yen Fang to the forces of Chaos. As Orka continues the hunt for her missing son, the Bloodsworn sweep south in a desperate race to save one of their own–and Varg takes the first steps on the path of vengeance. The plot progression was slow, the book felt like a preparation to the final book, almost everything that happened here felt like a prelude to what will happen in the next and final book in the series.

The Shadow of the Gods is the first book in John Gwynne’s most recent series its sequel has come out very recently. It’s a book that tells the tales of Orka, Elvar and Varg, three adults navigating a fantastical mytholgy-filled world based on Norse mythology. It’s a fantastic new entry into John Gwynne’s series. The Shadow of the Gods plot – 4.5/5 Holy moly that was some viking-inspired madness. The vaesen, the trolls, the shields, the louse-ridden beards! What an amazing tale. I love this world like Svik loves cheese. You guys are in for a treat.Unique, captivating and dazzling global history ... Despite its astonishing range and the complexity of its subject, In the Shadow of the Gods is full of enticing human detail ... a sparkling history infused with entertaining reflections. H Kumarasingham, Literary Review Another masterpiece by John Gwynne. Perhaps the best "middle book in a trilogy" released this decade.