A Tale of Gods, Dragons, and the Price of Power
In a world where dead gods sleep beneath ancient stones and their descendants walk among mortals, John Gwynne weaves a masterful tale that blends Norse mythology with gritty fantasy. The Hunger of the Gods, the second installment in the Bloodsworn Saga, proves that Gwynne’s storytelling prowess continues to evolve, delivering a narrative that is both brutal and beautiful.
The Story Unfolds
Following the events of The Shadow of the Gods, this sequel wastes no time plunging readers back into the harsh world of Vigrið. The story follows three main perspectives: Orka, a mother desperately searching for her kidnapped son; Varg, a former thrall seeking vengeance for his murdered sister; and Elvar, a warrior caught between ambition and duty. Their paths interweave as an ancient threat awakens—Lik-Rifa, the dragon god, has broken free from her prison and now threatens to reshape the world in her image.
Strengths That Shine
World-Building
Gwynne’s interpretation of Norse mythology shines brightest in this installment. The world of Vigrið feels lived-in and authentic, with customs, beliefs, and social structures that echo Viking culture while maintaining their own unique identity. The author’s experience as a Viking reenactor adds layers of authenticity to the setting.
Character Development
The character work is exceptional, particularly in how Gwynne handles their internal struggles:
- Orka’s determination to find her son while wrestling with her violent nature
- Varg’s journey from fearful thrall to confident warrior
- Elvar’s evolution as she steps into a leadership role
Action Sequences
The battle scenes are masterfully choreographed, visceral, and consequential. Each clash of weapons feels weighty and real, avoiding the pitfall of becoming repetitive or gratuitous.
Areas for Improvement
Pacing Challenges
The middle section of the book occasionally suffers from pacing issues. While the multiple storylines are engaging, some readers might find the frequent perspective shifts disruptive to the narrative flow.
Character Bloat
The expanding cast of characters, while rich and well-developed, can become overwhelming. Some secondary characters could have been consolidated to maintain a tighter focus on the main narrative threads.
Worldbuilding Density
While the Norse-inspired setting is fascinating, the abundance of terminology and proper nouns might prove challenging for readers new to the series or unfamiliar with Norse mythology.
The Writing Style
Gwynne’s prose strikes a delicate balance between poetic description and brutal efficiency. His writing carries a distinctive rhythm that echoes the sagas of old while remaining accessible to modern readers. Dialogue feels authentic to the setting, peppered with period-appropriate expressions that add flavor without becoming difficult to follow.
Series Context
The Hunger of the Gods builds effectively on the foundation laid in The Shadow of the Gods, expanding the scope while maintaining the intimate character focus that made the first book compelling. This middle entry sets up fascinating possibilities for the conclusion in The Fury of the Gods, though it manages to tell a complete and satisfying story in its own right.
Comparative Analysis
When compared to Gwynne’s previous works (The Faithful and the Fallen series, Of Blood and Bone), the Bloodsworn Saga represents a maturation of his craft. Fans of Joe Abercrombie’s First Law series or Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Stories will find much to appreciate here, though Gwynne’s voice remains distinctly his own.
Themes and Depth
The novel explores several compelling themes:
- The cyclical nature of violence and revenge
- The cost of power and ambition
- The bonds of chosen family versus blood
- The weight of legacy and destiny
Technical Elements
Length and Structure
At over 600 pages, the book is substantial but well-paced. The chapter structure alternates between viewpoint characters effectively, though some transitions are smoother than others.
World-building Elements
- Detailed magic system based on blood and runes
- Complex political landscape
- Rich mythology and history
- Authentic cultural details
Final Verdict
While it occasionally stumbles under the weight of its ambitions, the strengths far outweigh the weaknesses. Gwynne has crafted a worthy middle chapter that expands upon its predecessor while setting up an explosive conclusion.
Recommendations
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Norse mythology and Viking culture
- Character-driven fantasy
- Complex political intrigue
- Gritty, realistic combat
- Deep worldbuilding
However, new readers should definitely start with The Shadow of the Gods to fully appreciate the story’s depth and complexity.
Conclusion
The Hunger of the Gods stands as a testament to Gwynne’s growth as a writer and his deep understanding of Norse mythology and Viking culture. Despite minor flaws, it remains a compelling addition to the fantasy genre and a worthy continuation of the Bloodsworn Saga. The stage is set for what promises to be an epic conclusion in The Fury of the Gods.
