When I read shadow of the gods I really enjoyed the book but at times felt it slow moving, let me assure you this book is not slow at all, we saw all the characters from the first book, those we loved and those we hated return and given more depth to their stories, we have twists aplenty and shocks galore, I have already preordered the audiobook as I want to listen to this to enjoy even more

“Real courage is to feel fear, but to stand and face it, not run from it.”
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Spert and Vasli were the true hero’s as ever. I just love these ugly little vasen - I like that John Gwynne took an aspect of Norse myth and actually made characters from them rather than just mindless evil things. I am so so so thankful to johngwynne author and orbit uk for giving me an opportunity to read this amazing book early !
As with the first book my favourite POV was Orkas - I love finally having a main character than wasn’t in their teens or early twenties, it’s so refreshing having some time learned experiences used in a plot.
The Bloodsworn are the cutest found family trope and no one can change my mind - Einar especially is a freaking dorable.
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This book definitely twists and turns, and I found the map super useful as we were jumping back and forth along it. Nearly all the POVs were travelling, sometimes overlapping places too so it took me a bit to figure out exactly who was going where. Also if I hear one more person shrug to settle their mail imma scream - honestly it’s a great drinking game.
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I also really appreciated how Gwynne used actual science in his creatures ! I don’t want to write too much as I’ll spoil things but I’m going to definitely be doing a spoilers post come the release day !
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Overall 4 amazing stars and a bazillion for Spert and Vasli

I geuinely had a great time reading this book. I really enjoyed the book. Perfect for those looking for a Norse inspired fantasy.

5/5

The Hunger of the Gods by John Gwynne is a brilliantly crafted tale of Vengeance and Chaos.

I'm pretty sure I'm gonna have trouble putting into words what I feel. But I'm gonna try my best.😅 It's gonna take a little more time for me to get back to normal after finishing this book. The book is just tooooooo good.

First of all huge thanks to the publisher and author for approving my request on NetGalley and it goes without saying that this is my unbiased review/opinion.

Lik-Rifa, the deagon god is freed from her prison by the Dragon-Born. Orka's search for her son Brecca continues. Varg and the Bloodsworn begins their hunt for Skalk, who had abducted Vol, the cheif's wife and finally, Elvar and Battle Grim proceeds to fulfill their blood oath made to Uspa by rescuing her husband and son.


WHAT WORKED FOR ME IN THIS BOOK


Characters: Orka, Varg and Elvar are back. But this time they are not the only POV characters. There are few more additional POV characters from the antagonist's side which will give you an idea about their reasoning and what they are upto. it's a delight to read from all the POVs. John Gwynne has done a fantastic job in giving a distinct personality and much depth to each character, even the secondary characters that you cannot help but relate with them.

I had a little trouble with Elvar's POV in The Shadow of the Gods but that's not the case in this one. I liked her POV almost as much as Orka's and the others but Varg's POV still remains my favourite (I'm a sucker for found family and brotherhood in the band trope 😅).

Pacing: I felt that the pacing of this book is little faster than TSOTG but I wouldn't say its breakneck. Its effective in implying the urgency of the situation and the last 150 pages...
Whew... it went like that... it's an explosive finale to say the least. The strakes were high and i was turning the pages in a feverish manner 😅😅.

Battle Sequences: One of the many reasons why John Gwynne is among my favourite authors is that his detailed/descriptive writing of battle sequences where I can easily track what is happening on the battlefield. So shocking no one, the battle/action sequences in this book were just pure brilliant. SHIELD WAAAALLLL !!!

And also, the character interaction especially the conversation between the main characters were handled wonderfully and I would love to read more of other characters reaction when they find out Orka is the Skullsplitter.


WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME IN THIS BOOK

Absolutely nothing.... Maybe I'm a little biased when it comes to John Gwynne but I honestly couldn't find anything wrong with this book. If I have to complaint, only thing I can thing of right now is that there is no book 3. I need it ASAP 😬

FINAL WORLD: The Hunger of the Gods is explosive, maddening, bloody and brilliant. In this book, John Gwynne achieved what he set out to do... Setting up for the epic clash which I'll be first in line to read.