Returning to the frost-bitten world of the Bloodsworn Saga is always a visceral experience. After the explosive start of the first book, expectations were high for the sequel. In this Hunger of the Gods review, we dive into John Gwynne’s second installment, examining how it expands the lore while struggling with some common pacing pitfalls found in trilogies.
Verdict at a Glance
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 Stars) Genre: Epic Fantasy / Norse-Inspired Fantasy Perfect For: Readers who love tactical maneuvering, high-stakes action, and fans of the “grimdark” aesthetic who don’t mind a slower character burn.
Orka and the Echoes of Book One
There is no denying that the events of the book are satisfying on a macro scale. The plot moves forward with the relentless force of a shield wall, and by the end, the setup for the next book is incredibly compelling.
However, in this Hunger of the Gods review, I have to admit that the character work didn’t land as hard as it did previously. I really enjoyed Orka’s story—she remains the gravitational center of this series—but her arc here pales in comparison to the emotional powerhouse she was in The Shadow of the Gods. While still enjoyable, the emotional connection felt thinner this time around.
The “Middle Chapter” Syndrome
The primary issue holding this entry back is that it feels distinctly like a bridge. The narrative seems prioritized around mechanics rather than organic growth. It felt like the author focused entirely on maneuvering characters into specific positions ready for the finale, rather than allowing them to have structured arcs within this specific volume.
This was painfully clear with characters like Elvar and Varg. They felt underutilized, spinning their wheels while the plot demanded they wait for the right moment to advance.
The POV Problem
Expanding the scope of a fantasy world often requires more eyes on the ground, but not all perspectives are created equal. While the world-building expands, the pacing took a hit due to specific Point of View (POV) choices.
I found myself actively disliking the time spent with Gudvarr and Biorr. Their chapters felt like a slog, detracting from the momentum built by the stronger characters. In a Hunger of the Gods review context, this imbalance in POV engagement is the main reason this book sits at a 3-star rating rather than a 4 or 5.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, The Hunger of the Gods is a necessary step in the journey, but not a perfect one. It succeeds in building anticipation for the conclusion, but it sacrifices deep character connection to get there. If you loved the first book, you will enjoy the action, but you might miss the heart.
The one thing I will say is that how the story ends leaves me eager to read on to the next one, The Fury Of The Gods