Who is this book for?
- Fans of epic fantasy with Norse mythology influences.
- Readers who enjoy action-packed narratives with detailed battle scenes.
- Those who appreciate character-driven stories with strong female protagonists.
- Fans of John Gwynne's previous works, especially The Faithful and the Fallen series.
- Fantasy readers looking for a series with a satisfying conclusion.
Who is unlikely to appreciate this book?
- Readers who prefer less violent or action-oriented fantasy stories.
- Those looking for complex political intrigue or deep philosophical themes.
- Fans of slow-burn narratives with extensive world-building.
- Readers who dislike repetitive battle scenes or lengthy action sequences.
- Those seeking nuanced exploration of moral ambiguity in fantasy settings.
Things online reviewers enjoyed about this book
- Epic conclusion to the trilogy with non-stop action and intense battle scenes
- Masterful storytelling and well-choreographed set piece battles
- Strong character development, especially for Orka and Varg
- Emotionally impactful moments between characters
- Satisfying resolution to character arcs and plot threads
- Vivid Norse-inspired fantasy world with dragons and gods
- Fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged
- Powerful themes of courage, revenge, and belonging
- Compelling female characters in a gender-equal Viking-inspired setting
- Avoids common grimdark tropes like toxic masculinity and sexual assault
Things people didn't like as much about this book
- Excessive focus on battle scenes and violence, becoming repetitive for some readers
- Lack of depth in exploring complex moral issues around slavery and resistance
- Some characters, especially villains, feel one-dimensional
- Pacing issues with long battle sequences that can feel drawn out
- Limited exploration of the gods and their motivations
- Predictable plot developments and character fates for some readers
- Diversity representation feels superficial or poorly executed
- Repetitive dialogue and inner monologues, especially for certain characters
- Lack of nuance in portraying the antagonist's motivations
- Insufficient character development for secondary characters
