Scan barcode
A review by jpsjps
The Hunger of the Gods by John Gwynne
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I wish I could rate this book higher, but I have one major problem. Elvar.
Sorry in advance for the rant.
I want to show my problem with her by using a comparison of a character I enjoy, Finree Dan Brock from the First Law series. Finree’s main character flaw (besides giving birth to Leo) is that she is overly ambitious, like Elvar. However, Finree’s accomplishments feel earned and it does not feel like the author is trying to force us to like her, unlike Elvar. Finree is incredibly smart, especially in the Age of Madness trilogy, and is honestly a badass. Her confrontations with Bayaz, Stranger-Come-Fucking, and Gorst are really something. She also does mess up quite a few times is not perfect. I think it is even implied at the end of The Heroes that she has PTSD. I need to reread it. I started disliking Elvar when she thralled the Gods, really disliked her after her duel with Huld, and hated her when she forced Skald to maim herself. If the book treated her more like Biorr or Guthvarr, were Biorr seems morally grey and Guthvarr is treated like a sniveling weasel, I’d be okay with her. Her new found position by the end of the book felt weird and rushed, especially amidst the other climaxes of the book. I might be wrong, but it just feels strange that a character that is in favor of slavery is being treated this way by the book. I really hope the end of the series resolves my problems with this character. Still rooting for Uspa though.
Everything else about the book is really solid. Orka is still an amazing and engaging character. Varg chapters are great due to his dynamic with the Bloodsworn. Biorr is an interesting and sympathetic look into the villains, also I love Rotta. Finally Guthvarr is a guilty favorite character trope for me, a selfish and cowardly asshole. Also his relationship with his Aunt adds something extra to him.
Passable prose, good dialogue, fun side characters and amazing action make up a good portion of this book. Something about Elvar just really gets to me, but I think I heard she is a lot better in the final book. Looking forward to the end.
Sorry in advance for the rant.
I want to show my problem with her by using a comparison of a character I enjoy, Finree Dan Brock from the First Law series. Finree’s main character flaw (besides giving birth to Leo) is that she is overly ambitious, like Elvar. However, Finree’s accomplishments feel earned and it does not feel like the author is trying to force us to like her, unlike Elvar. Finree is incredibly smart, especially in the Age of Madness trilogy, and is honestly a badass. Her confrontations with Bayaz, Stranger-Come-Fucking, and Gorst are really something. She also does mess up quite a few times is not perfect. I think it is even implied at the end of The Heroes that she has PTSD. I need to reread it. I started disliking Elvar when she thralled the Gods, really disliked her after her duel with Huld, and hated her when she forced Skald to maim herself. If the book treated her more like Biorr or Guthvarr, were Biorr seems morally grey and Guthvarr is treated like a sniveling weasel, I’d be okay with her. Her new found position by the end of the book felt weird and rushed, especially amidst the other climaxes of the book. I might be wrong, but it just feels strange that a character that is in favor of slavery is being treated this way by the book. I really hope the end of the series resolves my problems with this character. Still rooting for Uspa though.
Everything else about the book is really solid. Orka is still an amazing and engaging character. Varg chapters are great due to his dynamic with the Bloodsworn. Biorr is an interesting and sympathetic look into the villains, also I love Rotta. Finally Guthvarr is a guilty favorite character trope for me, a selfish and cowardly asshole. Also his relationship with his Aunt adds something extra to him.
Passable prose, good dialogue, fun side characters and amazing action make up a good portion of this book. Something about Elvar just really gets to me, but I think I heard she is a lot better in the final book. Looking forward to the end.