John Gwynne
EXPECTATIONS
As much as possible, I try to avoid reading reviews so my perception of the book is not altered (ironic, considering I write my own), but the hype around this trilogy was too influential to ignore. I was promised an excellent plot, complex characters, page-turning action, and heart wrenching moments, and John Gwynne delivered.
STORY
The premise of this Norse-inspired story is that Lik-Rifa, the dragon god of legend, threatens her return to humankind, the author journeying his readers through the third person point of view of our three main characters: Orka, Elvar, and Varg. The author’s narration is fluid, no-nonsense, every word written with purpose and impact, leaving you either grossed or engrossed, your heart thumping, face smiling, or teary eyed. The world-building is done well with vivid imagery, descriptive enough to let your imagination wander but not overwhelm you, and the introduction of characters feels smooth and connected. The book truly transports you to a solidly constructed Norse-inspired world of fantasy, politics, and action through complex yet comprehensive story telling with intensely emotional relatable characters.
CHARACTERS
The trials and tribulations Orka, Elvar, and Varg face in this first installation has you rooting for them till the end (well, perhaps with the exception of one, in my honest opinion). Each character in the book has something to live for, be it family or fame, with life and enemies beating them black and blue, triumphs and losses dowsing them in either blood or glory. The author presents these main and side characters as if they were your own kin, and you may find yourself joyfully shouting alongside them as they revel in their successes, howling in pain at their wounds and battle scars, or mentally preparing yourself for the next fight and praying they live to see another page. These characters have hearts of gold laden with painfully overwhelming obligation, hurt, and vengeance, leaving you hoping they will soon find their own peace of mind and happiness despite knowing this may just be the start of their suffering.
In-depth review coming soon and will contain spoilers.
Bookheart 
Leave a comment