Justin's Notes
May 10, 2025
This is my first John Gwynne book, and it didn't disappoint. Using Norse-inspired characters and world-building, along with grim-dark action and some traditional fantasy tropes, Gywnne created the first installment of a story that I thought was both engaging and exciting. The story follows three different characters: a huntress who is looking for revenge, a noblewoman looking for fame, and a slave seeking redemption in a perilous world that is about to drastically change.
I can often struggle at the beginning of branched stories. It often takes me a while to really get a grasp of the multiple casts of characters, the different locations, and tracking how the stories connect to each other. While I did feel that regular bit of being whipped back and forth, I felt that Gywnne differentiated the stories enough to help me along each of the three quests. I was able to go days without reading and hop back into any plot line and remember what was happening. The more the plots developed, the more related they became, which continued to build the excitement and suspense of what was to come.
I also always love in fantasy when characters have some kind of supernatural, inhumane power. I enjoyed the Nordic mythology, having characters sharing the bloodline of fallen "gods" that helps define their characteristics, motives, and personalities. It provides a fantastical take on the themes of motivation and destiny, really helping to strengthen the bonds between characters and helps give a basis for their decisions and desires. Also, the combat in this book is pretty awesome. Reminder - it is grimdark, so it can be pretty brutal. But the hand-to-hand combat primarily using spears, axes, and other close combat weaponry makes for fast-paced, high-stakes combat that helped build tension and suspense towards what could happen next.
If you enjoy Vikings or Norse-inspired stories, I think you will enjoy this story. It has inspired me to play God of War and read more Vinland Saga. Or if you enjoy grim-dark fantasy, full of brutal action and bleak plot lines, I would recommend. I did enjoy this story quite a lot and am excited about the rest of the series.
