What Am I Reading:
The Bloodsworn Saga by John Gwynne
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The Bloodsworn saga is a trilogy set in a Norse-world. Anyone who loved the Vikings series would also like this, just with added fantasy elements like dragons and other creatures.
These are my thoughts and experience on the books with no spoilers:
The books were action packed and entertaining with good descriptions that put you in the midst of battles and skirmishes. The storyline was unique and satisfying. John Gwynne’s passion and interest in Norse history showed in the descriptions, scenes, and world he had built. The myths and magic linked to overall Norse mythology but with a twist. You really feel like a Viking with a shield and seax going on your next adventure to win fame and fortune.
You follow the journey of 5 characters: Orka, Elvar, Biórr, Guꝺvarr, and Varg. They each have their own journey, history and motivation. Orka and Varg were my favorite characters to follow. But I need to mention Guꝺvarr, even though I didn’t like him, he is the unique character you seldom read about and it tickled my creative brain.
Overall, I liked the story and the action carries you through the books. But I struggled a bit to get into the first book, as we jump from one character to the next with each chapter. So I would’ve liked if some chapters were sorted together so you could establish a solid foundation on one character before you moved to the next. I also felt a bit detached from the characters at times and I wanted to dig a bit deeper into the character’s emotions, to feel more into the anger, the sadness, the thrill and the revenge that drove them. But I know the struggles of adding emotions and maybe I just couldn’t associate with the motivation of revenge.
But once you know who everyone is, the story flows, the action grabs you, and you are part of the Viking band going on your next raid.
With everything said, it was a unique read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes Vikings, battle scenes and fantasy.
