The Bloodsworn Trilogy

by John Gwynne

The gods are dead. Their bones promise power. Three warriors - a huntress seeking her son, a thrall craving vengeance, a noblewoman chasing glory - will shape the fate of Vigrið. Gwynne's brutal Norse epic of blood, monsters, and divine fury.

A century has passed since the gods fought and drove themselves to extinction. Now only their bones remain, promising great power to those brave enough to seek them out. As whispers of war echo across the land of Vigrið, fate follows in the footsteps of three warriors: a huntress on a dangerous quest, a noblewoman pursuing battle fame, and a thrall seeking vengeance among the mercenaries known as the Bloodsworn.

Set in a Norse-inspired fantasy world shattered by warring gods and now filled with monsters, voyaging warriors and the human descendants of the gods whose power often see them collared and controlled as thralls, The Bloodsworn Saga comprises three novels: The Shadow of the Gods, The Hunger of the Gods, and The Fury of the Gods. This Instant New York Times bestselling trilogy from David Gemmell Award winner John Gwynne delivers his signature blend of visceral combat, morally complex characters, and emotionally resonant storytelling on an epic scale.

Orka is a huntress battling grief and rage as she searches for her kidnapped son, willing to unleash the monster within to bring him home. Varg, a thrall scarred by loss, joins the Bloodsworn mercenaries seeking vengeance against those who destroyed his family. Elvar, a noblewoman hungry for battle-fame, leads her own warband into danger, determined to forge a legendary name. Their paths converge as ancient gods begin to stir - Lik-Rifa the dragon and Orna the eagle seek resurrection, threatening to plunge Vigrið into a new age of blood and conquest.

Praised by critics: "A masterfully crafted, brutally compelling Norse-inspired epic" (Anthony Ryan), "Visceral, heart-breaking and unputdownable" (Jay Kristoff), and "A satisfying and riveting read with well-realised characters moving against a backdrop of a world stunning in its immensity" (Robin Hobb), the trilogy builds from stunning opener to earth-shattering conclusion. Gwynne's experience with Viking reenactment infuses every shield wall and battle scene with brutal authenticity, while his talent for character development ensures readers care deeply about warriors fighting impossible odds.

Perfect for fans of Norse mythology, brutal combat with emotional weight, multiple POV narratives, morally gray characters, found family dynamics forged in battle, and epic fantasy that explores vengeance, parenthood, honor, and the price of ambition in a world where gods' bones grant terrible power.