Mark of the Hunter
A. E. Rayne
The Lords of Alekka, book 2
Average Goodreads rating4.5
- Quest for Revenge
Book 2 in The Bloodsworn Trilogy
by John Gwynne
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The Hunger of the Gods by John Gwynne is a brutal epic fantasy sequel where ancient gods rise, vengeance drives warriors, and Norse-inspired battles reshape the world.
Tagged on the series as a whole, so not every book will feature each one.
The Hunger of the Gods by John Gwynne is the second novel in The Bloodsworn Saga, continuing the ferocious, Norse-inspired epic that began with The Shadow of the Gods. Expanding both the scope and intensity of the series, this installment plunges deeper into a world where fallen gods are awakening and their hunger threatens to consume everything in its path.
In the aftermath of devastating revelations and blood-soaked conflicts, the balance of power begins to fracture. Ancient gods long thought dead are rising once more, drawing followers, enemies, and opportunists into their wake. Gwynne expertly weaves multiple perspectives, allowing readers to witness how divine ambition and mortal vengeance collide across battlefields, frozen landscapes, and fractured clans.
The novel places a strong emphasis on revenge and loyalty, examining how far individuals are willing to go to reclaim honour, protect those they love, or settle old scores. Characters shaped by violence are forced to confront the consequences of their choices, as every victory comes at a brutal cost. Gwynne’s action scenes are relentless and visceral, yet grounded in character-driven motivations that keep the stakes deeply personal.
Mythology remains central to the narrative, with legendary beasts, god-touched warriors, and ancient weapons playing pivotal roles. The influence of Norse myth is unmistakable, giving the world a harsh, elemental feel where survival is never guaranteed and strength is earned through blood and sacrifice.
As alliances shift and the threat of god-driven war grows ever closer, The Hunger of the Gods serves as a powerful bridge between beginning and end — raising the emotional and narrative stakes while setting the stage for a devastating conclusion. It is a must-read for fans of grimdark fantasy, mythic storytelling, and epic sagas where gods are feared as much as they are worshipped.
A. E. Rayne
The Lords of Alekka, book 2
Average Goodreads rating4.5
Naomi Novik
Temeraire, book 1
Average Goodreads rating4.5
Evan Winter
The Burning, book 1
Average Goodreads rating4.4
Jay Kristoff
Empire of the Vampire, book 1
Average Goodreads rating4.7
Robin Hobb
Liveship Traders Trilogy, book 1
Average Goodreads rating4.5
Shannon Chakraborty
The Daevabad Trilogy, book 1
Average Goodreads rating4.4
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Buy from Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)New York Times bestselling author of brutal, epic fantasy. Creator of The Faithful and the Fallen, Of Blood and Bone, and The Bloodsworn Saga. David Gemmell Morningstar Award winner. Viking reenactor crafting tales of warriors, honor, and ancient gods.
Books, series and tropes by John GwynneThe Hunger of the Gods
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