The Hunger of the Gods by John Gwynne

"The Hunger of the Gods" by John Gwynne is the second novel in the Bloodsworn series, a Norse-inspired epic fantasy that continues the gripping saga of gods, dragons, and warriors. This special edition of the book is a collector's delight, featuring a new introduction by the author, a jacket with full wrap-around artwork, beautifully designed endpapers, foil embossing on the board, and stunning page edges, making it a visually striking addition to any bookshelf.

The narrative picks up with the release of Lik-Rifa, the legendary dragon god, who is now free from her eternal prison and seeks to usher in a new era of bloodshed and conquest. The story follows several key characters: Orka, who is on a relentless quest to find her missing son; the Bloodsworn, who are racing south to save one of their own; and Varg, who is beginning his journey of vengeance. Meanwhile, Elvar is determined to fulfill her blood oath by rescuing a prisoner from Lik-Rifa and her dragonborn followers, but she must first convince the Battle-Grim to join her cause.

Despite their combined might, the Bloodsworn and Battle-Grim face an overwhelming challenge in confronting a dragon god. Their only hope lies in the cryptic writings of a chained god, which contain forbidden magic capable of resurrecting the wolf god Ulfrir. This resurrection could lead to a cataclysmic battle that will shake the very foundations of the earth.

The Bloodsworn series has been praised for its masterful storytelling, visceral action, and deeply realized characters. Notable authors such as Anthony Ryan, Jay Kristoff, and Robin Hobb have lauded the series for its compelling narrative and immersive world-building, making "The Hunger of the Gods" a must-read for fans of epic fantasy.