**Disclaimer: I was given a free finished copy of the below in exchange for an honest review as part of a tour hosted by TBR and Beyond Tours.**
Title Bloodsworn
Author Scott Reintgen
Release Date February 16, 2021
Date Finished February 18, 2021
Description
Three cultures clash in all out war–against each other and against the gods–in the second book of this fantasy duology that’s sure to capture fans of The Hunger Games and An Ember in the Ashes.
The Races are over. War has begun.
Ashlord and Longhand armies battle for control of the Empire as Dividian rebels do their best to survive the crossfire. This is no longer a game. It’s life or death.
Adrian, Pippa, and Imelda each came out of the Races with questions about their role in the ongoing feud. The deeper they dig, the clearer it is that the hatred between their peoples has an origin point: the gods.
Their secrets are long-buried, but one disgruntled deity is ready to unveil the truth. Every whisper leads back to the underworld. What are the gods hiding there? As the sands of the Empire shift, these heroes will do everything they can to aim their people at the true enemy. But is it already too late?
Initial Thoughts
I was super excited to be chosen for this tour. I chose Ashlords as my Book of the Month pick last year but hadn’t read it yet. This was the perfect chance!
Some Things I Liked
- Multiple POVs. I loved that we got to hear from three distinctly different narrators who represent the different groups in this setting. The political plot is complex and I loved being able to hear from a Longhand, Dividian, and Ashlord narrator.
- Rich world building. I loved the race setting in the first book but I loved the warfare and richness in the world building in this sequel. We got to see so much more of the world and how the different people and the gods fit into it all.
- Futuristic yet historic vibes. That’s a super weird way to say it. Let me re-phrase. I loved that this world felt almost post-apocalyptic, almost Hunger Games-esque, but at the same time, it also felt like Ancient Greece or an ancient world. I loved the contrast between those elements.
One Thing I Wasn’t Crazy About
- Second Person POV. I was not a fan. It always reads oddly to me. I especially didn’t like that the other two POVs are first person. I’m also not a fan of mixing the POVs. Either all first person or all third person.
Series Value
I think a duology was the perfect length for this series. However, I think the world building is really interesting. I also really loved the race concept from the first book so I’d be interested in a prequels about past races.
Furthermore, I’m even more interested in reading Scott Reintgen’s Nyxia series now.
Final Thoughts
I really enjoyed this book and this series overall. I think the second person POV annoyed me but overall, I thought the world building and characters were really interesting.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
- Fireborne by Rosaria Munda – if you enjoyed the complex political plot as well as the ancient yet futuristic world, try this duology. Book two is coming out next month.
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins – if you liked the idea of a competition turned more, try this older series.
Book Links
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50651110-blood-sworn
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bloodsworn-Ashlords-Scott-Reintgen/dp/0593119215/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=scott+reintgen&qid=1607114711&sr=8-7
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bloodsworn-scott-reintgen/1137252636?ean=9780593119211
Book Depository: https://www.bookdepository.com/Bloodsworn-Scott-Reintgen/9780593119211?ref=grid-view&qid=1607114794923&sr=1-18
Indigo: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/bloodsworn/9780593119211-item.html?ikwid=scott+reintgen&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=5#algoliaQueryId=74b49eab05f1652d7bfce445327550c6
IndieBound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780593119211
Author Links
Website: https://www.itspronouncedrankin.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/scott_thought
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reintgen/?hl=en
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14593331.Scott_Reintgen
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