Asgard and the Hunt by CT Ortega

The epic struggle for Saggilmut’s future continues.

I was so excited to get an advanced copy of book 3 in Ortega’s Warfare of the God’s series. Book two was so good, fast paced and action packed that I was left eager to see what Ishtar’s next steps were going to be and how Bastet was going to handle being on the other side of Sheol.

Knowing that this is a five book series, this book serves the role you would expect the middle book in a series to serve. The pace was slower and there wasn’t as much action and adventure, but it was 100% successful in setting the stage for the epic showdown that is destined to come when Ishtar brings her manipulated and brainwashed army to Saggilmut to battle for ultimate domination. Ishtar is certainly making her case for dictator of the world.

The world building continues to be a strength in the series. I loved seeing a new side of Asgard, and the high seas adventure was the highlight of the book for sure. I loved how the characters came together. That brotherhood idea of Asgard shines through as they defend each other, sacrifice for each other, and fight for each other. I was still a little confused on how this aspect, which became a huge focal point of book 3, fits into everything that was established in books 1 and 2. I’m sure that book 4 will address the connection.

The plot was primarily divided between the issues in Asgard and the hunt for Odin. This hunt which had the only main connection to the Ishtar storyline also at times felt a little disconnected to what was happening in Sheol. Like the Asgard focus, I’m hoping that book 4 will address the importance of the hunt for Odin. I do like loose ends tied up nicely, but I also know that not knowing is part of the allure to continuing to read a series.  I see what you did there, Ortega!

But, I wish there had been a little more time spent in Sheol. I obviously don’t like Ishtar, her rationale and methods and as a result I want to spend a little more time developing that, digging more into her past and why and how she got to be the way she is. What lead her to believe that what she is planning to do is actually okay?

The characters overall continue to develop nicely. It was great to see Aaron, the writer from book 1, return in a more consistent role. I missed him and Dagon’s banter with each other! In the future, I do hope that we learn more about what happens with the book that he wrote. It’s been hinted at, but right now apparently only Osiris knows that answer.

The clear character line that propelled everything was Bastet. While in Book 2 we saw Sekhmet’s passion to save her sister at any cost, the roles are now reversed and Bastet is seeking to save Sekhmet. However, you can see the difference in the sisters’ personalities as they approach the situation. Bastet is more reliant on others. She understands a little better that she can’t do it alone. This could be partially because she knows what Ishtar’s plan is, but I don't see Sekhmet being influenced by that knowledge. I feel Sekhmet would have dove in head first regardless of what was waiting for her.

The additional side characters also see some additional development. I have grown to really respect Modi as a leader, and Loki is obviously my favorite, especially since whenever he is mentioned I picture Tom Hiddleson. I mean come on, who doesn’t love the God of Mischief? There were some additional characters that were brought in more for the progression of small book plot events versus a dramatic impact like Horus, Ogun and Gluskab. But, the clear divide between how the Gods view the concepts of evolution, growth, and progress tend to be the driving motive through all the character’s interactions.

What does it mean to evolve as a community? As a people? As a society? I feel that this, a driving theme in book 3, is a disturbing challenge in our own current society. Why do we keep things the way they are for the sole reason as ‘that’s how we’ve always done it?’  Personally, I think that is the worst statement someone can give when change is necessary for improvement and growth. In book 3, we see the fear that some of the Sects or even individual Gods feel in the face of a changing world. Change for some is just too scary to balance out with the benefits.

This divide between the power of fate and just letting it rule everything and having the free will and individual control to see what things need to be fixed are what is setting Saggilmut up for this battle with Ishtar. The differences will weaken the sects against Ishtar’s army. An army that has no idea what they are truly fighting for. Lead by someone who feels that peace comes from control and eliminating everyone’s ability to think for themselves. 

Where does this land on my bookshelf?

I’d put this one on the middle shelf. It was a fitting book for the “middle child.” It created the environment needed for Ishtar to come forward. It united some of the Gods and highlighted weaknesses in others. There are a lot of questions left unanswered and some events that I wasn’t clear on the connection to the end result, but I continue to love this series and look forward to the final two books to come. Even though the pace was slower than book 2, there is still plenty of death - I’m still angry over that -  and digging into the true makeup of Saggilmut. As with the first two  books, I highly recommend the series. It’s creative, fun, and violent.

Asgard and the Hunt is available on January 31!  I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

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