DNF at 54%

I had some issues with the first volume in this series, but decided to give the second one a go, mostly because RJ Barker anticipated some of my criticisms in the afterword, explaining that the slow pace and excessive focus on Cahan were the necessary building blocks for his story, and because the worldbuilding was fascinating enough to pique my interest.

At first glance, Warlords does what Gods did not: expand the cast of POV characters to make the story and the world feel more meaningful and three-dimensional; spend more time in the Woods, the unique selling point of the setting; add more action into each individual chapter and ensure that the chapters do move the narrative along, which in theory should have improved the pacing. Even with all of these changes, by the 54% mark I did not care about the characters, the world or the story enough to persist with this book, which shows that my issues in fact originated elsewhere.

First, the characters. They still feel like vehicles for demonstrating a certain character arc or tools to build the plot, not like living, breathing people. As we spend less time with Cahan, the more intricate character development from the first book now is pushed to the background. Some of the more fascinating characters such as Venn, the non-binary healer, don't get their own POV chapters, and the upgrade from NPC to POV for some of the minor characters of the first volume (eg Ont) did not particularly interest me.

The characters don't feel very engaging partly because everyone takes themselves Oh So Seriously. Think Season 1 ATLA Zuko shouting 'I will capture the Avatar!' all the time, but without anything else to play off against. I don't want everyone to be cracking jokes all the time, it is not a third-rate Marvel movie, but at least some flair, some finesse, some personality, would have mixed things up nicely. Think something like The Witcher books - you have gruff Geralt, but also the lampoon Jaskier, and sarcastic Yennefer, and and and now I am thinking of a far better and more engaging book instead of losing myself in the world of Wyrdwood. There is something to be said for valuing sincerity, but it is important not to confuse it with earnestness. This book is so sombre, dull and humourless that it was hard to work myself up to care about anything happening in it.

Additionally, whilst it was refreshing to see the stakes orbit around the fate of one village (instead of the whole world or at least a city the size of Baldur's Gate), I can see why very few fantasy stories focus the stakes on one goddamn village. It didn't help that we barely met any of the ordinary villagers, so it was hard to feel attached to the fate of these people. We are told, again and again, that they are important to Cahan (just because they are frightened human beings, as they did treat him terribly for decades), but we are rarely made to really empathise why they are important. That elderly couple on the Titanic were also one-scene NPCs in the movie, but the whole world wept for them. I spent hundreds of pages with these villagers, and I am yet to shed a single tear.

Overall, the only positive emotion I feel when I think about this book is the relief when I gave myself permission to DNF it.

I was eagerly awaiting this release and it did not disappoint, the creepy and imaginative world he writes is intoxicating. The character evolution is amazing, unexpected and enthralling. This is a crazy ride and one I cannot wait to continue, even if at times I was a little swamped by it all

The novel picks up after the events of the first book, as the surviving villagers of Harn must flee from the Rai—ruthless enemies of magic. Many of these foes, like Cahan himself, are bonded to the old gods—ancient entities that feed on the life force of the living. The traumatized villagers, now displaced and vulnerable, look to Cahan for guidance. He is a reluctant hero, a man who would have preferred to live out his days tending his farm in peace. But the ghosts of his past will not allow it—his existence threatens the very order his enemies seek to preserve.

Cahan, who feels responsible for the pain and destruction brought to Harn, is determined to protect the survivors at any cost. Their journey takes them deep into the Wyrdwood, a realm of ancient magic, mysterious life, and omnipresent death. It’s a place most villagers have never dared to enter—a world filled with wonders but also dangers, like trees that drain life energy with a mere touch. To survive, they must listen to Cahan’s warnings: they must neither harm nor exploit the forest or its guardians. If they do, the forest will strike back.

Cahan knows that his small band of followers is no match for those pursuing them. Haunted by doubt, he begins to draw upon a dangerous force—dark energy born of death and decay, known as the Blue Vein. This power may be the only way to save the villagers, but it comes with great risk. The question lingers: is it worth surrendering himself to darkness if it means saving others?

For those new to the series, I strongly recommend starting with Gods of the Wyrdwood. It’s always difficult to review the second installment of a larger saga without revealing key plot points from the first book. What I can say is this: as in the debut novel, the author continues to build an imaginative world teeming with vivid characters and dynamic action. More impressively, both main and minor characters are fully realized, each with personal motivations and deeply satisfying arcs.

The story is told from multiple points of view, and while there are too many characters to explore in detail here, two stood out as particular favorites of mine:

First, Ont—the village butcher from Harn. After the events of the first book, he becomes a follower of Ranya, a god who offers every soul a path, though it’s up to each individual to walk it. Early in the novel, Ont struggles with feelings of unworthiness and questions whether he is truly fit to be a spiritual guide. His journey is shaped by themes of family, love, and community, and his development is one of the novel’s highlights.

Second, Sorha—driven entirely by hate and revenge. Her hatred for Cahan fuels her every move. She’s murderous, cunning, and consumed by bloodlust. Her sole purpose is to kill Cahan and destroy those under his protection. She is the perfect antagonist: brutal, relentless, and deeply personal in her motivations.

The book ends on a gripping cliffhanger, and I’m eagerly anticipating the conclusion to the trilogy.

A tightly written story with just the right amount of emotional depth. It doesn’t try too hard to impress, but quietly earns your attention. A solid choice for readers who enjoy understated, character-focused fiction.

I don't think RJ Barker cannot write a bad book and this book confirm my opinion.
ACtion packed, fast paced, very violent and dark at time, always gripping
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine