For a character-driven book, the characters are all incredibly one-note. Bjorn is your classic, silver-tongued stud who will run into danger to protect his lady. Freya is hot-headed, guilt-ridden, and annoyingly insecure, and of course only 20 years old but always horned up. The Jarls and other secondary characters all fall very flat too. I was bummed to see no character development, especially with so much happening in this book. Additionally, this book is full of Norse/Viking Gods, terminology, etc., but lacks explanations for all of it. If you were a Norse Mythology kid, this is probably great. But I wasn't, so I'd have appreciated a little more description on some elements throughout this book. Also, it is mentioned that children of the god are extremely rare, but we meet many in this book. It would have made sense to include more normies. Also also, why does Freya have to vomit so much? That aside, the story is interesting, and the twist at the end (though not surprising) does create intrigue for the sequel. I like the magic system, and the bit of world-building we got was compelling. Frankly, I'd have liked more plot with clear goals, and stronger characters, but you can't always have everything.