Gods Beneath the Ice by Alexandra Kennington

An emotionally layered conclusion that deepens the magic and tests every bond.

Gods Beneath the Ice is a strong, emotionally grounded conclusion to the Blood & Souls duology and a satisfying follow-up to a first book I really loved. Alexandra Kennington expands the world and the magic while keeping the story firmly centered on Revna and the weight of what she’s inherited.

Revna’s struggle as queen feels raw and believable. Her newly awakened abilities complicate every decision, and leadership never comes easily for her. I appreciated that the story doesn’t smooth over her mistakes or rush forgiveness. The connections between magic, history, and identity are thoughtfully explored, even if I wanted a few of those threads introduced earlier.

I was especially excited to get Soren’s POV in this installment. His perspective adds balance and emotional clarity, and his dynamic with Revna carries tension shaped by mistrust, shared history, and the fallout from past choices. Their relationship remains the emotional core of the book, even when circumstances keep them at odds.

The middle section dragged slightly for me, especially coming right after the intensity of the Blood Trials. Still, the later twists pulled me back in. Several reveals surprised me, and the emotional logic behind the villains, particularly Queen Anja, worked better than I expected.

Overall, this is a thoughtful and satisfying conclusion. While the pacing kept it from being a full five stars for me, the character arcs, magic, and central relationship made the journey worth it.

If this sounds like your kind of read, you can read Blood Beneath the Snow now, pre-order Gods Beneath the Ice, or request both from your local library.