Blood Beneath the Snow Summary, Characters and Themes

Blood Beneath the Snow by Alexandra Kennington is a compelling narrative set in a brutal world where political intrigue, societal oppression, and the clash of magical forces create a dangerous environment for those caught in its midst.  The story revolves around Revna, a young princess who struggles to navigate the complexities of her birthright, rebellion, and a war-torn world.

Revna finds herself at the crossroads of duty and desire, torn between fulfilling her royal obligations and fighting against the oppressive system that seeks to control her.  The book explores themes of sacrifice, power, and the price of resistance, all while immersing readers in a world filled with harsh winters, brutal traditions, and the constant tension of a looming war.

Summary

The story of Blood Beneath the Snow follows Revna, a princess born into a society where the godforsaken, people without divine gifts, are oppressed by the aristocratic godtouched, who possess powers that elevate them to positions of privilege.  As a member of the royal family, Revna is expected to adhere to the brutal traditions of her people, but she despises the way the gods are worshipped and her people are treated.

The book opens with a chilling scene where Revna and her friend Freja witness a yearly ritual involving the sacrifice of a child born to godforsaken parents.  This act is seen as a way to ensure military victory and divine favor, but it only reinforces the societal divide that Revna is determined to challenge.

Revna, unable to stand the injustice, decides to disrupt the ritual.  With Freja’s help, she creates a diversion, allowing her to steal the child away from the altar.

However, their escape is far from smooth.  The royal priests and the queen, who is also Revna’s mother, quickly pursue them.

Using her royal status to mislead the pursuers, Revna is caught, and despite her mother’s anger, she is let go without punishment.  This act of rebellion marks the beginning of Revna’s struggle against the oppressive system that controls her life.

The narrative deepens as Revna grapples with the impending political marriage to Prince Volkan of Faste, which has been arranged to secure an alliance with Faste and ensure the supply of food for her war-torn kingdom.  This engagement, while politically necessary, is a source of inner turmoil for Revna, as she finds herself trapped between the duty to her family and her personal desires.

The tension of this situation is only exacerbated by the complex relationships with those around her, including her estranged relationship with her brothers and the looming threat of war with Kryllian.

As the story progresses, Revna’s emotional struggle deepens, especially after her close friend Freja is imprisoned due to the events surrounding the disrupted ritual.  Revna feels personally responsible for Freja’s imprisonment and vows to free her, even though her father’s cruelty makes this an almost impossible task.

Her interactions with her family become increasingly strained, especially with her father, whose harsh authoritarian rule contrasts with her growing sense of justice and rebellion.  The political climate worsens as conscription begins and rumors of war with Kryllian intensify.

One of the more complex aspects of Revna’s journey is her relationship with Prince Volkan.  She soon learns that like herself, he is being forced into an unwanted marriage due to his own personal circumstances—his sexuality is not accepted in Faste, and his union with Revna is one of convenience.

This mutual understanding of being pawns in the political game brings Revna and Volkan closer, and they form an unexpected alliance, which plays a key role in Revna’s decision to enter the deadly Bloodshed Trials—a brutal competition where the kingdom’s next ruler is decided.  Volkan proposes a daring plan: that Revna could use the Trials to assert her power, potentially bypassing the political schemes of her family and seizing control of the throne.

However, Revna’s emotional turmoil is far from over.  As she enters the Trials, she faces not only physical challenges but also the weight of her past actions.

Her powers, which she has struggled to understand, emerge forcefully during the Trials.  This marks a pivotal moment in her journey, as she kills her father and mother during the competition, solidifying her claim to the throne.

Yet, this victory is not without its cost.  The bloodshed weighs heavily on Revna’s conscience, as she grapples with the morality of her actions and the implications of the violent path she has chosen.

Following the Trials, Revna is crowned queen, but her ascent to the throne is tainted by guilt and internal conflict.  The people she hoped to lead are divided, with some viewing her as a symbol of hope and others seeing her as a tyrant.

The narrative delves into the complexities of power and leadership, as Revna is forced to confront the consequences of her actions and the fractured state of her kingdom.  In the wake of her rise to power, she is haunted by the death of her brother Frode, the estrangement from her brother Arne, and the deepening guilt over the betrayal of those closest to her.

As queen, Revna faces the daunting task of uniting her people while dealing with the emotional aftermath of her violent rise to power.  Her relationship with Freja, who forgives her for past mistakes, provides a brief moment of solace in the otherwise tumultuous narrative.

Revna’s magic, which has manifested powerfully during the Trials, becomes both a blessing and a curse as she realizes the full extent of her abilities.  Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to balance her inner conflict with the responsibilities of her newfound position.

Despite the outward victory, Revna’s reign begins with a sense of isolation and betrayal.  Her closest confidant, Halvar, expresses his disappointment in her, believing she has abandoned their shared ideals.

An argument between them leads to another tragic moment, as Revna accidentally kills Halvar in a fit of frustration.  This act deepens her guilt and self-loathing, further complicating her role as queen.

In the end, Blood Beneath the Snow presents a world marked by the brutal realities of power, sacrifice, and self-discovery.  Revna’s journey from rebellious princess to queen is filled with internal and external conflict, as she grapples with the consequences of her actions and the complex relationships she must navigate.

The narrative explores the pain of inheriting a legacy of violence and oppression, while also offering a glimmer of hope that Revna’s reign might bring about true change in her fractured world.

Characters

Revna

Revna, the protagonist of Blood Beneath the Snow, is a complex and multifaceted character, torn between duty and rebellion, love and loyalty, and personal desires and political expectations.  As a princess born into a world where the godforsaken are oppressed and the godtouched are exalted, she grapples with her identity and her role in a society that values power over morality.

Her defiance against the ritualistic sacrifice of a child in the opening scene exemplifies her underlying dissatisfaction with the system and her willingness to risk everything to stand up for her beliefs, even though she knows her actions may not lead to lasting change.  Despite her rebellious nature, Revna is deeply introspective, often reflecting on the tension between her royal duties and her desire for freedom.

Her engagement to Prince Volkan symbolizes her entrapment in a political game, and she struggles with the realization that she is being used to further her family’s power.  The weight of her responsibilities often leads to emotional turmoil, as she tries to balance her personal relationships with the greater good.

Her internal conflict is heightened by her magical powers, which emerge throughout the narrative, complicating her already fraught journey.  Ultimately, Revna is a character caught between her own idealistic desire to bring about change and the brutal realities of the political landscape she must navigate.

Freja

Freja, Revna’s close friend and confidante, serves as a grounding force in the narrative.  Throughout Blood Beneath the Snow, she provides Revna with emotional support and, in many ways, serves as a catalyst for Revna’s actions, particularly in the rescue of the infant during the ritual.

Freja’s imprisonment marks a turning point in Revna’s journey, as it pushes her to confront her own sense of powerlessness and guilt.  Despite the hardships she faces, Freja remains a loyal and forgiving figure in Revna’s life.

Her ability to forgive Revna for their past arguments and mistakes highlights her strength of character and deep emotional resilience.  While she is imprisoned and vulnerable, Freja’s encouragement for Revna to embrace her destiny as queen provides a much-needed sense of hope for Revna, reminding her of the responsibility she has to her people, especially the godforsaken.

Freja’s role in the story is essential not only as a moral anchor for Revna but also as a symbol of the sacrifices made by those who fight against the oppressive regime, even when they are not in the spotlight.

The Hellbringer

The Hellbringer is an enigmatic and powerful figure whose presence looms large in Revna’s journey.  Initially, he appears as an antagonist, cold and calculating, yet his relationship with the protagonist evolves in unexpected ways.

Throughout Blood Beneath the Snow, his actions seem harsh, and his methods are grueling, especially during the physical and emotional training he subjects Revna to.  However, as the story progresses, the complexity of his character begins to surface.

The Hellbringer’s vulnerability and moments of tenderness, such as his unspoken guilt after killing a soldier in self-defense, reveal a side of him that contradicts the ruthless persona he projects.  His mysterious connection with Revna, including his act of healing her injuries, suggests a deeper, more intricate bond between the two.

Despite his violence and the moral dilemmas he represents, there is a growing sense of empathy that Revna begins to feel for him, which complicates her feelings toward him.  The Hellbringer is not just an external force of conflict in the story; he embodies the internal struggles that Revna faces, as she must come to terms with her own feelings of hatred, fear, and potential love.

His role in her journey forces her to confront the blurred lines between enemy and ally, complicating her quest for justice and self-discovery.

Prince Volkan

Prince Volkan, the reluctant fiancé of Revna, represents the intersection of duty and personal sacrifice.  In Blood Beneath the Snow, Volkan is presented as a pawn in the political machinations of both his and Revna’s families.

His engagement to Revna is not one of love but of necessity, designed to solidify an alliance between their two kingdoms.  However, Volkan’s struggle with his own identity, particularly concerning his sexuality, adds depth to his character.

His openness about the emotional and psychological burden of being forced into this marriage adds a layer of complexity to his role in Revna’s life.  Initially distant, Volkan gradually becomes an ally to Revna, with their shared understanding of being controlled by the expectations of their families fostering a connection between them.

While their relationship remains grounded in political necessity, the moments of vulnerability they share offer glimpses of potential for a deeper bond, making Volkan an important figure in Revna’s journey toward self-empowerment.

Halvar

Halvar’s role in Blood Beneath the Snow is defined by his close friendship with Revna, as well as his eventual disillusionment with her actions.  Once a confidant and ally, Halvar becomes a symbol of the cost of Revna’s rise to power.

Their relationship is marked by mutual respect and shared ideals, yet as Revna’s choices become more drastic and morally ambiguous, Halvar begins to see her actions as a betrayal.  His disappointment culminates in a tragic confrontation, where Revna, overwhelmed by her emerging powers, unintentionally kills him.

Halvar’s death represents the emotional and ethical toll that Revna’s journey exacts on those around her.  His betrayal is not only a personal loss for Revna but also a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and consequences that come with the pursuit of power and the pain of losing those who were once closest to you.

Arne

Arne, Revna’s brother, plays a significant yet somewhat passive role in Blood Beneath the Snow.  His strained relationship with Revna is largely influenced by the events that transpire throughout their kingdom.

As Revna reflects on her past, Arne represents both familial love and the emotional distance created by the violent political environment they live in.  His eventual conscription to fight in the war adds further tension to the family dynamic, highlighting the sacrifices made by the characters in the pursuit of political stability and survival.

While Arne’s role is not as overt as some of the other characters, his presence in Revna’s life underscores the complexities of family loyalty, duty, and the price of war.

Themes

Power and Corruption

Revna’s journey through the narrative reveals the profound impact of power on both the individual and society.  Initially, power seems to be an external force, something she inherits due to her royal bloodline and her impending coronation.

However, as she navigates the complexities of her society, her magic, and the deadly trials that will determine her fate, it becomes clear that power is not merely something given but something that must be reckoned with, often at a tremendous cost.  The Bloodshed Trials, where Revna is forced to fight her brothers to the death, symbolize the brutal and dehumanizing nature of power in her world, where violence is the only means of securing leadership.

Revna’s victory in these trials, marked by her killing of both her parents, exposes the moral consequences of power in her life.  Her rise to the throne is tainted with guilt and remorse, as she realizes that the very system that grants her power is rooted in bloodshed and cruelty.

The theme explores how power can corrupt even those who initially seek to use it for noble purposes, as Revna’s transformation from a rebellious princess to a queen with a legacy of violence highlights the dangers of absolute power.

Identity and Self-Discovery

Throughout the story, Revna’s sense of identity is in constant flux.  She is torn between her duty to her family and her people, the Nilurae, and her desire for personal freedom.

This inner conflict is compounded by the expectations placed on her as a princess and future queen, as well as the political maneuvering surrounding her engagement to Prince Volkan of Faste.  Initially, Revna sees herself as a tool in the larger political game, trapped by the demands of her family and society.

However, as she engages in acts of defiance, such as the rescue of the child during the sacrificial ritual, and later competes in the Bloodshed Trials, she begins to redefine her identity.  Her magic, a source of fear and confusion, becomes both a literal and metaphorical means of self-discovery, as she learns to control her powers and assert her agency.

The evolution of her character, from someone caught in the web of political alliances to a woman who challenges the system, reflects the theme of self-discovery in the face of oppression.  Revna’s journey reveals that identity is not static but must be constantly renegotiated, especially in a world where survival often depends on embracing one’s power, even at the cost of personal morals.

Loyalty and Betrayal

The theme of loyalty and betrayal runs deeply through the relationships that Revna holds with the people around her.  Her strained relationship with her family is a central aspect of this, as she faces betrayal not only from her father and mother, who prioritize political advantage over their familial bond, but also from her close confidants, like Halvar.

As Revna navigates her duties as a princess and the political tension surrounding her forced engagement, she constantly grapples with the loyalty she feels toward her people and the betrayal she experiences from those who should support her.  Her father’s authoritarian rule and the brutal trials they force upon her reveal the deep divide between familial loyalty and the harsh realities of a world built on power struggles.

Additionally, Revna’s relationship with Freja demonstrates the tension between personal loyalty and the demands of survival.  Though Revna initially feels guilty about Freja’s imprisonment, her determination to free her showcases a loyalty to those she loves, even when it means going against the will of her powerful family.

Betrayal also figures prominently in her relationship with Arne and Halvar, who both feel betrayed by her actions as she ascends to the throne.  Revna’s internal conflict over the trust she places in others and the pain caused by their betrayals underscores the theme of loyalty as both a driving force and a source of emotional anguish.

Duty and Freedom

The conflict between duty and personal freedom is one of the most significant themes in Revna’s story.  From the moment she is thrust into her royal role, Revna feels the weight of duty pressing down on her.

Her family expects her to uphold the values and traditions of the Nilurae kingdom, even as she secretly rebels against the oppressive systems that govern her people.  This tension is exemplified in her engagement to Prince Volkan, a union designed to secure political alliances and ensure the survival of the kingdom during the ongoing war.

Both Revna and Volkan are trapped by duty, unable to choose their own paths due to their political obligations.  However, as the story progresses, Revna begins to question the cost of this duty, especially as she realizes that her personal desires, including her wish for freedom and autonomy, are continually sacrificed for the greater good of the kingdom.

Her participation in the Bloodshed Trials and the subsequent rise to power are acts of defiance, representing her ultimate attempt to break free from the constraints of her role.  Yet, as she ascends to the throne, she becomes acutely aware that even in her newfound position of power, her freedom remains limited by the bloodshed and the expectations of her people.

The theme highlights the constant struggle between personal desires and the responsibilities that come with power, with Revna’s journey serving as a poignant reflection of the sacrifices and compromises required to fulfill one’s duties.

War and Sacrifice

The backdrop of war with Kryllian casts a long shadow over the entire narrative, influencing the characters’ decisions and shaping the world in which Revna lives.  The brutality of war is present not only in the external conflict between nations but also in the internal struggles that characters like Revna face.

The Bloodshed Trials themselves, where participants must fight to the death for the throne, are a grotesque reflection of the sacrificial nature of war.  Throughout the story, Revna is confronted with the reality that her personal sacrifices are intertwined with the larger sacrifices made by her people.

The constant threat of war forces her to make decisions that put the lives of those she loves at risk, and the death of her brother Frode in the conflict symbolizes the cost of power and victory.  Her participation in the Trials, and her eventual killing of her parents, is an ultimate sacrifice that consolidates her power but leaves her emotionally devastated.

This duality of sacrifice—both personal and political—underscores the theme of war as a destructive force that demands both physical and emotional tolls from those involved.  The emotional weight of these sacrifices reflects the deep psychological scars left by conflict, not only on the battlefield but also within the hearts and minds of the characters who endure it.

The Complexity of Good and Evil

One of the most compelling themes in the story is the ambiguity surrounding good and evil.  Revna’s internal conflict exemplifies this theme, as she is faced with making morally questionable decisions for the sake of her kingdom and her people.

Her magic, initially a symbol of fear and destruction, becomes a powerful tool she must wield, yet it comes with the heavy burden of moral responsibility.  The Hellbringer, too, embodies this theme.

Despite his violent methods and his role as an antagonist, his actions reveal layers of complexity that force the protagonist to reconsider the boundaries between good and evil.  The Hellbringer’s moments of vulnerability, particularly when he expresses remorse for the death of a soldier, highlight the internal struggles he faces, adding depth to his character.

Revna’s journey, marked by her moral dilemmas and her transformation from a rebellious princess to a queen of power and destruction, questions the nature of good and evil.  It challenges the assumption that one can easily distinguish between the two, suggesting that, in a world defined by violence and war, individuals must often choose between lesser evils and grapple with the consequences of their decisions.