Title: Malice
Author: John Gwynne
First published December 1, 2012
672 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780230758452 (ISBN10: 0230758452)
Rating: 4.16
Overview
The darkness is rising… In the Banished Lands, young Corban dreams of becoming a warrior under the rule of King Brenin.
He longs to protect his homeland and fight for his king. But when tragedy strikes and he loses everything he loves, he realizes the true cost of bravery.
The land has a violent past, where armies of men and giants once battled, leaving scars that still haunt the earth. Now the giants are stirring once again, and the signs point to a threat greater than any before.
Angels and demons prepare to wage a war that will shake the very foundation of the world, and the fate of mankind rests on the shoulders of two champions: the Black Sun and the Bright Star. High King Aquilus calls for an alliance among the kings, but some are hesitant to join the fight.
As the darkness looms closer and closer, Corban and his companions must race against time to find the champions and prevent the Black Sun from gaining power. For if they fail, the hopes and dreams of all humanity will crumble to dust.
About the Author
Hello there! I’m an author who has written several epic fantasy series including The Faithful and the Fallen, Of Blood and Bone, and The Bloodsworn Saga. When I’m not writing, I enjoy re-enacting Viking battles with my three sons who share my love for swords and axes.
Although, I must admit that wearing a coat of mail can be quite challenging at times.
I live on the south coast of the UK with my wonderful wife, three sons, a daughter, and a variety of animals which includes three dogs, a horse, and a lamb who thinks she’s a dog. Speaking of dogs, I’m pretty sure mine think I’m their servant.
My debut novel, Malice, was published by Pan Macmillan in 2012 and won the David Gemmell Morningstar Award for Best Fantasy Debut of that year. This was a huge honor for me as David Gemmell is one of my heroes and a major inspiration for my writing.
My subsequent novels, Valour, Ruin, and Wrath, were all shortlisted for the David Gemmell Legend Award for Best Fantasy Novels in 2014, 2015, and 2016 respectively. In 2017, my book Wrath won the BookNest Award for Best Traditionally Published Novel.
My second series, Of Blood and Bone, takes place in the same world as my first series, but 130 years after the events of the first story. The first book in this new series, A Time of Dread, was a hit and the third book, A Time of Courage, even made the Spiegel Bestseller’s List in Germany.
My latest book, The Shadow of the Gods, is the first book in The Bloodsworn Saga and will be published in May 2021. This book draws inspiration from Norse mythology, Beowulf, and Ragnarök.
I’m represented by Julie Crisp, who helps me navigate the publishing world.
Editoral Review
Malice by John Gwynne is a stunning accomplishment in the fantasy genre. First published on December 1, 2012, Gwynne established himself as a master world-builder with intense action scenes, dramatic character development, and a captivating storyline.
The four-book series, titled The Faithful and the Fallen, has quickly become a beloved epic fantasy series that rivals George R. R.
Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire. The story follows the fate of the Banished Lands, a world closely resembling medieval Europe.
A young boy named Corban grows up under the shadow of ill fortune, which plagues his family and friends. As evil begins to spread across the land, led by an invading army, Corban finds himself at the center of a conflict between good and evil.
With the help of his friends from the region, they must try to fend off the invading army. Malice is a grand fantasy epic with a complex world and numerous characters, each with their own motivations and arcs.
From the powerful beings known as “The Seven” to the power-hungry King Nathair, the characters in Malice are some of the most well-developed in the fantasy genre. Gwynne spends significant time fleshing out each character, and readers feel invested in their respective journeys through the books.
One of Gwynne’s strengths is his ability to craft extensive battle scenes that are enthralling and emotional. It’s fascinating to see how a person, such as Corban, rises to meet the occasion during these clashes.
The pacing of these scenes is top-notch, and it feels as if readers are right beside the characters battling for the fate of the land. The stunning worldbuilding in Malice cannot be overstated.
The Banished Lands are deeply realized, with different regions, cultures, and beliefs. It’s clear that Gwynne spent significant time crafting this world, and it has paid off with detail and nuance.
The inclusion of the gods, as a central theme in the book, adds depth and more backstory to the world. Throughout Malice, a commentary on the human condition is prevalent.
Themes of sacrifice, redemption, and morality are woven into the story. As readers get further into the series, the commentary on morality and destiny becomes more complex, and the series asks tough questions about the balance of power and the true nature of good versus evil.
While Malice has few weaknesses, the pace of the story can be slow at times, especially in the beginning. But the time invested in building up the characters and the world is much appreciated, and it pays off throughout the series’s run.
Overall, Malice is an unforgettable debut novel from John Gwynne, and it stands as one of the best fantasy novels in recent memory. Fans of George R.
R. Martin, J.R.R. Tolkein, and Patrick Rothfuss will find plenty to love in The Faithful and the Fallen.
It’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys epic fantasy, with its fascinating characters, complex world building, and uniquely gripping story. Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
