Does this book stand alone or is it part of a series?

This is the first installment of a four-part series titled The Faithful and the Fallen, which continues through the subsequent novels Valour, Ruin, and Wrath.

What inspired the author's approach to combat and weaponry in the story?

The author is an active participant in Viking reenactment, and he has stated that this real-world experience directly informs his detailed depictions of fighting styles and equipment.

Did this book receive any notable recognition upon its release?

It was awarded the David Gemmell Morningstar Award in 2013, which recognizes the best fantasy debut of the year.

Malice by John Gwynne

Malice

Epic Fantasy Adventure

Pages: 641
Published: 2012
Language: English

Synopsis

In the Banished Lands, a history of war between men and giants is overshadowed by a new, creeping darkness. As ancient evils stir and the very stones weep blood, a dire threat looms. If the Black Sun rises, all hope will be extinguished, and the world can never be restored. This is a tale of ambition, betrayal, and the fight against overwhelming darkness.

6 reviews

How it reads

Dark Tense Atmospheric Adventurous

Quest Betrayal

Prose complexity 7/10

Content warnings (1)

Violence

Genres

Subjects

Angels Courage Demonology Good and evil Imaginary wars and battles Magic Soldiers War stories

Places

The Banished Lands · Fictional

CorbanProtagonist

A blacksmith's son in the kingdom of Ardan who grows from a weak, bullied boy into a warrior over the course of the book.

VeradisSupporting

A young warrior from Tenebral assigned to serve Prince Nathair, becoming his sworn shieldman and friend.

NathairSupporting

Prince of Tenebral and son of the high king; a POV character whose path through the story is shadowed by manipulation from those around him.

CamlinSupporting

EvnisSupporting

All characters in Malice

David Gemmell Morningstar Award2013

John GwynneFantasy · Fiction·b. 1968

This is the first installment of a four-part series titled The Faithful and the Fallen, which continues through the subsequent novels Valour, Ruin, and Wrath.
The author is an active participant in Viking reenactment, and he has stated that this real-world experience directly informs his detailed depictions of fighting styles and equipment.
It was awarded the David Gemmell Morningstar Award in 2013, which recognizes the best fantasy debut of the year.