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Malice

Malice

AdventureEpic Fantasy
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.

Prose complexity
7/10

Vibe

DarkTenseAtmosphericAdventurous
QuestBetrayal

Genres

Adventure Epic Fantasy Fantasy High Fantasy Dark Fantasy Military

About the author

J
John Gwynne

John Gwynne (b. 1968) is a British fantasy author born in Singapore, where his father was posted with the Royal Air Force, and raised in England from infancy. He studied and later lectured at the University of Brighton before writing full-time. His debut novel, Malice (2012), the opening book of The Faithful and the Fallen, won the David Gemmell Morningstar Award for best fantasy debut. He went on to write the Of Blood and Bone series and The Bloodsworn Saga, the latter drawing on Norse mytholog...

Characters

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

Frequently asked questions

  • 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.

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