Malice

by John Gwynne
Malice cover
Good Books rating 3.9
Fantasy
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Paperback • £12.99
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Format • £15.19
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Technical
  • ID: 2256
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-13
  • ISBN: 9780316399739
  • Publisher: Orbit
  • Published: 2013-12-03
  • Formats: 6
  • Reviews: 3

Malice, the first installment in John Gwynne's Faithful and Fallen series, unfolds in a fractured world where the resurgence of ancient monsters heralds an impending cataclysm. Corban, a young warrior, aspires to serve King Brenin, but his destiny arrives sooner than expected, demanding a bloody price. Meanwhile, Evnis, driven by ambition, seeks power at any cost, while Veradis, a skilled swordsman, struggles with his brother's shadow in the warband of High Prince Nathair, who harbors plans that defy his father, the High King Aquilus. The Banished Lands, scarred by a violent history of clashes between men and giants, now face a new peril as giant wyrms awaken and the land itself bleeds. Those attuned to the signs foresee a danger greater than any previous threat, setting the stage for a tale of epic conflict and transformation.

Reviews
Phenixx Gaming · 2025-10-13
exciting 3.20

The action scenes and character writing are the standout aspects of the novel, although the prose could be improved. The reviewer found the story engaging despite some flaws in the writing.

This review focuses on the strengths of the novel, particularly the action scenes and character writing, which the reviewer finds exceptional. They note that the prose could be improved, but the overall story is engaging and keeps readers interested. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the characters and the excitement of the action sequences, which make the book a enjoyable read despite some minor shortcomings in the writing style.

Quick quotes

    The real standout aspects of this novel for me were the action scenes and character writing.

    Gwynne's prose is not the best overall, but when it comes to action and character development, it shines.

    The overall story is engaging and keeps readers interested despite some flaws in the writing.

Novel Notions · 2025-10-13
gripping 4.50

The story is a classic tale of light versus darkness, with gripping characters and a plot that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The reviewer found the narrative compelling and well-executed.

This review emphasizes the classic theme of light versus darkness, which is executed exceptionally well in the book. The reviewer is captivated by the characters and the plot, noting that the story grips readers from the very beginning and never lets go. They appreciate the author's ability to create a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged throughout. The reviewer also highlights the emotional depth and the well-developed characters, which add to the overall enjoyment of the book.

Quick quotes

    It's a classic story of Light vs Darkness at its best.

    Right from the beginning, the characters and the plot gripped me and never let go until the end.

    The emotional depth and the well-developed characters add to the overall enjoyment of the book.

Grimdark Magazine · 2025-10-13
engaging 4.00

The book explores the timeless conflict between good and evil, with a strong emphasis on character development and world-building. The narrative is engaging and well-paced, making it a compelling read for fantasy enthusiasts.

This review highlights the classic struggle between good and evil as the central theme of the book. The reviewer appreciates the depth of character development and the intricate world-building, which make the story immersive. They note that the narrative is engaging and well-paced, keeping readers hooked until the end. The reviewer also praises the author's ability to blend age-old elements with a fresh perspective, making the story feel both familiar and exciting.

Quick quotes

    A really reductive summary of Malice could boil it down to two main themes. The first and all-encompassing is the age-old fight of Good vs Evil ...

    The narrative is engaging and well-paced, making it a compelling read for fantasy enthusiasts.

    The depth of character development and the intricate world-building make the story immersive.

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