John Gwynne’s Malice, the first book in The Faithful and the Fallen series, delivers a compelling fantasy experience that manages to feel both timeless and innovative. While rooted in classic fantasy tropes, Malice distinguishes itself through deeply realized characters and a world brimming with subtle complexities. It’s a journey through familiar landscapes that unveils hidden paths and unexpected vistas, making it a standout in the genre.
A Classic Fantasy Foundation with Modern Depth
Malice operates within the well-trodden territory of good versus evil, incorporating beloved fantasy elements: the unassuming blacksmith’s son, a loyal animal companion, looming shadows, and the quintessential coming-of-age narrative. However, John Gwynne elevates these familiar components by focusing on character depth and nuanced perspectives. This isn’t just a retread of fantasy standards; it’s a revitalization, breathing new life into archetypes through intricate character development.
Gwynne crafts a world that is simultaneously enchanting and unsettling. The Banished Lands are rich with history and veiled in mystery, revealing themselves layer by layer. This carefully constructed setting provides a stage for characters who grapple with moral ambiguities. The narrative explores the shades of gray between right and wrong, embodied in characters who are both virtuous and flawed, adding significant thematic weight to the story. Combined with a powerfully climatic ending, Malice leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Plot Unveiled: Prophecy and Destiny in the Banished Lands
Malice serves as the opening chapter of the expansive Faithful and the Fallen series. The narrative unfolds in the Banished Lands, a realm scarred by ancient conflicts and steeped in prophecy. This world is fractured into warring kingdoms, setting the stage for an epic clash between opposing forces. At the heart of the story is Corban, a young blacksmith’s son whose ordinary life is irrevocably altered as he becomes entangled in a growing war. Corban’s aspirations of knighthood are intertwined with an ancient prophecy, foretelling the arrival of a Bright Star and a Black Sun, destinies that will reshape his world and his future.
World-Building: Familiar Tropes, Fresh Perspectives
The Banished Lands are presented as a land bearing the scars of a long-past God War, an event that casts a long shadow over the present conflicts. Prophecy dictates the resurgence of this ancient war, adding a layer of preordained conflict to the narrative. John Gwynne populates this world with a diverse array of races, from humans and giants to wolvens, draigs, and even a wise talking crow, creating a rich tapestry of cultures and creatures.
While drawing upon established fantasy tropes, Gwynne reinterprets them with originality. The central prophecy of the Black Sun and Bright Star, figures embodying the classic dichotomy of good and evil, provides a familiar yet compelling framework. The quote, “I shall stay and tell my tale, hope that it may serve some purpose, that eyes shall see it and learn, that the future will not repeat the mistakes of the past. That is my prayer, but what use is prayer to a god that has abandoned all things . . .” encapsulates the world’s sense of history and looming destiny.
Although the world-building is immersive and detailed, seasoned fantasy readers might recognize familiar elements. While these tropes are skillfully employed, the setting carves a path that feels comfortably familiar rather than entirely groundbreaking. Gwynne strikes a balance, offering the reassurance of classic fantasy with subtle innovations on ancient themes.
Storytelling: Pacing and Payoff
The narrative of Malice commences with classic fantasy undertones, introducing young characters burdened with significant destinies, such as the unassuming village boy and the frequently overlooked youngest son archetype. However, Gwynne skillfully deviates from predictable paths, injecting intrigue and unpredictability into these familiar character types.
The pacing of Malice leans towards a slower burn, prioritizing character development over rapid plot progression. This emphasis on character depth, while enriching, may require patience from readers eager for immediate action. However, Gwynne punctuates the narrative with well-crafted action sequences that inject necessary excitement and momentum. The latter part of the book sees a significant acceleration in pace, culminating in a high-stakes, action-packed finale.
The conclusion of Malice provides a satisfying resolution to immediate storylines, offering closure without resorting to abrupt cliffhangers. The ending resonates emotionally, with impactful moments that have deeply moved readers. While the initial pacing may be measured, it effectively lays the groundwork for a narrative arc that promises significant developments in subsequent books. Gwynne’s talent lies in his ability to weave familiar fantasy elements into a tapestry that feels both comforting and refreshingly original, making Malice a distinctive entry in the fantasy genre. As the quote suggests, “Both the brave man and the coward feel the same. The only difference between them is that the brave man faces his fear, does not run,” mirroring the character-driven conflicts within the story.
Characters: The Heart of Malice
In Malice, John Gwynne masterfully utilizes the slower pacing to cultivate rich and compelling character arcs. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, approximately seven or eight, all presented in the third person. This multi-faceted approach allows readers to witness character growth organically, experiencing their transformations gradually rather than through exposition dumps.
Characters such as Tull, Storm, and Envis stand out as particularly memorable. Tull’s journey into bravery and Envis’s descent into darkness exemplify the complex and multi-layered character development that Gwynne excels at. The strength of Malice lies in its diverse cast of personalities, some instantly relatable, others shrouded in compelling mystery.
With a substantial cast including Nathair, Cywen, Maquin, and Camlin, among nearly fifty others, Gwynne ensures each character, no matter how minor, leaves a lasting impression. His skill in forging a connection between reader and character is remarkable. Readers become invested in their fates, experiencing both the triumphs and tragedies of their journeys, highlighting the emotional depth of Malice.
Writing Style: Dynamic and Textured Prose
John Gwynne’s writing style in Malice is characterized by its dynamic and richly textured prose, a hallmark of his work within the fantasy genre. His action sequences are particularly noteworthy, written with a visceral intensity that is both exhilarating and remarkably clear.
Gwynne’s style evokes echoes of fantasy titans such as David Gemmell, J.R.R. Tolkien, and especially Raymond E. Feist. His meticulous world-building and the intricate development of plot and characters carry the hallmarks of epic fantasy, reminiscent of Feist’s expansive narratives. This stylistic similarity is a testament to Gwynne’s skill and a high compliment to his craft, as captured in the quote, “History is of value. If more of us took heed of the mistakes of the past, the future could be a different thing.” This reflects the weight of history and legend within Gwynne’s writing.
Enjoyment: A Journey Worth Taking
Malice offers a reading experience with both peaks and valleys. The ending delivers a powerful impact, and the characters are undeniably the heart of the story, making the overall journey deeply rewarding. The novel also incorporates unique twists that keep the narrative engaging.
The primary drawback for some readers might be the pacing, which, as previously mentioned, is deliberate and may feel slow to those seeking immediate gratification. Additionally, while the familiar tropes provide a comfortable entry point, the initial portion of the book might feel somewhat conventional for readers desiring more immediate innovation. Readers familiar with Gwynne’s later work, such as The Shadow of the Gods, might approach Malice with certain expectations, potentially influencing their initial perception.
Despite these minor points, the ultimate testament to Malice‘s appeal is the compelling urge to continue the series. Automatically ordering the subsequent book upon finishing Malice speaks volumes, perhaps even more than words can convey.
Final Rating: 4.3/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
