truthlessofcanada's review against another edition
4.5
8.9/10
Ok I am done the Faithful and the Fallen. What a great series.
Overall Wrath is a fantastic conclusion, that provides a satisfying ending which feels earned.
The combat continues to be fantastic, all the PoV characters are interesting to read. There has been one PoV I have been asking for since book 1 and it is in this book, so that is fantastic.
I did have some minor issues in this book, nothing big, just individual moments where it felt like people ran into each other, when it was very very unlikely for that to actually happen. Overall though that is a very minor issue, and I will absolutely be recommending this series to everyone.
Ok I am done the Faithful and the Fallen. What a great series.
Overall Wrath is a fantastic conclusion, that provides a satisfying ending which feels earned.
The combat continues to be fantastic, all the PoV characters are interesting to read. There has been one PoV I have been asking for since book 1 and it is in this book, so that is fantastic.
I did have some minor issues in this book, nothing big, just individual moments where it felt like people ran into each other, when it was very very unlikely for that to actually happen. Overall though that is a very minor issue, and I will absolutely be recommending this series to everyone.
hylian_pirate's review against another edition
5.0
The end of an amazing series. Up there in the top as one of the best written fantasy series ever. John Gwynne is now one of my favorite authors and I will be reading everything he writes.
This is a series that has gotten better with every book and this one is no exception, it's the best out of the four. I loved all the battles in this book. I usually don't enjoy battles in fantasy because of how boring and predictable they are (I'm sick of seige towers and battering rams). The battles here are different and are about executing brilliant tactics and there are so many new and unique ideas. I read the last 200 pages in two days and I rarely read that fast. This book also delivers on the characters side. All the relationships between the characters, friend or foe, culminate here and are concluded in a very satisfyig way.
This is a series that has gotten better with every book and this one is no exception, it's the best out of the four. I loved all the battles in this book. I usually don't enjoy battles in fantasy because of how boring and predictable they are (I'm sick of seige towers and battering rams). The battles here are different and are about executing brilliant tactics and there are so many new and unique ideas. I read the last 200 pages in two days and I rarely read that fast. This book also delivers on the characters side. All the relationships between the characters, friend or foe, culminate here and are concluded in a very satisfyig way.
freebird795's review against another edition
5.0
I've heard this series described as 'the next Game of Thrones', which is wrong, it's better than GoT.
To start with, it's actually a completed series ;)
It's also more active, the words carry the story along, rather than stopping every two minutes to describe the colours and origins of some minor character's coat of arms.
To start with, it's actually a completed series ;)
It's also more active, the words carry the story along, rather than stopping every two minutes to describe the colours and origins of some minor character's coat of arms.
olivia_meret's review against another edition
3.0
I liked it and the entire series but this one just felt too similar to the last two books.
cassidee_omnilegent's review against another edition
5.0
“This day,” he cried, shouting now, “we will live or die, but whatever the outcome, this will still be the day we avenge ourselves for those we’ve lost, the day we right the wrongs done to us, or die in the trying. It will be a dark day, a bloody day, a proud day, for this is the day of our wrath.” “WRATH,” the cry went up, ringing and echoing through the branches.
The chills. The line is drawn in the sand: do you fight for good or do you fight for evil? No longer are our characters able to hide behind oaths made in ignorance, they must stand for something. We have come to a point where, after literally and figuratively getting the shit kicked out of them, our *Bright Star* and his allies have a fighting chance. John Gwynne PUT US (and them) THROUGH IT. He lovingly built up characters just to snatch them away from us. He tore down our defenses and stabbed us in the heart. We get a reprieve in this book. A lot of good happens, redemption that makes all the heartbreak we endured worth it. Oh ho ho, did you think that meant we were getting off easy? No, my friend. There’s still tendrils of devastation waiting to clutch at your tender, primed heart.
“My friend, why are you stood against me?”
“Because you are wrong,” his friend said simply.
We see the devastation that greed and power can bring, simply for the sake of it. Gwynne explores how the best of intentions can be laid bare to the reveal the fault in them. That even the idealistic figures that we’ve always looked to, might let us down. He shows that morality often takes a backseat to the lure of supremacy. And yet, though they might not be the loudest, or the strongest, there are always people that fight for what is right for the majority, not just the few. Though in modern day, we might fight our battles a bit differently, it’s always good to have a reminder that underneath the evil or power hungry raging the loudest, there is good that persists, true and comforting. TRUTH AND COURAGE, as Ban would remind us. Also, wonderfully, subtly, it addresses how doing nothing is as detrimental to the greater good of humanity as actively fighting against it is.
“This is the God-War; it does not work like that. All choose a side,” he said. “If you choose not to fight against Asroth, then you have already chosen him. Doing nothing does not absolve you of choice. Doing nothing puts you firmly on Asroth’s side and makes you a coward, as well, for not having the stones to admit it.”
Gwynne manages to take these characters that we’ve already been with for three books and teach us more about them. We feel closer than ever to them. The terror that men feel when they see Maquin gets more hilarious and grin-inducing as the story goes. He went from an exceptional fighter to a complete fear-inducing savage, striking panic in the heart of the hardest men. It was satisfying to see the likes of Jael and Lykos humbled by that panic whenever he was mentioned. At the same time, Maquin stays strong and true, always fighting for his heart’s home, whether it is Fidele or Kastell.
“It’s the Old Wolf,” a Vin Thalun shouted; the cry was taken up, rippling around the room.
The animals in this story are more than companions, they’re vital. We already know Storm and her brood are more than capable. Craf, comedic and grumpy, becomes a real player in this book. I loved his dry remarks and commentary before, but he proves that he’s essential to the success of his friends. The raw emotion exchanged between these characters and the animals tugs at my heartstrings. Any book that expertly weaves a love for animals into the plot line only wins my favor more. It’s no coincidence that my top five in fantasy have plenty of animal counterparts between them.
“For one moment, it stood on the table, beady eyes darting about, locking with Rafe’s, silence settling upon the room as men, giants, and a queen all start in dumbfounded shock at the crow. Then it was airborne, flapping away, back out the window.”
Even in Rafe, we see the way that love for an animal can humanize us when we have little to live for otherwise. Rafe was one of those exceptional characters that you want to hate but you can’t help but pity. His whole life was set on a path of destruction, starting with a father that didn’t nurture him during his upbringing in a way that set him up for success. This is in contrast to Corban, who was raised lovingly by parents AND a community, is an excellent case for the psychology behind nature vs nurture. We see an average boy like Corban thrive because of this advantage. We also have characters like Trigg, that scheme as a way of survival in an unfair world. I am sure many fantasy fans have gotten a polite brush off here and there, like I have, when people ask them what they like to read. I’ll tell you now, and I’ll tell you again: within the fantasy genre, I have subtly learned more about compassion, psychology, and humanity than I have in any other genre all whilst taking me on an unimaginable journey. Gwynne is an author that understands their audience needs relatability in the midst of their fantastical story.
“Because this is not who I am,” she eventually said. “One act of darkness, of treachery. But also many of loyalty, too. Judge me by the sum of my deeds, not just the one mistake.”
Speaking of Corban, I think we really learn that you can be great without being some prophesied hero. Being chosen by your people for who you are and how you lead is more satisfying than being chosen because an old document foretold your leadership. I think it goes without saying that Corban has proved himself worthy of command over and over. Respectively, Edana has taken council and come into her own, as well. She makes decisions with her head instead of her heart, which is actually in contrast to Ban’s approach. They’ve both found leadership styles that work for them, an excellent example of how leadership is unique to the individual.
“I for one do not care. I never followed you because of a prophecy. I followed because you saved me, and because my enemies are here, and if I don’t face them, they will kill me, or worse, make me a slave again. I still want to kill them. The prophecy changes nothing.”
I could talk about these characters forever. Cywen, Veradis, Gar, Brina, Halion, Camlin, Haelen. Here’s to you. I think if I delved in as far as I would like, I would spoil a bit of the story. Choosing a favorite is almost impossible to me, outside of Ban (I said almost *cough* Veradis, *cough* Maquin). They’ve all been crafted so expertly that they jump off the page. That’s one of the reasons we read, to connect. I had no trouble connecting here. Hence, the heart that was broken and patched, broken and patched, broken and patched again. If you haven’t guessed, this book and series have earned an easy 5/5 stars for me. I savored every bit of this journey. It will forever have a place on my bookshelves. This book is an embodiment of love, passion, and GOODNESS that shines through during a time where our world is very much fraying at the edges. I hope you will, or have already, enjoy these as much as I have. To The Banished Lands, until we meet again.
The chills. The line is drawn in the sand: do you fight for good or do you fight for evil? No longer are our characters able to hide behind oaths made in ignorance, they must stand for something. We have come to a point where, after literally and figuratively getting the shit kicked out of them, our *Bright Star* and his allies have a fighting chance. John Gwynne PUT US (and them) THROUGH IT. He lovingly built up characters just to snatch them away from us. He tore down our defenses and stabbed us in the heart. We get a reprieve in this book. A lot of good happens, redemption that makes all the heartbreak we endured worth it. Oh ho ho, did you think that meant we were getting off easy? No, my friend. There’s still tendrils of devastation waiting to clutch at your tender, primed heart.
“My friend, why are you stood against me?”
“Because you are wrong,” his friend said simply.
We see the devastation that greed and power can bring, simply for the sake of it. Gwynne explores how the best of intentions can be laid bare to the reveal the fault in them. That even the idealistic figures that we’ve always looked to, might let us down. He shows that morality often takes a backseat to the lure of supremacy. And yet, though they might not be the loudest, or the strongest, there are always people that fight for what is right for the majority, not just the few. Though in modern day, we might fight our battles a bit differently, it’s always good to have a reminder that underneath the evil or power hungry raging the loudest, there is good that persists, true and comforting. TRUTH AND COURAGE, as Ban would remind us. Also, wonderfully, subtly, it addresses how doing nothing is as detrimental to the greater good of humanity as actively fighting against it is.
“This is the God-War; it does not work like that. All choose a side,” he said. “If you choose not to fight against Asroth, then you have already chosen him. Doing nothing does not absolve you of choice. Doing nothing puts you firmly on Asroth’s side and makes you a coward, as well, for not having the stones to admit it.”
Gwynne manages to take these characters that we’ve already been with for three books and teach us more about them. We feel closer than ever to them. The terror that men feel when they see Maquin gets more hilarious and grin-inducing as the story goes. He went from an exceptional fighter to a complete fear-inducing savage, striking panic in the heart of the hardest men. It was satisfying to see the likes of Jael and Lykos humbled by that panic whenever he was mentioned. At the same time, Maquin stays strong and true, always fighting for his heart’s home, whether it is Fidele or Kastell.
“It’s the Old Wolf,” a Vin Thalun shouted; the cry was taken up, rippling around the room.
The animals in this story are more than companions, they’re vital. We already know Storm and her brood are more than capable. Craf, comedic and grumpy, becomes a real player in this book. I loved his dry remarks and commentary before, but he proves that he’s essential to the success of his friends. The raw emotion exchanged between these characters and the animals tugs at my heartstrings. Any book that expertly weaves a love for animals into the plot line only wins my favor more. It’s no coincidence that my top five in fantasy have plenty of animal counterparts between them.
“For one moment, it stood on the table, beady eyes darting about, locking with Rafe’s, silence settling upon the room as men, giants, and a queen all start in dumbfounded shock at the crow. Then it was airborne, flapping away, back out the window.”
Even in Rafe, we see the way that love for an animal can humanize us when we have little to live for otherwise. Rafe was one of those exceptional characters that you want to hate but you can’t help but pity. His whole life was set on a path of destruction, starting with a father that didn’t nurture him during his upbringing in a way that set him up for success. This is in contrast to Corban, who was raised lovingly by parents AND a community, is an excellent case for the psychology behind nature vs nurture. We see an average boy like Corban thrive because of this advantage. We also have characters like Trigg, that scheme as a way of survival in an unfair world. I am sure many fantasy fans have gotten a polite brush off here and there, like I have, when people ask them what they like to read. I’ll tell you now, and I’ll tell you again: within the fantasy genre, I have subtly learned more about compassion, psychology, and humanity than I have in any other genre all whilst taking me on an unimaginable journey. Gwynne is an author that understands their audience needs relatability in the midst of their fantastical story.
“Because this is not who I am,” she eventually said. “One act of darkness, of treachery. But also many of loyalty, too. Judge me by the sum of my deeds, not just the one mistake.”
Speaking of Corban, I think we really learn that you can be great without being some prophesied hero. Being chosen by your people for who you are and how you lead is more satisfying than being chosen because an old document foretold your leadership. I think it goes without saying that Corban has proved himself worthy of command over and over. Respectively, Edana has taken council and come into her own, as well. She makes decisions with her head instead of her heart, which is actually in contrast to Ban’s approach. They’ve both found leadership styles that work for them, an excellent example of how leadership is unique to the individual.
“I for one do not care. I never followed you because of a prophecy. I followed because you saved me, and because my enemies are here, and if I don’t face them, they will kill me, or worse, make me a slave again. I still want to kill them. The prophecy changes nothing.”
I could talk about these characters forever. Cywen, Veradis, Gar, Brina, Halion, Camlin, Haelen. Here’s to you. I think if I delved in as far as I would like, I would spoil a bit of the story. Choosing a favorite is almost impossible to me, outside of Ban (I said almost *cough* Veradis, *cough* Maquin). They’ve all been crafted so expertly that they jump off the page. That’s one of the reasons we read, to connect. I had no trouble connecting here. Hence, the heart that was broken and patched, broken and patched, broken and patched again. If you haven’t guessed, this book and series have earned an easy 5/5 stars for me. I savored every bit of this journey. It will forever have a place on my bookshelves. This book is an embodiment of love, passion, and GOODNESS that shines through during a time where our world is very much fraying at the edges. I hope you will, or have already, enjoy these as much as I have. To The Banished Lands, until we meet again.
powder_and_page's review against another edition
5.0
The ending of a book series is always somewhat bittersweet. Reaching the end can be amazing, but at the same time there’s a good chance you won’t get to read about your favorite characters in anything new. Wrath was a good, solid conclusion and it left the reader with an idea of what each character’s path would hold.
The characters continued to really delight, though John Gwynne really started crushing my soul near the end. People just kept dying off-- some of them were like “FINALLY” and a couple others made me tear up just a little. John Gwynne really knows how to write characters that you end up cheering for and that you’ll remember longer after you close the final page. As the series has progressed I found myself warming to some characters more than I had expected to, namely Veradis and Maquin. I was initially annoyed by Veradis’ blind faith in Nathair, but after he came to see the truth he became much less frustrating. I liked Maquin well enough from his very first appearance, but he didn’t really start growing on me until his encounters with Lykos and the Vin Thalun. He seemed to find his true self and he was a hard but useful man. I would love to see him on screen in action.
From the beginning I knew The Faithful and the Fallen was going to be one of the best fantasy series I’ve read (and will read). The classic fantasy element of good and evil was turned into something much more complicated and grey than usual and seeing in depth perspectives from both sides made it a phenomenal story. Wrath was a wonderful conclusion and I don’t say that lightly, as I find many finales just aren’t quite up to par with my expectations. This did not feel rushed and was obviously done with great care and the desire to deliver a worthy conclusion. I loved it and flew through this nearly 700 page beast of a book.
Overall, Wrath was awesome! I highly recommend The Faithful and the Fallen series to any fan of epic fantasy, because it’s a worthy addition to the genre and you won’t regret it. Plus, those crisp white covers and awesome designs look pretty aesthetic on my shelf. I hope Mr. Gwynne continues to write and I can’t wait to see what his future as an author holds.
The characters continued to really delight, though John Gwynne really started crushing my soul near the end. People just kept dying off-- some of them were like “FINALLY” and a couple others made me tear up just a little. John Gwynne really knows how to write characters that you end up cheering for and that you’ll remember longer after you close the final page. As the series has progressed I found myself warming to some characters more than I had expected to, namely Veradis and Maquin. I was initially annoyed by Veradis’ blind faith in Nathair, but after he came to see the truth he became much less frustrating. I liked Maquin well enough from his very first appearance, but he didn’t really start growing on me until his encounters with Lykos and the Vin Thalun. He seemed to find his true self and he was a hard but useful man. I would love to see him on screen in action.
From the beginning I knew The Faithful and the Fallen was going to be one of the best fantasy series I’ve read (and will read). The classic fantasy element of good and evil was turned into something much more complicated and grey than usual and seeing in depth perspectives from both sides made it a phenomenal story. Wrath was a wonderful conclusion and I don’t say that lightly, as I find many finales just aren’t quite up to par with my expectations. This did not feel rushed and was obviously done with great care and the desire to deliver a worthy conclusion. I loved it and flew through this nearly 700 page beast of a book.
Overall, Wrath was awesome! I highly recommend The Faithful and the Fallen series to any fan of epic fantasy, because it’s a worthy addition to the genre and you won’t regret it. Plus, those crisp white covers and awesome designs look pretty aesthetic on my shelf. I hope Mr. Gwynne continues to write and I can’t wait to see what his future as an author holds.
bookmumblings's review against another edition
3.0
Let me preface this by saying I really enjoyed this series. So, it pains me to say that, whilst the ending was satisfying, I was disappointed with this final book.
1) Pacing
This book felt slow, rushed and segmented all at once.
We are constantly jumping from pov to pov, realm to realm, subplot to subplot. It all felt staged and segmented. The same things seemed to be happening but to different characters. This segmented feeling caused a lack of continuity. It left me feeling detached from the story and characters. Key details were being glossed over and it was hugely frustrating.
It felt like this: ‘Someone dies. Okay, were straight to the next pov and battle… The battle ends badly/great. Who cares, let’s go straight to the next pov… Betrayal and a sudden reveal! …Meh let’s not dwell here.”
There was no time for characters to process, never mind the readers.
I am not exaggerating when I say that there were times that I was left leafing through pages wondering ‘did I miss a chapter?’ … ‘did I fabricate that big reveal that is now being totally ignored?”
There was also something of an anticlimax and unanswered questions.
I suspect that the pacing of the previous books couldn't have worked here because there was so much more to do - treasures to collect, character arcs, plot holes to fill - hence this book came across as super rushed and jumpy in order to tie all the ends together. Unfortunately, it didn't come across well.
2) The choices
Let’s just say things happened which didn’t make sense, however hard I tried to make it reconcile with the story (trust me, I tried
1) Pacing
This book felt slow, rushed and segmented all at once.
We are constantly jumping from pov to pov, realm to realm, subplot to subplot. It all felt staged and segmented. The same things seemed to be happening but to different characters. This segmented feeling caused a lack of continuity. It left me feeling detached from the story and characters. Key details were being glossed over and it was hugely frustrating.
It felt like this: ‘Someone dies. Okay, were straight to the next pov and battle… The battle ends badly/great. Who cares, let’s go straight to the next pov… Betrayal and a sudden reveal! …Meh let’s not dwell here.”
There was no time for characters to process, never mind the readers.
I am not exaggerating when I say that there were times that I was left leafing through pages wondering ‘did I miss a chapter?’ … ‘did I fabricate that big reveal that is now being totally ignored?”
There was also something of an anticlimax and unanswered questions.
I suspect that the pacing of the previous books couldn't have worked here because there was so much more to do - treasures to collect, character arcs, plot holes to fill - hence this book came across as super rushed and jumpy in order to tie all the ends together. Unfortunately, it didn't come across well.
2) The choices
Let’s just say things happened which didn’t make sense, however hard I tried to make it reconcile with the story (trust me, I tried
ambers_always_reading's review against another edition
5.0
I cannot think of a more perfect ending for a series. This book series is high fantasy so the first couple are slower but it is so worth it for this conclusion. I am sad and happy and feeling all of the things that you want to feel when you finish a series