Reviews with content warning for Gore - A Time of Dread

(May bump down to 4.5 eventually because the dopamine rush is real right now)

Well, what a beginning to this sequel series. I just love the Banished Lands immensely. I'm very glad Gwynne decided to write this sequel series to The Faithful and The Fallen because there's absolutely a captivating and arguably necessary story to tell in this world after the results of the God-War. Evil forces are still at large, scheming their revenge in hopes to follow through with their original plans. And there's strife amongst occupying forces after the God-War.

I really did enjoy the new cast of characters. Especially Drem and his father Olin, who I latched onto immediately. They're one of my favorite father-son duos I've ever read.

(but thanks for ruining it John!)

I also still cannot express how good Gwynne is with his action scenes. Best in modern fantasy. Period.

Additionally, there were some noteable horror elements introduced to the Banished Lands with this book. It felt refreshing in this classic fantasy landscape and upped the stakes in the post God-War environment. It also offered a great source of intrigue/mystery. I was speculating often throughout the book, and I'm very interested to see where Gwynne takes the horror in the rest of the trilogy.

And of course, a big part of me loving this book was the references to the Faithful and the Fallen series, as well as some reappearing characters. I could go on and on about how much I love these books. Gwynne is one of the few authors who writes characters in a way that makes them feel like they're truly your family. Like you're right there with them along for the ride. It's wonderful.

Can't wait to see where this goes after the wild ending. But I will find Gwynne someday and tell him of the trauma he's given me with his book conclusions because this was no exception.

Content Warnings