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isi__1's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Finishing this series felt so bittersweet. On the one hand, I‘m glad that the war is over, on the other hand, I can‘t help but think of all those characters who didn‘t get to see the end of it.
John Gwynne managed to make me empathise with the characters. I feel like I‘ve been through so much with them.
There‘s some characters on the “bad side“, but I still felt like I could understand their motivation and why they did what they did (except Lykos; fuck him and everything he stands for!). Even the “good guys“ weren‘t always flawless. The characters in this whole series just felt so real to me.
The plot never felt too overwhelming, nor too boring at any point. The book was well-paced throughout.
Ending this series makes me really want to jump into the sequel trilogy Of Blood and Bone, even though I know that it takes place quite a bit in the future and I won‘t be seeing many - if any - recurring characters. I just want to keep experiencing John Gwynne‘s writing.
It‘s hard to write a satisfying finale to a series, but John Gwynne nailed it. The ending wrapped up all of the character arcs incredibly well, but it also leaves some room to make me curious about how it will go downhill from here in the future of the followup series.
John Gwynne managed to make me empathise with the characters. I feel like I‘ve been through so much with them.
There‘s some characters on the “bad side“, but I still felt like I could understand their motivation and why they did what they did (except Lykos; fuck him and everything he stands for!). Even the “good guys“ weren‘t always flawless. The characters in this whole series just felt so real to me.
The plot never felt too overwhelming, nor too boring at any point. The book was well-paced throughout.
Ending this series makes me really want to jump into the sequel trilogy Of Blood and Bone, even though I know that it takes place quite a bit in the future and I won‘t be seeing many - if any - recurring characters. I just want to keep experiencing John Gwynne‘s writing.
It‘s hard to write a satisfying finale to a series, but John Gwynne nailed it. The ending wrapped up all of the character arcs incredibly well, but it also leaves some room to make me curious about how it will go downhill from here in the future of the followup series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Grief, and War
dani_reis's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Grief, and War
ayoung720's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Wow, what a story! Together with George RR Martin and Brandon Sanderson, I think that John Gwynne completes my holy trinity of favorite modern, "realist" fantasy authors. I love the way that he crafts his villains - some you downright loath (Calidus), some are amazingly entertaining in the most twisted way possible (Lykos), and some falls are tragic to watch (Nathair). He's not afraid to kill characters you love, some in the most horrific ways possible, and his ability to write a ~150 page battle without it dragging is astounding. Both this saga and the still to be completed Bloodsworn saga proudly sit on my bookshelf and I rave about them to anyone who will listen.
If I have any small nitpicks, it's two things:
1. Corban as the main protagonist is probably the least interesting POV character, mostly because his arc is so clear-cut. However, I also understand that his archetype is necessary in this type of story so that all the other plotlines can swirl around his central story.
2. The amount of fast-travelling taking place... It's almost like they're playing Skyrim 🤣 however, it doesn't take anything away from the story.
En fin, what an amazing saga! Can't wait to read more from Gwynne.
If I have any small nitpicks, it's two things:
1. Corban as the main protagonist is probably the least interesting POV character, mostly because his arc is so clear-cut. However, I also understand that his archetype is necessary in this type of story so that all the other plotlines can swirl around his central story.
2. The amount of fast-travelling taking place... It's almost like they're playing Skyrim 🤣 however, it doesn't take anything away from the story.
En fin, what an amazing saga! Can't wait to read more from Gwynne.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and War
surdiablo's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Well, that was.. disappointing. My excitement to continue this series was revitalized after finishing Ruin, which regardless of my constant criticisms, still managed to stir some strong emotions within me, making me consider the potential for its successor. But alas, I got the same regurgitated tropes/plotlines in this one, where people still travel back and forth for the majority of the book, at least 3-4 instances where good/bad guys are distracted and get stabbed from behind or saved by their friends, repetitive skirmishes with someone barely dying, all the unnecessary pov changes that did nothing except break the momentum, silly thought bubbles, etc. It lacked the impact of a final book till the last 20%, and while the final battle was good overall, I don't think it was amazing enough to raise the rating further. I still noticed some grammatical errors here and there, awkward sentences that made me raise my eyebrow, and moments that were too corny/goofy for me to enjoy, which has proven again that Gwynne's writing just doesn't work for me. I think the ending itself was fine, and while I felt somewhat emotional regarding the deaths of two side characters, I mainly remained indifferent and had no hype whatsoever for the final battle. I was thinking thank god it's over! rather than feeling any satisfaction from all these random villains dying ( except for Lykos perhaps ), since they just lived for too long, dragging everything longer than what was necessary. . The one thing that surprised me most is something that actually didn't happen regardless of my expectations, which would be the lack of a cameo appearance or interference from Elyon himself. Ultimately, my main complaint comes down to this, something that was always an issue but not so irritating till now, which would be convenience. Most of the events transpired in such a convenient way for both good/bad guys that it became rather hard for me to suspend my disbelief by the end. Fidele's capture, recapture, and death later if you want an example. I also have several questions, like if Maquin and Fidele have been united in the afterlife, what about their previous spouses that they were in good terms with? Why didn't Calidus make more super soldiers like at the end of book 2 if his powers are stronger with more treasures around? What was the point in that 'prophecy being fake' twist since nothing ever really came out of it and Asroth and Meical were turned into statues anyway in such an anti-climactic way? I will stop now as I feel like I've ranted enough, but overall, I did have fun reading it, more than Malice anyway, so that's something. I will try the sequel series someday with the vague hope that it will be better, although I doubt it.
TLDR: It's fine. Might be worth it if you want a popcorn read, a modern take on classic fantasy but that's where my praise ends. Ruin > Valour > Wrath > Malice.
TLDR: It's fine. Might be worth it if you want a popcorn read, a modern take on classic fantasy but that's where my praise ends. Ruin > Valour > Wrath > Malice.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Gore, and War
Moderate: Self harm, Slavery, and Death of parent
ripxreads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, and Violence
jaedia's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Violence, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, War, and Injury/Injury detail
applejacksbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Violence, Blood, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, War, and Injury/Injury detail
chattie_the_mad_chatter's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Brilliant end to this series of epic classic fantasy. The set up of thevfirst three books pay off in here! There are amazing battle scenes, many emotional moments as the characters head towards their end goal. Not everyone can survive TRUTH AND COURAGE!!!
I love these characters it has been so much fun being with them seeing the change and growth. I am still processing and not ready to leave the banished lands.
I love these characters it has been so much fun being with them seeing the change and growth. I am still processing and not ready to leave the banished lands.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, and War
Moderate: Kidnapping
kylieqrada's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I am Faithful and the Fallen trash forever. That's it. That's the review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Misogyny, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Death of parent, and Toxic friendship
seanml's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
It’s been a while since I’ve felt this “cold” after finishing a book. I can’t say any piece of literature has so thoroughly captured my imagination since my favorite book The Once and Future King. Finishing this series is surreal, and I became almost apprehensive to finish it. What is there to not rave about?
The gradual inclusion of making a noticeable bulk of the cast giants was an amazing choice that helps differentiate the series from so many other anthropocentric fantasy narratives. The Kadoshim-possessed Jehar are the most frighteningly cool enemies since the OG Nazgul.
And then there’s the characters: so many to even count. With such a vast wealth of characters, I’m so impressed by the fact that I cared about the wellbeing of relatively minor characters like Kulla or Wulf as much as I did about the major characters. Cywen was quickly one of my favorites since Malice and I loved to see her bludgeon her way through any trial thrown at her. Edana was so wonderfully done and one of the greatest arcs of the series. The slow and rising chess game of tactics between Camlin and Rafe was an unexpected narrative choice and so well done. I am so very glad Alcyon got his due. Fidele and Nathair have two vastly different, but equally tragic stories, and the eventual drift in their initially similar moralities become wonderful parallels. Veradis was one of my favorites from the start, and I am so enthused that he survived, because I was convinced halfway through Malice that he wasn’t making it out. Coralen, Dath, and Farrell are all so uniquely badass and I enjoyed every single moment that a paragraph was dedicated to their heroics. And I cannot go through a review of this book (Nobody should) without referencing Maquin. Without a doubt, Maquin has to be one of my favorite fictional characters of all time: Indiana Jones, Jane Eyre, Lancelot, Rick Grimes, Ellen Ripley, Lady de Winter, Achilles, Link, Anakin Skywalker, Beowulf, Aragorn, and with all of them: Maquin. This entire series of gold and in my opinion Maquin is that tiny little sparkle at the top of the pile. Also, in case I forget, I absolutely adore Craf. And then the three heroes: all the protagonists exude truth and courage but I have to give it up for these three: Corban, Gar, and Haelan. Corban and Gar of course have been with us the entire narrative, and I loved their relationship, their convictions, and their blind honor every step of the way. Haelan came out of nowhere as one of the most exciting characters. It appears for a while that he exists to be saved, and then in the final book he just barrels through all expectations.
I’m sure there is much more to say, but all in all, I am forever grateful for the series and will recommend it to all who cross my path. Bravo, Mr.Gwynne. Truth and courage.
The gradual inclusion of making a noticeable bulk of the cast giants was an amazing choice that helps differentiate the series from so many other anthropocentric fantasy narratives. The Kadoshim-possessed Jehar are the most frighteningly cool enemies since the OG Nazgul.
And then there’s the characters: so many to even count. With such a vast wealth of characters, I’m so impressed by the fact that I cared about the wellbeing of relatively minor characters like Kulla or Wulf as much as I did about the major characters. Cywen was quickly one of my favorites since Malice and I loved to see her bludgeon her way through any trial thrown at her. Edana was so wonderfully done and one of the greatest arcs of the series. The slow and rising chess game of tactics between Camlin and Rafe was an unexpected narrative choice and so well done. I am so very glad Alcyon got his due. Fidele and Nathair have two vastly different, but equally tragic stories, and the eventual drift in their initially similar moralities become wonderful parallels. Veradis was one of my favorites from the start, and I am so enthused that he survived, because I was convinced halfway through Malice that he wasn’t making it out. Coralen, Dath, and Farrell are all so uniquely badass and I enjoyed every single moment that a paragraph was dedicated to their heroics. And I cannot go through a review of this book (Nobody should) without referencing Maquin. Without a doubt, Maquin has to be one of my favorite fictional characters of all time: Indiana Jones, Jane Eyre, Lancelot, Rick Grimes, Ellen Ripley, Lady de Winter, Achilles, Link, Anakin Skywalker, Beowulf, Aragorn, and with all of them: Maquin. This entire series of gold and in my opinion Maquin is that tiny little sparkle at the top of the pile. Also, in case I forget, I absolutely adore Craf. And then the three heroes: all the protagonists exude truth and courage but I have to give it up for these three: Corban, Gar, and Haelan. Corban and Gar of course have been with us the entire narrative, and I loved their relationship, their convictions, and their blind honor every step of the way. Haelan came out of nowhere as one of the most exciting characters. It appears for a while that he exists to be saved, and then in the final book he just barrels through all expectations.
I’m sure there is much more to say, but all in all, I am forever grateful for the series and will recommend it to all who cross my path. Bravo, Mr.Gwynne. Truth and courage.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Self harm, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Excrement, Vomit, Suicide attempt, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Rape, Sexual content, and Death of parent