
Goodreads: Malice (The Faithful and The Fallen #1)
Publisher: Pan
Published: 01 December 2012
Genre: Adult Fantasy
Panda Rating:
(4.5 pandas)
A black sun is rising… Young Corban watches enviously as boys become warriors under King Brenin’s rule, learning the art of war. He yearns to wield his sword and spear to protect his king’s realm. But that day will come all too soon. Only when he loses those he loves will he learn the true price of courage. The Banished Lands has a violent past where armies of men and giants clashed shields in battle, the earth running dark with their heartsblood. Although the giant-clans were broken in ages past, their ruined fortresses still scar the land. But now giants stir anew, the very stones weep blood and there are sightings of giant wyrms. Those who can still read the signs see a threat far greater than the ancient wars. Sorrow will darken the world, as angels and demons make it their battlefield. Then there will be a war to end all wars. High King Aquilus summons his fellow kings to council, seeking an alliance in this time of need. Some are skeptical, fighting their own border skirmishes against pirates and giants. But prophesy indicates darkness and light will demand two champions, the Black Sun and the Bright Star. They would be wise to seek out both, for if the Black Sun gains ascendancy, mankind’s hopes and dreams will fall to dust.

I read this chonkster with Leslie and I’m so glad that I did cos otherwise it might’ve taken me years to pick it up and I would’ve missed out on an epic fantasy read! I was constantly spamming her with frantic messages as I tried to figure out wtf was happening while simultaneously freaking out over what I was reading, especially at the end!
TL;DR: OMFGJFC. This was a debut? I’m shook cos just like it says on the cover: it’s a helluva debut! This was my first John Gwynne book and other than knowing how well-loved his books are, I didn’t know what to expect. It’s a bit of a slow-burn as the world’s vast history and the characters are developed but it’s 100% worth the journey. I thoroughly enjoyed Malice and it’s safe to say that I thought this was a fantastic debut and an exciting first book in an exciting series! Also, sorry (not sorry?) but I wrote an essay to convey my thoughts (lol).
CW/TW: graphic descriptions of violent human and animal deaths, gore, blood, war violence, parental death, bullying, physical abuse (off-page)
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