Malice, by John Gwynne, is a captivating tale of war, destiny, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.
This makes it the perfect dish of dark, grim fantasy heavy on themes of magic, betrayal, and violence for epic fantasy lovers.
If you enjoyed John Gwynne's Malice, you might enjoy these top 10 fantasy books and series that reflect the same epic worlds and memorable ensembles.
The story has a rich, rich world that is based on Islamic Mythology. The Daevabad Trilogy by S.A Chakraborty is woven from much the same source; hence, specific comparisons can be made.
Since time began, twenty Gods have ruled the universe. Though each god possessed different abilities, each was all-powerful within his realm. Now one of the Gods has upset the balance of power, leaving the others scrambling for control in the new order...
Religion takes front and center stage in this book, as readers are taken on an exploration of how religious beliefs influence people's behaviors, mindsets, and actions.
From the first few pages of this book, Daniel T. Jackson makes it painfully obvious that he will be able to catch and hold your attention for the entirety of the book.
The world-building is magnificent. There are tons of names and places, all wonderfully described and just as wondrous to daydream about and imagine.
Since time began, twenty Gods have ruled the universe. Though each god possessed different abilities, each was all-powerful within his realm. Now, one of the Gods has upset the balance of power, leaving the others scrambling for control in the new order...
The first book of Bloodsworn Saga follows the journey of a recently widowed warrior-lady, Orka Skullsplitter, on a quest to find her son and exact revenge upon his (very unfortunate) kidnappers, all amidst the backdrop of warring jarls, monsters, and old gods seeking to regain power.
As whispers of war echo across the land of Vigrid, fate follows in the footsteps of three warriors: a huntress on a dangerous quest, a noblewoman pursuing battle fame, and a thrall seeking vengeance among the mercenaries known as the Bloodsworn.
Religious extremism and a religious war are the backbone of the story's plot. We read scenes that bring to mind the Crusades of Medieval Europe and all the wars ever fought by humans in the name of God.
The Kingdom of the Eternal will awaken when the Way of Edan holds sway over all of Eormenlond. So say the prophecies. With unrivaled power in the gift, the Supreme Priest Bledla leads Torrlond and its mighty army to convert rival kingdoms by the sword and by the fang.
Malice by John Gwynne is a gripping fantasy novel set in the mythical land of the Banished Lands. The story weaves together multiple perspectives, each contributing to an epic tale of war and destiny.
The protagonist, Corban, is a young warrior-in-training who dreams of becoming a hero. As he grows, he faces numerous challenges that test his courage and determination. Alongside Corban, we meet a cast of memorable characters, each with their own unique stories and motivations.
Gwynne's writing is immersive, bringing the world and its inhabitants to life with vivid descriptions and well-paced action.
Without giving away any spoilers, it's safe to say that Malice is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy. Its well-crafted plot, deep characters, and thrilling battles make it a standout in the genre.
Malice is book one in John Gy is part of is called The Faithful and the Fallen. Here are the books in the series:
