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.

Book Review Roundup

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 Will of the Wanderer by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman
• Illborn by Daniel T. Jackson
• Of Blood and Fire by Ryan Cahill
• The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne
• The Way of Edan by Philip Chase

1. The Will of the Wanderer by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman

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. 

2. Illborn by Daniel T. Jackson

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.

3. Of Blood and Fire by Ryan Cahill

The world-building is magnificent. There are tons of names and places, all wonderfully described and just as wondrous to daydream about and imagine.

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4. The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne

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.

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5. The Way of Edan by Philip Chase

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.

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What Happened in Malice?

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.

What Are The Books in The Series

Malice is book one in John Gy is part of is called The Faithful and the Fallen. Here are the books in the series:

1. Malice - The first book introduces the world of the Banished Lands and the main characters.
2. Valor - The second book continues the story with more action, deeper character development, and escalating conflicts.
3. Ruin - The third book raises the stakes even higher, bringing the story closer to its epic conclusion.
4. Wrath - The final book wraps up the series with thrilling battles, resolving the fates of the characters and the world.