Synopsis:
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.
Review:
I want to start off by saying thank you to Angela Man and Orbit books for sending me a copy of Malice. You have given me a new love.
I have finally read a John Gwynne book. Malice has been one of the books I have been dying to read for about 3 years now. Everyone has had nothing but nice things to say about the author and amazing things to say about his books and specifically this series. After reading Malice, I can’t say I don’t agree because it really did blow my mind. It has everything I look for in fantasy from the world, characters and even the creatures. I couldn’t ask for a better book to read.
Malice has one of the best blend of characters I have read in a long time. each chapter is told from a different characters point of view and the story just flows so naturally as you read, you never feel lost because they all interlink as the story progresses. The character development is spot on. Corban is one of my favorite characters and I enjoyed his story the most out of everyone else. Gwynne did an amazing job with Corban’s character since he’s really just a kid but we witness him grow to become a man. Corban has flaws like any other person may have and it was a wonderful experience following him as he grew and overcame a lot of his fears and insecurities. There are more interesting characters in this book but I personally just grew more attached to Corban. Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot more amazing characters that were very likable and I look forward to reading about them in the next book, that’s if they are even mentioned.
The Banished Lands is explored as we follow each characters POV. The world grows very dark as the story progresses and we see different creatures emerge from Giants, snakes and even Wolves bigger than the average dog. I am a sucker for fantastical creatures. I like to encounter this in the books I read because its something I enjoy imagining and helps me bring the story to life. Gwynne did such an amazing job with these elements and it made me enjoy the book so much more than just the characters.
Malice had a crazy plot twist I did not see coming. I’ll be quite honest that I may have felt it a little bit in the beginning but hoped I was wrong. I wanted to give it the benefit of the doubt. It really blew my mind as I said before. A lot of things happen towards the end of the book. This is not a fast pace book so don’t expect a lot of action from the start. This is a slow burn fantasy/adventure that you can appreciate when you’ve finished the story. It’s more of an introduction to the world and characters and its meant to build the foundation for for the rest of the series. If you decide to pick Malice up, be patient and enjoy getting to know the characters for it may just be the last time you get to follow them.
I am very happy I have finally read Malice. Now I know why so many of you love the series and I’m really looking forward to finishing the rest of the series and Gwynne’s other works. He Is highly praised and I back that up 100%. If you like vikings, battles, fantastical creatures and adventure than this is the perfect book/series for you.
Happy reading!
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