John Gwynne, Malice, may contain spoilers

[nixie]

Forgot to pack a book for the train, picked up John Gwynne's Malice in Smith's.

I'm finding it very compelling, not the best debut I've read but still good enough to make me want to read more. Thought I had it all worked out who would come out on what side in the God war, but now I'm not sure, don't think they know either, manipulated into thinking they are championing one but really the other or so we are let to believe. I think I know who the bright star is but it may be a red herring.

 

[Brian G Turner]

Gwynne seems to be increasingly an author to watch, judging by his reviews and recent nomination for the Gemmell Awards. I just read a few chapters in the 3rd book, Ruin - looks like a more fantastical world than I'm normally comfortable with. However, would be interesting to get opinions from others.

 

[Brian G Turner]

I tried to read Malice, but gave up about a third of the way through. Clearly, this is sold on being an immersive experience, but I get frustrated and bored when POV characters do little more than sit around listening to lectures on history, geography, and politics - which seemed to be the 'story' here. It was also sold on being a historical fantasy, but I didn't get much sense of historical realism at all, not least that royalty wants to be best friends with every passing peasant, and social divisions are otherwise ignored. Lovely cover, but the novel just didn't work for me and I couldn't maintain enthusiasm to continue.

 

[nixie]

I'm patiently waiting for the next installment, Valour and Ruin are an improvement on Malice. He does have a lot of POV and there is a lot of irrelevant detail. I wouldn't describe as historical fantasy and his royal families leave a lot to be desired.

I am enjoying the series and it is entertaining enough to keep me interested.