Sam
Re-reading 'Malice' by John Gwynne was an enjoyable experience that made me eager to continue the series. The series kicks off with likeable characters and some cool animal companions. The worldbuilding, particularly the ancient history, was a bit challenging to follow, possibly because I listened to the audiobook. The narration was good overall, though some accent choices, like an Aussie accent in a Celtic-inspired epic, felt a bit out of place. However, the story really shines with its nuanced antagonists, adding depth to the narrative.
Re-reading 'Malice' by John Gwynne was an enjoyable experience that made me eager to continue the series. The series kicks off with likeable characters and some cool animal companions. The worldbuilding, particularly the ancient history, was a bit challenging to follow, possibly because I listened to the audiobook. The narration was good overall, though some accent choices, like an Aussie accent in a Celtic-inspired epic, felt a bit out of place. However, the story really shines with its nuanced antagonists, adding depth to the narrative.
Reading Ruin, the third book in John Gwynne's Faithful and the Fallen series, was a mixed experience, leaving me uncertain about my feelings towards it. Despite being three-quarters through the series, it feels like I'm only a quarter into the epic tale. Lykos is utterly detestable, easily becoming one of my most hated fictional characters of all time. Veradis, though endearing, remained frustratingly oblivious to what is happening around him. I felt disconnected from Corban, enjoying my time more with those around him. The balance of power is still uneven, with Corban and his allies just finding their footing. Gwynne's writing, whilst fantastic, is brutal—sometimes too brutal for my tastes—as every glimmer of hope is quickly crushed. The epic ending, with its shocking twists, was fantastic but should have come sooner. It sounds like I hated the book, but there is still a lot to love about it. I remained fully invested and couldn't put it down. Though 'Ruin' is my least favourite book so far, it actually contained some of my favourite moments in the series. Overall, 3.5 stars.
Reading Ruin, the third book in John Gwynne's Faithful and the Fallen series, was a mixed experience, leaving me uncertain about my feelings towards it. Despite being three-quarters through the series, it feels like I'm only a quarter into the epic tale. Lykos is utterly detestable, easily becoming one of my most hated fictional characters of all time. Veradis, though endearing, remained frustratingly oblivious to what is happening around him. I felt disconnected from Corban, enjoying my time more with those around him. The balance of power is still uneven, with Corban and his allies just finding their footing. Gwynne's writing, whilst fantastic, is brutal—sometimes too brutal for my tastes—as every glimmer of hope is quickly crushed. The epic ending, with its shocking twists, was fantastic but should have come sooner. It sounds like I hated the book, but there is still a lot to love about it. I remained fully invested and couldn't put it down. Though 'Ruin' is my least favourite book so far, it actually contained some of my favourite moments in the series. Overall, 3.5 stars.
Reading 'Ruin,' the third book in John Gwynne's Faithful and the Fallen series, was a mixed experience. Despite being three-quarters through the series, it feels like I'm only a quarter into the epic tale. Lykos is utterly detestable, easily becoming one of my most hated fictional characters of all time. Veradis, though endearing, remained frustratingly oblivious to what is happening around him. I felt more disconnected from Corban, focusing more on those around him. The balance of power is still uneven, with Corban and his allies just finding their footing. The epic ending, with its shocking twists, was fantastic but should have come sooner. Gwynne's writing, whilst fantastic, is brutal—sometimes too brutal for my tastes—as every glimmer of hope is quickly crushed. Though 'Ruin' is my least favourite book so far, it contained some of my favourite moments in the series. Overall, 3.5 stars.
Reading 'Ruin,' the third book in John Gwynne's Faithful and the Fallen series, was a mixed experience. Despite being three-quarters through the series, it feels like I'm only a quarter into the epic tale. Lykos is utterly detestable, easily becoming one of my most hated fictional characters of all time. Veradis, though endearing, remained frustratingly oblivious to what is happening around him. I felt more disconnected from Corban, focusing more on those around him. The balance of power is still uneven, with Corban and his allies just finding their footing. The epic ending, with its shocking twists, was fantastic but should have come sooner. Gwynne's writing, whilst fantastic, is brutal—sometimes too brutal for my tastes—as every glimmer of hope is quickly crushed. Though 'Ruin' is my least favourite book so far, it contained some of my favourite moments in the series. Overall, 3.5 stars.