Thanks for this review. Very much appreciated. I have Malice sitting in my shelves and the reason is when I've seen interviews (his sons have their own book tube channel), Mr. Gwynne just seems like a sweetheart of a man. Very gentle and humble. His family has gone through some horrible things, so this was my way of supporting him.
Thank you, my friend! And, yes, I agree wholeheartedly about Papa Gwynne. Such a good guy. I plan on picking up Malice soon. Thanks for listening, my friend! I hope you have a fantastic week!
Great review. I've just read the first book and thought it a 4 out of 5 kind of read. I heard the 2nd and 3rd books are better though. I appreciate your view coming at it from a Christian perspective as a Christian myself. I know I grew up in the era as a child when many Christians feared Harry Potter so much they ignored movies like Saw. I can respect if someone feels it on their heart not to read something because of their faith but I've always looked at it as a Christian myself reading is learning not accepting. I can't know what to stay afraid from or to teach my children to stay away from if I don't even take the time to read it myself. Arguments for or against something should always come from a firm foundation over a subject. Always. I agreed with basically almost all your takes in this review. Orka was by far my favorite POV character and I too had the hesitancy of wondering how I could relate to her but I found her story to be incredibly powerful. I love the mother's perspective and the strength that comes from that motherly love. I thought she was a great contrast to Elvar who I really didn't like. The reason being is Elvar is your typical modern female protagonist, she seeks what a young man would seek, battle, money and fame. The kind of protagonist who is as strong and fast as her male counterparts and just as brutal. Whereas Orka is a more genuine female protagonist who uses her head more than her heart. Who seeks to protect her family above all else. And a mother scorned fighting for her child is far more frightening than any man could ever be and it's shown in this book. I thought Gwynne made a few crucial mistakes with the names at least in the first book I've read. They all sound very similar and so many are thrown at you especially from Elvar and Var's POV chapters. I was on page 400 and still trying to learn the names of some of the members in their groups. It made me care little for many of these side characters because of just that. I thought Gwynne did great with battle scenes but terrible when describing the monsters they fight. I just couldn't wrap my head around what they looked like. Maybe it's just me but this is one book where a good prologue would have helped when it came to the fight between the gods. I'm going to continue the series but I must admit though I'm not in too much of a rush to get to the second book simply because it really was such a slow burn. I don't know if you've read these books but I'm currently on the third and second book of these two series and they are absolutely fantastic, The First Law series and Red Rising. If you haven't checked them out they are great books to read in between a long slow burn cause they are page turners every chapter. Loved your review keep it up.
You absolutely nailed what I poorly attempted to articulate, lol. The second and third books to me were just OK. If you weren't really gripped at book 1, I doubt that you'll get that from the next 2 either. I just finished Red Rising and absolutely loved it, so I jumped right into Golden Son. I haven't gotten into Joe Abercrombie yet, though. Thanks so much for watching and for your encouragement, my friend. It truly means a lot. I hope that you have a fantastic weekend!
@@The_Reformed_Reader I thought you articulated it quite well. I hate that about books 2 and 3 of the Bloodsworn trilogy. I Might call it quits then. The thing about Joe Abercrombie books is its completely a character study and not plot driven. In fact, you'll get halfway through his books and be so invested in the characters and not even pay attention to the plot. Definitely worth the read if you get the chance. I love the Red Rising books. Darrow is such a tragic guy who has to do such evil things but the inner dialogue knowing its just a ruse is heartbreaking. I hope you have a fantastic weekend to and you definitely deserve the sub.
Loved this series! My first of John Gwynne too. I liked book 1 & 2, I also struggled in book 3. I'm wondering if the shift in writing was just because of Gwynne trying to get passed his grief while also working on the book. Having a child pass away probably changes a person in ways I can't comprehend. If you read certain books in the Old Testament they get pretty battle gruesome too, so I personally don't take issue with war being described realistically. The POVs are difficult if you haven't read alot of epic fantasy. This series is definitely not a "beginner" recommendation. 😄
💯 You said it better in a few sentences than I did in 15 minutes, lol. I kind of thought the same thing with how he's dealing with grief, which is tragic, and I will do what I can to support him. Yes! The comparison to gruesome battles in scripture is spot on. People think fantasy is brutal? Go read about Dinah, lol. Thanks so much for listening! Have a fantastic week!
Thanks for the review. The last Norse series I tried to read (Raven Trilogy) I ended up DNF'ing...not sure if it was the setting or the writing or my personal headspace at the time. I am interested in trying out again, and I plan to dive into Gwynne's The Faithful and the Fallen sometime later this year (hopefully, lol).
I'm looking forward to Malice, too. I really like Gywnne's writing, so I'm hoping this story sets its hooks in me a little more than Bloodsworn. Thanks for watching! Have an excellent week!
This was a great review. I have a question, and with all sincerity: All the things you mention about being problematic to Christians also appear in the Bible. Extreme brutality (Judges particularly, Elisha killing children with she-bears), war and battle (>half the Old Testament), supernatural elements (Jesus's miracles), false Gods (Baal, Asherah, Chemosh, Molech, Amun, Anat, Adrammelech) and sexual content (Song of Solomon, Judges 19). Why do you see fantasy elements in fantasy fiction as imagined but all the fantasy elements in the Bible as truth?
Thanks so much! Ok, there's a lot for me to try to unpack through a very limited comment, but I'll do my best. First, we have to remember that just because something is recorded in Scripture doesn't mean that it's pleasing to God. Sodom and Gammorah is an easy example; also, Cain murdering his brother. God clearly abhors wickedness, but some people try to say that because it's in the Bible, that means that Christians approve of it. That's obviously absurd. The things that Christians should oppose are the same things God opposes, and we learn what those things are when we study the Word. Yes, war is prevalent (and not always justified), but there is a stark difference between war and murder, which is the UNJUST taking of another life. All of the other things listed, for the most part, are not being promoted but are spoken as unrighteous. There is some sexual content that is promoted, but it is very specifically described under the confines of marriage, which is how the Lord ordained it. There's nothing wrong with sex if it meets the standard that He set, which is in the confines of a marriage between one man and one woman. All of that being said, just because it is something listed in Scripture doesn't mean that it is being promoted or that we ought to be entertained by it. As far as the fantasy elements, I think it would be more accurate to say "fantastical elements", because fantasy elements make it sound like it is a piece of fiction. We experience fantastical things in this world everyday. My point is, just because something is hard to believe, doesn't mean that it isn't true. As a Christian, our faith hinges on miracles; two in particular. The miracle of creation, and the miracle of the resurrection. If you can't ever believe the truth of those 2 things, then the rest of Scripture will be seen as nonsense to most.....BUT, if you can agree that those 2 things are true, then everything else in Scripture is possible. I am sure that I did a poor job there, but like I said, this is a topic that I could discuss for years and still not even scratch the surface. I doubt I answered your question, 🤣. Thanks so much for listening! I hope you have an excellent week!
@@The_Reformed_Reader I think you did a good job answering! What makes no sense to somebody who's read the bible from a secular POV, though, is why murder would be displeasing to God when God himself committed so much of it. As far as the fantastical elements, I'm not sure what experiences we experience every day that are fantastical. When it comes to the bible, though, I just wonder why you class Jesus's resurrection as truth but not the resurrection of Westley from The Princess Bride or Jon Snow in A Game of Thrones. If you accept resurrection, aren't they all equally plausable?
The Bloodsworn Saga is fine, but not nearly as good as The Faithful and the Fallen by John Gwynne. I found that Bloodsworn was so much more brutal and grimdark than his previous series. I did not like Orca at all. I’m part of the way through The Hunger of the Gods, and she seems evil honestly. She seems to lack morals, and her motivations were just a little two-dimensional. All-in-all, if you liked Bloodsworn you will probably LOVE The Faithful and the Fallen. The characters are better, the worldbuilding is better, the story is better and the battles (so far as I have seen) are better as well. Wrath is one of my favorite books of all time.
@ I can’t wait to hear what you think. The review of yours that I have watched so far have been really great, and I love your outspoken Christian beliefs, I really appreciate it.
Thanks for this review. Very much appreciated.
I have Malice sitting in my shelves and the reason is when I've seen interviews (his sons have their own book tube channel), Mr. Gwynne just seems like a sweetheart of a man. Very gentle and humble. His family has gone through some horrible things, so this was my way of supporting him.
Thank you, my friend! And, yes, I agree wholeheartedly about Papa Gwynne. Such a good guy. I plan on picking up Malice soon.
Thanks for listening, my friend! I hope you have a fantastic week!
@@The_Reformed_Reader Wait. Don't I see Malice on your bookshelf behind you?
I know you're not as old as me and forgot what you had! ;)
@TedReadInstead I have it but have yet to read it
@@The_Reformed_Reader Ah! Ok, LOL. Old man syndrome. I got confused when you said you are planning on picking it up soon. :)
Great review!
Wow! Jòhan watched my video?!?! I finally made it! Thanks so much for watching, my friend, and for your awesome support! Have an amazing weekend!
@The_Reformed_Reader Yes I did! Great to see more Christians enter this space!
Awesome Review! I need to read this series
Thank you so much! I hope you have a great week!
@The_Reformed_Reader You too!
Great review. I've just read the first book and thought it a 4 out of 5 kind of read. I heard the 2nd and 3rd books are better though. I appreciate your view coming at it from a Christian perspective as a Christian myself. I know I grew up in the era as a child when many Christians feared Harry Potter so much they ignored movies like Saw. I can respect if someone feels it on their heart not to read something because of their faith but I've always looked at it as a Christian myself reading is learning not accepting. I can't know what to stay afraid from or to teach my children to stay away from if I don't even take the time to read it myself. Arguments for or against something should always come from a firm foundation over a subject. Always. I agreed with basically almost all your takes in this review. Orka was by far my favorite POV character and I too had the hesitancy of wondering how I could relate to her but I found her story to be incredibly powerful. I love the mother's perspective and the strength that comes from that motherly love. I thought she was a great contrast to Elvar who I really didn't like. The reason being is Elvar is your typical modern female protagonist, she seeks what a young man would seek, battle, money and fame. The kind of protagonist who is as strong and fast as her male counterparts and just as brutal. Whereas Orka is a more genuine female protagonist who uses her head more than her heart. Who seeks to protect her family above all else. And a mother scorned fighting for her child is far more frightening than any man could ever be and it's shown in this book. I thought Gwynne made a few crucial mistakes with the names at least in the first book I've read. They all sound very similar and so many are thrown at you especially from Elvar and Var's POV chapters. I was on page 400 and still trying to learn the names of some of the members in their groups. It made me care little for many of these side characters because of just that. I thought Gwynne did great with battle scenes but terrible when describing the monsters they fight. I just couldn't wrap my head around what they looked like. Maybe it's just me but this is one book where a good prologue would have helped when it came to the fight between the gods. I'm going to continue the series but I must admit though I'm not in too much of a rush to get to the second book simply because it really was such a slow burn. I don't know if you've read these books but I'm currently on the third and second book of these two series and they are absolutely fantastic, The First Law series and Red Rising. If you haven't checked them out they are great books to read in between a long slow burn cause they are page turners every chapter. Loved your review keep it up.
You absolutely nailed what I poorly attempted to articulate, lol. The second and third books to me were just OK. If you weren't really gripped at book 1, I doubt that you'll get that from the next 2 either.
I just finished Red Rising and absolutely loved it, so I jumped right into Golden Son. I haven't gotten into Joe Abercrombie yet, though.
Thanks so much for watching and for your encouragement, my friend. It truly means a lot. I hope that you have a fantastic weekend!
@@The_Reformed_Reader I thought you articulated it quite well. I hate that about books 2 and 3 of the Bloodsworn trilogy. I Might call it quits then. The thing about Joe Abercrombie books is its completely a character study and not plot driven. In fact, you'll get halfway through his books and be so invested in the characters and not even pay attention to the plot. Definitely worth the read if you get the chance. I love the Red Rising books. Darrow is such a tragic guy who has to do such evil things but the inner dialogue knowing its just a ruse is heartbreaking. I hope you have a fantastic weekend to and you definitely deserve the sub.
@RANTSRUS Thank you so much!
Loved this series! My first of John Gwynne too. I liked book 1 & 2, I also struggled in book 3. I'm wondering if the shift in writing was just because of Gwynne trying to get passed his grief while also working on the book. Having a child pass away probably changes a person in ways I can't comprehend.
If you read certain books in the Old Testament they get pretty battle gruesome too, so I personally don't take issue with war being described realistically.
The POVs are difficult if you haven't read alot of epic fantasy. This series is definitely not a "beginner" recommendation. 😄
💯 You said it better in a few sentences than I did in 15 minutes, lol. I kind of thought the same thing with how he's dealing with grief, which is tragic, and I will do what I can to support him.
Yes! The comparison to gruesome battles in scripture is spot on. People think fantasy is brutal? Go read about Dinah, lol.
Thanks so much for listening! Have a fantastic week!
Thanks for the review. The last Norse series I tried to read (Raven Trilogy) I ended up DNF'ing...not sure if it was the setting or the writing or my personal headspace at the time. I am interested in trying out again, and I plan to dive into Gwynne's The Faithful and the Fallen sometime later this year (hopefully, lol).
I'm looking forward to Malice, too. I really like Gywnne's writing, so I'm hoping this story sets its hooks in me a little more than Bloodsworn.
Thanks for watching! Have an excellent week!
This was a great review.
I have a question, and with all sincerity: All the things you mention about being problematic to Christians also appear in the Bible. Extreme brutality (Judges particularly, Elisha killing children with she-bears), war and battle (>half the Old Testament), supernatural elements (Jesus's miracles), false Gods (Baal, Asherah, Chemosh, Molech, Amun, Anat, Adrammelech) and sexual content (Song of Solomon, Judges 19). Why do you see fantasy elements in fantasy fiction as imagined but all the fantasy elements in the Bible as truth?
Thanks so much!
Ok, there's a lot for me to try to unpack through a very limited comment, but I'll do my best. First, we have to remember that just because something is recorded in Scripture doesn't mean that it's pleasing to God. Sodom and Gammorah is an easy example; also, Cain murdering his brother. God clearly abhors wickedness, but some people try to say that because it's in the Bible, that means that Christians approve of it. That's obviously absurd. The things that Christians should oppose are the same things God opposes, and we learn what those things are when we study the Word.
Yes, war is prevalent (and not always justified), but there is a stark difference between war and murder, which is the UNJUST taking of another life.
All of the other things listed, for the most part, are not being promoted but are spoken as unrighteous. There is some sexual content that is promoted, but it is very specifically described under the confines of marriage, which is how the Lord ordained it. There's nothing wrong with sex if it meets the standard that He set, which is in the confines of a marriage between one man and one woman.
All of that being said, just because it is something listed in Scripture doesn't mean that it is being promoted or that we ought to be entertained by it.
As far as the fantasy elements, I think it would be more accurate to say "fantastical elements", because fantasy elements make it sound like it is a piece of fiction. We experience fantastical things in this world everyday. My point is, just because something is hard to believe, doesn't mean that it isn't true.
As a Christian, our faith hinges on miracles; two in particular. The miracle of creation, and the miracle of the resurrection. If you can't ever believe the truth of those 2 things, then the rest of Scripture will be seen as nonsense to most.....BUT, if you can agree that those 2 things are true, then everything else in Scripture is possible.
I am sure that I did a poor job there, but like I said, this is a topic that I could discuss for years and still not even scratch the surface. I doubt I answered your question, 🤣.
Thanks so much for listening! I hope you have an excellent week!
@@The_Reformed_Reader I think you did a good job answering! What makes no sense to somebody who's read the bible from a secular POV, though, is why murder would be displeasing to God when God himself committed so much of it. As far as the fantastical elements, I'm not sure what experiences we experience every day that are fantastical. When it comes to the bible, though, I just wonder why you class Jesus's resurrection as truth but not the resurrection of Westley from The Princess Bride or Jon Snow in A Game of Thrones. If you accept resurrection, aren't they all equally plausable?
The Bloodsworn Saga is fine, but not nearly as good as The Faithful and the Fallen by John Gwynne. I found that Bloodsworn was so much more brutal and grimdark than his previous series. I did not like Orca at all. I’m part of the way through The Hunger of the Gods, and she seems evil honestly. She seems to lack morals, and her motivations were just a little two-dimensional. All-in-all, if you liked Bloodsworn you will probably LOVE The Faithful and the Fallen. The characters are better, the worldbuilding is better, the story is better and the battles (so far as I have seen) are better as well. Wrath is one of my favorite books of all time.
Fantastic! I'll be reading Malice in March with a couple other booktubers, so I'm super excited! I'll get a review out as soon as I finish it!
@ I can’t wait to hear what you think. The review of yours that I have watched so far have been really great, and I love your outspoken Christian beliefs, I really appreciate it.
I know we shouldn't read th bartimus trilogy.
I'm unfamiliar with that trilogy. Can I ask what it consists of?