Review of John Gwynne’s Ruin, book three of The Faithful and the Fallen
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- Channels mentioned:
@PetrikLeo
@TheLibraryofAllenxandria
@alexnieves
Abby Salter: / @abbysalter
My review of Malice, book one: • Review of John Gwynne’...
My review of Valour, book two: • Review of John Gwynne’...
Group discussion of Malice: • Discussion of John Gwy...
Group discussion of Valour: • Discussion of John Gwy...
Such an amazing book with an all-timer of an ending. My favorite book I read last year.
I can definitely see why you loved it! I have to say that I’m excited to see where Gwynne takes the story in Wrath. He surprised me in the best way a few times in Ruin, so I’m not betting on anything!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Bet on Maquin. That’s my dude.
@@mikesbookreviews Definitely!
Just began this yesterday after going through books 1 and 2 over the last couple weeks.
Watching this immediately after finishing Ruin. And I am in ruins currently… you have summed it up so well. What a series so far!
My best wishes to you for Wrath!
I read ruin and loved it so much I couldn't wait for wrath and started it right away.
Ruin was my favorite of the 4 books. The ending was so crazy. I couldn't put it down.
I know that feeling!
I whole-heartedly agree with a lot of what you said about Ruin to include how this book is a step up from Malice and Valor to the lack of awkward narrative moments. This book was so unexpected for me because it expanded in different and interesting ways. Overall, this was my favorite book in the series (Wrath is a close second). I’m keeping spoilers out of my comments, but looking forward to your discussion videos for this and Wrath with Allen, Abby, and Petrik. You had some great points about the characters in the spoiler section. Gwynne really does relationship dynamics so well!
Relationships are one of the most important elements of character development since they help the reader understand how to feel about a character. Gwynne does them very well. I’m excited to read Wrath and for the upcoming discussions!
Ruin is a great book, I think the series gets better as it progresses. The series is great to read from the start. Enjoy the last part of the series⚔🏹🛡🐺
Thank you! I agree - Ruin is a step up in what has already been a fun series. I look forward to Wrath!
Screw Gwynne. He broke my heart. The only person who did me worse was Fonda Lee.
spoiler -
i knew there would be deaths, and from the beginning the only thing i didn't want to happen was to see gar or storm fall - these two were my faves.
poor wolfy
Can't describe why i loved this one so much, there's too much to cover. but i'll try to do it some justice
FIrst off i love chars that turn out to be kickass after a bit of development - Tau from rage of dragons, Varg from hunger of the gods, etc. Im a main character lover. Seeing Corban just off Sumur like that - i dont know how to explain i experienced a kind of bliss i only get from these kinds of characters
Macquin, goddamn if i picked one trope that is my favourite it would be old man chars, battle hardened veterans or pragmatic melancholic middle aged folks rambing on about enjoying the samll things (bloody nine fan, ahem). and obviously, what's not to love about a battle rampage scene? the way he just carved through vin thalun (at Ripa i think? the one with fidele running behind him. Krelis resuced him later) gave me gooseflesh. And obviously, his struggles of being a slave and finally escaping was fun to read. That development was amazing obviously plus there was the satisfaction of him finally finding love - it - just - fit - so well.
Veradis was my favourite main character in book 1 (i dont know who's my favourite right now though) and he continues to be good. Although i hope he gets more of a major role in wrath.
Camlin, this guy - i thought nothing of him in the first book but after the main gang's escape from ardan i grew soft on him. i've learnt to appreciate him, he's the char that provides a breath of fresh air. Idk, i just find myself cheering for this guy. He has rly good scenes (escaping on ship while running away from conall/braith - that was fun). He's the humble guy that's always more down to earth, someone who can make the most out of a crap situation.
Great to hear your thoughts and reactions! Gwynne has a gift for breaking hearts, doesn’t he?
Excellent review!
Thank you!
Just finished Ruin. What just happened....
I know that feeling! My congratulations/condolences to you.
I saw you recently did a top 10 fantasy books list. Even though you still have 1 book to go in this series, do you think this would make your top 10 list? If so where on the list do you think it might fall? Depending on how well the series wraps up of course.
Great question, and I’ve actually been thinking about it. My ultimate answer will depend on Wrath, of course, but I can say that this series certainly deserves at least an honorable mention, which means it would make my top twenty for sure, probably top fifteen. As I said in the video, Ruin really impressed me, and I’ve had a lot of fun with the series so far.
Did I just hear a dog? :)))
You did! Her claws were tapping on the floor while I was talking about Storm. Perhaps she wanted to play with Storm -- though, come to think of it, Belladonna would run the other way if she met Storm.
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Which breed is she? Cute name by the way. My dog was called Luna. She'd definitely had liked to make friends with Storm haha
@@marcweber8509 She’s a Labrador/Beagle mix - apparently they’re called Beagadors. She looks like a half-sized Lab, or a halfling dog!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Haha that sounds fantastic! Doggos for life
MaQuin is definitely one of my top favorite characters of all time. There was so much fantastic instances where Gwynne deepened his character development in Ruin that I just marvel at. I am so excited for you to read the conclusion in Wrath!
Ruin is definitely the best in the series so far for me, and I really admire how Gwynne brought so many elements of the story to another level. Here comes Wrath!
Yessss!! Great review, my friend! Maquin is hands down my favorite character of the series, and one of my favorite characters of all time! Looking forward to our discussion! How's that "Two for vengeance. One for love" scene, though? :')
You called it, my friend! Perhaps the best scene in the series so far. Our collaboration has been truly meaningful for me. I’m excited for our upcoming discussion, and for the finale as well!
Tukul was an absolute beast in this book aswel.I cried 😶
Gwynne is an author who consistently makes me cry.
Same 😢
Me: Knows nothing about this book series
Also me: Watches this video 💃🏻
😄 Thank you, Asma!
I'll add by saying the pacing of the book was perfect. Malice is a nice build-up and I enjoyed Valour but it was too fast paced. I need quite moments so I can process what just happened. John hits the perfect mixture of loud and quite in Ruin, I feel. A real step-up for this series. Looking forward to Wrath.
Well said, Ibi! Ruin is a testament to Gwynne’s growth as a writer and improves on the things he was already doing so well in the first two books. A great achievement!
I started Ruin yesterday and now I’m about 61% in! The suspense is killing me 😂
Oh, so much to come! Keep your tissues handy, and best wishes!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy already had to use some up about 50% in 💔😢
The Professor once again with a fantastic video. Quickly becoming a channel I drop all others to watch along with Mike
Thank you! Considering how many great and fun BookTubers there are, I’m honored to have you watch. And Mike is just fantastic!
Corban Dath and Farrel's friendship is one of the best imo and it helps that they are for the most part together and don't seperate often but still they all develop in their own way and hone their own skills and strengths
Well said! Having them together along with Cywen (when she joins them) gives their journey the occasional injection of nostalgia, but it also shows you how they change.
I love the rug behind you. It really ties the review together
Thank you! I like it as a background, and it’s nice in case someone wants to look at something pretty while I ramble.
This book. This book, man. What an aptly titled book: Ruin.
This series just gets better and better and I can't wait to read Wrath. So well done. Just the right amount of tropes, just the right amount of spin to give those some new life. Yet old-fashioned as well, with timeless themes. So well done. I went to the book store with my wife last week and made sure to buy both Ruin and Wrath, because I knew it would end in such a way that I would want to start Wrath as quickly as possible. It's been a long time since I've read a series that had that effect on me.
More book series like this, please.
Agreed! The second book in Gwynne’s Bloodsworn Trilogy just came out, so guess what I’m reading now!
Another great review I've read about 200 pages of Ruin another amazing book by John Gynne in these books don't get better and better by book it gets better and better by chapter Veritas is one of my favorite characters and Maqlin I love Corbin story but the characters around him are so much funner kind of like I know where his story is going hopefully by the end of this book I'll know a bunch more appreciate the spoiler free review I will continue to read now
Enjoy the rest of Ruin, Johnathan - there’s a lot to love!
I think people talk about prose snobs because two years ago you rarely heard people talk about prose, and now in the last year or so everyone talks about prose.
So basically it feels like it's just a new trend that everyone is hopping on and it's kind of annoying. Prose is important, and everyone knows that, it's just "trendy" so some people who stay away from trendy things are annoyed by it.
I would say you are one of those rare channels where you don't come off as a snob at all, and you are genuinely discussing how you feel about an authors prose.
Thanks, Andrew! That explanation really helps. I knew nothing about BookTube a little more than a year ago, but I’m actually glad the conversations about prose are starting, as long as they’re not snobby in the sense of putting down or excluding people. I’m also happy to hear I don’t come across as snobby to you because I would not like to be snobby. I’m definitely more interested in inclusion.
Such a thoughtful review, Philip! I always love listening to your breakdown. Veradis is a personal favourite from the series, and I’m excited to hear your thoughts on him (and the others!) when you get to Wrath.
Building on one of your main points, I think that Gwynne’s approach and characterization becomes more nuanced with each book. It’s evident in the next series that he’s working even harder to subvert tropes and critically examine all his characters, while still maintaining the heart that drives all his stories. I’ve been so impressed by his growth as an author, and can’t wait to continue to follow his work!
Thanks again for a fantastic video :)
That's great to hear, Sarah! I've always intended to read the second series in the Banished Lands, Of Blood and Bone, but your praise for it here has me even more excited for it.
I definitely got all blurry-eyed during a moment of aerial warfare. And boy oh boy, that duel to end all duels!
Yes, the losses are hard. And that duel . . . Wow! That's what you call epic fantasy!
Does anybody know where those talking birds come from?
Talking birds, especially crows and ravens, go way back. Tolkien has some in The Hobbit. There are also Huginn and Muginn in Norse mythology.
i just finished this series and it became a favorite, ruin was really fantastic =)
Awesome! I’m looking forward to joining you among those who have finished The Faithful and the Fallen. I can see why you love it!
I don't have the foggiest idea why these are so highly regarded in the booktube community, very meh. Hopefully his craft has improved by the time he wrote Shadow of the Gods because I really want to like Gwynne.
to be fair I enjoyed the characters, the worldbuilding and for the most part the plot is fine but everything else ..
Gwynne’s writing craft definitely improved, and I think it’s most evident in The Bloodsworn Trilogy. I hope you’ll enjoy it if you read it!
Gwynne’s writing craft definitely improved, and I think it’s most evident in The Bloodsworn Trilogy. I hope you’ll enjoy it if you read it!
That friggen bird cratch is so funny
Craf is a favorite of mine
This book was seriously incredible and I cannot wait to chat with you all about it!
It’s going to be a blast! And by then, perhaps you’ll have begun to settle into the new digs a bit. Or, at least the discussion will be a distraction from unpacking . . .
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy It will have been a full week so HOPEFULLY most things are settled at the new house.
I really thought Camlin was done for couple of times, phewww I was wrong.
Camlin is one of my favorites -- right up there with Maquin. Best wishes for Wrath!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy yes maquin is a guy you need to have as a friend and not your enemy.
@@triggerboy85v59 So true!
Spoken like a true prose snob. Just kidding 😜 Prose quality is something I value very highly. Stopped part way through to avoid any spoilers (this series is definitely on the TBR), but nice review as usual.
Ha ha! Guilty, I suppose. But I did stop to admire some lovely sentences along the way. I hope you’ll enjoy this series!
TBR getting too long. So many books so little time 🙁. I am really looking forward to reading this series. I just need to get through the Malazan series... 😬. I would love to watch a conversation between you and John G.
It would be amazing to speak with John Gwynne someday. I’m sure you’ll be able to try this series at the right time, but enjoy Malazan in the meantime!
Great review! I felt pretty much the exact same way. This series made me feel so invested I felt like a kid again reading it
That’s a great way to describe it - it’s fun to feel like a kid again sometimes!
I've jumped off the FatF hype train for now, as the first two books didn't really do much for me - and there are too many other books I do want to read 😅
Will get to them, eventually..
Until then, say 'hi Algorithm!' 😁
Ha ha! Thanks, Rob. Ruin is actually a step up from the previous two books, but reading what moves you makes the most sense. Whatever that might be, enjoy! 😁
spoilers for Ruin
I love how as soon as Veradis finally figures out whats going on he hurts Calidus more in 5 minutes then the other characters do in 2 books. He may take a while to get his head out of his ass, but damm he gets stuff done. He.....he just spend 2 books being super productive and competent for the bad guys.
Veradis is my favorite Gwynne character. I love the idea of taking the inseparable best friend trope that is super common(and beloved for a reason), and saying ok but what if one of those inseparable friends is actually the dark lord. That certainly makes things more complicated.
Then I also love the execution of it. People get mad him for being oblivious, but I don't think I would suspect my best friend was the dark lord, especially if I was told by what I thought was divinity that he was the chosen one.
Well said! I must admit I found Veradis a bit annoying in his unquestioning loyalty, repeating “the greater good” line over and over. But that scene in Ruin more than made up for all that. Great character work on Gwynne’s part.
Veradis is my favorite character of the series ...
I hope you consider doing a full series non-spoiler assessment once you finish Wrath! I'd love to hear your overall thoughts on the completed series. This is right on my list after Hobb and Jemisin and Age of Madness and the last eight Malazan books. Wow why are there so many books to read?
For you, Danny, I’ll include a non-spoiler assessment of the series when I review Wrath! 😁 I have the same problem when it comes to books. There are so many I want to read, and I’ll never get to them all. I suppose I’ll just have to enjoy the ones I get to!
Awesome review, philip! At this point i just blindly accept your choice of fantasy because it has always been the best :)
P.S. there is no such thing as a prose-snob. People who say that are insensitive :)
Thanks, Javad! I love great prose - prose that is versatile and has range, the capacity to move me or keep me in suspense. It’s not something that comes easily as it takes a lot of practice, so I like to praise it when I see it.
*scrambles back to watch reviews for books 1 and 2* I have so much fantasy to catch up on 🤦🏽♀️
And I have so many I want to read too! I suppose not being able to read all the books that seem interesting is a good problem, though.
Haha there are definitely worse problems out there
Great review Philip, glad you enjoyed it so much. I’m really looking forward to the group discussion. I can’t wait to hear you all discuss some of the pivotal moments in Ruin.
There are a lot of those pivotal moments too! Thanks for watching!
Great video as always, Phillip. Can't wait for you and the rest of the gang to dive into those spoilers!
I’m excited to get to that discussion since Ruin especially has a lot of twists and epic moments. Thanks for watching!
Are you going to continue into the follow up series after wrath? :D Of Blood and Bone is more of the same goodness imo
I’ll definitely read Of Blood and Bone eventually! First, though, I’ve got something else by Gwynne that I’m excited to read - I was lucky enough to get an ARC of The Shadow of the Gods, and I’ll tackle it in April!
Love all the collaboration- so great to follow!
The collaborations are my favorite part of BookTube. I wish I could participate in one with every BookTuber I know!
Great review, I am almost done with Wrath and look forward to that review as well
Thanks! I’m excited to get to Wrath!
When you are finished with john gwynne new Novel will you do a review video
Yes! I’ll be reviewing The Shadow of the Gods in April. I’m excited to check it out!
❤❤❤
Always a pleasure to hear your insight on books we love.
Thank you!
My personal favourite book in the series. Wrath bring my 2nd favourite.
I can see why - Ruin took the series to another level. I’m looking forward to Wrath!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Veradis was probably my favourite POV in Malice but Ruin and Wrath brought him back to be amongst my favourites. Enjoy the journey! Truth and Courage
@@thatsci-firogue Truth and Courage!
I'm going to start Ruin on Monday and go straight to Wrath afterwards. Loved the first two books. I think this is my favourite series read up to now. Team Maquin here also.
Hooray for Team Maquin! I’ve no doubt you’ll love Ruin, but I’ll wish you great fulfillment in your reading all the same.
Having now finished both Ruin and Wrath I can say with certainty that this is my favourite modern fantasy series I've read to date. I have many more to explore and I'm about to go into The Fires of Heaven by Robert Jordan, book 5 of The Wheel of time series. Also in April I have the Of Blood and Bone trilogy by John Gwynne, I am looking forward to being back in the Banished lands. Great review as ever Philip. Thank you. And yes Ruin lived up to it's name.. no spoilers.
@@yorkshirelasstracey5383 That’s a big endorsement of this beloved series, and I can see why you love it! I think it’s one of best introductions to adult fantasy out there right now. I’m excited for Wrath!
Wrath is spectacular however Ruin is my favourite book of the series. In the running for my book of the year along with The Great Hunt from the WoT series mainly for the epic multiway battle and the duel which was played on the screen in my mind.
@@yorkshirelasstracey5383 Oh, yes, THAT duel!
After finishing Ruin last night I can FINALLY watch this video. And yeah. The way this series just gets better and better is amazing. And to think that this is a 700+ page book and I read it (while ill) in 4 days! Man. The action is non stop but not in a tiresome way.
I commented to my reading buddy - just when you get a glimpse of tiredness with one plotline, Gwynne whisks you off to another plotline (and that one was left of either mid-action or on a mini cliff). His pacing is stellar! I never once felt like I wanted to be with another character! Never. Which is an achievement in a book with so many pov characters.
And a last thing: the women here! They were written as characters, not as WomenCharacters (if you catch my meaning). They are awesome and bada**
Can't wait for October and the final book in this series.
Truth and Courage!
First of all, I hope you’re feeling better. Second, it’s so cool that you enjoyed Ruin! I agree with you about the pacing, which is one of the reasons people find Gwynne’s books so immersive and entertaining. I also agree with you about the women in the story, and, in my opinion, this becomes even more true in the sequel trilogy Of Blood and Bone and yet more true in The Shadow of the Gods, the first book of The Bloodsworn Trilogy. So, if you’re enjoying The Faithful and the Fallen enough to want more from Gwynne, you have plenty to look forward to!
Maquin is fckn awesome. Unfortunately, I couldn't finish this book on account of the pace of the main plot. I felt I was reading through the other characters' POVs just to get to Maquin's chapters. I stopped reading about 1/3 into the book, but I'm hoping to pick it back up eventually, because I want to see Maquin finish his revenge arc.
I predict you’ll find it worth reading even if Maquin is your only reason. That said, I haven’t read Wrath yet, but I’m hoping for great things!