Malice and Valour by John Gwynne Are Everything I Love In Modern Fantasy & You Will Too
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- Опубликовано: 26 июл 2024
- Mike talks about why he was driven to not only buy the complete series without ever reading a word by John Gwynne, but why he decided now was the time to read them.
0:00 Introduction
1:34 Non-Spoiler Review
21:15 Spoiler Thoughts
Purchase Malice Here: amzn.to/2xPt6x1 (physical) amzn.to/2KstbJP (digital) amzn.to/3bvU5MK (audio)
Purchase The Faithful & The Fallen Here: amzn.to/2VqS6DQ
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#MikesBookReviews #JohnGwynne #FaithfulAndTheFallen 
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Truth and Courage, Bookworms! I'm so excited to offer spoiler-free thoughts on the fantasy series I will declare most likely better than the series you're currently reading.
Better than stormlight hehehe?
I am reading Before They are Hanged right now so... Funny thing is, I read malice, valour and got halfway through Ruin and put it down... for some reason I didn't care about his characters, somehow they felt shallow to me, the plot was good, but not good enough for me to come back. But there's always the possibility it wasn't the right "time" for me to read that series, I might just give it another shot(gotta finish first law and WoT first tho, cause they are just wonderful)
loved this series! thanks for the recommendation
Having a ...real hard time, to follow this booktuber.
Because of a simple, down to earth detail: his.... haircut.
It brings a central question to front: where does he stand, politically...
Somehow, I don't see him being even close to liberal, democrats ideas.
And at this point in my life, with this country downfall, I simply can't condone any other takes in current politics...
(Also, seems to pick up...quite a lot from...other channels..that bothers me too.)
Christmas Lore triggered by a haircut, weak. mike always produces great videos, and his opinions on reading material i regard very highly.
if you need a helpful hint though; i live in oregon, where the democrats are literally burning books in the street.
im not going to put much stock in their ideas.
Never think new people aren’t coming along and enjoying your older reviews. I lost my son 5 years ago and we read MUCH fantasy together. You have helped me get back in to it… and reading again overall. Thanks for what you do!!!
Spread the good word, Mike! I've been waiting YEARS to be able to talk this series.
I am becoming a Truther for this series. I’m going to push it on everyone.
It really is amazing that this series is so underrated
John Gwynne is my new favorite author. I laughed when you said that he will emotionally assassinate you. Isn't that the truth!!!! Thanks for recommending this series. I just finished Valour and can't wait to read the next two.
I just finished Malice, i got the four book set for Christmas, oh boy what an unbelievably great writer! I loved this book. I think if John Gwynn was one of his own characters it would be Thannon or Gar.
Your review is spot on! Just finished the first book, and I'm hooked! Can't wait to start book 2. Love your stuff. Thank you. Keep it up. It's hard to find good reads these days, and this is one to read!
I’ve just finished Wrath and that final chapter moved me so much (for reasons I won’t go into here). John Gwynne is so in tune with his characters it’s staggering. Also a massive Thankyou to you Mike. I would never have discovered these books were it not for your channel. Raising a glass right now to you both. Cheers 🍺 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🇬🇧
Daniel Greene's enthusiasm for WoT encouraged me to pick it up last year and I'm finally burning through the last book and man I'm loving it. You've been praising this series and I can't wait to read it
I started it immediately after finishing WoT. It has been the perfect rebound series.
Started this series bc of your praise for it and I’m glad I did!! This is quickly becoming one of my favorite series and I’m only 2 books in
Mike,
I have been waiting for a booktuber to show the excitement and enthusiasm you have showed to this series. This was the series that got me back into reading fantasy. I have been waiting for you to release this vid. Thank you so much. Been subscribed since the 1k mark. And you have my loyalty for doing this series.
Thanks for saying so. For whatever reason, I just knew that Gwynne was going to be an author I loved. That's why I bought all 7 books before reading a word. I'm glad it has turned out to meet and even exceed my expectatins.
I'm glad to have heard good things about Malice and its series. I randomly bought the first book a month ago to read for later. I have a good fantasy book to look forward to.
This was the review i was expecting the whole week. It hooked me up man. I'll definently read these books in the coming days. Everything that you said i agree with, don't mind the troops at all. Can't wai to get started.
I love the fact that you review lesser known books, hell your First law WYSR made me read the books and its currently my favourite series! Keep up the good work Mike, love your videos and I'll read these books for sure!
Coming back to this video to rewatch, because I just finished Malice and want some nostalgia. Loved that video back then, Mike, an put the series on my to-read list. Recently I have finally picked it up and it#s overwhealming, in a positive way! Keep up the great work, Mike!
You got me! I’m definitely reading the first book this year.
Really enjoyed this. I'm half way through Ruin right now and am loving this series. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the next two books.
Another series you turned me on to that I’m really enjoying! Thanks Mike!
This is now on my TBR thanks to your recommendation.
This series gave me anxiety over my fear of losing a character, I absolutely love it
dude, this intro is badass! Keep up the good work!
Just finished "Shadow of the Gods," I need more! Launching into Malice! Thanks for the reviews!
About Conall. Did you miss that Evnis uses magic to help convince him and keep feeding his ego and insecurities?
Also I think the woman that his father remarried did something to Conall’s mother if I remember right
Gonna read this because of you. Keep up with the good work.
This is by far my favourite series of the year. I finished it months ago, and still think about it often.
So excited to watch this video!
Just finished having read this series based on your recommendation. Had to read them back to back and knocked them out in 2 weeks. They were so good! Thanks so much for exposing me to so many good read. This series has been just one of many so far.
I finished my second reading through the series right before I found your channel and you announced you found the series. I am so happy to see all these people coming together getting to gush over this amazing book series! It's my favourite book series of all time!
Maquin has one of the best and one of the most tragic story arc I have read. He is one of my favourites.
Veradis is another favourite character of mine. His whole story is so frustrating cause the reader knows more but he is also such a sincere character.
The Kastell story was one of the moments I realized "this story is not going to be as typical as I imagined".
I finished Ruin last night. I'm not okay.
Veradis is such a great character! He had such a sad but satisfying arc! I loved Maquin and Fidele too!
Spot on with the review Mike. I can't think of anything to add to what you've said.
I never read a book as an adult until I watched your first law videos then became a die hard Joe Abercrombie fan I read every book of the first law universe and now that there's no more Joe (very sad for now) now I'm moving on to John Gwynne and I just wanted to say thank you for all of it keep inspiring people like me
Looking forward to the non-spoiler reviews, as someone new to fantasy this format is perfect to find new books/series
Thus check out Daniel Greene
@@leonardopires9344 no
Finally ordered the 4 book boxset! Can't wait to get started!👌🎉
I am so bummed that my library doesn't have these! You've got me so curious about them.
I love this format of reviews, i really do
I like this review format. This series will go on my reading wish list but I have too much in my want-to- read-right-now list. Thanks!
I understand that. Folks tell me every review "you have to make time to read _________ series" and I just can't clone myself.
After book 3 I couldn’t wait to finish book 4 . Wow, each book ending made me want more. This series is awesome!
Wrath is my favourite book ever, you'll love it, the story just keeps getting better and better
Mike I read both of these because of how highly you spoke of them and I’m hooked. I gave Malice 3 stars because it took me a while to care about the characters but wow Valor was a 5 star for me. Can’t wait to pick up the next book.
just discovered your channel, Mike...your enthusiasm is infectious!!! love the reviews and vids, just started Malice and oh my jings! it IS INDEED ticking all my fantasy genre boxes...starting a four week holiday so i am gonna binge all the stuff on your channel.....thank you in advance for what i KNOW will be great content...!!
Awesome! Thank you! You'll love FATF. It is the hidden gem of modern fantasy.
@@mikesbookreviews well....!!! 100 pages in to Malice....oh my oh my oh my...just such a good read so far, it feels like i have known the characters all my life, everything about this seems all so familiar in a good welcoming way...i have read sooooo many books in my life, but at 57 years old it is so joyous to discover something fresh like this in my life...YOU DID THIS!!! thank you for all your content, Mike!!
Dude, you just earned a sub because of the Nightwish t-shirt. Best band ever!
Definitely considering this as my next read. Love the nightwish shirt 🤟❤
Mike, i just wanted to say i've been really enjoying your content lately, keep up the good work man!
Also i wanted to recommend a series, i know that ur tbr is full for the next few months but in case u dnf something, i have The Dagger and The Coin to recommend.
I would say its a blend of First law and asoiaf, it has first laws great characters and martins political intrigue.
Judging by the shirts you wear, you must be a metal head. Awesome!
Slightly.
You have such awesome beginning to your videos! Keep it up Mike!
Glad you like them!
Every time someone tells me a series is like "A Song of Ice and Fire" I've always been disappointed because they never are. Thanks for making the distinction with this series that although it's not "like" ASoIaF, it captures some of those same feelings. I need to check Gynne's stuff out, since I've never read any of his books.
Can't wait to start it. Got to finish The Stand and Rich Dad Poor Dad first. ASOIAF is one of my favs so hearing this is up that alley is great.
Love your t-shirt Mike!
I am so surprised that this series is not talked about more, has long been one of my favourites. Just finished the second series in the Banished Lands world and am now suffering from withdrawal - so decided to dive into the audiobook - which so far is excellent, the narration and voice work is excellent. I will basically read anything he writes, as his character work is amazing. This series is so action packed and also hits you in the feels so hard. I can't wait for his new series next year!
I’m stunned it is still relatively unknown.
@@mikesbookreviews it seems to be gathering a bit more talk lately - well overdue - I'm just excited to finally hear other people giving it the praise it deserves!
Read both books on your advise as you said the were like gemmels books and i would like them (think it was before your fully read them) loved them both , a really solid read John Gwyne made some awesome books here , can't wait to read the other ones :)
Thanks for introducing me to this series Mike. I love this series ;)
I’m so happy to hear you’re enjoying it.
@@mikesbookreviews I am so happy to have found your channel;) I think you are doing a phenomenal job ;)
Creeping its way up my TBR the more you talk about it.
By the way I'm glad you left a spoiler section in. I think you will get people revisiting your video to watch your thoughts at the end after they read it. It's nice to listen to your favorite reviewer give their thoughts on specific plot points after you read the book that they got you to read in the first place, haha.
I think it's the best format going forward. For example, if this has been a 100% spoilers video for these two books, the video would have about 200 views right now.
@@mikesbookreviews Yes, of course. A "review" should be non-spoiler in general, because you're trying to tell people whether to read a book or not, but a "discussion/thoughts" video or section filled with spoilers is great to have too :-). Keep it up!
Another great video.my man. Nicely done.
Much appreciated!
Agreed Brother ....
My only foray into newer fantasy has been with Song of Ice and Fire ....
Just started this series ...and it seems VERY reminiscent of that ...
Quick and light fitted Pacing...Check
POV Character chapters ? Check
Great character development ? Check
Gritty plot twists ? Check
I am LOVING this series ...
Loving your channel, man, keep it up. Cant wait to hear your opinions on Farseer trilogy.
Very good video, just subbed. I hope to post my own review of these books sometimes soon!
I'm glad we the same taste in books. :) I noticed we love and dislike the same books. Subbed!
Don't know why it took me so long to find John Gwynne. And then I had this buried under Read Along material for a couple months. Don't know why. :P But... Truth and Courage Indeed! Amazing series. Fantastic HEROIC Fantasy, with amazing battle scenes. Thank you for turning me onto this series, Mike. :)
Happy to do it!
I cant wait to dig into this series!
It's worth the time.
Just finished The Faithful and The Fallen. I would highly recommend it! Such an easy and enjoyable read.
It really is. If you can grasp the large cast it's quite the easy read.
25:30 took me a moment to realize that you talk about Nathair because I pronounced his name Natha-eer
But yeah for me Faithful and the Fallen is a highly underappreciated book series. Good that you bring the word out there to bring attention to this beautiful story.
And Maquin is easily one of my favorite characters. He's quite the badass
I love malice! I can’t wait to finish it!!!
Alright this has moved up my TBR list.
Thanks for the great and honest review Mike, I read about 80 pages of Malice but it wasn't for me so it's a DNF. It felt too much like a day in the life of a bunch of people with sop stories, great writing but too depressing.
Started Malice last night made it 80 pages in and I’m excited to jump back in today and hope to knock out 120
I am so invested in these characters it’s ridiculous. There’s a long list of characters that I’ll be crushed if they die (and I know it’s coming sooner or later!) and another long list of characters that I will celebrate if they die slow, painful deaths. Mr Gwynne hit a homerun with this series!
I had separation anxiety reading the last 100 pages of Ruin because I knew something bad was going to happen.
It did.
I read Malice and kinda liked it but it didn’t wow me. But your enthusiasm for the story-and the Nightwish t shirt-sold me.
Truth and Courage! Also yay for Nightwish
Nightwish is my jam.
And I totally agree with your comparison with Lightbringer.
I want to read these books soooo bad but I just have so many books onmy tbr haha. I'm definitely going to be reading them now that I've seen this review! It's got me even more excited :)
I think you'll enjoy it, but understand there just isn't enough time in the day. Especially with you doing the Malazan thing right now.
@@mikesbookreviews Yeah that's a good point haha! It would probably be a bit unwise to jump into it too soon, but I still look forward to reading it in the future :) for now, I'll dedicate my focus to tackling the beast that is Malazan..
"Hey check out my prose!" Made me laugh. So true. Thanks for the review. Subbed.
Finished Stormlight Archives .. and TF&TF is better!
Thats a big compliment bro, i am halfway into words of radiance and i am in awe to stormlight, i never been so atatched to a character as i am to kaladin
I’m only 300 pages into The way of Kings. I’m really enjoying it. I will get to TF&TF I’m also listening to Memory, Sorrow and Thorn. Very good so far
Just finished malice. I was lukewarm on it for about half of it. Then really started to enjoy it in the second half. Will be getting Valor when I get a chance in the next couple month.
Will be switching between this, more first law and brandon sanderson stuff.
It truly does get better as it goes.
I added this to my reading list when you first talked about reading it. I'll get around to it eventually, but I kinda have a huge list of books to read and I wanna get through some of those before I start another.
My list:
1.11/22/63
2. Last argument of kings
3. Mistborn 2 and 3
4.queen of fire
5.the outsider-just finished the show and wanna check out the book.
I totally get that. Not enough hours in the day.
Those first two are fire, finished them both during quarantine.
I just started Memory Sorrow and Thorn, it’s pretty good so far, tons of foreshadowing
Heard it has a super slow start with a monumental payoff.
4:02 yeah I'm guilty of that too. If troupes are done right or if you enjoy reading them then who cares if its typical. Our desire for something new is making us little too harsh towards such stories.
So, here's the deal. I watched one of your "Top 10 Fantasy Series" and I when I saw many of my own favorite series on there (e.g. LotR, Harry Potter, Dark Tower, etc.), I thought, "huh, okay, I think I can trust this guy's opinion." And I can!!!!! Thanks so much for recommending this series! I absolutely loved it! This is the first time since I read the Hunger Games trilogy back in 2011 that I've been so invested in the characters that I threw the book at the wall when they died...scared the crap out of my husband and cat haha.
I've already put "Of Blood and Bone" series on my Christmas list!
So glad you liked it!
I just finished Valour last night....very good series thus far.
I was also on the verge of tears plenty of times at the end of valor. The characters in this series are so damn good. Easily on par with a Joe Abercrombie cast.
These books really fly by, as you said. Just finished Malice and Valour in about 2 weeks. There's no fat.
Usually I'm not really into the good ol' good vs. evil, unless it is handled veeery well. Which is the case here. As you said, there's room for moral complexity within the framework and Gwynne really translates that classic black & white into today's generation of fantasy beautifully.
And god I love a story where there are so many cool characters, even the secondary and tertiary ones you love or hate with a passion. Maquin, Thull, Coralen, Gar, Orgull, Cywen, Rhin, Morcant, Braith, ... it just goes on.
Absolutely zero fat! And talk about his villains, man. I literally want to rip out the page when Rafe or Lykos show up.
@@mikesbookreviewsSame here. Those two f***s :D Apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Loved how Thannon told Corban that you should talk instead of fight and then went to "talk" to Helfach. I hope they and the likes of Evnis all get their come-uppance in the end, though I kinda doubt it
I recently read this series and thoroughly enjoyed it. Good characters with decent character development for each of the principle characters. Interesting twists and turns throughout with lots of "back and forth" between the antagonists and protagonists--you are never quite sure in the first two books who the good guys are. It does become much clearer in the final two books.
The twists in book 3 make the ones in the first 2 books seem not so crazy by comparison. And I mean that in a good way.
@@mikesbookreviews Yep. Books 3 and 4 really clarify who is on what side and what the stakes are. And then the sequel series muddies things up a bit...BTW - When I saw "A Time for Courage" in your bookshelf, I immediately went to Amazon and ordered it! I didn't know it was out yet. Thanks!
Just finished Valor. I made the mistake of trying to read a different fantasy book in between Malice and Valor and about 100pgs in quit and came back. Was just dying for more of this saga. Funny, I don’t find the prose to be his strong suit… but these characters and story have me hooked. Time for Ruin… starting….now :)
That spreadsheet of the characters you were talking about? The books basically have that at the start of each one. Land/nation and character names with a brief summary, although the summary gets longer with each book.
Mike, just curious, when do you give a book a 5 star review?
Also I love your content and thanks for doing some non-spoiler reviews!
5 stars is something I consider a masterpiece or an all-time classic. Something we would be reading 50-100 years from now. I talked about it here ruclips.net/video/0h7oQKg_5RA/видео.html
Maquin is daddy and nobody is going to change my mind. 💜
New fantasy crush. Old Wolf 🐺💪
You mention the violence, which I also noticed in this series. I believe the author's note states that he wrote them in part for his young boys (who often appreciate violence, but don't really comprehend the consequences). Also, the socio-economic level of the setting is roughly early medieval period. In many ways, it is brutally realistic for a society set up in that sort of world. That level of violence did happen on a routine basis throughout history and still continues in some parts of the world today.
I'm going to audio-read it.
Enjoy!
I think John Gwynne is the best writer of action in the genre (that I’ve read at least). I love his books so much. Everything is to the point. His next series is about Vikings(!)
Also I know this is morbid but I love the way he describes heads flying through the air when they get cut off lol
The action scenes and duels as a whole are really awesome! I like those flying heads too :D
Just finished Malice book was dope
First, thanks for recommending the series. I halfway through the third book. Second, Evnis did think he used bit of earth magic he learned from the giant magic book on Conall plus the whispering. Normal for younger brother with chip over his shoulder to feel bit jealousy, and Evnis cultivated that and with bit of magic separated the brothers.
I didn't even think of magical influence. I legit thought Evnis had one of those effigy clay figures for Conall or something.
Mike's Book Reviews definitely not effigy, just little magical nudge. And now with Conall so intertwined with Rhin/Evnis I don’t think it is needed. Basically he is in gang now. The shoe off between the brothers has potential , especially for male readers who have brothers (I three younger brothers myself )
You should review the rest of the books!
Oh man, I'm about 2/3 through Valour and if some of my theories/predictions come true, this series will move quite a bit darker than I'm used to reading, but DANG if these are not compelling page-turners. I tell myself often, "ok, last chapter and then it's time to do X" and then 5 chapters later I force myself to put it down.
That doesn’t stop.
Oh my god, just finished Valour. Holy crap. So many thoughts. John Gwynne, you magnificent bastard. Son of a gun can this guy put a story together. Onto Ruin!
Just finished book 3 and starting book 4 and agree that this is one of the best series ... in my top ten
Did you finish book 4? I just finished book 3 and I was really looking forward to book 4 until the last chapter or so. In my head, book 4 was going to be them building their army/fortress and preparing for an epic final battle. I was so freaking stoked...until the last couple chapters. Im Kinda bummed out now. Don't spoil anything please, just give me hope.
@@PsychKingler no spoilers but not to worry, more battles and fighting to come in book 4.
Truth and Courage!!!!!⚔⚔⚔
Maquin's my favorite character as of Valour. He was not at first book, but in Valour, he is simply the best.
Indeed. His growth over the series is amazing.
I'm about 100 pages on book 3, but I've paused as rest of Dresden books arrived. I read a few chapters of F&F between Dresden books until I catch up with your Dresden reviews (on #6). Only problem I've had with F&F was when Camlin switched sides and returned to Dun Carrig (before the city fell), he KNEW Evnis was allied with the other side (with Q. Rhin and Braith). He should have mentioned that to someone.
Did he know? I'm sure there's an explanation but I can't think of one.
Im a fantasy novice and should have written down some of the characters. I was 300 pages in and there were like 4 characters who I had no clue who they were lmao. Some of them seemed very similar to other characters and he didnt add enough (different) physical descriptions to help me tell them apart. Took me a week to read the first half and a few hours to read the second half.
I can't wait for a review..still 3 hours
A Nightwish shirt. Great taste in music.
Love them!
Someone just offered me this book. Im afraid to try It. I dnf’d Witcher, The crimson campaign, lightbringer, ryiria, raven’s Shadow and Draconis Memoria. I feel like i’ve hit a bump and cant find anything that I love. Hope Malice puts me Back on track.
I hope so too.
You know I get compared to John Gwynne so much i picked up the series over the weekend. Just finished Malice and yeah...a lot of straaaaange similarities. I will put a review up on my channel soon. I think i will review each book one-by-one
That has to be strange ha ha! I look forward to your thoughts.
@@mikesbookreviews ya I posted my thoughts on my last youtuber review on Malice
Here endeth the lesson
Which should I read first, this series or Ryira Chronicles?