The Faith and the Fallen Series by John Gwynne was recommended to me by some people with similar Fantasy interests as my own. I had never heard of the series, but am I glad I listened to the recommendations.
This is dark fantasy though not as dark as Game of Thrones for example. However, it's a drawn-out war, characters die that you may be attached to. The deaths usually mean something to the story and not drawn up as senseless. There is detailed description of battles so death, maiming, and violence in general. Also be aware there is a character that is raped multiple times thanks to the aid of magic. It happens off page, but her dealing with the trauma is of course on page. Just a warning.
The first point I wish to make is after 1/3 of book one the pace of the series is quite fast. There is always something happening. If you enjoy that then this is for you. If you are someone who needs a lull to stop and catch a breather well that doesn’t happen much. There is constant anxiety and dread to feel for the main characters. This author cuts out what is usually called ‘fluff’ so there is always an important reason a PoV is shown. Characters can start traveling and next time you see them is at their destination much later because nothing happened on the way of import. This does not hurt character development though.
The world gets turned upside down for these characters and they are constantly on the move; strategizing, preparing, bonding, falling in love, and growing. Their growth and relationships are believable. The characters have their own personalities, instincts, and plans. You get connected to some characters and have extreme hate for others. For the most part this appears to be a Good vs. Evil setup, but it all happens in a gray area. Not everything is as straightforward as it seems. There are twists, though I can’t say more without spoilers.
What Gwynne is a master of is describing battles and the grit of warfare. He understands strategy, tactics, and weapons in general. This is the meat of what he does best. If you love battles, then this is the series for you. If you want to read how one-character feints attacks, description of steel through flesh that is here too. This series also has giants. Human vs giant warfare is also quite intense to read and Gwynne designs believable tactics for this. It really gives you a front row seat of the desperation and feel of being in a large scale battle. It can be nerve wrecking.
The lore of what is called the Banished Lands is not in-depth like many high fantasy writers. It is however, concise. The lore is interesting, organized, and makes sense for this world. You still learn interesting things, but its not the main purpose of the series. Also, if you are looking for prose, then just move on.
The world building is damn good. I mean everything happens on one main continent with a few islands. You essentially get to visit most places available to the characters. The climate, landscapes, and how people interact with them all make sense. You get to learn about the history of the world which I found compelling. It essentially starts with the God of this world getting fed up then abandoning it. On the mortal side this causes men to invade giant lands. There’s plenty more beyond that tidbit that you will learn about so don’t worry. There is still some mystery after the series is over, especially regarding if there are any other lands out there and if anything is beyond the desolation in the North.
The magic is a soft spelled based system. There are normal spells then more powerful spells using blood. Most humans do not know how to use magic, but the giants know some of the common earth spells. It is more of an underground subject studied as there is just not much knowledge of it left or believed. Magic does not get used that much in warfare but has its uses. When used as a weapon its usually in small group encounters or one vs. one fights. It plays a role, but the main fighting is going to be won with brains and skill with weapons. Well I supposed number of soldiers helps too.
My only real criticism is the good guys often have too good of a communication with one another. Besides romantic communication of course. In general, their ability to get on the same page could have probably used more conflict, but it doesn’t ruin the story.
Overall, I highly enjoyed my time in the Banished lands. This series evokes a lot of emotions and keeps you hooked on the fate of what happens. There are more books out that take place in this world, but with different characters in, I believe, the future from when this takes place. I am looking forward to reading them, but in no rush to finish my trek through the Banished Lands just yet so will hold them for another day.
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD
Now is where I will post spoilers for anyone interested. If not then do not go any further, you have been warned.
Maquin is my favorite character as I have said on my Twitter. This guy is loyal to almost a fault to his own sanity. He may be the most well-rounded gritty fighter in the series. If I was going into battle this is the guy I want at my side to make me feel like we have a chance to win. What he goes through mentally and physically is astounding. He always finds something to focus on to keep moving forward though. He is a survivor and a man who will give it his all. At least we know he is very much in a better place. I guess Fidele likes him more than her husband!
Edana is a princess when we first meet her. She doesn’t have much sway and is ignored much by her father. She is well liked, but respected, maybe not so much. By the end of the series though she is a badass warrior Queen. I was there for it. This is how I want my princesses to grow. Forget the damsel in distress give me a Queen who strives to grow as a leader, learn tactics, and embraces how to defend herself.
Corban is of course the main hero. Whatever mission you have this is a guy you want to lead you. Does he seem a bit too perfect, eh could make a case, but it is all believable imo. He may be the best all around swordsman in the banished land. He is always trying to do right by the people who choose to follow him. Of course, Gar is his constant teacher to become a better man and to better his skills. Its quite tragic he lost his mother and essentially his second father to Calidus. However, when he finally finishes off the bastard it was such a satisfying end to him. I loved it.
Coralen is well rounded. She can fight with the best of them from her time battling giants and is an exceptional scout. In a world where women aren’t really fighters, she pretty much said fuck that and became a warrior anyways. We get a glimpse of her life before she meets up with the main party. Much respect to her.
Then there is Lykos. Jael and Rafe are assholes, but Lykos is on a level of his own. This man has zero honor in him. A murdering, raping, lying, thieving, scum of the earth type. Unfortunately he can fight and can organize warfare from the sea. This keeps him alive most of the series. His ending was somewhat satisfying, but he deserved much worse a death. Like eternal suffering. One of my most hated characters in all of fantasy now. I curse his name.
I will end with Nathair and Veradis. A compelling relationship. Two men who essentially became brothers of their own choosing deciding to live or die together. Too bad Nathair chose the wrong side. Veradis is a man of honor that didn’t realize he was fighting on the wrong side, but when he did this of course caused a rift. I knew Nathair would never stop his quest for power especially after he didn’t care his own mother was removed from power and raped by Lykos. His mother also lost her life not giving up on him. Such a waste. I enjoyed Veradis’s arc. It was satisfying. Nathair got what he deserved along with his disgusting draig.
I can guess what the next series will be about because the Ben-Elim seem like they think they should be in charge of the “lesser” beings in this world. They are arrogant and full of themselves. They used humans and giants in their own personal war. I do not see them fitting in with this land very well. I will definitely be reading more John Gwynne in the not too distant future.