Malice by John Gwynne – Spoiler-free Review

A pretty good debut novel, not without its problems, but it hooked me in the end.

Matt on Other Things...
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00:00 Intro
00:16 What's it got?
00:58 Grimdark?
02:28 The story
05:42 The themes
07:46 Thoughts...
11:56 The cover
17:15 TBR problems & wrap-up

[vaughnroycroft]

I had a very similar experience: struggled with the first third, wondered about the clunkiness, pushed through, ended up hooked. The writing does indeed improve. I'm guessing Gwynne sort of took on a challenge he wasn't quite up to yet, but he ends up mastering the galloping steed of this story (although it remains a bit wild throughout). One of the things I think Gwynne does best is to incorporate friendship, in all its forms (including animal companions). He demonstrates what a powerful tool it can be in storytelling. Good take!

[Johanna_reads]

That found family and family theme gets me every time I hear about this book. I'm looking forward to hearing your journey as you continue the series, and I just loved your cover analysis! There are so many details I never noticed just glancing at thumbnails. Great review, Matt!

[Mjwestneat]

Great stuff, Matt! I just finished Malice myself and really enjoyed it. I appreciate you including a discussion on the book cover in your reviews. Keep up the great work man!

[ohybrid]

I can vouch for Shadow of the Gods, which is the first book in what I believe is Gwynne's third series. It's sequel is definitely going to be one of the first books I read next year, and the Faithful and the Fallen is up there in my TBR. Love your cover analysis segment by the way!

[zan]

Been back and forth on whether or not to do this one for a while, so nice to hear a hesitant (positive) recommendation. I think that makes sense, and gives me a great feel when I should look at it.

I don't mind it so much for this series actually, but man the 'fantasy cover with one large object (usually a sword) on it is.... gosh it's dull. I think the frame/background thing helps this a good bit, but not gonna be my favorite.

[sushi]

My new favourite Booktuber! Subscribed to you mate. Really amazing review. Have a nice day!

[Thecatladybooknook_PennyD]

I'm in Ruin and will be picking back up with it in November. I want to finish the series before January.

[thisandthat]

Have been trying to read Malice for a while and just can't get into it, I have found it very frustrating but will persevere. It's hard when your favourite fantasy author is Hobb, she sets a very high bar! I enjoyed the Shadow and Hunger of the Gods though, so am sure if I can get over the slog of Malice the series will improve.

[jeroenadmiraal]

I'm happy for you that it worked for you in the end. For me, this sounds like the kind of fantasy that I've grown very tired of. It may even be that the whole subgenre of epic fantasy has begun to tire me. All I hear is overused tropes in squirrel-killer books. On the other hand, the Malazan books were amazing to me but I think those books are atypical.

[safinan]

Hello 👋 good review video!! Malice by John Gwynn it was good read for me.. the series just gets better! Happy October reading to you!! ⚔️☠️

[Shaad]

I’ve not really heard John gwynne described as grimdark especially not faithful and the fallen! Great review anyways!

[demidrek-heyward]

I've read the first three books, and I'd say they are fine. The prose is pretty average, the characters & the plot are fun though.

[thatsci-firogue]

While it's not a favourite series for me, Book 2 through 4 are much better.

Aw the ol' "is this Grimdark?" debate, personally I say no but its pretty dark at points.