Review of John Gwynne’s Malice, book one of The Faithful and the Fallen

In this review, I praise John Gwynne’s Malice, book one of The Faithful and the Fallen, for its fast pace and Celtic-inspired world building, explaining some of the Celtic influences I see in the book.

[Caistyn]

Phillip… I’m Welsh. I’ve been watching your videos for a while. But first time watching your videos. Welsh is my first language and I loved your great knowledge of the language and your excellent pronunciation. Ardderchog Phillip, mae dy Gymraeg yn wych a dwi mor falch i fedru gwrando arno’n cael ei siarad yn gywir wrth drafod y llyfr gwych yma ar youtube (Excellent Phillip, you’re Welsh is excellent and I’m so glad to hear it spoken correctly whilst discussing this excellent book here on youtube)

[PetrikLeo]

Such a wonderful review. Also, I didn't know people call this series Viking inspired! It's really not. Paradise Lost by John Milton is one, and Celtic is the definite influence; you're right, Cywen is pronounced with a 'K' instead of 'Sai'. So cool that you know all these, I had to research and ask him about it!

Also, the blend of classic and modern fantasy (no grimdark, though) is a very apt analysis of the series which I can agree with.

[mikesbookreviews]

Nothing makes me happier than seeing new folks get into this fantastic series. Gwynne is just the best.

[WorkingManReads]

I've been wanting to read this book for so long. And your knowledge on the Welsh and Irish really sold this book for me. Possibly the best review for this book on YouTube thank you for sharing Happy New year

[mitchsimoes]

Wow, I love just how in depth you go with these reviews. Seeing all the influences and inspirations is so interesting. I haven’t read this series yet but this definitely put it on my radar. Thanks for the great review!!!

[farhad_s]

Just finished reading Malice and could finally watch this video. Learnt so much, can't thank you enough.

[BookishChas]

Wow Philip! You sold me! I adore Celtic myths, culture, and language. I’m actually learning Irish Gaelic right now. This book has been on my TBR forever, and I think I need to move it up lol. Your review was fantastic, and I especially love how you come at it from the perspective of a historical and linguistic angle. Thank you for this.

[Johanna_reads]

Fascinating to learn about the Celtic influences in Malice. I probably would have thought "vikings" like most others if not for you sharing your expertise here. I am curious about the connection with the magic cauldron as well as other aspects of Celtic myth. Sounds intriguing. This is a very popular series right now though I've heard many, like you, say that it takes at least 200 pages to get invested in that first book. I hope you enjoy the rest of the series!

[BookofEli]

I'm soooo happy you enjoyed malice!! Not gonna lie, I enjoyed the quartet so much I read it within 5 days, and book 3 ruin, I read in a day! Seriously, the quality of the books only get better as the series progresses and he cemented himself as one of my top 3 currently active writers today. His sister trilogy of blood and bone is just as good so there's a lot to look forward lol.

I cant wait to hear what you think of the rest of the series, because I love to hear your analytical deep dive of the stories you read and the insights that I somehow seem to overlook at times are brought to the forefront, which I can really appreciate! Wish you nothing but the best, friend, and hope you have a fantastic day!

[Danny_Matson]

Having lived in Wales for a year, I was pleased to see you bringing this point predominantly into your review shedding light on Gwynne's intentions and highlighting other reviewers' misinterpretation of it being about Vikings. Also, your pronunciation sounded just like all the welsh bloke around me all the time while I was there, so nice going!

[steveroderick]

Hi Philip. Welsh fantasy fan here. Thank-you so much, it's not very often at all that anybody recognises how much Gymraeg is an influence in many fantasy works. Plus your pronunciation as a non native is a beautiful thing to behold. Diolch yn fawr Ffilip, Cymru am byth!

[barrilrayder]

I really want to read these books, but now my hype is overtop hearing all the cultural, linguistics and mythologicals influences that are present in this series, thanks as always, Philip.

[alexnieves]

Fantastic book and an awesome review. I love how much knowledge you bring to your videos and all of the real-world parallels and inspirations that I wouldn't know of otherwise. Keep up the great work!

[AbbySalter]

I told Allen it wasnt Vikings but he was adamant it was so thank you for backing me up. Love your break down of the etymology behind the names. So happy you enjoyed it

[demyt]

so I picked this up on kindle unlimited- loved the review even well over a yr later! I have no doubts I'm gonna enjoy this.

[javadasadi]

Wow mr chase, the way you talk about the names and the language, and the way you do a non-spoiler, together make a great book review. I know for a fact your channel will get bigger by the day.

[francoisbouchart]

Fantastic video Philip. You bring your academic insights to the reading experience. I am so glad that I have not yet read Malice; now I can read it with a different perspective. Thank you. P.S. I would love to watch you discuss the book with John Gwynne. It would be a fascinating watch.

[djbogz]

Finished Malice the other day and already on the second book.
Really enjoying the series. Good to see someone else get the Celtic themes. Great review and thanks for the pronunciations

[ToriTalks]

I'm so excited to read this, I finally bought it after it sat on my Goodreads TBR for an embarrassing amount of time. I immediately came to see your review on it. I have high expectations for John Gwynne.

[danielgoldman]

A history lesson within a book review. Now you’re just showing pff Phil😂