Malice Audiobook by John Gwynne | The Faithful and the Fallen series

Summary

What happens when ancient prophecies collide with the ambitions of men, and a young blacksmith’s son dares to dream of standing among legendary warriors? In the war-torn realm of the Banished Lands, where angels and demons once clashed and dark forces stir once more, John Gwynne weaves a sprawling epic that challenges everything we think we know about heroism, loyalty, and the price of power.

Audiobook Info

• Author: John Gwynne
• Narrator: Damian Lynch
• Duration: 14 hours and 47 minutes
• Publisher: HarperCollins UK
• Release Date: February 10, 2022
• Series: The Faithful and the Fallen
• Book: 1

Review

Damian Lynch delivers a masterclass in epic fantasy narration with Malice, transforming John Gwynne’s debut novel into an immersive auditory experience that demands attention. His rich, commanding voice carries the weight of ancient prophecies and clashing steel with equal conviction, seamlessly transitioning between the earnest determination of young Corban and the sinister machinations of power-hungry schemers. Lynch’s ability to differentiate between the novel’s extensive cast of characters – each with their own distinct vocal signature – elevates this already compelling story into something truly memorable.

At its heart, Malice follows Corban, a blacksmith’s son in the fortress town of Dun Carreg, whose dreams of becoming a warrior worthy of his king seem impossibly distant. But Gwynne’s genius lies in weaving multiple perspective characters across the Banished Lands, each pursuing their own vision of greatness or grasping for power they believe is rightfully theirs. The contrast between Corban’s pure-hearted aspirations and the darker ambitions of characters like Evnis – a man tired of being overlooked and willing to embrace forbidden paths to achieve his goals – creates a moral tapestry that keeps listeners questioning who truly deserves to triumph.

The world-building in this audiobook is nothing short of spectacular. Gwynne draws inspiration from Celtic mythology and creates a land haunted by the God-War, where giants still roam the wild places and ancient evil awakens in the shadows. Listening to Lynch describe the bone-strewn battlefields and mist-shrouded forests, you can almost feel the chill of the Banished Lands seeping through your speakers. The author balances intimate character moments with sweeping political intrigue, ensuring that the nearly fifteen-hour runtime never feels bloated or slow.

What sets Malice apart from other epic fantasies is its unflinching examination of what drives people toward heroism or villainy. Young warriors like Veradis and Nathair struggle to escape the shadows of their fathers and forge their own legacies, their journeys serving as mirrors to our own desires for recognition and purpose. Gwynne doesn’t shy away from the brutal consequences of ambition, and Lynch’s narration ensures every betrayal and sacrifice lands with devastating emotional impact.

This audiobook is essential listening for fans of George R.R. Martin, Brian McClellan, or anyone who craves epic fantasy with genuine depth. Whether you’re drawn to coming-of-age stories, political machinations, or simply love getting lost in a richly imagined world teetering on the brink of apocalyptic war, Malice delivers on every front. The combination of Gwynne’s intricate plotting and Lynch’s captivating performance makes this a journey you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Download & Listen

Experience the epic beginning of The Faithful and the Fallen series by downloading Malice today from KTAudiobooks.com. With nearly fifteen hours of gripping fantasy narrated by the talented Damian Lynch, this is the perfect audiobook to lose yourself in during long commutes or quiet evenings. Start your journey through the Banished Lands now and discover why John Gwynne has become a modern master of epic fantasy.