Scan barcode
A review by sambora
A Time of Blood by John Gwynne
4.0
*SPOILER FREE REVIEW*
First, a thank you to Pan Macmillan for the proof copy.
As expected, 'A Time Of Blood' follows on from exactly where 'A Time Of Dread' left off.
This chapter in the world of the Banished Lands feels like the huge breath taken before being totally submerged in freezing water. It's so tense and engaging. The characters we are following (Drem, Riv, Fritha and Bleda) are all being fleshed out and, over the course of this book, go through changes and (I feel) become "complete". I would like to say more but I do not wish to spoil anything. Let me just say that there are so many satisfying revelations and happenings transpiring in this second installment; the unearthing of lies and betrayals of huge consequence.
Gwynne has really nailed what I love about classic fantasy. Heroes and villains living black and white lives, wearing red and white clothes with all different shades of grey bluring their motivations and backstory. Interwoven character arcs with distinct protagonists and the ability to keep the combat and fight scenes fresh.
There were certain enemy "encounters" within this second book that at first I was dubious of, not quite seeing the reason that they were being used (or RE-used). BUT I should have trusted Gwynne. Within a very short amount of time he made it new and what could have been an easy and predicable plot device became something altogether more twisted and fit with the themes of this newer series magnificently.
For those of you who have devoured Gwynne's previous books, this one will be no different.
The book will be available from April 18th 2019.
#TruthAndCourage
First, a thank you to Pan Macmillan for the proof copy.
As expected, 'A Time Of Blood' follows on from exactly where 'A Time Of Dread' left off.
This chapter in the world of the Banished Lands feels like the huge breath taken before being totally submerged in freezing water. It's so tense and engaging. The characters we are following (Drem, Riv, Fritha and Bleda) are all being fleshed out and, over the course of this book, go through changes and (I feel) become "complete". I would like to say more but I do not wish to spoil anything. Let me just say that there are so many satisfying revelations and happenings transpiring in this second installment; the unearthing of lies and betrayals of huge consequence.
Gwynne has really nailed what I love about classic fantasy. Heroes and villains living black and white lives, wearing red and white clothes with all different shades of grey bluring their motivations and backstory. Interwoven character arcs with distinct protagonists and the ability to keep the combat and fight scenes fresh.
There were certain enemy "encounters" within this second book that at first I was dubious of, not quite seeing the reason that they were being used (or RE-used). BUT I should have trusted Gwynne. Within a very short amount of time he made it new and what could have been an easy and predicable plot device became something altogether more twisted and fit with the themes of this newer series magnificently.
For those of you who have devoured Gwynne's previous books, this one will be no different.
The book will be available from April 18th 2019.
#TruthAndCourage