John Gwynne

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About John Gwynne

I am the author of epic fantasy series The Faithful and the Fallen, Of Blood and Bone and The Bloodsworn Saga. I’m also a Viking re-enactor and enjoy nothing more than standing in the shield wall with my three sons, who are as passionate about swords and axes as I am (when I’m not stuck in my coat of mail; it’s harder than it looks).

I live on the south coast of the UK with my beautiful wife, three sons and my daughter, and an assortment of animals (at the moment three dogs, a horse and a lamb who thinks she’s a dog).

My dogs think I am their slave.

Malice, my debut novel, was published by Pan Macmillan in 2012 and went on to win the David Gemmell Morningstar Award for Best Fantasy Debut of 2012. That was a truly wonderful moment, as David Gemmell is a hero of mine and one of the reasons I write.

The following three books in the series – Valour, Ruin and Wrath, were all shortlisted for the David Gemmell Legend Award for Best Fantasy Novels of 2014, 2015 and 2016.

My second series, of Blood and Bone, is set in the Banished Lands, the same world as the first series. Book 1, A Time of Dread, begins 130 years after the events of the first series.

A Time of Courage, book 3 Of Blood and Bone, made the Spiegel Bestseller’s List in Germany.

My latest book, The Shadow of the Gods, book 1 of the Bloodsworn Saga, will be published in May 2021. It is inspired by Norse mythology, Beowulf and Ragnarök.

I am represented by Julie Crisp.

You can find me online at:

https://john-gwynne.com

https://twitter.com/JohnGwynne_

https://www.instagram.com/john_gwynne_author/

https://www.facebook.com/john.gwynne.12

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The Shadow of the Gods (The Bloodsworn Trilogy Book 1) May 4, 2021

by John Gwynne

( 1,075 )

$9.99

"A masterfully crafted, brutally compelling Norse-inspired epic." —Anthony Ryan

THE GREATEST SAGAS ARE WRITTEN IN BLOOD.

A century has passed since the gods fought and drove themselves to extinction. Now only their bones remain, promising great power to those brave enough to seek them out.

As whispers of war echo across the land of Vigrid, fate follows in the footsteps of three warriors: a huntress on a dangerous quest, a noblewoman pursuing battle fame, and a thrall seeking vengeance among the mercenaries known as the Bloodsworn.

All three will shape the fate of the world as it once more falls under the shadow of the gods.

Set in a brand-new, Norse-inspired world, and packed with myth, magic, and vengeance, The Shadow of the Gods begins an epic new fantasy saga from bestselling author John Gwynne.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Hardcover , Paperback , Audio CD

A Time of Dread (Of Blood & Bone Book 1) Feb 20, 2018

by John Gwynne

( 990 )

$9.99

Acclaimed epic fantasy author John Gwynne returns with the first book in a new trilogy, perfect for fans of George R. R. Martin, Brandon Sanderson, and David Gemmell.

"A Time of Dread reminds me of why I became a fantasy enthusiast in the first place." -- Robin Hobb

A race of warrior angels, the Ben-Elim, once vanquished a mighty demon horde. Now they rule the Banished lands, but their peace is brutally enforced.

In the south, hotheaded Riv is desperate to join the Ben-Elim's peacekeeping force, until she unearths a deadly secret.

In the west, the giantess Sig investigates demon sightings and discovers signs of an uprising and black magic.
And in the snowbound north, Drem, a trapper, finds mutilated corpses in the forests. The work of a predator, or something far darker?
It's a time of shifting loyalties and world-changing dangers. Difficult choices need to be made. Because in the shadows, demons are gathering, waiting for their time to rise. . .

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Hardcover , Paperback , Audio CD

Malice (The Faithful and the Fallen Book 1) Dec 3, 2013

by John Gwynne

( 1,798 )

$7.99

The first book in acclaimed epic fantasy author John Gwynne's Faithful and Fallen series, Malice is a tale of blind greed, ambition, and betrayal set in a world where ancient monsters are reawakening -- and a war to end all wars is about to begin.

The world is broken. . .and it can never be made whole again.

Corban wants nothing more than to be a warrior under King Brenin's rule -- to protect and serve. But that day will come all too soon. And the price he pays will be in blood.

Evnis has sacrificed -- too much it seems. But what he wants -- the power to rule -- will soon be in his grasp. And nothing will stop him once he has started on his path.

Veradis is the newest member of the warband for the High Prince, Nathair. He is one of the most skilled swordsman to come out of his homeland, yet he is always under the shadow of his older brother.

Nathair has ideas -- and a lot of plans. Many of them don't involve his father, the High King Aquilus. Nor does he agree with his father's idea to summon his fellow kings to council.

The Banished Lands has a violent past where armies of men and giants clashed in battle, the earth running dark with their heartsblood. Now, the stones weep red and giant wyrms stir, and those who can still read the signs see a danger far worse than all that has come before. . .

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Hardcover , Paperback , Audio CD

Valor (The Faithful and the Fallen Book 2) Jul 22, 2014

by John Gwynne

( 1,334 )

$9.99

War has erupted in the Banished Lands as the race for power intensifies.

Corban flees his homeland searching for peace, but he soon discovers that there is no haven in the west as the agents of Rhin and roaming bands of giants hound his every step.

Veradis leaves the battleground and rushes to his King's side. But he has witnessed both combat and betrayal and his duty weighs heavily upon him.

Maquin seeks only revenge, but pirate slavers and the brutal world of pit-fighting stand in his way.

Nathair becomes embroiled in the wars of the west as Queen Rhin marches against King Owain. The need to find the cauldron of the giants drives him on.

Sides are chosen and oaths will be fulfilled or broken in a land where hell has broken loose.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Hardcover , Paperback , Audio CD

Ruin (The Faithful and the Fallen Book 3) Oct 13, 2015

by John Gwynne

( 1,099 )

$9.99

The Banished Lands are engulfed in war and chaos.

The cunning Queen Rhin has conquered the west and High King Nathair has the cauldron, most powerful of the seven treasures. At his back stands the scheming Calidus and a warband of the Kadoshim, dread demons of the Otherworld. They plan to bring Asroth and his host of the Fallen into the world of flesh, but to do so they need the seven treasures. Nathair has been deceived but now he knows the truth. He has choices to make, choices that will determine the fate of the Banished Lands.

Elsewhere the flame of resistance is growing -- Queen Edana finds allies in the swamps of Ardan. Maquin is loose in Tenebral, hunted by Lykos and his corsairs. Here he will witness the birth of a rebellion in Nathair's own realm.
Corban has been swept along by the tide of war. He has suffered, lost loved ones, sought only safety from the darkness. But he will run no more. He has seen the face of evil and he has set his will to fight it. The question is, how?

With a disparate band gathered about him -- his family, friends, giants, fanatical warriors, an angel and a talking crow he begins the journey to Drassil, the fabled fortress hidden deep in the heart of Forn Forest. For in Drassil lies the spear of Skald, one of the seven treasures, and here it is prophesied that the Bright Star will stand against the Black Sun.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Hardcover , Paperback

Wrath (The Faithful and the Fallen Book 4) Dec 6, 2016

by John Gwynne

( 1,223 )

$9.99

The fourth in the Faithful and the Fallen series from John Gwynne, an epic fantasy perfect for fans of George R. R. Martin, Brandon Sanderson and David Gemmell.

Events are coming to a climax in the Banished Lands, as the war reaches new heights. King Nathair has taken control of the fortress at Drassil and three of the Seven Treasures are in his possession. And together with Calidus and his ally Queen Rhin, Nathair will do anything to obtain the remaining Treasures. With all seven under his command, he can open a portal to the Otherworld. Then Asroth and his demon-horde will finally break into the Banished Lands and become flesh.

Meanwhile Corban has been taken prisoner by the Jotun, warrior giants who ride their enormous bears into battle. His warband scattered, Corban must make new allies if he hopes to survive. But can he bond with competing factions of warlike giants? Somehow he must, if he's to counter the threat Nathair represents.

His life hangs in the balance -- and with it, the fate of the Banished Lands.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Hardcover , Paperback , Audio CD

A Time of Blood (Of Blood & Bone Book 2) Apr 16, 2019

by John Gwynne

( 885 )

$9.99

"A great read that accelerates the pace and goes one up on its excellent predecessor . . . Exciting, action-packed fantasy." -- Mark Lawrence

Defy the darkness. Defend the light.

Drem and his friends are haunted by the horrors they witnessed at the battle at Starstone Lake: the screams of men being warped into beasts and the sight of a demon rising from the dead. But worse than any memory is Fritha, the demons' deadly high priestess. And she is hunting them.

Concealed in Forn Forest, Riv knows her very existence is a threat to the Ben-Elim. She represents their most dangerous secret, and if the warrior angels find her, they won't hesitate to silence her.

As the demonic forces multiply, they send a mighty host to overthrow the angel's stronghold. Like heroes of old, Drem, Riv, and the Bright Star's warriors must battle to save themselves and save their land. But can the light triumph when the dark is rising?

For more from John Gwynne, check out:Of Blood and BoneA Time of DreadA Time of BloodA Time of Courage
The Faithful and the FallenMaliceValorRuinWrath

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Paperback , Audio CD

A Time of Courage (Of Blood & Bone Book 3) Apr 7, 2020

by John Gwynne

( 1,086 )

$9.99

Heroes shall rise and fall, the earth shall be stained red, and the fate of the Banished Lands will be decided once and for all in A Time of Courage, the gripping conclusion to the Of Blood and Bone trilogy.
Now is the time of reckoning...
The demon-king Asroth is free of his iron prison, and thewhole of the Banished Lands stands on the brink of domination.
With the Ben-Elim broken and routed, half-breed Riv and asmall band of comrades must try to find a way to strike at the demon forces.
Meanwhile, Drem is with the Order of the Bright Star on a desperate march south to join the battle. He fears what they will find along the way, even as he knows it is better to fight and fall than to live without hope.

Of Blood and BoneA Time of DreadA Time of BloodA Time of Courage
The Faithful and the FallenMaliceValorRuinWrath

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Hardcover , Paperback , Audio CD

The Hunger of the Gods Apr 12, 2022

by John Gwynne

$9.99

Set in a Norse-inspired world and packed with myth, magic, and vengeance, this second book in John Gwynne’s Bloodsworn trilogy is the next chapter an epic saga that follows a band of warriors as they face the wrath of ancient gods and change the shape of the world.

Lik-Rifa, the dragon god of legend, has been freed from her eternal prison. Now she plots a new age of blood and conquest.

As Orka continues the hunt for her missing son, the Bloodsworn sweep south in a desperate race to save one of their own – and Varg takes the first steps on the path of vengeance.

Elvar has sworn to fulfil her blood oath and rescue a prisoner from the clutches of Lik-Rifa and her dragonborn followers, but first she must persuade the Battle-Grim to follow her.

Yet even the might of the Bloodsworn and Battle-Grim cannot stand alone against a dragon god.

Their hope lies within the mad writings of a chained god. A book of forbidden magic with the power to raise the wolf god Ulfrir from the dead . . .and bring about a battle that will shake the foundations of the earth.

Praise for The Shadow of the Gods
“There is not a dull chapter in this fantasy epic.” —Vulture (Best of the Year)

"A satisfying and riveting read. It’s everything I’ve come to expect from a John Gwynne book." —Robin Hobb

"A masterfully crafted, brutally compelling Norse-inspired epic." —Anthony Ryan

"A masterclass in storytelling . . . epic, gritty fantasy with an uncompromising amount of heart." —FanFiAddict

For more from John Gwynne, check out:

The Bloodsworn Trilogy
The Shadow of the Gods

Of Blood and Bone
A Time of Dread
A Time of Blood
A Time of Courage

The Faithful and the Fallen
Malice
Valor
Ruin
Wrath

Other Formats: Paperback

Jähzorn - Die Getreuen und die Gefallenen 3: Roman (German Edition) Dec 18, 2017

by John Gwynne, Wolfgang Thon

( 142 )

$15.99

Wer Jähzorn säht, wird Ungnade ernten ....

Die Verfemten Lande versinken in Krieg und Chaos: Die dämonischen Kadoshim sind kurz davor, ihrem Herrscher Asroth und seinen Gefallenen Einlass in die Welt der Sterblichen zu gewähren. Doch damit dieses teuflische Unterfangen gelingt, benötigen die Dämonen die sieben Kostbarkeiten – das mächtigste Artefakt hält allerdings König Nathair in seinen Händen, während sich unbemerkt eine Rebellion gegen ihn erhebt. Denn zusammen mit seinen mutigen Gefährten und einer sprechenden Krähe macht sich Corban auf zur mystischen Feste Drassil, wo ein weiterer Schatz verborgen scheint ...

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Perfect Paperback

Ungnade - Die Getreuen und die Gefallenen 4: Roman (German Edition) Mar 19, 2018

by John Gwynne, Wolfgang Thon

( 141 )

$15.99

Der Kampf gegen die Dunkelheit ist noch nicht entschieden!

Der Krieg zwischen den Gerechten und den Gefallenen scheint entschieden: Der teuflische König Nathair ist in den Besitz aller sieben Kostbarkeiten gelangt, sodass er nun ein Portal für Asroth und seine Dämonenhorden öffnen kann. Der einzige, der den fehlgeleiteten König aufzuhalten vermag, ist Corban – doch der befindet sich in Gefangenschaft der Giganten. Um am Leben zu bleiben, muss er neue Verbündete unter diesen schrecklichen Feinden finden. Denn wenn Corban fällt, ist auch das Schicksal der Verfemten Lande entschieden ...

Fantasy-Faction's Best Novel of the Year 2016!

Gewinner des BookNest Fantasy Award 2017!
Die preisgekrönte vierbändige Fantasysaga endlich komplett!

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Perfect Paperback

Nordnacht: Die Saga der Blutgeschworenen - Die große Wikinger-Fantasy-Saga - Roman (Die Blutgeschworenen 1) (German Edition) Oct 18, 2021

by John Gwynne, Wolfgang Thon

$9.99

The Witcher meets Vikings: Der Auftakt der neuen düsteren High-Fantasy-Trilogie mit nordischen Göttern!

Die Romane von John Gwynne sind nichts für schwache Nerven: In England und in den USA steht der Autor für ein intensives, brutales und viele tausend Seiten umspannendes Fantasy-Erlebnis, das auch zahlreiche deutsche Leser begeistert hat. Jetzt erscheint Gwynnes neue Saga, die ihm den Durchbruch beschert: In »Nordnacht« treten Leser*innen eine Reise in eine Fantasywelt an, die der skandinavischen Mythologie entlehnt ist: Unheimliche Wesen, die an Andrzej Sapkowskis Monster erinnern, bevölkern den Norden. Ausgerechnet drei sterbliche Menschen müssen in dieser grausamen Welt bestehen und der größten Bedrohung entgegentreten: den von den Toten wiederauferstandenen Göttern ...

Alle Bänder der Saga der Blutgeschworenen:
Nordnacht
Frostnacht (in Vorbereitung)
Blutnacht (in Vorbereitung)

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook

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