A Novel Opinion

 Overview of A Time of Dread - By John Gwynne "A Time of Dread" is 2018 publication and is the first book in John Gwynne's series ",Of Blood and Bone." Taking place in the fabled the realm of the "Banished Lands," 120 years after the events of the final book of The Faithful and The Fallen quartet, or "The Day of Wrath" in canonical terminology. This book is best enjoyed having already read The Faithful and The Fallen series, with subtle and not-so subtle nods throughout the book paying homage to certain events and characters we first met in "Malice," through to "Wrath." This novel does contain indirect spoilers about the previous series, but it can be read as a standalone text.  Much like the earlier work of John Gwynne, this book utilises short and quick chapters, through the perspectives of the characters in the world. In AToD, Gwynne reduces the number of POV characters down to just four; Riv, Bleda, Sig and Drem. We ar...

 Overview of Malice - By John Gwynne "Malice" is the first book in the fantasy series "The Faithful and The Fallen," written by English author, John Gywnne and released in 2012. Each chapter is from the point of view of a specific person within the story. M ain protagonist and POV character, Corban, is a blacksmith's son from the kingdom of Ardan, who has no great grandeur or nobility to his name, only to follow the fantasy archetype and rise from simple boy to hero. The book's POV characters also include Cywen (Corban's sister), Evnis, Veradis (major character), Kastell (major character), Camlin and Ventos. The story parts three ways, represented by Corban and the Kingdom of Ardan, Veradis and his compatriot Prince Nathair, from the Kingdom of Tenerbal, and finally with the noble, Kastell, and his loyal friend, Maquin, from the Kingdom of Isiltir.`The story takes place in the fabled "Banished Lands," a country shared by historical enemies, man...

Overview of Empire of The Vampire - by Kristoff "Empire of the Vampire" is a 2021 illustrated-novel written by author, Jay Kristoff. The story begins nearly three decades after "daysdeath," an event that saw the sun obscured in the sky, creating a permanence of darkness, allowing for legions of vampires to overthrow humanity and establish an endless empire. The chronicle follows protagonist, Gabriel De Leon, a "Paleblood" member of the ordained brotherhood, the order of San Michon, commonly referred to as "Silversaints," a group of tattooed, half-breed vampire hunters seeking to remedy the sin of their creation through pious extermination of all vampires. We find Gabriel held prisoner, awaiting execution, for the killing of the "forever king," Fabien Voss, an ancient vampire whom is one  the four progenitors of all other "leeches." Whilst awaiting his capital punishment, Gabriel is ordered by  Jean-Francois Chastain, historian...