Interview With The Author: John Gwynne (Author of The Faithful & The Fallen & The Bloodsworn Saga)

Mike has a discussion with best-selling fantasy author John Gwynne about his influences as a writer, his creative process, and the wonder that is the Banished Lands in his series The Faithful and The Fallen, Of Blood and Bone, and the upcoming Bloodsworn Saga.
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#MikesBookReviews #JohnGwynne #FaithfulAndTheFallen

[@gholamdapantaloonsniffer8218]

John Gwynne is a real man. Not his writing or his reenactment stuff he does, but the fact he actually cares more about his daughters health instead of going to a book convention to sign in America. Also the fact he does reenactments with his 3 sons as well is further proof he knows what it means to be a father and a man 🙏🏼❤️🧿

[@PetrikLeo]

YEAHH!! TRUTH AND COURAGE!! Hahaha thanks for the mention! Being a hype man for The Banished Lands is always worth it. It brings me joy every time I hear people loved it, and yeah, I'm VERY happy you loved this series! Thanks for doing this interview with John!

[@mikesbookreviews]

It’s the best. You and I have to start hyping it to HBO and Netflix.

[@PetrikLeo]

@@mikesbookreviews Seriously. We have to. Hahaha. Great interview, both of you. Man my blood and eyeballs are so ready for Bloodsworn Saga!

[@DW221090]

John Gwynne sounds like such a nice guy. His books have definitely moved up on my tbr now!

[@mikesbookreviews]

You won't regret it.

[@BeardedBookworm]

John Gwynne is beard goals. I’ve yet to read his books but this interview solidified the decision.

[@mikesbookreviews]

If I could beard like that, I certainly would.

[@briangal71]

I take it the interview is relatively spoiler - free?

[@BeardedBookworm]

I didn’t catch any real spoilers.

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@briangal71 Other than a couple of character names, yes. There is nothing that will ruin the series for you here.

[@aysseralwan]

It's cool to know how John Gwynne looks. He could easily be a character in the banished lands :D

[@jungen1093]

Its cool to see the happiness on his face

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'm thinking of petitioning Netflix to make him an extra on season 5 of The Last Kingdom.

[@aysseralwan]

@@mikesbookreviews He'd definitely fit in 👌

[@jungen1093]

Mike's Book Reviews 😱 that’d be crazy! If you end up doing it, ill be there🖊

[@kahlbutomacfarland]

Mike's Book Reviews I’m not convinced he’s not the old Viking from season 1 of Vikings that begged new Earl Ragnar to take him on a raid so he could die in battle and be with his old friends again.

[@joshramirez7]

Seems like a great and genuine nice guy, and that alone is enough to want to read his books.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Highest of recommends.

[@Dani510m]

I haven't read a single word of his books and yet this video made me so happy! Definitely going to be picking up his books.

[@mikesbookreviews]

It's a great time. I'd seriously recommend it.

[@JLchevz]

same

[@dalirimac1950]

The most underrated author in the world. He deserves adaptions for sure. This guy is a genius

[@thebookborough]

Love his books and he seems like a genuinely cool and kind person. His love for his family is also noticeable and beautiful! Now I just need to know how to contact his publisher for an illustrated edition lol

[@kirstenholmes6]

I just started the series and I'm loving it. John Gwynne seems to be a really nice guy! Can't wait to read all of his books!!!

[@mikesbookreviews]

He's an awesome guy and a terrific author. Hope you enjoy it!

[@TheBookishMom]

I love that he seems like such a cool friendly guy, and I love his decor in the background haha I"m really enjoying Malice right now and can't wait to keep on with the series!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Buckle up. It's amazing.

[@madisongoodyear5040]

When he is recapping the memorable moments from each book... goosebumps. I want to re-read now hahaha

[@mikesbookreviews]

It was SO HARD for me not to comment super spoilers on those things.

[@davidemmitt9439]

I'm reading malice because of your channel Mike. I love it so far.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hope you love it!

[@kevinalbora562]

Great interview. I didn’t expect such a melodic British accent from such a big guy.

[@thesmuli83]

Awesome. This interview has been long awaited.

[@abrazilian]

this is so great - can't wait to hear it all - nicely done!

[@invaderzod8092]

I love how casually Mike mentions talking with Joe Abercrombie while interviewing John Gwynne.

[@shosty575]

We all agree Joe Abercrombie is awesome

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha ha, I was still on cloud nine from Abercrombie acknowledging my existence and offering to send me an ARC of the next First Law book. The touring the States answer was something he did for me in a Reddit AMA years ago.

[@Oliver-7650]

Really awesome interview! Great job!

[@dongoul]

Thank you for the interview it was enjoyable!

[@kyrilson71]

Amazing interview, Mike. I've had Malice on my shelf for a while. I need to get off my arse and read it soon. Thank you for setting this up.

[@Stewart000]

Great interview, Mike! Very nicely produced as well. I really need to start reading Gwynne.

[@sukhvindersingh2579]

I love this interview so far . I willl watchhhh itttt ....

[@alexia7981]

Such a pleasure to discover Mr Gwynne, reading Valor right now and I’m really enjoying this series ! Also love the Gwynne brother channel - looks like a very very lovely family all around ! There is something about his writing as well that is very ‘ touching ‘ … back to reading !

[@AnilKumar-mp9hk]

Best interview/discussion ever Love the way Mike led the discussion

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks! I was worried I just came off as a fanboy.

[@AnilKumar-mp9hk]

I'm watching it twice You did exceptionally well John is very honest loved the guy

[@nikk345]

Loving The Faithful And The Fallen, really gripping stuff! I also grew up reading Gemmell & Tolkien. Gemmell is such a page turner. I have also read the Arthurian trilogy by Cornwell and they are really good books, and due a reread for sure!

[@TheEternalElir]

This is so cool, the fact that you're interviewing an author you love just shows how much this channel has grown.

[@heathersbooks816]

I don’t usually watch author interviews, but this was great! John Gwynne is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. He’s right up there with Sanderson for me.

[@djsuth7727]

These books really deserve to be more popular than they are. Add me as another who'd love an illustrated/special edition of the Faithful & the Fallen series. Thanks to you both for the interview :)

[@danijelb.3384]

What a great soul this guy is. I bet he's a fantastic father. I'm definitely buying his books now. It's officially on my TBR. Great interview, Mike.

[@554cortez]

Comparing this to his newer interviews, he has gotten so much smoother as an interviewer and flowing with the author better. There are some awkward patches here that aren’t there in the Brown or Shackle interviews.

[@ssspaceman86]

Awesome interview Mike. Never doubt again about your interviewing skills! This was fun, interesting and useful. John Gwynne is now raised on the top of my TBR.

[@tylerblack301]

Congrats on the interview Mike! Really enjoyed it! And thanks John for taking the time to do this interview!

[@mikesbookreviews]

For sure. It was fun as hell.

[@carlosandino5524]

Move this up in my TBR because of the interview. It is always good for me to get to see the author. Thanks to all involved!

[@mikesbookreviews]

A wise decision.

[@carlosandino5524]

@@mikesbookreviews Keep up the great work. Love the channel!!!

[@johnpolidan3892]

Excellent interview. I’m reading Gwynn now because of you Mike. Thanks.

[@ToriTalks2]

Having read Malice and very excited to get into the rest of the series, I'm loving hearing Gwynne's perspective on his writing and his love of fantasy/historical/mythology in general. What a genuine guy with great talent! Thanks so much for hosting this interview, Mike!

[@TrafalgarL4wyer]

I went out and bought the series today. The author seems like such a genuine and kind man with tons of knowledge and writing skill. The story sounds amazing and I look forward to finishing this series and his other work. You’re killing it on your channel man!

[@mikesbookreviews]

You’ll love it.

[@tomahawkchop7669]

I'm confident one day you are going to be the biggest booktuber. Such high quality content yet very down to earth. Reminds me of sitting around the living room bs'ing with friends.

[@SkidMarx915]

That was an awesome interview Mike. Gwynne seems like such a genuinely good guy, I think this interview just made him a boat load of new fans. It was also fun to see the obvious joy you had doing this. You're very clearly a big fan and it showed. You did a great job, Mike. Much more entertaining than a Greene interview. You absolutely MUST do more! Abercrombie or Sullivan next please.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Man, I would love to have a talk with Joe.

[@GinaStanyerBooks]

This was good! Mike you did a great job with the interview. I now know what I'll be reading next :)

[@Michael_L_Morrison]

Looking forward to checking this out after I've read his books.

[@mikesbookreviews]

There are no spoilers, but certainly read his books.

[@astraestus8828]

What a pleasant guy to listen to! Gotta move his books up my TBR

[@samuelleask1132]

What a delightful interview!

[@Benstig8r]

Well, there’s another boxed set heading my way! 😜 Great interview and John is now officially THE author I’d love to have a pint with.

[@doomslug6449]

Awesome. I just finished the Faithful and the Fallen Quartet the other day and that series made me so mad and anxious and frustrated and sad, so naturally I'm re-reading the whole thing from the beginning lol. To Mr. John Gwyne, you crushed my soul, sir. One of my new fave authors for sure.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I’m only halfway through book 1 in OBaB and all I’ll say is John is even more vicious in this one.

[@doomslug6449]

@@mikesbookreviews Well, crap. I guess I'll have to recharge myself first before diving into that one haha.

[@gillloteen9475]

@@mikesbookreviews it only gets more intense from there trust me

[@amandapelland]

Great interview with John Gwynne!! He's such a nice guy!

[@angelamccollister]

I have got to read his books. I've had the first series for years but haven't gotten to them yet. Maybe after my Stormlight reread and Rhythm of War.

[@nicktankard1244]

Great interview. John is a cool guy. Realy excited to read his books soon.

[@bobgdn]

Great job and congrats on scoring this interview! Now I have 3 more books I need to buy.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Worth every penny.

[@inexenomine]

i really loved the interview. he seems like a cool guy and i'll definitely pick up a copy and give it a go. it sounds awesome. its great to see your channel grow and you interviewing some authors. keep up the great work mike! i really love your channel. :)

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@g2024_]

One of the best series I’ve read recently, & its all thanks to Mike. So now I take his recommendations to heart. Thanks Mike but even more thank you John Gwynne

[@booksandbags1790]

Thank you both so much for taking the time to do this interview. I have never been this excited to see an interview. Much ❤️

[@mikesbookreviews]

It was a blast. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@tangd4357]

Thoroughly enjoyed this interview and thank you both! On the last book in Of Blood and Bone and very happy to hear another book by Gwynne is coming out soon. You did a great job Mike interviewing and hope to see more on your channel!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I wouldn't mind talking to a few writers now and then.

[@tkinsey3]

So pumped to see that John is a fan of Prydain! Such an underrated gem! Great to get to know you a bit, John. Best of luck in the future - I love your work! Truth and Courage!

[@gabebarnes2254]

Just started Malice per your recommendation, I’m about halfway through & loving it so much! I’m having a hard time listening to this interview because I want to go back & start reading it again. Great interview by the way! Love to see you doing this & I hope to see you interview more authors later, as always so excited with the growth I see on this channel, love what you do man!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'm still waiting for Pierce Brown to return my calls.

[@JARHuygebaert]

Great interview, you did a excellent job asking the right questions! Thanks for this

[@mikesbookreviews]

I had help from loyal viewers in getting those questions together.

[@deadpoolm]

loved the interview, john gwynne has become higher on my list of favorite writers , still wanted to thank you for recommending faithful and the fallen to me, loved the series :) o and read Legend !!! but make time cause as john Gwynne said , when you start it you can't put it down.

[@teresawestmoreland3581]

Enjoyed this interview soooo much. Thanks Mike and thanks to John. Seems like such an awesome guy and appreciate you both taking the time to do this. I am getting ready to begin the Of Blood and Bone Series. Already purchased all of those books. 😀.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Glad you enjoyed it. Buckle up of OBaB. It’s wild.

[@tonyjohnson1424]

I love author stories of how they got published. Hoping I can get my fantasy series published someday! Also, your channel seems awesome, so I’m excited to Subscribe and watch more of your content.

[@alynam82]

Very cool interview, Mike. Well done! I just ordered Malice, so I look forward to joining the fandom

[@mikesbookreviews]

Welcome to the warband.

[@tasky341]

Great interview !!

[@JohanDjurholm96]

Great interview! It has been amazing to see how this channel has grown. When I started watching your videos you had 3k subscribers and now you are on the verge of getting 20k subs and are interviewing famous fantasy authors! Congrats Mike!

[@mikesbookreviews]

It is crazy to think this time last year I was excited about almost hitting 1000.

[@peterp9918]

@@mikesbookreviews And now you're up to 117,000! Newish to your channel and enjoying going through your back catalogue. Keep up the good work.

[@zaynahaboobaker551]

I recently finished The Faithful and the Fallen series and absolutely loved it. You're so right that when an author engages with the reader it makes you like them so much more! John always replies to my tweets or bookstagram posts about the series! The fandom is also so amazing and I had people engaging with me on Goodreads and Twitter.

[@rogerking8959]

The Best books I have ever read outside of the Bible. Awesome interview!!!

[@jaredwilson4568]

John Gwynne seems like a very cool guy. Thanks for the awesome interview Mike. Just ordered Malice based on your talk with John.

[@aotearoawahine100]

Was already so excited for the Bloodsworn Saga and even more so after watching this! Am re-reading The Faithful and The Fallen for the third time as a buddy read, which has been so awesome reliving it with someone who's never read it - makes it feel all new again

[@somatraseng]

What a cool guy! Gonna have to pick up those books of his! Thanks to you both!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Enjoy!

[@tamarabrouwer342]

I've been waiting until I finished the Faithful and the Fallen. (I didn't have to, but hey), and what a great conversation. I can't wait to continue with Of Blood and Bone. And yes, I need pretty illustrated editions of his books in my life. Brilliant books that made their way onto my all-time favourites list. Thank you for the video, Mike.

[@Ulmo90]

Great interview Mike, I'm even more eager to read Malice now

[@MsCrazyboutMusic]

Wowww He seems a really great guy!! Since you mentioned his series, I inmediatelly added them to my TBR, but I guess I will put them in a higher position. Hope I can read them next year!!

[@EdgeOfEntropy17]

Absolutely love this guy. So down to earth and an excellent writer. Thanks for this video!

[@charlesmcmurray4727]

Mike.. can add another one to the hundreds. Started the series based on your recommendation and currently on book 3 and loving this series

[@markjlacey]

Not difficult to see why John’s books have such heart to them when he comes across as so genuine and engaging. Great to hear from him on such a fabulous series of books. Thanks for arranging the conversation, Mike.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hey, thanks for watching! I did this as a fan.

[@sarugard9115]

That sticker on your door lol, love it

[@AJBell-dh6ry]

Mike, this was a great interview. Mr. Gwynne seems like a very interesting guy. I just ordered a copy of Malice.

[@ThroatJunk]

Picked these up pre-deployment on your recommendation. Received the series today and am six chapters in. Loving it. So far, it has it’s own feel to it. Being an Abercrombie super-fan, and still waiting for winds of winter(since 2011), I’m really digging how this seems like it is right up my alley. You were totally right. THEN I realized I wasn’t subscribed, and realized that I’m a giant dumbass. I love your content. Your Dresden videos are my first stop after each book. Though I’m taking a break after changes, to let that book sink in, I’m gonna hop back on your channel after the South China Sea. You’re the man Mike. Keep on keepin’ on.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha ha thanks! Glad you’re enjoying FATF. It’s a blast.

[@ThroatJunk]

Your content is the most real shit on fantasy. I am CONSTANTLY pressured to finish WoT. I just don’t like it at all! You’re a bigger man than me by finishing the series.

[@katieedge8247]

What a great conversation! And he seems like such a nice guy. I really hope he does go ahead with the stand alone/short story between FATF and OBAB, I'd read it in one sitting. The new series sounds fantastic, can't wait to read it. A belated Happy Birthday, and what a great birthday treat getting to talk to this awesome guy

[@mikesbookreviews]

It's really cool getting to talk to one of your favorite authors, for sure. Especially when he was such a cool bloke. You always fear that you'll talk to creators you admire and they come off as jerks. John was a scholar and a gentleman. He didn't even get mad I was 25 minutes late with the call.

[@nathancarden9323]

Ordered the faithful and the fallen series after watching your review of Malice. It’s next on my TBR and I can’t wait to start it!

[@ravenbellebooks5665]

I loved Malice, and I'm so excited to keep going. John Gwynn is such a nice person, I loved hearing his answers. Such a great interview!

[@JessieMaeBooks]

This was such an awesome interview! John Gwynne is the coolest guy! I absolutely loved Malice and I’m just so hyped now to get to the rest of the series! Thanks for such an awesome video, Mike!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@JoshuaRGill-xk9mx]

18:22 - Exactly! He even has a personal FB account available to us. How incredibly down to earth especially in this day & age. Kudos to you Sir.

[@lynettepierce1526]

Great interview, Mike! I would be nervous interviewing someone I admire so much and you pulled it off well! I am putting his books on the top of my list once I finish the Wheel of Time series. (I'm only in the middle of book 4, so it will be awhile but I'm looking forward to it.)

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah, I was pretty sure I was fanboying a lot. But he was really easy to talk to.

[@darnell1897]

Late to the party but I just picked up the boxed set thanks to this interview. I'm just getting back into reading and this piqued my interest. Thanks you!

[@clairemeehan7250]

Such a nice bloke and great interview . Having loved FATF, I have no doubt his new saga will be equally brilliant.

[@mikesbookreviews]

He seems about as safe of a bet as you can get with a new series.

[@noiceman]

When John mentioned one of his biggest influences was David Gemmell I nearly cheered. Everyone needs to read Gemmell. One of the best fantasy/sci-fi author's of all time.

[@Zach-fo6ri]

Great interview, Mike! I hope you consider doing more in the future, and keep up the great reviews! Love your stuff :)

[@mikesbookreviews]

Interviewing isn’t really my forte, but for certain authors I’d love to pick their brain. Apparently Joe Abercrombie is aware of my existence and that’s my big hope in the future. And Pierce Brown.

[@Zach-fo6ri]

@@mikesbookreviews Nice! Joe Abercrombie and Pierce Brown are authors I need to read, as well. I'm just starting to get hardcore into fantasy, and you've helped with that. I love your style of just talking about what you love, and it makes the interview that much better - you can tell you're genuinely excited for the conversation. It's a good style :)

[@shosty575]

@@Zach-fo6ri Abercrombie is just so awesome

[@bikash5706]

I have started reading Malice a few days back based on Mike's recommendation and I have to say it's just awesome. The book might look daunting at first but when you start reading its really fast-paced. Looking forward to this series.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Right on. It seems like a lot at first, but once all the characters and groups click, it's a thrill ride.

[@philledwards5191]

The only story Teller I have enjoyed since the late great David Gemmell

[@mikesbookreviews]

So many have told me to read Gemmell if I loved Gwynne.

[@thamel863]

That was a cool interview, I like the guy, just bought Malice and soon to be in by TBR list. Thanks Mikes!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@nicnackscorner1031]

So happy I have him coming up

[@mikesbookreviews]

You're going to become addicted.

[@nicnackscorner1031]

@@mikesbookreviews I can tell. You haven't set me wrong yet.

[@GraceMed]

I bought every book of both series before even reading a single word too! lol Presently reading the first series and absolutely loving it!! One of those authors that is an automatic "buy" as soon as a new book comes out. :)

[@ChattieTheMadChatter]

So good to see a John Gwynne interview - he is actually very local to me, will keep a look out for Viking re-enactments! I finished Malice a couple of days ago and I am waiting for Valour to arrive! Also read the Shadow of the God's. Really enjoying the world's, pace and characters. I am going to buy Malice & Valour for my brothers birthday (we also need to randomly say Uthred, son of Uthred: Destiny is ALL! at each other). I love it when the author of books is so generous with there time and seem to be a brilliant guy. Great interview

[@barrilrayder]

Damn, Mike. You are the best booktuber.

[@turtleanton6539]

He really is.

[@stuart1346]

Almost finished Malice. The further I go the more I’m enjoying it.

[@GreeneZonee]

It's here!!!

[@Stormchaser-nk8ji]

This was fantastic, just got my copy of Malice!

[@safinan8008]

Great video!!

[@mvinson8706]

The more y’all talk the more I want to read this book! I looooove everything fantasy and Viking!

[@ritavashkunda2437]

12/10 would read anyone who has a cool viking beard like John. I have already brought the entire Faithful and The Fallen series based on Mike's recommendation and will start as soon as I finish the book I'm currently reading. Love you both!!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks for the kind words! John's beard is Viking Goals.

[@licenciado1970]

I’m glad to see people mentioning below The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander. I’ve tried telling people as much about it on the channel as I can. It’s a series that has won a lot of awards and is a great example of classic fantasy and what YA should be. I remember the original cover of the Book of Three and would love to own those original paperbacks.

[@sjkrum320]

Okay, so I bought Malice because of your reviews and this interview. Started it today. My expectations are very high!