The Faithful and the Fallen by John Gwynne | Why You Should Read

[@PetrikLeo]

TRUTH AND COURAGE! I'm in the middle of recording a John Gwynne related video, too. Talk about great timing! 😄 One of the best series. Still pleased you loved this one, too, Mike!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I owe it all to you, amigo, for hyping me up for this one. It met those expectations and, in many ways, exceeded them.

[@CryBenihime23]

I was never really a reader in my life but this series not only made me love epic fantasy, but also it made me a reader.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Wow!

[@thebrothersgwynne]

Love this so much, Mike. Your original video about FatF inspired Will and I to start our own channel, it got us so excited seeing how much fun it could be to geek out with everyone about Papa G’s writing. You’re a true captain of the warband ❤️ Ed

[@mikesbookreviews]

I couldn't be more pleased to know this vid made you guys happy.

[@egilgarberg9893]

Are your dad from northern UK? More norse influence in the language there. Bairn, Barn (Norwegian) vs children. Or Kirk, Kirke(Norwegian), vs Church

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

If there is a series tailor made for the epic Mike's Book Reviews treatment, it's The Faithful and the Fallen! Truth and Courage!

[@mikesbookreviews]

So happy you read these

[@zacharyshaye6111]

Mike hath spoken…and my credit card weeps

[@abnushagnasty805]

Maquin Oathkeeper will always be one of my favorite characters of all time. I loved FATF but Maquin’s POV and story always hit hard for me. Truth and Courage!

[@madscientist2621]

His story was great and my 2nd favorite character behind Camlin.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Maquin is the best.

[@dash4800]

What was really refreshing about this series and John Gwynne in general is that there is no cringe inducing forced sex scenes. I was really liking Joe Abercrombie but his insistence in writing really terrible sex scenes just takes me completely out of the story. And honestly its something that I have noticed in a lot of mature fantasy/sci fi that I have been reading. I don't know why writers insist on writing weirdly descriptive, uncomfortable sex scenes in all their works. Its like they think its mandatory for an adult/mature piece of fiction. But Gwynne manages to keep a mature, serious tone through his books and even introduce love stories without having to resort to that kind of stuff. I really wish more writers would take his approach.

[@therealshakinbacon]

I’m reading the last book, Wrath, right now. I usually don’t like that classic fantasy type story (chosen one, dark lord, etc.) but John Gwynne really flips those tropes on their head and makes them his own. Some of the most epic fantasy I’ve ever read. Truth and courage!

[@aleksandervadla9881]

If you liked the series you should definetely check out: the bound and the broken series. It is similar in some ways, but way more epic

[@mikesbookreviews]

I remember dragging my feet on the last 100 pages because I didn't want to say goodbye

[@patrickborkland8797]

This series was such a surprise to me. Perfect balance between “grim dark” violence, and hopeful optimism stemming from truth and courage. There’s grief and tragedy, but there are also those who overcome pain through companionship and love.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Could not have said it better. Agreed all the way around.

[@williamgwynne]

Absolutely awesome trailer! Soooo cool. TRUTH AND COURAGE!

[@mikesbookreviews]

So glad you liked it! Thanks again for your help with the artwork. Hope Papa Gwynne likes the vid!

[@thestruggler777]

Amazing series. It’s one of those series I think about often. Maquin is my favourite fantasy character.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Maquin has the most amazing arc. One of the best I've read.

[@codyray3061]

I loved this series. Was the first epic fantasy book series I’ve read, I can’t wait to move on to more!! Any recommendations would be good also!!

[@szfo6090]

Not gonna lie, this is probably one of two fantasy series that I actually DNFed. What is funny is that I DNFed at about 70% in Wrath, and I have a very different opinion than probably most, which is that the first and second books were my favorites from this series, while the last two... well, I DNFed, so I think it's quite telling.

[@mikesbookreviews]

No one thing is for everyone

[@szfo6090]

@@mikesbookreviews Yep. Still it was a downer. I enjoyed the first two quite a lot.

[@christopherspriggs4179]

Gwynne writes action scenes better than any other author I’ve read. Book 1 was slow, but the mysteries were intriguing and it ended with an epic red wedding level event. Book 2 was amazing from start to finish. Book 3 is repetitive, the same things happen to the same people over and over again and the story goes nowhere. I gave up half way through book 4 because I just couldn’t do it anymore. I will go back to it eventually because I want to know how it ends.

[@s.p.8508]

⚔️ 🛡️ ⚔️ TRUTH AND COURAGE ⚔️ 🛡️ ⚔️

[@mikesbookreviews]

⚔

[@stratmanuk]

I still miss all these characters over a year after finishing the final book (the relationship with Storm was just so emotional!), that has to be the ultimate accolade. Knocks the crap out of Game of Thrones in my opinion!

[@jsboisvert1981]

I didn't read it yet but I have malice on my kindle ready to go soon.

[@austincrawford8717]

Can you do a top 10 historical fiction books?

[@Hombredemadera]

Did you get the Grim Oak Press SE? So happy I was able to get one, can’t wait for the great excuse to re-read this amazing series with the awesome-looking SE! In my top-5 fantasy series, Ruin and Wrath were just incredible.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I did not. Kitchen renovations got me broke.

[@KALtheLostie108]

Are you planning to do a Why You Should Read for Of Blood and Bone?

[@Hazzer1011]

Fuck it, I'm re-reading TFATF now

[@seththomas6727]

So I’m in a rut. I’m finishing up Morning Star by Pierce Brown and after it I don’t know if I should read: Malice, The Shadow of the Gods or The Blade Itself. Help me! Haha

[@RLX5201]

Malice, then Shadow of the Gods. Blade Itself is quite severely overrated, as is the whole First Law trilogy

[@george65517]

The Blade Itself. Faithful and Fallen is more polarising while First Law is loved by most

[@noname3609]

I would read Abercrombie first than get into Gwynne 🙏

[@mikesbookreviews]

There's no wrong answer there.

[@DrakkanWoW]

Crazy - Just started Valor, book 2, yesterday! Loved book 1.

[@NotSoNoob19]

Brilliant I just started Malice. Only 140 pages in and I'm really enjoying it but damn there are a lot of names

[@amy_harboredinpages8272]

ReReading atm... knowing that characters will not survive even 20% of the pages after being introduced has not been preparation enough... imo, it adds just a little more dread... such a great series🥰

[@DaniTheReader]

I am on Ruin now. I was doing audio for the first two but there are so many characters and their names sometimes blend together so I got extremely confused. Will be picking Ruin up physically soon and I’m so excited to continue 🖤

[@shannondarin7243]

Incredible series that’s not talked about enough! I’m halfway through Ruin and the series keeps getting better and better. Thrilled you made this video!! We need more fanart for this series too 😭

[@RLX5201]

I hope you’re ready for that ending to Ruin! Let’s just say it’ll make you want to start book 4 instantly

[@shannondarin7243]

I got the book lined up so I’ll be good to go! 👏🙌

[@noname3609]

@@shannondarin7243 If u love Ruin.Wrath will blow you away 😊

[@mikesbookreviews]

I got this art straight from the Gwynne's. Wish there was more out there.

[@peterp9918]

Thinking about going back to re-read this series which isn't something I do very often. It's that good.

[@xTheDvl]

Im 300 pages through the first book, but sadly the book hasnt gripped me that much yet. There is nothing wrong with it, and i like the characters and setting, but for some reason the book hasnt made me that invested yet. I heard the first book is the "worst" of the series, so maybe its worth to keep going?

[@annakhjelm146]

I am a little further in and am enjoying the story alot. Then again 🤔 I have always enjoyed slower pased, caracter driven fantasy. I would at least try book 2 too see if it perhaps captures your interest, since Malice supposetly is the weakest book in the series 🤔. I have only heard that the story jusy keeps getting better and better, from everyone, I have also heard that Malice has quite the epic ending, which has me very introuged. But to everyone there own. Unfortunatly everyone can't and will never enjoy every book we pick up and there is nothing wrong with that.

[@xTheDvl]

@@annakhjelm146 i read the last 300 pages and enjoyed it much more. I definitely want to pick up the second book sometime

[@annakhjelm146]

@@xTheDvl That sounds great! I am deffenatly gping to read a good chunk further, after it quiets down a little around the house tonight 😁 I am glad that you ended up enjoying the rest of the book more then the first half😀 Hope that you will enjoy the rest of the series even more! 😊

[@xTheDvl]

@@annakhjelm146 ill probably buy book 2 next time i go for a book haul! Currently reading the green bone saga and it keeps me occupied 👀

[@terrelljohnson5811]

I felt empty after reading this series. The 2nd series was great do not get me wrong. I loved it as well, but the Faithful and Fallen is my baby. I couldn't put it down. I loved all 4 books. I was nursing a partial tricep tear for about 6-8 months, and all I did was read, watch shows, and game, but this series stole my heart! It should be adapted into a TV series or movie. I loved so many characters Truth and Courage the Banished Lands forever!!

[@holdenpop12]

I recently found a copy of Malice at a used book store for $5. I was already thinking about starting the series, but after that find AND this video, I am definitely starting it soon.

[@AverageJoesLibrary]

Still my #1 all time series. That grim oak press is so expensive and already sold out but may look to get solid physical copies one day.. I also like to give myself a pat on the back for discovering this series in 2018 way before booktube.

[@kingzzz6509]

I found The Faithful and the Fallen from you Mike. Now it's my second favorite fantasy series of all time. Love all of your Why You Should Read videos, and this is no exception. I must say though, now I would love to see Why You Should Read: Of Blood and Bone. Haha

[@alvinmarcus5780]

I liked it started slow and that you get to know a lot about the characters . Just great books.

[@Juanpa_SC]

It already was on my TBR, but after this video it moved up quite a few spaces.

[@michaelshaffer3339]

This was a really good series. No one was safe, no over the top plotlines or forced moddern day political bs. Thanks for recommending this series on your channel

[@lauren_s9037]

Awesome video Mike. Absolutely love this series and I did the same thing, bought all 4 at once lol. John Gwynne has become a favourite author.

[@damireyable]

I've had this series sitting on my dining room table for about 6 months now I think it's just been moved up to 'next in queue' 😃(excellent timing)

[@maxsinclair787]

why you should read the faithful and the fallen in 4 words "because its freaking awesome"

[@mikesbookreviews]

💯

[@mr.orange8205]

I'm currently reading this series. Just started the second book. I'm really enjoying it.

[@OmarIquiraMontanez]

Love this kind of videos. You should do more like it. Very good, you convince me to read "The Faithful and the Fallen."

[@alynam82]

I love his Bloodsworn books, that's as far as I've gotten with Gwynne. But I own the four books Faithful/Fallen and excited to get into them

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hope you like them!

[@AK-rq1cz]

I have read this series but I'm here to hear more of your thoughts, your content is that good.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Wow, thank you!

[@KimBellatrix]

I just finished Empire of the Damned and I couldn't figure out what to read next. I've been wanting to read this series and now's the perfect time!

[@mikesbookreviews]

yes!

[@utope2]

My sister got me Malice for Christmas this last year. I blew through the series in 2 months. I had no expectations and it got me hook, line, and sinker. Be prepared, the last 25% of Wrath is the start of the climax. It was difficult to force myself to put it down. Should have took me 3 or 4 nights, but I read it in 2. Rhin is the only real 1 dimensional character. You can understand, if not sympathize, with how Evnis and Nathair turned out.

[@cipriansirbu3699]

Incredible video,I missed some FatF content. I've read this series 3 years ago thanks to you and absolutely loved it,it's in my top five series of all times. John Gwynne also has my favourite writing style. Some of these characters remains with you forever,when you listed some of the most memorable characters,I wanted to shout Brina at you 😅. Truth and Courage ⚔

[@stephensmith8474]

About a third of the way into Ruin and loving it of course. I would love to know where Mike found the art he used in his into, it really helps with visualization of things.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I actually got it from the Gwynnes!

[@derrickmulling1506]

I started Malice awhile back and couldnt get into it. I did however pick up The Shadow of the Gods and am halfway through and holy crap is it freaking amazing! I'm hoping Bloodsworn will kick start me back into Malice. Keep up the inspiration, Mike! You're doing a great job at it

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hope you'll give it another go!

[@AaronJuddMusic]

Man, I wish I was liking this book. Oooooh a hidden magic book in a labyrinth under ground, this will be awesome! …. Oh they resolved it in 1 page…. Well that was boring. Rinse wash and repeat over and over again …. Just not my style of great writing I guess

[@tng_abu3201]

Absolutely loved this series , even the follow up I was worried cause it’s a hundred years after after the faithful and the fallen but it was so good. I recommended it to all my friends I even read it twice

[@mikesbookreviews]

The guy just doesn't miss

[@madelinemitchell4888]

I saw this series in your top fantasy series video, then watched this one, and bought all 4 books in one go because I knew I'd love it... and you were right!! Definitely one of my top 10 fantasy series now as well, I just finished the last book and wish I could go back and read it all over again. The only other time I've had a book hangover this bad was after finishing Wheel of Time (which is actually how I found your channel almost 2 years ago!) Thanks as always for the amazing recommendations and reviews ❤

[@theangryjeff]

Okay the “u” joke was good. The intro was pretty epic. So I was very meh on shadow of the gods and am wondering if I should still try the faithful and the fallen at some point? Probably after I finish mistborn. Also great video I feel dumb for not clicking on your thumbnails sooner

[@TMAC_93X]

American English removing the U from double vowels like Honour and Valour etc

[@rhahnabunaid]

Maybe I should give it another shot. I wasn't too impressed with Malice when I first read it. I read it shortly after finishing ASOIAF, wanting more of the same, so I couldn't help comparing it. Does it get better as the series goes on?

[@AlexNitsu]

About to finish Of Blood and Bone, and I'm really enjoying the series. Maybe it's just recency bias, but I think I like it even more than the Faithful and Fall.

[@mikesbookreviews]

There's no wrong answers there. For me there was no character as legit as Maquin in the sequels. But they're great.

[@lasombra120680]

Just finished Malice. Amazing read, could not put it down.

[@brianl6151]

My favorite series of all time, thanks to your high recommendations. Read it last year and nothing quite compares to it. If you start the series, know that there will be a dump of characters in the first hundred pages that might seem overwhelming, just keep going as it is worth it.

[@mikesbookreviews]

💯

[@Buchertn]

I loved the story and its characters have stuck with me even after finishing the series almost 4 years ago. I have you to thank Mike for introducing me to the series and John Gwynne who's become an automatic author for me!

[@mikesbookreviews]

We are the same in that regard

[@clarkkentnaruto4322]

Thanks Mike. Once again, your enthusiasm is infectious. I also wanted to let you know, that I am on the last 90 minutes of listening to Star Wars the Rise of Skywalker: the movie novel. It was really good. I had to take a break from listening to the Edge of Eternity by Ken Follett, I will likely get back to that later. I never saw the last Star Wars movie, episode 9, but I am really glad that I read the book instead. The narrator was fantastic. It was pretty cool to hear the instrumental music in the background too.

[@AGreenG]

I adore the Bloodsworn Saga so I was so disappointed when I disliked Malice. I think it might be because I could not stand the audiobook narrator. At some point, I might try reading them again.

[@TheRealMrWolf]

Definetely in my top 5. Amazing series, with the right amount of fantasy, plot and characters.

[@stevehoran6011]

I did a buddy read with my best friend’s youngest son, recent college grad age, and we both loved it. We’d text each other after each reading session and have lunch at the midpoint and end of each book in the series. A wonderful way to read the series.

[@mikesbookreviews]

That's so great!

[@HopeThisIsntSOPARela]

Hey Mike, I am reading Ruin at the moment. Spoilers ahead............ Ulfilas in chapter 52 has a bear consuming Gramm's intestines... So maybe it gets darker over time.

[@21greg7]

ok, you convinced me to start this - I've owned 1 & 2 for years, kept putting it off as I found 'grimdark' was not for me.

[@williamrelihan9295]

Lol 😂 dude whenever you read in the beginning of your videos, it sounds like someone is trying to sell me a new Hyundai with gameshow music playing in the background.

[@Uppernorwood976]

This a great entry level fantasy series. Doesn’t do anything new but does it really well. Definitely greater than the sum of its parts.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Definitely think it's a great intro to adult fantasy

[@youngbr1120]

Would you consider Empire of the Vampire noble dark?

[@idkstuffig8190]

Im literally in the middle of ruin right now so this is very convenient. Already really enjoying the book but this has made me even more excited, hypes it up that much more. Great video! Always love those intros, they’re very epic

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hope you love it!

[@megangrimard6416]

I read his other series and the story was really good but to be honest I read it after I read tad Williams and John writing really didn't match up... I recommend if you read this guys work don't do it after someone like Williams or kristoff

[@sakshathsm20]

I am reaching the end of valour, please tell me if I can skip the lykos and fidele chapters in the rest of the series. This plotline is ruining my experience.

[@fishingfitness]

Just started Ruin the other day… binged the first 2 real quick and they were sooo good

[@mikesbookreviews]

Glad to hear it!

[@jimronnysrlie8601]

I've read this back in 2020, and It has easily become one of my favorite authors of all time. I would buy anything this man puts out for us to read. And I will most likele reread everything again in the future. Craf for life!! Truth and courage

[@mikesbookreviews]

JG is a day 1 read for me until further notice.

[@jimronnysrlie8601]

@@mikesbookreviews Yea, me too! Can't wait for fear of the gods. I've heard that It is INSANE!!!! hype hype :P

[@MerakiDiaries77]

I am currently reading The Shadow of The Gods ! And it is a page turner ! I’m half way through! ⚔️🐉🐺🐍 And these book covers are amazingly beautiful 🤩

[@noname3609]

Hunger of the gods is even better to my thought cage 😁

[@mikesbookreviews]

All his books are lightning quick

[@Angenga]

Loved this series. It's one of those you're gonna be wishing you could read for the first time again before you've even finished it!

[@ryansmith8506]

I read this series after watching you review it and malice was the first book i read after a long unfortunate time of not reading and i was blown away. Like you Mike i could not put the books down I ordered the other 8 books of his straight away and it didnt take me long to get though them and am now while waiting for book 3 of the blood sworn saga back in love with reading fantasy . TRUTH AND COURAGE

[@jttavares]

What a great intro! Well, I read the first three books, then I got into a massive slump and haven't picked up Wrath for about 18 months now. I really need to get back to the series. Thank you for rekindling my love for these books.

[@Madmarticam]

Great video. I just finished the Faithful and the Fallen last week. Loved it. Truth and Courage!

[@mmurphy3608]

You already convinced me long ago to read this and I’m currently on book three. I’ve loved every minute of it. So I don’t need to watch this but of course, I’m going to. The artwork alone is worth it. So glad you did one of these for this series. This series will end up a top five for me if all goes well in book four:) Love it!

[@alvinmarcus5780]

It will probably always be my favorite writings from John. It is so far. Love it.

[@esmayrosalyne]

Honestly, no more words needed! And now I want to re-experience this epic journey all over again, I miss the crew!! Truly one of the greats of the genre for good reason. Truth and courage is a way of life ⚔

[@mikesbookreviews]

I really do miss those characters.

[@cloudbloom]

This will definitely be the next series i pick up. Thanks Mike!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Enjoy!

[@zackthestoryteller]

I just started Malice this week! LOVING it so far

[@BoilingKoolaid]

I’m listening to the books while I do my mail routes. I’m a little over halfway through the second book. It’s so good and I can’t wait to see where it goes.

[@samofWinterfell]

I’m only on Valor but thank you for introducing me Mike. Jon’s so badass

[@mikesbookreviews]

Buckle up!

[@jonathanhighland4507]

Just finished Wrath, I am a 240 lbs firefighter that does bodybuilding as a hobby and I cried. I listened to the audiobooks. Bro I wasn’t expecting this to be so good

[@klrktsr]

This or Ryan Cahill series? I have both and time to spend.

[@wesb2823]

The Faithful and The Fallen is an excellent series. One of my favorites for sure!

[@mikesbookreviews]

No doubt

[@adamtideman4953]

I tried getting in to this series but ended up DNFing the first book. Does the series get any better after the first book?

[@mikesbookreviews]

I think so. But YMMV on that one.

[@adamtideman4953]

@@mikesbookreviews Gotcha

[@shaunthemighty]

I still say Maquin could take logen nine fingers

[@MitchStewart08]

Just finished Wrath for the first time earlier this week. So good. Truth and Courage!

[@readinsteadbyjake]

Man, I miss those beautiful intros. Thanks Mike. I was surprised when I saw this video this morning, I’m almost done with Valor right now. I’m thoroughly enjoying the series so far.

[@mikesbookreviews]

So glad you're enjoying the series!

[@michaelkibble740]

We all wish that about any book series we are reading.

[@PleatedPants]

Getting back into reading again. Flew though Mistborn, now onto Red Rising. So many things I want to read! I feel so far behind. Love your videos. Watched a bunch of them to get an understanding of what great stories are out there to be read. Thanks!

[@BoilingKoolaid]

Red Rising is a good series too! The beginning of the first book is a slog, but when it picks up, it stays good.

[@PleatedPants]

@@BoilingKoolaid 100 pages left in Golden Sun. I’m enjoying it. So much going on so fast, keeps you turning pages.

[@Marcus-id5ur]

I like the series, generally 4 stars, but the pacing is a bit fast for me and I think that results in a lack of character development. I find myself not getting attached to any of the characters or caring what happens to them.

[@HumanInstrumentalityProject]

I need him to finish the Bloodsworn saga!

[@NecroCryx]

Fell in love with Malice. Wanting to get back into this series.

[@noname3609]

You should since Malice is weakest Gwynne book🙏

[@mikesbookreviews]

Only gets better.

[@curlsnoutx1]

Have not read yet but one of these days ill get to this series!

[@noname3609]

Amazing series! Truth and Courage!!!❤

[@mikesbookreviews]

⚔

[@bettinanielsen6336]

On my 4th read - I guess I'm a fan hahaha

[@andrew4437]

John Gwynne is how a found your channel. John Gwynne has hit with every time I read one of his books. I can't wait for the next Bloodsworn book.

[@mikesbookreviews]

He's automatic