A Time of Dread
"A Time of Dread" by John Gwynne is a gripping return to the Banished Lands, set over a century after the events of "The Faithful and the Fallen." The story unfolds in a world where the Ben-Elim, angelic beings, rule over humanity, yet all is not as harmonious as it seems. Underneath the surface of their peace, whispers of rebellion, ancient evils, and brewing war grow stronger. The novel follows multiple characters — including Riv, a fierce young warrior with secrets of her own, and Drem, a trapper who stumbles into a dark conspiracy — as they navigate a landscape shadowed by prophecy and bloodshed. Gwynne masterfully builds tension, blending visceral action scenes with emotional depth, all while expanding the mythos of his richly imagined world.
"A Time of Dread" delivers a perfect blend of brutal action, heartfelt character development, and dark intrigue. Gwynne’s writing is immersive and fast-paced, keeping the stakes high without sacrificing the emotional weight of the story. Fans of epic fantasy looking for a vivid world, complex characters, and high-stakes adventure will find this book impossible to put down. I highly recommend "A Time of Dread" to anyone who loves fantasy with a sharp edge and a heart-pounding pace.