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ChopinFC's Reviews > Ruin
Ruin (The Faithful and the Fallen, #3)
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by
5 Stars (Incredible)
TRUTH AND COURAGE!!
I’m completely blown away by the The Faithful and the Fallen series! This review will be my combined thoughts on both ‘Ruin�(3rd book) and the final and immeasurable conclusion ‘Wrath�. No worries there are zero spoilers. I was so enthralled and mesmerized in the these last 3 months that I’ve barely had a chance to write my review of Ruin! I decided last year that it was time to finish the series but do it consecutively and without stopping. So I’ve re-listened to the 1st book and went full steam into the remainder of the series. I’m in awe, and yes it was incredible!! I know for sure I will have one bad case of Banished lands hangover immediately after this..but it was all worth it.
In the last few years that I’ve become addicted to fantasy genre, I’ve read a few amazing high fantasy series that have blown me away. The top echelon and winner is undoubtedly Sanderson’s ‘Stormlight series� which for me has become the benchmark for high epic fantasy genre. It’s only drawback is that it’s been 10 years and we’re yet to get a 4th out of 10 books. Other honorable mentions include GOT, Kingkiller chronicle (Rothfuss sucks) and the First Law trilogy. But here it ladies and gents:
The Faithful and the Fallen has been my favorite complete fantasy series of all times!! As of this last book, ‘Wrath' the series sits in the same top echelon as the Stormlight series!
Corban and Storm in action
Why is the Faithful and the Fallen so incredible?
* Amazing unforgettable characters, and incredible development along their journey in the 4 books
* Riveting and unrelenting action scenes that will blow you away and leave your heart racing and likely asking for more
* A compelling and ingenious magic system that is not too outlandish and well integrated in the plotline
* A classic good vs evil story that does not always bode well for the good guys! One amazing thing about Gwynne, is his absolute honesty to his craft.
* At time the books can be quite brutal as some of your favorite and most endearing characters perish- yet it all adds to the narrative and the vision of John Gwynne.
* Nearly every character is unique and shines in his/her own merit!
* An addictive coming of age story about Corban, who transforms himself from blacksmith’s son into the ‘Bright Star�. He's affable, courageous, respectful but won't take any shit from bullies and enemies!
* A supporting cast of Corban’s friends that are rich and unique in each way. From Coralen, to Gar, Brian, Dath, Edana , Farrell...should I keep going?
* And finally, some of the best depiction and integration of animals I’ve seen in any fantasy book...ever. Wolvens, crows, bears, Draigs, ravens. This book blends it all so intricately in the story- that they become almost central to every important scene!
Corban and Storm and Craf
“Family. Friendship. Loyalty. These things have been my guiding stars, my light in these dark times.�
� John Gwynne, Ruin
“To my thinking, though, it's what happens before death that's important. All of us die. How many really live?�
� John Gwynne, Wrath
Some final thoughts must include the way Gwynne has crafted this story out of pure love! He has spent the last 16 years masterminding the world of the Banished lands, and all the wonderfully good and evil characters in it. His tempo and writing is solid and fluent. Words are never used excessively, and especially the fight scenes have a built up crescendo that always raises one’s blood pressure. The fights between humans, between giants, between Corban’s wonderful woven ‘Storm� and his enemies, the massive battles and the sheer scope of the last war- nearly had me breathless. Gwynne switches often from the third POV to the first POV- making the thoughts of each character in � italic �- almost as their inner demons. This is just brilliant, and makes the characterization much more convincing and effective.
I will miss my friends and warrior of the Banished lands dearly. Even from the most nefarious villains such as ‘Calidus� and ‘Rafe� to beloved Corban, Gar and Camlin. I will miss the gang fighting demons, monsters and occult magic against overwhelming odds. I will miss the sword dance, and how Corban grew not only as a warrior but also as a human being. The series had a true imprint on me- just like Stormlight a few years back. Guess that’s why reading is so much fun and immersive of an experience.
The Faithful and the Fallenis an absolutely mesmerizing and epic high-fantasy series which delivers in every front! The end chapter brings a bittersweet conclusion to the saga, and leaves the reader wanting more. I can’t believe the journey is over, yet the background of the ‘Banished lands� is the perfect compliment for the beginning of new adventures in ‘Of Blood and Bone�
Epic 5 Stars
TRUTH AND COURAGE!!
I’m completely blown away by the The Faithful and the Fallen series! This review will be my combined thoughts on both ‘Ruin�(3rd book) and the final and immeasurable conclusion ‘Wrath�. No worries there are zero spoilers. I was so enthralled and mesmerized in the these last 3 months that I’ve barely had a chance to write my review of Ruin! I decided last year that it was time to finish the series but do it consecutively and without stopping. So I’ve re-listened to the 1st book and went full steam into the remainder of the series. I’m in awe, and yes it was incredible!! I know for sure I will have one bad case of Banished lands hangover immediately after this..but it was all worth it.
In the last few years that I’ve become addicted to fantasy genre, I’ve read a few amazing high fantasy series that have blown me away. The top echelon and winner is undoubtedly Sanderson’s ‘Stormlight series� which for me has become the benchmark for high epic fantasy genre. It’s only drawback is that it’s been 10 years and we’re yet to get a 4th out of 10 books. Other honorable mentions include GOT, Kingkiller chronicle (Rothfuss sucks) and the First Law trilogy. But here it ladies and gents:
The Faithful and the Fallen has been my favorite complete fantasy series of all times!! As of this last book, ‘Wrath' the series sits in the same top echelon as the Stormlight series!
Corban and Storm in action
Why is the Faithful and the Fallen so incredible?
* Amazing unforgettable characters, and incredible development along their journey in the 4 books
* Riveting and unrelenting action scenes that will blow you away and leave your heart racing and likely asking for more
* A compelling and ingenious magic system that is not too outlandish and well integrated in the plotline
* A classic good vs evil story that does not always bode well for the good guys! One amazing thing about Gwynne, is his absolute honesty to his craft.
* At time the books can be quite brutal as some of your favorite and most endearing characters perish- yet it all adds to the narrative and the vision of John Gwynne.
* Nearly every character is unique and shines in his/her own merit!
* An addictive coming of age story about Corban, who transforms himself from blacksmith’s son into the ‘Bright Star�. He's affable, courageous, respectful but won't take any shit from bullies and enemies!
* A supporting cast of Corban’s friends that are rich and unique in each way. From Coralen, to Gar, Brian, Dath, Edana , Farrell...should I keep going?
* And finally, some of the best depiction and integration of animals I’ve seen in any fantasy book...ever. Wolvens, crows, bears, Draigs, ravens. This book blends it all so intricately in the story- that they become almost central to every important scene!
Corban and Storm and Craf
“Family. Friendship. Loyalty. These things have been my guiding stars, my light in these dark times.�
� John Gwynne, Ruin
“To my thinking, though, it's what happens before death that's important. All of us die. How many really live?�
� John Gwynne, Wrath
Some final thoughts must include the way Gwynne has crafted this story out of pure love! He has spent the last 16 years masterminding the world of the Banished lands, and all the wonderfully good and evil characters in it. His tempo and writing is solid and fluent. Words are never used excessively, and especially the fight scenes have a built up crescendo that always raises one’s blood pressure. The fights between humans, between giants, between Corban’s wonderful woven ‘Storm� and his enemies, the massive battles and the sheer scope of the last war- nearly had me breathless. Gwynne switches often from the third POV to the first POV- making the thoughts of each character in � italic �- almost as their inner demons. This is just brilliant, and makes the characterization much more convincing and effective.
I will miss my friends and warrior of the Banished lands dearly. Even from the most nefarious villains such as ‘Calidus� and ‘Rafe� to beloved Corban, Gar and Camlin. I will miss the gang fighting demons, monsters and occult magic against overwhelming odds. I will miss the sword dance, and how Corban grew not only as a warrior but also as a human being. The series had a true imprint on me- just like Stormlight a few years back. Guess that’s why reading is so much fun and immersive of an experience.
The Faithful and the Fallenis an absolutely mesmerizing and epic high-fantasy series which delivers in every front! The end chapter brings a bittersweet conclusion to the saga, and leaves the reader wanting more. I can’t believe the journey is over, yet the background of the ‘Banished lands� is the perfect compliment for the beginning of new adventures in ‘Of Blood and Bone�
Epic 5 Stars
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Ruin.
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Reading Progress
March 7, 2018
– Shelved
March 7, 2018
– Shelved as:
to-read
December 19, 2019
–
Started Reading
December 28, 2019
–
40.0%
January 12, 2020
–
Finished Reading
January 25, 2020
– Shelved as:
fantasy
January 25, 2020
– Shelved as:
favorites
January 25, 2020
– Shelved as:
gwynne
January 25, 2020
– Shelved as:
series
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TS wrote: "Fantastic review, Rod! Gwynne is such an underrated author.. his next trilogy really wrapped up a larger overarching story of The Banished Lands with the most epic and magnificent conclusion."
Thanks my friend! I loved this so much, and I’m truly psyched about the next trilogy, yay!! Did u get to finish yet? Any review?
This year is the year for fantasy...Stormlight 4, and some say GOT and possibly Rothfuss(I doubt it) will all be coming out with books. 🤞🤞🤞
ChopinFC wrote: "TS wrote: "Fantastic review, Rod! Gwynne is such an underrated author.. his next trilogy really wrapped up a larger overarching story of The Banished Lands with the most epic and magnificent concl..."
Yes I've finished A Time of Courage shortly after Petrik. But we're staggering our reviews since it's still so early prior to release. It was AH-MAZ-ING!!
TS wrote: "ChopinFC wrote: "TS wrote: "Fantastic review, Rod! Gwynne is such an underrated author.. his next trilogy really wrapped up a larger overarching story of The Banished Lands with the most epic and ..."
Can’t wait to read it 😜
One of my favorite series
Great review my friend! I need to finish this series and I’m doing it this year. I’m so happy it stays great!
Wick wrote: "One of my favorite series"It’s incredible Wick! Have u read his 2nd trilogy yet?
Ginger wrote: "Great review my friend! I need to finish this series and I’m doing it this year. I’m so happy it stays great!"Thanks G! It’s so Incredible, I can’t stress enough how blown away you’ll be by the last two books😉💪
Ruin was my favorite book in the first saga and actually reading time of courage and still an excellent experience
Audrey wrote: "Ruin was my favorite book in the first saga and actually reading time of courage and still an excellent experience"Agree Audrey, The entire series was phenomenal! The characters are so original the action is unrelenting and the fantasy deeply rich and creative. 😃
I NEED TO READ THIS!! I already buyed all the four books and i dying to start this journey!!
Yay!! 😃
Gwynne is such an underrated author.. his next trilogy really wrapped up a larger overarching story of The Banished Lands with the most epic and magnificent conclusion.