A Time of Dread - (Of Blood & Bone) by John Gwynne (Paperback)

About the Book

Set in the same world as the Faithful and the Fallen quartet, A Time of Dread takes place one hundred years after the end of Wrath. The Banished Lands are experiencing a new era of peace, imposed often forcibly by the angelic Ben-Elim. But this peace is fragile, and something rotten lurks at its heart. Young soldier Rae will do anything to join the White Wings, the Ben-Elim's peace keeping force. But a shocking betrayal shakes her view of the world and she must decide where her true allegiances lie. In the west, the giantess Sig investigates demon sightings with an elite band of warriors, though the Kadoshim were defeated long before. Sig discovers signs of an uprising and black magic - but just how serious is this threat? And in the snow-bound north, Drem and his father hunt for a living. On one excursion, they discover mutilated corpses in the silent forests behind their home. Yet is it the work of a predator, or something far worse? It seems mankind are little more than pawns in a bigger game - and in the shadows, demons bide their time, waiting to strike ...

Book Synopsis

Acclaimed epic fantasy author John Gwynne returns with the first book in a new trilogy, perfect for fans of George R. R. Martin, Brandon Sanderson, and David Gemmell.

"A Time of Dread reminds me of why I became a fantasy enthusiast in the first place." -- Robin Hobb

A race of warrior angels, the Ben-Elim, once vanquished a mighty demon horde. Now they rule the Banished lands, but their peace is brutally enforced.

In the south, hotheaded Riv is desperate to join the Ben-Elim's peacekeeping force, until she unearths a deadly secret.

In the west, the giantess Sig investigates demon sightings and discovers signs of an uprising and black magic.
And in the snowbound north, Drem, a trapper, finds mutilated corpses in the forests. The work of a predator, or something far darker?
It's a time of shifting loyalties and world-changing dangers. Difficult choices need to be made. Because in the shadows, demons are gathering, waiting for their time to rise. . .

Review Quotes

"A Time of Dread reminds me of why I became a fantasy enthusiast in the first place. Fantasy can be an escape from reality, but some stories carry the reader to an enhanced reality, a place where the world seems to have brighter colors and sharper contrasts."--Robin Hobb

"A fierce, gripping tale, and one I found hugely enjoyable."--Anna Smith Spark

"An accomplished and rousing tale of heroes and dark deed that fans of epic fantasy will devour."--Tom Lloyd

"Fans of epic fantasy have something to cheer about: A Time of Dread is marvelous. Gwynne's writing is superb, delivering not only twists and turns but also nuance and complexity."--Sebastien de Castell

"Great evils, conflicted heroes, bloody battles, betrayal, and giants riding battle bears! What's not to love?"--Peter Newman

"I loved A Time of Dread and read it from cover to cover in two days. I couldn't put it down."--Miles Cameron

"The book reminded me in the very best way of the sort of fantasy I loved in years gone by. Exciting, well-written, swords and sorcery. Try it on for size."--Mark Lawrence

About the Author

John Gwynne studied and lectured at Brighton University. He's been in a rock 'n' roll band, playing the double bass, traveled the USA and lived in Canada for a time. He is married with four children and lives in Eastbourne, running a small family business rejuvenating vintage furniture. Malice is his debut novel.