Author guide

John Gwynne Books in Order

John Gwynne studied and lectured at Brighton University before becoming a writer. His debut novel, Malice, was published in 2012 and won the David Gemmell Morningstar Award for Best Fantasy Debut. He is the author of The Faithful and the Fallen, Of Blood and Bone, and The Bloodsworn Saga. The first two series share the world of the Banished Lands, while The Bloodsworn Saga is a separate Norse-inspired fantasy world. Gwynne lives in East Sussex and participates in Viking reenactment.

epic fantasy

Catalog record updated August 25, 2026.

John Gwynne's Newest Book

The Fury of the Gods

novel · First published 2024

THE FINAL BATTLE FOR THE FATE OF VIGRIÐ APPROACHES Varg has overcome the trials of his past and become an accepted member of the Bloodsworn, but now he and his newfound comrades face their biggest challenge yet: slaying a dragon. Elvar is struggling to consolidate her power in Snakavik, where she faces threats from within and without. As she fights to assert her authority in readiness for the coming conflict, she faces a surely insurmountable task: reining in the ferocity of a wolf god. As Biorr and his warband make their way north, eager for blood, Gudvarr pursues a mission of his own, hoping to win Lik-Rifa's favour and further his own ambitions. All paths lead to Snakavik, where the lines are being drawn for the final battle - a titanic clash that will shake the foundations of the world, and bear witness to the true fury of the gods.

Not sure where to begin?

Start with one of these

Malice

The author's debut and the publication-order starting point for the Banished Lands story.

A Time of Dread

An entry point to the sequel trilogy, set 130 years after The Faithful and the Fallen.

The Shadow of the Gods

The opening of a separate Norse-inspired world and completed trilogy.

Read in order

Books by series

novel-series · complete

The Faithful and the Fallen

A four-book epic fantasy series set in the Banished Lands, where humanity, giants, angels, and demons are drawn into a prophesied war between the Faithful and the Fallen.

Series guide →

1
Malice
Book 1 · novel · 2012

A black sun is rising … Young Corban watches enviously as boys become warriors under King Brenin’s rule, learning the art of war. He yearns to wield his sword and spear to protect his king’s realm. But that day will come all too soon.…
2
Valour
Book 2 · novel · 2014
3
Ruin
Book 3 · novel · 2015

The cunning Queen Rhin has conquered the west and High King Nathair has the cauldron, most powerful of the seven treasures. At his back stands the scheming Calidus and a warband of the Kadoshim, dread demons of the Otherworld. They plan…
4
Wrath
Book 4 · novel · 2016

The fourth in the Faithful and the Fallen series from John Gwynne, an epic fantasy perfect for fans of George R. R. Martin, Brandon Sanderson and David Gemmell. Events are coming to a climax in the Banished Lands, as the war reaches new…

novel-series · complete

Of Blood and Bone

A trilogy set in the Banished Lands 130 years after The Faithful and the Fallen, following a new generation amid conflict between the Ben-Elim, humanity, and demonic forces.

Series guide →

1
A Time of Dread
Book 1 · novel · 2018

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,…
2
A Time of Blood
Book 2 · novel · 2019

Drem and his friends are haunted by the horrors they witnessed at the battle at Starstone Lake: the screams of men being warped into beasts and the sight of a demon rising from the dead. But worse than any memory is Fritha, the demons'…
3
A Time of Courage
Book 3 · novel · 2020

The Demon-King of the Otherworld is finally free. And armed with mighty new starstone weapons, Asroth prepares to lead his demonic war-host south. With the help of his dark bride Fritha, he plans to crush the warrior-angels and their…

novel-series · complete

The Bloodsworn Saga

A Norse-inspired epic fantasy trilogy set in a world of fallen gods, warring jarls, monsters, and mercenary bands known as the Bloodsworn.

Series guide →

1
The Shadow of the Gods
Book 1 · novel · 2021

The Shadow of the Gods begins a brand new Norse-inspired epic fantasy series from bestselling author John Gwynne, packed with action, magic and monsters. After the gods warred and drove themselves to extinction, the cataclysm of their…
2
The Hunger of the Gods
Book 2 · novel · 2022

Lik-Rifa, the dragon god of legend, has been freed from her eternal prison. Now she plots a new age of blood and conquest. As Orka continues the hunt for her missing son, the Bloodsworn sweep south in a desperate race to save one of their…
3
The Fury of the Gods
Book 3 · novel · 2024

THE FINAL BATTLE FOR THE FATE OF VIGRIÐ APPROACHES Varg has overcome the trials of his past and become an accepted member of the Bloodsworn, but now he and his newfound comrades face their biggest challenge yet: slaying a dragon. Elvar is…

Frequently asked questions about John Gwynne

Who is John Gwynne?

John Gwynne is an author of epic fantasy novels. Before becoming a writer, he studied and lectured at Brighton University.

Source: johngwynneauthor.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

What did John Gwynne do before becoming an author?

He studied and lectured at Brighton University and also worked in varied jobs, including playing double bass in a rock-and-roll band, packing soap, and landscaping.

Source: johngwynneauthor.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

What influences John Gwynne’s fantasy writing?

His writing draws on ancient history and mythology, including Caesar’s Gallic War, the Roman invasion of Britain, Boudicca’s revolt, and Celtic and Norse mythology.

Source: panmacmillan.com (opens in a new tab)

What award did John Gwynne win for his debut novel?

His debut novel, Malice, won the David Gemmell Morningstar Award for Best Fantasy Debut of 2012.

Sources: johngwynneauthor.co.uk (opens in a new tab)davidgemmell.com (opens in a new tab)

Where does John Gwynne live, and is he a Viking reenactor?

He lives in East Sussex and is part of a Viking reenactment group, an interest he shares with his sons.

Sources: johngwynneauthor.co.uk (opens in a new tab)barnesandnoble.com (opens in a new tab)