Malice

by John Gwynne · 2012

In the Banished Lands, a fragile peace has held for generations, but the whispers of an ancient prophecy are growing louder. The High King's rule is weakening, and dark forces are stirring in the shadows, seeking to plunge the realm into a war that will decide its fate. As the lines between friend and foe blur, a young man named Corban discovers that the destiny foretold in legend may rest upon his shoulders, whether he is ready or not. Across the land, warriors, kings, and scheming lords are drawn into a conflict that will test their loyalties and their courage. From the brutal training grounds to the halls of power, alliances are forged and broken, and the first sparks of a cataclysmic battle ignite. As the prophecy of the Black Sun and the Bright Star unfolds, Corban and his companions must learn to survive in a world where trust is a weapon and betrayal is always one step away. Malice is the gripping opening volume of John Gwynne's epic fantasy saga, The Faithful and the Fallen. A tale of honor, vengeance, and the relentless march of war, it sets the stage for a sweeping story of good versus evil, where the choices of a few will echo through the ages.