403 reviews for:

A Time of Courage

John Gwynne

4.38 AVERAGE


Great ending, to the trilogy. The last chapter tied it neatly together for me.

I love the switches between view points and angles- just gives you a wider picture of all of the events.
Some of the pacing was off.. I would have preferred some explanation as to what the earth magic was, more info on how it’s wielded and where it came from. That was a missed opportunity, in my opinion. We could have cut out a battle or two for that piece to tie it all together. I wanted more background info on the Kadoshim and Ben Elim. How do they know earth magic?

Last but not least, Fritha’s child survived. There is definitely more to come - given that the Kadoshim halfbreeds are now integrated.

If this were real life, I believe that Jin and Riv would have been partners in crime. The love and loyalty women share with their equals is unmatched. Yes, women can be petty and Jon was a great example of that, but the magic that happens when we find our person! Nothing, not even Bleda could have compared.

A solid and fun read. That continues to remind us readers what it’s all about in the end, Truth and Courage.. with lots of love.
adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
adventurous dark inspiring tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous dark emotional sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
adventurous dark emotional tense fast-paced

Competent for sure, but boring.
adventurous dark hopeful fast-paced
adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

 
This is the book in the series that was nearly one long battle sequence. What a conclusion. What a journey. And not just the journey for Of Blood and Bone but the journey for The Faithful and the Fallen as well. These seven books in the Banished Lands have been wonderful. I wasn’t completely sold after reading Malice but here after completing all seven novels I can confidently say that John Gwynne, and this series in particular, are stand outs in the modern fantasy landscape. If you or anyone you know has been itching for a contemporary approach to classical fantasy you need to point them to John Gwynne. 

 

A Time of Courage was the culmination of many elements and themes. It also brought the battles and action up a notch. Which is quite the feat, as I would say that is one of the strengths of Gwynne’s work. The epic feel to these moments, the emotional connection to those moments, the characters rising to the occasion, the call backs to the other books, it all comes together remarkably well. 

 

Drem finished the series as a clear contender for the best character in all seven books. I love where he goes here and the moments he had, especially towards the end of the novel. Bleda’s arc surprised me. He was a character that I had lower on my tier list, and I didn’t expect a ton from going into this third volume but his chapters delivered well above my expectations. Kol was another standout yet again. I hate him so much. 

 

Overall, this was another 5-star read for me. I see a reread in my future. There are a ton of characters I love or love to hate. There were wonderful themes of found family and friendship and working together that I adore and have clever and interesting uses. The action was some of the best in the genre. The series has a ton of heart at its core. Through all the gore and gruesome moments, the heart of the tale shines through. Truth and courage my friends. 

adventurous emotional tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A

The last quarter of the book is an emotional rollercoaster that had me in a chokehold.