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woahno 's review for:
A Time of Courage
by John Gwynne
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.