Review by Booklist Review
The fourth book in the Faithful and the Fallen series shows companions scattered in the wake of conflict as the God War looms. Fans of this series will see old familiar faces and rush to inhabit this world again. The story finds all sides questing over seven treasures, and battle follows at every turn. Readers will be keenly turning pages, as combat is relentless, and the plotlines are many and varied. Point of view shifts constantly, weaving a real-time picture of the narrative tapestry. Good and evil are increasingly blurred into a snow-blind gray. Giants ride polar bears, and alliances shift. Interestingly enough, this title looks to examine the nature of trust as a theme. The main character is constantly weighing his current and potential allies even those who have betrayed him in the past. This book would appeal to fans of the Game of Thrones series, though the focus here is chiefly on fighting more than intrigue.--Wiltse, Josh Copyright 2017 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Gwynne brings his Faithful and the Fallen epic fantasy series to a melee-laden climax in this violent fourth volume (after Ruin). He begins with a splash as two of his heroes, Veradis and Alcyon, fall from a tower into a river to escape from Calidus, a demon in human form who's trying to gather seven treasures to bring a host of demons into the world of flesh. The pair join with remnants of an alliance led by another hero, Corban, who was defeated at the ancient fortress of Drassil. Corban has been captured by the Jotun clan of giants, but the rest of his forces seek to reunite and continue fighting against the demons and their allies and thralls. In the west, two queens clash, one a staunch ally of Calidus and the other refusing to believe that the God-War is upon them. Those who enjoy fantasy warfare will relish this installment, as there are endless skirmishes, duels, pitched battles, raids, ambushes, and every other form of combat. Some parts feel a bit derivative, though, as when a small band seeks to destroy powerful artifacts while a diversionary assault rages, à la The Return of the King. (Dec.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
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